They say that gratitude is really helpful. I think there is the feeling of gratitude, which may not be available at times, and the thought of gratitude, which actually can be cultivated. I want the thread to collect both - expressions of the feeling, if possible, and cognitive expression as well. How about 3 "items" a day? I will start:

1) I am grateful for my bipolar friend Joe. He has BPII, I last saw him in 2013 before he has moved to Washington, and his mood disorder is treatment-resistant. He is my pen pal. He sometimes is insensitive, but aren't we all imperfect? I am sure I lack sensitivity at times. I am thankful for having my pen pal.

2) I am thankful for the life. My mother would turn 72 today and even though she was an extremely negative influence in my life, especially in her later years, she gave me the gift of life and my lovely first name, Natalya. And she taught me to swim, which remains my favorite form of exercise to this day, which is effective in preventing anxiety. And, I have survived several suicide attempts - I might not have lucked out but I did. So, I am thankful for my life.

3) I am grateful for the mild and sunny climate in NoCal.