Living In Gratitude: What A Wonderful World

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Have you ever stopped to consider what an amazing world we live in?

There are numerous things all around us that are awe-inspiring if we simply take a moment to look closely.

  • The beauty of dew drops that sparkle and reflect the morning sun.
  • The intensity and brilliance of colors, aromas, and sounds.
  • The incredible number and variety of living things.
  • The warmth of a hug.
  • The power of a smile.
  • The immensity of the oceans.

The list is endless.

What do you find wonderful in the world? Make a list in a notebook or gratitude journal.

May your day be filled with gratitude and good things.

Living In Gratitude: Just For Today

I will let go of worry.

I will let go of anger.

I will do my work honestly.

I will give thanks for my many blessings.

I will be kind to every living thing.

~Reiki Precepts

Letting go can be a freeing process, especially when we release negative emotions. Giving thanks for our many blessings allows us to let go and boosts our happiness.  Read more

Living In Gratitude: Now Is The Time

If we are ever to enjoy life, now is the time, not tomorrow or the next year… Today should always be our most wonderful day. ~Thomas Dreier

The ability to live in the present and savor positive experiences has been scientifically proven to enhance and prolong happiness. People who become ‘experts’ at extending and reliving good feelings as well as appreciating things both big and small tend to experience less negative emotions such as stress and depression. Read more

Living In Gratitude: Express Gratitude

The expression of gratitude is a kind of meta-strategy for achieving happiness. ~ Sonja Lyubomirsky

Gratitude is many things to many people but it is so much more than simply saying ‘thank you’.

  • Gratitude is wonder.
  • It is appreciation.
  • It is looking on the bright side after a setback.
  • It is thanking the people who support you.  Read more

Living In Gratitude: You Are Never Too Old

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~C.S. Lewis

Keep life vibrant and inspiring by exploring new things, taking new opportunities and aiming for new heights. Read more

Living In Gratitude: Stop Focusing On How Stressed You Are

Stop focusing on how stressed you are and remember how blessed you are.

There are days when life overwhelms us. Everything is a struggle and our stress level skyrockets.

When we are in this place – and it happens to all of us – we often focus on what is wrong rather than all of the blessings that surround us.

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Living In Gratitude: A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten the words.

One of the best things in life is having a true friend. Another is being a true friend. Having connections with different people who understand, support and appreciate you, make you laugh, let you cry and help you remember who you are is an amazing gift.

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Living In Gratitude: Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.

By taking time to show your gratitude for the small things in life, you will open your eyes and heart to the tremendous amount you have to be grateful for.

If you’re not used to appreciating the little things, take baby steps. Start with being aware of those seemingly insignificant and trivial things. Make a mental note of one or two things a day that you appreciated. Maybe even start a gratitude journal and jot these items down each day.

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Living In Gratitude: Whatever The Present Moment Contains…

Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. ~Eckhart Tolle

 

There are days when life throws us curve balls. Many are minor frustrations and others, major challenges. When these occur, as they are sure to, take a deep breath and do your best to work with rather than against the tide. Read more

Gratitude: Candy For Your Doctor? How Appreciation Changes The Interaction

Appreciation can be a kind of wake-up call. It can spark aliveness and connection in both the receiver and the giver. Below is a description of a study that utilized candy to measure the response of doctors.

I liked the idea and put my own version to work:

Recently I visited a new doctor for my annual check-up. Instead of candy, I brought with me, as a gift, one of the Gratitude Habitat bookmarks. Written on it is, “Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.”  My appointment was at the end of the day. Dr. S. looked a bit tired. As I handed her the bookmark I simply said, “Thank you for the work you do.” She stopped, read it, took a breath and shared a story of how the day before, she told her ailing father how much she appreciated him and how important it was for him to be grateful, too. They talked about what they appreciated about each other and about life. She said that his spirit was lifted and his voice grew stronger. Her facial expression and voice tone were soft and open. Clearly a special moment was created.

My new doctor said to me, “This is a perfect gift for me. Thank you.”

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