Living in Gratitude: The Power of Simple Lists

  

 (On a nice day, Annabelle and Jace enjoy driving their Power Wheels' vehicles.)

In the busyness of everyday life, it can be easy to dwell on what we lack—missed opportunities, disappointments, or the one or two things that went wrong in an otherwise good day. But when we shift our focus from scarcity to abundance, something remarkable happens: our outlook changes, and so does the way we experience life.

For me, this shift often begins with a simple but intentional practice—keeping a gratitude journal. Several times a week, I write down lists of things I am thankful for. Sometimes these lists capture big moments, but more often they are about the small, ordinary blessings that shape my days: the sound of my children’s laughter, a shared meal with my wife, or a quiet evening together as a family.

This practice is not complicated, but it is powerful. Gratitude helps retrain the mind. Instead of endlessly scanning for what is broken, gratitude reminds us of what is whole. Instead of focusing on what we do not have, gratitude grounds us in the good that is already present. Over time, this rhythm creates a positive mindset and an overall appreciation for life as a gift.

Although journaling is a personal practice I engage in privately, I see it as something I will one day teach my children, Annabelle (age 5) and Jace (age 3). They may not yet be old enough to understand the habit or write lists themselves, but I believe they can still learn from my example. When I model a thankful heart and share moments of gratitude openly, they begin to see how important it is to notice blessings instead of burdens. In this way, gratitude becomes a gift I hope to pass on to them as they grow.

The truth is simple: life is good if you view it as good. Gratitude sharpens our vision. It opens our hearts to joy. It teaches us to find contentment in the present moment rather than constantly chasing after the next thing. And the best part? Anyone can start today. All it takes is setting aside a few minutes, grabbing a notebook, and beginning your own gratitude list.

In what follows, I want to share some of the lists I have written during my personal reflections. These lists may be personal to me, but I hope they inspire you to reflect on your own life and write down the things you are thankful for. 

Gratitude for My Wife, Lisa

1. Lisa’s nurturing care for our children as their mother.
2. Lisa’s never-ending support as my spouse.
3. Lisa’s kindness to strangers.
4. Lisa’s love for animals, which brought Tip, our beloved guinea pig, into our family.
5. Lisa’s amazing cooking skills.
6. The way Lisa scratches my back for a really long time.
7. When I feel down, Lisa always cheers me up with the right words.
8. Lisa’s light-hearted demeanor and her appreciation for the simple things in life.
9. Lisa’s responsible and thoughtful financial choices.
10. Lisa’s relationship with the Lord.

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Gratitude for My Daughter, Annabelle

1. Annabelle’s love for Bible study and prayer.
2. Annabelle’s hugs.
3. Annabelle’s playful sense of humor—like her pretend farts on Daddy.
4. The way Annabelle consoles her upset brother with a hug and a gentle, “Shhh, shhh, it’s going to be okay.”
5. Watching Annabelle learn to swim.
6. Celebrating Annabelle’s fifth birthday—and five years of wonderful memories.
7. Annabelle’s affection for her mother, Lisa.
8. Annabelle’s affection for my mom, CeeCee (her grandmother). She often asks, “When will CeeCee come to see us again?”
9. Annabelle’s giggles as I chase her around the house or outside. She has a distinct, memorable laugh.
10. Annabelle’s eagerness to help Lisa or me with chores, cooking, or putting things together.
11. Annabelle’s creativity and love for crafts.

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Gratitude for My Son, Jace

1. When Jace says, “Pleeeaaasseee.” Even when he is upset, he sometimes says it in a terse, grunting way—angry yet still asking for help.
2. Jace’s hugs and cuddles while watching TV.
3. When Jace is upset, he asks for “Daddy” to console him. It feels good to be needed by this tiny human.
4. Jace wanting to go with me to the coffee shop just to be with me, even though it’s usually a place where I work alone (jobs to pay bills).
5. Jace’s affection for my father, JayJay (his grandfather). Just like Annabelle asks about CeeCee, Jace often asks, “Where is JayJay? When will I see him again?”
6. Jace’s surprising love for cold black coffee—I find it funny and ironic that any child would enjoy it. Sharing a few small sips together makes me smile.
7. Jace’s love for sports and being outdoors, which keeps us both active.
8. When Jace says, “I need a huggie,” before going to bed.
9. When Jace says, “Hold you,” meaning “Pick me up and hold me.”
10. Jace using sign language to communicate with me. He continues to learn basic signs at school, which he started practicing as a baby.
11. Celebrating Jace’s third birthday with his friend at Chuck E. Cheese.
12. Jace’s funny way of saying “Nooooopppe” instead of just “No.” Even though “nope” can be a frustrating favorite word of the day, it still sounds cute coming from him.

Gratitude lists remind me that life’s greatest blessings are often found in the everyday moments we share with those we love most. As I look back over these reflections, I am reminded once again of how much I have to be thankful for in my wife, Lisa, and in our children, Annabelle and Jace. To close, I am also sharing a few pictures from our most recent time together as a family—snapshots that capture the joy behind these words and the memories we continue to treasure. I hope these reflections encourage you to pause and consider your own list of gratitude. What small joys, simple blessings, or cherished relationships might you write down today?

(It’s really fun when I can watch the kids drive their vehicles outside. See the previous video at the beginning of this blog entry.)

(Annabelle and Jace were fascinated by this car display in the grocery store. They insisted on getting a picture. Jace looks cute, kissing his sister on the cheek.)

Annabelle and Jace ride the rhinoceroses’ statues at Zoo Knoxville. The zoo recently attained two new residents - Mylo and Ranger - two southern white rhinos.)

 

#GratitudeLists #CountYourBlessings #FamilyGratitude #EverydayJoy
#ChoosePositivity #LifeIsAGift #FaithAndGratitude #ThankfulLiving #MindfulMoments
#GratitudePractice #Family #DaddyDestinations #JamesCartee

 

Jace’s First Birthday and The Townsend Adventures

(Jace eats his first birthday cake with a family audience.)

Lisa and I have many reasons this year to celebrate meaningful events and remember our family’s blessings. For instance, Jace’s first birthday occurred on July 1, 2023. The simplest blessings sometimes possess life’s most powerful messages. My children, Annabelle and Jace, are safe and healthy with two married parents who deeply love them. Sometimes I take these luxuries for granted – safety, good health, and a fruitful marriage. Not every family happens to be so lucky.

While sitting down, Jace often sways to music with his two hands in the air, waving them like he just doesn’t care. These sways might be interpreted as his form of dancing. He especially enjoys dancing to the music of movies and cartoons, such as Frozen’s "Let It Go" or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme song (the latest version of the show). As such, we decorated our home for Jace’s party with Ninja Turtle adornments.

My sister, Allison, has two children, Ayden and Brogan. My father, Jim Cartee, Jr., is known as G-Daddy by Ayden and Brogan. Annabelle has since named G-Daddy, JayJay, for reasons unknown to me. The new nickname seems to have taken hold…. Annabelle and Jace say “JayJay” much more often than "G-Daddy." It is endearing when Annabelle constantly asks, "Where is JayJay? Where is CeeCee?” Annabelle has developed a strong sentiment toward my parents.       

CeeCee, JayJay, and Allison attended Jace’s party. In doing so, they traveled from Nashville to Knoxville, a decent drive of approximately three hours. During the occasion, Jace had his first taste of birthday cake. At first, Jace seemed hesitant, like, "What do I do with this food sitting in front of me?" He then wrecked the cake with his bare hands by stuffing the delicious dessert into his mouth. Jace’s reactions to sweet flavors were entertaining, to say the least! 

After scouring the birthday cake, our family shared dinner together. Then Jace opened his presents. Of course, Annabelle was extremely helpful, eating as much cake as possible and then playing with the gifts…all the things a big sister should do. Annabelle now constantly reminds us that her birthday is approaching in August. As a once-in-a-lifetime event in Jace’s journey, turning one, it was wonderful having the family together. These times together used to be more frequent. So, I cherish the few moments a year we are all together.

As I grow older, I have realized how difficult traveling becomes with two children under the age of three, especially on long road trips. We stayed close to home for a summer vacation to keep things simple. We traveled to a small mountain town named Townsend, close to Knoxville, Tennessee. Before our trip, Allison left after the party on Saturday, returning to Nashville.   

Townsend is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains and offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical prominence. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Townsend experienced a logging business boom that fueled its economic growth. The dense forests surrounding the town provided abundant valuable timber, attracting logging companies and sawmills to the area. Townsend now serves as a unique tourist destination on the quiet side of the Smokies, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

For six days, my parents rented a cabin for our family in Townsend. I wish I had taken more pictures of this residence. The house was built by the grandfather of the man who owned it. The craftsmanship was awe-inspiring! The layout of the cabin included one bedroom downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. CeeCee and JayJay slept downstairs while Lisa, I, and the kids slept upstairs. There was a comfortable space for socialization and watching television on the main level. Another similar smaller space existed in a loft area upstairs with furniture and another television. The cabin felt homey with candescent lights and the fresh smell of mountain wood. The residence occupied property across the street from the Little River, a waterway where thousands of visitors tube every summer in Townsend. I could have stayed several more days in this beautiful home!

On our first day, with the company of my parents, Lisa and I wanted to take the kids to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. We also visited a local moonshine establishment called Sugarlands Moonshine Distilling Company. My parents were soon tired of the July 4^th crowds and the midday heat. So, CeeCee and JayJay left Gatlinburg a little early. At the same time, Lisa, I, and the kids enjoyed an arcade, some light shopping, and the Ole’ Smoky Candy Kitchen. This candy store existed in Gatlinburg since 1952, and this establishment has made homemade taffy since its opening. Their taffy selection consists of thirty-three flavor choices. If you ever visit Gatlinburg, you must visit the Candy Kitchen. Our first day in the mountains was definitely full of action!

On Tuesday, July 4, we all took the kids down by the riverside to swim. Annabelle and Jace would sit in the shallow parts, throw rocks, and enjoy the cool water. At first, both kids were intimidated by the current, but eventually, both seemed to acclimate to the river. At night, the town leadership of Townsend planned a Fourth of July fireworks event. Before the fireworks, there were food trucks and live entertainment with local bands. Annabelle and I threw a Nerf football on a nearby field. When Annabelle and I returned to our chairs, Annabelle wanted to involve CeeCee in throwing the football. Annabelle can throw pretty hard if close enough to your face. She did just that! Annabelle hit Mom in her mouth, knocking her glasses off and messing up a glamorous hairstyle fit for the occasion. I laughed vigorously for several minutes, thus frustrating Mom even more. Annabelle joined in on the laughing escapade as well.

Unfortunately, we might have been too close to the fireworks launch site. It was very loud! While Jace seemed unaffected by the noise, the fireworks scared Annabelle. She has since declared that the fireworks are over and that there will be no more fireworks this summer. The event and celebratory spectacle were phenomenal!

We visited The Dancing Bean coffee house on Wednesday and a few more local country souvenir shops. This coffee shop sits in a large log cabin, close to other shops and a winery. The interior of the Dancing Bean is quaint and homey, with a few tables and chairs. For coffee alone, this is our favorite spot in Townsend. However, if you desire both an excellent coffee and a dessert treat, we also thoroughly enjoy The Chocolate Bar.

We then ate at Townsend's newest restaurant, The Peaceful Side Social Brewery and Craft Kitchen. The eatery includes a microbrewery and a solid food selection. The beer was good, and the food was tasty. The Peaceful Side had a large patio outside and a small playground for young children with slides and a tunnel on what resembled a small hill of greenery. The area's layout was well-designed with families and outdoors enthusiasts in mind. Because Annabelle and Jace enjoyed the river so much the day before, Lisa and I took them back to the same shallow river spot as before. This time, we stayed longer than our visit before, so the kids could soak and swim leisurely. Mom and Dan decided to go home rather than take another swim in the river.

On Thursday, Mom and Dad left to go home in the morning. Lisa, I, and the kids stayed one extra day. While a little challenging with Annabelle, we decided to hike on the West Pong Trail in the Smokey Mountains National Park. The trail is wide and relatively flat with a steady incline, ideal for families with kids. We hiked approximately one and a half miles on the trail before Annabelle wanted me to carry her. We continually try to acclimate the kids to the outdoors; however, kids will be kids. They quickly grow tired and then want to be carried.   

After our three-mile hike (1.5 miles in and out), the kids took a one-hour nap in the car. The Peaceful Side restaurant has a taco bar from Thursday-Sunday during the spring and summer seasons. Lisa and I were eager to try this specific cuisine since we thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant the previous day. The food tasted like traditional Mexican street tacos with delectable spices and ingredients. We again enjoyed being with the kids outside, with the mountains surrounding us on all sides.     

On Friday morning, Lisa and I wanted to visit The Dancing Bean one more time for a last-minute coffee. Townsend has several miles of paved walkways, including alongside the Little River. We walked another three miles with the children in a stroller. Before returning home to Knoxville, we visited the Foothills Parkway, which has some of the most beautiful Wears Valley and Townsend vistas. It is a relaxed road through the mountains without much traffic, so one can pull over and soak in the scenery. It was a solid note to end the trip on! 

Because of Jace’s first birthday and our trip to Townsend, I was reminded of some valuable life lessons. For example, swimming in the river and savoring the taste of moonshine again taught me to find happiness in life's simple pleasures. Life is full of everyday moments that can bring joy if we are present and appreciative of them. This trip reminded me of the importance of living in the present, fully engaged in each moment, just as I was fully present in nature's embrace.

The memories I created with my family during this trip are precious. They reinforced the significance of nurturing and cherishing connections with loved ones, as these relationships enrich our lives.

Nature operates on its own terms, reminding me that there are aspects of life beyond our control. Sometimes, the best approach is to let go and trust the journey, just as I have trusted trails that led me through the wilderness while hiking.

(Jace loves playing with balloons!)

(I kept laughing at Jace shoving the cake in his mouth.)

(Annabelle loves her Aunt Allison!)

(Jace enjoys the river with JayJay’s assistance.)

(When we hike as a family, Jace rides and enjoys the scenery.)

(One of the viewpoints on the Foothills Parkway.)

(Annabelle plays nicely with her brother, Jace, in the river.)

(Annabelle smiles and snuggles with CeeCee during the 4^th of July event in Townsend.)

(Jace likes holding the markers more than actually drawing with them.)

(Jace thinks, “Is my second birthday here yet? I need more cake!”)

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Take a breather for yourself and others! Take time to refresh….

 

(The roaring waters at Cumberland Falls State Park in Kentucky)

In order to be the best version of yourself for the people in your life, sometimes you need to refresh and step away from the everyday routine. That might look like practicing five minutes of mindfulness meditation. It might be a weekend away, spending time with God and nature. It might even mean splurging on a reasonable shopping spree to buy something nice for yourself.

My wife, Lisa, and I saw Noah Kahan perform at The Signal in Chattanooga, Tennessee this past weekend. Kahan represents a folk-pop voice that boasts of a New England upbringing and mental health struggles. His music presents real-life scenarios with an authentic voice of pure honesty. Kahan is certainly not afraid to write about personal turmoil in his crafted lyrics. Almost every show on his current tour has now sold out! I felt privileged that I was able to attend his concert when the supply of tickets seemed limited.

We also spent time with my lifelong friend, Jason Coffey. Jason, his wife, and some hired babysitters were willing to watch our kids on this date night out. We hung out Saturday, eating good food, watching movies, and reminiscing about family memories shared with the Coffey’s. I definitely have many evident lifelong blessed relationships, including my friendship with Jason.

On another recent outing a couple of weeks back, I took a whole day to drive to Corbin, Kentucky. I enjoyed the small Appalachian town, Corbin’s version of Main Street, and Cumberland Falls State Park, where I hiked several miles. Cumberland Falls is considered the “Niagara Falls of the South.” It is one of the few locations in the eastern United States where you can actively view a moonbow, a rainbow where light from the moon becomes refracted through water droplets in the air. I would enjoy seeing such a majestic natural phenomenon! This occurrence happens several times yearly with a calendar on the Tennessee State Parks website.

The waterfalls roared with a blissful mist! I took a few minutes to pause and pray in the moment's beauty. I needed some fresh mountain air on this specific day to get away and breathe. Please see the pictures of this fascinating place below.

Corbin is home to the famed Colonel Sanders, who started Kentucky Fried Chicken. In fact, you can eat at the original KFC restaurant in town. Corbin also has a pottery painting studio and a pinball machine museum. After a long hike at Cumberland Falls, I ate at The Wrigley Taproom and Brewery, where I ordered the Harvest Buddha Bowl. This dish consists of grilled chicken breast, charred carrots, red cabbage, pickled cauliflower, crunchy quinoa, cranberries, rice, and maple miso dressing. The meal was a delectable delight to my taste buds. I drank one local microbrew with my fresh farm meal. There were some quaint stores on Main Street Corbin, a coffee shop, and a few other one-of-a-kind dining establishments. It was a jewel of a town on the outskirts of the Cumberland Plateau, where nature meets the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Williamsburg, Kentucky, home of the University of the Cumberlands, is directly south of Corbin. On the way to Knoxville, I stopped on this town’s Main Street to visit the Moonbow Mercantile, where I treated myself to homemade ice cream. I also visited The Suds Barn and Boutique, a shop specializing in individualized crafts, jewelry, and bath essentials (soaps, bath bombs, lotion, etc.). I spoke personally with the owner, Rebecca Lunsford, for a good while. She answered many more questions I had about the region and other undiscovered treasures. I bought a few items to take home, including a butter lotion that has helped Jace with some recent mild eczema. Rebecca makes all these home remedies and highly recommended the cream for Jace.

Regarding these recent events, you have to take care of yourself, and this revelation involves doing things for yourself. Now, some people are not going to like the progressive steps you take to enjoy your days and practice methods of mental health self-care. You are having fun when they might not be. You feel that you should be working or doing something productive. At least, these self-thoughts sometimes plague my mind. While I rarely feel guilty taking a little time for myself, sometimes I need to pause more, put down the work, and remain present. Again, this mentality takes many various forms. This breather might be going out to eat alone. You might seek to take a hike near a beautiful waterfall. It might be spending time with your spouse and/or children.

It is vital to stop and enjoy yourself. To care for your own family, you must care for yourself. That means not feeling guilty when you do so. That means taking action without remorse and without caring what others might think.

God cares for you, and He desires for you to enjoy life. He wants you to accomplish great things but also that you take time to recognize those great moments.

One of these immense moments for me was standing at the edge of some of the grandest waterfall cascades in the southeast. I will remember that prayerful moment at the edge of that canyon river for many years to come. For further long-term appreciation, I will remember Cumberland Falls. I will remember my date night at Noah Kahan. I will remember the vested time spent with my dear friends like the Coffey’s.

These are the moments I seek to cherish. These are the memories I remain grateful for in the experiences they bring. Now, learn to take your own breather and enjoy your life today as it is at this moment!

(Jace cuddles in the arms of Catherine Coffey)

(Noah Kahan entertains the crowd in concert at The Signal in Chattanooga, Tennessee.)

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