Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things . . .

It is easy to express gratitude when things in your life are running smoothly, but a little more difficult when things get rough. We have recently gone through a challenging time that made it more difficult to see the blessings in our lives. My husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and life has been a world-wind of medical tests, doctor's appointments and hospital stays. To say it has been overwhelming doesn't begin to describe what we have been through.

I'll admit that I forgot to be grateful for a while. My thoughts and emotions were so tied up in dealing with the unthinkable that I could no longer see the blessings in my life. I was blinded and running on empty. Just getting through another day took tremendous energy. At the end of the day, there was nothing left over to either recognize blessings or express gratitude.

But, we have experienced blessings along the way.  The greatest blessing is that his condition is treatable and he began Chemo treatments a few weeks ago. He has responded well and the doctors are hopeful. But those are not the only blessings we have received.

We have heard from people who we have not spoken to for decades, as they send their support and hold us in their thoughts and prayers. Knowing that we still hold a place in the lives of those we knew so long ago is indeed a blessing.

We have received words of encouragement from online friends who we have never met. Knowing that we have touched lives and made an impact on others lifts us up in this difficult time.

Our children have stood behind us and offered their undying support, even when their lives were filled with other obligations and we know they were running on empty, too. They will never fully understand how much that means and how proud we are of the people they have become.

The world is filled with kind and caring people and we are blessed to call them our friends and family.

So, today I am grateful for the outpouring of support, for the continued prayers and the goodness of people. May they be blessed mightily in return.

I am grateful for modern medicine that makes it possible to fight this horrible disease, for the experience, skill and compassion of caring doctors and for the many nurses and support staff that have eased our way through the darkness.

I am grateful for the peace and tranquility of nature, for my camera that allows me to capture the beauty God has bestowed on us and for stolen moments when I can get outside to photograph and share that beauty with you. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you always find blessings to be grateful for like "the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice."

It's not what your look at that matters, it's what you see. -Thoreau

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A few weeks go I watched the movie The Abundance Factor. I had been putting off watching it because I thought it would be all about MONEY and I really wasn't ready to focus my attention on money at the exclusion of other important aspects of life. I was wrong. This movie is about Abundance in all areas of your life. Like many of the movies and books that focus on how our perspective and attitude affects our reality, it reminded me of how important it is too look at life through fresh eyes and with an open heart. If you haven't watched it yet, I strongly recommend it. It made a big impact on me.

I have recently taken up nature photography and have been immersed in finding the unique perspective that brings a photo to life. Learning to see through new eyes and to focus on the details has taught me much about life in the past year. Photography serves as a metaphor of life for me and helps me work through its complicated (or do we just make it so) nuances.

It has taught me how important it is to see beyond the ordinary and seek the extraordinary in both my work and my life. As Thoreau so aptly puts it: "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

For today, try to see life and people through a different lens and practice seeking the extraordinary in the ordinary or mundane. Look for the little things that make your life unique and special and take the time to appreciate them.

Today, I am grateful for my furnace to keep me warm in sub-zero weather, for the sun that creates sparkles in the snow, and for the white carpet that blankets the world.

I am grateful for evergreens that brighten the holiday decor, for candles that flicker in the night, and for fluffy socks that warm my toes. 

I am grateful for books to read that challenge my mind, for talented photographers who are willing to share their knowledge so I may learn, and for children who brave the cold to play in the snow. 

I am grateful for my family who gave me the gift of photography, for the wondrous world of nature that serves as my subject, and for discerning eyes that can see beyond the ordinary. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day, May you find the extraordinary in the ordinary today as you learn that its not what you look at that matters, it is what you see.

A Bird Does Not Sing Because It Has an Answer ...

The birds of the the forest don't wait until the sun is nigh to begin singing. They sing out loud and clear long before dawn, serenading the world with their song. How great is their faith that the sun will return and their confidence that their song should be heard. Be like the birds today and give no thought to the circumstances around you as you lift up your head and sing your song. Know that you were given your song for reason and a few cloudy days will not dull its sound.

Have faith that you are headed in the right direction and even if you cannot yet see the sun, it will arrive on time.

Today, I am grateful for the dusting of snow that beautified the world under the cover of darkness, for the bright sun that peeks between the clouds and for the inevitable coming of spring. 

I am grateful for clean, fresh air to breathe, for sparkling snowflakes in the sun and for squirrels that always entertain me. I am grateful for the majesty of trees as they stand silent waiting for the arrival of spring, for the mystery of seeds that hold a whole lifetime within their coat and for fresh soil teeming with life. 

I am grateful for family and friends, for old acquaintances and for strangers I meet along the way. They have all helped shape me into the person I am. I am grateful for the changing of seasons that allows us to anticipate and celebrate the best of each.  

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you be like the birds of the forest today and sing out your song for the world to hear as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn.

We can learn much from nature. To produce fruit, trees require sun, soil, nutrients and water. Planting a seed or tiny sapling is not enough. Without moisture and sun, the seed will not sprout and the sapling will quickly wither and die. 

So too with our dreams and goals. While setting our intentions is important, they must be nurtured and cared for so that they may bear fruit. Without care, our goals and dreams are nothing more than wishes cast to the wind.

• If your goal is to become more successful in your chosen field, you must also work to build the skills and set the stage for that success. Take a class, make new contacts, get involved in projects that allow you to shine.
• If you want to earn more money to provide your family with the comforts of life, or want to earn that important promotion, you must be willing to do the work to reach the goal. Become a model employee, treat others with respect and show that you are worthy of promotion. 
• If you want to improve the relationships in your life nurture those you love, be supportive and show them the love and respect you desire.

The goal or dream doesn't matter. It is the care and feeding of that dream that will bring it to pass. May you find ways to feed and care for your dreams and goals today that they may bear bountiful fruit.

Today, I am grateful for another day to pursue my goals and dreams. I am grateful for steady progress, continued drive, and patience as I watch the seeds grow and bloom that I may enjoy the fruit of my labor. 

I am grateful for sunny days and starry nights, for lightning bugs that flit through open fields, and for daisies waltzing to the summer breeze. I am grateful for the song of birds, the call of frogs and the gentle tinkle of wind chimes. I am grateful for leaves that dance and whisper secrets to the wind.  

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you work joyously towards your dreams and goals today that you may see them come to fruit.

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. Hal Borland

Hal Borland may not have been speaking literally when he said no winter lasts forever, but for those of us in Maine it has seemed like winter would last forever. It's nearly the middle of April and there are still piles of snow covering my garden and raised beds.

The good news is: the snow is melting, the robins are singing and the sun has returned. Our world will likely transform from a snow-covered landscape to green grass within a few short weeks. With spring comes a renewal of the soul.

If you, like me, have found yourself struggling as you work your way to the light, it's time to celebrate the coming of spring. The shedding of winter clothes and throwing open the windows to air out the home always fills me with hope.

Today, I am grateful for the robin's song that has been gone from my life for way too long, for sunshine that melts the remaining snow and for the woodpecker who hammers away at still frozen trees. I am grateful for skies of blue, white puffy clouds and water that trickles down the road.

I am grateful for tiny blades of grass that somehow find their way through the snow and ice and stand proud and tall around foundations. I am grateful for fresh air to breathe, for windchimes that sing into the night, and for stars that adorn the sky.

I am grateful for the promise of another year to grow flowers and veggies in my backyard, for the vision of colors that will soon burst forth and for my garden chair that has silently awaited my return. I am grateful for the sounds of spring that have nothing to do with emerging birds a wildlife - for the far-away sounds that tell me the snow is gone and the muffle of winter air is gone.

I am grateful for my family who is always there, for my friends who offer me support and for strangers who are not yet friends, but who will cross my path today. 

And I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you celebrate the coming of spring with great joy and happiness today. 

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow. Doug Firebaugh

The snail does not worry that the journey is long and the pace is slow. He knows that setting his sights on the goal and working steadily toward it will get him where he needs to go. Why then, do we insist that we must work harder and go faster to reach our goals?

Maybe the fast-paced world we live in has colored our view and made us believe that speed is the ultimate weapon. Maybe it is because we have been conditioned to think that we deserve to enjoy the fruits of our labor now - not later. Maybe we are just short-sighted and are afraid of losing sight of the goal if we slow down our pace.

I suspect that, like me, you are guilty of expecting to move too fast as you rush headlong toward your goals. I am reminded today to slow down and take stock of where I am, to take a close look at how far I've come and only then look at what still needs to be done to reach my sometimes elusive goals. I will practice doing something every day that will inch me closer to my dreams, but I will let go of the notion that life is a race and that I must accomplish everything today. I will celebrate the knowledge that I am on my way and that I will reach the goals when it is time.

Won't you join me today? Take a moment to relax and make the decision to do just one thing today that will lead your forward. We can always find a way to improve our lives, even in meager circumstances. If you are homebound, do something to make your home more enjoyable. If you join the masses and work outside the home, do something to improve your workplace. If you are like me and work from home, take a moment to organize your desk or hang an inspirational poster. Smell a flower, hug a child, listen to the wind. Do something to start you on your way.

Today, I am grateful for new opportunities that come my way. I am grateful for the rain that promises to finally whisk away the snow, for the deer that bounds across the road in search of green shoots, for the birds who await the arrival of spring, and for gray clouds that burst open and shed water upon the earth.

I am grateful for indoor plumbing that my mother lived nearly her entire life without, for a cozy home that keeps me warm and safe, and for healthy food to fuel the body. I am grateful for great minds that share their knowledge with the world, for authors who share their vision of the world with me, and for artists who make the world a brighter place.

I am grateful for the vast beauty of the Universe, the song of birds, and the smell of spring. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you be blessed with the knowledge that doing just one thing a day to inch closer to your goals is enough to get you there.

The person we believe ourselves to be will always act in a manner consistent with our self-image.

 Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Self-image is a funny thing. It hides beneath the surface and colors everything we do, yet few of us take the time to consider how we see ourselves and what we need to do to change that faulty image. I know I'm guilty of seeing myself as less able and less capable than I really am and I'm betting you are too. The problem, it seems, lies partly in the little voice that plays inside our heads - but I am convinced it has more to do with our unrealistic estimation of others.

It's not that I don't think others are capable. They are. It's just that most of us look outside ourselves at the world and see successful people who are free from the demons that plague our lives. We somehow think that others are confident and carefree and that they are finding great success in life.

Take a look at social media. Everyone is busy tweeting and posting about their great success. With a quick browse through your Tweet Feed, you will find everything from how to be slim and sexy to how to strike it rich with Internet marketing. Most of us assume those people really are successful with these pursuits. And that's where the problem lies. We assume others are more successful than us because they say they are.

Inspirational writer and speaker Zig Ziglar points out that part of our problem with our self-image lies in comparing our worst to the best in others. We look at their successes and compare them to our failures and assume we are much less successful than we are. We view their shining moments and somehow convince ourselves that those moments represent their entire lives. We forget that they too struggle with the everyday obstacles we all face.

For today, forget about the ultra-successful and focus on you. Consider who you are and what you have to offer the world. If that seems overwhelming, focus on one thing you can do today to make your life better. Clean a closet, write a blog post or do something good for someone else today. Do whatever it takes today to begin to rebuild your self-image one step at a time.

And don't forget to express your gratitude for all that you have, however meager that may seem.

Today, I am grateful for tiny blades of grass that I know are growing beneath the snow. I cannot see them yet, but I know the roots are growing and they are gathering strength to emerge when the snow melts. 

I am grateful for friends who see me through when times are tough, and who celebrate with me when times are good. I am grateful for my children who always support and love me even when I'm old and grumpy and struggling to find my way. Their belief in me is a great source of strength. 

I am grateful for the rising sun, even when it hides behind the clouds, because I know that it is there ready to bring its warmth. I am grateful for spring birds who sing outside my window, for the gentle wind as it whistles through the trees and night skies filled with stars. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and touch the lives of others via the written word.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you find joy and great success today as you work adjust your self-image to reflect the amazing person you really are. 

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best. Henry Van Dyke

 nagillum/Flickr

How easy it is to become down trodden and lose our way because we fear that what we are is not good enough, that our talents and skills will never match up to those around us. The problem, of course, is that we tend to compare ourselves to the best of the best and become discouraged when we fall short in comparison.

Some contend that comparing ourselves to others is a natural tendency to find out where we fit in to the world - that the human brain prefers to sort and rank information. It's your job to give it something to do that will move you forward toward your goals instead of leaving you feeling like you have missed the mark.

Instead of comparing yourself to others and the accomplishments you think they have achieved, get in the habit of comparing your past and present self. Whatever your endeavors, look back to where you started. Take stock of what how far you have come and celebrate your accomplishment with joy as you work to reach your goals and dreams.

Today I am grateful for the chokecherry tree laden with fruit that provides food for a multitude of birds, for the varied songs that waft through the air and the shimmer of new morning light.

  I am grateful for blue sky, green grass and the remnants of rain that cools my bare feet. I am grateful for the rogue sunflower that adorns my garden and for the steady drip of water from surrounding trees that tells me the rain is done.

I am grateful for family and friends that share my life, for old friends who helped make me who I am today and for new friends I will meet along life's way.

 And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you resist the urge to compare yourself to others as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Negative thoughts stick around because we believe them, not because we want them or choose them. Andrew Bernstein

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Lately I've found myself sucked into negative thoughts that seem to linger throughout my day. The slightest indication of criticism, the suggestion that things might not work out as planned or a hint that something negative is on the way is enough to send my mood pummeling downward.

It's not so much that I choose to dwell on negative thoughts as it is that I am struggling to push them away. I realized today that its not the fact that negative thoughts come that is causing the problem, it is our tendency to believe them.

I recently encountered an editor that seemed overly harsh in his assessment of my work, which cast a shadow of self-doubt over me. I thought it was the sting of criticism that was bothering me, but I realize now it was my belief in his criticism and the negative effects of self doubt that has caused the cloud of insecurity to envelop me. Today, I will choose to cast away my belief in my negative thoughts and get on with the business of working to reach my goals as I go forward in the direction of my dreams.

Strive today to chase negative thoughts from your life by refusing to believe that they have power over you. Look them square in the face and say, "I don't believe you." Know that refusing to believe them renders them powerless and opens your life to positive thoughts and positive energy.

Today, I am grateful for green grass, bright flowers and birds at my feeder. I am grateful for the fruit of my garden, for the call of the owl and the light from the sun. I am grateful for soft raindrops that fall to refresh the earth. 

I am grateful for family and friends who make my life rich, for the kindness of strangers who I meet throughout my day and for the vastness of the universe. I am grateful for the human mind and its infinite power to learn new things and reach new heights. 

I am grateful for good health, a sound mind and laughter. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you overcome your negative thoughts today by refusing to believe them as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

“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.

To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children ...

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“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world  a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

How easy it is to become so self absorbed that we forget there is more to life that achieving material things, and spend our time in pursuit of that which fuels our dreams without regard for the lives of those around us. Take a moment today to consider the words of Emerson, and consider how you might touch the lives of others. 

Consider your actions and words today and how they impact the lives around you. Do they move you and others to better themselves? Do they lift the spirit or echo with laughter and good will? 

Achieving your goals at the cost of others will not bring the satisfaction and fulfillment you desire. Strike a healthy balance between working toward your goals and enriching the lives of others today, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for a cool morning breeze, leaves dancing freely, and hummingbirds that hoover over my petunias. I am grateful for the caw of the crow, the aroma of moist earth and fireflies that adorn the night. I am grateful for the far-a-way bark of a lonely dog, for the hoot of the owl that echoes in the night, and for oceans teeming with life.

I am grateful for another day filled with laughter and light, for the promise of many tomorrows to complete my work, and for green grass beneath my feet. I am grateful for soft damp air, for pine trees that brave the storm, and lightening that invigorates the earth.

I am grateful for my children who always amaze me, for a spouse to share my life, and for family to hold me close. I am grateful for parents who taught me to find my way, for brothers and sisters who have brought me great joy, and for friends who have brightened the way.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you laugh often and much as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Dedication: It is the effort of many that create the ripples that can move mountains.

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Sometimes we are so concerned with making big changes in our lives that we forget that change does not come overnight. Its so easy to forget that small efforts can make big changes. Like the pebble that sends out ripples that grow as they move outward, the efforts you make today are capable of leading you to a bright future.

Get into the habit of accomplishing small tasks that lead to your goals, today, and don't be discouraged because you can't reach them right away.

Today, I am grateful for the cool summer breeze, for tiny cucumbers on the vine, and tomatoes that turn from green to gold and finally red. I am grateful for the bees that are abuzz in my garden, for the hummingbird that darts about, and for dragonflies that devour mosquitoes about my head.

I am grateful for the hoot of the owl in the midst of darkness, for the night sky in all its glory, and for mountains that remind me to stand strong.

I am grateful for butterflies that flit from flower to flower, for the deep green moss that blankets the forest floor, and for winding streams that tumble and splash over logs and stones.

I am grateful for the bounty of the earth that provides nuts and berries for man and beast. 

I am grateful for my children who always make me proud, for my husband who is always there,  and for brothers and sisters who have shared my life. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you create ripples that move mountains as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Happiness is never out of our reach for the miracle of life is that we are all free to follow the path of our dreams.

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Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily business of living that we forget to pursue our dreams. Not because our dreams aren't important anymore, or we think we can't reach them - but because we somehow lose track of where we were headed in the first place. This has been one of those times for me.

It's not that anything monumental has happened. It hasn't. It isn't even that I've suddenly had too many demands on my time. It has been more of a falling off so gradual I didn't even notice. Maybe it is due to the long winter or the economy that has all of us struggling to meet the demands of daily life. 

Yesterday, I took the day off from writing to work in my garden. As evening approached, I took my coffee to the backyard and sat listening the bird's as they bid the day farewell. Gazing over my garden beds,the gentle summer breeze bathed my face, and I was suddenly struck with just how lucky I am. Suddenly, I remembered why I have chosen the solitary life as a writer in the first place. It is the freedom to enjoy God's creation that has lead me to life where I set the hours, I direct my path and God provides the inspiration.

If you, like me, have lost your way in pursuing your dreams, take the time to reconnect with the life force that propelled you in the direction of your dreams in the first place. Find that silent inspiration that makes you soul sing. Only by reconnecting to with that life force - whatever you perceive it to be - can you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for the beauty of the universe, for green growing things, flowers that burst forth in bloom, and birds that soar to the heavens. I am grateful for the color of the sky as day descends to night, I am grateful for the bright night stars, for the shimmering moon, and the vastness of what lies beyond.

I am grateful for the tiny hummingbird, the song of the robin, and butterflies that flit from flower to flower. I am grateful for the summer sun, for the cool breeze that plays music through the leaves, and for gentle rain that refreshes the earth.

I am grateful for family and friends who bring me great joy, for my children as they go forth into the world ready to pursue their dreams, and for my husband who shares my life.

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

“The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious to the rose” Kahlil Gibran

I'd like to share my slideshow of pink roses with you today. Please click the image to view the gorgeous pink roses!

So many times we let fear of the unknown or the possibility of getting hurt get in our way, stopping us from meeting our goals. Guard today against being the pessimist who is immobilized by fear. Strive first to see the beauty and goodness that is all around you. Go forward with joy in your heart that you may enjoy the beauty of the Universe - giving thanks to all that you have already been given. Only then will you begin to see the marvelous possibilities that await you in your future.

Today, I am grateful for gray skies that I know hold April rains necessary to transform my word to growing green things. I am grateful for the farewell of snow for another year, for the soft spring earth and for daffodils that sing out of spring.

I am grateful for good food to celebrate the Easter weekend, for the comfort of a cozy home and for laughter that lightens the soul. I am grateful for a clear, sound mind and healthy body that takes me where I wish to go, for photographers who provided the images of pink roses that I may share with you, and for my cat who purrs upon my desk.

I am grateful for wind chimes that dance to their own music - may we always be as brave. 

I am grateful for family and friends who share my accomplishments and bring great joy into my life, for neighbors who remind me we are never alone, and for God's creatures that inhabit the earth.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you always see the beauty of the rose as you go forward 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.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

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Sometimes we become so afraid of stepping out and doing something new that all we can focus on is the long journey that looms ahead of us. The way looks too long or the path too steep and we become paralyzed unable to move forward.

It is then that we must concentrate on taking the first step in the direction we want to go. As we begin the journey, we suddenly discover that momentum increases and its isn't nearly as difficult (or steep) as we imagined.

If you find yourself afraid to begin the journey today, step out in confidence and know that within you lies the ability to achieve your goals. There is no mountain too steep or path too long unless you make it so.

Today, I am grateful for the brilliant spring sun, for melting ice and snow, and for raised garden beds that emerge beneath the snow. I am grateful for clippings of fresh herbs that have survived the winter, for the lonely fox that calls in the distant woods, and for excited squirrels that scurry to and fro.

I am grateful for March winds to dry my sheets, for sprigs of green grass for my cat, and for the mighty moon that adorns the night sky. I am grateful for my wind chimes that make lively music in the brisk breeze. 

I am grateful for family - who never ceases to amaze me with their goodness and their talents, for friends who I can count on, and for neighbors who make my corner of the world enjoyable. I am grateful for strangers whose lives I cross, for sharing a smile or laugh with someone I may never know, and for those who I will someday call friend.

I am grateful for new work opportunities that have come into my life, for the courage and confidence to do them well, and for the ability to bless the lives of others along the way.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you always remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others. Albert Camus

So often we let others determine our happiness or peace of mind by being too concerned about what they think to enjoy our lives. Although others are important and treating them with love and respect is always a good choice - being true to yourself is important too. 

Strive to remember that what others think about your dreams and goals is never as important as what you think.      Seek out support and advice from those you trust, but resist the urge to doubt yourself due to their negativity.

Today, I am grateful for a snow-covered earth that glistens under the winter sun, for pine trees covered with snow and green grass that sleeps beneath the surface. I am grateful for mild, moist air that feels like spring in the midst of winter for it reminds me of the warm days to come.

I am grateful for new opportunities that come my way when I least expect them, for the wisdom to choose wisely which I will pursue, and the courage to take risks when necessary. I am grateful for the power to choose, the right to make my own decisions, and the freedom to pursue my dreams.

I am grateful for life that I may enjoy the enormous beauty that surrounds me. I am grateful for people who never cease to amaze me.

I am grateful for family and friends who make my life whole, for acquaintances from long ago who helped mold the person I am today, and for those yet to come into my life who will help mold what I become.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you always remember that happiness comes from within and not from the opinions of others as you go forward in the direction of your dreams. 

Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. Henry David Thoreau

It's funny how our perception of time changes from day to day. Sometimes, it seems to loom before us - yet somehow slips away like the flowing river. Strive today to spend your time in leisure - neither wishing time away - nor squandering it on things you do not enjoy. 

Sometimes, we convince ourselves that to reach our dreams and goals we must devote all out time in their pursuit and end up frustrated because it seems our efforts are in vain. Step back today and let your dreams unfold in their natural course - neither hurrying them nor holding them back. You will arrive when it is time.

Be kind to yourself in this new year. Allow yourself the gift of time. It clears the mind and rejuvenates the soul - allowing you to go forward in the direction of your dreams with confidence and clear vision.

Today, I am grateful for winding streams, jumping fish and the reflection of the sun. I am grateful for the smell of the earth, the gentle caress of the summer breeze, and the music of water.

I am grateful for a new year about to unfold,  for a clear sound mind to see the way, and for quiet moments to renew the soul. I am grateful for eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that beats.

I am grateful for houseplants that lift the spirit, for windows to see the world, and for candles that flicker in the night. I am grateful for the soothing scent of lavender, the aroma of fresh perked coffee, and running water.

I am grateful for family who are ever-patient with my unorthodox work schedule, for readers who visit my work, and for woodland creatures who hunker down to keep warm in the winter's cold.

I am grateful for oceans teeming with life, for the vastness of space, and for cold crisp silence that envelops winter nights.

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

There is more to life than increasing its speed. Mahatma Ghandi

How well you handle the closing one year and the beginning of another depends in part on your frame of mind. For many, New Year's Eve evokes memories of the good times experienced through the year, while others dwell on all the bad that has happened. I like to think I am the former. I like to look at how far I've come and how much I have accomplished  - but that is only part of the appeal of New Year's Eve.

Before me lies an open book ready to be written in - a chance to start anew, to make positive changes and choose how I will spend my time. In the words of Mahatma Ghandi, "There is more to life than increasing it's speed."

This year, I intend to be ever mindful of the use of my time. Not because I'm afraid of running out - but because time is too valuable to squander. This year, I will guard my time and spend more time on the things that really matter and less on the mind-sucking activities that lead me nowhere.

This year, I will slow down and work steadfastly toward my goals and dreams without the distractions of events and activities that lead me down other paths.

Today, I am grateful for the completion of another year, for all that I have accomplished in 2011 and for the opportunities 2012 will bring. I am grateful for the courage and vision to follow my dreams - even when the world around me looks bleak. 

I am grateful for a warm home that keeps me safe, for soft pillows on which to rest my head, and for socks. I am grateful for the droning snore of the dog, the gentle purr of the cat, and for the twitter of birds as they stop for food to eat. 

I am grateful for family and friends who never cease to amaze me, for neighbors who make me feel safe, and for strangers who paths I cross. 

I am grateful for writers who share their view of the world, for artists who capture the essence of life, and musicians who create for the soul. 

I am grateful for the beauty of the earth, the rays of sun as it breaches the horizon, and starlight that punctuates the night sky. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you always remember, "There is more to life than increasing its speed," as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly. Marcus Aurelius

So many of us get into the habit of greeting the world with a running commentary of the lack in our lives that we forget to take stock of what we have, and get sucked into believing that we are unhappy due to the circumstances in our lives. We are so eager to believe that the world controls our lives that we simply forget to look to our contributions to our own unhappy circumstances.

Strive today to improve the quality of your thoughts that you may learn to experience joy in your life - regardless of the circumstances around you. As you improve your thoughts and begin to focus on the positive in your life, circumstances begin to change.

When difficulties arise - and they sometimes will - lift yourself above them by training your thoughts to focus on the the blessings in your life.

Today, I am grateful for lazy Saturday mornings, for French vanilla creamer in my coffee, and for clean blank pages on which to write. I am thankful for computers that make my life easier, for typewriters who set the stage, and for pen and paper that still tempts writers when inspiration comes.

I am grateful for the morning sun that I know lurks behind the clouds, for clean white snow that lingers on the ground, and for evergreens that transform into wreaths.

I am grateful for time as it stretches before me, for the wisdom to use it well, and for quiet moments that nourish the soul.

I am grateful for winter storms that will envelop my world in a quiet beauty, for rolling hills, and towering trees who withstand the passage of time.

I am grateful for family that I hold dear, for friends who lighten the load, and for strangers who share a willing smile. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. Strive to improve the quality of your thoughts today, that you may experience happiness and joy as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.