“If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.”

                                                             via FreeDigitalPhotos.net


It is so easy to forget as we go about our own lives that those around us may be facing battles we simply aren't aware of. It's not that we are self centered or uncaring, but that we become so wrapped up in our own lives that we simply don't see what is around us.

Last night, I learned that a young man in my community is battling a brain tumor. Not only is this young man in my community, he has been a close friend with my son since they were young children.Yet, I have been oblivious to his struggles. Not because I didn't care, but because I've been too caught up in my little world to even notice.

Although my heart goes out to this young man and I wish him peace and comfort as he struggles to overcome  this hurdle, it also goes out to his friends who are suddenly confronted with their mortality. At 26, one shouldn't have to think about such frightening possibilities.

His friends have rallied to begin fundraising to provide this young man with the financial resources to travel to the Cancer Center for treatment. Feel free to share the link with anyone who can help them reach their goal and alleviate the stress of worrying about not having the gas to travel to and from treatments. HELP Josh get the treatment he needs.

Today, I am grateful for my own health and the health of my family. May we learn not to take good health for granted and give thanks for it daily.

I am grateful for the sound of rain on the window, the coming of fall when the air smells crisp and earthy, and for my garden as it prepares for a long winter's sleep. I am grateful for squirrels and chipmunks that scurry to collect nature's bounty of seeds and nuts for a mid-winter feast.

I am grateful for the sun that will soon return, for the brightly-colored foliage and for fall flowers that continue to bloom. I am grateful for birds that wing their way south with a promise to return again in the spring. May their journey be joyous and food be plentiful.

I am grateful for work that keeps me busy, for inspiration to take my writing to new levels, and for readers who are blessed by my words.

I am grateful for eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to love.

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

One who understands much displays a greater simplicity of character than one who understands little. Alexander Chase

As Christmas approaches, many of us become so involved in doing all the things we think we need to do to make it through the season that we forget what pleasure simplicity brings. The smell of the tree, the twinkle of lights and mounds of new fallen snow that evoke memories of Christmas long ago are what bring me pleasure at Christmas. Yet, somehow I get get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to take the time to simply enjoy the season.


This year, my daughter suggested that we put up the tree early - of course, by early I mean the first of December. Instead of adding all the ornaments now, we opted to just add lights and enjoy them for a spell. It's not that we don't enjoy the ornaments. We do - but a simple tree with lights evokes a quiet charm that speaks to the soul. Later we will add the ornaments and enjoy the excitement of a fully decorated tree.


I strive to live my life with the same simplicity, that I may enjoy what it has to offer without the trappings of what the world expects of me. It isn't always easy, as I too, get caught up in the ways of the world around me. Today, I will take time to enjoy the simple things as I work my way toward my goals.


For today, strive to enjoy the journey as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for snoring dogs and purring cats, for white picket fences, and for rocks that hold the history of the earth. I am grateful for the sound of rain that brings peace to the world, the anticipation of the first blanket of snow and for Christmas lights that twinkle in the night.

I am grateful for candles that flicker, for houseplants that grow amid the winter, and for the crow cawing in the distance. I am grateful for cold winter nights and warm summer days for that add variety to life.

I am grateful to family and friends who have made me who I am, for parents who have long since passed but live on memory, and for children.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you strive to enjoy the simple things in life as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine. Ralph Waldo Emerson

So often in life we look at opportunities, but instead of seeing all they have to offer, we concentrate on what might go wrong. We become so concerned that there may be inherent pitfalls that we cast a shadow over our dreams.

Develop the habit of letting the sun shine without constantly looking for what may go wrong. Seize opportunities when they come and know that the sunshine will always outweigh the shadows.

Today, I am grateful for the ability to see opportunities for what they are, for the courage to look past the possible shadows that may come and the faith that everything will work out as it should.


I am grateful for music, for fine art and watermelons. I am grateful for the roaring stream filled with fresh spring runoff, growing green things that emerge under the cover of the night and for laughter that fill the soul.


I am grateful for family and friends who bring joy to my life, for the beautiful blue jay that swoops in to gather food, and for paperclips.


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

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first. Shakespeare

So often in life we set off thinking that we should conquer out mountains swiftly. That reaching our goals is simply a matter for making a mad dash toward the goal. We become discouraged when the climb is steep and the way is difficult.

Develop the habit of working steadily in the direction of your dreams, today, realizing the climb may be slow at first. Each step takes you closer to your goal.

Today, I am grateful for the rising sun that brings the promise of a bright spring day. I am grateful for tiny green shoots of daffodils and tulips that just now have emerged from beneath the snow. I am grateful for sheets dried on the line, for spring birds that sing a chorus as I awake and for melting snow.


I am grateful for quiet moments, for Mt Katadin as it towers above the earth and tiny goldfinches that don their coats of brilliant gold announcing the arrival of spring.


I am grateful for my children who never cease to amaze me, for my husband who has always been there and for my extended family--may their days be filled with joy today.


I am grateful for those I have met along the way and those I have yet to meet. I am grateful for those who have touched me with the written word and those who have shared a bright smile. I am grateful for laughter, for tears of passion and the ability to love.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you work steadily to reach your goals, even though the hill may be steep and the climb may be slow, at first. Have patience and know that all things are possible as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." — Albert Einstein

I can't claim the credit for finding today's quote, as it came from my incredible teenage daughter who never ceases to amaze me with her grasp of things that lie just beyond the surface.

Consider the comparisons you make today as you measure your success in striving to reach your goals. Judging yourself against the achievement of others or against what you think you should have achieved is no different than judging the fish by his ability to climb a tree.

Cultivate the habit of working to reach your goals and dreams, knowing that you will get there in your own way and in your own time--for inside you lies the genius to accomplish great things.

Today, I am grateful for Orion that sparkles in the night, for the moon that sends its glow back upon the earth and for night skies that fill me with awe. 

I am grateful for the warm, peach sky that announces the arrival of dawn. I am grateful for clear black skies that melt slowing into blue. I am grateful for the swollen buds that adorn the trees waiting for the right moment to burst forth into green-gold leaves.

I am grateful for the call of the crow, its swift and silent flight and for its eagerness to start the day. I am grateful for treetops that catch the morning light, for hills that come alive with the touch of the sun and for rolling mounds of snow not yet melted into the earth.


I am grateful for family that brings inspiration when I least expect it, warmth when I need it most and laughter.


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

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Gandhi

So often in life we spend our time waiting for someone or something to change that we may find happiness in our life--never realizing that the change must come from inside.

Many of us are guilty of thinking in terms of "if only".
~If only I had more money, I'd be happy.
~If only others appreciated me more, I'd be happy.
~If only I'd catch a break I could reach my goals.

Don't sit back and wait for change--be the change and you will soon find yourself nearing your goals.

Today, I am grateful for color that adds depth and dimension to the world, for music that soothes the soul and the sense of smell that allows me to breathe in spring or inhale the scent of fresh baked bread.


I am grateful for the brave robin that returns each year in spite of the snow, for frogs that stir beneath the soil in preparation of spring and for shoots of grass that work their way through the pavement.


I am grateful for friends who make me laugh, books that make me cry and family that makes me feel safe.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your be the change you want to see in the world as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Never tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon. Author Unknown

 

 

 

by lightningattack

 

 

 

 

So often in life we underestimate what we are capable of achieving because of some imagined limit that really doesn't exist at all. Instead of going all the way, we stop short of what we really want because we think it is all we can have.

In the book The Aladdin Factor, the authors address our tendency to ask for less than we really want because we simply do not realize we can have more. The same applies to your dreams and goals. The only limits are those you impose upon yourself.

Consider the imagined limits you have created in your life, today and set goals that go beyond what you may have thought possible. Get in the habit of going for what you really want and stop settling for less than your deserve.

Today, I am grateful to have electricity, for road crews who clean up after yet another storm and for bus drivers who keep our children safe as they travel snowy roads.

I am grateful that the winter storms will soon pass and the world will awake in spring. I am grateful for the comfort of a cozy home, for soft blankets that keep me warm at night and work to keep me busy.

I am grateful for the freedom to pursue my dreams, for the courage to take risks and for the energy to see them through.

I am grateful for a clear sound mind, perfect health and the laughter of friends. I am grateful for family that I hold dear, for friends I meet along life's journey and for the kindness of strangers.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you see past the limits you have imagined in your life as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

"A tiny change today brings a dramatically different tomorrow." — Richard Bach

By: melodi2

 

 

 

Consider the flowers of the earth today. They don't appear in full bloom, but unfold naturally according to their time. Your life is no different. Exercise patience as events begin to form and work diligently to bring them to full bloom.

So often, we expect to see big changes and overlook the little changes that transpire around us leading us to our dreams. Get in the habit of celebrating the little changes and giving gratitude for what you already have and soon you will be surprised by the way your life transforms.

Today, I am grateful for the morning sun that catches the clouds before it breaks the horizon, for distant clouds that pick up hints of pink and rose and for the first silver rays that shoot upward from the sun.

I am grateful for the distant cry of birds and the sound of dripping water that celebrate the arrival of morning.


I am grateful for eyes that see, ears that hear and a heart that feels. I am grateful for the marvelous power of the mind and the God that created it all.


I am grateful for family and friends who share my life.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your celebrate the little changes in your life 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.

Always be a firstrate version of yourself, instead of a secondrate version of somebody else. Judy Garland

By manicmorff

So often in life we become so caught up in being what others expect or what we think the world wants from us that we lose sight of who we really are. Before we know it, we are modeling ourselves after someone we simply we never meant to be.

Consider who you are today and strive to be the best you you can be and let go of the idea that you should be like everyone else.

Today, I am grateful for clear, crisp nights aglow with stars, for the glowing moon and the infinite universe. I am grateful for clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink and soap bubbles that glitter in the light.


I am grateful for tiny puppies that nuzzle together for warmth, for baby bunnies that arrive in spring and newly hatched birds with gaping mouths waiting to be fed.


I am grateful for family and friends, for good books and the singing of frogs in spring.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you become at first rate version of yourself, today as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. Christopher Columbus

By: lcg2001

Sometimes,  we are frustrated because we think we can not reach our goals, yet spend our  time clinging fearfully to old habits and old ways. Without the  courage and faith to step away from the known and venture into new  areas, we cannot go further than our current shore. Like the sailor, we  must be willing to risk losing sight of the shore before we can cross  the ocean and reach our dreams.

Cultivate faith in your dreams today by visualizing yourself completing  them and experiencing the joy that brings. Focus on where you need to go  and step forth in faith today, casting aside fear and doubt. Know that  your desires are within your reach, but that it may require the courage  to lose sight of the shore.

Today, I am grateful for the strengthening sun that sings of approaching spring, for our nation's children who go forth toward their futures--may they be filled with the faith and courage to do what they know is right, and for teachers who we entrust with their care--may they treat them with respect and concern.

I am grateful for those who devote their lives to building up others, who are eager to share kind a word or lend a helping hand.

I am grateful for the sharing of ideas, for good conversation and laughter that makes my life full. I am grateful for air to breathe, water to drink and food to fuel the body and soul. I am grateful for road crews and emergency workers who keep others safe amid the storms that blanket our nation today.

I am grateful for family who bring joy and courage and faith in the face of any circumstances.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you find the courage to step away from the shore of old habits and fears today, as you go forward 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.

To begin to think with purpose is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment. James Allen

By Greenfinge

The runner doesn't win because he cannot fail; he wins because he meets failure with determination as he uses his failure to improve his performance. Why then do we think we that failure is the end of the path?

So often in life, we give up on the things that are important to us, we succumb to the slightest hint of failure assuming that all is lost without considering altering our path.

Consider your seeming failures, today and cultivate the habit of seeing them as mere bumps in the road that give you strength and  direction to the path you must take to reach your goals.

Today, I am grateful for  rolling mountains, for untamed forests and the mysterious ocean teeming with life we have scarcely discovered.

I am grateful for the vastness of the universe that we call home, for the beauty of nature and for the unseen hand that created it all.

I am grateful for changing seasons, the rise and set of the sun and the cycles of the moon that sets the world aglow on dark summer nights.

I am grateful for family that surrounds me, for friends who brighten my day and for strangers who challenge my thinking. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you meet failure with strength and determination today that you may find the pathway that leads in the direction of your dreams.

When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky. Buddha

photo by Benhur

Sometimes, we become so focused on the things that go wrong in our lives that we allow it to overshadow all that is right in the world.  We are so accustomed to viewing our lives for what it lacks, that we forget that what we already have.

Strive to view your life through the lens of abundance today. Look carefully to what you already have and you will soon discover that what you lack pales in comparison. Tip back your head and laugh at how silly your obstacles really are in comparison to the goodness you have received.

Focus on the good and the just to draw more of the same into your life today as you go forward to reach your goals.

Today, I am grateful for the abundance in my life--for air to breathe, food to eat and shelter from the storm. I am grateful for work that keeps me focused, for electricity to fuel my computer and the energy to do my work well.

I am grateful for opportunities to expand my work, for insight to know the directions I should take and for the courage to follow my dreams.

I am grateful for an unseen force that directs my life, for the awe-inspiring universe that I call home and for laughter that warms the soul.

I am grateful for the people who fill my life--family, friends and neighbors who are always near. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you tip back your head and laugh at how perfect your life is becoming as you go forward in the direction of you dreams.

“If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.” Anthony Robbins

 

 

 

by kakisky

So often we continue on with our lives repeating the same patterns, the same actions--yet expecting to see changes in our lives. The young may not realize there are other choices of action, but as an adult you must look beyond the same old routine and take new action if you desire new results.

Consider the ways you repeat old actions expecting new results, today. Perhaps this thinking plagues you in your relationships--or perhaps your career is bound by old thinking and routines.

Summon up the courage today to step outside old habits and old beliefs and take new action to reach your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for a new day, for new ways of thinking and for the courage to take new action.


I am grateful for the written word that I may communicate my thoughts, for translators that my words may be available to all people regardless of language and for dedicated teachers who taught us all to read.


I am grateful for countries that produce plump ripe fruit while my garden lies fallow beneath the snow, for truckers who bring the fruit to market and for grocery stores that provide an assortment from which I am free to choose the fruit of my desire.


I am grateful for the warming sun that arises and chases away the chill, for bright stars that adorn the sky and for trees that stand the test of time.


I am grateful for the people in my life--for family and friends that add color and emotion to my world, strangers I may never meet and long lost friends from long ago.


And I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you find the courage to take new action today to bring about the changes you desire, as you go forward in the direction of 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.

“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”

According to the Laws of Attraction, our thoughts determine the direction of our lives. For those who have grown accustomed to the belief that thoughts merely come and that we have no control over them, this may not be a comforting thought. But for those who understand that we choose our thoughts, or at least we choose which we will focus on, it opens the door to enlightenment.

Before you declare that you do not have control over the thoughts that enter your mind, let's take a moment to explore that belief.  If I ask you to think about pizza, surely you can change your thoughts to images of crispy brown crusts, covered with melted cheese and dotted with hot spicy pepperoni. Chances are you have no difficulty visualizing your favorite pizza complete with topping and may even conjure up the aroma, taste and texture as well. Sure, my suggestion may have prompted it--just as circumstances and events in your life may prompt thoughts--but you chose to entertain the thought and create the image.

As human beings we have the remarkable ability to govern our thoughts and determine the direction they will go. It is this ability to direct our thoughts that determines the direction and circumstances of our lives. Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20 "... For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Surely, if he instructs us in the measure of faith required to create action from our thoughts, the ability to choose those thoughts must lie within us.

Even though you are the director of your thoughts, there are times when it seems you simply cannot get an idea, a fear, or an annoying thought out of your head. Believe it or not, there is a reason for this. Your mind can not process a negative thought. Now, I know what you thinking. Look closely. I didn't say your mind can not think negative thoughts--I said it cannot process a negative thought. In this context a negative thought refers to your instructions to stop thinking about something. 

Let's give it a try, shall we? Right now. Right this very minute--do not think about penguins. Be strong. Be adamant. Instruct your mind not to think about penguins. What happened to your thoughts? The more you instruct your brain to NOT think about penguins the harder it is to move past the thought. The mind does not process the word NOT and focuses on penguins, simply because it is the way the mind functions. To remove the thought of penguins require a conscious shift in thought.

You probably had no problem erasing the image crispy pizza, but the image of penguins persisted. In the first instance, you simply changed your thinking away from pizza. In the second, you fed your mind a negative command and experienced your mind's inability to process a negative.

So what does all that have to do with your future? Everything. Many of us make the error or thinking about the things we don't want in life. We don't want to be fat. We don't want to be tired. We don't want to be poor. We don't want to think about penguins. In turn, our mind refuses to let go of the image and we release to the images of the things we don't want to the universe. It in turn complies and brings more of what we don't want into our lives.

If you want to change your life. Change your thoughts. Focus on what you do want and go forward to reach your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for the flickering light of a candle that adds warmth and comfort in cold winter months, for rich color that enhances my life and for artists who bring a canvas to life.

I am grateful for the department of transportation that works to keep winter roads clear, for firemen willing to risk their lives to save others and for electricians who keep our homes safe.

I am grateful for weathermen who warn me of winter storms, for news anchors who keep me informed and for television to brings news to the world.

I am grateful for my children who always make me proud, for a husband who shares my life and for siblings who have formed my world.

I am grateful for parents who taught me much, for teachers who showed me the way and college professors who encouraged me.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your thoughts be filled with goodness and light today that you may go forth and claim your dreams.

God gives every bird a worm, but he does not throw it into the nest." Swedish Proverb

Photo by Lemar

So often in life we cultivate the belief that all we need to do is sit tight and opportunities will flow into our lives. We look to the promises of God or the Law of Attraction as the model for our lives, somehow thinking that belief is all that is required to reap the benefits of a full and happy life.

But true belief requires action. Without it, we are simply dreaming. To put the Laws of Attraction into motion, you must be willing to act on your beliefs and seize opportunities as they arise.

To claim the things that are rightfully ours, to reap abundance and to find happiness we must be willing to go beyond the dream and act on what we believe.  Cultivate the spirit of action today. Give up the notion that abundance will come to you and go forth to claim it. Whatever your desire, whatever your dream work actively to pursue it.

Today, I am grateful for a good night's sleep, for a bright new day and for clarity of thought. I am grateful for the passing of the storm and the return of the sun. 


I am grateful for the cycle of the seasons that brings new beauty and breathtaking views throughout the year, for the ambition and drive to reach my dreams and for the insight to take action when action is needed.


I am grateful for family, for friends and for readers.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you take action, today, and go forth to claim your dreams.

“Memory is deceptive because it is colored by today's events.” Albert Einstein

by anitapatterson

We are so accustomed to the belief that our memories reflect our past, that it may be difficult to accept that what we remember is also a reflection of our current beliefs and values.

We remember the events of our lives by the feelings they evoked, by the values we attributed to them and by our individual perception at the time.

Surely, we have all experienced recalling a memory when a spouse or sibling suddenly reveals new information that alters our perception of the event. What we have held dear as the truth in our memories suddenly takes on a new appearance and we realize that what we remember is only a glimpse into our past.

New knowledge and new beliefs have the power to change memories and in essence change your past. If you are faced with negative memories that cause you pain and discomfort, consider the fact that your memories have been colored my your own beliefs. Let go of old fears of not being good enough or not being smart enough, and look at your memories from a fresh perspective today.

Today, I am grateful that our ancestors gave us the written language and that translators have the ability to transform the word from one language to another, so that all may read freely regardless of language.


I am grateful that the great minds of those before us preserved their words in written form, that we might learn from them even after they are gone.


I am grateful to be blessed with family that I love dearly, for a bright future and for today.


I am grateful for moments to simply relax and take in the beauty of this world, for the energy to pursue my dreams and the wisdom to find my way.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your memories fill you with joy and happiness as you learn to view them in a new light.

You are the only one who can use your ability. It is an awesome responsibility.

It's easy to think that the talents we have been given are less valuable than the talents of others. We have been raised to compare ourselves to others to see how we "measure up" in the game of life. That practice brings with it some inherent dangers. Not only does it blind us to our own unique talents, it sometimes fools us into thinking that we can never measure up to the skills and talents of others. But, it is only an illusion.

Your have your own special abilities that differ from the skills and talents of those around you. To find happiness in life and improve the lives of others, take the time to develop your talents. Look deeply and consider what you have to offer the world--you may be surprised at what you discover.


Today, I am grateful for light that allows me to view the beauty of the world, for sound that brings music to my ears and for the sense of touch that I may feel the soft fur of purring a cat or the crispness of icy cold snow.


I am grateful for good friends who encourage me, for family that sustains me and strangers who have yet to cross my path. 


I am grateful for cloudy skies that make me appreciate the sun when it appears, for snowy days that cover the world in silent blankets and for icicles that glisten in the afternoon sun.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as your stop to share my day. May you go far with the talents you have been given.