{via etsy by Kimberly Chorney}

As I wrote last week, when we fixate on our physical appearance and certain “flaws,” our lives can become very narrow and negative. Our vision gets blurry, and we can’t see the wonder and beauty in our lives. So we assume there isn’t much left of it.

But there is. Taking the time to name these things helps us realize that in a powerful way. That’s why last week I shared 50 things that I’m grateful for. Today, I’m sharing 50 more.

I hope this inspires you to take a closer look at your life and maybe write a list of your own. Maybe it even inspires you to focus less on weight, size and shape and more on the shape of your life and all the great things in it.

So, without further ado, here’s what I’m grateful for:

1. Pedicures and manicures.
2. Heart-to-hearts with friends and family.
3. Heroes who make a difference in the world.
4. Brownie-flavored power bars.
5. Walks along the beach.
6. Restaurants along the water.
7. Psychologists, researchers, authors and bloggers and other professionals who are happy to talk to me and share their wisdom.
8. Memories.
9. Glasses and contacts, because the furthest I can see without either of these is my hand right in front of my face. I wish I were kidding. (Also, why is it that glasses became super cool after I stopped wearing them??)
10. Pets.
11. Dinner with good friends and their parents.
12. Childhood friends of over 20 years!
13. Working from home.
14. Warm, cozy blankets.
15. Every breath I take.
16. Rainbows. (I still can’t figure out how that happens!)
17. Fresh veggies.
18. Art — and affordable artwork.
19. Water.
20. Clean, crisp sheets.
21. Opportunities that let you stretch your wings and realize how strong you are.
22. Public transportation, which I’ve used a lot in NYC.
23. Day trips.
24. Instagram, which reminds me to notice life and record it. (And it’s sooo fun!)
25. My baby cousin, whose smile erases a lot of pain.
26. Fireworks.
27. Strangers who hold the door for you, give up their seat on the train, say “Bless you” when you sneeze, and help you when you’ve dropped everything or tripped over your own feet.
28. My senses, which help me fully experience the world and savor special moments.
29. My voice, both my writing and speaking voice, which allows me to express my needs, my passions and my perspective.
30. Living in a country where you can freely speak your mind without ending up in Siberia.
31. Having a car.
32. Airplanes for making seeing family, friends and the world a whole lot easier.
33. Design blogs like this one, which make redesigning your website a whole easier and fun. (I’m having my personal site completely redesigned by the amazing Breanna Rose, and I’m super excited!)
34. Being able to redesign my website.
35. Yoga, Pilates and other instructors who get it and make classes about listening to your body, having fun, practicing self-kindness and finding the right kind of challenge.
36. Continuously learning. (Thanks to blogs like this one for its curious, great content.)
37. My emotions, which provide a wealth of information.
38. A loved one’s unconditional love, help and support.
39. Crying, a great soul-soother.
40. Lessons.
41. Watching something that turns your day around for the better.
42. Long walks that end in aha! moments.
43. E-courses — everything from writing to blogging to photography. These aren’t just windows into creativity but windows into yourself.
44. Writing magazines.
45. Resilient relationships.
46. Quotes and other bits of wisdom that stop you in your tracks.
47. Trails.
48. Second chances.
49. You guys!
50. Writing that grounds us:

Te Deum by Charles Reznikoff 

Not because of victories
I sing,
having none,
but for the common sunshine,
the breeze,
the largess of the spring.

Not for victory
but for the day’s work done
as well as I was able;
not for a seat upon the dais
but at the common table.

What are you grateful for? Please share below!

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    Last reviewed: 5 Jul 2012