December 31st - Next year

December 31st
I am grateful for 2016! I am grateful that I will be able to start the new year refreshed and excited to complete this years challenges and projects and take on new and productive life learning projects similar to this one.

I am grateful that I am able to continue to put into practice all that I have learnt this year and make 2016 an even more fruitful and productive year, enduring more positive moments and events, some which I already now of and some which I look forward to have revealed to me.

I am grateful that I have another year to build up confidence, fulfil new years resolutions, continue growing up and take on life challenges.

I am grateful and thankful to you, my 365 gratitude blog readers, for following me, reading my blogs and giving me support, whether it was from the 1st of January or somewhere in between now and then.

I really hope you have become a better person by finding the encouragement, examples and inspirations which I have provided for you throughout these blogs, as much as it has helped me.

Before I forget, I would like to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I conclude this with my self-created catchphrase, with tears in my eyes, filled with gratitude.

Take care :), Catch you later

December 30th - The year 2015

December 30th
I am grateful for the year 2015. I can honestly and safely say that this year has been the most productive year for me. This year I have found many treasures and many moment of joy, happiness, understanding and positivity.

I am so grateful that this year has helped me find new friends, at work and outside of work that have helped me grow and become a better person. I am grateful for this new mindset that I am in.

I am grateful that I had made the selfish decision of focussing on myself and my small family (my wife and I) and pushed past limits which I was afraid to pass in the past. I am grateful that I said yes to learning more about my work (accepting different roles), more about my hobbies (acting), more about my mind (thought processes and dealing with situations in my mind), and taking safe steps into areas which I thought were risky in the past.

I am grateful for the awards and recognitions which I have received this year. I am grateful for the efforts I have put in physically to improve my body image. I am grateful for the friends that have given me incredible advice and have helped me every step of the way this year with all my projects and tasks.

I am grateful for my wife for being patient and tolerable with me while I hide away at my computer writing these blogs and limiting the time I could have spent with her. I am grateful for her support and encouragement she has given me and kept me going with this project. I love you very much for this and hope you see this. xoxoxox

I have been able to grow into an adult, and work towards growing into the person I want to be, not being the product of other peoples, as this is what I have had to endure in the past. I am grateful that I am now able to say I am in more control of my life and the direction in which I want to go.

ONE MORE TO GO!!!!!! AAAAARRRGGGGG HAHAHAHA :D

December 29th - 365 Gratitude

December 29th
I am grateful for this 365 gratitude project. I cannot believe I am just about to complete this yearly project and am close to tears knowing that I am just two more blogs away (after this blog) from completing something which I had low expectations of completing.

I am so grateful that this project has pushed my limits. It has helped me discover so much about myself, it has opened my mind and my eyes to the world that I am living in. It has made me a more positive person, and a more understanding person and helped me realise that I can be grateful and thankful for anything, anyone, any situation and ever moment in my life, whether it is in the past, present or future.

I am able to see the good in negative situation, transforming it into a positive situation as I am able to learn about myself and the 'negative situation', understanding how I can deal with it in the future.

I am grateful that this has healed my past, and myself, finding forgiveness in all that had once made me angry, upset, confused, tormented and sick, physically, mentally and emotionally.

I am grateful that this project has helped me realise I have this power within me to change the world. The world that is in my mind, the world that I see, the world that surrounds me. This may or may not be effective for others, but if you are willing to challenge yourself and make a difference in your mind, start now!

I now know I have the power, mentally, within myself to take on anything and make it a positive outcome.

December 28th - My new headphones

December 28th
I am grateful for my new headphones which I got for Christmas from my loving wife. After months of complaining that I couldn't find any headphones that will work for me and being picky about what I want, she was able to find something that was exactly what I was after.

I am grateful that I am able to now got for walks and jogs with these headphones, as well as use them while I am on the computer (I am even wearing them now while I am writing this blog). I am grateful that I am able to take phone call with them on if they are connected to my phone.

I am grateful that it can eliminate a majority of external sounds when I am listening to music or important theoretical readings or speeches, eliminating distractions.

December 27th - My cultural background

December 27th
I am grateful for my cultural background. I honestly have not been grateful for this for many many years, feeling scared of what people thought of my, thinking I am either second class or incompetent in any situation.

But I am grateful that I have taken a few moments to learn about my Sri Lankan background from my parents and nana, which has helped me understand so much about myself which didn't make sense for so many years. I have learnt and understood how my mum and dad have grown up and in a way, the psychology and reasons for why they said or did things for me when I was a child and teenager.

I am grateful for the lifestyle of Sri Lanka, back then and now. I am grateful that the culture is growing and flourishing to survive in the world today. I am grateful for all it has taught my parents in their home country and in Australia. I am grateful for the cuisines that are brought to our Australian land, the genuine techniques to do certain things here and adapting to Australia in a Sri Lankan style.

December 26th - Mandala colouring books

December 26th
I am grateful for mandala colouring books. I recently got one of these to understand if this will calm my mind down during stressful moments or at times I am feeling anxious. I have found that this does calm me down and distract me enough to forget what I am anxious, upset or stressed about, even if it was for several brief moments.

I am grateful that I can tune out the world and enjoy just relaxing and enjoying my time colouring in, bringing back memories of when I was a child just colouring in and creating art work.

December 25th - Christmas

December 25th
I am grateful for Christmas. I am grateful that this one day is celebrated by many people all around the world.

Some may not celebrate it for this reason but I am grateful that I get to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and celebrate his birthday with my friends and family.

I am grateful that I get to spend time with both my families, on my side and as well on my wife's side. I am grateful for the company, I am grateful that we sit around the table, having conversations about the good, bad, funny and memorable moments of the year, or in the past. I am grateful for the food that is prepared for us to enjoy and feast upon.

I am grateful that I am able to spend time at church, giving thanks for all that I have and all that I can look forward to enjoying in the future.

I nearly forgot, I am grateful for the presents. I am grateful that this is a gift to show you that others are grateful for having you in their life.

December 24th - Letters

December 24th
I am grateful for receiving letters from relatives and friends. Lately they have been coming in the form of cards, but several friends who I don't quite see as often due to distance or their career, write to me to keep me updated on how their year has been or what they are up to.

I am grateful that these letters are hand written, giving it a more personal touch to the letter. To me, it feels like the message comes from the heart, giving the letter more personality and more of a genuine feel.

I am especially grateful for the letter I get from my wife. I may see her everyday, even if it is briefly some days, but she writes to me to tell me she misses, and that I am doing good in all that I do and tells me how much she loves me. This makes me feel like I am worth something, that what ever I am doing is worth doing and gives me joy and happiness in life.

December 23rd - Noise

December 23rd
I am grateful for noise. I know I have said in my previous blogs that I am grateful for silence and no distractions etc, but I have been grateful for having noise around me.

I am grateful for having noise around me because this keeps me alert, it keeps me awake and reassures me that I am not alone. It helps me know that people are around and that if I need help, there are people around to help me. I am also grateful that it proves I am not deaf....yet.

I am grateful that some noise can calm me down, such as meditation music, the sound of instruments playing tunes  or the sound of my birds alerting me that someone is approaching the house.

December 22nd - Historical stories

December 22nd
I am grateful for historical stories. These stories, whether real or mythological are able to teach me something about an important past event or a story which relates to a country or a time and how they thought or did things which made sense to them.

These events can be world wars, the Berlin wall, unfortunate events, stories about inventors and inventions, political events, or even religious stories and events which have happened in the past or more recently.

I am grateful that historical stories teach me about different cultures or the reason why people are scared, upset or relaxed around different cultures or events that happen in the present moment. I am grateful that these stories are able to help me understand my world today.

I am grateful that I am able to learn about historical stories about famous people, whether good or bad and take the positive traits out of those people and incorporate them into my life and bring my own style to it to make my life more happy, peaceful, productive and easy going.

December 21st - Theatre productions

December 21st

I am grateful for theatre productions. I am grateful that they are entertaining, as well as amusing to people like myself who like to see the techniques used during the show, such as the costumes, music, the singing, the acting, the sets and props used on stage and how the backstage crew are flawless and ninja-like.

I am grateful that I am able to be apart of several theatre production, understanding all that surround putting on a performance, knowing how long we must rehearse and practice, and perfect how to deliver a message to the audience loud and clear, if there is a message.

I am grateful for the amusement and creativity in each performance I have been involved in and been apart of the audience for as I am able to learn something new and rejuvenate my creative muscle and create ideas from what I have witness for productions in the future.

December 20th - Water based Icy Poles

December 20th
I am grateful for water based icy poles. I recently had a bout of gastro and icy poles were one of the many few things that I was able to hold down.I am grateful that icy poles were able to keep my hydrated during this time.

I am grateful that icy poles are a great way to cool yourself down during the warmer weather, and if you are a watching your weight and fitness as I am, this is a lower calorie consumer, other than water or plain ice, better than having ice cream.

I am grateful that you are able to get icy poles in different flavours, even flavours like bubble gum, cola or blue heaven.

December 19th - Fairy tales

December 19th
I am grateful for fairy tales. I am grateful that this were probably the first stories we have heard as a child. I am grateful that this has helped our mind create emotions and broaden our imaginations from a younger age, to being able to create many ideas and concepts as an adult.

I am grateful that these stories help us, may be without us knowing, our likes and dislikes, decided what is scary to us and what fills us with joy, in a very mild and child-like way. I am grateful that if we were being read a fairy tale from a book, we were able to see what different colours meant, such as dark colours being bad and light colours representing good.

I am grateful that they help us grow, as well as entertain us as children, bringing joy to our faces, as well as giving adults the chance to spend time with their child to nurture them.

December 18th - Video Camera

December 18th
I am grateful for video cameras. I am grateful that this allows me to showcase some of my acting talent, as well as video recording memories, such as birthdays, special events and holidays with my family and friends, being able to look back at these memories and have a laugh or reminisce on the events of the past.

I am grateful that this instrument allows myself and others to record projects they may be doing, such as short films, documentaries or self help step by step videos. Without a video camera I and many people I know would not be able to do all these things, being a source of entertainment or help.

I am grateful that video cameras are now able to record more, and have the ability to transfer recorded footage onto a SD card instead of a video tape, preventing data, memories and work from being damaged. I am grateful that they are also able to get clearer footage and longer zoom.

December 17th - Auditions

December 17th
I am grateful for auditions. I am someone who does a bit of television extras work and theatre, and my agency provides me with opportunities to audition for major and minor roles for television commercials.

I have actually had one recently and I am grateful for producers and companies for noticing me and allowing me to showcase my talent to them and allowing me to be apart of their projects.

I am grateful that this allows me to network with many productions companies, both for television and theatre, as they are able to know who I am and what I am capable of doing, giving them the chance to remember me an offer more work for me for future productions.

December 16th - Hats

December 16th
I am grateful for hats. I am personally grateful for hats as I feel I need to wear them when I am outdoors, especially when I am going for a walk or jog, as my eyelashes are rather long and they cause a bit of glare from the sun glowing on the ends of my eyelashes. True story!

I am grateful that hats are able to eliminate this glare from my eyes and stop me from squinting or looking like I have trouble with my eye sight, even more that I really do.

I am grateful as well for hats being able to protect the sun rays from burning my face while I am outside.

I am also grateful that I can use a hat as a form of fashion, allowing me to have a more fashionable form of casual, or even a casual form of formal wear.

December 15th - Booze Buses

December 15th
I am grateful for booze buses. I am grateful that they keep our roads safe from drunk drivers, and now from people on drugs.

I am grateful that they make an attempt to keep the roads safe, especially during holiday seasons, from people who are drunk behind the wheel, or people who are high from drugs. I am grateful that they are able to take people off the road to prevent other drivers from getting injured, or even lose their life.

I am grateful that they are able to set themselves in places where they cannot be seen unless you are close by, yeah I am grateful for their sneakiness hahaha

December 14th - Sweating

December 14th
I am grateful for sweating. Many of you are probably thinking 'yeah whatever, you are just out of ideas for 365 gratitude', but I am grateful for sweating, especially while exercising. Yes it may be uncomfortable at times and embarrassing if it shows up on your clothes.

I am grateful that swearing can clear my skin and get rid of dirt and toxins in my skin and within my body.

I am grateful that sweating helps my body to cool down, even on hot days or again while I am exercising.

December 13th - Different points of view

December 13th

I am grateful for different points of view from other people. This allows me to see a different perspective of a situation which I was either mentally blinded or blocked by and now able to see a more informative view of the situation and understand why people do certain things or say certain things in a certain way.

I am grateful that I have learnt that this shows that there may not be a wrong answer to a situation in many cases, a win/win situation may occur and an agreement can be made. I am grateful that you can learn more about a situation, a person and even yourself, understanding that you, another person or a situation is being handled in a hasty or selfish way.

I am grateful that these following pictures have helped me understand different points of view.

December 12th - Prayers

December 12th
I am grateful for prayers. Many people believe that prayer brings them the things they need, not what they want. I believe this is true, but I am personally grateful for prayer on a personal, selfish reason.

I am grateful that prayer helps me in times when I am stressed, under pressure, unsure of something, scared, nervous or happy and grateful for something that I have received or been rewarded. I find that prayer mentally helps me prepare myself for what is to come, whatever the circumstance may be. I am grateful that prayer gets me into a better and positive frame of mind.

I am grateful that I am able to pray to God, Jesus, Mary, or any of the other saints that are recognised in my Catholic faith, and help me get through life in the best mindset. Some people may not believe me or think this is just 'mumbo jumbo', and honestly I sometimes think prayer isn't working for me.

But I feel that prayer is something that prepares the mind for the unknown future that is unfolding before me. It helps calm my nerves down when I need to. I have also learnt that prayer does not have to be reciting well known prayers, however I have really stopped to understand the meaning to those prayers and the words contained in the prayer and it has helped me with forgiving and understanding my past, keeping me alert in my present and keep me strong for my future.

December 11th - Insulin

December 11th
I am grateful for insulin injections. I do not have diabetes or need insulin injections but I know of many people who have diabetes and this saves them from getting sick quite often.

I am grateful that insulin injections regulate the body to manage the function of the kidneys and regulate the blood sugar levels in a diabetics body.

I am grateful it prevents major illnesses in diabetics, even preventing death if they were not able to get insulin.

December 10th - Failures I have endured

December 10th
I am grateful for the failures that I have endured and faced in my life. This has taught me more than actually succeeding or winning when completing tasks or challenges.

I am grateful that failures, whether public or personal, have taught me two major things in my journey through life. The first is that failure shows me where I am in life, what level I am playing life at, and that's a good thing. This means I know that my expectations are now realistic, and I can now think more or less of myself without thinking if I am better or worse at a task.

I am grateful that it has taught me that I must now improve to be better than I was yesterday. It has taught me that I have tried to succeed with the knowledge that I had and tried to complete a task in a certain way, and know I must try and do something different to be better, or walk towards success.

I am grateful that I do not find failure as an embarrassing moment any more. If I see or know someone is mocking me, laughing at me or judging me as a weak, poor, stupid, uncoordinated person, this says more about them self than it does towards me. Only I may give permission to feel these feelings and not by the influences of others.

December 9th - Jewellery

December 9th
I am grateful for jewellery. I am grateful that my bling helps me look a bit more presentable or a bit more fashionable when I attend events, parties, or even sometimes when I go out socially to catch up with friends.

I am grateful that jewellery helps compliment my style of clothing or the look I am presenting to others. I am grateful that jewellery can make me feel good about myself by making me feel like people would notice certain items I am wearing and therefore get a bit of attention, sometimes, and hopefully not in the wrong way.

I am grateful that some jewellery can compliment my skin complexion, such as silver or gold rings, necklaces, wrist bracelets or ear rings.

December 8th - Fuel discount vouchers

December 8th
I am grateful for fuel discount vouchers. With the rising price of petrol, these vouchers which you get after you shop at a Coles or Woolworth, helps make buying petrol for my car more affordable.

I am grateful it relieves a bit of stress from my wallet and allows me to have that little bit of money remaining in my bank account to help me purchase other things which I need in my life.

December 7th - Other religions

December 7th
I am grateful for other religions. I am grateful that they teach another form of peace, whether it is for your mind or outside purposes. I am grateful that, like my religion, it brings a sense of harmony to you and help you understand life more, giving you a philosophy to follow in life.

I am grateful that other religions can teach me something which my religion doesn't necessarily focus on or lacks, and I can broing that teaching into my life to bring positivity and good will into my life.

I am grateful how holy and religious some religions are, and how they show examples of prayer and worship, and discipline to make their God happy and do not stray away from their teachings and rules of their faith.

December 6th - Credit Cards

December 6th
I am grateful for credit cards. I am grateful that they are able to help me purchase items at a time when I do not have any money.

I am grateful that it helps me survive and put food on the table, or help me pay my bills when I don't have enough money for it. I am grateful it saves me from strive and stress when the time comes.

I am grateful that I am able to pay it off slowly and build up my finances in the mean time.

Decmeber 5th - My Baptism

December 5th
I am grateful for my baptism. I was a baby when I was baptised and had no say or knowledge for what I was signing up for, but now that I am older, I am grateful that this has happened.

I am grateful for being baptised in a religion which is teaching me a lot about how to be a better person and how to take life on in a more positive way.

I am grateful that baptism is a sacred and blessed part of my life and wouldn't want to chance it or have it any other way.

December 4th - Seminaries

December 4th
I am grateful for seminaries. I am grateful that there is a place where men of all ages are able to study and learn how to become a priest or learn more about the Catholic faith.

I am grateful that one of my close friends has been given the opportunity to study at a seminary are discern whether to be a Priest through studies and discipline.

I am grateful that many of my Catholic friends have entered the seminary and either become a priest or found their other purpose in life as a lay person or a married man

December 3rd - Instagram

December 3rd
I am grateful for Instagram. I am grateful that I am able to get inspiration and 'wake up call' posts from Instagram which help me snap out of a bad, grumpy or sad mood.

I am grateful that I am able to post my own motivational posts and pictures for the world to see and help them get into a positive frame of mine.

I am grateful that I am able to see some artistic pictures from my friends as well as people who are great photographers and able to enjoy different sceneries and types of pictures, giving me an insight to a different world.

December 2nd - Youtube

December 2nd
I am grateful for Youtube. This, as well as Facebook, is another form of procrastinating, but I am grateful that as well as being able to view funny and entertaining videos, I am able to search and view educational, inspirationsal and motivating videos which help me in my day to day life.

I am grateful that there are tutorial videos which helps me learn how to do certain things like, video editing, software downloading, or physical instructional videos on how to fold a fitted bed sheet.

I am grateful that with Youtube, I am able to create my own channel and post up my own videos, which can promote and showcase my acting work, and character development projects for performances and productions.

December 1st - Facebook

December 1st
I am grateful for Facebook. Even though this is a site which I most commonly use to procrastinate with, I have found a great use for it to promote myself and the work I do in the feild of acting, as well as posting up motivational memes, as well as sharing and posting positive post, in the attempt to drown out the negativity that is involved with this web program.

I am grateful that I am able to share personal items with my friends, being able to block out or restrict strangers and acquaintances from seeing post which I prefer my family and close friends to see.

I am grateful that I am able to keep in touch with friends that I have not or unable to physically see and 'like' their post and find out what they are up to. I am grateful that there is a messenger section to Facebook, where I can chat to my friends.I am grateful that I am able to understand my friends in another sense, learning more about their beliefs and interests though their post and likes.

I am grateful that I am able to create groups and specific pages which others can join and have more information about an event that may occur soon, or on projects such as this one which people can follow.

November 30th - Movies

November 30th
I am grateful for movies. I am grateful that they are a form of entertainment for all. I am grateful that it stretches our imaginations with fantasy genres, tests out wits and jerks our heart rates with horror themes, makes our blood rush with action movies and makes us cry and feel love with romantic movies.

I am grateful however, for the stories they tell, the characters, the quotes and the realistic themes when they occur. I am grateful for these moments when they relate to my life or help me realise something in my life which I was either unsure about or challenged, allowing my mind to be cleared.

I am grateful that I can relate my life to certain characters and ;earn from them, convincing me that the way I think or do things is not alien. I am grateful movies help me realise certain situation stir up certain emotions in me which I didn't know about, or confirm them yet again.

I am grateful that I can learn about certain story lines and that not everything turns out, contradictingly, like they do in the movies.

November 29th - Ambulances

November 29th
I am grateful for ambulances, ambulance drivers and nurses. I am grateful for their services and their life saving skills.

I am grateful that they are able to get to a certain point as soon as they can and either give aid or assistance to a person in need at the time of arrival, or keep them in a stable condition to the hospital.

I am grateful that this service has saved many lives and assisted families in a time of crisis.

November 26th - Kisses

November 26th
I am grateful for kisses, whether it is a kiss from my wife or a kiss on the cheek from friends and family when meeting them.

I am grateful that this is a sign of affection and gratitude, giving me signs of thankfulness for being who I am or for what I mean to the other person.

I am grateful that this is a meaningful greeting from friends and family, showing me that they are happy to see me and grateful for me to be in their company and catch up with them, whether it has been a long time or a short time in between interactions. I am grateful that they feel relaxed and happy to be around me.

November 25th - Soil

November 25th
I am grateful for earth and soil. I am grateful that this allows trees and plants to grow and live under the ground. I have had a chance to stop and think of how amazing the earth is, that if we plant seeds in the ground, nurture it and allow it to grow, a living plant with grow and produce fruit, vegetables, and plants for humans and animals.

I am grateful that there are many types of soils that benefit different types of areas for fruitful and productive plant life. There are different soil that enriches the plant more than another type of soil, and vice versa.

I am grateful that soil is the home for worms, spiders and other insects, helping move the earth and soil around.

November 24th - Homework

November 24th
I am grateful for homework. No, I am not sick or being sarcastic. I am grateful that homework allows you to spend time in learning, researching and skill developing outside of work or school hours.

I am grateful that this helps you prepare and make you more alert and knowledgeable for your next day of work or next class.

I am grateful that this even though you may have a set time frame to complete tasks, you are able to take your time to learn and understand topics and items,

November 23rd - Business cards

November 23rd
I am grateful for business cards as this is a great way to introduce yourself to a new client at work or business partner, making it feel more formal.

I am grateful that business cards are a great way to keep in contact with people you work with, as you are able to get information about their role as well as and the business they work for. I am grateful that it is a great way to represent yourself in a business environment.

November 22nd - Surprises

November 22nd

I am grateful for surprises, good surprises. I am grateful for receiving good and sudden news that may change my life or bring a smile to my face. I am grateful for receiving news about another person that can bring joy to myself and well deserved congratulatory, being able to wish them well.

 I am grateful for presents that are unexpected, either for efforts that I have put forth or for just being me. I am grateful for unexpected thank you surprises such as presents.....or maybe a payrise???

I am grateful for surprise parties, as this makes a person feel special and loved by friends and family, making them not feel forgotten.

November 21st - Barbeques

November 21st
I am grateful for barbeques. I am grateful that this is a social way to cook and entertain if you have people visit your house or if you are entertaining in a park or public area.

I am grateful that this is a casual, easy and relaxed form of cooking for friends and family, not taking too much effort or preparation.

I am grateful that this is a great way to fundraise money for charities or organisations, as it is popular, quick and easy service to provide food for the public.

November 20th - Wrist bands

November 20th
I am grateful for wristbands. These are fun and meaningful ways to promote businesses, famous or related quotes, religious phrases or places of interest.

I am grateful that wristbands can be used as a motivation to those who wear it, providing inspiring words or quotes to help them through the day or for a period of time.

I am grateful that it can show a small representation of where you work, a community service or group you are apart of or place you have visited, allowing social interactions to occur, sometimes even helping to break the ice.