A conversation on TED.com: What do you have to be grateful for today?

Colleen Steen
Fairfax, VT
United States

TEDCRED 200+

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What do you have to be grateful for today?

Does this need an explanation?

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Fredrik Karlström
- +2
Jan 10 2012: Today is joy! Today is sadness! More than anything else, today is life! Today is rain! Today is sunshine! It's so great to be alive!
Helena Ripoll Hazell 20+
- +1
TED Translator

Jan 9 2012: I am grateful for the inspiration I gain from others who have great courage and the generosity to share their experience.

Just watched this and felt great admiration for this man's creativity, consistency, courage and thrive.

http://lightbox.time.com/2012/01/03/jeff-harris-self-portraits/
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 9 2012: wow...quite a project! Thanks for sharing this creative experience:>)
Ousmane Camara
- +1
Jan 9 2012: I am grateful today for reading again this list of comments. It shows that many people are happy and happy to express it as you have given us opportunity to say it out to others. Look at the list of these happy people, their face, all have images that say at least what they look like. All these are discovery for who can read signs.

Thank you Colleen for making richer our day with these small things. It does make a difference!
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 9 2012: Thank you Ousmane, for being you, and sharing the gift with us. I appreciate you, and agree that it does make a difference:>)
Joshua Jacob
- +1
Jan 9 2012: I guess what I have to be grateful for this weekend as opposed to 'today', is the people in my life. I am a student and leaving home is always hard. I miss the luxuries of home and my loving parents, but it is always a treat to be welcomed to my second home where I study by my good friends. Even though we hardly spoke during our respective vacations, we reunited as if we were never apart at all.
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 10 2012: Hi Joshua,
  In my experience, good friends can be apart for a long time, and I'm grateful that when we get back together, it is as if we have never been apart....good insight on your part:>)
Dan Hegerich
- +1
Jan 8 2012: Since gratitude is a feeling wouldn't words get in the way? Gratitude can only be an individualized experience and words can not be used to describe and individuals experience in truth. Can you describe the flavor of strawberry to someone who has never tried one? Or do you just say "Oh just eat one!" And can their words describe their experience accurately?

With that said, I take gratitude as the feeling for what is coming and thankful for what is here and now. Therefore, I am grateful for tomorrow and thankful for today-what else is there?
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 8 2012: Hi Dan,
  I agree that gratitude is probably an individualized experience, and there may be many levels of gratitude, the outword manifestations of gratitude may vary with individuals, and the feeling itself may vary. So, gratitude is subjective? The only way I can describe "strawberry" is to say it is delicious, delectable, delightful and very enjoyable. I can only describe it using my thoughts, feelings, preferences and the words I have to describe what I feel about strawberry, or gratitude. I understand that some people may not percieve it the same:>)
  
  With that said, I agree with you regarding gratitude...thankful for what is here now. For me, it is an important part of the foundation of life that helps me move on to the next adventure, grateful for the lessons learned:>)
Helena Ripoll Hazell 20+
- +2
TED Translator

Jan 8 2012: Hugs. I find myself truly overwhelmed when receiving a hug at the right time, it just seems to vanish all anguish, at least for a while, so I am grateful that something so simple can cause so much goodness.
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - +1
  Jan 8 2012: Here's one for you and everyone else to enjoy Helena...:>)
  http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hN8CKwdosjE
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- Fredrik Karlström
  - +2
  Jan 8 2012: Well, one should care as today can be your last day.
  So if it would be your last day, what would you be grateful for today?
  - Colleen Steen 200+
    
    0
    Jan 8 2012: Good point Fredrik:>)
    I am grateful to remember that today could be the last day of my life, and it could be the first day of the rest of my life...it could be either....or.....:>)
  - Comment deleted
    - Karina Eisner 10+
      
      +1
      
      Jan 8 2012: Mark,
      
      "Where I come from, random strangers don't ask me that, know what I mean?"
      
      Well, TED is different, here people care. Sit back and just read, let it play in your ears until you feel safe knowing that yes, there are those who care about total strangers and spend time brainstorming and networking in order to help them.
    - Ousmane Camara
      
      +1
      
      Jan 9 2012: What does it hurt you that someone you do not know ask you how you feel? We are all full of ideas, but generally they start coming up when you openup to yourself, and the first step to that is in gratitude!
      What can you be happy with yourself for? Maybe contributing by openning up in this conversation. the answer you give may give better ideas to others as to what they can do withh their day or life.
      
      Nothing is ever insignificant, they might mean nothing to us, but they have their importance to others.
      
      See, out of the 1000s of conversation subject on TED, you've chosen to give a hit to this particular question.
      
      Don't worry, feel at ease or would I say, feel at home and let go...
      
      Smile and be grateful we care about how you feel today!
  - Colleen Steen 200+
    
    0
    Jan 9 2012: Fredrik, Karina, and Ousmane,
    GREAT effort in trying to embrace Mark. Unfortunately, if a person cannot percieve gratitude as an important part of the life adventure, It is his/her loss...it is a choice.
    
    Sorry I cannot give you a thumbs up Karina....I'm maxed out for you this week:>)
  - Comment deleted
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - +1
  Jan 8 2012: Hi Mark,
  I don't choose to be offended...good question actually:>)
  
  I care, because I LOVE gratitude, and I LOVE sharing gratitude. The comments on this thread are like the ripple effect in a body of water, which grows....and grows....and flows....makes me smile:>)
  
  It's only a good idea if one percieves it to be.....thanks for asking:>)
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    - Colleen Steen 200+
      
      0
      
      Jan 8 2012: Mark,
      It is fun and interesting to care about total strangers because some of us believe that we are all connected, and the energy that is produced is beneficial to the whole. My own gratitude, combined with other people's gratitude is a very strong factor in the adventure of life.
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    - Ousmane Camara
      
      0
      
      Jan 9 2012: Mark,
      
      Tell us which part of the world you are from and we'll list at least ten total stranger to your family who have contributed positively to your life. Maybe then, you can feel what gratitude is.
      
      When you go at then bank for a service, whether the customer service agent smiles at you or not makes a difference or not?
      
      It all depends on you... the way you want to see it. Noone knows everything for finite, we keep on learning during our whole lifetime... but we never learn as polémists...
Arsenius Sutandio
- +1
Jan 8 2012: I am grateful for decision I have made: resign from where I work, and to become an entrepreneur.
It's terrified to go out from 'Comfort Zone' which is get paid every month to uncertain income. But I'm grateful that God provide our family good meal and health for every single day :-)
Rhona Pavis 30+
- +1
Jan 8 2012: Colleen, (the reply function is not showing). I did not think you were. I did it because I felt like it. I may get it for a while and then unsubscribe or not, depending upon how full my inbox is. I like trying new positive things. Happy Today.
Liu Austin
- +1
Jan 8 2012: I am so grateful for everything that given by our plant ,Life ,ocean ,animal ,ect.But to some extent ,people destroied so many amazing thing in this beautiful plant .
Ousmane Camara
- +1
Jan 8 2012: Understanding yourself is the most amazing thing that can happen to One. I felt pain in my shoulders... as I learnt not long ago that could be due to congestion or depression of energy in certain part of our bodies, I went through number of physical strectching and a little meditation... pouf! it's just gone... I am greatful of having all these teachings that change our everyday life...
Julie Gardner 100+
- +1
TED Attendee

Jan 8 2012: I am grateful for the miracles all around us every day.
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 8 2012: Wishing you a day of ordinary miracles:>)
Carl Martin
- +1
Jan 8 2012: I am grateful to be aware that I am becoming more aware each day. Furthermore, I am grateful to live moment to moment, not in the past and not in the future. This was not true for me for so many years. I am so truely aware of how much I care for each of my family members and how I want to help them and my friends acheive their dreams. Peace. Carl.
Silvia Marinova 20+
- +2
Jan 7 2012: That my boyfriend has a name day today (John's day) and I'm going to meet our friends and cook them a delicious meal. ;) Life is grand, ain't it? Wishing everyone to have wonderful time as well.
paska rinda
- +1
Jan 7 2012: because i can breath and life as human, i can see beautiful sunrise on the morning, theres a lot of beautiful place all over the world, so i grateful with my life today. Sometime we think life is so hard to go through but from life we also learn how to make our life more precious, life is for learning and exploring something new in your life, when we gonna died we never regret because we have been learn a lot of things on this life.
Hiding In Anonymity
- +2
Jan 7 2012: I am grateful to be alive.
Jonathan Ross
- +2
Jan 6 2012: Everything, even the things that didn't go exactly as I had wanted they all offer information to make tomorrow a better day.
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 7 2012: Jonathan,
  I am grateful for information, and I believe when we are all willing to look, listen, and take in information, we may be on a GREAT path to learning, growing and evolving as a global community:>)
brian herring
- +1
Jan 6 2012: I am thankful for me, at this moment. Everything else is a biproduct of infinate possibility from the acceptance of that truth.
Colleen Steen 200+
- 0
Jan 6 2012: Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain...
The power of gratitude:>)

http://www.danceintherainmovie.com/
Kemdrick Jones
- +1
Jan 6 2012: I am grateful today for having the freedom of speech......the freedom to tell others about my Jesus, and having a peaceful place to sleep tonight.
Thank you for allowing me to share....
Jeong-Lan Kinser 200+
- +3
Host TED Attendee TED Translator Associate Language Coordinator

Jan 6 2012: I was very greatful today that I can take people's critiques about me without making them personal any more. That I am becoming more and more positive being.
Jeong-Lan Kinser 200+
- +1
Host TED Attendee TED Translator Associate Language Coordinator

Jan 6 2012: Hello Ms. Colleen Steen, I have a great deal of respect for you as your comments that I read are insightful, considerate, and reasonable. People like you do make TED possible and allow people who are willing to listen to open their minds. It will be delightful to see you in person...
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 7 2012: Hello Jeong-Lan,
  Thank you so much for the feedback. I have spent time to consciously improve my communication skills, so I am grateful for your feelback. Communication by e-mail or on line forums can be challenging, and it will be delightful to see you in person as well. That is the BEST:>)
Harkiran Kalsi
- +1
Jan 6 2012: Hi all

I joined just now because of this coversation. Thank you for this question.

I am grateful for the amazing Christmas we had and I am grateful this year my mum was able to enjoy it with us as she was very ill for the past 8 years suffering from a disease called Trigeminal neuralgia (think I spelt that correctly), the operation was succesful and I was very grateful to have her home and well and smiling. This reminds me don't fret on the small stuff, family is the most important thing in life without them I would be very lost.

Loving everyones post very inspiring and uplifting.
Harky the newbie :o)
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 6 2012: Hi Harky the newbie:>)
  GREAT to have you join us, and I'm really grateful for your mom's improving health. Welcome to TED:>)
Daniel Vais 500+
- 0
TEDx Organizer

Jan 5 2012: thank you and I am grateful to you.
Daniel Vais 500+
- +1
TEDx Organizer

Jan 5 2012: I am grateful for everything I have, everything around me and everyone around me.

I am grateful.
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 5 2012: Hi Daniel,
  We have a choice, as I know you know, to be grateful for everything and everyone around us....or not.
  I like and agree with your choice:>)
Jonathan Gentry
- +1
Jan 5 2012: We all have so very much to be grateful for.

I love this question because within the question itself is embedded a hidden message. It says - "We all have something to be grateful for today."

Every day it is a choice to give and express to others our love, our dreams, our compassion.

I am so very grateful for the opportunity to share.

I am grateful for my life.

I am grateful for love, for the ability to love and to receive love as well.

I am grateful for my feelings, for they show me the directions I must take to live a fulfilled life.

I am grateful for my family, for my friends, for people.

I am grateful for being.

Thank you for your post. A truly inspiring question.
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - +1
  Jan 5 2012: I agree Jonathan, that we can usually find something to be grateful for at any given time. You are a wise young man to know we have so many choices, and I'm grateful for your inspiring comment:>)
Eric Silverman
- +1
Jan 5 2012: Colleen,

I have a lot to be grateful for today and everyday. I'm so glad you asked this because today was very difficult. I'm not currently employed and my job search has been exceedingly stressful. Putting things in perspective with this question means a lot, and helps a lot.

I have health, family, friends, my dog, and a genuine desire to be successful and to make a positive impact in all of my pursuits. I'm grateful for having a positive attitude, the ability to articulate my feelings and observations, and I'm grateful that I know of so many good people that recognize in me my true character.

This is a great question, and again...it's helped me very much.

Kindly

Eric Silverman
Chicago
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 5 2012: Eric,
  I'm grateful for your thoughtful, insightful comment, and grateful that the question has helped put things in perspective. I usually find that when I start pondering all that I have to be grateful for, it seems to minimize the challenges. It tips the scale, so to speak:>)
Jamie Lee Mcfadden
- 0
Jan 4 2012: I am most glad for all the people in life. Some are students that have become friends and of course my girlfriend of almost 3 years. I have learned a lot from my time abroad and thank God for every moment of it.
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 4 2012: I'm out of thumbs again for you dear Jamie Lee.......this will have to do for now....:>).....:>)......:>)
Hassan Dawood
- +1
Jan 4 2012: today i'm grateful that i have the ability to forgive in spite of i do not forget the past
- Colleen Steen 200+
  - 0
  Jan 4 2012: Dear Hassan,
  I share this feeling of forgiving, and not forgetting the past. I learn from past experiences, and do not ever want to forget the process of learning that I am grateful for. Forgiving myself and others for past experiences simply means I do not carry the pain or regret. I remember the lessons learned with joy and gratitude:>)
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