Today I give thanks for my toothbrush. Wow does that contribute to my wellness. And I am thankful for toilet paper. Life would be a pretty sorry state of affairs without toilet paper.

This is day 11 of my Gratitude Challenge and the assignment to try to see the world through the eyes of a child. I am to think about the things I take for granted on a daily basis, and then express gratitude for everything down to the basic necessities that sustain my current life.

This and yesterday’s assignment to focus on the gifts I receive from my five senses make it clear that there is much about my life that I fail to notice and appreciate. It is easy to overlook everything from indoor plumbing and practically instant hot water, to unattractive parts of my body that nonetheless are incredibly functional and are critical to my wellness.

It’s interesting because I think I do a pretty good job of appreciating my life on a day-to-day basis, but clearly there is significant room for improvement.

So today I give thanks for central heat and air, which I would sorely miss should it stop keeping us comfortable. I give thanks for trash bags and for the folks who will be coming around our neighborhood today to take it away, and for my husband, David, who makes sure it’s ready and waiting for them. I give thanks for soft and fluffy towels that make drying off after my shower a pleasure. I give thanks for warm socks, particularly on a chilly morning.

When you are in a state of appreciation, it boosts your body’s ability to heal down to the cellular level. It enhances awareness and adds to the vibrancy of life and relationships. And it feels good.

What are you overlooking today that adds to your wellness and wellbeing? Take note of how you feel when you appreciate it.

Together we can do it!