Gratitude List

If I am depressed and feeling like something isn’t just right, I can do a gratitude list. I can make a list of things for which I am grateful. If I feel heavy and hard against making such a list, I know I need to do one. I did one for finding my perfect apartment. My place hits these bullseyes:

• It has to be rent controlled.
• A coffee shop has to be right there.
• A grocery store has to right around the corner.
• There must be at least two closets, three is better.
• On a bus line and with more than one line and cross street.
• Safe passage to my lobby door after dark.
• Has recessed ceiling lighting.
• Has two bedrooms separate from a living room or one huge studio space.
• Shared space with a roommate brings cost lower than a studio for one.
• Has onsite manager and laundry.
• Good mailboxes.
• Classic lobby look.
• Orientation of windows is correct for sun or winds.
• Has an elevator if over three flights.
• Window array is good for quiet or view.
• Has office space for voice recording for audiobooks.
• Built-ins in closets, bathroom, kitchen or dining.
• Beamed ceilings.
• Windows facing street for Christmas lights or a tree.
• Could play my instrument without disturbing neighbors, or have loud soundtrack movies on tee vee.

I feel better already. I don’t hate looking for an apartment now.

Other more common gratitude lists are for the things I have gained by staying sober:

• my iMac
• my Samsung phone
• A’s share at H.H. for writing a list of 100 things to be grateful about!
• Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. flyer
• My vacation trip fixed after a double booking.
• Two commitments of service to others in place of not working.
• Vitamin C and Ester C
• The Beach
• My Fins and Snorkeling gear and bag
• R’s visits
• JB’s story of being found at my bus door while working on the 22 Fillmore
• My bike and a safe place to store it.
• I can sing.
• I can play.
• I can pray.
• I am aging gracefully.
• I know when to be silent.
• I can be tactful.
• I have a loving home group and family.