As Thanksgiving approaches we (as a collective nation) focus on gratitude for all of the good things that have come into our lives throughout the previous year. After all, this is what the holiday is all about. Long before Black Friday and Cyber Monday existed, we would join with our family and friends to give thanks to the universe for the abundance bestowed through Mother Nature and our ability to harvest a full cornucopia in order to survive the upcoming harsh winter.
I believe that we should be giving thanks and expressing our gratitude every day, not just on the 4th Thursday of November. For years, I kept a gratitude journal and before going to bed would write 5 things I was grateful for that day. Most times, I wrote, I am grateful for:
- my house
- my job
- my creativity
- my family
- my dogs
However, sometimes I would reflect on more specific things:
- a flower blooming in my garden
- the humming bird chasing me out to the car
- the clean air after a brisk rain fall
- a smile from a stranger
- a reassuring/inspiring email
- a phone call to reconnect with a friend
- a great haircut
- true joy
- electricity
- time to read a good book
- an unexpected sale
- ice cream
- my porch swing
- fruit from my trees
In reflecting on the more specific items in my life with gratitude, I found more peace within myself and a desire to share it with the world.
When I was a child, I was taught to say, “Thank You”. Although the words are nice to hear, it is even better if they are truly expressed in gratitude. It is not just about saying the words, it’s about truly receiving/accepting what is offered, reflecting on it and then sharing it back. This can happen in just a few seconds – a genuine giving of thanks.
I am so very grateful for you, my readers. I truly appreciate that you take the time to read my articles, leave comments on this blog and send me email messages telling me how you have been moved. You all inspire me to continue writing more.
So, what things are you grateful for?
© 2011 Heather C. Morrow. All rights reserved
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Heather C. Morrow, owner of Pottery Daily, helps emerging artists express their true value and get paid what they are worth. Her products and services show you how to make more money, save more time while enjoying the freedom in your art. For your FREE audio go to www.marketandsellyourart.com.