gratitude

Bono, Nurtured Heart Approach, Howard Glasser, happiness, gratitude, quotes

Seeking Light

A little gratitude changes your whole outlook, like lighting a single
match in a dark room. You see things that were there all along and
realize how amazing your life already is.  Soulseeds

Now is the time to take a look at where you are on your pathway — light the match, see those hidden things and change your outlook if needed or ramp it up a bit more.  Be grateful for what you do have in your corner.

This past week has brought so much to light for us.  There could be so much more going wrong — but there isn’t.  I’m grateful for what we have going right and trusting that the what and where will lead us to answers we have been seeking.  We are being blessed in so many ways, there are the temporal things: health, a home, food on the table, a job that is still paying bills, friends, the freedoms to say these things in a forum such as this, and so much more.  There are also the spiritual things as well – these are very private and personal feelings at the moment yet intertwined in every aspect of who I am.

Another blessing to lighting your pathway, is that you are also lighting the way for others to follow — who are you reaching out to help today?

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a new day

“Trials, temptations, disappointments — all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fibre of a character, but strengthen it. Every conquered temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.” James Buckham

Recently we’ve been personally bombarded with a series of what I would consider “challenges.”  I’m hoping we’re weathering them relatively well.  We have a couple to face in the months to come and hope they’re not as insurmountable as they first seemed to be when we first heard them. Maybe they’ll soon only become “blips” on the radar screen of life as we learn the lessons we need to, find other ways of dealing with them and solve that challenges we’re currently facing move on to the next phase of our lives whatever that may be.

What makes it easier is that I have a companion to face them with and know that I also have a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for us as well.  We can pray and seek help in our decisions and we’re not alone as we move forward together as a couple facing the future together.  Our prayers are heard and often answered.

One thing I’m absolutely sure of is that WE are stronger together than alone.  WE ARE a couple united and working together!  I’m truly grateful for that and for our walking and working together the past 18 years.  What a blessing that has been.

take stock…

“ A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle.
Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or
trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective… Otherwise
they can easily overtake our vision, absorb all our energy, and
deprive us of the joy and beauty intended us to receive here on
earth.” Richard G Scott (paraphrased)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to stop, breathe, drop our burdens even for just a few minutes and take a new look with a new perspective and see what we can do to handle them with new eyes and thoughts.  When our eyes are clouded and we can’t see beyond the this very moment – we need to stop and just let go.

It’s time to pause and listen. Take stock of what you do have, what you can do or would like to accomplish or more importantly is essential.  Who knows, that miracle you’re looking for, may be just around the corner — or in the next moment.  It is all a matter of perspective.

an inner love

“The love, or lack of love, we give ourselves and share with others
will determine whether life is sweet or sour. It determines the fabric
and texture of our relationships and how others perceive and receive
us.”  Jon Gordon

Our own self-perception is the aura we share with others.  What is it that we share when we walk in the room?  Does the lighten or darken?  Is the air sweeter or more fragrant?  Are we a joy to be around or do people shrink when we approach them?

What am I doing well now?  What can I do better?  What do I need to change?  What steps will get me to those goals?

Growing Inner Wealth

“Your presence and unique style makes an enormous difference in the
world. Raise your gifts for all to see, as an inspiration to others to
be all they can be. Your authentic life inspires others to soar.”
Soulseeds

Take a look at this short clip.  Do you see the gifts of greatness in each of these two teens?  Do you feel  the teacher might have been inspired in pairing these two together?  Did the teacher see their gifts and how they complimented each other?  AND how they might give back to each other even more greatness and build even more inner wealth in each other?

What gifts can you share today?

Make a difference

“Kindness gives birth to kindness.”

This thought and  many such acts of gracious kindness have been repeated over and over by many, throughout the ages – there goes that rippling again!  Simplistic?  Yes. It’s simple to do.  The more we give away, the more we get in return.  I truly believe that and I truly have been the recipient — maybe not in monetary gain, but in so many other ways.

Give a little more, stand a little taller, and more will come your way… as paraphrased from a song by Nancy Hanson and Sam Payne.  You definitely will be better for it.  Think of those who paved the way for us with their generosity, courage, and other gifts – and without them, we would not have the gifts we have today.

Give a gift, large or small today.  Pay it forward — be it a smile to a stranger, a hug, a donation to your favorite charity, some time at your child’s school, or an organization of your choosing.  Just do it and let the ripples begin….. be the difference today and every day.  Make it happen.

holding hands….

“There are spaces between our fingers so that another person’s fingers
can fill them in.”  — Anon

Close your eyes and think about the last time you held your partner’s hand — felt it’s warmth,  truly cherished that moment.  Felt the energy that passed between the two of you.  Yes, the energy that was exchanged — whether you were sharing words or not — just think about all that passed between you in those moments – I enjoy watching couples old and young engage in this “old-fashioned” entanglement if you will.  Often you can see smiles form as arms swing back and forth or bodies snuggle just a little closer as the energy gauge raises a notch.

Hold a hand today — even if it’s your grandbaby’s!  😀 I’m wishing mine were closer…….. Love you all!

service begins with me

“Many acts of service cost nothing and take little time:  encouragement, compliments, listening, gratitude and compassion.  Any time you affirm the worth of others, you serve.”  –Chris Karcher

It takes less physical energy to say something nice, than to complain.  Yet more positive Life energy is generated when we say something positive.  The Nurtured Heart Approach™ techniques offer you even more opportunities to share the joy of service. Watch the face and eyes of someone who is the recipient of a sincere, specific detailed and affirming recognition. Did you see the shift in their posture? Do you feel the energy ripple outward? How does your “heart” feel now?

photo credit: Jan Hunter

possibilities

“Everyday holds the possibility of a miracle.”  Unknown

photo credit: Jan HunterWhat will I make of today?  How will I use it?  Will I see the potential of a miracle or two or will I let them slip by because I’m too busy to notice?  Ah, there’s the rub!  Do we get too caught up in the daily hub-bub and forget to smell the roses? Stop to make a phone call or send a note?  I fear I’m just as guilty as the next person at times, but today, I choose to stop, take a deep breath, smell the roses, make two or three phone calls;  even send a couple of  handwritten notes and drop them in the mail.  Today’s the day — will I be someone’s passing thought “It’s a miracle, someone cares about  me?”

Every new day brings new possibilities our way — what will you choose to do today?  Tomorrow or the next?  Have you been the recipient of a miracle recently?  I know I have… more than just a few!  It’s time to give back!  Today’s my day!

blessed by miracles

photo credit: Jan Hunter 2011

“Miracles happen to those who believe in them.”   Bernard Berenson

Don’t overlook  them – they’re happening every day – in every moment.  In EVERY BREATH!  Recent happenings have made me stop and take a look again — rethink and ponder the many miracles that are mine EVERY day.  They come in multiples!  Take a few minutes today to jot your blessings down — how many of those are truly miracles in your life when you stop to ponder them?  I’m truly, truly blessed in more ways than I can count … and I’m betting, so you are you.

Thanks for stopping by. ♥