being grateful

20 11, 2019

Start with a Grateful Heart

By |2019-11-20T07:31:27-06:00November 20th, 2019|Wednesday Quote, Wednesday Words|1 Comment

About the graphic

This is a meme I created several years ago for my November gratitude blogs. The quote is not original, it’s around any place inspiration merchandise is available. I selected the rising sun photo for my version.

About the quote

Like I said, this is an extremely popular quote. I’ve seen it on journals, posters, magnets, and bumper stickers. Reading it always brings a smile to my face and it reminds me of the rich blessings I have in my life.

8 11, 2017

Focus on Gratitude – Cicero

By |2017-11-04T20:45:40-05:00November 8th, 2017|Wednesday Words of Wisdom|2 Comments

Cicero says gratitude is the parent of all virtues. So what is gratitude?

Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what we have. It’s being thankful and grateful. Gratitude encourages us not only to appreciate gifts but to repay them or pay them forward.

Studies show that when we deliberately cultivate gratitude, we can increase our well-being and happiness. Being grateful—and especially the expression of it to others—increases energy, optimism, and empathy.

So what are you thankful for today?

 

14 11, 2016

Creating a gratitude list – 4 suggestions

By |2016-11-11T10:04:53-06:00November 14th, 2016|Make Me Think Monday|1 Comment

thanksgivingGratitude, I’m sad to say, is not part of most people’s natural disposition.

I understand. It’s hard to be thankful when all around us is hurt and pain and disappointment.

Gratitude doesn’t make sense, but it’s a discipline needed to remind ourselves of the many reasons we have to be grateful, which in turn will push off negativity.

Being grateful is a choice. If you’ve lived most of your life NOT focusing on gratitude, it’s not so simple to change that perspective.

Developing an attitude of gratitude can take time and effort. One way to begin that change is to write a daily gratitude list.

It’s hard at first, especially on those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days, but over time a daily gratitude list can give you an attitude adjustment.

Where to start? How to start? What to put on your list? Here are some suggestions:

Grab a pencil or pen, some paper, and write out a list of things you’re thankful for. The kinesthetic experience of actually writing is valuable for two reasons:

  1. The physical act imprints a feeling of gratitude at the cellular level.
  2. Writing by hand is a slow process and provides more time for contemplation.

Chose a realistic number of things to list. Begin with two or three at first and work your way up to whatever number makes you feel comfortable.

Identify things around you to put on your list. Chose simple things like you woke up. Your house. The sunrise/sunset. There is so much to be thankful for, if we only have eyes to see.

Fake it, if necessary, until the habit is established. You may not actually feel grateful for anything at first, pretend. Before long you’ll discover gratitude is all around. Next, you’ll learn gratitude grows the more you use it.

If writing a gratitude list isn’t for you, try grateful beads. That’s what I use.grateful-beads

Grateful beads are a string of the ten beads that serve as a guide to being thankful. Three beads for three people who touch your life. Six beads for six things, events, and occurrences and the final bead to remind you to give thanks to your creator.

And in case you were wondering, this is my grateful bead list for today:

Like-minded friends and encouragers: Jody and Millie

My husband, who is my biggest fan and strongest supporter

Good health

Living in the forest where I can enjoy nature

Being able to share stories with readers

Readers who write to tell me how much they enjoy my stories

Old church hymns

Last, and most important, Grace — God’s love that cannot be explained (only surrendered to)

Here’s my challenge for you: Whether you use a gratitude list or grateful beads, find some time today, wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, to be grateful.

What would be on your gratitude list? Share in the comments.

9 11, 2016

GRATEFUL + THANKFUL = GRATITUDE

By |2017-11-04T19:57:22-05:00November 9th, 2016|Wednesday Words of Wisdom|1 Comment

GRATEFUL and THANKFUL are adjectives describing deep appreciation.  Exhibiting both adjectives causes GRATITUDE.

gratitudequote3

In this month of emphasis on being thankful, I’m an author who is grateful to and thankful for readers who read  my books.

Use the comments below and/or on Twitter with these hashtags #grateful #gratitude to share what you’re thankful for today.

13 11, 2013

GRATEFUL GRATITUDE – One Word Wednesday

By |2017-11-04T20:13:59-05:00November 13th, 2013|one word Wednesday|7 Comments

GRATEFUL is an adjective describing a deep appreciation for kindness shown to oneself.gratefulGRATEFUL can be a powerful motivator.

Being GRATEFUL puts a smile on your face.

The word GRATITUDE is a noun meaning to feel grateful or thankful.

gratitudequote3Verbalizing GRATITUDE puts smiles on others’ faces.

Today I’m a grateful author who is thankful for readers of my blog posts and books.

YOUR TURN:

Share what you’re grateful for today—in the comments below, on Twitter with these hashtags #grateful #gratitude, or join with the Thankful November Days posts on Facebook.

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