Posts

Living In Gratitude: Vulnerability

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Vulnerability is defined as “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” And many of us have been taught to believe that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness. To protect ourselves against the perils of vulnerability, we employ emotional armor, which guards us against shame, hurt, scarcity, fear, and anxiety.  

But in her book, Daring Greatly, Brené Brown explains that vulnerability is a sign of courage and serves as the “birthplace of love, belonging, and joy.”

“Yes, being vulnerable is scary and yes, we’re open to being hurt, but can you imagine your life without loving or being loved?” asks Brown.

The very nature of love means opening ourselves to being vulnerable. With love comes the potential for hurt, grief, and loss. But a life without love is lonely, empty, and unfulfilling so we take the risk to love and be loved.

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Living In Gratitude: Just For Now

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Just for now, without asking how, let yourself sink into stillness.

Just for now, lay down the

weight you so patiently

bear upon your shoulders.

Feel the earth receive

you, and the infinite

expanse of sky grow even

wider as your awareness

reaches up to meet it. Read more

Grateful Traditions for Thanksgiving

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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.

Leaves/Tree of Thanks

Cut out (or purchase pre-cut) autumn leaves. Have each family member take a leaf or two and write things for which they are thankful. Attach the leaves to a branch using ribbons (a great centerpiece for the table) or tape to a ‘tree’ that has been cut out and placed on a wall or door. Read more

Living In Gratitude: Stress Happens

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Stress happens when we resist life’s events.

Let go.

Be at peace and appreciate life.

This is a spiritual practice.

Stress is a part of life. It’s a reaction to something that disrupts our mental or physical equilibrium, resulting in a ‘fight or flight’ reaction. In moderation, stress can keep us active, alert and excited but long-term, chronic stress can have a negative impact on our health.

You may not be able to eliminate stressors, but you can control how you react to them. Healthy stress management routines can help you manage stressors big and small. These might be meditation, exercise, deep breathing or any whatever method works best for you. Read more

Living In Gratitude: Conflict

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Conflict cannot survive without your participation. ~Wayne Dyer

Very wise words.

Have you ever considered that conflict exists because two or more people participate in it’s creation or continuation?

This is also true of inner conflict. Our choice-sometimes unconsciously or unwillingly-to participate solidifies conflict, giving it power. Read more

Living In Gratitude: Expect Nothing

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Expect nothing and appreciate everything.

Expectations can leave us feeling hollow and disappointed. These assumptions are often ones we place upon others as well as ourselves and when they aren’t met, we tend to reflect negatively. Read more

Living In Gratitude: The Art of Being Happy

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The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things. ~Henry Ward Beecher

It’s easy to take being grateful for granted. It’s easy to say, “Yea sure, gratitude,” and wave it off as positive thinking ‘mumbo jumbo’.

There is incredible power in gratitude Read more

Living In Gratitude: Focus On The Gift

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Focus on the gift of living and the gift of giving.

 

Every day is a gift.

Live it to the fullest.

Savor each moment. Read more

The Most Memorable Give You’ll Ever Give

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Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it ~Ralph Marston

Have you ever wanted to give a friend, significant other, family member, teacher or co-worker a very special gift to express how much they mean to you but were at a loss to find the perfect present?

Here it is! A Gratitude Gift Journal.

A one-of-a-kind, heartfelt present that’s simple to create. Odds are, it will be treasured as one of the best — or maybe even the best — gift your special someone has ever received.  Read more

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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