On New Year's Eve my blogging/scrapbook buddy, Leanne, suggested finding my "word" for 2009. She emailed this thought to her sister and me when she saw the idea on Ali Edwards' blog. Ali said that the idea of a single word allows you to focus on what you want in your life for that year. It "...can be a powerful thing. It can be a ripple in a pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow." It really didn't take me long to decide my word for 2009 would be gratitude.
I have no intention of getting deep here, but I feel like I've been on a spiritual quest for at least half my life. And when you think about it, expressing gratitude is no different than praying to God. I think that so many people my age were brought up to fear God that they have turned away from the religion they were raised in. I have found that I have more peace in my life when I express gratitude.
Driving to work, with the beautiful sunrise in front of me, or driving over Mannheim bridge and looking over to the Chicago Skyline on a clear day. Such beauty! Sitting in the yard watching a butterfly or bee move from flower to flower. Watching each day as a rosebud unfolds, opening itself up for whatever the world holds for it. It's all so beautiful, and I'm so grateful to be able to appreciate it. Even when you have an absolutely crappy day, there's something to be grateful for. And I believe you'll find more peace in your life if, at the end of the day you reflect on it and quietly say "thank you" for the opportunity given to you to experience it. (Visit www.lisaleonardonline.com to view the latest in handmade word necklaces).
2 comments:
PK - you continue to be an inspiration and remind me of what really matters in life. Gratitude. I have gratitude for you!
Seeing beauty in everything around us is a guality that we all have but all to often keep hidden away. Have you ever wondered why some days you wake up and see God's wonder and other days we see dispair? I have thought about that but have never reached any reasonable conclusions. Maybe it's a question of what we allow ourselves to feel.
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