It's true that gratitude doesn't always come easy, even in November. Sometimes the experiences of life don't leave us feeling all that grateful. When life is hard and the edges are a bit rough, sometimes we need a little guidance finding the cozy moments. Moments where we... ~Take time to look at the world around us and notice the smallest detail of beauty ~Mindfully savor the variety of tastes in a single day ~Recall all those who add value and joy to our life ~Listen to the sounds of our day and allow our soul to be inspired ~Choose to slow down and be present in a moment of rest ~Make space for what makes us feel warm and cozy on the inside ~Remember the abundant gifts of our week and realize this is the best of all we have "If you start living for the Continue Reading
An Invitation to 30 Days of Thanks-Living
Gratitude doesn’t always come easy, and a diligent spirit of Thanks-Living is often an even greater challenge. Between the chaos of life in general and the heartache of almost 2 years of COVID, it’s difficult to feel anything but overwhelmed. Picking up the pieces and moving forward is more difficult than it's ever been. I've been reminding myself of the truth that when everything around us is falling apart, it's okay to need a little help uncovering all the good that remains. When so much of life is filled with uncertainty and turmoil, it's okay to need a shift in perspective to lift our eyes and heart toward hope. In even the direst of circumstances, hope is unearthed in the soil of gratitude. ~When we've tightened our belt and there’s just not enough money to pay the Continue Reading
Listing As an Act of Love
When I got engaged, the angels sang, Mom cried, Dad was relieved - “Finally, someone who can afford her!” (Thanks, Dad.) and I bragged to all who would listen: “Mark is a cross between Prince Charming and Jesus!” True story. I was a missionary at the time, and that line went in my newsletter to all my supporters. (They were relieved, too.) Then, I got married. Not that Mark wasn’t Jesus or Prince Charming. But we did think (before marriage) that we knew everything. And we did think (before marriage) that the other person was perfect and would love, perfectly. Well, well. What does this have to do with cultivating a heart of gratitude? Well, everything. One day while fuming over Mark’s non-Jesus-ness and where-did-that-charm-go-anyway, I knew I should call my friend, Deb. Now I knew Continue Reading