Wednesday
WORD — by Diane, The
GRATITUDE 2007 – Pt 1 of 2
"We learn the magical lesson that making
the most of what we have turns it into more."
— Melody
Beattie, Codependent no More
When I thought about what I have been writing
about these last few weeks, the underlying theme was basically awareness and
gratitude. Giving thanks is something
that is important not only that one day a year, but necessary each and every
day. I am therefore dedicating the rest of this month to Gratitude. It only seems appropriate with Thanksgiving just
around the corner on
Our minister started what he calls 30 days of Conscious Thanks - Living. He gave out an awareness journal which he invited us to list 3 things a day in we are grateful for… Each and every day for 30 days.
The catch is that you can't repeat any of the entries
you put down on any other day. You must
reread the previous day’s before writing down the
current 3 things. I am inviting you to
do the same. You don't need to have a
formal journal - a piece of paper with 3 lines for each day will do fine.
Sounds kind of tough doesn't it? However, it is an
excellent exercise. You will be so
amazed at how your awareness of the goodness in your life will come to the
forefront of your conscious.
So many times we forget to even look at the small
things we have. Being grateful and aware of all that we have today unlocks the
fullness of life. All of a sudden
everything becomes enough; we start to focus on what is right and working in
our lives, instead of what isn't working or what we don't have enough of. Saying thanks until we mean it is a magical
formula to having more.
Many days I don't remember to give thoughts to all
the things I could enjoy and appreciate. My focus might lead toward what is missing or
what someone else has compared to what I have or don't have in my life. When I am doing that, I am missing out in the
present moment and all that is put right before me.
Yet I often find myself saying "Thank you God" out loud when something happens or I receive something unexpected.
Sunday I was in a very crowded outlet mall looking
for a parking space. I asked the
"parking space Angel" to find me a spot. Viola!! I moved slightly down the isle and
the perfect spot became available not once, but twice. I let out a loud "Thank you". I then was shopping and my cell phone rang,
it was a travel assistant for Hotwire -- she said that she wanted to let me
know that I was upgraded 4 decks on the cruise I am taking for Christmas
week. I was amazed and grateful at the
same time.
I am grateful for those small things like a parking space or something as large as good results from a routine physical. By acknowledging these gifts, I open the way for more to be brought into my life.
It is amazing that once we start noticing these
things how more just shows up. Whenever
I have done an exercise like this, it becomes a game to me and I try to up the
last demonstration or I tell myself that I will only notice small things. Doesn't matter -- the flood gates open and I
am blessed all the more.
Or -- maybe not blessed more -- I just notice
more. And that is when I realize that the
universe is always working in my favor. I just need to remember as my minister, Dr.
Dennis stated, “be
conscious, aware, and in ‘Thanks - Living.’”
Take time notice all the things in your life for
the next 30 days, no matter how small or big something is. Then notice how your focus will change when
you start and continue with your list. Let this become your game this next
week.
— © Diane, The
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