The Gratitude List: An Exercise to Exercise Appreciation in Your Life {Grace Boyle}

by Sam on August 18, 2009

Why does it take nasty, difficult experiences for us to realize what we really appreciate about life? It’s like this big slap in the face, and when the sting goes away, we sit back and realize, “oh maybe it’s not so bad.”

In the past few months, through some recent challenges and life changes I’ve been going through, I’ve taken a vow to incorporate appreciation and gratitude into my life, every day.

My mother is a speaker, mentor and transformational life coach, so you better believe I get the ‘inspirational smack down’ when a piece of my life goes awry. Nonetheless, her wisdom has been integrated (thanks, Ma), and at least three times a week, I now write down a list of everything that I am grateful for. We call it “The Gratitude List.”

Sometimes I write my ‘gratitude list’ on a napkin, in my journal or on a loose leaf piece of paper. Even if I’m crying and the tears are falling onto my paper, or I’m tired and frustrated; I will begin to write what pops into my head as a form of release and as an exercise in appreciation.

My list sometimes includes: my delicious iced coffee this morning, my loving family, my mother for making encouraging me to write this list, the fact that I can easily pay my bills, laughter, the friendships in my life (on and offline), my job, my health, the trip I just took to Aspen, a roof over my head, my college degree, wine (indulgence is good sometimes), sarcasm, traveling (where I’ve been, where I’m going), living abroad in Italy, my dance moves, musicians, books, blogging, avocadoes, the fact that I can write this list…

There is no right or wrong object, thought, idea or person to include on the list. I always realize that I have so much more to be grateful for than I ever thought was possible. I think you will too.

So, why not have a go at it? Uncover what you appreciate about your life. It helps me pay it forward to those who pop up on my list, and I walk away with a smile, my heart full, and my appreciation for life is pulsing through my veins.

Grace

Appreciative Revolutionary: Grace Boyle (@gracekboyle)

Bio: Grace Boyle is a 23 year-old adventurista. She lives in Boulder, CO and does Business Development for startup called Lijit. She blogs at Small Hands, Big Ideas (yes, her hands are very small) where she writes about the startup world, technology and daily inspirations She loves to travel, meet new people, and laugh.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia

I appreciate Grace’s adventurous spirit and positive attitude, her love of books, and of course, her friendship!

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Tagged as: Advice, Appreciation, being thankful, bloggers, Learning, Meaning

  • faraimpresii
    Have you wondered how your live could be if you worked out a bit more ? I see all types of pills and lose 20 lbs a week programs but why doesn't anyone take some time of and run, swim or walk around the park (at least). So many people are suffering from ejaculare precoce but they believe every add that will make their lives better "guaranteed". Why are we so trusting ?
  • faraimpresii
    Have you wondered how your live could be if you worked out a bit more ? I see all types of pills and lose 20 lbs a week programs but why doesn't anyone take some time of and run, swim or walk around the park (at least). So many people are suffering from ejaculare precoce but they believe every add that will make their lives better "guaranteed". Why are we so trusting ?
  • An insightfull post. Will definitely help.

    Thanks,
    Karim - <A href="http://www.101selfhelpsuccessmotivation.com /">Mind Power
  • karim26
    An insightfull post. Will definitely help.

    Thanks,
    Karim - <A href="http://www.101selfhelpsuccessmotivation.com /">Mind Power
  • Grace - I loved this reminder and post - thank you! I laughed out loud when you mentioned the "inspirational smack down" from your mom. Hah! I'm probably guilty of doing the same thing to my brother: bombarding him with inspiration and coaching and self-helpy advice when he gets in a tough spot. I'm sure he appreciates it though :)

    I really like what you said about making a gratitude list anywhere - a napkin, a journal, etc. I've been turned off my the idea of a gratitude journal because I already have a journal, but the idea of making a list on whatever medium is handy (then even throwing it away) is much more convenient, and would still reap the benefits. Great idea Grace!
  • Grace - I loved this reminder and post - thank you! I laughed out loud when you mentioned the "inspirational smack down" from your mom. Hah! I'm probably guilty of doing the same thing to my brother: bombarding him with inspiration and coaching and self-helpy advice when he gets in a tough spot. I'm sure he appreciates it though :)

    I really like what you said about making a gratitude list anywhere - a napkin, a journal, etc. I've been turned off my the idea of a gratitude journal because I already have a journal, but the idea of making a list on whatever medium is handy (then even throwing it away) is much more convenient, and would still reap the benefits. Great idea Grace!
  • @Mom!!!

    You do give the inspirational smackdown. That's an interesting study and I have to attest, that it's true! Thanks for commenting and venturing over, Ma. Love you!
  • Grace,
    I like that phrase, "inspirational smackdown!"
    Of course, there was a study done about gratitude. Robert A. Emmons, a psychologist at the University of California at Davis, found that those who wrote in a "gratitude journal" on a weekly basis experienced better health and more energy, and for patients with neuromuscular disease, less pain and fatigue. The more they found to be grateful for and the more detail they described in their journals, the greater benefits they experienced.
    It's hard to be unhappy while you're being grateful.
    Lenora (Grace's mom)
    More on gratitude:
    http://thehappinesszone.blogspot.com/2008/11/be...
  • @Mom!!!

    You do give the inspirational smackdown. That's an interesting study and I have to attest, that it's true! Thanks for commenting and venturing over, Ma. Love you!
  • Grace: I'm with everybody else, this is such a great idea. Props to your mom! I've always been a pretty appreciative and grateful person, but it took the loss of a friend to really jump start my so-called "mission of appreciation." A major reason I wanted to do this series was to convince people that it shouldn't take something tragic to motivate them. There are simple ways to integrate appreciation into your everyday life, and the Gratitude List is a perfect example. Thanks so much for sharing this! I'll have to give it a try :)
  • @Sam Thank you for this opportunity. This series is beautiful and completely positive. I love seeing what everyone has to say.
  • lenoraboyle
    Grace,
    I like that phrase, "inspirational smackdown!"
    Of course, there was a study done about gratitude. Robert A. Emmons, a psychologist at the University of California at Davis, found that those who wrote in a "gratitude journal" on a weekly basis experienced better health and more energy, and for patients with neuromuscular disease, less pain and fatigue. The more they found to be grateful for and the more detail they described in their journals, the greater benefits they experienced.
    It's hard to be unhappy while you're being grateful.
    Lenora (Grace's mom)
    More on gratitude:
    http://thehappinesszone.blogspot.com/2008/11/be...
  • @Sam Thank you for this opportunity. This series is beautiful and completely positive. I love seeing what everyone has to say.
  • @Elisa Writing it on a napkin is when I really have the *meltdown* or feel the need to just get it out there. Sometimes, it's even more authentic or creative. When we're forced to do something or it's formal, there's a tendency to resist. Like I said, there is no right or wrong. Just give it a try, then see what you think. I can't wait to hear feedback and see if anyone else enjoys it.
  • @Akhila I suppose it's the small (non-effort) of writing a list in 5 minutes that can be monumental...that's why I like it so much. Thanks for your support, as always!
  • Grace: I'm with everybody else, this is such a great idea. Props to your mom! I've always been a pretty appreciative and grateful person, but it took the loss of a friend to really jump start my so-called "mission of appreciation." A major reason I wanted to do this series was to convince people that it shouldn't take something tragic to motivate them. There are simple ways to integrate appreciation into your everyday life, and the Gratitude List is a perfect example. Thanks so much for sharing this! I'll have to give it a try :)
  • Such a great exercise! I like that you haven't made it formal or "involved" or anything...heck, you can write it on a napkin! It's so important to take a step back sometimes and realize how great your life is to put into perspective the bad things that may have happened. I love it!
  • @Elisa Writing it on a napkin is when I really have the *meltdown* or feel the need to just get it out there. Sometimes, it's even more authentic or creative. When we're forced to do something or it's formal, there's a tendency to resist. Like I said, there is no right or wrong. Just give it a try, then see what you think. I can't wait to hear feedback and see if anyone else enjoys it.
  • Wonderful post Grace, and I really love the exercise you do. I too think about these things mentally often, and always thank life for what it's given me. I'm especially grateful when things go well - it's harder to do the same when things are bad. So this list is a great way to keep the appreciation going, even when things aren't so great!
  • @Akhila I suppose it's the small (non-effort) of writing a list in 5 minutes that can be monumental...that's why I like it so much. Thanks for your support, as always!
  • Such a great exercise! I like that you haven't made it formal or "involved" or anything...heck, you can write it on a napkin! It's so important to take a step back sometimes and realize how great your life is to put into perspective the bad things that may have happened. I love it!
  • akhila
    Wonderful post Grace, and I really love the exercise you do. I too think about these things mentally often, and always thank life for what it's given me. I'm especially grateful when things go well - it's harder to do the same when things are bad. So this list is a great way to keep the appreciation going, even when things aren't so great!
  • I really liked the idea of a list as well. This is something that I try to do inside my head every day, but never physically write down. I will definitely be trying this tomorrow morning when I wake up. I agree with Carlos that you have brought a different perspective to this series and it has benefited by your contribution. Great article Grace and kudos to Sam for getting you to participate!
  • @Ben Thanks! I wanted to pass along the 'sage' wisdom of my mother because sometimes even when she recommends I do it, I act a little stubborn ;) but in the end, it's such as positive experience. Let me know how the list goes, eh?
  • @Ben Thanks! I wanted to pass along the 'sage' wisdom of my mother because sometimes even when she recommends I do it, I act a little stubborn ;) but in the end, it's such as positive experience. Let me know how the list goes, eh?
  • I really liked the idea of a list as well. This is something that I try to do inside my head every day, but never physically write down. I will definitely be trying this tomorrow morning when I wake up. I agree with Carlos that you have brought a different perspective to this series and it has benefited by your contribution. Great article Grace and kudos to Sam for getting you to participate!
  • This is great Grace. You have to be one of the most down-to-earth persons I've ever "met", but you still know how to be spiritual, sensitive and caring. Having seen what you've seen, your angle is a great addition to the series. Thank you Sam for letting Grace share her thoughts on appreciation!
  • @Carlos You're so kind. Thank you. It's funny how we can get to "know" each other so well online, but have never officially met. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you enjoyed my angle.
  • @Carlos You're so kind. Thank you. It's funny how we can get to "know" each other so well online, but have never officially met. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you enjoyed my angle.
  • This is great Grace. You have to be one of the most down-to-earth persons I've ever "met", but you still know how to be spiritual, sensitive and caring. Having seen what you've seen, your angle is a great addition to the series. Thank you Sam for letting Grace share her thoughts on appreciation!
  • Great post, Grace! And a great exercise idea. I think too often we become so encumbered by the big or little things in life that we forget to appreciate what we have right in front of us -- those big or little things that matter most. It puts things into perspective, makes you realize what you have versus what you don't, and makes you look at things differently, with a more positive attitude. I definitely think I'll begin to incorporate this into my daily routine!

    Great post, thanks for the reminder!
  • @Susan Thank you! I'm glad you like the Gratitude List and you should definitely give it a go. You might be surprised with what you end up writing and even how you feel :)
  • @Susan Thank you! I'm glad you like the Gratitude List and you should definitely give it a go. You might be surprised with what you end up writing and even how you feel :)
  • Great post, Grace! And a great exercise idea. I think too often we become so encumbered by the big or little things in life that we forget to appreciate what we have right in front of us -- those big or little things that matter most. It puts things into perspective, makes you realize what you have versus what you don't, and makes you look at things differently, with a more positive attitude. I definitely think I'll begin to incorporate this into my daily routine!

    Great post, thanks for the reminder!
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