Gratitude Soundtrack
Gratitude is a go‑to tool for many in Al‑Anon at this—or any—time of year. Pausing to listen to our surroundings can increase our feelings of gratitude. What are you listening to today that enhances your attitude of gratitude? The purr of a cat? A gurgling stream? The laughter of a child? And what might you “turn off” so that you can listen more deeply to what brings you joy? Share with us some of the sounds that boost your gratitude.
Sharings on the Member Blog may be used in future Al‑Anon publications.
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When my daughter was a baby she would make a joyful noise in the early mornings…a gift from a loving spiritual power and a beautiful way to start the day. I loved her early morning song.
I am Grateful for the WISDOM shared by those that came before me and encouraged me to continue to “Keep Coming Back.”
My gratitude playlist is an eclectic mix of sounds. I’ve grown to love the sound of the rain. We recently built a back porch with a tin roof and the sound of the rain on it is so soothing to me. It used to instantly put me in a bad mood. All I would focus on is what the rain was preventing me from doing, or how it made a task more difficult. Amazing how perspective can turn something from a negative to a positive. I created a playlist and named it “Serenity”. My go-to song right now is Under… Read more »
I love the sounds of the birds in my yard and on my walks. I don’t need to understand what they are saying – just know that it is God’s plan and it is good. In the night when troubled thoughts are swirling and keeping me awake, I listen to Taize’ music – I rarely hear the end as I have fallen asleep. Thank you to all who are sharing their experiences here.
I am sitting in my back yard in New Hampshire listening to a fire crackling and a soft breeze blowing. It is late in the day and it is pretty quiet out here. Trying to take in the calmness and focus on the gratitiude for this quiet time to listen for my Higher Power whom I choose to call God. ♡
The sound of waves is my go to. I love the ocean. I find such a connection for prayer and meditation with the sound of the waves in the background.
I have been listening to a public playlist on Spotify called “Peaceful Retreat” and it brings my soul to peace. I am very grateful for this particular soundtrack.
I see the sunshine coming in my backdoor window. Ruby (our dog) has laid in the sunshine on the floor. She takes a sigh and I know she has found a warm spot to lay in and is going to take a nap. I know she has just relaxed her body in that sigh. As if saying a short prayer! “Thank-You God for bringing the sunshine in, for me to lay in!” Gratitude for things in life that comes to us through our Higher Power! Such as Air, Trees, Clouds, Rain, Hot Summer Days, and Fresh Snow on a Winter’s… Read more »
On this last day of October, it’s now 9am and I have had so many heart smiles already. The ODAT quote made me laugh out loud. It reminded me of taking a problem, chewing on it till the flavor is gone, then sticking it in my hair. I am an adult child who believed some people were born with smiles and some were not. My first Sponsor pointed out my smile that I wasn’t aware of…It’s an Al-Anon gift I treasure.
The gurgle of the coffeemaker as it brews a pot of hot coffee. It goes along with a wonderful aroma, and these two things conspire to make me grateful for the still, dark morning
I love to look at clouds to see what I can see – ocean, mountains, dogs, cats and many other things.
I love the sounds of stillness when I sit on our columned front porch and listen to the rustling of the leaves on the nearby maple tree, the soft sounds of birds in the tree, and thank my Higher Power, God, for all of our Blessings — our loving family, the beauty of flowers, music that I listen to and sing along in my car, the laughter that I hear in my own voice and in the voices of others close by. I am grateful for my loving husband and for all of our happy memories over a lengthy marriage… Read more »
Observing the many contrasts and drama of a fall sky.
I love waking up to the serenade of birds singing in the new day. The wind rustling through the trees as they sway side to side. As the rest of nature begins to awake, the ducks begin to talk as the geese sound off as they begin flight. As the day winds down once again, the birds sing their night songs, the frogs begin croaking and I hear in the distance the next group of geese honking their arrival as they spend the night before moving north in the morning. Nature with all its beauty and sounds give me such… Read more »
I’m listening today. I turned the TV off. Ahhhh! Blessed silence. I decided to keep the music off for a while too. I’m reminded about the sounds of silence (Simon & Garfunkel). I’m from that generation. I’m grateful for silence. The heater switched on. I’m grateful for the warmth that comes with help from the purring motor. I spent some time in my yard. I heard the wind in the brightly colored maple tree in my front yard. I spoke with a neighbor and enjoyed our voices. Last night my granddaughter called me, all excited. I love the sound of… Read more »
I have a small collection of wind chimes hanging on my patio. They can sound sweet or a little mournful, cheerful or energetic. But because they’re set in motion by the unseen breezes, they help me feel connected to a Power greater than me.
Grateful to hear the whir of my clothes dryer this morning. We had been without one for a year when we were forced to move!
One of my favorite songs is by Karen Drucker “I am so Blessed.”
The sunshine through my window.
I’m sitting in my living room and can hear birds chirping outside. Focusing on sounds around me brought me out of my negative thinking.