Close
Menu Gratefulness Donate

Gratitude Lounge

Welcome! We are glad you are here. This is an open space where everyone belongs, and everyone is welcome. Please introduce yourself as you feel comfortable and join in sharing your experience of grateful living. To get started you might reflect upon questions such as these: What am I grateful for? What is grateful living inspiring me to do? What are some blessings in my life (including ones in disguise)? How am I being supported right now? What connects me to wonder, awe, or a sense of the sacred? You are welcome to include images and links for videos to illustrate your reflections.

  • Anna
    Dear friends, I answer to all of you who have supported me with your words, here below. Thank you my dear friends, I "feel" your love, your friendship and your support. I have no words, oh if I could write a poem, send you flowers ... offer you a good coffee with chocolate ... No cloud over me, only, from time to time, the memory of this bitter experience. But I did my work, my dinner for my family, my gym, so many blessings! I will meditate if there is something to learn, I am sure there is...

    Dear friends, I answer to all of you who have supported me with your words, here below.
    Thank you my dear friends, I “feel” your love, your friendship and your support.
    I have no words, oh if I could write a poem, send you flowers … offer you a good coffee with chocolate …
    No cloud over me, only, from time to time, the memory of this bitter experience. But I did my work, my dinner for my family, my gym, so many blessings!
    I will meditate if there is something to learn, I am sure there is.
    I am so grateful, I send you all my love, Palm, Pilgrim, Patjos, Diane, Grateful Sea, from my heart.

    Read More
  • Diane
    Good morning lovely friends Today I am grateful for the gift of solitude. Last week was busy...and I am very grateful that I was able to "do" and "accomplish". It was encouraging and a reminder that, if I am patient, wellness and energy to some extent will come around again. But I have found that when I am out in the world for any length of time, I begin to crave the gifts of silence and solitude....for it is here that I can get in touch with my heart and the Divine dwelling there. It w...

    Good morning lovely friends

    Today I am grateful for the gift of solitude. Last week was busy…and I am very grateful that I was able to “do” and “accomplish”. It was encouraging and a reminder that, if I am patient, wellness and energy to some extent will come around again. But I have found that when I am out in the world for any length of time, I begin to crave the gifts of silence and solitude….for it is here that I can get in touch with my heart and the Divine dwelling there.

    It was a bitterly cold weekend here….my firbromyalgia spiked and I was in a lot of pain. Maybe the “doing” of the previous week contributed as well….another reminder that I need to pace myself!
    But I am grateful for the topical pain lotion that my husband massaged into my muscles and for the applied heat and for ibuprofen. And for the glass of red wine and cozy blanket as we watched the football game together. This was especially healing because my husband and I had a bit of an uncomfortable exchange yesterday. We both ended up mad at each other, each for our own reasons. I find myself grateful for this because of the awareness I had of what had triggered this for me personally and with this awareness came compassion for him and healing between us.

    My spiritual journey is characterized to a significant extent with the inner work of letting go. I understand intellectually why this is so hard for me…. but my heart needs frequent reminders! I find myself grateful lately for the painful situations that help me to grow in this even though it doesn’t always feel good!

    And so today….after all the “doing” it is nice to just “be”. With my thoughts and with the weariness that comes with the aftermath of intense emotions. Today in the U.S. we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, so this morning I watched a video of his “I have a dream” speech. It moved me to tears. I welcome these emotions….sadness for the loss of this great man, but also joy and gratitude for his inspiring message of love and hope that is immortal.

    ~Be blessed dear friends ♥

    Read More
  • Drew Blanton

    I’m grateful for Pocket. That’s a website that makes articles and blogs easier for people with poor vision to read. My vision’s so poor that I need to go up to the screen to read it.

    • Diane

      Dear Drew….how wonderful that you have found this! And I am grateful that you are also a part of this community here with us.
      ~Have a blessed day Drew ♥

  • Anna

    Dear friends, I feel so sad if I think I have hurt someone here or in the daily question.
    It was never my intention.
    Tonight I will be here and try to say something, now I go to my job.
    Please, give me your blessings, I’m brought to tears now.
    And suggest me how to be better with all of you and other friends.
    With sincere love.
    Anna

    • grateful sea

      Anna, dear Anna, bless you, beautiful friend. I do not doubt for one second the goodness of your heart and your intentions. Sending so much love from grateful sea.

    • Diane
      My dearest Anna.....we have been together here for many years and I want you to know sincerely from my heart that I count you as one of the greatest blessings in my life. Your wise and kind and compassionate words have inspired and helped me more times than I can count. We are an ocean apart but yet I know this about you with certainty...that you give freely from your heart with love always. I desire to be more like you my friend. Please know that you are a treasure to me and to everyone her...

      My dearest Anna…..we have been together here for many years and I want you to know sincerely from my heart that I count you as one of the greatest blessings in my life. Your wise and kind and compassionate words have inspired and helped me more times than I can count. We are an ocean apart but yet I know this about you with certainty…that you give freely from your heart with love always. I desire to be more like you my friend. Please know that you are a treasure to me and to everyone here.

      Cara Anna….may you be blessed today with comfort and with the joy of knowing that you are so loved. I am so grateful for you.
      ~Om Shanti dear friend ♥

      Read More
    • Pilgrim

      Dear Anna, I hold you in my prayers, that you will not take into your heart and your being any negativity. I have never found you to be anything other than kind and compassionate here, and think that is how you are in your everyday life. I carry you in my heart this day.

    • Patjos

      We get it right, we get it wrong sometimes, but always there is Love. Always inside all of us all of the time, there is Love, and that’s all that matters. Let’s live out of that Love, Loving one another the best we can, Loving ourselves the best we can (especially ourselves!). Be Love today, for it’s who we are, even at our worst 😊

      • Palm

        Patjos, Anna didn’t get anything wrong. She only got an unsensitive and unfair reply below, and she is hurt.
        In a general context, however, your words are beautiful, thank you

        • Patjos

          Thank you. I’m grateful for you all today. 🙂

          • Diane

            Dear Patjos…..I just checked and found that you and I both joined this sacred community just a couple of months apart in 2016! I am so grateful to see you back with us again here “old” friend!
            ~Blessings ♥

          • Pilgrim

            Same, Patjos. You weren’t here for some time, and I am glad you have returned. Peace.

    • Palm

      Anna, you have done nothing wrong, dear friend. I give you my blessings and love. I wish you a peace filled day, and that you can do your job efficiently with no cloud over you. It’s not your making, so I have nothing to suggest. Sincerely, Palm

      • Pilgrim

        Yes, please, dear Anna, do not take this on as your doing, or error, or any such thing. You have a beautiful heart, my friend. Please do not take another’s negativity into your heart or your day.

  • Trev the Ancient

    This song is very wholesome and has to be what we can label family rap.

    Just grateful someone as wise as The Grouch is still making music.

    Hip-hop isn’t what it used to be but there is still much to be grateful for.


  • Ann

    Though I’d often described my childhood as an experience of abuse, chaos and confusion, today’s question of the day helped me acknowledge and appreciate something of value I learned from my mother. It seems now that step by step and bit by bit, I can see what is/was good instead of ONLY seeing the awful parts of the “truth”.

    • Trev the Ancient

      Sorry to hear that about your childhood Ann!

      Nice work with the daily questions 😊

      • Ann

        Thank you, Trev the Ancient, for your reply.

    • Palm

      Dear Ann, I had just read the answers to the question of today before “coming to the Lounge” …I found yours very helpful, as I try to guide my own daughter to be self reliable. As Anna suggested, it would be more comfortable for me not to push her and do everything for her, but reading your posts I realise I would be doing more harm than good. Thank you for sharing your heart.

      • Ann

        Dear Palm: Thank you for your reply. May you have the balance that works well in your parenting. My childhood, as mentioned, was filled with abuse, chaos and confusion. I am grateful I was able, because of the daily question prompt, to find something about my mother I could appreciate.

        • Palm

          Thank you dear Ann, for your support. I am so sorry about the chaos of your childhood, I imagine due to unconsciousness from the adults. I am grateful that you are finding the practice on this site helpful, thanks again for sharing and being with us here

          • Ann

            Dear Palm: Thank you, Palm, for your reply. It is very much appreciated.

    • Anna
      Dear Ann, although I love reading the answers in the Question of the day, I try not to answer, because I have the feeling of annoying the community that visits that part of the site. I don't post much there because it takes me a long time to find a correct way to express my opinion (oh dear Ann, I just think I express myself correctly, but I'm not so sure !!!). Your mother told you such a truth that my mother would never have told me. Oh Ann, the cause is certainly a different cultural backgr...

      Dear Ann, although I love reading the answers in the Question of the day, I try not to answer, because I have the feeling of annoying the community that visits that part of the site.
      I don’t post much there because it takes me a long time to find a correct way to express my opinion (oh dear Ann, I just think I express myself correctly, but I’m not so sure !!!).
      Your mother told you such a truth that my mother would never have told me.
      Oh Ann, the cause is certainly a different cultural background, I firmly believe that if my mother had had more courage, more awareness, more love for herself and for life in all its aspects, she would have spoken to me like your mother.
      She chose another path, apparently safer, more socially accepted, but not good for the education and well-being of my mood.
      Now I have to fight against impatience, when she seeks me for my support. She is getting old, and for me it is a hard experience, which brings old annoying stories (another recent daily question …).
      But I think I am resilient, as many of us say today in their wise replies. I know I can start again and again, I am able to dream, inspite of my 55. I will find a way, I will get rid of my ancient sense of injustice, without hurting her, rather, by standing by her and helping her.
      With love
      Anna

      Read More
      • Trev the Ancient

        Oh Anna how segregational (wrong word I am guessing LOL!) of you!

        Way to encourage a division among the community of this site!!

        I better see your answers there soon! (JK)

        • Anna

          Dear Trevor, I also feel a strong sense of friendship for people in this virtual community, they have helped me and they always help me so much. I sincerely love them and feel good when I’m here. I don’t think that’s wrong, Trevor. Feelings are never wrong.

        • Anna
          Trevor, it's not my intention to be segregational. If I don't answer, I can't be segregatiknal, at best I might seem indifferent to people who know me. With the exception of the first year I visited this site, I always thought that the Lounge was the place where we can publish and reply and reply again, until the site accepts our answers, but it is not the same for the daily question. There, I sometimes send and reply, but not often. Maybe I'm wrong, and I'm open to your suggestions and also to ...

          Trevor, it’s not my intention to be segregational. If I don’t answer, I can’t be segregatiknal, at best I might seem indifferent to people who know me. With the exception of the first year I visited this site, I always thought that the Lounge was the place where we can publish and reply and reply again, until the site accepts our answers, but it is not the same for the daily question. There, I sometimes send and reply, but not often. Maybe I’m wrong, and I’m open to your suggestions and also to Ann and Pilgrim’s.
          Sometimes I choose how to be here because I don’t have much time and the Lounge is easier for me.
          Either way, I’m sure I’ve never brought divisions here. If you think so, I’m so sorry. I hope my words never hurt anyone.

          Read More
        • Palm

          I am shocked and sad by this reply

      • Palm
        Dear Anna, I understand and am with you wishing you strength and support, together with our friends. I too have recently re-lived old stories, I too feel insecure about responding the question of the day... I didn’t know what to do with my pain and shame repeating all over again when I recently asked for support from my family and I only got misunderstanding and unhelpful worry. Then just in time a dear friend, who is a therapist, said to me: abandon them (in a good way), do things in your own...

        Dear Anna, I understand and am with you wishing you strength and support, together with our friends. I too have recently re-lived old stories, I too feel insecure about responding the question of the day… I didn’t know what to do with my pain and shame repeating all over again when I recently asked for support from my family and I only got misunderstanding and unhelpful worry. Then just in time a dear friend, who is a therapist, said to me: abandon them (in a good way), do things in your own deep way, avoid drama, we are so fortunate just by having food and a roof over our heads, don’t take life too seriously, enjoy, it is their fear not yours. Her words have been so liberating to me I though everyone should hear them. My daughter’s tutor was also an angel at that time, with her validation “you feel let down”, she said… Still it wasn’t easy.. and then I remembered the gentle art of blessing, and lovingkindness meditation. I must admit that physical distance helped too…
        Things have calmed down and today I was surprised with words of support from my family via phone… the conflict in my heart has lessened, and I am grateful ..

        Read More
        • grateful sea
          Dear Palm, I am so glad the conflict in your heart is lessening. And thank you for sharing these words of your friend which you found so liberating. I take them in with hope as I have also been reliving old stories and struggling with family intensities/tangles that have kept me from being able to visit my parents since November and this has been painful. Yes, needing more lightness. I've been thinking so much of you and your daughter (who I affectionately think of as Palmetto -- little Palm)...

          Dear Palm, I am so glad the conflict in your heart is lessening. And thank you for sharing these words of your friend which you found so liberating. I take them in with hope as I have also been reliving old stories and struggling with family intensities/tangles that have kept me from being able to visit my parents since November and this has been painful. Yes, needing more lightness. I’ve been thinking so much of you and your daughter (who I affectionately think of as Palmetto — little Palm), hoping that the needed resources will flow to you, so that she will be “lit up” with learning opportunities just right for her. Sending love from grateful sea.

          Read More
        • Anna

          Thank you dear Palm, i will reply this evening, for the moment thank you!

      • Pilgrim

        Holding you in support, light and love, dear Anna. Thank you for sharing your heart and your experiences here.

      • Ann
        Dear Anna: Thank you for your reply. At 69, I am still learning and growing. Related to that, I like a saying of Abraham-Hicks “You never get it wrong, and you never get it done.” Some days, when I enter this website, I just read what others wrote. Some days, I read others’ entries and just click on a heart-like icon. Some days, I write a reply. Some days, I take lots of time during the day thinking about what I might write, and sometimes I write it and sometimes I don’t. Some days, afte...

        Dear Anna: Thank you for your reply. At 69, I am still learning and growing. Related to that, I like a saying of Abraham-Hicks “You never get it wrong, and you never get it done.” Some days, when I enter this website, I just read what others wrote. Some days, I read others’ entries and just click on a heart-like icon. Some days, I write a reply. Some days, I take lots of time during the day thinking about what I might write, and sometimes I write it and sometimes I don’t. Some days, after I reread what I wrote, I edit it. I firmly believe there is value in any form of participation here. Thank you for adding your voice. With great-felt appreciation, Ann

        Read More
  • Cathy

    A new day! I can’t wait to see what happens!

    • Anna

      Thank you dear Cathy, a glorious way to welcome a new day and every experience it brings.
      You are a messenger of joy!

  • Patjos

    Peace to all. Wanted to visit and say that I’m grateful once again for this sacred space where we are heard. Blessings to all.

    Mother I feel you under my feet
    Father I hear you, your heart beats within me
    My spirit flies free!
    Carry me home.

    from Akaal by Ajeet Kaur

    The video is courtesy of my friend Maggie, who passed last year. Love you Maggie, always.

    • Palm

      This song was a balm for my soul on this Sunday morning, thank you. Thinking of and sending blessings to all

    • Cathy

      How beautiful this song is, Patjos. Thinking of your heart-felt loss of your friend. Thank you for sharing this.

      • Patjos

        Thank you Cathy. I didn’t really get to know Maggie, never met her, didn’t learn much about her life, but somehow we shared hearts for a short while. We came together for a music, video and kindness project. How I miss her though.

  • Cathy

    We have several of these “firefly” solar-operated lights in our outdoor area. I love how they create light in their own little space of the vast darkness. Anything close enough to them is drawn a little bit into their light. They recharge in the sunshine, so they can keep their shine on when the sun sets and darkness abounds.

    • Pilgrim

      They are lovely, Cathy. I live in a townhome that tells us to leave our lights on in front and back throughout the night – I suppose their idea is for safety. This would make such lovely lighting here rather useless or unnoticed. (To say nothing of what a terrible idea it is for the butterflies, etc.) Thank you for sharing!

  • Mary Pat

    I have two nice meditation videos about 1 minute each I took as I walked along the Poudre Le Cache River yesterday morning, but can’t seem to load them…will try again later or tomorrow…..

    • Anna

      Hi Mary Pat. I have never tried to load a video, so I can not help you. But I hope that there is a solution for both you and Cathy. I look forward to your and Cathy’s videos.

  • Patjos

    I couldn’t manage along to visit yesterday, but kept you in my thoughts on your Prayer Tuesday. And now you’ve brought me back once again 🙂

  • Mary Pat
    Yesterday a friend and I went to see the latest Star Wars movie. It was great, and very hope-filled. When my boys were very young, they loved the Star Wars movies....I think there were only two back then, and all their Christmas lists were filled with Star Wars toys...good memories as I remember those Christmas memories....anyway, I was struck by a few things....first of all, that a series of movies with an uplifting message is still very popular, even though it has some corny parts in it. Se...

    Yesterday a friend and I went to see the latest Star Wars movie. It was great, and very hope-filled. When my boys were very young, they loved the Star Wars movies….I think there were only two back then, and all their Christmas lists were filled with Star Wars toys…good memories as I remember those Christmas memories….anyway, I was struck by a few things….first of all, that a series of movies with an uplifting message is still very popular, even though it has some corny parts in it. Secondly, how absolutely obvious the message sprinkled around in that movie was….that you are not alone, and there are others who feel as you do, and doing what you consider your “little bit” has a real purpose and can help the greater cause…and then, of course, that it is the people who can save the Federation….very interesting…and very good……I am grateful I have a good friend-who at our advanced ages-is willing to go see a movie that is not in our age group…….
    And I hear that the movie The Joker deals with mental illness…..have to take a look at that……

    Read More
    • Patjos

      We are billions of loving hearts who have as yet forgotten that we are not apart! Oh, but just wait till we all remember!
      Yes, the Star Wars movies and many others remind us of this. I’d love to see it too.

  • Cathy

    I want to upload a short video I took to share. I get a msg that says “Heads up! You are attempting to upload an invalid image. If saved, this image will not display with your comment.” Can anyone help, please?

    • Anna

      Cathy I hope that there is a solution.I am so curious to watch your video!

    • Serafina

      Hi Cathy and Mary Pat… we were having some issues with our website today. Our apologies for any inconvenience it caused.

      • Cathy

        Oh thanks so much, Serafina! You’ve put my mind at rest from wondering any further.

    • Mary Pat

      Cathy, I had trouble as well, and think there may be a problem on this site, as I had to try 4 times before I even got on. Everything else I did on my browsers effortlessly, so it may be this site…..

    • Patjos

      You might try a different browser such as Chrome or Safari, or perhaps save the video in a different format.

  • Drew Blanton

    I taught myself how to read when I was 4. Apparently there was a guy who made a judgment about me because he saw my disability. He told my parents I’d never be able to read when I was reading a book outside his office the whole time!

    • Patjos

      I’m in the middle of The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland which is an uplifting read. Also on the 2nd of the Game of Thrones series – which is interesting! just finished the Narnia chronicles with my daughter and we’re now on the 2nd chapter of Lord of the Rings. That’s the wonderful thing about knowing children, you can get to have a second childhood (and a third, fourth…!!!)

    • Diane

      Good for you Drew!
      I love to read…it is one of my favorite pastimes. This love of reading is a true gift and I’m so happy that you have it 🙂
      ~Blessings

  • Ose

    May healing and joy be with you, dear friends who visit and who share here on our Tuesday prayer day, and with all beyond.

  • Alicia Mary Ann Parr

    Wishing you all, dear friends, wellness, lighter thoughts, less struggles. Prayerful Tuesday. Remembering …

  • Mica

    A grateful Prayer Tuesday to you all! hugs –

  • Ann

    Blessings to all. May we all experience the peacefulness that gratefulness can bring..

  • Cailinrua

    Thank you for giving me a chance to slow down and watch this beautiful video.

  • Diane
    Good morning lovely friends As it usually does, my strength is slowly returning these last few days. I try to remember that cycle when I am at a low point. I am grateful for this journey with my body that doesn't always cooperate and teaches me the value and priceless gift of solitude, quietness and rest. My husband is experiencing his own struggles with pain in his hips and lower back. Looks like a whopping case of osteoarthritis according to the doctor he saw on Friday. So, together ...

    Good morning lovely friends

    As it usually does, my strength is slowly returning these last few days. I try to remember that cycle when I am at a low point. I am grateful for this journey with my body that doesn’t always cooperate and teaches me the value and priceless gift of solitude, quietness and rest.
    My husband is experiencing his own struggles with pain in his hips and lower back. Looks like a whopping case of osteoarthritis according to the doctor he saw on Friday. So, together we are facing the reality of our aging bodies! Since I’ve lived with chronic illness for so long, I am grateful that I can empathize with him and that I can share in practicing self-care with him.

    I listened to a guided meditation this morning that made me smile and encouraged me to embrace being human with all my faults, missteps, mistakes and imperfections.
    “This being human is a guest house” said Rumi and we must welcome all the visitors!

    I am wishing you all a day filled with self-compassion with my grateful love ♥

    Read More

This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A.

DONATE https://i1.wp.com/gratefulness.org/content/uploads/2015/03/GX-Gold-Participant-L.png?fit=1600%2C1172&ssl=1

© 2000 - 2020, A Network for Grateful Living

Website by Briteweb

2020 Grateful Living Calendar promo image with Northern Lights as background

Share the daily gift of grateful living

with our beautiful 2020 Wall Calendar.

 

Now available for a reduced donation!

 

(while supplies last)

0

Your Cart