If You're Happy and You Know It

This afternoon my 8 yr old nephew came to me all down-in-the-mouth that this is the "30th Worst Day Ever".  I was slightly confused because, for one, nothing remotely terrible had happened, and two how did he know to rank it under 29 previous bad days??  I tried to turn the situation around by saying - has someone you loved died? No.  Are you sick?  No.  To which he interrupted me and stated he knew things could be worse and that's why he said it was his "30th Worst Day Ever", emphasis on the thirtieth.

Sighing, and inwardly rolling my eyes (because, although whatever happened must have seemed devastating in his eyes we Both "really knew" in the Great scheme of things, today may not have been outstanding, but in no way was it as terrible as he was making it out to be) I turned to face this little 'learning moment' head on.  I said, "Give me a number.  Any number!" in an upbeat, game-show host tone.  I was hoping he wouldn't say 3 or 5.  And boy, was I ever lucky.  Almost TOO lucky.  He popped out with an almost sarcastic "EIGHTY!"  I chuckled deeply, and said "OK!  Here ya go!" and handed him a piece of paper, and a pen and said, "Now, write down 80 things you are thankful for or that make you happy."  The look on his face - Priceless.  At first he joked around about throwing the piece of paper away, and then he got choked up with watery eyes and stubbornly did not want to participate.  I didn't respond to his 'un-enthusiasm' - I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and began writing 80 things that make me happy, or that I'm thankful for.  He joined me with a *humph* and started doodling; and I said out loud the first few things I wrote down.  It wasn't long before he giggled and the first sign of him coming out of his funk appeared.  Pretty soon he asked me for a new sheet of paper.  When I looked at what he had been writing, all I saw were a bunch of scribbles.  Gladly I complied, and his imagination started going as quickly as mine.  He asked for help spelling: possessions, and by the time he continued we were BOTH laughing.  No time for pity-parties here!  There is TOO much to be happy about!

Later, when I told my nephew I was going to share my list, he suggested I say I have 160 things I'm thankful for and type out Both lists!  If you're happy and you know it - Share it!  :)  I think it's funny how similar our lists are, and I only shared my top 5 with him.  Some of the things he listed were very thought-provoked and I was pleasantly surprised, and proud.  And then there are the typical child-like items that keep-it-real!

My day wasn't necessarily 'bad' but I will say, after beginning to write out my list, which I only did to get him started, I realized how many little things I am happy for.  At the beginning of this 'daunting task' I thought, I am going to have to name every. single. candy bar to finish this project, because 80 things isn't something to sneeze at!  In the end, I didn't even name One candy bar!  I felt like I could KEEP going.  Although some things are a little more on the silly side, and the list definitely isn't in order of importance, I feel More blessed than when I woke up this morning just for taking the time to think of the Simple Things in my life that bring a little bit, or a Whole Lot Of, J * O * Y!

I think it would do this world some good to sit down every day and write a list of what we're thankful for.  It can change your perspective instantaneously.  From ordinary, mundane, stressed, depressed or whatever the case may be, to simply:  Blessed.

Here's to following II Thessalonians 5:18a a little more purposefully.  "In every thing give thanks..."

80 Things that make Jessica Happy - or that she's Thankful for!

1. My Niece and Nephews
2. Laughter
3. Playing Practical Jokes
4. Strawberry Shortcake
5. Sweet Tea
6. Hugs
7. Chocolate
8. Sandals
9. Warm Breezes
10. Hammocks
11. Comfy Clothes
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet Corn & Creamed Corn
14. Old Movies
15. Memories
16. Stationery
17. Quilts
18. Perfume
19. Flowers
20. Friends
21. Color
22. Hot Water
23. Family
24. Adventures
25. Beautiful Places
26. Butterflies
27. Lightning Bugs
28. Mice-Free Zones
29. Strong Men
30. Positive Attitudes
31. Sunglasses
32. Healthcare Providers
33. Fruit Trees
34. Gardens
35. Porch Swings
36. The Ability to be Active
37. Swimming
38. Hiking
39. Photography
40. Tears
41. Washers & Dryers
42. Fresh Canned Goods
43. Homemade Food
44. Church
45. Truth (Bible)
46. Freedom
47. Babies
48. Q-tips
49. Lotion - Saves Lives!
50. Learning
51. God's Promises
52. Salvation
53. Grace
54. Love
55. Healing
56. Cheese
57. Candles
58. Orchestras
59. Relaxing Nature Sounds
60. Piano/Music
61. Forgiveness
62. Change (Positive Ones)
63. Compassion
64. Hope
65. Heirlooms
66. Vintage most-Anything
67. Angels
68. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
69. Pillows & Blankets
70. Home
71. Bed
72. Locks on Doors
73. Trials - to learn from
74. Bloopers
75. Sharing
76. Organization
77. Crafts
78. Tweezers/Wax
79. Toothbrush
80. Ponytail Holders

80 Things that make "C" Happy - or that he's Thankful for!

1. Family
2. Food
3. House
4. Bed
5. Possessions
6. Underwear
7. Money
8. Friends
9. Electricity
10. Salvation
11. Jesus
12. Coupons
13. Stores
14. Sunglasses
15. Environment
16. Boots
17. Chocolate
18. Toilets
19. Call the Midwife theme song
20. Jokes
21. Cats
22. Dogs
23. Fish
24. Church
25. Backyards
26. Pillows
27. Cotton
28. Soap
29. Bathtubs
30. TV
31. Privileges
32. Rides
33. Blankets
34. Towels
35. Freedom
36. Knowledge
37. Birds
38. Hammocks
39. Washer
40. Dryer
41. Basket
42. Mistakes
43. First Aid Kits
44. Life
45. Cartoons
46. Roses
47. Daisies
48. Daffodils
49. Air Conditioning
50. Restaurants (Fancy Ones)
51. Heating Pad
52. Books
53. Bible
54. Curtains
55. Ways to Earn Money
56. Tools
57. Fun Things
58. Ways to Thank God
59. Shoes
60. Dry Erase & Washable Markers
61. Hair
62. Socks
63. Energy
64. Vitamins
65. Good Memories
66. Bulletin Boards
67. Chalkboards & Dry Erase Boards
68. Musical Instruments
69. School
70. Play Places (ie. Parks)
71. Libraries
72. Games
73. Eyes & Ears
74. Comfy Clothes
75. Fabric
76. Paper
77. Paddles
78. Cool Places to Visit
79. Decorations
80. Video Games

Now go grab a pen and paper and make your own list!  :)