To read how others have responded to this question and reflect on their thoughtful answers.

My goofy cat Lilly came to mind immediately. She brings out the affectionate, silly side of me! Thank God for animals.

Caring for Planet Earth and her animals, the power and mystery of language, music, creating my own poetry.

I think it’s important to occasionally reflect on and name our core values. It doesn’t mean we always live up to them, but it’s a reminder to try. Simply put, I want to live my life with integrity and joy. If I have an issue, I want to talk to the person involved, not fume about it w/someone else. I want to honor planet Earth and honor my bond with her animals.

I’ll answer this question not as an opportunity to praise thorns (I think that’s been done already) but as a way to explore how better to enjoy the good in life and let go of the negative. Science proves that negative thought patterns are stronger than positive. It takes genuine work to be happy! But it’s well worth the effort. I have a rubberband on my wrist. I snap it from time to time to remember to smile and think of a blessing. It works!

Thanks for this opportunity to appreciate ourselves a little! I think I am coming to terms ever so slightly with my own mortality. This makes me want to face up to past hurts and resentments and forgive. I have actually talked out loud to family members who have passed away. I want to forgive and be forgiven.

Both appreciator and creator, but I’d like to respond more to the first. It wouldn’t be too dramatic to say that art has saved me more than once! Art, for me, is a branch of spirit and springs from the same root as religion. It nourishes and strengthens us. We need it like we need water.

Prayer, poetry, laughter, kinship.

What a beautiful question! Thank you, folks at demo.gratefulness.org, for reminding us that for most of us who have food and shelter and friends, the world is indeed not to be endured but loved. I will try to look with tenderness at all I see today.

Lots of wise and honest reflections, thank you. I have some regrets that sadly I have still not truly learned from (ie, be kinder, be patient, know that this too will pass). I am still unkind and impatient more than I care to admit and I still let little things get to me. That said, I have learned that some of my regrets were mis-placed or way overstated, and so was the guilt I felt.

I commit to being aware of my negative thoughts. It’s not that I’m seeking perfection or a contantly sunshine-y state of mind, but we slip into unhappy negative thinking so easily! I will at least try to be aware of when I am doing this, and shift to thoughts that nourish my soul more.

I love the phrase “gracious surprise.” It’s what I feel when someone is unexpectedly kind to me. I hope to show someone unexpected kindness today.

One thing that really seems to work is to think of my sweet plump cat, Lilly. When I’m home she is often right next to me, showing me her tummy and purring. I think of that when I’m stressed at work or in traffic and I always feel better.

Years have taught me the wisdom of remembering that one friend can never be all things for me, and it is unfair to expect this. Maybe one friend really appreciates and supports my writing, for example, but is not a great listener. Maybe another makes me laugh and see new perspectives but isn’t the most dependable. Celebrate the good in friends and know you can go to various people for various needs.

Wishing you lots of patience for that puppy! It’ll be well worth it in the end.

That’s a beautiful routine, Hez.

Yay for vegans! I love your detailed and specific response. Wonderful!

Yes, I have trouble speaking certain feelings at the time! I think we’re conditioned (women especially) to say to ourselves, “it’s no big deal, let it go,” – but that is usually bad advice. If something hurts or angers or embarrasses you, SAY SO – then let it go. Believe me, at almost 60 years old, I am still trying to do this gracefully.