I am a big believer in the benefits of cultivating gratitude. I have kept a gratitude journal on and off for over two decades. It is one of simplest tools I use that I can credit for helping me to stay positive, joyful, and seeing beauty in the world.

During this time where we are facing a global pandemic we suddenly find ourselves facing added stresses, fears, and anxiety. In no way do I want to diminish the obstacles folks are facing at this time. I can only imagine what some might be experiencing. Many of us have lost employment and are facing financial uncertainty. Those who are still working face the greater chance they may become exposed to the coronavirus and possibly take it home to their loved ones. As I am writing there have been over 3/4 of a million cases of Covid-19 with almost 40,000 deaths. Perhaps you have been affected in one of these ways.

However, even in the darkest times we usually have at least some things to be grateful for. I am hoping to share some things that I am currently grateful for. Maybe these things will help spark ideas of the things that you have to be grateful for in your life. Many of the things on my list are quite general while others are more personal.

If you find at times in the next days or weeks you are really struggling I encourage you to cultivate your own list. Spend the time, write it all down so on your dark days you can refer back to it and be inspired by your own words.

1. Sunshine and blue skies
2. The birds’ morning song at my window
3. That my family and loved ones are safe and healthy so far
4. Love
5. Feeling Healthy
6. Snuggles from my dog
7. Solitude
8. Time to read books
9. Having lots of books in my home to read
10. Lots of e-resources through my local library
11. All the people staying home & practicing social distancing to help flatten the curve
12. Unconditional love from pets
13. All the essential workers who are stepping up and making sure we have the necessities, and working to keep us healthy and safe
14. Canada’s healthcare system
15. A cosy home to stay during this time
16. Food in the fridge and cupboards
17. Technology that is keeping everyone connected
18. The opportunity to use the work I do to support charity
19. Supportive friends, family and clients
20. Time to give my house a thorough spring cleaning
21. The scent in my home after washing the floors (thanks to a fabulous eco-friendly cleaner)
22. That I can stay home, stay safe and not inadvertently pick up the virus, and worse unknowingly pass to another
23. Time to play with learning a new language
24. Lots of options to listen to all kinds of music
25. That the weather is warming and I can start to put away some of our winter gear
26. Cleaning the deck and anticipating sitting out there to read soon
27. Starting to plant some seeds indoors
28. Time to work on some writing
29. Time to work on some learning
30. Old movies on the TV
31. Time to play around with my guitar
32. Planning for a garden
33. Going for walks with the dog
34. The scent from essential oils/incense
35. A good cuppa tea
36. Being able to take virtual classes from a variety of yoga teachers and fitness instructors
37. Time to meditate
38. The free app Insight Timer
39. Buds appearing on the trees
40. Musicians doing online performances
41. The creativity people are showing during this time as they try to stay connected and try to inspire others
42. Museums offering virtual tours
43. Time to try some new recipes
44. The sound of wind chimes in the breeze
45. Getting my bike out for a ride down a quiet country road
46. Time to play around with some arts and crafts
47. The beauty of sunrises and sunsets
48. Seeing the moon and the stars
49. Time to work on sleep rituals and working on getting a better night’s sleep
50. A cosy bed to snuggle into at the end of the day