Forgive & Let Go

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At one time or another, and probably more than once, we’ve all felt we were owed an apology that never came. And when that happens, it is all too easy to hold tight to the pain, letting resentment and anger build.  Our relationship with the person who failed to ask for forgiveness begins to deteriorate.  We say to ourselves, “Well, they didn’t say they were sorry, so why should I forgive them?  Ultimately, we make a choice to be mad at them.  This anger builds until eventually, what we once shared or liked about that person ceases to exist.

Has anyone else had this happen to them, or is it just me?

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Everyday Heros

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There is a very special breed of person that holds our nation together:

Everyday Heroes.

Each and every day, firefighters, teachers, medical professionals, professors, and police officers risk their lives and give so much back to our community.

And there are many other unsung everyday heroes who make the world a better place using generosity, kindness, peace, forgiveness, and encouragement or through sharing their talents of teaching, creativity and insightfulness. And others find ways, despite all obstacles, to live life to the fullest and bring incredible optimism to those around them. Read more

Some Days, It’s Not Easy To Be Grateful

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To say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our lives is necessarily great. It just means we are aware of our blessings. ~Dr. Robert Emmons

There are times when feeling grateful is really tough. Many things can have us looking on the downside rather than counting our blessings.

  • A loved one is ill or passed away.
  • We lost our job.
  • The car breaks down.
  • We’re having financial woes.
  • Our favorite sports team lost the playoffs.
Tough times, when faced with honesty and courage can make us better, stronger, wiser people.  Read more
Violin

Make The Best Of Things

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Throughout our lives, we are presented with opportunities. How we view these situations and what we do with them is our choice. At times, we may feel an opportunity is more of an obstacle.

In the story below, famous violinist Itzhak Perlman reaches into himself to create beautiful music with what is available to him at that very moment. His situation illustrates how we all have the chance to create and contribute even when circumstances are not the best.

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World renown violinist Itzhak Perlman was stricken with polio at the age of four. He eventually recovered and learned to walk with crutches. Today, he uses crutches, leg braces or an electric scooter for mobility and plays the violin while seated.  Read more

It’s a Sweet Life….& Sweet, New Products

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When you stop & smell the flowers life is sweet. Witness the beauty in all that you meet.

A positive, appreciative outlook allows us to fully experience the sweetness of life. It is a conscious choice to live every moment with love, grace and gratitude. By doing so, we open our hearts to happiness, growth and abundance.  Read more

Get Ready, Get Set, Hug!

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You can’t wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug.

A hug is one of the most basic ways humans touch. A positive exchange of energy, a hug creates a connection that cannot be expressed in words.

  • We have ‘hello’ hugs and ‘goodbye’ hugs.
  • We celebrate with a “congratulations!” hug.
  • Hugs show appreciation and support.
  • Hugs make us feel safe, secure and loved.
  • They can lift our spirits and make us smile.
  • Hugs can help us heal, break down barriers and allow us to feel understood with no exchange of words.

Hugs are powerful.  Read more

The Key To A Happy Life

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Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more. ~ Brother David Steindl-Rastl

Part of the holiday season is the giving of gifts. Giving can be a wonderful expression to show caring and appreciation. These gifts don’t have to be material or store-bought; the ones that aren’t, often, are so much more meaningful. Read more

How To Teach Children Gratitude

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Do not take anything for granted — not one smile or one person or one rainbow or one breath, or one night in your cozy bed.  ~Terri Guillemets

Gratitude is an attitude toward living. Children learn gratitude by watching their parents, teachers, grandparents and other adult role models in their lives. These role models set the tone. Children mirror the values they see on a daily basis. If children are shown and experience the value of gratitude in daily life, appreciation will become a part of their attitude.

Below are four ways to nurture gratitude in children. Read more

12 Ways To Bring Gratitude Into Your Life

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May you experience all the levels of thankfulness and the soul-gifts that each offers. For then it will be truly possible to give and receive joy every day of your life. ~ M.J. Ryan

Below are 12 things you can do to add gratitude to your everyday life. Count your blessings and see how your whole life will turn around! Read more

6 Thanksgiving Traditions To Be Remembered

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Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse. ~ Henry Van Dyke

Traditions are meant to be simple yet meaningful as well as enjoyed and remembered for years to come.

Thanksgiving traditions usually include turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie and families huddled around the television watching football. The holiday lends itself by it’s very nature to sharing our gratitude.

Below are a few traditions that will help promote the expression of appreciation and thankfulness. Read more