Expect A Miracle

Like most of us, I have a few books and authors that I turn to when I find myself lacking motivation. Today was one of those days and my author of choice was Norman Vincent Peale. Those of you already familiar with his work know how inspirational his work can be. Those of you who have not read is work; I urge to pick up a copy of  The Power of Positive Thinking. It has changed my life on a number of occasions, as it reminded me of the things I already know but sometimes forget to practice.

Today, I was reading You Can If You Think You Can by Dr. Peale. About half way through the book I suddenly confronted a chapter called "Expect A Miracle" and was immediately struck by how easily we forget the importance of our expectations.

I like to call it forgetting because it creeps up on us gradually. We don't make a conscious effort to alter our believing. Perhaps we are influenced by those around us, perhaps we simply forget that positive thinking requires active participation - at any rate, we gradually begin to adopt the attitudes and expectations of those around us.

Before we know it, we've forgotten the miracle of life bestowed on us with each passing day. We neglect to see the miracle of the rising sun. Our joy begins to weaken and life becomes routine. Like the proverbial frog in the pot of water who doesn't notice as the water heats and will sit there contentedly even though it is sure to bring him death, we become oblivious to our state of mind.

If you, like me, find yourself lulled into forgetting about the power of your thoughts and faith to build the life you desire, its time to begin Expecting Miracles and being ready to accept them when they come.

Today, I am grateful for the summer sun that warms my garden beds, for leaves that dance in the evening breeze and fireflies that light the night. I am grateful for the blades of grass that waver in the wind, the sounds of the tree frogs that make music in the night and for butterflies that dance by day.

I am grateful for the smell of newly-mown hay, for the feel of raindrops on the skin and for gentle breezes that cool the air. I am grateful for mighty oceans and majestic mountains, for shiny pebbles in the sun and sand beneath my feet.

I am grateful for family and friends, for strangers I have yet to meet and old friends who helped to make me who I am. I am grateful for children as they laugh and play, for pets that share our lives and animals that inhabit the earth.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as your stop to share my day. May you cultivate the art of Expecting Miracles as you go forth in the direction of your dreams.

Destiny is not matter of chance. It is a matter of choice ...

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Many spend their lives waiting for that magical moment when everything will fall together. Perhaps it is because we have been taught that all good things come in time and patience is a virtue. Perhaps it is because we secretly have no idea what we want in life, but think we will know it when we see.

It is infinitely easier to think that all things work as they should and that our true destiny is already mapped. It lets us of the hook and takes away our responsibility for our own success or failure.

Adjust your thinking today and embrace the thought that your destiny is not a matter of chance - that you have a choice. Begin to make choices that lead you in the direction of your dreams and you will soon find success and happiness.

Today, I am grateful for good books, soft chairs and cuddly blankets. I am grateful for writers who share a bit of their invisible world with the reader, for publishers who bring the book to life and for luxury of afternoons spent reading.

I am grateful for the inspiration that comes from nature, for the invigorating March wind and for pine trees that scatter their cones. I am grateful for the chickadee that dances outside my window, for eager dogs that cannot resist spring mud and for sprigs of new grass.

I am grateful for music that fills the soul, for silence that envelops my world by night and for laughter. I am grateful for the cry of the blue jay, the sounds of children playing and the hoot of the owl.

I am ever grateful for family and friends who enrich my life. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader as you stop to share my day. May you make wise choices as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

You will never "find" time for anything. If you want time, you must make it. Charles Bruxton

So many times we spend our day running around and declaring we simply don't have time for all the things we want to do that we forget each of us is allotted 24 hours in a day - no more and no less. How we choose to use those hours is up to us.

I ran across some interesting information last night while doing some research. The author suggested that any time we spend during our work day that is not moving us toward our goals - either personally or professionally - is wasted time.

Now, I'm not suggesting that you give up leisure activities that promote a healthy life style, or that you neglect the relationships in your life. What I am suggesting is that you take a few days to "track" how you use your time.  I think you, like most of us, will find that you waste much more time that you ever would have guessed.

Take this post, for instance. I looked at the clock and thought, "I only have 15 minutes. What can I possibly accomplish in 15 minutes. I might as well visit Face Book and catch up on my friends." The it hit me, if keeping my blog updated is one of my goals - which it is - why not put that 15 minutes to good use.

For today, keep track of your time to identify areas where you can be more productive - saving time for other activities that you either enjoy or that will move you toward your goals.

I am grateful for the brilliant sun that sends reflections skittering on snow and ice, for the strength of trees that withstand the storm, and the joy of children as they slide on crusted snow.

I am grateful for mornings that greet the day with hope, for birds that flutter to and fro, and for the red squirrel that prances by my window.  

I am grateful for family and friends without whom I would be lost, for new friends I will meet along the path of life, and for strangers who may share but a moment in time.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you use your time wisely as you go forward in the direction of your dreams. 

 

"When we are no longer able to change a situation... We are challenged to change ourselves" ~ VIKTOR FRANKL

Many of us spend our days looking to others and thinking if only "they" would change, my life would be better, without realizing that life isn't about changing others to fit our needs. If it seems that those around you are in need of drastic change, consider the fact that it might be you that needs the change, not them.

Refusing to accept your part in creating the conditions of your life is no different than refusing to change to clock from daylight savings time to standard time and then lamenting the fact that those around you are never on time.

So often, I hear others lamenting the fact that the world around them is filled with ungrateful, spiteful people who work diligently to make "their" life miserable--yet, never realizing that their dissatisfaction with others is merely a reflection of their inner selves.

If it seems that those around you are unappreciative or lack the compassion you desire in life, try expressing appreciation and compassion in your own life. You may be surprised by how much others appear to change.

Today, I am grateful for the soft rays of morning sun, for fresh clean air to breathe, and for the dew that sparkles on the grass. I am grateful for the hoot of the owl, the dance of leaves in the breeze, and soft, cool grass against bare feet. I am grateful for the brilliant sunsets, proud tall mountains and flowing fields of hay.

I am grateful for healthy food to eat, for clean water to drink and for caterpillars who creep along the garden wall. I am grateful for the sound of the lone dog's bark in the distance, for wispy smoke from wood stoves that settles heavy in the air, and the smell of leaves that forewarns of fall. 

I am grateful for my family who makes me proud, for a husband who supports my work and children who have grown strong and always stand for what they know is right. I am grateful for bothers and sisters, for my parents who have gone before me and for extended family that makes me who I am today.

I am grateful for the people in my life that challenge my thinking, for those who lend a helping hand and those who serve as examples sharing their goodness and kindness with the world. I am grateful for artists who capture life's beauty, for musicians who touch the soul and for writers who bring the word to life.

And, I am grateful to you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you be the change that is needed in your life as you go forward in the direction of your dreams. 

"To reach a port, we must sail - sail, not tie at anchor - sail, not drift." -- FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT

So many times, we set our sights on a destination and then sit ourselves down with the expectation that we will somehow reach it without even setting the sails for that direction. We cast our hopes and dreams to the wind, thinking that the wind itself will power our path--never entertaining the thought that in order to sail we must harness its power.

Cultivate the habit of setting your sails. You may not always be able to determine the direction of the wind, but a skilled sailor knows how to use it to his advantage. Be a sailor today, as you determine the direction you shall go.

Today, I am grateful for the approach of fall, the smell of leaves and the cooling of air. I am grateful for fall winds, sunflowers and the tiny hummingbird that gathers energy for its long flight. I am grateful for fresh, clean rain; for white, puffy clouds and for the energy that only fall brings.

I am grateful for children as they head off to school, for teachers who provide their care and parents who adapt to the seasonal changes in their lifestyle. I am grateful for the renewed expectations of another school year, for eager learners and for knowledge available to our children.

I am grateful for family and friends who bring me joy, for strangers who challenge my thinking and for  writers who share their knowledge via the written word.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cultivate the habit of setting your sails to harvest the power of the winds to lead you in the direction of your dreams.

"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." -- MARK TWAIN

Often in life we think we know what lies before us. As humans we are accustomed to seeing what we already believe to be true. As Marl Twain points out, if you imagination is out of focus, what you see may be too.

A long time ago, I dealt with a young man who had overheard his father's conversation on the phone. As the father spoke, unaware that the son was listening from another room, he made a reference to a name. Now, the son knew someone with this name, and quickly assumed the father was talking about his friend. The conversation continued and because of this one assumption, the young man built up an elaborate story in his head to accommodate the various parts of the conversation. He was sure his father was talking about him and his friend and grew angrier by the moment at the things he imagined his father was saying about them. But he kept silent.

Some weeks later the son he revealed his beliefs in a fit of anger.It was then that the father became aware of this simple misunderstanding. The son, of course, would have nothing to do with his father's explanation. He knew what he heard and he was unable to see outside himself long enough to consider alternate explanations. He had relived his false assumptions so many times that no other explanation would do. This one incident colored their relationship and determined the path the young man would take in the future. Yet, his imagination was out of focus and what he saw (heard) was too.

How like this young man we are sometimes as we hold fast to the things we believe are true, and think that our choices are limited to only what we see at the moment. 

Strive to put your imagination in focus today, so that you may see the many opportunities before you as you go forward to reach your goals.

Today, I am grateful for sunny skies, gentle breezes and the smell of impending fall. I am grateful for mums that bring bright color in the last leg of summer, for hummingbirds that get their fill in the summer sun, and for cats that laze in the summer rays.

I am grateful for family and friends who I hold dear, for good books, and the music of the crickets into the night.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you strive to keep your imagination in focus, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Life is full of obstacle illusions. ~Grant Frazier

As human beings we become so accustomed to seeing the things that stand in our way, that we forget there is always a way around them. Instead of looking for another way, we often give up and assume that our goals and dreams cannot be met. But, as Grant Frazier cleverly points out: that is often an illusion.

Consider the obstacles in your path today and get in the habit of seeing them as a mere illusion. There are many paths to your future, and many trails to your dreams. It is up to you to find them.

Today, I am grateful for the insight and wisdom to defeat seeming obstacles in my way, for the courage to press forward, even when it seems like there is no way to reach my goals. I am grateful for marvelous power of the human mind, for the ability to use that mind to see beyond the obvious, and for the drive to succeed.


I am grateful for summer rain that quenches my garden's thirst, for flowers that awake covered in dew, and for sunshine that scatters in an array of color as it touches raindrops on the grass.


I am grateful for music of the wind as it tickles the trees, for the call of the owl in the wee hours of dawn, and for stars that shine brightly under the cover of darkness.


I am grateful for family that I hold dear, for friends that share my life, and for children not yet born--who will surely change our world.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cultivate the habit of recognizing obstacles as mere illusions today as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

“How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself. So always think positively.” - Norman Vincent Peale

Seven Day Mental Diet Challenge Day Five

It always amazes me that it is our thinking that defines the challenges we face in life, not the actual circumstances. We are so accustomed to believing that the world around us defines our life -- yet, all the great thinkers repeatedly tell us it it simply isn't so.

Strive to think outside the box today and look at your problems and challenges in a new light. There is nothing so great that it cannot be overcome by a change in perspective and the will to succeed.

Today, I am grateful for the cool morning breeze to start my day, for the cheery robin who welcomes another day and for hummingbirds that dart here and there in search of sweet nectar. I am grateful for green grass, for growing vegetables and flowers.

I am grateful for a clear sound mind, a healthy energetic body and for insight as I begin my day. I am grateful for the mighty sun, for the glorious moon and for dancing leaves that flutter in the breeze. I am grateful for color and music and fragrance.

I am grateful for family, for friends and for polar bears.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you strive to think about your problems in new ways that you may overcome seeming obstacles as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons" -- RUTH ANN SCHABACKER

Day Four: Seven Day Mental Challenge Diet

Sometimes, that which is right before us is the most difficult to see. What may seem dull and ordinary may contain the key to your success, if you but take the time to look. Strive to see life's gifts today. Go ahead, untie some bows -- you may be surprised at what you may find right before your eyes.

I've been reading The Secret of Mental Magic by Vernon Howard. In his book, Howard carefully explains that our thoughts are often clouded by our "illusions" of the way life is or the way we are. These images have been created by our interactions with the world, but they are not all accurate. That little voice that whispers, "I'm not good enough." or "I'm not smart enough." is simply the result of our faulty beliefs about ourselves and our world. 

In this book, Howard explains that we have the power to overcome those self-defeating thoughts with four simple words. "I need not obey." We all have within ourselves the power to simply refuse to react to self-defeating talk. We do not need to listen to that little voice that tells us what we can and cannot do. 

For today, practice being a rebel and stopping those thoughts cold with a bold, "I need not obey." Astonishing results are sure to follow.

Today, I am grateful for summer sun, white puffy clouds and butterflies. I am grateful for the vast ocean that teems with life, for the rainforest with its lush green growth and for far-away places I may only visit in my minds eye. 

I am grateful for the vastness of the Universe, for clear skies sparkling with stars, for the golden orb of the moon and for rainbows.

I am grateful for family and friends who enrich my life, for neighbors who are always there and for soldiers who keep my world safe.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you untie the bows to find life's gifts today, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Seven Day Mental Diet Challenge Day One Revisited

"Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." ~Henry Ford~

Well, folks, I'm afraid I need to start back at Day One. Not because I went on a rampage spouting negative thoughts, and not because I've been beating myself up with negative self-talk. No, it's not that simple.

You see, I visited the dentist yesterday to have a tooth removed. I entered with a positive attitude, but somewhere along the way I let it slip away. Once I sat in that dentist chair, memories of several bad experiences (all involving pain) overwhelmed me. I tried watching the ducks in the little pond outside. I tried watching the clouds in the sky. I even tried deep breathing -- but despite my efforts, I found myself envisioning impending doom. Something bad was going to happen to me and I knew it.

Even as I ruminated over the situation, I knew that I was being irrational. I thought of you all and knew I'd have to make this post and admit that I let negative thoughts overcome me. I imagined your reactions to my weakness and that started me down another path I didn't want to take.

I'll be honest, I thought about lying. I thought about ignoring the whole episode and posting a uplifting message of how wonderful life is. But, I couldn't do it. It wouldn't be right. I owe you more than that.

So, here I am Day One Mental Diet Challenge Revisited, and I'm ready to start from the beginning again. It's not so bad, really. I have few days of practice to rely on and I've identified some of my pitfalls. As Henry Ford said, "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." 

Today, I am grateful for cool, dry air that refreshes the soul, for leaves that rustle in the wind and for flowers that brighten the Earth. I am grateful for rich, dark soil that teems with life, for moss-covered glades and trees. 

I am grateful for an honest day's work, for a clear, sound mind and the promise of a bright new day. I am grateful for starting anew in my quest to nurture the positive and banish the negative. 

I am grateful for family and friends who I hold dear, for children who play in the summer sun and for the elderly who still have much to share.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your journey is light as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." -- HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Beautiful Woman or Old Hag? 

Just as the eye can be fooled into seeing what it expects or wants to see, our mind attempts to interpret stimuli in a way that makes sense to our world. Sometimes, this means misinterpreting events and situations to make them fit with our expectations. If we see the world through a negative lens, this mean interpreting life events to support our already negative mindset. But, when we develop a positive frame of mind and approach life from the positive, everything changes. Suddenly, the world is a very different place that lives up to our positive expectations.

Develop the art of viewing the world through a positive lens, today. When things go wrong, and they sometimes will, resist the urge to assume the worst and quiet the inner voice that tells you all is lost. Look for the positive and keep stumbling blocks in perspective.

Today, I am grateful for summer, for growing vegetables, clear blue skies and puffy white clouds. I am grateful for the silverly sunrise and the golden rays of sunset. I am grateful for flowers in bloom, hummingbirds in flight and the promise of the moon.

I am grateful for abundant work that allows me to brighten the days of others, for a clear sound mind and light fingers that dance across the keyboard. I am grateful for opportunities that come my way, for my daughter's smooth transition to college and for the opportunities that come her way.

I am grateful for family and friends that enrich my world. For a husband who supports my work and a son who works hard to reach his goals. 

 And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cultivate the habit of viewing the world through a positive lens, today, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

"As a man thinketh in his heart so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7).

Many of us are accustomed to going through life without concern for our thinking. We mistakenly assume that life happens to us and that we have little control over our circumstances. Yet, the Bible tells us that " as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he ..."   How much more then are we capable of simply by focusing our thoughts in the direction we want to go?

Cultivate the habit of believing in yourself and your ability to achieve the seemingly impossible, today. Cast away doubt and fear that you may reach your potential and bring your dreams and goals to pass.

Today I am grateful for the robin that sings outside my window exhorting me to wake up and live another day. I am grateful for the sun as it peaks from behind the clouds, for lilacs about to bloom and for butterflies that float from flower to flower.


I am grateful for the gently flowing of woodland streams, for ferns that adorn the forest floor and moss that is soft and cool beneath my feet. I am grateful for the white trillium, big purple violets ad dogwood that bring beauty to the world. I am grateful for flowers, for grass and for leaves.


I am grateful for family that brings me great joy, for neighbors who are eager to lend a helping hand and for strangers that share a willing smile.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cast away fear and doubt and cultivate the habit of believing in yourself today, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. John Updike

Too often, we let the world around us convince us that our dreams are unrealistic or that we cannot attain them and give up before we have even tried. Guard against the influence of those who lack your vision. Cultivate belief in the beauty of your dreams, today, as you work to meet your goals. Always remember that it is your belief and faith in your dreams that brings them to pass.

Today, I am grateful for the promise of a returning sun, for the red-breasted grossbeak that adorns my feeder and for raindrops that slow to a light mist.


I am grateful for ears that hear, a heart that beats and lungs that breathe. I am grateful for fingers to type, for a clear sound mind and a sense of humor.

I am grateful for the ability to dream and for the knowledge that I hold the power to make my dreams come true. I am grateful for clarity of thought that I may direct my energies in the direction I wish to go. I am grateful for opportunities to share my skills with others, for hands that are eager to offer help when it is needed, and for a heart that see the good in the world.


I am grateful for laughter as it rings out, sending positive waves into the world, for smiles that brighten a damp, dreary day, and for moments of silence that brings peace to the soul.


I am grateful for family and friends who I hold dear, for pets who share my life and for wild animals that find shelter from the storm. I am grateful for teachers who honor the value of children, for parents who strive to improve their lives and for the unborn who will one day inherit the world.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you always believe in your ability to reach your goals as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Dream Quotes to Live By
Find out what great minds like Thoreau, Harriet Tubman
and Eleanor Roosevelt have to say about the value of your
dreams.

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Many people assume the Law of Attraction is nothing more that new age thinking that has no real basis. Some question whether the principles are Biblical in nature and shy away out of fear or uncertainty. From my point of view, the incredible power of the human mind is evidence of the divine hand of God in creating the vast Universe. Read more about what the Bible has to say about how your thinking and your faith affects the world around you~

Does the Bible Support the Law of Attraction?

Many view the Law of Attraction and the teachings of the Bible as opposing views, but with close inspection they may be more similar than you think. Inspirational Bible verses to get you on track for receiving blessings.

 

Today, I am grateful for the vast Universe in all its beauty, for clouds filled with rain that replenish the earth and for birds that sing happily from treetops.

 

I am grateful for the fragrance of newly mowed lawns, for the tiny white violets and for daffodils. I am grateful for leaves unfurling, lilacs that will soon bloom and for the soft green grass beneath bare feet.

 

I am grateful for  Family and friends that fill my life, for those I have yet to meet and those who have touched my life long ago that made me who I am.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your life be filled with abundance as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

“A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.” Gandhi

So often in life, we become so caught up in people and things that lead us astray that we forget that our lives become what we think about. Instead of focusing on our goals and dreams, we let the troubles of the world dictate what we shall think, feel and believe. Before we know it, our lives have changed and we are mystified as to how it happened.

Guard your thoughts carefully today and develop the habit of focusing on that which is uplifting and leads in the direction of your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for the chorus of birds, the flush of new growth in my garden and  soft white clouds that make way for the sun. I am grateful for buzzing bees, for flitting moths and for the first blooms of spring.


I am grateful for the changing of seasons that melt slowly one into another, for new leaves that emerge in green-gold to adorn bare trees, and for tiny ferns that begin to unfold. I am grateful for babbling brooks that flow swiftly in early spring and settle into placid pools by midsummer. I am grateful for inspiration that comes with spring and lifts the soul.


I am grateful for family who brings me great joy, for children who challenge my thinking and make me proud,  and for brothers and sisters who made me who I am. I am grateful for a husband that supports my efforts as writer and listens to my grumbling when the words fail to flow. I am grateful for parents who have gone before me, but not without leaving their mark on the world. I feel them both in all that I do.


I am grateful for those who commit their lives to improving the lives of others, for those who lend a helping hand and for those who give a willing smile.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you focus your thoughts on all that is good and positive in the world as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. Bill Cosby

So often in life, we let our fear get in the way of success. The thought of failure becomes so overwhelming that we avoid the very things that may bring us the most success. Often that fear is unfounded and out of proportion to the actual risks. The imagined failure we may experience  becomes magnified fooling us into thinking that if we fail to meet our goals all is lost. Don't listen to the deceitful voice of fear. Strive to quiet its voice, today, as you go forward to reach your goals.

Today, I am grateful for soft spring air, for the nearness of spring and for the tiny hummingbird as he makes his way north. I am grateful for eyes that see, ears that hear and hands that touch. I am grateful for the vision of a glorious tomorrow, for the enjoyment of the day and the memories of my yesterdays.


I am grateful for quiet moments in my garden, for shrieks of joy as children play and laughter that soothes the soul. 


I am grateful for the vastness of the Universe, the power of God and moments of pure joy. 


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you quiet the voice of fear today, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Your life is your message to the world. Make it inspiring. Lorrin L. Lee

By: wallyir

Consider the message you send out to the world today with the way you choose to live your life. Often, we become so self-absorbed that we forget that others perceive our motives and our beliefs according to the attitudes and actions we show to the world.

By practicing a positive outlook, expressing sincere gratitude for all that you have, and aligning your actions with your beliefs your life you will soon take on a new appearance and the message you send the world will overflowing with positive energy.

Today, I am grateful for the sliver of the moon that glitters in the night, for stars that dance in the cold and for woodsmoke that drifts pungent and comforting in the air. I am grateful for the blue-black sky, the vastness of the universe and snow that blankets the earth below.


I am grateful to know the sun will rise again and chase away the darkness, for the changing of seasons and for gravity.


I am grateful for the people in my life who have made me who I am, today--for those who challenged me and those who lead the way. I am grateful for family that grounds me, for ideas that excite me and the courage to pursue my dreams.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you always send out the message that expresses the wonderful being your are and you go forth in the direction of your dreams.

The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence, and educational advantages, but what he will do with the things he has. Hamilton Wright Mabie

By cohdra

 

 

Often we fill our thoughts with the things we will do when we have enough time or enough money believing that we are powerless in our lives until the magical moment arrives when we have enough to pursue our dreams. But the power doesn't lie in what we attain, it lies in doing the best we can with what we already have.

Each of us holds the power to go forward and improve our lives--to reach our dreams--if we but consider how to use the resources we already have.

Let go of the idea that what you have is not enough to start you on your journey to reach your heart's desires. Focus on what you want and the path will become clear.

Today, I am grateful for a good night's rest, for houseplants that thrive inside the home and for flowers that will return in spring.

I am grateful for effective use of my time, for a quick, sharp mind that allows me to pursue my dreams and for much laughter along the way.

I am grateful for lazy days to allow thoughts and dreams to grow, for busy days to put them into motion and for the faith to wait until they come to pass.

I am grateful for family that continually amazes me, for friends who share my dreams and for old friends who have seen me through it all.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cast aside thoughts of lack today, and use what you've already been given to go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Keep true, never be ashamed of doing right; decide on what you think is right and stick to it. T.S. Eliot

by anitapatterson

Sometimes we become so concerned about what others will think of us that we neglect to do the things we know in our heart are right. Whether the conflict is how we raise our children or how we pursue a career makes no difference. Following what you know is right is always the right thing to do, even when it is unpopular.

To reach your dreams and goals requires the courage to hold fast to your beliefs despite your circumstances, despite the nay saying of others and despite the doubts that inevitably creep in.

Listen to your heart, do what you know is right, and it will lead you where you need to go. May you find the courage and strength to go forward today and never be afraid to do what you know is right as it will lead you to your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for coffee--hot and steamy in the cup, for blue skies and sunshine.


I am grateful for leisurely afternoons to read and dream and plan the path I will follow. I am grateful for the ability to direct my path, for washing machines and for socks to keep my feet warm.


I am grateful to for the opportunity to lend a helping hand for those who offers theirs.


I am grateful for family that forms the basis of my world, for friends who share my day and cats who curl up in the sun and sleep lazily throughout the day.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May  you never forget to do what you know is right as you go forward to meet your dreams.

Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitable bring about right results. James Allen

by bjwebbiz

 

 

 

 

 

The gardener doesn't give up on his plants simply because he is faced with changes in the weather or invaded by pests. Why then do we succumb to our circumstances and let go of the hope of reaching our dreams?

Strive to be like the gardener, today, holding fast the knowledge that positive thinking will bring about great changes and that expressions of gratitude will enrich your life.

Today, I am grateful for mittens that keep hands warm, for shovels to move the snow and for song birds that will return in spring. I am grateful for cool water to drink, for healthy food to eat and books to read.


I am grateful for my garden that sleeps beneath the snow, for tiny seeds that will wait to sprout and for daffodils that will emerge through the snow. I am grateful for the mighty bear that hibernates to avoid the frozen earth, for the gentle deer that wanders in the snow and for bunny rabbits that hop merrily on their way.


I am grateful for family, for friends and children every where as they strive to find their way. I am grateful for teens who soon will go forth into the world, for young adults who stand strong against all odds and for the elderly who have blazed the way.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you go forth with courage and strength and never give up --holding fast the right thoughts that will carry you toward your dreams.