Gratitude Lounge Welcome to our community space to support and celebrate Grateful Living. Please consider reflecting on questions such as these: What am I grateful for? How does gratefulness enrich my life, my community, the world? What is grateful living inspiring me to do? You are welcome to include images and videos to illustrate your reflections… Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Palm1 week agoPalmTuesday morning here Love and blessings dear everyone 3 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 week agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrEven seeing this candle today stays with me….thank you. 1 Reply Palm1 week agoPalm❤️ 0 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaLove and blessings to you, dear Palm. It is a beautiful image, the candle standing tall, and the pure white light of the flame leaping up. Thank you for sharing. I joined our circle in spirit early Tuesday morning but was not able to write until now. Sending you good wishes for evening from grateful sea. 2 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmThank you dear grateful sea, your words always seem to come in a “just in time moment” for me, like in the question of the day, I was thinking about you and am so happy to see you. Love from Palm 1 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsula:-)) 2 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleNamaste’ 2 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmMichele, thank you, there was no option to reply below, but as I said to Pilgrim, I hold everybody here sacred 1 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimI join with you all in the circle of gratitude, light, and deep respect, dear friends. I feel utterly blessed in doing so. 3 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmMe too dear Pilgrim, I hold this community sacred 1 Reply Sylvie1 week agoSylvieDear Palm, thank you for your light ! 💖 It’s Tuesday morning here too and I.d like to join you in the blessings for everybody ☀ 🙏 Sylvie and Awinchen 3 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaHappy to see you, dear friend Sylvie! It is Tuesday evening, and I have thought of my gratefulness friends this morning … and will again before going to sleep when doing my Martha’s Prayer! It think my bed is already waiting for me … It is so nice to know that you were present this morning when I thought of you all here …. in fact I was sure that some of my friends were doing their prayer at the same time … and in fact we are all connected, always, but at some mome...Happy to see you, dear friend Sylvie! It is Tuesday evening, and I have thought of my gratefulness friends this morning … and will again before going to sleep when doing my Martha’s Prayer! It think my bed is already waiting for me … It is so nice to know that you were present this morning when I thought of you all here …. in fact I was sure that some of my friends were doing their prayer at the same time … and in fact we are all connected, always, but at some moments more especially. A hug, a good evening and night to you, dear Sylvie! Read More0 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmDear Sylvie, so happy to see you and Awinchen, have a lovely evening dear friend !! Love to you both 💕 1 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaDear Palm! I was wondering where you have been, I missed you! May your candle give light to us all. I’m going to work, right now, see you soon, this evening, my dear friends!🌹 3 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmThank you dear Anna, it feels good to have been missed my friend, I think of you and your dad everyday. Anxiety has been visiting me again lately, as I try to resolve family disagreements, but I am hoping that it also brings improvements. I am trying to be ok with conflict, as it is a necessary part of life. I am so grateful to be here with you and our dear friends, it always helps me. love from Palm 💞🙏🏻 2 Reply HelenH1 week agoHelenHThanks for the candle! It’s still Mon eve here, and the hard drive for my under-warranty computer has totally died. I love non-people problems, but still it’s sad to lose the last 3 mo of my computer stuff. I figured it was time to visit the Gratitude Lounge before I give my guinea pigs their outside-the-cage play time. Thanks again for the candle, dear Palm! 2 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmI am sorry for your non-people problems, dear Helen, I admit I get quite unsettled when they happen to me, so I admire your humour! I am so glad you liked my candle and that we were connected here at the same time, different hours and places. Just before I read your message I was laughing at my sideway candle and questioning the quality of the picture, so I really appreciated your quick reply, thank you! I hope the guinea pigs enjoyed their play time, they are adorable 💕 1 Reply HelenH1 week agoHelenHThank you, dear Palm. The computer problem has given me the opportunity to exchange a couple emails with my dear ‘little’ brother, which has been a treat. As he says, technical problems give us an excuse to communicate. All will be well – and may this be so for you also. 1 Reply Palm1 week agoPalm💞🙏🏻 1 Reply 1 week agoThis morning I’m grateful for the beautiful reflections offered by members as I sit here in the early morning in front of an electric fireplace and allowing its warmth to enfold my heart and body in the depth of this very, very cold winter….which in turn draws my being into the exquisite poetry of Mary Oliver….and lifts my heart into the promise of Easter Spring…I am grateful… 6 Reply Kevin1 week agoKevinThis image is connected to my response to today’s Daily Question, “What can children teach us about joy?” Everything! Just lately, River, our 5-month-old granddaughter, has discovered the joy of finding her feet! 8 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleWhat a wonderful example! Makes me contemplate and have gratefulness for my feet, eyes, hearing etc. we take these fir granted and now I know what i tention k will have lighting my candle. Gratefulness for all the miraculous things my body does for me each day. 🌈 2 Reply Michele2 weeks agoMicheleI have been working very hard on this and wanted to share. May I receive the grace to live in this manner. 8 Reply Kevin1 week agoKevinStunning, Michele! Thank you for sharing this with us. It’s beautiful. 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleYou are so welcome Kevin. Hoping all Is well. 0 Reply Ose1 week agoOseSuch a brave work, dear Michele. May you be living in this way, blessings to you, dear friend. It is inspiring me to observe the emotions in such a compassionate and true way and to possibly and hopefully let go of them, too. Thank you for your open and wholehearted sharing. 1 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaDear Michele thank you for this wonderful picture and this deep thought. How are you dear friend? 2 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleI am “stable” I suppose is the best description. Currently visiting a friend in a warmer climate, as everyone thought that would be good for my spirits! Not so much unfortunately as we are very different people. I will return home much sooner than planned but that will be the best in this situation. So good to hear from you Anna. How are you? 1 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 week agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrMichelle, I just read this. It’s Friday. I hope you’re safely back home and feeling somewhat better to be in a familiar place….I just wish you the best and relief from suffering. Alicia 0 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimThat is a lovely picture and good quote, dear Michele. Not so easy – for me, anyway. As Anna says below, whatever is best for you and your soul is the best decision with regards to your visit. You gave it a try, which is all you could do. You may welcome your home when you return there, and surely the animals and birds who visit your feeder will be grateful to see you. And your little library, too. Finding our way after a loss or trauma can be so. difficult. Any little things you can do...That is a lovely picture and good quote, dear Michele. Not so easy – for me, anyway. As Anna says below, whatever is best for you and your soul is the best decision with regards to your visit. You gave it a try, which is all you could do. You may welcome your home when you return there, and surely the animals and birds who visit your feeder will be grateful to see you. And your little library, too. Finding our way after a loss or trauma can be so. difficult. Any little things you can do to nourish your soul and heart will work toward healing. Deep blessings, my friend. I think of you every day. Read More5 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimDear Michele, there is not space below for me to reply, so I add it here. You might simply say to your friend that you (your heart, your spirit) feel the need to be in your home and your own bed to heal and move forward in your life. And that is has been gracious of her to welcome you into her home for a respite. I offer you these words that came into my inbox this morning, written by John O’Donohue and courtesy of mindfulbalance.org: This is the time to be slow, Lie...Dear Michele, there is not space below for me to reply, so I add it here. You might simply say to your friend that you (your heart, your spirit) feel the need to be in your home and your own bed to heal and move forward in your life. And that is has been gracious of her to welcome you into her home for a respite. I offer you these words that came into my inbox this morning, written by John O’Donohue and courtesy of mindfulbalance.org: This is the time to be slow, Lie low to the wall Until the bitter weather passes Time will come good; And you will find your feet Again on fresh pastures of promise, Where the air will be kind And blushed with beginning. From How to Bless the Space Between Us Read More2 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleDear Pilgrim, what you say has calmed me in my decision. I have tried but find my friend and I have followed very different paths and I cannot agree with her lifestyle. I have to bite my tongue and compromise much of my reflective time as well as my daily exercising. Both I need for my health. So I will change my ticket and return home much sooner than planned. I do not wish to hurt her feelings, and I do not wish to make up a lie, so I will have to think how I should explain my early depart...Dear Pilgrim, what you say has calmed me in my decision. I have tried but find my friend and I have followed very different paths and I cannot agree with her lifestyle. I have to bite my tongue and compromise much of my reflective time as well as my daily exercising. Both I need for my health. So I will change my ticket and return home much sooner than planned. I do not wish to hurt her feelings, and I do not wish to make up a lie, so I will have to think how I should explain my early departure, I will figure it out. Thank you and dear Anna for your support. I do miss my animals and worry about their food in such cold. I will be happy to see them. Much love. Read More2 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaDo what is best for you, dear Michele. I’m fine, even though my thoughts often go to my father. Anyway, for the moment he’s doing well, and his mood is high. So I trust, and my heart holds him in constant prayer, for keeping on his typical resilience. 3 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleDear Anna it is amazing the strength and resilience that one can gather when faced with such adversity. I will keep you both in my daily prayer time. I know your father wants you to go about your life with a semblance of normalcy and take loving care of yourself as well. May you both find a sense of peace and the ability to keep your ship on course in any storm. 🌻🌼🌞 2 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeGood morning lovely people It’s a quiet morning for me and I am grateful for this time of solitude and reflection. I especially am grateful for the fire in the wood-burning stove that is providing me with its warmth and comfort. I am mesmerized by the dancing flames and the glow! This morning I read St. Francis’ beautiful Canticle of Creation…I am making an effort to give thanks for and appreciate all kinds of weather lately. Today I especially give thanks for our...Good morning lovely people It’s a quiet morning for me and I am grateful for this time of solitude and reflection. I especially am grateful for the fire in the wood-burning stove that is providing me with its warmth and comfort. I am mesmerized by the dancing flames and the glow! This morning I read St. Francis’ beautiful Canticle of Creation…I am making an effort to give thanks for and appreciate all kinds of weather lately. Today I especially give thanks for our Brother Fire 🙂 “Be praised my Lord for our Brother Fire, through whom you give us light in the darkness; he is bright and lively and strong” I am musing on the thought that this little wood-burning stove’s fire is indeed giving me light in the darkness…metaphorically. Sitting before the fire during my meditations has been healing…I woke up, after a fitful sleep with some darkness lurking around in my spirit. Somehow having this little fire has helped me let go of some dark thoughts and brought me to a more peace-filled space in my soul. This winter so far has been a perfect opportunity to me to practice hygge with gratefulness for this lovely practice! It’s been brutally cold in many places here in the U.S. and I am sending warm hygge thoughts to all of you who are in the midst of this polar vortex. I leave you with a snippet from one of my meditations this morning. With grateful love ♥ “The trees will be diamonds when the sun comes out. Ice and Beauty, Howling Wind. These are also the names of God!” (From a sweet little book by Gunilla Norris entitled “A Mystic Garden) I Read More8 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimDear Diane, for some reason your post did not show up on my computer until today. But it is good to read your words. We have had the frigid temps in Michigan. Yesterday I ventured out for the first time in days. But it is warming up for.a couple of days, and I am grateful. For the Irish, the hearth is the center of the home in many ways. For you, hearth and health/well-being go together strongly. A beautiful place for reflection, reading, hygge. My fireplace is another place I strongl...Dear Diane, for some reason your post did not show up on my computer until today. But it is good to read your words. We have had the frigid temps in Michigan. Yesterday I ventured out for the first time in days. But it is warming up for.a couple of days, and I am grateful. For the Irish, the hearth is the center of the home in many ways. For you, hearth and health/well-being go together strongly. A beautiful place for reflection, reading, hygge. My fireplace is another place I strongly miss since my move to this space. But we are a blanket-loving family. When people are over, all the blankets show up in the living room! I have two seasonal books by Gunilla Norris, and the one byJoyce Rupp & Macrina. They are companions on my journeys through the seasons. Some books are just great companions, aren’t they? If you know of others, I would be glad to hear of them. May you and your family be well, my friend. Read More2 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaDear Pilgrim and Diane, when I was a child I loved a poem that my mother used to tell me. This little poem sounds as follows, more or less: Home, sweet little home that does not have one like you, always welcomes your loved ones and offers them, with simplicity, peace, joy and hospitality. In my language the words are in rhyme. I have always loved my home, as a place of rest, even without a fireplace, because when I was a child, having a fireplace meant being rich and my family wa...Dear Pilgrim and Diane, when I was a child I loved a poem that my mother used to tell me. This little poem sounds as follows, more or less: Home, sweet little home that does not have one like you, always welcomes your loved ones and offers them, with simplicity, peace, joy and hospitality. In my language the words are in rhyme. I have always loved my home, as a place of rest, even without a fireplace, because when I was a child, having a fireplace meant being rich and my family was not rich. Now, it’s not so useful, because of this strange climate change! I live in a building where some apartments have a fireplace but not mine, because the chimney is not part of the structure. oh, and my blankets, Pilgrim, Diane, me too, I have a lot of blankets and my sons and I always sit on the sofa and read or watch TV wrapped in our blankets. My friends, the choir director and his wife, gifted us a new one, last Christmas😌😄 Read More3 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeI love the idea of us all sitting under our blankets….apart but together! And I love your upside down picture too dear Anna! Thank you for sharing my friend 💖 4 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeGood morning my friend Here in the Northeast we are getting the same warming trend for a few days…looking forward to that! 🙂 I’m Irish on my father’s side so maybe that explains, at least partially, my affinity for the hearth. I can understand you missing your fireplace….I grew up in a home that had one but after marriage, my husband and I lived in a house without one for 33 years! So I am especially grateful for my little farmhouse kitchen with the wo...Good morning my friend Here in the Northeast we are getting the same warming trend for a few days…looking forward to that! 🙂 I’m Irish on my father’s side so maybe that explains, at least partially, my affinity for the hearth. I can understand you missing your fireplace….I grew up in a home that had one but after marriage, my husband and I lived in a house without one for 33 years! So I am especially grateful for my little farmhouse kitchen with the wood-burning stove. And, like you, we are a blanket family!! Blankets everywhere! In fact, for Christmas I had my husband’s old T-shirts (that he never wore but was keeping for sentimental reasons) made into a blanket After he got over the shock of seeing that his beloved (but seriously just taking up space in the closet) T-shirts cut up into a quilt, he now enjoys sitting on the couch during these colds days with it on his lap. Thank you for mentioning Joyce Rupp….my brother recently brought up her name and I so love the “Winter Blessing” poem that I have been reading during these frosty days. (I shared it here if you remember?) So…I am embracing this nudge from the universe and will browse our local used-book store for one of her books. Is there one in particular that you would recommend? I agree that some books are “great companions” on our journey…what a great description! One book that I go back to often is by Rivvy Neshama entitled “Recipes for A Sacred Life: True Stories and a Few Miracles”. It is full of delightful, and most of all, authentic musings that speak truth and offer encouragement and food for thought. I highly recommend it! I am sending you warmth-and-sunshine thoughts dear Pilgrim….with grateful love for the gift of traveling this journey with you ♥ Read More2 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimThank you, dear Diane. Early last year I purchased the book by Rivvy Neshama on a bit of a whim, and just loved it. It became one of my favorite books of the year, and one I will go back to more than once. Last year I also liked Parker Palmer’s new book, On the Brink of Everything. The Circle of Life book by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr is my favorite of Joyce Rupp’s. I much appreciate books that follow the 4 seasons, as this does. I used many of her books when I was ...Thank you, dear Diane. Early last year I purchased the book by Rivvy Neshama on a bit of a whim, and just loved it. It became one of my favorite books of the year, and one I will go back to more than once. Last year I also liked Parker Palmer’s new book, On the Brink of Everything. The Circle of Life book by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr is my favorite of Joyce Rupp’s. I much appreciate books that follow the 4 seasons, as this does. I used many of her books when I was working, often for women’s retreats. They may be her older ones. I believe one was called Open the Door and another The Cup of Our Life. There is one called Fly While You Still Have Wings, a newer one that I haven’t read, about lessons from her mother. I don’t know whether libraries carry her books, but many should be available used. I’ve become pretty eclectic in my reading these days. A gift of retirement! I am always grateful for recommendations. Right now I’m reading Joyful and also Becoming Mrs. Lewis (C.S. Lewis, that is). I am liking them both. Many blessings to you and your family. Read More2 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeThank you Pilgrim….I plan on heading into town tomorrow and will stop by our little used book store. Hopefully they will have one of the books you mentioned. I smile that we are kindred spirits in this love of books. ~Have a blessed day ♥ 1 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaThree of my blankets…. 3 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaOh oh…my picture is upside down🤔 2 Reply HelenH2 weeks agoHelenH‘Time to post a photo of one of my little darlings, with warm wishes to you all. 7 Reply Michele2 weeks agoMichele💖 2 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeBefore I head off to dreamland I wanted to send you all love and light across the miles on this our common prayer day. As I lit the prayer candle, I asked that each of you be filled with the awareness of divine grace present in your lives. Thank you for traveling with me on this gratefulness journey. I am supposed to work tomorrow but the weather forecast looks ominous, so if schools are closed I will share more in the morning. Dulces suenos mis queridos amigas. 😴🌜⭐...Before I head off to dreamland I wanted to send you all love and light across the miles on this our common prayer day. As I lit the prayer candle, I asked that each of you be filled with the awareness of divine grace present in your lives. Thank you for traveling with me on this gratefulness journey. I am supposed to work tomorrow but the weather forecast looks ominous, so if schools are closed I will share more in the morning. Dulces suenos mis queridos amigas. 😴🌜⭐ Read More4 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaSo nice”dulces suenos!”, I love Spanish language, even if I can not speak it. 0 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeCara Anna….my youngest daughter is fluent in Spanish and I love to hear her speak it. I agree that it is a beautiful language…and similar to Italian, don’t you think? ~Sending you love mi amiga ♥ 0 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaYes, it’s similar! But I went to Spain last spring and they talked so fast that I could not understand, dear Diane! 0 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaThis is an ancient prayer to God, its latin incipit sounds”Rorate coeli desuper et nubes pluant justum”. I have found an english translation and I would like to share with you these words, because I think they bring hope. Be comforted, be comforted, my people; thy salvation shall speedily come. Why wilt thou waste away in sadness? Why hath sorrow seized thee? I will save thee; fear not: for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of...This is an ancient prayer to God, its latin incipit sounds”Rorate coeli desuper et nubes pluant justum”. I have found an english translation and I would like to share with you these words, because I think they bring hope. Be comforted, be comforted, my people; thy salvation shall speedily come. Why wilt thou waste away in sadness? Why hath sorrow seized thee? I will save thee; fear not: for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer. Read More6 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 week agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrIt’s lovely…how often I’d say to my mentees “ Let your heart not be troubled, nor let it be afraid…..” when things were chaotic and fear producing. Thank you for a new prayer to say. 0 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeCara Anna….these words do indeed bring hope. Thank you for sharing…it was so lovely to read on this cold winter morning. I am comforted 🙂 ~Blessings ♥ 2 Reply Michele2 weeks agoMicheleBeautiful…thank you Anna. Such a warm reminder that I am never alone 2 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, dear Anna. Many are in need of comfort these days. I hope you are well, my friend. 1 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaYes I am, more or less, dear Pilgrim. I feel comforted here. Thank you for your thought. 2 Reply grateful sea2 weeks agograteful seaNothing fancy, this is just to say that I am here and am feeling so grateful for this community. Early this morning before dawn, I lit my candle for all of you, each one of you, for us. May the warmth of my heart convey what words do not. 4 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 week agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrWhen I see your name, I immediately see the beloved ocean, feel the sand under my feet, and feel the tide dancing around my legs. I feel most alive and free near water. I am grateful for the nearby lakes and rivers…the sound of running water..and for you and your eloquence in expressing love, compassion. Another freeze is coming in and the wind is singing outside my window…another sound I cherish. You and others are making me remember to be thankful for so very much ab...When I see your name, I immediately see the beloved ocean, feel the sand under my feet, and feel the tide dancing around my legs. I feel most alive and free near water. I am grateful for the nearby lakes and rivers…the sound of running water..and for you and your eloquence in expressing love, compassion. Another freeze is coming in and the wind is singing outside my window…another sound I cherish. You and others are making me remember to be thankful for so very much about me..,it was a dark day…it will recede. Read More1 Reply grateful sea3 days agograteful seaDear Alicia, I am so touched by the way you reached out to me with your beautiful thoughts on the ocean. I am grateful that you are here with us. Sending warm thoughts your way. Sent with love from grateful sea. 0 Reply Sylvie1 week agoSylvieDear grateful sea, sorry for answering so late, there was so much pressure here… but I wanted to let you know, that whenever I see your name, it brings a smile to my face and my heart smiles too. YOU shine !!! 💝 How is your face after your fall ? Love from Sylvie and Awinchen 2 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaDear Sylvie, I am truly touched by your thoughtfulness and care toward me. Your words arrive at just the right time. My injury is still quite tender but overall much better. I have been wanting to thank you for sharing the beautiful Taize song earlier, as I have been feeling the need to learn some new songs and am encouraged that Taize is something I can explore. Sending love to you and Awinchen from grateful sea. 0 Reply Michele2 weeks agoMicheleYour beauty and compassion shine through the smallest amount of words! Your thoughtful candle says it all…💫⭐️🌻 1 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaDear Michele, thank you for your beautiful kindness to me. Sending love from grateful sea. 1 Reply grateful sea2 weeks agograteful seaMy friends, I am deeply touched by your replies below. It seems that difficult inner processes keep me from responding with more words. Wishing peace to all. 2 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaLike Palm, I feel your warmth dear Grateful Sea. It is always a pleasure to see you. I am here after my cooking, eating, tidying….now it is time to rest, with my blanket, this site, sitting on my sofa. Now I can reach our circle of prayer, listening to the gentle whisper of the Spirit. May everyone be well, safe, healthy, and joyful in the deepest part of his/her soul. A healthy joy, not shouted out loud, intimate, sweet. With love. 5 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsulaHow are you doing, dear friend? 2 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsula❤️ 2 Reply Palm2 weeks agoPalmThank you, dear grateful sea, I feel your warmth, I am also lacking words, but I am grateful I can join you here, I am glad to see you, and hope you arr feeling better. I always get a warm feeling on Tursdays, thinking that we are all joining together. I just lit a candle now, it is already night here, and my only quiet moment today, although I have been thinking of all of us during the day. 4 Reply Michele2 weeks agoMicheleLove.y to see you here Palm. Be blessed. 1 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmDear Michele, thank you, I am always thinking about you, and hope that you will have a safe trip, it will be good to be back in the comfort of your home, I imagine… I was grateful for your sharing of the experience with your friend, it is quite natural, I think, when we feel we have gone different ways with people we used to feel close to… Michele, I am in fact concerned about the recommendation of my friend to you, what happened is I get easily hurt when receiving unsolicited adv...Dear Michele, thank you, I am always thinking about you, and hope that you will have a safe trip, it will be good to be back in the comfort of your home, I imagine… I was grateful for your sharing of the experience with your friend, it is quite natural, I think, when we feel we have gone different ways with people we used to feel close to… Michele, I am in fact concerned about the recommendation of my friend to you, what happened is I get easily hurt when receiving unsolicited advice, I am not sure why I am so sensitive to that, but I have been hurt with my friend for this reason in the past and now recently again, I usually brushed it off thinking I was too sensitive, but now I think we simply view things differently. So I got quite worried about your starting a relationship with her at such vulnerable moment. I think she can be of great help with a type of extroverted person, however I have my concerns about her suitability for the more sensitive person. Please forgive me Michele, I first thought it would have been good, but I now have doubts… when you can, please let me know if you got this message. Love from Palm Read More2 Reply Michele1 week agoMichelePalm. Thank you fir you thoughtfulness regarding me and also your friend. I was editing until my return to contact her and idntbis amazing how at times things do happen for the good. I am surely not an extrovert ! Thank you for your suggestions. I value those that have experience in such matters! It is good to hear from you and I keep you in my best intentions daily 🌺love Michele 1 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsula❤️ 🕯️ 2 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimDear grateful sea, I am with you in holding our community in prayer this day. May you be well, my friends. 3 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsula🕯️ 💖 2 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsulaDear friends, I just want to let you know that I appreciated all of your comments and support and regret to not having had the time to answer earlier … The good news is: Inspite of feeling quite exhausted and overwhelmed by “to do’s” even at the week-end, my husband a I have spent quite a comfy day yesterday. My husband having had some eye problems recently which could be alarming (the doctor sent him to futher Investigation with a suspicious diagnosi...Dear friends, I just want to let you know that I appreciated all of your comments and support and regret to not having had the time to answer earlier … The good news is: Inspite of feeling quite exhausted and overwhelmed by “to do’s” even at the week-end, my husband a I have spent quite a comfy day yesterday. My husband having had some eye problems recently which could be alarming (the doctor sent him to futher Investigation with a suspicious diagnosis), he told me that by doing some practices again his eye is feeling better already. And I decided that we would not do the cooking on Sunday (normally he does it alone because our children love meat and he’s the specialist – or we do it together). So the children, who wanted to stay at home with Sunny, got a quick meal from the freezer, and I suggested to go to a (vegan) “Bistrot” (it’s called like that, like in France) that I had detected on the Internet. They make brunch on Sundays, and we were quite late but happily found place (it was full when we arrived, but I suggested to go to the Church across the street and then try again – and guess what? The Church was closed, but 2 mins after 2 people left! I had told my husband that after going to church we would have a place!) We got something yummy to eat, a good cup of tea for each of us, and felt like in University times … This just by making a little trip to a Bistrot in a quarter of our capital! It was like a mini vacation! And i said to my husband that i didn’t know what it was like to have “nothing to do” any more … Although I afterwards spent many hours to take notes of the recent online Courses which I knew would diappear this morning … And went to bed way too late! But: I had my mini vacation! So have a good start to a Beautiful week, everyone! See you tomorrow on our Common Prayer Day! Read More3 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaYes Ursula, we will see here tomorrow, and I am so happy for you and your husband. 2 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsula💖💖💖 3 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimMichele, this is just to let you know I am thinking of you and sending you blessings. No need to respond, my friend. “May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.” (Apache blessing) 5 Reply Michele2 weeks agoMicheleAs I read this I thanked my God for you and my friends here in this group. I weep uncontrollably knowing that first, someone could be so kind toward me, and second that I have been blessed to stumble upon this beautiful group of souls. I read our stories and see the pains of the world that intersect in all of our lives , yet by some divine grace beauty emanates from each of your hearts. I am so blessed to know you. Thank you all. 4 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnna❤️ 2 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsula💖 2 Reply Palm2 weeks agoPalm❤️ 2 Reply grateful sea2 weeks agograteful seaDear Michele, we are so blessed to know you. Sending love from grateful sea. 3 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsulaDear Pilgrim! This is a most beautiful blessing and I have written it down in my Journal! Giving the blessing right back to you, dear friend! With much love! Ursula 2 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimThank you, dear Ursula. 1 Reply HelenH3 weeks agoHelenHSomeone posted today about the Greater Good Science Center at berkeley.edu I like Greater Good in Action, also at berkeley.edu – Greater Good in Action. Science-Based Practices for a Meaningful Life https://ggia.berkeley.edu/ They send me emails. The latest one is USE YOUR STRENGTHS and starts thus: HOW TO DO IT 1. Take a moment to think about one of your personal strengths—for instance, creativity, perseverance, kindness, modesty, or curiosity. Cons...Someone posted today about the Greater Good Science Center at berkeley.edu I like Greater Good in Action, also at berkeley.edu – Greater Good in Action. Science-Based Practices for a Meaningful Life https://ggia.berkeley.edu/ They send me emails. The latest one is USE YOUR STRENGTHS and starts thus: HOW TO DO IT 1. Take a moment to think about one of your personal strengths—for instance, creativity, perseverance, kindness, modesty, or curiosity. Consider how you could use this strength today in a new and different way. For example, if you choose the personal strength of perseverance, you might make a list of tasks that you have found challenging recently, then try to tackle each one of them. Or if you choose curiosity, you might attempt an activity that you’ve never tried before. 2. Describe in writing the personal strength you plan to use today and how you are going to use it. … Read More3 Reply Anna3 weeks agoAnnaDear Ursula, here I am. you’re talking about the difficult balance between taking care and letting go. I think this is the most difficult challenge for a parent. Perhaps when we were young our parents decided for us and we obeyed. Today, however, we are more aware of the consequences of a prohibition without compassion, without trust or without a simple attempt to understand the other. So we are naturally brought to permission, but of course this causes fear. I agree with you that...Dear Ursula, here I am. you’re talking about the difficult balance between taking care and letting go. I think this is the most difficult challenge for a parent. Perhaps when we were young our parents decided for us and we obeyed. Today, however, we are more aware of the consequences of a prohibition without compassion, without trust or without a simple attempt to understand the other. So we are naturally brought to permission, but of course this causes fear. I agree with you that the use of mobile and social networks amplifies the distractions, the dangers and we can see the negative (and perhaps even worse) results even in the adult world. I do not know what motivated my son to accept professional help. I told him “I’m here with you, I’ll always be with you, but this kind of fear you feel is deep and you need professional help, I do not have the tools to free you from this fear”. And so he went to the psychologist. So, dear friend, I can only say that I hold you in my prayers. for me your child loves you but is afraid to show you and his reaction is to do the opposite of what you ask him. My nephew, the son of my sister, is very similar. After a long inner turmoil, which lasted since the beginning of the secondary school, he is studying at the University, he is happy and is studying what he loves, philosophy (I add: the wonderful philosophy!). Read More3 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsulaThank you so much, dear friend Anna, for having immediately taking the time for responding to me! Forgive me that I answer only now – you know that I have to go to my Computer to do it, and in addition I try to take notes of the Self Love Mirror work online Course. Your answer is very helpful for me, I feel many things you write the same way as you do! I hope that if my son does need help he will accept and I will remember your words! Some days are better than others...Thank you so much, dear friend Anna, for having immediately taking the time for responding to me! Forgive me that I answer only now – you know that I have to go to my Computer to do it, and in addition I try to take notes of the Self Love Mirror work online Course. Your answer is very helpful for me, I feel many things you write the same way as you do! I hope that if my son does need help he will accept and I will remember your words! Some days are better than others, I hope there are going to be more and more better and even good days! As I said, I have the Impression with him that at the last moment, he always makes an effort and it seems he also finds help and understanding, even from teachers, so ultimately he is able to turn things around! Only it causes much pressure for everybody. But Maybe if I “let go” he will be able to do it in an easier way for all of us. I remember, when I was a School child, I was Always late, and my mum made it all worse by exerting so much pressure on me. And even today – she lives 3 Hours away and we don’t see each other often – she makes pressure and often says “You have to hurry! Otherwise you are AGAIN going to be late!” She doesn’t know the changes i have made in the meantime, and she doesn’t know the discipline I have developed in recent years. But you know what: When I had to get her from the Train Station one week ago, I WAS late! (I had to do a few Shoppings before, and I went to the hairdresser’s, so that’s excusable). But funny! Thank you also for the uplifiting news of your son and nephew! I so appreciate your support, dear friend! Have a blessed day and week, dear Anna! Here, overnight, we have suddenly got quite a bit of snow again, I don’t know how it is in your place … Read More2 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaUrsula, I too, have a lot of problems with my mobile when I want to visit this site. I can only read, but the “read more” does not work, moreover, I can not login. I have to use my I-pad or my computer at home. When I take my lunch break, I can not use my cell phone anymore. 1 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsulaSame problem! 1 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaI am so happy that my words are useful to you, dear Ursula. Oh, here we have a dry and very dry winter. It seems that the snow is only on the north side of the Alps. If you see rivers and lakes near me, their level is below the norm, and there are also many fires in the woods near Varese and Como. So my friend, climate change is not an impression … have you heard that maybe Milano and Cortina can become the Olympic cities for the upcoming Winter Olympics? I only hope that winter w...I am so happy that my words are useful to you, dear Ursula. Oh, here we have a dry and very dry winter. It seems that the snow is only on the north side of the Alps. If you see rivers and lakes near me, their level is below the norm, and there are also many fires in the woods near Varese and Como. So my friend, climate change is not an impression … have you heard that maybe Milano and Cortina can become the Olympic cities for the upcoming Winter Olympics? I only hope that winter will be a real winter, on the contrary, we can certainly do our best to deserve this award, but it is not a fantastic ski if the snow is only on the track! (without talking about the waste of energy). Read More1 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsula💖 1 Reply Palm2 weeks agoPalmDear Ursula, thank you for your answer below, I got it in real time! I will check the course in mirror work… yes, I think I mostly get overwhelmed that my daughter, at such young age, can talk about connection with everything, I talked to her and said things along the lines of what you said but I am never sure it is enough… Thank you for the story about being late, it made me smile, I find myself doing the same thing every morning… It also reminded me that ...Dear Ursula, thank you for your answer below, I got it in real time! I will check the course in mirror work… yes, I think I mostly get overwhelmed that my daughter, at such young age, can talk about connection with everything, I talked to her and said things along the lines of what you said but I am never sure it is enough… Thank you for the story about being late, it made me smile, I find myself doing the same thing every morning… It also reminded me that I wanted to share with you an article on this site, it’s Br David’s answer to a question about Trust, he talks about how parents can help their children to trust life, as a precious gift we give them, but also that we need to trust them. I found it very inspiring, here is the link Read More2 Reply Palm2 weeks agoPalmThe link does now show, but you can google “gratefulness trusting after trauma” 2 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsulaThank you, Palm! 💖 2 Reply Ursula2 weeks agoUrsulaThank you so much for your posts in real time :-), dear Palm! A big hug!
