I already practiced mindfulness in various ways before finding this site in 2021 and was conscious of my various forms of privilege. Making gratefulness a daily habit builds my appreciation of the smallest things. Mindfulness alone might mean that I notice something; gratefulness means I recognize and appreciate it as part of the richness of my daily life.
I think I respond with less fear, less anxiety, and more curiosity and contentment. It’s a better starting point, for me. I’m probably better at handling disappointment, hurt, overwhelm, and just plain old depression.
It can be difficult to discern what is working, as I am doing several things that contribute to my well being. I’m of the “throw everything at it and see what sticks” school. 😁
Thank you for expressing this. Those are words I was not able to articulate. I, too, take my well being very seriously and with intent choose different modalities.
I don’t really feel like it does. I appreciate my privileged lifestyle and I think about it every day. I try to treat everyone with kindness, while still standing up for my own needs. It’s sometimes difficult, but I try my best to walk that tightrope (for me it is a tightrope anyway).
Being grateful has changed the way I respond to life in a way that I didn’t expect. Every day I am grateful for what I am given. It gives me a positive outlook and helps me stay connected to myself and others. It reminds me that things happen, and we learn to deal with those things in a grateful manner. We overcome the obstacles and learn from it.
I am writing from a spot where I am working temporarily. When I got here, things were not as I expected. I was so disappointed. I was exhausted from driving, hot from the Texas heat and the place I am staying was not up to my standards of cleanliness and function. After a few phone calls complaining to friends, I realized most of what I was upset about was, as they say, First World Problems. I had so much for which to be thankful – a safe trip here, a place to stay that does indeed have AC, clean running water, food, quiet, digital amenities…who was I kidding! And who did I think I was. Four days later I realize I am just where I need to be – “where the deer and the antelope play”, where I have time to reflect, explore, engage or not, feed my soul, craft, read, and meet new people. Gratefulness has led me here.
Today’s quote reminds me not to turn a Life situation into a problem and living gratefully teaches me that I have a choice. I do not have to react, it helps me to respond. Gratefulness create an opportunity to see through the eyes of love. I remember Br. David giving a talk on gratefulness many years ago in which he explained that gratefulness precedes being thankful. An attitude of gratitude opens both heart and mind. I like to say it puts my mind in my heart.
I love your statement that the quote reminds you not to turn a life situation into a problem. Many times I discover that I made something a problem that was really just a bump in the road.
H
I have found the more heart centred Gratitude and Love I transmit out, the more I receive.
I try to find the goodness and remember to acknowledge other people’s work with a smile, well done and thank you.
My life and all of my Creation family are interconnected and I try to be thankful and express my gratefulness for all that life has given to me.
Living gratefully has changed my response to life, with thanks for what makes me happy or for unwanted things that happen. I’m thankful for the blessing of joy when I am happy and for the experience and growth of empathy for those who experience hardship when I am in a challenging situation.
My Ngoc, being able to balance the highs and lows take time. It’s easy to forget that we’re not alone when facing challenges. 10 out of every 10 times, it turns out that we were caught up in dopamine-hunting.
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I already practiced mindfulness in various ways before finding this site in 2021 and was conscious of my various forms of privilege. Making gratefulness a daily habit builds my appreciation of the smallest things. Mindfulness alone might mean that I notice something; gratefulness means I recognize and appreciate it as part of the richness of my daily life.
I think I respond with less fear, less anxiety, and more curiosity and contentment. It’s a better starting point, for me. I’m probably better at handling disappointment, hurt, overwhelm, and just plain old depression.
It can be difficult to discern what is working, as I am doing several things that contribute to my well being. I’m of the “throw everything at it and see what sticks” school. 😁
Thank you for expressing this. Those are words I was not able to articulate. I, too, take my well being very seriously and with intent choose different modalities.
I don’t really feel like it does. I appreciate my privileged lifestyle and I think about it every day. I try to treat everyone with kindness, while still standing up for my own needs. It’s sometimes difficult, but I try my best to walk that tightrope (for me it is a tightrope anyway).
helps me see the extraordinary in the ordinary
♥
Being grateful has changed the way I respond to life in a way that I didn’t expect. Every day I am grateful for what I am given. It gives me a positive outlook and helps me stay connected to myself and others. It reminds me that things happen, and we learn to deal with those things in a grateful manner. We overcome the obstacles and learn from it.
I think I now respond with greater thoughtfulness and equanimity. It could simply be aging and exposure, but I’ll certainly credit grateful practice.
…maybe a little of both,
dear Brian? ♥
Living gratefully has helped me be ok with slowing down and letting things surface, instead of constantly pursuing something.
♥
I am writing from a spot where I am working temporarily. When I got here, things were not as I expected. I was so disappointed. I was exhausted from driving, hot from the Texas heat and the place I am staying was not up to my standards of cleanliness and function. After a few phone calls complaining to friends, I realized most of what I was upset about was, as they say, First World Problems. I had so much for which to be thankful – a safe trip here, a place to stay that does indeed have AC, clean running water, food, quiet, digital amenities…who was I kidding! And who did I think I was. Four days later I realize I am just where I need to be – “where the deer and the antelope play”, where I have time to reflect, explore, engage or not, feed my soul, craft, read, and meet new people. Gratefulness has led me here.
What are you doing?
Today’s quote reminds me not to turn a Life situation into a problem and living gratefully teaches me that I have a choice. I do not have to react, it helps me to respond. Gratefulness create an opportunity to see through the eyes of love. I remember Br. David giving a talk on gratefulness many years ago in which he explained that gratefulness precedes being thankful. An attitude of gratitude opens both heart and mind. I like to say it puts my mind in my heart.
”I like to say it puts my mind in my heart.”
I love this imagery,
dear Carol Ann. ♥
same
I love your statement that the quote reminds you not to turn a life situation into a problem. Many times I discover that I made something a problem that was really just a bump in the road.
H
I have found the more heart centred Gratitude and Love I transmit out, the more I receive.
I try to find the goodness and remember to acknowledge other people’s work with a smile, well done and thank you.
My life and all of my Creation family are interconnected and I try to be thankful and express my gratefulness for all that life has given to me.
I approach the day with excitement for everything. As Maya Angleou said “this is a wonderful day. I have not seen this one yet.”
I have always loved that Maya Angelou quote, makes me smile every time.
What a great quote, first time I’ve seen it.
Living gratefully has changed my response to life, with thanks for what makes me happy or for unwanted things that happen. I’m thankful for the blessing of joy when I am happy and for the experience and growth of empathy for those who experience hardship when I am in a challenging situation.
My Ngoc, being able to balance the highs and lows take time. It’s easy to forget that we’re not alone when facing challenges. 10 out of every 10 times, it turns out that we were caught up in dopamine-hunting.
Problems do not feel so invasive, depressing days feel smaller, and my negative thinking is easier to switch to positive.
Valerie, I’ve noticed that too. It all adds up. I’ve heard the old addage before of making ponds out of puddles.
I become more grateful for all that I already have. This helps me keep the ball rolling.
Perhaps a deeper appreciation for the small things that actually aren’t small things. A slowing down to be present to the world.
So many small things accumulate, don’t they? A good reminder.
Mary Mantei, the small things aren’t so small after all. They all eventually add up.