I find when I am grateful, I wish other people were grateful too, I wish for them that deep joy that comes with living gratefully. So I find myself doing things that I hope brings them joy, and so maybe they can begin to be cultivate a grateful perspective. Not grateful to me, but grateful that life may be easier, or they find joy in a surprise, or just with another being with them.
Not sure this makes sense…
It may not be the world but it is my small world that I focus on. I am very Environmental conscious as well as always aware of food insecurities for folks. I do my best to be proactive in these areas. I live in a small state that has a huge focus on keeping the state as green as possible, many green bonds are approved each year. I try to help with making food for the needy and/or help out a food banks .
I am a small person
with a small voice
and small power in this great, big world.
I am an introvert who shies away from the spotlight . . .
these are things I believe about myself
that say “I can’t make a difference that counts,]
but my ‘signature’
says something else.
“Everything counts.”
I’ve had it for years,
and now I wondering if it should really say,
“Everything matters.”
both mean basically the same thing . . .
everything we put out into the world
counts towards something,
whither it be for the positive or the negative.
Also,
everything that comes to us,
whether it be positively intended or not,
also counts.
All of it matters . . .
all of it makes a difference.
Somewhere.
Think of the Butterfly Effect . . .
” the idea that a small, seemingly insignificant change in a complex system can have massive, unpredictable consequences in the future, much like a butterfly flapping its wings could theoretically cause a tornado on the other side of the world.”
If I believe that my frail wings
have the power to make change in the world
then I will use them with all the strength in me
and trust that I’ve made a difference.
Being grateful
inspires me to be the best steward of my gifts that I can be.
It can also stretch my mind and open it to the gifts that I can act upon
that reach way beyond the visible.
Perhaps I will find my true power there. ♥
I feel compelled to take action in the world even without gratefulness, but gratefulness gives me a more balanced and sustainable perspective from which to take action.
One activity that I am trying to do more often and deliberately is to “look for the helpers,” as Mr Rogers said. And then I would like to try more often to actually thank those people– grow my courage by thanking them publicly with a comment on YouTube or Facebook or else send them an email or a card.
Yes, the United States and much of the world is in dire straits and there are many violent and greedy and awful things happening. BUT, I believe that the current administration of the United States wants us to feel exhausted and helpless, so it can be an act of joyful resistance to look for the helpers and thank them.
There are many, many beautiful people in our country and around the world doing amazing, courageous, loving things right now but our mainstream media tends not to cover it. I have been turning to publications like Nonviolence News and Waging Nonviolence to find some of those stories.
I also have started volunteering to do transcripts for Nonviolence Radio. It really is balm to my soul to spend time listening in-depth to interviews with some extraordinary people. The last 4 episodes have featured: a physician in Idaho who is doing wonderful work bringing people together to work for compassionate health care, a journalist who has provided eye-opening insights into the history and human costs of closed borders, a bridgebuilder who helps people learn how to have conversations across differences, and a pastor who is a survivor of domestic violence and helps others to get out of situations of domestic violence. All of these people are so dedicated to these incredible projects they are working on! The website for Nonviolence Radio is here if anyone wants a dose of hope: https://www.mettacenter.org/nonviolenceradio .
It goes very much with today’s quote from Jane Goodall, “… what we nurture and encourage wins.” I feel that while we need to be aware of and feel our grief and anger for all the horrendous events going on, we also need to really actively look for the people who are trying to do good, and actively support them.
It encourages me,
dear Elizabeth,
that you are so passionate about helping,
and about finding ‘the helpers’ . . .
it is so easy to wither into your easy chair
and hide away,
ashamed,
from the news,
but I hope you have struck a nerve in every one of us
to put joy, peace, goodness and gratefulness
out into the world.
Thank you for your inspiring post,
and for the links to resources . . .
namaste ♥
Gratefulness is a slow, deliberate practice floods the body with positive feelings. If I contemplate taking action out of care, concern, love, generosity of spirit, and a sense of surrendering to something larger than myself, I feel integrated with the world. If I take action out of fear, desperation, a sense of helplessness, etc. then I feel small, isolated, corroded. So the spirit with which I take action can in turn nourish myself and others for the long term. My giving is also a form of receiving; a practice in dancing with the world as it is. My relationship with action and the world becomes enlivening.
This is an embodied contemplation, versus a way of life, so I have a ways to go. But I know people do it and I can take steps in that direction.
With my gratitude practice, I am able to see what it is that I value. I find I am always expressing gratitude about my sisters, my loved ones, my moments of stillness. It also encourages me to be present during those moments. And for that, I am grateful. 🙏🏽🧡
Gratefulness compells me to take action in the world by fighting for autonomy and enjoying quality time with Ngoc. Standard traditional men are known to be kings of the castles. They love soft sweet women out of control. I prefer that over a strong one as well but out of autonomy. Ngoc checks the boxes of my type of woman, because she’s soft with a natural sweet voice and long hair.
Paw Mu’s strong voice, shorter hair, and nagging gives her the impression that she’s a strong woman. In hindsight, she has a soft soul. Even though her mom passed away at an early age, at least she lived with her dad until 19 years old. Having good caring relative members and being a singer helps her have a soft soul. Tracy is the opposite.
Tracy’s natural sweet voice and long hair give her the impression that she’s a soft woman. She’s actually the opposite. Her mom immigrated to the US in 1975, the Infamous Fall of Saigon, where many people traveled by boat. She had to take care of both her single mom and brother throughout her life. Productivity is her core value, and she values responsibility over art. Respect from a distance is as far as it goes there. She and I are just incompatible like an Iphone and Android. With that being said, my experience with strong women are growing moments.
My experiences with strong women have shaped my 3rd eye just like how theirs have shaped them into the people they’ve become. I’m still a rebel and have talked about the 3 main types before: strategical, aggressive, and deceptive. Fortunately, I fall into the first category. #1 is good. #2 is bad. #3 is evil. Be careful with #1, because it’s easy to fall into #3. Therefore, one out of so many key lessons I learned from Paw Mu was to just follow orders.
There are times where just following orders is the best thing to do. All forms of rebellion is brain consuming. We don’t have all the answers. Not only obedience was my childhood strength, I mastered it. All and all, Paw Mu’s system is a piece of cake. She and I have the same system like Iphone and Iphone. Mine’s much more updated.
I am losing energy and hope for our country.
I am grateful for my life, though.
It’s time for me to get back to the telephone.
My representatives in Congress don’t represent me.
But, I can speak up.
Thank you for this question and a reminder that I need to speak out.
My intention for today is to remember to think of things on my to-do list
as things I get to do. ☀️
I am abundantly blessed. I am thankful for all I have been given. I feel a responsibility to give back as I have been given so much. I share with a cheerful heart.
🕊️♥️
Gratefulness has blessed me with the awareness that I do not have to perform, that I am of worth even when I am not worthy, that Life is process not product. Gratefulness has taught me to respond to Life not react to it. Today’s quote from Jane Goodall says it all:The environment we create will determine what prevails. In other words, what we nurture and encourage wins.
“Life is process, not product.” Love it, Carol Ann. There’s a lot for me to dive into for this one. Basically, I’m very happy to be surrounded by this community and a core group of people who align with my values like my relative family being my parents and Ngoc.
My heart is with you,
dearest Yram,.
as you embark on a life without your husband.
I hold you tenderly
as you do what must be done,
and as you grieve the way you must.
I pray for peaceful passage for your husband,
and the knowledge for you
that all’s well,
and all will be well
with love . . . ♥
sparrow
Yram, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing! I am glad that you have received many tributes to the fine man that he was. Sending you much love in this difficult time ♥️
Yram, sending love and support as you process this immense loss. Your care and dedication must have helped him so much. I’m glad you’re here and for all of your generous sharing.
I am so sorry for your loss, dear YRAM. May your husband rest in peace, and may you and your family be consoled and held warmly in His Love also. For this i pray.
May he rest in Peace, dear Yram, and may you and your family be held and consoled also by dear friends and loved ones. Accompanying you here in stillness and praying for you to be consoled as well by His Love.
Dear Yram, I am so sorry to hear your husband passed. May he Rest in Peace.
Sending you love, hugs & strength.
May God bless & guide you on this journey. ♥️🤗
YRAM, You are and always have been an inspiration. Sending loving energy filled with a big hug to you today. You have many decisions to make. Take your time.
I think gratefulness helps in my interactions with others. It helps me see people with a bit more kindness and empathy. I think it also places me in an open stance, allowing others to approach me.
Charlie, thanks for the reminder. There’s always room for improvement on my end when it comes to approachability. I can appear quite guarded too. I’ve learned to be that way as a 2nd generation Vietnamese American with even a mild case of autism and bipolar mania. Fortunately, incompatibility fuels my guardedness which stems from the desire for autonomy as I’ve always mentioned.
Gratefulness helps me to take notice and say thank you, I appreciate you, and feel the blessings even in the hard lessons. All of this hopefully helps me spread kindness, have more patience, and take care of our earth a little more.
Gratefulness is one of the factors that compelled me to share the healing practice of yoga and become a teacher. I also take action in the world by being kind to everyone I encounter. One act of kindness can make a lasting difference. And lastly, I enjoy volunteering with groups and at events that help lift people up in some way while raising money for important causes.
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I find when I am grateful, I wish other people were grateful too, I wish for them that deep joy that comes with living gratefully. So I find myself doing things that I hope brings them joy, and so maybe they can begin to be cultivate a grateful perspective. Not grateful to me, but grateful that life may be easier, or they find joy in a surprise, or just with another being with them.
Not sure this makes sense…
Yes, it makes sense, Cathie ♥️
It may not be the world but it is my small world that I focus on. I am very Environmental conscious as well as always aware of food insecurities for folks. I do my best to be proactive in these areas. I live in a small state that has a huge focus on keeping the state as green as possible, many green bonds are approved each year. I try to help with making food for the needy and/or help out a food banks .
I think that is very wise to pick a couple areas to focus on, Robin Ann.
My minister once said, “better to do 1 thing 100% than to do 100 things 1%”
Protecting/healing the environment and helping prevent/decrease food insecurity are both so important; thank you for your efforts in these areas ♥️
I am a small person
with a small voice
and small power in this great, big world.
I am an introvert who shies away from the spotlight . . .
these are things I believe about myself
that say “I can’t make a difference that counts,]
but my ‘signature’
says something else.
“Everything counts.”
I’ve had it for years,
and now I wondering if it should really say,
“Everything matters.”
both mean basically the same thing . . .
everything we put out into the world
counts towards something,
whither it be for the positive or the negative.
Also,
everything that comes to us,
whether it be positively intended or not,
also counts.
All of it matters . . .
all of it makes a difference.
Somewhere.
Think of the Butterfly Effect . . .
” the idea that a small, seemingly insignificant change in a complex system can have massive, unpredictable consequences in the future, much like a butterfly flapping its wings could theoretically cause a tornado on the other side of the world.”
If I believe that my frail wings
have the power to make change in the world
then I will use them with all the strength in me
and trust that I’ve made a difference.
Being grateful
inspires me to be the best steward of my gifts that I can be.
It can also stretch my mind and open it to the gifts that I can act upon
that reach way beyond the visible.
Perhaps I will find my true power there. ♥
Those are both good reminders, Sparrow, thank you! “Everything Counts” “Everything Matters”
When you say your “signature,” do you mean this is a quote that comes at the bottom of any emails that you send?
Yes,]
dear Elizabeth . . .
that’s what I meant.
I didn’t know what else to call it,
so I used ‘signature’.
Thank you . . . ♥
I feel compelled to take action in the world even without gratefulness, but gratefulness gives me a more balanced and sustainable perspective from which to take action.
One activity that I am trying to do more often and deliberately is to “look for the helpers,” as Mr Rogers said. And then I would like to try more often to actually thank those people– grow my courage by thanking them publicly with a comment on YouTube or Facebook or else send them an email or a card.
Yes, the United States and much of the world is in dire straits and there are many violent and greedy and awful things happening. BUT, I believe that the current administration of the United States wants us to feel exhausted and helpless, so it can be an act of joyful resistance to look for the helpers and thank them.
There are many, many beautiful people in our country and around the world doing amazing, courageous, loving things right now but our mainstream media tends not to cover it. I have been turning to publications like Nonviolence News and Waging Nonviolence to find some of those stories.
I also have started volunteering to do transcripts for Nonviolence Radio. It really is balm to my soul to spend time listening in-depth to interviews with some extraordinary people. The last 4 episodes have featured: a physician in Idaho who is doing wonderful work bringing people together to work for compassionate health care, a journalist who has provided eye-opening insights into the history and human costs of closed borders, a bridgebuilder who helps people learn how to have conversations across differences, and a pastor who is a survivor of domestic violence and helps others to get out of situations of domestic violence. All of these people are so dedicated to these incredible projects they are working on! The website for Nonviolence Radio is here if anyone wants a dose of hope: https://www.mettacenter.org/nonviolenceradio .
It goes very much with today’s quote from Jane Goodall, “… what we nurture and encourage wins.” I feel that while we need to be aware of and feel our grief and anger for all the horrendous events going on, we also need to really actively look for the people who are trying to do good, and actively support them.
Thank you Elizabeth, I will definitely check it out!
Thank you for this inspiring post, Elizabeth. Yes, lots of people doing lots of good work in the world.
Your reflection reminded me to remember https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ as an alternative to view good news
Yes indeed!
Fix the News is another good one. https://fixthenews.com
Thanks for sharing Drea– I just subscribed!
Wonderful post. Thank you, Elizabeth. ☀️
❤️ Thank you Elizabeth.
It encourages me,
dear Elizabeth,
that you are so passionate about helping,
and about finding ‘the helpers’ . . .
it is so easy to wither into your easy chair
and hide away,
ashamed,
from the news,
but I hope you have struck a nerve in every one of us
to put joy, peace, goodness and gratefulness
out into the world.
Thank you for your inspiring post,
and for the links to resources . . .
namaste ♥
Thank you, Sparrow. Your encouraging words mean a lot to me ♥️. namaste
Gratefulness is a slow, deliberate practice floods the body with positive feelings. If I contemplate taking action out of care, concern, love, generosity of spirit, and a sense of surrendering to something larger than myself, I feel integrated with the world. If I take action out of fear, desperation, a sense of helplessness, etc. then I feel small, isolated, corroded. So the spirit with which I take action can in turn nourish myself and others for the long term. My giving is also a form of receiving; a practice in dancing with the world as it is. My relationship with action and the world becomes enlivening.
This is an embodied contemplation, versus a way of life, so I have a ways to go. But I know people do it and I can take steps in that direction.
Much wisdom here, thank you Drea!
With my gratitude practice, I am able to see what it is that I value. I find I am always expressing gratitude about my sisters, my loved ones, my moments of stillness. It also encourages me to be present during those moments. And for that, I am grateful. 🙏🏽🧡
Gratefulness compells me to take action in the world by fighting for autonomy and enjoying quality time with Ngoc. Standard traditional men are known to be kings of the castles. They love soft sweet women out of control. I prefer that over a strong one as well but out of autonomy. Ngoc checks the boxes of my type of woman, because she’s soft with a natural sweet voice and long hair.
Paw Mu’s strong voice, shorter hair, and nagging gives her the impression that she’s a strong woman. In hindsight, she has a soft soul. Even though her mom passed away at an early age, at least she lived with her dad until 19 years old. Having good caring relative members and being a singer helps her have a soft soul. Tracy is the opposite.
Tracy’s natural sweet voice and long hair give her the impression that she’s a soft woman. She’s actually the opposite. Her mom immigrated to the US in 1975, the Infamous Fall of Saigon, where many people traveled by boat. She had to take care of both her single mom and brother throughout her life. Productivity is her core value, and she values responsibility over art. Respect from a distance is as far as it goes there. She and I are just incompatible like an Iphone and Android. With that being said, my experience with strong women are growing moments.
My experiences with strong women have shaped my 3rd eye just like how theirs have shaped them into the people they’ve become. I’m still a rebel and have talked about the 3 main types before: strategical, aggressive, and deceptive. Fortunately, I fall into the first category. #1 is good. #2 is bad. #3 is evil. Be careful with #1, because it’s easy to fall into #3. Therefore, one out of so many key lessons I learned from Paw Mu was to just follow orders.
There are times where just following orders is the best thing to do. All forms of rebellion is brain consuming. We don’t have all the answers. Not only obedience was my childhood strength, I mastered it. All and all, Paw Mu’s system is a piece of cake. She and I have the same system like Iphone and Iphone. Mine’s much more updated.
I am losing energy and hope for our country.
I am grateful for my life, though.
It’s time for me to get back to the telephone.
My representatives in Congress don’t represent me.
But, I can speak up.
Thank you for this question and a reminder that I need to speak out.
My intention for today is to remember to think of things on my to-do list
as things I get to do. ☀️
Yes Mary, I love that practice from “Wake Up Grateful”– not “I have to do it” , but “I get to do it” I will join you with that intention today.
Mary, I’m proud of you to have the courage to speak up. You’re also right. At this point, the best we can do is to be grateful for our lives.
Thank you, Loc..😊
No problem, Mary.
I am abundantly blessed. I am thankful for all I have been given. I feel a responsibility to give back as I have been given so much. I share with a cheerful heart.
🕊️♥️
Gratefulness has blessed me with the awareness that I do not have to perform, that I am of worth even when I am not worthy, that Life is process not product. Gratefulness has taught me to respond to Life not react to it. Today’s quote from Jane Goodall says it all:The environment we create will determine what prevails. In other words, what we nurture and encourage wins.
Also, wanted to share Richard Rohr’s meditation for today especially the last paragraph as I grapple with what is happening in my own country: https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-invitation-to-relinquishment/
Thank you,
dear Carol Ann,’
for this timely and true
meditation from CAC . . . ♥
“Life is process, not product.” Love it, Carol Ann. There’s a lot for me to dive into for this one. Basically, I’m very happy to be surrounded by this community and a core group of people who align with my values like my relative family being my parents and Ngoc.
My heart is heavy but also so grateful.
My husband passed yesterday morning. I have received many tributes to the fine man he was.
aww, my deepest condolences to you Yram – you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I lit a candle for you on this site.
Oh, Yram, I am so sorry to hear this.
I send my love.
May your husband rest in peace dear Yram.
Dear Yram, I am sending you much love, comfort, and strength for the days ahead.
My heart is with you,
dearest Yram,.
as you embark on a life without your husband.
I hold you tenderly
as you do what must be done,
and as you grieve the way you must.
I pray for peaceful passage for your husband,
and the knowledge for you
that all’s well,
and all will be well
with love . . . ♥
sparrow
Yram, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing! I am glad that you have received many tributes to the fine man that he was. Sending you much love in this difficult time ♥️
Yram, sending love and support as you process this immense loss. Your care and dedication must have helped him so much. I’m glad you’re here and for all of your generous sharing.
I’m so sorry for your loss Yram, I can only imagine how heavy you must feel. I am holding your heart close to mine.
I am so sorry for your loss, dear YRAM. May your husband rest in peace, and may you and your family be consoled and held warmly in His Love also. For this i pray.
May he rest in Peace, dear Yram, and may you and your family be held and consoled also by dear friends and loved ones. Accompanying you here in stillness and praying for you to be consoled as well by His Love.
Dear Yram, I am so sorry to hear your husband passed. May he Rest in Peace.
Sending you love, hugs & strength.
May God bless & guide you on this journey. ♥️🤗
YRAM, You are and always have been an inspiration. Sending loving energy filled with a big hug to you today. You have many decisions to make. Take your time.
Yram, my heart go’s out to you.
Thank you for bringing us along on your journey. 🙏
I think gratefulness helps in my interactions with others. It helps me see people with a bit more kindness and empathy. I think it also places me in an open stance, allowing others to approach me.
Charlie, thanks for the reminder. There’s always room for improvement on my end when it comes to approachability. I can appear quite guarded too. I’ve learned to be that way as a 2nd generation Vietnamese American with even a mild case of autism and bipolar mania. Fortunately, incompatibility fuels my guardedness which stems from the desire for autonomy as I’ve always mentioned.
Gratefulness helps me to take notice and say thank you, I appreciate you, and feel the blessings even in the hard lessons. All of this hopefully helps me spread kindness, have more patience, and take care of our earth a little more.
Gratefulness is one of the factors that compelled me to share the healing practice of yoga and become a teacher. I also take action in the world by being kind to everyone I encounter. One act of kindness can make a lasting difference. And lastly, I enjoy volunteering with groups and at events that help lift people up in some way while raising money for important causes.
I came back to share this article for anyone who might like a little inspiration from a beautiful yoga teacher from France! She compels me to keep doing what I’m doing!
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/29/well/move/102-year-old-yogi-charlotte-chopin.html
When I can, I give to charities that have meaning to me. I use this site and light candles many times for the World.
Peace and Love