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.

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.

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.

Give the Gift of Gratitude

Give the Gift of Gratitude

Consider giving a Gratitude Habit journal to those on your gift giving list this holiday season. Parenting the Gratitude Habit is a perfect gift for parents who might be interested in growing their personal relationship with gratitude and having a resource of activities and ideas for fostering gratitude in their children and family. And The Gratitude Habit is an ideal gratitude journal for just about anyone, with prompts, activities, and exercises to further develop their habit of gratitude. Both journals have 365 numbered entries so they can be started on any day of the year.

They are both available at Amazon. The Gratitude Habit Journal can also be purchased at Barnes & Noble and Book Depository. Book Depository is an international bookseller with free shipping worldwide to over 100 countries.

Gratitude Books for Children

While I was creating my newest journal, Parenting The Gratitude Habit, I compiled a list of books for children on the concept of giving thanks and feeling grateful. Spending time with your children by reading books about thankfulness, is one of the many ways of teaching gratitude.

Here are a number of the books I came across:

Gratitude Books:

• I'm Thankful Each Day by P. K. Hallinan (age 2 and up)
• The Thankful Book by Todd Parr (3-6 years)
• Thanks: Learning to appreciate. Gratitude for children. by Luciana Reis (3-10 years)
• Gratitude Soup by Olivia Rosewood (Preschool-Grade 3)
• Grateful: A Song of Giving Thanks (The Julie Andrews Collection) - By John Bucchino (Preschool-Grade 4)
• The Secret Stone by Jill Lauffer and Kathleen Roberts
• Biscuit is Thankful by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (4-8 years)
• An Awesome Book of Thanks! by Dallas Clayton (age 4 and up)
• Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood (K-Grade 3)
• Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? By Dr. Seuss (K-Grade 4)
• Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Prayer by Chief Jake Swamp (5-11 years) 

Books on Ways to Say Thank You:

• 101 Ways to Say Thank You, Kids and Teens: All-Occasion Thank-You Note Templates, Social Media Etiquette & Gratitude Guide by Kelly Browne
• The Thank You Book for Kids: Hundreds of Creative, Cool, and Clever Ways to Say Thank You! by Ali Lauren Spizman

You can find this list of books in Parenting the Gratitude Habit along with many tips and ideas for making gratitude a family experience.

The Gratitude Habit Mentioned in Consumer Reports

No, this is not me. This is Ingez Rameau
who is looking to self-publish her memoirs.

Consumer Reports just published an article, How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish? I am excited to share that The Gratitude Habit is mentioned in the sidebar at the bottom of that article.

Back in June, I had the privilege of speaking with a Senior Editor for Consumer Reports on the process of self-publishing and the costs involved. I shared my experiences of publishing The Gratitude Habit through CreateSpace. Although the focus of the article was to be on someone who was still unpublished, I am thrilled to have been mentioned in the paragraph under: Marketing for self-publishers.

To read the full article, along with the above sidebar, visit: www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/08/how-much-does-it-cost-to-self-publish/index.htm

 The article has also been published in the September 2014 issue of Consumer Reports Money Adviser.

 

The Gratitude Habit is Chosen for July Top 10 List!

CLICK HERE

SO EXCITED TO SHARE!   
The Gratitude Habit Journal and Workbook is featured in Aspire Magazine’s July Top 10 Inspiring Books list. Aspire is an inspirational online magazine for women that highlights female authors with an empowering message to share. I am honored and grateful that my book was chosen to be included on a list of books written by women dedicated to inspiring, empowering & supporting others. 

Check out this month’s Top 10 Inspiring Books.
 

"Aspire Magazine is the premiere inspirational magazine for women
and since 2005 Bestselling Publisher Linda Joy has been on a
mission to inspire women around the world by bringing them the 

best in inspirational, empowering content, resources and tools."

I checked out the June/July 2014 issue of Aspire Magazine and was quite impressed with the amount of rich content on it's 79 pages. You can see for yourself.

The June/July 2014 Issue of Aspire Magazine

To sign up for a free subscription to Aspire visit:
www.SubscribetoAspire.com

Join me and Aspire Magazine in sharing the Top 10 Inspiring Books list by hitting the “Share” button at: http://bit.ly/Top10_July.

Quote from The Gratitude Habit Journal

This quote is from The Gratitude Habit Journal and Workbook.

"Give thanks for those who have inspired
your courage, strength, and resolve."

It is one of the many prompts, statements, activities and exercises found throughout the book.

Announcing The Gratitude Habit Store

A couple of weeks ago I began to play with a method of setting up a store through Amazon.com. After some initial difficulties, I managed to figure out how to create a Gratitude Store.

At the Gratitude Store you'll find an assortment of gratitude books, blank journals for writing appreciations and gratitude lists, children's gratitude books, and The Gratitude Habit: A 365 day Journal and Workbook. I will be adding to it from time to time.

You'll notice I've added a link to the store on the right hand side of this blog.

So, I invite you to check out Gratitude Store. 

And... I've also created a new Shared Easel Store for art and creativity books for children and adults, and art supplies.

Gratitude: For A Quick Pick Me Up

 

Need a Quick Pick Me Up? Make a Gratitude List. 

The fact is that some days are harder to face than others. You've probably had days like that, when even the simplest of things becomes difficult to deal with. And I would think that most people have experienced a day when they've wished they had stayed in bed all day OR times when it's hard to summon up your usual cheery self. 

Try a little gratitude intervention to turn your day around.

Here’s a quick pick me up. In just a few minutes you can  help shift your mood and get yourself back on track. Take a short intermission in your day to write a list of 15 to 20 things you are grateful for in your life.

You still may wish you had stayed in bed all day but the list is likely to give you more inner resolve to face the rest of your day. 

 

One Year Anniversary of The Gratitude Habit

Celebrating the One Year Anniversary of The Gratitude Habit

Wow...it's been quite a year. One that I am very thankful for. This journey into gratitude has been a wonderful surprise. And as I mark this one year anniversary of the publication date for The Gratitude Habit, I am finding myself reflecting on the steps that brought me to this point. I am totally wowed. Who would have thought that I would have ended up spending my days writing, reading, experiencing, and thinking about gratitude. Not me. The past couple of years have been a delightful surprise.

Another big surprise is knowing that I haven't come close to exhausting the subject yet. I am amazed at how excited I am about the plans I have for future gratitude projects. I feel lucky to have stumbled upon this seemingly alternate path...yet maybe all the roads I've traveled have been leading to this path all along.

For more on the subject, visit: the latest issue of the Shared Easel Newsletter 

The Gratitude Habit: Gift Ideas

Only One Day to the Book's One Year Anniversary!!

The Gratitude Habit is an ideal gift for family and friends. It can be given on it's own as the primary gift or as part of a gift basket. Here are some gift giving ideas that include The Gratitude Habit Journal/Workbook.

Gift Idea #1: 
        Includes...

• The Gratitude Habit: a 365 Day Journal and Workbook
• Set of Pens
• Assorted Teas 
• Organic India Chai Masala Tea

 
Gift Idea #2: 
        Includes...

• The Gratitude Habit: a 365 Day Journal and Workbook
• Gift Card for Amazon.com

Gift Idea #3: 
        Includes...

• The Gratitude Habit: a 365 Day Journal and Workbook
• Micro Sherpa Throw (as pictured) Or Cozy Fleece Blanket Throw
• Thermal Ceramic Coffee Mug
• Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
• Blank Strathmore Blank Cards for Making Handmade Thank You's
• 4" x 6" Photo Album

 Here are some additional gift basket ideas:
 

• Candles
• Classic Thank You Cards or Rustic Thank You Cards
• Ferrero Chocolates

The book is an ideal gift to have on hand for last minute gifts or to bring as a hostess gift for Thanksgiving or any of the social events of the upcoming holiday season. Order now to be prepared.

For more gratitude gifts, visit The Gratitude Habit Store.

The Gratitude Habit: Great Hostess Gift

Six Days to the Book's One Year Anniversary!!

With Thanksgiving just a couple of weeks away, consider bringing a copy of The Gratitude Habit...a 365 Day Journal and Workbook as a hostess gift. What a wonderful way to say thank you to your holiday hosts.

There's still enough time to order the book from Amazon.com for Thanksgiving. At under $10, it's an ideal price to order several and have them on hand when you need a thoughtful last minute gift this holiday season. This time of year is often filled with invitations to parties and dinners, and opportunities for socializing.

So order now to be prepared.

The Gratitude Habit: 100 Gratitudes

Seven Days to the Book's One Year Anniversary!!

The Gratitude Habit: A 365 Day Journal and Workbook has two opportunities to generate an extensive gratitude list. There's one at the beginning of the book and one at the end. The 100 Gratitudes list offers a challenge to those who would like to either complete it or start it before beginning the journal. The list becomes an easy reference and a reminder of the many gifts that fill your life. Time spent reviewing the list can be quite helpful when a pick-me-up is needed.

For those who feel that 100 Gratitudes is too long a list to start with, consider 50, or 30, or maybe 20 at first. Then go back and add to it in the future if you prefer.

This three page list was the first portion of the book I designed. It seemed important to begin with an opportunity to list as many appreciations as possible before even starting the journal pages. The 100 Gratitudes helps to create a foundation on which to start making changes in your life. It also helps in developing a relationship with gratitude before beginning to complete daily journal entries, and it makes it easier to begin focusing on the good things in life.

So, the initial list becomes a point of reference for assessing your relationship with gratitude. The second list, at the end of the book, is included for those who would like to create another list once they have completed the journal. It may also illuminate any changes in your experience with gratitude since starting the book.

Personally, I like to list 100 Gratitudes every couple of months or so. It feels good and reinforces positive thinking.

The Gratitude Habit: My Favorite Quote

Eight Days to the Book's One Year Anniversary

Today I thought I'd share my favorite "quote" from The Gratitude Habit: 365 Day Journal and Workbook. It's funny to call it a quote since it's from my book.

"Happiness is not based on the occasional
grand things that happen in your life.
It comes from acknowledging the
steady flow of moments to appreciate."

I originally posted this statement on Facebook back in April. It was the second excerpt from the journal I shared and it was new for me. I chose a photo I had taken with the reflection of sunlight on the rippling waters of the river. Then I played with the font style, color, and size. I've created many more images since, with words and photos. I am still learning and growing as I develop a style of combining the two.

Prior to this year, I had a desire to play with text in paintings or photos. I'm so glad I've taken the opportunity to do so this year and it's just the beginning. I'm getting more comfortable with the overall look and development of a "text image." It feels like a new medium to me. I must admit that I wonder about introducing letters and words into my paintings. Hmmm...

The Gratitude Habit: a bit of history

Ten Days To The Book's One Year Anniversary!!

With The Gratitude Habit Journal and Workbook about to celebrate it's one year anniversary, of the date it was published, I find myself reflecting on the journey of the past few years.

This morning I happened to remember the first time I had the idea of creating a gratitude journal. A few years ago, while I was walking Pickles, our dog, I got a real zing as I thought about developing a "Count Your Blessings" journal. The idea seemed to come into focus in a crystal clear way and I even got a glimpse of what it might look like, inside and out. So, immediately after returning to the house, I wrote down all my thoughts and ideas, adding to the page throughout the week. I did not look at that page again for about two years.

At the beginning of 2012, I began to make gratitude my focus, filling my days with reading, writing and exploring the subject in depth. The original goal was to develop a relationship with gratitude for another project I had in mind. Somewhere along the way, I ended up super charged by the idea of developing a gratitude journal with a workbook component. It was only after I began work on the book that I remembered my notes from two years earlier. How great to start a project in which "my past self" had left some building blocks on which to begin this new journey.

To purchase the book at Amazon, Click Here.

A Month Filled with Gratitude Crafts and Activities

It's November!!! Thanksgiving Day is just a few weeks away.  With that in mind, November is going to be Gratitude Crafts and Activities Month at The Gratitude Habit. The goal is to share a creative gratitude project everyday throughout the month. I will be posting them on my Pinterest page for gratitude related activities and at the The Gratitude Habit page at Facebook. These activities are great for individuals, couples, friends, or families. Many of them are perfect for adults as well as small children.

Although the majority of the creative ideas will seem to be Thanksgiving oriented, many of them can be done at any time during the year to help develop an active relationship with gratitude.

I will write more about it here during the month and plan to continue adding project links into December as well. If you enjoy giving homemade gifts, some of the craft ideas I am saving for December, are projects that can be used for making holiday gifts.

Here are the links:
Pinterest page: http://www.pinterest.com/wendyarts/gratitude-crafts-and-activities/
Gratitude Habit at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gratitude-Habit/375304945893757

Wishing you a wonderful November, filled with gratitude and creativity. And if you happen to spend time with any of the activities posted during the month, please leave a comment to let us know how it went. Thanks.