Like everyone else who comes here
I practice grateful living every day . . .
it has become second nature
after all these years.
I do whatever is needed
to remain grateful,
even when I have to stretch myself some days.
Other days
it’s simple,
and yes,
easy to do.
When it is more difficult
I pull out my stretchy reachies,
like Sophie does,
and invite it all in.
She has taught me more about living well
than most humans in my life,
and her time here
is almost over. ♥
I visit this website as a daily reminder. Lately in the mornings I am enjoying the pretty sunrise on my way to work. I cross the bridge over Narragansett bay and look for any activity. Not a lot right now but there are ships that come into Providence. Today I noticed the glossy snow/ice conditions after our snow and rain storm on Sunday. Almost looks like you could ice skate on it!
by being grateful; when opening the window in the early morning to welcome the fresh day – stopping for a moment and being aware of that moment and take it all in what is; to mindfully use the water available for all so easily, by meeting kindred hearts with love and respect and by sensing into stillness whenever the gap – gate shows up. 🙏✨❤️
This site helps grounds my day. A friend gifted me with a grateful journal. The prompts help me focus on an intention for a week and a grateful focus.
I have been introduced to a list of care givers affirmations. My random selection today is I am strong both physically and emotionally.
Watch “myself”.
Listen to my “self” …as she is speaking out loud to others, and speaking voicelessly inside my head.
Stop and choose what comes next.
Ask: “How do I want to feel right now?”
stop and ask.
Pray for a good answer!!
Find some gratitude? – express it.
Keep trusting – and keep watching – and keep choosing. At each bifurcation between what I am saying and doing, and what I sincerely and honestly want to be happening next, want to make the the better choice because I want the better feeling.🤞🙏🤷🏼♀️🙏🙏🙏🤞 🙏🙏🙏🙏🤞
sounds selfish, but I hope that it is not “bad”…….
Watch the bird in the bird bath, and want what is best for them.
carry on.
I practice living gratefully by coming to this site and being a part of this community. Which includes contemplating and responding to the daily question. I enjoy the contemplation and I think it’s good for me to focus on something like this first thing in the morning. Sets my day up for a more positive and optimistic experience. This, along with catching myself throughout the day, with a reminder to slow down and be present for the beauty and joy in my life.
A practice I recently started is to pick a different color and corresponding chakra to focus on each day – there are 7 and i pick them randomly with no repeats in a week – today is orange 🧡 I let that color influence what I wear, the music I listen to, the foods I eat, what I focus my thoughts on, etc. ..living gratefully through the lens of a different color each day I guess you could say..
I may have to use my “steal from the best with pride” tool here, Lauryn. Thank you for the idea. It adds all you say to your day and a bit of fun and creativity too. Cheers!🧡
I practice gratefulness everyday by enjoying the simple lifestyle and appreciating the part-time piano jobs I currently have while they last. For the jobs I have, I just get paid to play the piano and go home. There’s no need to worry about what and how to say/treat co-workers or bosses.
Lauryn, 1 song that jumps out is “My Way” by Elvis. A 2nd 1 is “1,000 Years” by Christina Perry. “Camptown Races” by Stephen Foster is certainly a good 1.
3
L
Lauryn
3 months ago
I work from home and don’t have to worry about that either. Thank you for reminding me to be grateful for this.
If you haven’t read my reflection from yesterday,
which was posted late, I ask that you go back and read it.
I would feel better if everyone here knew about it.
Thank you.
Mary
Mary, the beauty you offer here is well loved… I can only imagine how beautiful your art is. I understand how frustrated you are about the article, but please don’t let it define you. As sparrow said, “other people’s opinions don’t matter when you know the truth.” I know it is still difficult despite that, especially for someone with such a caring heart like yourself. I believe you can rise above this, and I know I’m not alone!
I did see your post yesterday
and responded,
dear Mary.
I know well your suffering,
and pray you will find a way through it,
especially as it seems to have haunted you
for quite a long time.
I don’t think you are a bad person,
and I hope you don’t either . . .
other people’s opinions don’t matter
when you know the truth. ♥
Yes Sparrow, I saw your post yesterday. Thank you and thank you for responding again. ♥️
The part that bothers me most is that the newspaper article about it shows up on Google
whenever someone googles my name.
That is the part that bothers me now.
But the support I’m getting here has been so helpful.
Thank you so much dear Sparrow.
♥️
Dearest Mary….I’m so sorry that this is weighing so heavily on your heart. You are such a kind-hearted person and it is so unfair what has transpired my friend. As a retired teacher myself, I know firsthand how that environment can unfortunately be toxic. Teaching is a noble calling and I hope that you can hold onto the difference you no doubt made in your students lives, despite this sad occurrence.
Like our dear friend Anna, I am sending you all my love and prayers that you can be very gentle with yourself going forward.
I admire you so much for your vulnerability in sharing this with us. Blessings and peace Mary. 🙏💜
Thank you dear Diane for your kind words.
As you said of me, dear Diane, I also know how kind hearted you are.
This situation does not weigh so heavily on me anymore.
Its just so disturbing to me that it’s on Google.
Sending my love to you Diane.
♥️
Hi Mary, first of all I am SO sorry this happened. I have family members that are in Education and know it can be a rough world. My first thought though was maybe to re-brand your art? Call it something else maybe. I am not an artist but have gone to art shows and a friend of a friend makes jewelry. It is just a thought and maybe u could do art exhibit in a different location or on line? My daughters company has their own website and also uses Etsy.
Dearest Mary, I remember when you shared such horrible circumstances in the Lounge some years ago.
It’s a hard trauma and it’s difficult to find a way out.
I can’t help you with practical suggestions, but I send you my love.
Your love is what helps me dear Anna..
As I’ve mentioned to others
I’m mostly past the pain of this situation.
The fact that it’s on Google is the part that bothers me still.
Thanks so much for your love dear Anna. ♥️
oh, yes, Mary – I recognize that trauma you are in …. my heart goes out to you…… AND!!!!! —–> I hope it is soon part of your history that you remember, but not often, because it has moved away from you and you from it. I have experienced the type of scenario you are describing: personally, and in the experience of other friends, and very specifically from the experience of a partner, also a public school teacher, also a ridiculous accusation, also a HORRIFIC event to live thru…. and yet, now it is gone and part of history – something that happened and was lived thru and come out from, truly, stronger and more honorable than ever, because the people that mattered were/are still here. I am SURE that will also happen for you —- Just the fading will allow that. It may be that you have infinite possibilities, Mary. I hope you can choose the ones that serve and comfort you, and leave the garbage to those that “swim in that aquarium”.
I still appreciate that saying I just learned here:
Drop it or be dragged. I know it isn’t that easy or simple, but I hope that time passes and you feel the support you need to come out stronger and better than even before because of changes that you have yet to know about! I’m sorry that has happened to you, Mary – you are not alone, and people understand the big picture. Good luck getting thru this – and kudos to you for asking people here to go read your post. I think that is just brilliant on your part! An indicator that you will land on your feet, Mary. good luck!!!!
Thank you so much Carol Ann for all you said.
The accusations were pretty ridiculous.
If the principal actually believed them
she would not have rehired me for an additional two years.
What bothers me now is that it’s on google.
That’s the part I that I haven’t gotten past.
But I think I will start showing my artwork now.
Thank you for caring. ♥️
Mary, I’m so sorry you’ve had that experience. It sounds awful and traumatizing. Even if this craziness were true, you are amongst friends that accept you just as you are here. I know you will work through this and the pain will fade and this will be one more facet of the diamond that is your soul.
Thank you Charlie.
The part that bothers me now is that it’s on Google.
I find that to be very disturbing.
I do feel comforted by your response to me, Charlie. ♥️
Thank you for the beautiful imagery of the
pain of this being one more facet of the diamond
that is my soul. Just gorgeous
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I suppose I should start by reviewing my shattered psyche as often as I can here and elsewhere
This website and moments of mindfulness throughout the day.
Simple I like it
I fail to so I am trying this, lol
Like everyone else who comes here
I practice grateful living every day . . .
it has become second nature
after all these years.
I do whatever is needed
to remain grateful,
even when I have to stretch myself some days.
Other days
it’s simple,
and yes,
easy to do.
When it is more difficult
I pull out my stretchy reachies,
like Sophie does,
and invite it all in.
She has taught me more about living well
than most humans in my life,
and her time here
is almost over. ♥
Your words always touch me Sparrow.
Thank you, dear Sparrow. 🙏
I visit this website.
I hope you can find serenity during this hard time, dear Linda.
Keeping you and your husband in my prayers, Linda.
Sending my love to both of you.
I do too,
dear Linda,
as well as the old gratefulness site,
which was disbanded some years ago.
A few of us
still remain. ♥
Sparrow, I thought this was the older website.
Is there another older one???
Yes,
dear Mary . . .
we regrouped on word press after 2017,
and there are a few of us left.
https://thoughtsoftheday.freeforums.net/threads/recent
I visit this website as a daily reminder. Lately in the mornings I am enjoying the pretty sunrise on my way to work. I cross the bridge over Narragansett bay and look for any activity. Not a lot right now but there are ships that come into Providence. Today I noticed the glossy snow/ice conditions after our snow and rain storm on Sunday. Almost looks like you could ice skate on it!
Your drive to work sounds so beautiful Robin Ann!
by being grateful; when opening the window in the early morning to welcome the fresh day – stopping for a moment and being aware of that moment and take it all in what is; to mindfully use the water available for all so easily, by meeting kindred hearts with love and respect and by sensing into stillness whenever the gap – gate shows up. 🙏✨❤️
This site helps grounds my day. A friend gifted me with a grateful journal. The prompts help me focus on an intention for a week and a grateful focus.
I have been introduced to a list of care givers affirmations. My random selection today is I am strong both physically and emotionally.
Watch “myself”.
Listen to my “self” …as she is speaking out loud to others, and speaking voicelessly inside my head.
Stop and choose what comes next.
Ask: “How do I want to feel right now?”
stop and ask.
Pray for a good answer!!
Find some gratitude? – express it.
Keep trusting – and keep watching – and keep choosing. At each bifurcation between what I am saying and doing, and what I sincerely and honestly want to be happening next, want to make the the better choice because I want the better feeling.🤞🙏🤷🏼♀️🙏🙏🙏🤞 🙏🙏🙏🙏🤞
sounds selfish, but I hope that it is not “bad”…….
Watch the bird in the bird bath, and want what is best for them.
carry on.
I practice living gratefully by coming to this site and being a part of this community. Which includes contemplating and responding to the daily question. I enjoy the contemplation and I think it’s good for me to focus on something like this first thing in the morning. Sets my day up for a more positive and optimistic experience. This, along with catching myself throughout the day, with a reminder to slow down and be present for the beauty and joy in my life.
I feel very grounded if I start my day here.
Yes.
“….catching myself throughout the day, with a reminder….”
thank you for being here, Charlie.
Starting my day here as much as possible and sitting with God in the morning helps me throughout the day to be more grateful and aware.
A practice I recently started is to pick a different color and corresponding chakra to focus on each day – there are 7 and i pick them randomly with no repeats in a week – today is orange 🧡 I let that color influence what I wear, the music I listen to, the foods I eat, what I focus my thoughts on, etc. ..living gratefully through the lens of a different color each day I guess you could say..
What a great practice, Lauryn! I bet that orange sacral energy had your creativity flowing yesterday!
I may have to use my “steal from the best with pride” tool here, Lauryn. Thank you for the idea. It adds all you say to your day and a bit of fun and creativity too. Cheers!🧡
What a great idea Lauryn!
Very creative.
so interesting!!
Love this!
Mindfulness…checking in to the self-talk in my head; keeping a loving perspective toward myself and others…
I practice gratefulness everyday by enjoying the simple lifestyle and appreciating the part-time piano jobs I currently have while they last. For the jobs I have, I just get paid to play the piano and go home. There’s no need to worry about what and how to say/treat co-workers or bosses.
I love this, Loc. I hope you can be paid to play and play without worry. What a wonderful gift for us all!!!!
Carol Ann, even better, I get to play whatever I want.
What are a few of your favorites to play?
Lauryn, 1 song that jumps out is “My Way” by Elvis. A 2nd 1 is “1,000 Years” by Christina Perry. “Camptown Races” by Stephen Foster is certainly a good 1.
I work from home and don’t have to worry about that either. Thank you for reminding me to be grateful for this.
Lauryn, my sister-in-law, Tracy, use to do that for awhile too. There’s a lot of gossipping that goes on in-person.
If you haven’t read my reflection from yesterday,
which was posted late, I ask that you go back and read it.
I would feel better if everyone here knew about it.
Thank you.
Mary
Mary, the beauty you offer here is well loved… I can only imagine how beautiful your art is. I understand how frustrated you are about the article, but please don’t let it define you. As sparrow said, “other people’s opinions don’t matter when you know the truth.” I know it is still difficult despite that, especially for someone with such a caring heart like yourself. I believe you can rise above this, and I know I’m not alone!
Mary, I applaud your vulnerability and your humility. Blessings on your journey.❤️
Thank you Mary.
I feel so much kindness here.
I did see your post yesterday
and responded,
dear Mary.
I know well your suffering,
and pray you will find a way through it,
especially as it seems to have haunted you
for quite a long time.
I don’t think you are a bad person,
and I hope you don’t either . . .
other people’s opinions don’t matter
when you know the truth. ♥
Yes Sparrow, I saw your post yesterday. Thank you and thank you for responding again. ♥️
The part that bothers me most is that the newspaper article about it shows up on Google
whenever someone googles my name.
That is the part that bothers me now.
But the support I’m getting here has been so helpful.
Thank you so much dear Sparrow.
♥️
Dearest Mary….I’m so sorry that this is weighing so heavily on your heart. You are such a kind-hearted person and it is so unfair what has transpired my friend. As a retired teacher myself, I know firsthand how that environment can unfortunately be toxic. Teaching is a noble calling and I hope that you can hold onto the difference you no doubt made in your students lives, despite this sad occurrence.
Like our dear friend Anna, I am sending you all my love and prayers that you can be very gentle with yourself going forward.
I admire you so much for your vulnerability in sharing this with us. Blessings and peace Mary. 🙏💜
Thank you dear Diane for your kind words.
As you said of me, dear Diane, I also know how kind hearted you are.
This situation does not weigh so heavily on me anymore.
Its just so disturbing to me that it’s on Google.
Sending my love to you Diane.
♥️
Hi Mary, first of all I am SO sorry this happened. I have family members that are in Education and know it can be a rough world. My first thought though was maybe to re-brand your art? Call it something else maybe. I am not an artist but have gone to art shows and a friend of a friend makes jewelry. It is just a thought and maybe u could do art exhibit in a different location or on line? My daughters company has their own website and also uses Etsy.
Thank you Robin Ann so much for your suggestions.
These are the kind of things that I’ve been thinking about.
Sending my love to you.
will do
Yes Mary, I saw it. Again, I am sorry for the stress you are under. Being here is fortifying medicine.
Yes, Avril, thank you. ♥️
Dearest Mary, I remember when you shared such horrible circumstances in the Lounge some years ago.
It’s a hard trauma and it’s difficult to find a way out.
I can’t help you with practical suggestions, but I send you my love.
Your love is what helps me dear Anna..
As I’ve mentioned to others
I’m mostly past the pain of this situation.
The fact that it’s on Google is the part that bothers me still.
Thanks so much for your love dear Anna. ♥️
oh, yes, Mary – I recognize that trauma you are in …. my heart goes out to you…… AND!!!!! —–> I hope it is soon part of your history that you remember, but not often, because it has moved away from you and you from it. I have experienced the type of scenario you are describing: personally, and in the experience of other friends, and very specifically from the experience of a partner, also a public school teacher, also a ridiculous accusation, also a HORRIFIC event to live thru…. and yet, now it is gone and part of history – something that happened and was lived thru and come out from, truly, stronger and more honorable than ever, because the people that mattered were/are still here. I am SURE that will also happen for you —- Just the fading will allow that. It may be that you have infinite possibilities, Mary. I hope you can choose the ones that serve and comfort you, and leave the garbage to those that “swim in that aquarium”.
I still appreciate that saying I just learned here:
Drop it or be dragged. I know it isn’t that easy or simple, but I hope that time passes and you feel the support you need to come out stronger and better than even before because of changes that you have yet to know about! I’m sorry that has happened to you, Mary – you are not alone, and people understand the big picture. Good luck getting thru this – and kudos to you for asking people here to go read your post. I think that is just brilliant on your part! An indicator that you will land on your feet, Mary. good luck!!!!
Thank you so much Carol Ann for all you said.
The accusations were pretty ridiculous.
If the principal actually believed them
she would not have rehired me for an additional two years.
What bothers me now is that it’s on google.
That’s the part I that I haven’t gotten past.
But I think I will start showing my artwork now.
Thank you for caring. ♥️
I am going now to find it, Mary —–
Mary, I’m so sorry you’ve had that experience. It sounds awful and traumatizing. Even if this craziness were true, you are amongst friends that accept you just as you are here. I know you will work through this and the pain will fade and this will be one more facet of the diamond that is your soul.
Thank you Charlie.
The part that bothers me now is that it’s on Google.
I find that to be very disturbing.
I do feel comforted by your response to me, Charlie. ♥️
Thank you for the beautiful imagery of the
pain of this being one more facet of the diamond
that is my soul. Just gorgeous
So again, thank you.