83 Ways to be Grateful before 10am

I woke up [1] this morning in my warm bed [2], inside the house we can afford to rent [3]. My daughter [4] is awake and wants to get out and start the day. I walk [5] out into the loungeroom and sit on a comfy couch [6] and give her cuddles [7]. My son [8] wakes too and joins us on the couch, snuggling in beside me [9]. I put the TV on for entertainment [10] while I get up and go into the kitchen. I pour cereal [11] into two bowls for my children. This will be the first of three meals I can provide for them today, as well as snacks. [12] I take them their breakfast and they both say ‘Thank you,’ [13]. I return to the kitchen and turn on a tap from which flows drinkable water [14]. I fill my electric kettle and turn it on with the flick of a switch [15]. I get a clean mug [16] and make myself a coffee [17]. The central heating cuts in and out. [18].

 

I cup my coffee between my hands and look out the window. I can see [19] trees [20], grass [21] and a sky of the the most gorgeous blue you can imagine [22]. It may be cold, but the sun is shining [23] and in an hour or two it will be warm enough for us to go outside and enjoy some fresh air [24]. We will add extra clothing layers to keep warm [25] and soak in the sunshine [26] as we run [27] and play [28] in our backyard. [29]. If we feel like venturing beyond our gate, we will do so freely [30] and safely [31]. We will be able to stroll along paved footpaths [32] looking at flowers [33] and birds [34]. We will greet the other people [35] who are also enjoying the sunshine. We can choose [36] our own adventure. [37]. We might go for a short walk to the park [38] or we might catch a bus [38] into town, where we can enjoy bigger parks [39], the public library [40] or shopping [41]. We will buy [41] a treat to eat [42].

 

I receive a text message [43] on my phone [44] from my husband. [45]. He is at work [46], providing for our family [47]. He is just asking how we are. [48]. We are all well [49].

 

 

I go into our bathroom and turn on the shower [50], adjusting the water until it is as hot as I like it [51]. I wash [52], turn off the shower, and dry-off with a freshly laundered towel [53]. I put on my clothes [54] and brush my teeth [55].

 

I check my emails [56] on my computer [57]. I can see messages from friends [58] and family [59] on facebook, sometimes they are addressed directly to me, sometimes they are photos or general messages, but either way I get to see a little of the lives of those I love despite not living in the same city, state and sometimes country. [60]. I can choose what to read [61]. I might read a few words that inspire me [62] or seek to be informed by the news [63]. I am connected to the world [64] in a way I could never have imagined growing up, and in a way my children will find it hard to imagine living without [65]. Later I might write something too [66], having a chance to create something and put it out into the world.

 

I think about the book I am reading [67], the TV series I am watching [68], the movies I plan on viewing [69], the games I’d like to play [70]. The luxury of having the space in my life to think about things that entertain me [71], the means to purchase these things [72], the time to fill with them [73]. I put on some music [74] and wonder at the perfect placement of notes [75] of the amazing accomplishments of human beings [76] and the beauty that does exist in the world. [77].

 

I interrupt my children who are playing together [78] with some of their way-too-many toys[79], and get them ready; hats [80], shoes [81], wide-eyed imaginations [82] and we step outside together to enjoy it. [83]

 

(And this is just skimming the surface… ) What are you grateful for this week?

Linking up with Maxabella Loves over at 52 weeks of Grateful, a little bit late this week.

This post was inspired by Eden’s amazing post from New York, and it seems I wasn’t the only one inspired – there is another great post from Daisy right here about first world problems, also inspired by Eden.