casual ultimate » What are you grateful for?

Gratitude is not just a concept; it’s a tool. It can change my attitude towards the world and my life. I’ve got some friends that swear by gratitude as a tool – particularly gratitude lists. What is that? Well, it’s a list of things you’re grateful for and why. A list of 5 things I’m grateful for are:

1) Jessica, my sister, because she is very generous and loves me more than anyone in the world. I love her.
2) High-release flicks because they fly so pretty, make me feel so good, and the disc wants it sometimes.
3) CarBomb (the beach ulty team) because they remind me of the idea that unapologetically having as much fun as possible is an option.
4) Sunshine because something about feeling it on my skin makes me feel calm.
5) Kix/Maddy because they are adorable and warm.
6) Humor because I’m flicking you off in this picture.

I woke up this morning with lots of worrying on my mind - about my career/school, about dating, about money. I couldn’t fall back asleep, so I made an alphabetical gratitude list which is a gratitude list with something beginning with each letter of the alphabet in it. I felt better. It relieved me of the “bondage of self.” Sometimes my world can get so small and focused on just me and my wants. The world is bigger. Gratitude is bigger. I can’t stay small when I have gratitude. It’s like the Kool-Aid man breaking through the wall. OOOHHH YEAAAH!

I was chatting with a couple folks the other day about gratitude lists, and they offered their 5 things they’re grateful for:

Frosty’s 5:

1) My left brake light has been busted for
2 weeks and I haven’t been pulled over yet.
2) I get to play winter league tonight under the lights
3) I’m surrounded by hot LA girls pretty much wherever I go
4) I’m going to tahoe next week with new discounted pata snowboard gear
5) I have the dopest friends I could have ever hoped for

Kirch’s 5:

1) My parents, for encouraging me to go to college wherever I want and study whatever I like, regardless of practical implications.
2) My sister, for her unwavering support.
3) My friends, who’ve seen me at my worst, but still stand by me.
4) My company, for taking a chance on me as a post-grad with no practical skills but a desire to succeed.
5) All the truly talented musicians who have taken the time to play with me as I learn.

Now I’m going to go play some beach ultimate in sunny, 60-degree weather. Life is good.