Earlier this year I read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. It was a good, thought provoking read. One of the chapters in the book discussed the relationship of gratitude and happiness. Another article, here, discusses the same subject. The premise behind both of these reads is simple. People who are thankful for the things they have in life, (no matter how extraordinary or simple) are happier in their every day lives. When we take the time to recognize and focus on the things we do have, instead of the things we don’t, our outlook on life is much more positive.

I have tried to incorporate recognizing the things I have to be thankful for each day, especially when I’m having a “not so good day.” It’s hard to take a step back sometimes and remove yourself from your situation and say, ‘Although something is going wrong today, it is not the end of the world. I am very blessed because I have ……..”

Over the past years, I have created a top 10 list of things I am thankful for each holiday to send to friends and family. I borrowed this from a teacher in high school, who was also big on “giving thanks” every day of the year. It was nice to receive his list each year to see what things others are thankful for.

So in the spirit of the season, here’s my list of the 10 things I am thankful for this year (in no particular order). I hope you take time this week to reflect on the great things you have in your life. When you’re having a bad day, take a moment to list out three things you are thankful for. It always puts things into perspective for me.

10. I will not be working a busy season in 2015

9. Time to work on hobbies this year

8. My health and ability to run

7. Winning the parent lottery

6. Fall Leaves

5. Baby (Nobody makes baby sleep outside)

4. Sunrise Photographs

3. Plant based diets

2. Time for weekend Brunch

1. Friends