When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
gratitude
Episode 42:Making Progress in my Grieving Journey – Journaling my Gratitude for Babe
In Episode 42 of my podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing, I take M’s advice and journal about my gratitude for the life I lived with Babe. There were no tears, no pain, no suffering. I was filled with good memories and I smiled all the while I journaled. I am making progress.
You can listen to Episode 42 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 42
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Episode 41: My First Thanksgiving Holiday While Grieving
In Episode 41 of my podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing, M meets with me the Monday after the Thanksgiving Holiday. M wanted to check on me to see how I handled the holiday while grieving. Our conversation took a surprise turn while we were chatting and M helped me to see the difference between being intellectually grateful and heart-felt grateful. I know I’m making progress.
You can listen to Episode 41 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 41
Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button to receive notifications of future episodes.
Thinking Out Loud: Are You Using Your Superpower?
In July, 1942, Anne Frank’s parents received a summons from the Nazi’s to report to a labor camp. Instead, they went to a secret annex to hide from Nazi’s. Thirteen year old Anne Frank remained there until her arrest on August 4, 1944, deported and eventually killed. Anne Frank maintained a diary while in the secret annex. The following excerpt is taken from Anne Frank’s diary.
“Whoever is happy will make others happy.”
― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl
NOTE: We project to others what we internally feel. We’ve all experienced being in a great mood only to get caught up with someone who is in an ugly mood. Their ugly mood sucks us into a black hole. It’s one reason I minimize contact with these people. They are more contagious than COVID-19. Alternatively, our good mood can lift the spirits of another. We have an amazing power within us to transform another person’s day. Did you realize you have that superpower? You do! To develop and use this power takes personal work. We begin by loving and forgiving ourselves. Then we develop a deep sense of gratitude both big and small. Once we do our inner work, happiness happens. You don’t have to find it. When we encounter other people our superpower kicks in and we brighten their day. They feel better because they encountered a happy person filled with love and gratitude.
Have a Hard Time Getting Started in the Morning?
Here are 5 Ways To Pack Energy into the Start of Your Day
- Gratitude Journaling: Start each day by writing down things you are thankful for. This practice sets a positive tone for the day, shifting focus to the good in your life and fostering an optimistic mindset.
- Positive Affirmations: Recite empowering affirmations each morning. Choose statements that resonate with your goals and aspirations. Affirmations like “I am capable and strong” or “I embrace challenges with confidence” can boost self-esteem and motivate a can-do attitude.
- Visualization: Spend a few minutes visualizing your day going well. Imagine successfully handling tasks and interactions. This mental rehearsal can increase confidence and prepare you for a productive day.
- Exercise: Engaging in physical activity, even briefly, can significantly lift your mood. Exercise releases endorphins, creating feelings of happiness and reducing stress. A morning workout, walk, or yoga session can energize and mentally prepare you for the day.
- Inspirational Material: Read, listen to, or watch something inspiring in the morning. It could be a motivational podcast, an uplifting quote, a spiritual reading, or a chapter from an inspirational book. This can help align your mindset with positivity and determination.
Source: ChatGPT
Today’s Poem ~ A Song of Thanks by Edward Smyth Jones
A Song of Thanks
For the sun that shone at the dawn of spring,
For the flowers which bloom and the birds that sing,
For the verdant robe of the gray old earth,
For her coffers filled with their countless worth,
For the flocks which feed on a thousand hills,
For the rippling streams which turn the mills,
For the lowing herds in the lovely vale,
For the songs of gladness on the gale,—
From the Gulf and the Lakes to the Oceans’ banks,—
Lord God of Hosts, we give Thee thanks!
For the farmer reaping his whitened fields,
For the bounty which the rich soil yields,
For the cooling dews and refreshing rains,
For the sun which ripens the golden grains,
For the bearded wheat and the fattened swine,
For the stalléd ox and the fruitful vine,
For the tubers large and cotton white,
For the kid and the lambkin frisk and blithe,
For the swan which floats near the river-banks,—
Lord God of Hosts, we give Thee thanks!
For the pumpkin sweet and the yellow yam,
For the corn and beans and the sugared ham,
For the plum and the peach and the apple red,
For the dear old press where the wine is tread,
For the cock which crows at the breaking dawn,
And the proud old “turk” at the farmer’s barn,
For the fish which swim in the babbling brooks,
For the game which hide in the shady nooks,—
From the Gulf and the Lakes to the Oceans’ banks —
Lord God of Hosts, we give Thee thanks!
For the sturdy oaks and the stately pines,
For the lead and the coal from the deep, dark mines,
For the silver ores of a thousand fold,
For the diamond bright and the yellow gold,
For the river boat and the flying train,
For the fleecy sail of the rolling main,
For the velvet sponge and the glossy pearl,
For the flag of peace which we now unfurl—
From the Gulf and the Lakes to the Oceans’ banks—
Lord God of Hosts, we give Thee thanks!
For the lowly cot and the mansion fair,
For the peace and plenty together share,
For the Hand which guides us from above,
For Thy tender mercies, abiding love,
For the blessed home with its children gay,
For returnings of Thanksgiving Day,
For the bearing toils and the sharing cares,
We lift up our hearts in our songs and our prayers—
From the Gulf and the Lakes to the Oceans’ banks—
Lord God of Hosts, we give Thee thanks!
5 Helpful Tips to Stop Worrying & Start Living
Stop Worrying & Start Living
- Practice Mindfulness Meditation: Take some time each day to engage in mindfulness meditation. This practice can help you stay present in the moment, reduce anxiety, and alleviate worries about the past or future.
- Maintain a Gratitude Journal: Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you write down things you’re thankful for each day. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can shift your mindset away from worrying.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This can make your objectives more achievable and reduce the stress and worry associated with trying to accomplish too much at once.
- Stay Connected: Maintain strong social connections with friends and family. Talking to loved ones and sharing your concerns can provide emotional support and perspective, helping you worry less.
- Engage in Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Continue with your healthy eating and exercise routines, as they can have a significant impact on reducing stress and anxiety. A well-balanced diet and regular physical activity can boost your mood and overall well-being.
Remember, it’s also essential to embrace your sense of humor and find moments of inspiration in your daily life to help alleviate worries and maintain a positive outlook.
Source: ChatGPT
Gratitude a Virtue to be Lived ~ Cicero Praises the Virtue
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Today’s Photo ~ Caught in the Moment – Every Moment is Precious
Make Every Moment Count
Thinking Out Loud ~ Take Time to Reflect on What is Important
Today’s Thinking Out Loud reflection is on Aesop’s Fable, The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs.
The Fable
A Man and his Wife had the good fortune to possess a Goose which laid a Golden Egg every day. Lucky though they were, they soon began to think they were not getting rich fast enough, and, imagining the bird must be made of gold inside, they decided to kill it in order to secure the whole store of precious metal at once. But when they cut it open they found it was just like any other goose. Thus, they neither got rich all at once, as they had hoped, nor enjoyed any longer the daily addition to their wealth.
Note: It’s easy to get caught in the trap of wanting more and not being satisfied with what we have. It’s all around us; it may be happening to us and we don’t even know it. We may be sacrificing our relationships it to get more and give up the time we once enjoyed with the people we love. We may acquire what we are chasing and lose everything we have. Take time to reflect on what is important. It will make all the difference in your life.
