Purpose and Base List

I'll be honest. I am a pessimist. For years I've joked, "I'd consider being an optimist  but I don't think it will work out." Lately though, it's become a real drag; I decided I'd rather be a cheerful person. The people I look up to most in life are the ones that seem to see the world through rose-colored glasses.

After reading a bit about positive thinking on WEBMD (which, stay away from that site if you're a worrier, by the way), I learned that you actually can train your brain. One suggestion given was to track all of the things, large and small, that you are grateful for each day. Also, to track your dreams for the future. So, that is the premise of this blog. (Note: I would do this in a journal, but I am afraid that it will be neglected like all other journals I have ever started. Perhaps the semi-public feel (though hopefully no-one finds this because it's a bit embarrassing -and let's be honest, who knows exactly what I will be posting), will help. Yes, I realize that last bit was a total contradiction. I also hear that this process is supposed to be uncomfortable at first. Like too-small undies that result in a perpetual wedgie. Well, on with it.

What I am always thankful for:

• God, who, in my belief, loves everyone immensely. 
• My husband, who also in my belief, is a tangible sign of God's love for me. (How else could he be so perfect?)
• My parents and the way they raised me, setting an example for the type of parent I want to be someday.
• My sister (who is my dearest friend. I know that's cheesy.) 
• Family and friends
• Our health

Lesser things that I am always thankful for:

• Our house. I feel lucky (and really guilty, but certainly not blessed, because I believe God loves everyone, especially the poor) to be in the top few percentages of the world financially, even though we're both teachers and will barely afford to be able to adopt a child. Oops. Be positive.
• My job (middle-school American history teacher--it is SO MUCH FUN!) 
• The fact that my husband is also a middle-school teacher at the same school. Again, lucky. 
• Our dog, Dottie. (I'm sure pictures will be posted at some point.) 
• My creativity and empathy
• Rain
• Our church which welcomes everyone
• Living in America (again, luck of my birth, not a blessing. Seriously, why wouldn't this God of Love want to bless everyone in every country?) 
• Summers
• Good food 
• The outdoors

Today's Minutia: (and huge things too, I suppose)

• A morning run with Dottie and Nick that accidentally turned longer than I planned. And I survived!
• French toast breakfast with homemade bread--eaten on the patio
• Yardwork 
• A likely solution for monthly female strife
• An upcoming    l  o  n  g   visit from my sister

Future goals: (in no particular order)

• play piano
• adopt a child
• make our backyard beautiful and environmentally friendly
• play guitar
• read
• pick up the dirty clothes in the bedroom
• write
• talk positively to myelf, or at least pretend
• be loving and kind to others
• make the world a better place
• go grocery shopping
• be more humble
• be more patient