The girls and I have just come from seeing Cameron Crowe’s new movie We Bought a Zoo. The film is based on a memoir by an Englishman named Benjamin Mee. It stars actors Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson and is a feel good movie that makes you remember that despite the gloomy economy (or whatever else may be getting you down) there are many reasons for which to be thankful. Seems a good way to start the New Year, don’t you think?
Most people start their New Year by giving something up or promising to do something differently. Well, I’m starting 2012 by counting my blessings. So here are the top 10 things I’m thankful for:
1. My lovely Irish husband
2. Our two sweet girls
3. Our good health
4. The roof over our head
5. Not going hungry
6. Having (lots of) friends
7. Knowing how blessed we are
8. Believing in God, faith, miracles, love
9. Having hope
10. Being part of a large family (origin and marriage)
As you can see, my list is quite simple. Sometimes simple is best. If you made a list of the things you were thankful for, what would be on it? Keep in mind, the point of the exercise is not to be creative and puff yourself up but to stop, take stock and appreciate what you’ve really got right now. Have you got a list? If so, write it down or recite it in your head. You can even buy a Gratitude App and keep track for the entire year. In fact, that’s what I’m going to do…I’m going to use the journal my daughters bought me for Christmas and write down at least five things each day I am thankful for. Supposedly, people who regularly keep a Gratitude Journal increase their happiness by up to 25% over those who do not.
Imagine…25% more happiness just for making a daily list. Care to join me? In fact, how about this…be the first to join me and I’ll send you a Gratitude Journal of your very own. How’s that for a New Year challenge? Think about it. Send me a list of the five things your thankful for today. The first person to write-in will win the giveaway. Good luck and athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh (Irish for “happy new year”).
In an Irish Home 
Hi Kim! – Happy New Year to you and yours too!
Just found your blog; very fun! I’m happy to see you are writing every chance you get. Let’s correspond by email.
Hi Deborah – how lovely to hear from you! Just visited your rockspire.com website. What you, George and your partners are creating in Arkansas is truly amazing. Well done!! How the dickens did you find In An Irish Home?! As you can see/read, I’m in the U.S. again, 21 years after leaving Texas. Hard to imagine we’re back – for now. Will send you an email later so we can stay in touch. BTW, so glad to see your mom is keeping well. Thanks for writing. xo Kim
Dear Kim,
Love this idea…getting out my gratitude journal today!
Love,
dawn
Hi Dawn, thanks for your enthusiasm! Here’s another interesting fact about journaling: it strengthens the immune system, preventing a host of illnesses, and it counteracts many of the negative effects of stress. Since I know you’ve been under the weather lately, perhaps breaking open your gratitude journal today is just what the doctor ordered!! Feel better and talk soon. xo Kim
Dear Kim,
There are in fact a lot of things that I’m thankful for right now:
1. My lovely family here in Germany
2. All my great friends
3. My lovely Irish-American family
4. Our health
5. The opportunity of going to college and enjoying a good education
6. The love and support that I get from almost everyone I know
7. Having faith
8. The way I was raised and all the greatful things which happened to me while I grew up and which I come to appreciate now
9. Having hope
10. Life as it is right now
As you already know, I looove this idea!!
Fabia
Yea Fabia! You’re the first person to write back with a list of things you are thankful for which makes you the winner of the gratitude journal!! Woo, hoo! I love your honesty about what makes you grateful and how you know at such a young age how truly blessed you are. You go girl! I’ll have your prize in the post by this weekend. xo Kim
Hi Kim,
I finally found your blog!
Great idea to have 5 things everyday and write them down.
Here are my ten right now for 2012:
1. My parents- I count my blessings everyday to have such awesome people be my parents.
2. My brother- Even on my worst day, he can make me laugh. He helps me keep things in perspective, and gives the best bear hugs, priceless.
3. My Aunt Kim and family! A home away from home. Much love and hugs to some amazing people.
4. My health- “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone..” Or so the saying goes. Grateful that even on my worst run, I can run. A little perspective goes a long way.
5. Extended family + Ability to travel – We’re a little spread out, but very grateful for the fun moments we share even if they are not as often as we’d like.
6. Friends- Nothing like sharing laughs and stories over a bottle of wine or a coffee (or chai tea), or after a workout.
7. My job- My vacation days allow me to spend my money on travel. Even on days things are not working in lab, I like to think one day something I make could help lots of people.
8. My apartment- A little oasis. Thank goodness it is well insulated from the Boston winters.
9. Faith, hope, love. Seeing examples all around, everyday. You just have to open your eyes.
10. Believing 2012 will be a great year.
athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh
Love and hugs
Helen
Hey Helen! Welcome to In an Irish Home!! So glad you found the blog. I absolutely believe keeping a gratitude journal on a regular basis is good for one’s health and spirit…not to mention it’s just good fun to go back and read what you’ve written after a few years have passed. Your gratitude list is really thoughtful: just like you! Keep checking back and writing in. Love you!!
Hi Kim, I love the blog!!! it was so good to talk to you the other day.
My top 10 things to be grateful for are:-
1. My beautiful daughter who brings joy to my life
2. My fabulous parents who have supported me through the difficult times in my life and laughed with me in the joyful ones.
3.For my extended family
4.For my wonderful friends both here in Ireland and overseas – who have just let me be myself
5. For my lovely comfortable home, a haven for my soul
6. For my wonderful neighbours who give me help when I need it
7. For the sun that brings light to my life everyday
8. For the good health that I enjoy
9. For the opportunities I am being given
10. For the person I am becoming
I completely agree with you gratitude does increase our happiness levels – and when we smile(because we’re grateful) at the world it increases our seratonin levels which in turn increases our wellbeing!!. So I’m sending a big smile to you today so pass it on 🙂
With grace and gratitude, Susan xxx
Hi Kim, had to let you know the WORD FOR THE DAY from Gratefulness.org was this…
Friday, Jan. 27
Gratitude places you in the energy field of plentitude. Perceiving life in a consciousness of gratitude is literally stepping into another dimension of living. Suddenly the seeming ordinariness of your days takes on a divine sparkle.
Michael Beckwith
Susan My Dear…love it! Thanks for keeping the gratitude in us alive. You are a woman who lives what she believes!! I’m glad we’re friends. xo Kim