Quote from Parenting the Gratitude Habit

“The richness of gratitude is not in the use of words but in the heartfelt response to something, someone, or some experience. Words can be the messenger but the heart provides the power and the source of light to the thankful.”  ~ Wendy Meg Siegel, from Parenting the Gratitude Habit.

First, there is a prompt that engages our heart and we find ourselves in a state of gratitude. This may have been triggered by a personal experience or as a witness to someone else's words or actions. We might be responding to the beauty of an image or a piece of music, or reacting to seeing a newborn, a sunset, or the crashing of ocean waves.

Meaningful feelings develop within ourselves as we experience the grateful moments of life. Acknowledge those moments and allow yourself to fully experience the gifts. Feel the way your inner-being processes thankfulness throughout the day. Let it light you up. This is where the true power of gratitude resides. And then, by sharing those grateful feelings, with your words, you are spreading the gratitude habit to others.

The words I wrote in the last post seem to beautifully describe some of the ideas expressed in this quote.

Gratitude Quote: Quoting myself

“Gratitude lights up my inner world and I feel as if I glow.”  ~ Wendy Meg Siegel

What can I say, but when I fully allow myself to get caught up in a state of gratitude, I feel as if I am filled with light. The glow begins at the heart, as it's center, and then it grows from there until I am fully lit from within. In those moments, I know my being cannot contain the expansiveness of that light and it seems as if it must be radiating out from my core to my entire world.

True gratitude begins with and flows from the heart.

Gratitude Quote: Stendl-Rast

"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hand, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy - because we will always want to have something else or something more." by Brother David Stendl-Rast

Gratitude is an easy path to happiness. Grateful people find greater satisfaction with their lives and experience a higher level of happiness. They are able to find the good in the ordinary and difficult moments, not just the wonderful times. Their perspective on life has them looking for the positives even in the most difficult of times.

To learn more about Brother David Stendl-Rast visit: Gratefulness.org

New Gratitude Quote: Richards

“Grateful souls focus on the happiness and abundance present in their lives and this in turn attracts more abundance and joy towards them.”  ~ Stephen Richards

A positive attitude is the natural result of gratitude. It generates a greater sense of optimism. Grateful people are better able to see the positives even in the challenges. They are able to focus on and appreciate what they have rather than on what might be perceived as missing. Grateful individuals become more "attractive", attracting more to be grateful for because it is in alignment with the way they view their lives and the world around them.

Good News: James Shaw Jr Raises Money for Families of Victims

James Shaw Jr.

Image Credit: Larry McCormack/The Tennessean vía AP

Good News:

Just weeks ago, James Shaw Jr. faced a mass shooter at the Waffle House and disarmed the gunman. Now he is raising money for the families of the victims. Shaw established a Go Fund Me page to collect donations to help support those families. In over a week, he raised over $200,000.
Read about it HERE.

One of the amazing parts of this story is that Shaw started the Go Fund Me page just hours after the shooting, on the same day Shaw managed to wrestle the gun away from the shooter,

To learn more about the Shaw's act of heroism, visit: this article at The Week Magazine

End of an Era

Tomorrow is the final day of posts on The Gratitude Habit Facebook page. It's been five years since I began daily sharing of gratitude oriented material, links, and images on that page. Wow!! I can't believe how much time I spent through the years on Photoshop, creating the square posts from my photos and added text! How many stories I read in order to pick news items to share on the weekly Good News Saturdays!! How many wonderful people that joined the page, commented, liked, and supported the page over those 5 years.

It all started while on a walk. I got the clear vision of creating a gratitude journal for others to use. I couldn't ignore the idea when it returned with even more clarity the following year. So I became determined to produce and publish The Gratitude Habit, a journal and workbook. And of course, once I had the book in hand I had to promote it on Facebook. But what I was really promoting, through the years, was gratitude. The number of followers grew and gratitude has been an ongoing focus, with another journal published a couple of years ago: Parenting the Gratitude Habit.

Now, I am fired up about my promoting my art and need to step away from my time and focus on gratitude and Facebook. Gratitude will continue to touch my life and fill my days no matter what I am involved in. I have so appreciated the journey I have been on and the opportunity to share my Gratitude Habit.

I will be spending my time on Instagram @WendyArts66 sharing my artwork and my creative process. Stop by and say hi.

Thankful for the Moon

I am thankful for the light of the moon and the stars in the sky. If it weren’t for the naturally occurring sky light we would be in total darkness in many places around the world. There is something calming about being out in nature at night and having these space orbs lighting our way. And when I get a glimpse of the moon in its many stages throughout the month, it’s as if a light within me twinkles with delight.

I love the consistency of how the moon cycles through a repetitive pattern of change. It's regularity is comforting. At any stage in the process, we know where it is in the cycle. The ever changing quality of the moon is something we can rely on and maybe learn from in the way we view our own patterns.

I love that wonderful beacon in the sky which lights our way and reminds us the earth is not alone. The moon becomes our constant companion… and for that I am thankful. We may not see every stage of its changing shape but we know for sure it is up there, effecting our oceans and possibly our moods. Did you know that the presence of the moon and it's gravitational pull has the effect of slowing down the speed of the earth's spin?

Gratitude Quote: Robles

“Stop thinking of gratitude as a by-product of your circumstances and start thinking of it as a world view.” 
~ Bryan Robles

The power of gratitude is not solely in reacting with thanks to a particular life situation. It is in a broader view and experience of a thankfulness for the overall elements of life; big and small.

When thankfulness is relegated to the big gifts, it's a bit like the kid being encouraged to say thank you to the birthday party guests... but showing real enthusiasm with a couple of the standout gifts.

The beauty of gratitude is in the ability to carry the spirit of true appreciation into any situation and any moment. It allows you to see those moments with a more positive point of view. It can light up your life and color the world in a most wonderful way. Even in difficult times, it becomes easier to see the good. It's a world view that touches your life and the lives of those around you.

Gratitude Quote: Clark

“If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get.”  ~ Frank A. Clark

Grateful people are able to give thanks for what they have, and in doing so are setting up the conditions for more good to flow into their lives.

We all know what it is like to give to someone who appreciates the efforts we have made. Their appreciation stirs good feelings in us and we want to find ways to give more. The reverse is true as well. If we go out of our way to help someone or give them a gift and we see no visible signs of appreciation, we feel less motivation to give more in the future.

But a person who is unable to experience gratitude for today's gifts is unlikely to be able to find his or her way to gratitude in the presence of future gifts.

Start with what you have. Appreciate it now. Build on the feelings of thankfulness for the constant flow of blessings into your life.

Gratitude Quote: Shakti Gawain

“Whatever our individual troubles and challenges may be, it’s important to pause every now and then to appreciate all that we have, on every level. We need to literally ‘count our blessings,’ give thanks for them, allow ourselves to enjoy them, and relish the experience of prosperity we already have.”
~ Shakti Gawain

Most people juggle a myriad of responsibilities, facing personal challenges, and needing to make difficult decisions on a regular basis. We often feel stretched for time and focused on whatever is most pressing and tugging at us for immediate attention.

As we are caught up in the "daily chaos", it is ever so important to make a concerted effort to take time to reflect on all the good that fills our lives. It becomes essential to make a commitment to take regular gratitude pauses and look beyond the personal strain and stress. In doing so, we color our days with what is good and shift our consciousness from our troubles to a sense of appreciation for what we have. This is a gift we can give ourselves in any moment. The time we take to focus on giving thanks has a positive effect on our entire being.

10 Simple Reasons to Feel Thankful

 

1. A Full Night's Sleep
I so appreciate getting a full night's sleep!! I love waking up in the morning with the knowledge that I've gotten 7 or more hours of sleep. Getting the rest I need gives me more energy for the day ahead and the ability to accomplish any goals I have set. What a wonderful gift!

2. The Presence of Baby Birds
What a joy to hear the sound of hungry baby birds chirping outside our home each Spring. Last year a family of birds made a home in a bird house we have hanging on our deck. For weeks we were able to watch as the parents made their way to and from the small wooden home, providing food and a watchful eye. Soon after, we saw these tiny tots flying among the branches of nearby trees and we could hear their voices begin to mature. They felt like family. I appreciated and enjoyed their presence in our lives.

3. The Washer and Dryer
I am always thankful for my working washer and dryer, for the ability to wash my clothes and bedding whenever I choose and so easily. Yesterday I did 5 loads of laundry and didn't have to leave my home or scrub any of the items individually. I don't know about all of you but for me this is a constant source of appreciation. One of the little WOWs of life!!!

4. Breathing
Isn't it remarkable that we can breathe without thinking about it? I am thankful for every breath I take and the process of doing so automatically. When you stop to think of it, that process is quite amazing!! And I most definitely appreciate the gift of peace and calm I experience when I choose to focus on my breathing in any moment.

5. The First Light of Day
I am thankful for the first light of day and its gentle wake-up call to herald a new start, a new beginning. The morning sun shines a light on all that is possible in this day, for the opportunities, and the potential within me to fully step into my own shoes and be me. It is a beautiful and subtle reminder of the light that shines within each of us and the glow we can share with one another as we travel through this day. Oh, that morning sun, as it casts its light on all living things, showing its strength and power even when diffused by mist and fog, storm and rain. I love the feeling of starting fresh with each morning light.

6. Showers
One of the things I appreciate most in life is the ability to take a shower. I love the way it feels to be in the shower and the feeling afterwards. I marvel in my ability to so easily turn on the water and get a warm and wonderful refreshing experience. Ahhhh!! (And I am even more thankful for a shower after coming home from a camping trip.)

7. The Sound of a Smile
I appreciate the sound of someone smiling when you are speaking with them. I do find it wonderful and amazing that you can actually hear a smile over the phone just by the sound of their voice. That is super cool. And although you are not face to face, you get the gift of someone's smile. Smiles are one of the very best and simplest of gifts we can give and receive.

8. Garbage Removal
Boy, I am ever so thankful for garbage removal! Seriously, what would we do without it? I appreciate my husband for bringing our garbage and recycling bins up to the street each week and for those who come in the big trucks and take it away. This process makes it so easy for my refuse to be "out of sight, and out of mind."

9. Hands and Arms
I am so very thankful for my hands and arms. They make it possible to paint, to cook, to draw. I can play catch, wave to a friend, steer my car, and carry my bags when I travel. I delight in my ability to give and receive hugs and wrap my arms around myself, if I choose. I can do push ups, send a text, write a letter, reach for things on an upper shelf, or just stretch straight up towards the sky. There are so many things I can do with my arms and hands!

10. Reasons to Smile
I am grateful for the many reasons to smile in a day, for when the power of a stranger’s smile is like a warm glow that touches my entire being, and for the twinkle I can see in the eye of someone who smiles at me with love - it feels like a beautiful zing. I love when a smile can light up a room and when the experience of an inner smile can create a glow that seems to turn on a light within me.

Grateful for Nature's Beauty

Day 30: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

I am so very grateful for the shear beauty of nature. This Earth has exquisitely beautiful landscapes, mountain ranges, waterways, open vistas, foliage, skies, and lifeforms.

I see so much splendor in the world around me. I see it in the silhouettes formed by hills and trees. I see it in the eyes of the people I meet. I see it in the whale as it leaps towards the sky. I see it in the Spring blossom as it awakes from it's winter cocoon and in the branches of a tree dancing with the wind.

There is always something in nature for me to ooh and ah about. It is a wondrous feast for my eyes. These natural delights are eye candy for my soul and a constant reminder or how good it is to be alive.

 "This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls."
—John Muir

"Nature's beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude."
—Louie Schwartzberg

Grateful for Jungles

Day 29: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

A jungle's dense vegetation is diverse, rich, and lush. Because of the abundance of plants and trees, jungles provide the planet with water through a high level of rainfall. They produce oxygen for the survival of all living things and absorb carbon dioxide. In essence, they help regulate the Earth's climate.

Grateful for a Pastoral Landscape

Day 28: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

There are many many exquisite places on Earth that take our breath away. They wow us and energize us.

But then there are those that are magnificent in an entirely different way. These peaceful settings are beautiful as well but fill us with a sense of calm. When standing before an expansive and pastoral landscape it feels as if we become one with our natural surroundings.

It is a "sense of place" that's so very comforting, invoking a feeling of belonging and timelessness.

During our trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, I experienced just such a place. We were hiking at the Pololu Valley on the north coast of the island. Suddenly, an unexpected vista drew me in and touched my soul. I have carried that moment with me ever since.

Grateful for the Oceans

Day 27: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

Besides the exquisite beauty of the oceans, their depth and expansiveness is truly amazing. The oceans cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface.

I know I already shared a post of gratitude for walks on the beach and love of having sand between my toes. I also focused on gratitude for the powerful crashing of the waves. Today I want to highlight the oceans themselves. 

The flow of ocean currents move warm and cold water to different parts of the planet, effecting climate and weather conditions. Currents help cool off hotter parts of the planet and add warmth to areas that would be uncomfortably cold. Without the benefit of this process of regulating planetary temperatures, there would be more areas with intense climates, difficult for humans to live.

Did you know...

• the average depth of the oceans is about 14,000 feet, equal to 40 football field.
• ocean plants provide half the oxygen in the atmosphere.
• the kelp forests grow up to 18 inches a day.
• about 95% of the oceans remain unexplored.
• 94% of life on Earth is in the sea.

"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came." ~ John F. Kennedy

Grateful for Photosynthesis

Day 26: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

Photosynthesis is a wonder of nature and a miraculous process. Plants use the energy of the sun to make their own food for survival. And in the process, a livable balance is created between the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, so we can breath the air.

We need oxygen for survival and it's due to photosynthesis that oxygen exists in the atmosphere. Also, we can thank photosynthesis for reducing high levels of carbon dioxide along with harmful waste products that tend to cause respiratory difficulties.

So, we can say that plants and the process of photosynthesis is responsible for providing the primary source of life to all animals and humans.

To learn more about photosynthesis, click here.

Grateful for Walk in the Woods

Day 25: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

Hiking in the woods is one of the greatest activities. It's a perfect way to commune with nature. There's a sense of peace that can be found when surrounded by trees.

A walk in the woods is a feast for the senses. It's a beautiful environment in which to find an inner quiet while taking in the sights and sounds of the forest.

Grateful for Crashing Waves

Day 24: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

What can I say? I love the thrill of seeing the crashing of a large wave. And the best part is knowing that, with just a bit of patience, you are likely to see another one within a few minutes.

The combination of the sound of the crash, the ground seeming to vibrate under foot, the visual of the turbulent sea, and the feel of the salt water spray on your skin make it a dramatic experience to witness.

Grateful for Sea Creatures

Day 23: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

Sea creatures are some of natures greatest marvels. The shear variety of animals under the sea is quite remarkable. They come in a wide range of sizes, from plankton to whale, and a vast array of colors. And then there are some, like the sea turtle, who can spend their time under water and also make their way onto land to take an afternoon nap on the beach.

I was at the right place at the right time to watch this turtle as it traveled very slowly and with much determination up onto the sand. It would move onto shore a couple of inches and then close it's eyes and sleep for a bit. Then repeat that cycle over and over. I wasn't there long enough to see what happened when it decided to turn around and reverse the process.

Something about that turtle touched my heart. Maybe it was simply spending time just observing another creature in it's natural habitat that made me feel connected. Maybe it was watching the struggle and determination. I felt as if I got to know this turtle on a level that was not in an everyday way.

Aquariums give us the opportunity to view sea animals we would have little chance of seeing. But there's nothing like observing them where they live.

Snorkeling allows you to enter another world and commune, in some way, with the creatures surrounding you, in their home. It's quite an altering experience. Our world becomes bigger in the process and more diverse.

Whale watching is an exhilarating activity. Rather than entering their world, we seem to be stopping at the front door of the sea world and hoping the magnificent creatures are home. Every time we get a glimpse of whales and dolphins it's likely to trigger a burst of excitement. There's something about them that's not of our world... at least, not of our life on land. They are more elusive and extraordinary... and larger than life.

These animals of the sea are fascinating and somewhat mysterious. They live in what seems like another world. It just happens to exist side by side with the world we know.

Grateful for Shadows in the Snow

Day 22: Thirty Days of Gratitude for Our Earth

Snow is an ideal blank canvas for the designs created by shadows. The contrast of light and dark becomes a mysterious set of patterns that can both catch our attention or fade into the landscape. It is up to each individual to notice its presence. I choose to catch the forms and contours of those shadows and enjoy the way both positive and negative space takes shape on what really is a white surface. There is something magical about this process and for that I am grateful.