Gratitude Journal Week Two: When Life Gets Sour Sweeten it With Gratitude

I honestly believe in the power of keeping a gratitude journal. It is a simple habit and it only takes a few minutes a day. 

It is the key to a happier life. 

Gratitude Journal Week Two

1. I am grateful to Beth and James for finding us a place to live. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. I am extremely grateful for having Honey Bunny in my life because she gives me reason to keep moving when I am down, she is the sunshine in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. I am grateful for having a mattress to sleep on.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. I am grateful for all the moments that get me through the day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. I am grateful to my Mom for loving me unconditionally and always being on my side. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Never under estimate the power of your gratitude journal. It is one of the best tools to give you an attitude for gratitude. And subsequently bring you sustainable happiness. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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I am so happy and honored - thank you Linda at Crafts a la Mode for featuring this post.

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Gratitude Journal Week One

I honestly believe in the power of keeping a gratitude journal. It is a simple habit and it only takes a few minutes. 

It is the key to a happier life. 

Once you begin to keep your journal, you will notice how much you were taking for granted. 

A few wonderful side affects of keeping a gratitude journal are:

• overall happier
• keeps you focused on the good in your life rather than the bad
• changes you from a negative person to a positive one
• helps you get through the tough times
• inspires you to share the gratitude with others and improves their lives

Here are two important things to remember when keeping a gratitude journal. You can read the rest of the post about keeping a journal HERE.

My Dollar Store Gratitude Journal

1. Write it down. 

There's something about writing down a gratitude list in my journal that makes it real.  I can go through my list in my mind or out loud to myself but it just isn't the same. Seeing it, and writing it helps so much. 

2. Feel it.

Close your eyes and repeat it then say thank you, thank you, thank you and really feel it.

Gratitude Journal Week One

1. I am so grateful to my Mom for letting Honey Bunny and I stay with her until we can find a place to live. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. I am extremely grateful for having Honey Bunny in my life because she gives me reason to keep moving when I am down, she is the sunshine in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. I am grateful for having a roof over my head because being homeless with a small child would be devastating and . .  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. I am grateful for all the money I have to make this transitional stage bearable and even enjoyable at times. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. I am grateful to Gary for his sensitivity and understanding and helping get through these tough times. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Never under estimate the power of your gratitude journal. It is one of the best tools to give you an attitude for gratitude. And subsequently bring you sustainable happiness. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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Well, thanks for stopping by. 

If your interested, stop by my Etsy Shop, Little Shop of Treasures or check out my Free Printables page.

If you would like to receive my blog updates please subscribe via Email or follow me on Twitter, Pinterest or Blog Lovin.

Have a fantastic day!

15 Reasons for Keeping a Gratitude List

When times are difficult it can be hard to remember to be grateful. That's unfortunate because that is probably when you need it the most.

When you are grateful you cannot be sad or depressed. When you are grateful all you can feel is happy.

The benefits of being grateful are:

1. cure broken or difficult relationships
2. cure lack of health
3. bring more money into your life
4. reduce  fear
5. reduce worry
6. reduce  grief 
7. eliminate depression 
8. find solutions to problems
9. find happiness 
10. with clarity
11. have patience
12. with kindness 
13. have compassion 
14. with your understanding 
15. bring peace of mind

If you are having difficulty understanding how gratefulness can help with all the points that I listed, try the 28 day practices outlined in Rhonda Byrne's book The Magic and/or follow along with me on my journey starting at the beginning, Day 1.

Darlene Nemeth

Grateful for Yesterday

Be grateful for all the blessings you have received in the past.

• I am grateful that my daughters and granddaughters were born beautiful and perfect. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• I am grateful to all the people who helped through the tough times. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• I am grateful for all the money I have received. It came in many different forms: coupons, free stuff, discounted items, pay checks, gifts, bonuses etc.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Grateful for Today

Be grateful for all the blessings you are receiving now.

• I am grateful for everything and everyone in my life at this very moment.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• I am grateful for the money in my pocket and in my bank account. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• I am grateful for the light above me so I can see what I am doing. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• I am grateful to be alive and healthy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• I am grateful for the health of my loved ones. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Grateful for Tomorrow

Be grateful for the unknown blessings already on their way to you right now.

• I am grateful for my granddaughter who will arrive within the next month. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• I am grateful for all the money I will receive. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
• I am grateful to live a long, healthy and prosperous life with my family.

I think my lists are good to start with. I can always add more as time goes by.

Have you started your gratitude journal yet? I would love to hear about it. Maybe share a short gratitude story. That would be wonderful.

And don't forget, I'd love it if you joined me on my journey, we could learn as we travel together.

Making Your Gratitude Journal Work

Gratitude Journal Rules

I don't think there are any rules. . . I think they are more like guidelines. LOL

Never under estimate the power of your gratitude journal. It is one of the best tools to give you an attitude for gratitude. And subsequently bring you sustainable happiness. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

My Dollar Store Gratitude Journal

1. Write it down. 

There's something about writing down a gratitude list in my journal that makes it real.  I can go through my list in my mind or out loud to myself but it just isn't the same. Seeing it, and writing it helps so much. 

2. Feel it.

Close your eyes and repeat it then say thank you, thank you, thank you and really feel it.

3. Daily. 

The journal has to be daily. We want it to become a part of our daily routine. You don't have to think about it or try to remember to make your gratitude list. Grabbing your journal and your pen will become second nature and eventually forgetting to write will leave you feeling off, like forgetting to brush your teeth.

4. Make it Ten. 

I believe your list should be ten. I have seen journals with less items but for me, five is easy. After five, I need to think a little harder, dig a little deeper and sometimes an item that I am grateful for will just hit me. Why had I not thought of that one before?

5. Keep it Close. 

I like to keep my journal with me so I can write whenever the inspiration hits. Plus jotting down items through out the day helps me stay grateful. And happy. Because that's what my journal does for me. 

6. Review it. 

While I have my journal open, I like to reread some of the previous items and I get to feel grateful all over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Do you have a rule you would like to add? I think I am forgetting something. Oh, I like laughing at myself.

Gratitude Journal

This is how my journal looks today.

I Am Grateful:

1. To Nick for driving me to work and picking me up each work day without complaint. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. For the free yummy lunch at work because it is so nice when we all get together. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. For such a great team at work because it is the people not the job that makes work memorable.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. To Nicole for making another delicious dinner for the family.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. To Nicole for keeping the girls occupied while I checked my email.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. For Faith and Sidney because they are the sunshine in my day.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. For the beautiful weather because I didn't have to turn my furnace on.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. A working vehicle because it comes in handy when I need to get someplace.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. For the internet because I enjoy relaxing and reading at the end of my day.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. For having everything I need because it is comforting.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gratitude Stone

Since I am at it, I'm going to hold my gratitude stone, contemplate yesterdays gratitude list and decide what I am most grateful for.

I am most grateful for the beautiful day because it was wonderful and weird to be able to open the windows in mid January to let the fresh air in. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you for visiting. Will you remember to write in your Gratitude Journal? 

Like what you see here? Consider becoming a follower or subscribe via email!

Nine Reminders to be Grateful

Happy, Happy, Happy
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The Gratitude Habit

If an attitude of gratitude is new to you, it may be difficult to remember to say thank you. Until it becomes a habit, I have found it helpful to surround myself with reminders.

1.) Gratitude Stone

My gratitude stone is a wonderful tool. It sits at the bottom of my purse so every time I dig around in there, I catch a glimpse of my stone, I smile and think "thank you".

At the end of the day, I dig out my gratitude stone and roll it between my fingers. I often close my eyes and review the list in my journal to decide which item I am most grateful for. Feeling grateful and happy as I drift off to sleep - sublime. It is a wonderful way to end the day.

2.) 16 Gratitude Practices to Find Happiness

This is a list of practices outlined in Rhonda Byrnes book The Magic. I have a copy of this list in a few conspicuous places and it give it a quick glance when I feel the need to remember some of the other ways to integrate gratitude into my life.

3.) Gratitude Key Chains

Gratitude Key Chain

Recently, I made this key chain that says HAPPY. You know I can't remember what made me think about making it. Weird. Anyway, I chose colours that I knew would make me feel happy. To me, happy means gratitude and vise versa so of course this chain is a fantastic reminder to be grateful. 

I feel grateful for my home as I unlock the door with my keys. I am grateful for my car as I unlock my car. I am grateful for my job as I unlock the office door. You get the picture. Think about how many times you take out your keys in a day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I made a couple of other chains. One says THANK YOU in square white beads with lettering in pink and green. Another one says SMILE in square white beads with multi-colour lettering. I think they turned out nice. I want to make one more, then I can give each of my daughters a keychain. Who wouldn't want a pretty dangling key accessory telling them to be happy? 

4.) Gratitude Book Marks

My wonderful daughter, Nicole loves to read. This is my gift to her and all you avid readers out there. Book marks. But also a reminder to be grateful and happy every time you open your book.

5.) Magic Check

I have my magic cheque posted on my gratitude board which hangs on the wall across from my computer desk. Every time I look up to contemplate my next sentence I can see it and say to myself thank you for the money. Money comes easily and frequently.

6.) Post Notes

I haven't used these as reminders yet but I have thought about it. If I am going through an especially difficult time I could use the extra reminders. I think something simple like Smile written on a sticky note in your favourite colour would suffice. I could put it on the mirror for an extra boost to start off the day. My family might even appreciate it. Smiles are contagious don't you know. Pass it on.

7.) Gratitude Buttons

I guess it would depend on your age, but gratitude buttons would look nice pinned to your knapsack, a favorite t-shirt, your shoes, or jacket.

8.) Printables

If you haven't checked out my printables page you should take a look. Maybe you will find something you'd like to hang in your home. You can check it out now then come back here to finish reading this post. It's okay. I wait.

I hope you found something to your liking. I have printables scattered throughout my home. Stick one on the refrigerator, frame one and put it your washroom or pin it up on your gratitude board. You could print a small version and place use it for a book mark either in the novel you are reading or in your gratitude journal.

You might not even like my printables. You may find an image with an inspirational quote on Pinterest that you prefer. That's fine too. Although I would be ecstatic if you loved my printables and pinned them. Yahoo.

I will be adding more printables over time so come back occasionally to see if one of those spark some interest.

9.) Gratitude Journals

The last reminder I am going to talk about today are gratitude journals. There are all kinds of ideas on Pinterest to inspire you when choosing your journal. Make it fancy or keep it plain. You could pick up a dollar store notebook and carry it around with you to write your list as you go through your day.

If you would like to see some journals here are some links to see what others are doing:

http://www.iloveitallwithmonikawright.com/2012/02/gratitude-journal-how-im-using-it.html

http://theno-noroom.blogspot.ca/2012/01/mini-altered-journals.html

http://www.meloveletters.com/mirror-mirror/grace-of-gratitude/

http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Oprahs-Gratitude-Journal-Oprah-on-Gratitude


Well I hope you found this post helpful or least interesting. Making gratitude a habit may be a challenge but with a few reminders strategically placed can assist you on your path to inner peace and happiness.

Like what you see here? Consider becoming a follower or subscribe via email! Have a fantastic day!

Day 15 - Magically Heal Your Relationships

Using Gratitude to Repair Your Relationships

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."

Gautama Buddha (Circa 563 BC - 483 BC)

Founder of Buddhism

Rhonda says, "When we are faced with a difficult relationship or a challenging situation in a relationship, in almost all cases, we're not in the least bit grateful for the other person. Instead, we're busy blaming the other person for the problems we have with them and that means we don't have a shred of gratitude. Blame is never going to make a relationship better and it's never going to make your life better. In fact, the more you blame, the worse the relationship gets and the worse your life gets." Page 141, The Magic.

How does Gratitude Repair Damaged Relationships?

Today's assignment is to choose one difficult, problematic, or broken relationship that I want to improve then list ten things I am grateful for about that person.

I love Gary. We have been together for twenty years. Some good and some bad.

I chose this relationship to work on. It can be difficult at times because he has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (he isn't the easiest person to live with.)

I cannot change him. I know I can't change anyone but myself. So I need to work on how I think, feel and react. So here I go.

1. Gary, I'm grateful to you for sticking with me through all the good and bad times because that is what  keeps our relationship strong.
2. Gary, I'm grateful to you for our daughter. The happiness she brings me everyday could not exist without you.
3. Gary, I'm grateful for the years to come as we grow old together in wisdom and love.
4. Gary, I'm grateful to you for all the hard work and long hours you put in to support our family.
5. Gary, I'm grateful to you for all the time and energy you spent on fixing up our house. You helped to make it our home.
6. Gary, I'm grateful to you for all those good times we had together. We laughed til our stomachs hurt.
7. Gary, I'm grateful to you for accepting, and loving Bethany and Chelsea as your own.
8. Gary, I'm grateful for all those precious times we had with the girls as they were growing up.
9. Gary, I'm grateful to you for those times you took care of me when I was sick or injured.
10. Gary, I'm grateful to you for taking the time to work on our vehicles because I know it a lot of work.

Gratitude Stone

I was most grateful for yesterday being the perfect day of course. It was magical.

I especially liked the part where Christina was laughing. We usually see her just moping around the house in her pajamas.

Gratitude Journal

I Am Grateful: (Day 15)

1.  For all the sleep I had today because I must have needed it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. To everyone who made it possible for me to sleep away the day because I must have needed it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. To Cole for making supper tonight because I was too drowsy to do. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. To Christina for taking the three girls out today because I really needed the break. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5.  To Christina for making pancakes this morning because they were yummy and a nice change from my usual alphabets. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. To Cole for taking Lexi home tonight because I enjoy playing with my granddaughters more than driving them around. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. To Nicole and Christina for sitting at the table after supper and just talking because it warms my heart to see the two of you laughing together. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. To Gary for thinking of me when he went out to the corner store tonight because it makes me feel good.Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. For Gary taking the time to read to Faith at bed time because she so desperately craves his attention.Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10.  For the conversation I had with one of my coworkers today. She told me about the huge stack of work piling up on my desk and how everyone is concerned and misses me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This was really easy. I just whipped through the list. Now I am looking forward to your comments or become a follower or subscribe via email!

Tomorrow is day 16 - Magic and Miracles in Health. Sounds interesting to me.

Day 12 - Magical People Who Made a Difference

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each one of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."

 Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965),

Nobel Place Prize - Winning

Medical Missionary and Philosopher

Rhonda says, "Every one of us has received help, support, or guidance from other people at particular times in our life when we needed it most. Sometimes another person alters the course of our life through their encouragement, guidance, or just being there at the right time. An then life goes on and we tend to forget those times when one person touched us or changed our life. Sometimes you don't even realize the impact a person had until well into the future, when you look back on your life and realize that a particular person was pivotal in magically changing the direction of your life for the better." Page 137, The Magic.

The Assignment

Today's assignment is to find a quiet place alone and choose three people who made a difference in my life then list the reasons why.

Gratitude Stone

I am most grateful to Faith for finding the perfect "gratitude stone" for me because the other one was too big and I didn't get a good vibe from it.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.

It is smaller and I can twirl it with my fingers which actually makes me concentrate on gratitude. And it is somehow relaxing.

Gratitude Journal

I Am Grateful: (Day 12)

1.  To Gary for his support because it takes the stress of me to hurry up and return to work. I can stay home, relax and let the stress slide off my shoulders. Okay he doesn't say it like that but I know that's what he means. He does say I deserve it.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. For having time for just the two of us because Sidney and I enjoyed our quality time together.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. To Christina for going out with me and Faith because I treasure the time we spend together.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. For another energy filled day because I was able to do so many things on my to do list and that gives me an amazing sense of accomplishment.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. To my Mom for stopping by to take Faith, Sidney and I out for supper because I really needed to get out of the house and didn't want to do it without another adult.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. For my cosy comfy bed because it feels wonderful to lay back in it and slip off into a restful sleep.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. To my Mom for taking us out second hand shopping because I love it when I find great deals. We "shopped 'til we dropped." My Granddaughters think that's funny  and it makes them giggle which feels my heart with joy.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. For the money in my pocket because I was able to pick up a few things at the store which brought smiles to the faces of Jackie, Destiny and Emily. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. Another day of life.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. For my health because without it life would be difficult and just no fun at all.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Magical People

For some time now, I have believed that people come into my life for a reason. It could be for a moment or a life time. 

I used to feel so sad when people vanished out of my life but I have come to terms with it now. I wonder if that is an age thing? Either way, I like it because I can now appreciate and feel good about the time we had together instead of reflecting with a melancholy heart.

When I read today's practice, my Mom immediately popped into my head. Of course she has and is still the most influential person in my life and I am so very grateful to her every single day. If I chose my Mom for today's practice, I call it a challenge, it would have been way to easy. 

Next in line would by the father of Nicole and Beth. We had two beautiful children together. I am grateful to him for so many things but again this would not be a challenge.

Listed third but not necessarily listed by importance, is Gary. We have been together for twenty years and have one wonderful daughter together who you know as Christina. Not a challenge.

I have one honourable mention here. He was my first love. My high school sweat heart. I was so utterly, deeply, madly in love with him for five years.

I better stop here because the practice wasn't to list influential people, it was to choose three and make a list for each person of reasons I am grateful to them.

So here I go. 

Number One

I excelled easily at art all the way through, right up through high school. I won awards. Had my art chosen to be hung in galleries. My classmates would stop and stare as I worked on my latest masterpiece. It was embarrassing so I would just goof around in class and do my work at home.

After high school I spent a year in limbo. I was already living with my boyfriend at the age of eighteen. We had very little money and I couldn't seem to get a job.

Then one day, I ran into a girl from high school. We had lots of fun in art class. Giggling. Silly teenage girls. She was my art class friend. She had disappeared in high school and I didn' know where she went. Turns out she got pregnant and quit school. She told me that she was a graphic artist and making okay money.

Practically the next day I made an appointment at the employment office to speak to a counsellor. I ended up enrolling in the same forty week commercial art program at Mohawk College in Brantford that my art class friend went to. The program was all paid for and I was given a living allowance while I attended school. How perfect was that?

I enjoyed it so much. I graduated in the top four of my class.

About a month after graduating a classmate called me. Marty had been working for a company called the Stencil House. He was putting in his notice and immediately thought of me. I went to the interview and sucked at it. I was still bitterly shy but my portfolio convinced the owners to hire me.

I was so excited that I had landed my first real job ever and it just so happened to be doing something I loved to do. I was designing stencils, magazine ads and brochures. Within a year the company expanded and had to move into a larger space. I saw all my designs being sold across Canada and the United States. I couldn't help thinking that my designs had something to do with the company's success so I asked for a raise. Needless to say, I didn't get it so I quit right on the spot.

About a week later I ran into my ex-boyfriends friend. He told be that his sister had just put in her notice and that I should go apply.

I sent in my resume and was called immediately for an interview. I lugged my heavy black portfolio with me which now contained some of the work I did at the Stencil House.

And so I landed my second job. I failed miserably at the interview but my portfolio was the deciding factor in me getting the job. I was Advertising Coordinator for Goodwill Industries in Hamilton. I loved that job too. I could be creative and get paid to do it.

I am so entirely grateful to my art class friend. We ran into one another and spoke for just a few minutes but she changed the course of my life with long reaching affects.

Thank you Donna, I am grateful to you because you showed me a door of opportunity I would have other wise missed. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you Donna, I am grateful to you because the information you shared with me led to my first and second jobs which enriched my life in so many ways. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you Donna, I am grateful to you for the encouragement you offered on that summer day to follow my dream and become an artist because I may not have proceeded without it. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you Donna, I am grateful to you for lifting my spirits and giving me direction for my life when I was lost and wondering aimlessly. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you Donna, I am grateful to you for boosting my self esteem because I lacked confidence in my ability and was afraid of trying anything new. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Number Two

I'm not sure if this is allowed but I am going to do it anyway. 

Thank you girls, I am so entirely grateful to you, my three daughters because you have given my life purpose. Before you came into my life it had no meaning. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you girls, I am grateful because you made me want to be a better person. I wanted to be a positive influence and teach you how to be strong, confident, independent women. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you girls, I am grateful to you because you brought happiness and joy into my life.  Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you girls, I am grateful to you because you gave me the strength to carry on when I thought I was beaten.

Thank you girls, I am grateful to you because you loved me when I felt unlovable. I felt it each time you put your little arms around me, pressed you lips against my cheek, held my hand, smiled at me . . . Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you girls, I am grateful for your friendship because you are my best friends and I cherish each moment we have together. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Thank you girls, I am grateful to you for giving me grandchildren because they bring more joy and happiness in my life each and every day. Thank, thank you, thank you.

Number Three

I enrolled into a program at Conestoga College for Accounting.

I worked through a temp service while going to school. I had many different types of office jobs and was able to make a bit a money and figure out which positions I enjoyed and which ones were just torture.

It was through a temp agency that I met Maria, the controller of a small business in town. She saw something in me that no one else did. She was impressed with my ability to catch on quickly and get the work completed in record time. Once a position opened up, she offered it to me.

Thank you Maria, I am so entirely grateful to you because you gave me back my confidence. It comes in handy when searching for a job. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you Maria, I am grateful to you for all your assistance with my school courses. You were able to take the theory from class and put it into real life situations. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you Maria, I am grateful to you because you were able to help me see myself as others perceived me. I believed myself to be a frumpy, slow minded, shy, awkward, useless blob. You told me that others see me as a strong, intelligent, confident, assertive yet compassionate woman. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you Maria, I am grateful to you because I looked up to you as someone I wanted to be like. You were a wonderful role model. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you Maria, I am grateful to you because I thought of you as my mentor. You guided me, helped me and encouraged me. You took me under your wing and nurtured my career quest. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Another day has whizzed by me. I am so pooped. Being grateful can be exhausting. 

Which three people would you choose? Feel free to leave your answer in the comment section.

Tomorrow is Day 13: Make All Your Wishes Come True

Day 11 - A Magic Morning

"When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love."

 Marcus Aurelius (121-180),

Roman Emperor.

Rhonda says, "Make today as good as it can be by practicing concentrated gratitude and putting the magic into your morning routine. From the moment you open your eyes until you have put your shoes on or finished getting ready, say the magic words, thank you, in your mind for everything you touch and use. It doesn't matter if you don't shower or get dressed first thing in the morning, you can still use this Magic Morning  practice as a guide and apply it to whatever your morning routine is." Page 115, The Magic.

bitsotruth.blogspot.com

Magical Morning

Today's assignment is to say the magic words, thank you, as soon as I wake up and from then on I will say thank you for everything I touch and use during my morning routine.

I think this is a wonderful assignment. I know I have had days that I woke up thinking negative thoughts. Actually quit a few of them. The most popular one is, "I hate my life." That definitely sets the tone for the day.

But if I break that negative record, which I have been working on already because of The Secret, and make a positive one, then my day is off to a great start.

I definitely recommend trying this. Just remember, there will be things that pop up during the day that will crush that good feeling and you will have to prop yourself back up with, ". . . but I am grateful for . . ."

1. Thank you for another day of life because it is a gift.
2. Thank you for a good night's sleep in my cozy bed because it is important for my health. I know there are many people who don't have a comfortable bed and some don't have one at all.
3. Thank you for the toilet because it is hygienic and convenient. There are people who have to use an outhouse or tree.
4. Thank you for the clean water that pours out of the tap because it always me to keep clean and refreshed. I am aware there are people who don't have clean water and some have to travel great distances to get water.
5. Thank you for the soap and towel because it makes life that much more enjoyable.
6. Thank you for my good morning kisses from my two beautiful granddaughters because they are magic.
7. Thank you for the stairs I walk on because it is part of my precious home. Yes, there are homeless people.
8. Thank you for my bowl, spoon, cup, coffee, cereal and milk because my breakfast provides the nourishment and energy at the beginning of my day. There are children in our country who go to school with empty stomachs.
9. Thank you for my closet of clothes because I am fortunate to have them. Thank you to all those people involved in making them transporting them and selling them to me.
10. Thank you for my sandals because I am so very lucky to live in a country where they are easily accessible. I know there are people in the world who do not have shoes let alone as nice as the ones I own.
11. Thank you for the refrigerator.
12. Thank you for the microwave.
13. Thank you for the table and chairs that I eat breakfast at.
14. Thank you for my toothbrush and tooth paste.

Gratitude Stone

I am most grateful to Gary for finally taking the money out of the bank and paying the insurance company because it would be terrible to have our policies cancelled for non-payment when we have the money.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

The insurance payments have been a huge source of stress and anxiety for me especially over the last year. Gary had virtually no income last year and it has been so hard for me to keep up these payments. Our policies have been cancelled a few times but each time Laurie managed to  save our butts.

My new "gratitude stone." Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gratitude Journal

I Am Grateful: (Day 11)

1.  For the energy and time to keep my home clean, tidy and organized because it is a wonderful feeling when I glance around the house and see it this way.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. For the rain today because it is really helping out our vegetable and flower gardens.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. For the first cucumber from our garden because it provided a nutritious delicious snack for Sidney, Faith and I.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. For another rainy day because it made it possible for Sidney and Faith to play outside with their rain coats and umbrellas. It was so delightful to sit on the front porch, watching my little sweethearts having fun splashing in the puddles. I could hear Faith singing to herself softly as she usually does when she is feeling happy.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. To my Mom for stopping by to take Sidney, Faith and I out for supper because I really needed to get out of the house and didn't want to do it without another adult.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. For another meal that I did not have to cook or wash dishes because it freed up time for me to spend with my loved ones.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. To my Mom for taking us out second hand shopping because I love it when I find great deals. We "shopped 'til we dropped." My Granddaughters think that's funny  and it makes them giggle which fills my heart with joy.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. To Faith for finding the perfect "gratitude stone" for me because the other one was too big and I didn't get a good vibe from it.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. For having money in my pocket because it's comforting knowing it's there just in case.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. For the internet because I love relaxing and watching a good movie once my Granddaughters are sound asleep.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This was a simple challenge. I remembered to say thank you for everything I used and touched. Thank you.

What were you most grateful for today? I hope you have a magical morning too.

Tomorrow is Day 12 - Magical People Who Made a Difference