Gratitude List (Part 2)

I was once told that when I get into complacency, I need to write down a gratitude list.

Now that I have returned to work, I have gotten caught up in the pace of my day. I wake up by 7:30 am to get dressed, eat breakfast, and head out the door for a 45 minute commute to work. As a contractor, I focus on my work from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm -- seldom taking more than a 15 minute break to use the bathroom, grab a snack, or eat lunch. At the end of my workday, I pack up my laptop and lunch bag for the 45 minute commute home (leaving no trace that I had been there) .

So, before I get burned out one more time, I’ll restart my day by counting the blessings that have come my way:

1. I make breakfast and lunch for Barb and I every day. This is how I remind myself of all the work we did together  to get from the day I was laid off to today.


2. I actually look forward to going to work. More than just the means to get my needs met, I also acknowledge that I am making a contribution to getting the needs of others met in a spirit of love and service.


3. I learned to accept life on life's terms. I could only face my challenges with health and unemployment due to the encouragement and understanding of  friends and colleagues who chose to share  their own experience, strength and hope with me.


4. I came to to terms with a kind and loving God. Over time, I see that God is doing for me what I cannot not do for myself. Indeed, I am beginning to accept that my life has a meaning, purpose, and plan beyond just a futile reaction to those self-centered fears of Doom (the fear of losing what I have) and Gloom (the fear of not getting what I want).

I'm feeling better already.