It’s been a rough week full of frustrations, unexpected bad news, and expensive vet visits. And yet, even amidst the chaos and sadness, there is gratitude… and continually, quietly, thoughtfully drawing myself back to that focus has helped to pull me through and keep me going. Never underestimate the power of gratitude.

Hope you’ll join me in this week’s Gratitude Linkup!
(If you’d like a bit of background on why I started the Gratitude Linkup, check out this post.)
How to get involved in the Gratitude Linkup
- Write and post an entry in your own blog containing your gratitude list for a moment in time.
- Share the URL to your gratitude blog post by clicking the “add your link” button at the end of this post and filling out the information.
- Share the Gratitude Linkup with your blog readers by clicking the “get the InLinkz code” link at the end of this post and copy/pasting the appropriate code into your gratitude blog post.
- Visit some of the blogs listed in the Gratitude Linkup and comment on their posts.
My Gratitude List
In no particular order, here is my own gratitude list for this moment in time. I hope that after reading it you’ll go on to write and share your own!
- Dental office staff who were cheerfully accommodating when I woke up and found that our water had been shut off due to roadwork and I wouldn’t be able to brush my teeth and take a shower in time to get to my appointment. I’m grateful that they agreed to reschedule AND that they didn’t make me feel bad for my request to do so.
- Our cats’ wonderful vet and the fantastic staff at the animal hospital.
- Learning after receiving the results of another test that Grisabella has an infection that might have contributed to the very concerning results from her bloodwork – which is actually good news, because an infection can be treated. It’s still day to day, and we’re not sure how much damage has been done to her kidneys, but if we can clear up the infection and get her to gain some weight we might just be able to keep her with us for awhile yet.
- That, after several days of lethargy, almost no food intake, and most of her time spent hiding under the bed, Grisabella has started to respond to treatment and seems to be almost completely back to her normal alert, interested, and hungry self. I never thought I’d be so happy to see her eating, yet I’m grateful for every bite she takes, and grateful that she’s once again doing it enthusiastically.
- Social opportunities with friends – trivia night at the pub, girls’ day pedicures, movie night – that help to distract us for a time from our worries.
- Following the recommendation of a friend and going to a professional printer to have some of my drawings scanned. Five drawings for five dollars seems like a great deal to me, and gave me a far better and faster result than if I’d tried to mess around with doing it myself.
- My innate stubbornness! I started setting up a Zazzle shop this week and found it so incredibly frustrating and confusing that I almost threw in the towel… but my good ol’ stubbornness kicked in and forced me to carry on and not give up. In the end, I figured it out and am now well on the way to launching my shop.
- People who are willing to give pedicures. Seriously! I am NOT a fan of feet (beyond being glad that I have them, of course!), and can’t imagine voluntarily touching a stranger’s feet (*shudder*)… yet I greatly enjoy the relaxation and results that come from getting a pedicure, so am grateful for the people who don’t feel queasy about giving them!
- Family and friends who care about what’s going on in our lives.

Yay to the good news about Grisabella’s condition being treatable. Our pets become family members…it’s so tough every time they fall ill.
Stephanie Faris recently posted… Express Yourself: Fictional Characters
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 18, 2014
Thank you! They certainly do, and it certainly is. It’s amazing how they have the ability to steal your heart.
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Past the Struggles
Hello Laurel,
Many days, I try to humble myself and hold a 2-minute gratitude session. I simply sit or kneel, with no distractions, close my eyes, and think about what I’m grateful for and who I’m grateful for. I don’t do it every day, but let me tell you, on the days I do it, it makes me very happy, and makes a big difference. Thanks for the post!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 18, 2014
I love that, Nate! I’ll bet it makes a big difference. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Past the Struggles
Gratitude………
For the umpteen opportunities that the almighty gives us
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 18, 2014
Yes indeed. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Past the Struggles
Twitter: lvfromana
May 18, 2014
Great list! I am grateful for so many things in my life especially my husband, family and home and the freedom I have to work from home rather than going out to work every day.
Ana recently posted… Are You Giving Your Relationship Enough Time And Attention?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 18, 2014
Nice! I am TOTALLY with you on the working from home thing. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Past the Struggles
Twitter: telesalesking
May 18, 2014
I think sometimes that we all need a bit of help don’t we? Gratitude can help life someone’s spirit and if you can help other people to share their gratitude then the who things works well.. Sharing is caring, right?
WILLIAM OTOOLE recently posted… Are you consistantly good or consistantly bad?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 18, 2014
Very true! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Past the Struggles
I am grateful to my maid who is coming on time despite having problems.
Kalpana Solsi recently posted… She wished she knew………………….
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 19, 2014
Great! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Summer Soon
Twitter: pythoroshan
May 19, 2014
I love the concept… showcasing gratitude. Will definitely get on it. 😀
Dr Roshan R recently posted… Specs or no specs: Your opinion
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 19, 2014
It’s very helpful. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Summer Soon
Twitter: beloome
May 19, 2014
I am grateful today for the nice breeze that is blowing today, for the way life is turning out today…. and yes, also for the great pedicure I got yesterday 🙂
Good post, Laurel!
Beloo Mehra recently posted… His Excellency, Stop – No Eating Here!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 19, 2014
Lovely! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Summer Soon
Twitter: vidyasury
May 19, 2014
I am glad to hear about Grisabella!
I am grateful for everything today. The smell of paint invading my nostrils, the heat, the fan’s cool air, food to eat… I am just glad I am alive!
Vidya Sury recently posted… Bloom Where You Are Planted
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 19, 2014
Lovely, Vidya! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Summer Soon
I know it’s been a rough week for you. I’m So so glad to hear about Grisabella doing better and being able to get treatment for an infection, woo hoo! BTW, I love pedicures too 😀
Life Breath Present recently posted… Gratitude Linkup – Week of 5/18/14
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 19, 2014
Thank you so much! It was wonderful to get some hopeful news. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Summer Soon
Twitter: shilpaagarg
May 19, 2014
Oh yes, despite the dark and the tough days, there is always a lot to be thankful for! Glad that Grisabella is getting better! I am thankful for friends who have been there for us in all seasons of life!
Shilpa Garg recently posted… Choice, Chance, Change
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 19, 2014
Thank you so much! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Summer Soon
I hope your cat continues to improve. Thank goodness for good news thus far and progress being seen! ♥
Kathy recently posted… The Road to Adventure
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 19, 2014
Thank you, Kathy!
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Summer Soon
Twitter: BatteredHope
May 19, 2014
Today I am grateful to have a day alone to work — well, not so alone as I am house sitting and dog sitting my daughter’s 6 dogs! It was a productive day.
Watching our pets suffer is never easy – I am glad it will all work out for you.
I try to verbalize my gratitude everyday to someone. It makes them realize what they have to be thankful for as well.
Carol Graham recently posted… How Do You Ask Your Fiance if He was Unfaithful the Night Before the Wedding?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
May 19, 2014
I love that idea, Carol. I should try it myself! Glad you had a productive day. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Words: Summer Soon
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