040- Thankful or grateful?

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Can we use "thankful" and "grateful" interchangeably? Am I the only one that doesn't really know the difference? According to google, "thankful" is generally seen as expressing appreciation for specific things or actions, while "grateful" is often considered a more encompassing and deep sense of appreciation, extending beyond specific actions to a broader sense of well-being or existence. However, the distinction can vary, and many people use these words interchangeably in everyday conversation.

In any case, this is my "things I'm thankful for" post as Thanksgiving approaches. I wish I could be one of those people who does a thankful social media post everyday for the 30 days in November, but alas, it didn't happen. I am always thankful for my husband, kids, family, friends, and other blessings in my life.

Other than those blessings, the biggest thing I'm thankful for this year is modern medicine and the awesome doctors who helped me become cancer free.

The top 30 things that are part of my (almost) daily life that I'm grateful/thankful for (in no particular order):

1. Coffee- lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, cold brew;

2. Sunshine- that “warm your bones” kind;

3. Fresh flowers- especially in my kitchen;

4. Days with nothing on my calendar;

5. Texting- the easiest, not-in-person, way to stay connected;

6. Protein bars- when you lack time to eat but need some nutrition;

7. A good book- there's been a few can't-put-it-down ones this year;

8. Amazon Prime- sometimes a little too easy;

9. Netflix- so many options-- binge watching anyone?;

10. Laughter- definitely can be the best medicine;

11. Music- can be adjusted to your current mood;

12. Contact lenses- makes things so much clearer;

13. Sunrises- the colors, the frothy clouds, and the light filtering through;

14. Cows- they produce milk which = butter, ice cream, and other good stuff;

15. Leggings- the first thing I change into when I get home;

16. A pedicure- pretty toes, soft feet, and a foot massage;

17. Travelling- new things to see, new food- what could be better?

18. Enneagram personality types- I am a type 5 and I love reading about it;

19. Unsubscribe/unfollow option- we all know the benefit of this;

20. A motivational podcast- something I start my day with everyday;

21. A positive mindset- positive is always better than negative;

22. Scented candles- using the sense of smell to relax;

23. Taking deep breaths- sometimes the only way to re-focus;

24. Water- my beverage of choice;

25. Pinterest- ideas, recipes, travel info and so much more;

26. Pictures- the only true souvenir or memento;

27. Spreadsheets- so many uses- I am a spreadsheet nerd!

28. Fuzzy blankets- you don't even need to be cold to enjoy one;

29. Good people to spend your day with- my team rocks!

30. A new day- good or bad day, tomorrow is a new day.

Sometimes it's the little things that make your day. Do you have your own list? If you don't, make one. Make yourself proud. Happy thanksgiving everyone!