I joined a group of new friends (originally from one of the diabetes groups I’m currently in) who invited me to participate in their tradition to post one thing you’re thankful for each day in November in a group called “November Gratitudes.” Seemed harmless enough. And doable. And in spite of various challenges of life, I did manage to post one thing every day that “I’m thankful for…” for each of the 30 consecutive days in November. Before the month was over, I came to the realization that I had experienced far less depression during the month of November!
However, because today was December 1, I relaxed and did not post a gratitude today. Tonight I felt that all-too-familiar wave of depression wash over me. Is it magic? Is it science? Maybe or maybe not, but I would have to admit that for this experiment with n=1, it was evidence-based.
Just for the record, here is my list:
- Nov 1, 2018 – I’m thankful that the one remaining credit card we have is not yet maxed out!
- Nov 2, 2018 – I’m thankful for organic cage-free pastured eggs! Delicious!
- Nov 3, 2018 – I’m thankful for clean clothes that still fit!
- Nov 4, 2018 – I’m thankful for the absence of a migraine.
- Nov 5, 2018 – I’m thankful for the wonderful acupuncture session I had today!
- Nov 6, 2018 – I’m thankful for the right to vote, which I exercised today!
- Nov 7, 2018 – I’m thankful that Linda’s scooter has been repaired after 4 weeks without it!
- Nov 8, 2018 – I’m thankful for getting my copy of this new book! [Real Food Keto, by Jimmy & Christine Moore]
- Nov 9, 2018 – I’m thankful that I could redeem cash rewards to put on my almost-maxed-out credit card!
- Nov 10, 2018 – I’m thankful this morning for a sweet friend who gave me an unexpected gift last night.
- Nov 11, 2018 – I’m thankful that I did not have to turn off the smoke alarm when making pancakes this morning!
- Nov 12, 2018 – I’m thankful that my deluxe grain-free hot cereal was a success (meaning that Linda liked it!).
- Nov 13, 2018 – I’m thankful that we were able to go shopping today, Linda with her scooter and Emily on leash!
- Nov 14, 2018 – I’m thankful for being able to spend quality time with my precocious grandson.
- Nov 15, 2018 – I’m thankful for a wife who knows how to fix kitchen sink faucets!
- Nov 16, 2018 – I’m thankful that I don’t have to go out today in the worst air in the nation!
- Nov 17, 2018 – I’m thankful that we were able to go to church in San Francisco today, in spite of the smoky air.
- Nov 18, 2018 – I’m thankful for a washer and dryer that still work and that we had enough laundry detergent for today.
- Nov 19, 2018 – I’m thankful for a successful day of medical appointments and lunch at Olive Garden.
- Nov 20, 2018 – I’m thankful for a lovely local farmers’ market where I could shop for Thanksgiving dinner.
- Nov 21, 2018 – I’m thankful for my small kitchen; it means we have food.
- Nov 22, 2018 – I’m thankful for a relaxed Thanksgiving with our grandson and his parents.
- Nov 23, 2018 – I’m thankful for Thanksgiving dinner leftovers, and for the rain today!
- Nov 24, 2018 – I’m thankful for sunshine today after three days of rain.
- Nov 25, 2018 – I’m thankful that Harborside had my medicinals in stock.
- Nov 26, 2018 – I’m thankful that my pharmacy could give me at least a partial on my prescription med.
- Nov 27, 2018 – I’m thankful that we could buy groceries AND medicines today.
- Nov 28, 2018 – I’m thankful for getting to spend more time with my awesome grandson.
- Nov 29, 2018 – I’m thankful that Linda’s insurance covered her optometrist appointment today.
- Nov 30, 2018 – I’m thankful that we were able to get an oil change and servicing on our van today.
