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. HelenH1 week agoHelenHMy dear critters 3 Reply Palm1 week agoPalm💕 0 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleHelenH They are adorable. What are their names if I may ask? 0 Reply HelenH1 week agoHelenHSkippy on top [formally, Skipper D] and Brownie on the bottom [formally Brown Face, formerly Lucy] named by my older and younger granddaughters, respectively. Warm wishes to you 2 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleNice to make their acquaintance! Cute little creatures that they are! 🌸 0 Reply Gongfu Tiger1 week agoGongfu TigerBURIED ALIVE INSIDE MY OWN GRAVE & THERE’S NO ONE ELSE TO BLAME But I’m not dead yet. <...BURIED ALIVE INSIDE MY OWN GRAVE & THERE’S NO ONE ELSE TO BLAME But I’m not dead yet. Read More0 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr1 week agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrI see As I Lay Dying was formed in 2000. I’ve seen their material with reference to soldiers as well as other subject matter. They’ve also played material by Slayer and Judas Priest. I understand, KUNGFU TIGER, this is a heavy metal band and has a huge following. I know this song was released just recently. There is darkness and desolation in the music I’ve heard. It reflects how a lot of their followers feel. I’m not so sure how As I Lay Dying feels….it’s a gig. It’R...I see As I Lay Dying was formed in 2000. I’ve seen their material with reference to soldiers as well as other subject matter. They’ve also played material by Slayer and Judas Priest. I understand, KUNGFU TIGER, this is a heavy metal band and has a huge following. I know this song was released just recently. There is darkness and desolation in the music I’ve heard. It reflects how a lot of their followers feel. I’m not so sure how As I Lay Dying feels….it’s a gig. It’…I see As I Lay Dying was formed in 2000. I’ve seen their material with reference to soldiers as well as other subject matter. They’ve also played material by Slayer and Judas Priest. I understand, KUNGFU TIGER, this is a heavy metal band and has a huge following. I know this song was released just recently. There is darkness and desolation in the music I’ve heard. It reflects how a lot of their followers feel. I’m not so sure how As I Lay Dying feels….it’s a gig. It’s money. Sing like this long enough and listen to this long enough, one can believe there’s nothing else. I’m sad to hear this stuff. It’s a reflection of hopelessness. Kung Fu Tiger, I’m grateful to be reminded this material is out there. Sometimes I can forget this genre is still present. Sometimes this genre is a release of one’s own anger and sadness one is going through. I’m not sure why you’ve come here, but if you need gentleness, you’ll read it here. There are many kind souls here. I hope you’re ok. Mary indicates she has read from you before. One can be so burdened where one can believe one “ has made their own grave” by mistakes or just life choices. Dark feelings are that-feelings. Many, including myself, are concerned here. If you feel suicidal, please call for help. There are hot lines in every state or province that can provide anonymity yet you’ll be able to speak ….and there are people who answer who have been where you might be. I wish you well and a lightened heavy heart. Read More1 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaKung Fu Tiger, try to look in the mirror, smiling at yourself … and saying: I love you just the way you are! It may not be easy, but the little Kung Fu Tiger within you will be grateful! Sending you light! 🙏 0 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleKungFu Tiger we have not previously met here in this lounge so I first will say hello. I too, like Mary, feel your posting of this very dark video is a reason of concern. I understand that life, at times, may make you feel dark like this video, but please remember all of these feelings are just that “ feelings”. There is always a way out. Please keep in touch. 1 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryKungfu Tiger, I am so glad to hear from you. I have thought of you many times. That was quite a video. I am not that familiar with bands like this ( particularly the way of singing) but it certainly is intense. Very intense. I am kind of concerned about you though. You seem like you are struggling with some things. Please stay in touch. Mary 1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeDear lovely friends I have had such a busy, stressful few days this week. I am sitting here listening to meditative music, night has fallen, and I have just completed a stressful work-related task. Perhaps it is the fatigue but I find myself reading your lovely posts from the past few days with grateful tears….but also with regret that life and these jobs, which I do recognize as gifts, nonetheless got in the way of being here with you all. I missed our common prayer day yeste...Dear lovely friends I have had such a busy, stressful few days this week. I am sitting here listening to meditative music, night has fallen, and I have just completed a stressful work-related task. Perhaps it is the fatigue but I find myself reading your lovely posts from the past few days with grateful tears….but also with regret that life and these jobs, which I do recognize as gifts, nonetheless got in the way of being here with you all. I missed our common prayer day yesterday….working 2 part time jobs that resulted in a 10 hour work day. My body is yelling at me but mostly I just feel sad that I missed the sacred opportunity to join with you all in prayer. These jobs are temporary and I am grateful for them…for several reasons. The income is welcome of course….especially after our daughter’s wedding/helping them with the down-payment of their first home. I also appreciate that, although I have to be careful, I am physically able to do these jobs…this wasn’t always the case. And they both landed in my lap and are perfect for me. But I am exhausted. I am working only 1 of the jobs for the next 2 days…and this is one that I do from home. I so love being in my little farmhouse and I anticipate that my body and spirit will be able to recover from having that luxury. Despite the busyness, I have taken time each morning to sit quietly in meditation and prayer, looking out over the farmland as the sun rises. And I am grateful that yesterday my husband brought take-out home for dinner. Tonight my daughter has requested Chinese delivery and we shall do that! 🙂 This morning, on my drive to the school where I was working, I gave thanks for our Brother Sun who, despite the cold, was shining brightly. And for the heat in my lovely car Zed, and for the cozy scarf around my neck. I am grateful to be grateful despite my body aches and roiling emotions. Dear friends…please know that you are always in my heart even if there are days between my visits. I will take Michele’s post to heart and say “Thank you for always being here for me” instead of “I’m sorry I have been absent”. I am grateful for “The Grace of Unconditional Love” that Patjos shared and that you all so generously and freely give. I am looking forward to a restful evening and wish the same for all of you…..sweet dreams and restorative sleep. My intention is to hold all of you up in prayer tonight as I drift off to sleep…knowing that the angels will be there to take over for my exhausted self if necessary. ~With grateful love ♥ Read More5 Reply Patjos1 week agoPatjosBreathe Bless Be …at rest and in doing so may we bless ourselves 🙂 0 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimI hope you did have a restful and restorative evening and sleep, dear Diane. I feel the weariness in your words. I remember before I retired, being so weary during some days and weeks of my job. I was holding on for the income and “retirement age” before giving notice. But there was a day, as I sat at my desk in the late afternoon, weary and probably weeping, when I looked into the proverbial mirror and said aloud so I would hear myself, “I cannot do this any more.” It...I hope you did have a restful and restorative evening and sleep, dear Diane. I feel the weariness in your words. I remember before I retired, being so weary during some days and weeks of my job. I was holding on for the income and “retirement age” before giving notice. But there was a day, as I sat at my desk in the late afternoon, weary and probably weeping, when I looked into the proverbial mirror and said aloud so I would hear myself, “I cannot do this any more.” It was work I loved, and which connected me with others on many beautiful levels. Yet my body finally said to my heart, “no more.” And I knew I had to hear that still small voice, speaking up bravely from within. I will grant that I am privileged enough to have earned a (non-profit) pension and nearly “full Social Security.” And I know it is a privilege to be able to ask myself each day what I can manage, stop when I “cannot” anymore, and sleep at the erratic times that sleep chooses to come. This is all just to say, my friend, that when it is time, when you are ready for a change, life will fall into place in your heart and your spirit, and will bless your choices. Along the entire path, you will find us here – whether you are writing here or not – supporting your heart, your spirit, and your pilgrimage of days. Be well, my friend. Read More1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeThank you for sharing my friend. My retirement too came at just the right time….I never looked back. My work now consists of these temporary and substitute jobs that give me flexibility and allow me to practice the self-care that I need. I also have a pension but am not yet collecting Social Security (but soon!). These little jobs are really a blessing and usually pretty manageable…but lately they have snuck up on me! And I think the cold weather has contributed to my wearines...Thank you for sharing my friend. My retirement too came at just the right time….I never looked back. My work now consists of these temporary and substitute jobs that give me flexibility and allow me to practice the self-care that I need. I also have a pension but am not yet collecting Social Security (but soon!). These little jobs are really a blessing and usually pretty manageable…but lately they have snuck up on me! And I think the cold weather has contributed to my weariness lately…….I tire of being cold all the time! Today was a balm for my weary body and spirit though…I worked from home and enjoyed being comfy in my cozy sweats and warm with the electric heater next to me while I worked. I took frequent breaks and enjoyed being in my little farmhouse. It is an encouragement to my heart to know that you are here traveling this journey with me Pilgrim. I am wishing you a peaceful and restorative sleep tonight dear friend. ~With grateful love ♥ Read More0 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaI know your need of resting dear Diane, I am with you. Thank you for your post, You taught me bearing my health issues.. 1 Reply Diane1 week agoDianeCara Anna…thank you for being with me dear friend. I am so grateful we can help each other on our journeys. ~Con amore mia amica ♥ 1 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaOh…my dear friends, I made a mess….( I hope this is not a bad slang ..) I was replying Grateful Sea and Michele posts and I deleted both my post and their answers… So sorry dear Grateful Sea and dear Michele… Oh….trying to shif my perspective: THANK you DEAR Michele and Grateful Sea, for your kind replies to my post, I hold you and your words in my heart. I will rest, Grateful Sea, and Michele, if you will come to Italy, I am here for you!...Oh…my dear friends, I made a mess….( I hope this is not a bad slang ..) I was replying Grateful Sea and Michele posts and I deleted both my post and their answers… So sorry dear Grateful Sea and dear Michele… Oh….trying to shif my perspective: THANK you DEAR Michele and Grateful Sea, for your kind replies to my post, I hold you and your words in my heart. I will rest, Grateful Sea, and Michele, if you will come to Italy, I am here for you!!! Read More2 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleDear Anna….we all make messes of things at times, it’s human nature. ( Particularly with the computers!) grateful sea is a most compassionate and loving person, so I feel safe to say for both of us, we love you and your messes and let’s have a good laugh at ourselves and silly mistakes! With a smile I say thank you for replying and know that I am sending my love and light to you! 3 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaDear Anna, thank you. I think you have beautifully embodied the Word of the Day: “Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) And doesn’t the image make you smile? I am sending you a big, froggy heart-hug. 5 Reply Michele1 week agoMichele🐸💚🤗 3 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaYes, it makes me smile! A big, froggy heart-hug to you too!! 2 Reply Patjos1 week agoPatjosThis wonderful article appeared in my mailbox this morning, and at the risk of preaching to the converted, I post it here. The Grace of Unconditional Love by Harold W. Becker It is usually during times where we face the greatest challenges in life that we also create the most beautiful opportunities. These are the moments where we often initially feel the intense sense of helplessness or hopelessness, fear and doubt. Yet, when we are fortunate to be aware of the present now mome...This wonderful article appeared in my mailbox this morning, and at the risk of preaching to the converted, I post it here. The Grace of Unconditional Love by Harold W. Becker It is usually during times where we face the greatest challenges in life that we also create the most beautiful opportunities. These are the moments where we often initially feel the intense sense of helplessness or hopelessness, fear and doubt. Yet, when we are fortunate to be aware of the present now moment, remember to take a deep breath, release our attachment to the challenge and the outcome, and allow unconditional love as our perspective — we experience grace. When challenges loom large and threatening, our first response is typically one of a reactive role towards some outer condition, person or thing. We look at the screen of life and assume it as our true reality wholly forgetting our inner presence and creative potential in the moment. If we continue to remain in this narrow point of view, we take on the energy and become victims of circumstance. These moments are the reminder that we can go within and realize what is really happening: we are facing our limited thoughts and feelings that at some point we allowed to become a part of our consciousness. Because we allowed these fractional notions in, they are adding to our limited view of life instead of understanding the bigger picture… and there is always a bigger picture. Unconditional love is this grander reality. When we fully embrace and accept ourselves and our choices, know our infinite ability to imagine something new, and give our heart a chance to express the wisdom of the ages, we invite the grace that is always present to be a part of our experience. We are more than our material surroundings, things, beliefs, titles, relationships and communities. We are vast, creative multidimensional beings with enormous potential, deep compassion, and incredible courage and strength. Thinking with our heart, we bring hope, help, caring, knowing, unity and solutions. Sharing this journey with each other, we reveal a new potential that includes the best for all. This is the grace of unconditional love. Embrace and celebrate the moments of challenge for they simply point the way to our heart, where a brighter future filled with unlimited possibility awaits. Harold W. Becker Author/speaker/MBA. Passionate about unconditional love and human potential. www.internalinsights.com, www.thelovefoundation.com Read More2 Reply Michele1 week agoMichelePatjos As I read your post, the snow lightly falling outside my windows, once again I know I was lead to this site by something far greater than I can understand. This post is so relavent to my current state of mind and heart. Thank you for this food for thought. 4 Reply Patjos1 week agoPatjosYes, it resonated with my recent feelings too. I am doing far more breathing this past couple of days. It is almost as if I had been forgetting to breathe for the past few weeks. Oh, we have had such a troubled time of it with many family matters and although they come to nothing, they have been many and continuous. We do keep on being surprised about how things keep working out for the good (and the best!). I keep waiting for a time to arrive when I can take a deep breath and sit back a...Yes, it resonated with my recent feelings too. I am doing far more breathing this past couple of days. It is almost as if I had been forgetting to breathe for the past few weeks. Oh, we have had such a troubled time of it with many family matters and although they come to nothing, they have been many and continuous. We do keep on being surprised about how things keep working out for the good (and the best!). I keep waiting for a time to arrive when I can take a deep breath and sit back and say ‘well, that was some time of it’, but I do believe that we are (all of us) learning to breathe in the midst of it all. And while that seems difficult, I also do believe that we are more than capable of this too. Be a blessing. (Oh, soft snowfall, how lovely!) Read More4 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimI thank you deeply, dear Patjos, for all that you shared above and below. I will read over and over. 5 Reply Patjos1 week agoPatjosI am thankful that wherever I am, Love is I am thankful that right now, Love is with me I am thankful that you are in my heart, Love I am thankful Love, that you are with me in my future I am thankful Love, that you are with me in my joy I am thankful that you are with me in my sorrow, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my tears, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my grief, Love I am thankful Love, that you are even with me in my...I am thankful that wherever I am, Love is I am thankful that right now, Love is with me I am thankful that you are in my heart, Love I am thankful Love, that you are with me in my future I am thankful Love, that you are with me in my joy I am thankful that you are with me in my sorrow, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my tears, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my grief, Love I am thankful Love, that you are even with me in my anger I am thankful that you are with me in my work, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my mornings, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my driving, Love I am thankful that you are with me when my thoughts are far away, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my despair, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my doubts, Love I am thankful Love, that you are with me when I have forgotten you I am thankful that you are with me when I am lonely, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my kindness, Love I am thankful that you are with me even when I am unkind, Love I am thankful that you are with me in the day, Love I am thankful that you are with me in the night-time, Love I am thankful that you are with me in my hopes, Love I am thankful that you are with me through my fears, Love I am thankful that you are with me unconditionally, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in friends, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in nature, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in smiles, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in stories, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in songs, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in skies, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in sunsets, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in moons and in moonlight, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in children, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in feelings, Love I am thankful that you reveal yourself to me in emotions, Love I am thankful that you are with me when I am lifted high, Love I am thankful that you are with me when I am laid low, Love I am thankful that Love has always been with me I am thankful that Love will always be with me I am thankful that nothing can separate me from Love, for Love is who I am I am thankful for the Love in you. I am thankful today for you! Read More3 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmPatjos, these words went straight to my heart ❤️ Thank you 2 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleMy common prayer today revolves around the beautiful moment in the movie The Help. “ You is smart, You is kind, You is important”: I am praying we all feel these beautiful words and, in turn, make others feel these words. As I take a deep breath and close my eyes, I send my most heartfelt prayers your way. ✝️ 5 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimThank you, dear friend. This is the mantra I use often, and when I cannot sleep, it also helps to quiet me. Be well, Michele. 2 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaDear dear Michele, thank you. I really am having a difficult day. This helps. 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMichelegrateful sea. You are in my heart and prayer. You give such love and peace to others that I pray they come back to you a thousand fold. I am with you. 🌺 1 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaThank you, my friend. We are here together. 0 Reply Patjos1 week agoPatjosMay you be filled with loving-kindness 1 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaThank you, Patjos. May you also be filled with loving-kindness. 1 Reply Mary1 week agoMaryI send my love (and warmth from Florida) You truly is smart, kind, and important. Are you anxious or sad? Or in physical pain? I wish all good things for you! Are you doing any self compassion wok? If I can be disciplined and do it, it always seem to help me. Love to you dear Grateful Sea! Mary 1 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaThank us all for our prayers on Common Prayer Day! And this is my contribution for today in pictures: 9 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaoops, my little finger hit “add your voice” when my other fingers were still trying to type out my thoughts. By lenticular… I was thinking… shaped like a ship. The snow is so beautiful, all the white healing light. May it surround and fill you. 0 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaDear Ursula, I lit my candle early this morning and as Pilgrim so beautifully said, I join(ed) us in prayer and also keep us in prayer. These photos you have shared, so beautiful, a shrine? The shape lenticular… 0 Reply Anna1 week agoAnnaThank you Ursula, and you all here! 0 Reply Minnie1 week agoMinnieThank you. I love Louise Hay. 0 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimThank you, dear Ursula. I join you in prayer and keep you in prayer, my friend. 0 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmA great reminder, thank you, dear Ursula 0 Reply Ose1 week agoOseGood morning, dear friends sharing here! This morning, a tiny glimpse through the heart´s eye is filling my heart with gratitude Michele, your post did so much help to consider the “right” perspective! Thanks a lot again. It is Tuesday, our common day of prayer. Please let me join you today, with thanks and blessings to all of you who share here in this sacred space. To all in the world who suffer, may they be blessed. May they be surrounded by love and care, may the starvi...Good morning, dear friends sharing here! This morning, a tiny glimpse through the heart´s eye is filling my heart with gratitude Michele, your post did so much help to consider the “right” perspective! Thanks a lot again. It is Tuesday, our common day of prayer. Please let me join you today, with thanks and blessings to all of you who share here in this sacred space. To all in the world who suffer, may they be blessed. May they be surrounded by love and care, may the starving be nourished and the thirsty be given water, and may every homeless find shelter. May peace be with all of us. Have a lovely day, you all out there. Read More4 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaThanks and blessings to you dear Ose, with love from grateful sea. 1 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmGrateful to join you and all here, dear Ose 🙏🏻 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleFound this in my mailbox and thought it appropriate for the lounge! 5 Reply arj1 week agoarjI love this. I tried to set an intention that I wouldn’t complain, even once, during the entire month of December so I could enter the new year with as much positivity and love as possible. But each day I have to catch myself again and again. And again. 🙁 But it’s called “practice” for a reason, and even catching myself is a step forward. Thank you for sharing this wonderful reminder that a simple shift in phrasing (or thinking) can make all the difference in the wo...I love this. I tried to set an intention that I wouldn’t complain, even once, during the entire month of December so I could enter the new year with as much positivity and love as possible. But each day I have to catch myself again and again. And again. 🙁 But it’s called “practice” for a reason, and even catching myself is a step forward. Thank you for sharing this wonderful reminder that a simple shift in phrasing (or thinking) can make all the difference in the world. Read More1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleARJ. No more I’m sorry! I’m trying very hard as well. Hope the post gives us all a reminder that simple words carry heavy weight! I know you can do it! 🌸🌸🌸🎄 1 Reply Minnie1 week agoMinnieWonderful perspective. I shall apply. Thank you 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleMuch love Minnie🌸⭐️ 0 Reply Minnie1 week agoMinnieThank you. I dearly appreciate your loving comment. I send out much love too. 🌻 🌞 1 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimThank you for sharing this wisdom here, dear Michele. It seems a simple shift, yet for me, old habits are hard to change. It is time! 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleDear Pilgrim I am with you. I find I almost need to stick a note on myself when trying to change an ingrained habit. Trying to stop dad or negative thoughts are equally difficult for me. Think how wonderful it is that we are at least trying! Have a bright and fruitful day. ❤️ 1 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmI love this Michele, thank you, and I am glad to see you, love and blessings, Palm 💕🙏🏻 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMichelePalm I love you all so! I am always here but there are times I am too emotional to comment. I’m trying hard to be light and not darkness. I do not always succeed 😢 but I’m still trying. Peace to you this day ☮️💜 2 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaThank you, Michele! I will apply this for myself immediately. Going through a very difficult moment – my despair is such that my feelings and expressions are often negative these days and I feel that I am a burden for my surroundings -, this may help me to look at myself with a more tender eye! Thank you 🙏 💖 2 Reply arj1 week agoarjUrsula, the world needs you–all of you–even the broken you. We connect with each other most deeply when we are at our most vulnerable. Let the light of others in to light the way till you can be the light for another. Be well. xo 0 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleUrsula I will send special love and prayer your way today. I know your struggle. Please read my response to Palm. Isn’t it wonderful we have each other’s unconditional love. 😍🌸🌺 I am so happy to hear from you. 0 Reply Ose1 week agoOseDear Michele, thank you for sharing this. Please allow me to say, that you are a treasure 💖 Have a lovely day, dear friend. 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleOse how are you? I’m finding the holidays are becoming more difficult each day , so your wish for a lovely day is quite welcome indeed and I am blessed to be here with you. Hearts can be very tender at this time of the year and your friendship is a treasure 🎄💫🌞 1 Reply Ose1 week agoOseThank you, dear Michele. Could be that my current state is not far from yours; trying to meet myself and others with a tender, vulnerable and open heart, trying to sort out self pity, and try to stay centered, clear minded and warmhearted as far as possible while floating in the mud sometimes, currently at least being able to more observing the fear of drowning than struggling with drowning itself. That´s at least how I perceive your brave struggle and heartwarming being. I am grateful for y...Thank you, dear Michele. Could be that my current state is not far from yours; trying to meet myself and others with a tender, vulnerable and open heart, trying to sort out self pity, and try to stay centered, clear minded and warmhearted as far as possible while floating in the mud sometimes, currently at least being able to more observing the fear of drowning than struggling with drowning itself. That´s at least how I perceive your brave struggle and heartwarming being. I am grateful for your friendship. Read More1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleDear Ose….as long as we keep hope and know we are struggling, keeping our head above the water, I truly believe we will succeed. I know the courage it takes not to give in, and I know your faith and courage will keep you afloat till the rescue ship arrives! I’m with you on that raft and we will survive this and smile again! Faith….just have faith. My prayer is for peace in your heart and sunshine on your face! 2 Reply Diane2 weeks agoDianeGood morning lovely people It has been a very busy few days for me and I am grateful for the slow moving Saturday morning by the fire. I am very tired but also very grateful for the opportunities to work that I have had these last few weeks. I enjoy the interactions (with both adults and students) and that I can still stay involved in education after my retirement from classroom teaching. My 2 part time jobs are really perfect for me at this point in my journey. I substitute for th...Good morning lovely people It has been a very busy few days for me and I am grateful for the slow moving Saturday morning by the fire. I am very tired but also very grateful for the opportunities to work that I have had these last few weeks. I enjoy the interactions (with both adults and students) and that I can still stay involved in education after my retirement from classroom teaching. My 2 part time jobs are really perfect for me at this point in my journey. I substitute for the office secretaries in 6 different schools in our rural school district. And I also, as the need arises, work from home as a 7th grade science online-scorer for a nationwide standardized testing company. Both of these jobs are a gift. I have to be careful though with my fatigue and pain management. Today and tomorrow will be a “rest and recovery” weekend….on Monday another busy work week arrives! It’s so wonderful to be here with all of you. My heart was encouraged by the support and affirmations that my dear friends Pilgrim, Palm, Anna and Deb blessed me with since I posted last. I am so grateful. My daughter’s spirits have recovered somewhat…she is still struggling but has been given some “divine hugs” this past week. I am praying that she will hear that small, still voice inside her that is guiding her and reminding her that all will be well. God has always provided her with directions on her journey…some unexpected, and there have been detours along the way. And those detours are not without value and purpose, I believe. But she is young and impatient and wants to have it all figured out…soon! 🙂 I am grateful for my husband who, having lived with my chronic illness and other health issues, has a keen awareness and understanding of what I need to do to take care of myself. And he inspires and encourages me to do just that. My daughter too. They both know that I have a tendency to overdo things and then suffer the consequences….it’s a blessing to have them around to put the brakes on for me! And so my dear friends, despite my frustration that I should not (and will not!) do the holiday decorating that I wanted to accomplish in our farmhouse today….I will accept and even embrace the fatigue that I feel deep in my bones today, the fibromyalgia pain, and the anxiety that is my visitor as of late. I can be grateful for these because they are my teachers. I can be grateful for the loving care of my family when I am hurting. I can be grateful because they provide me the opportunity to just “be” instead of “do”. These times are like divine intervention for my soul and spirit. I’m reminded of these words from the 23rd Psalm that I share now with all of you with grateful love ♥ “He MAKES me lie down in green pastures. He LEADS me beside still waters” To lovingly restore my soul. ~Have a slow, still, restorative day my dear friends “ Read More3 Reply Palm1 week agoPalm🌷💕 0 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaDear Diane, thank you for your beautiful reflection, I hope are resting well. 0 Reply Palm2 weeks agoPalmDear grateful souls, I want to share this necklace that my daughter and other children made at school, using three beads, red is for “stop”, yellow is for “think” and green is for “go” (I shaped the heart for the pic 😊) I was so delighted to see how making this simple craft had a good impact for her. And of course the similarity with Br David’s simple teaching! She said: all the trouble I’ve had is just because I was missing the yellow part 😁. BTW, the yellow bead ...Dear grateful souls, I want to share this necklace that my daughter and other children made at school, using three beads, red is for “stop”, yellow is for “think” and green is for “go” (I shaped the heart for the pic 😊) I was so delighted to see how making this simple craft had a good impact for her. And of course the similarity with Br David’s simple teaching! She said: all the trouble I’ve had is just because I was missing the yellow part 😁. BTW, the yellow bead is bigger, because it is the most important one. They have met the new teacher for next year and they loved her, so I am feeling so grateful for this good start. Love and blessings, Palm Read More 3 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaThank you, dear Palm! I just needed this today. Me too, I have been missing the yellow bead this past week-end. Everything was too much for me, and we have had awful moments within the family … some of which were “my fault”. I don’t know if you can imagine my despair afterwards … But, the good News in all the bad ones I had as of late, is that my elder son who has huge problems with learning at school talked to me yesterday, telling what his difficulties we...Thank you, dear Palm! I just needed this today. Me too, I have been missing the yellow bead this past week-end. Everything was too much for me, and we have had awful moments within the family … some of which were “my fault”. I don’t know if you can imagine my despair afterwards … But, the good News in all the bad ones I had as of late, is that my elder son who has huge problems with learning at school talked to me yesterday, telling what his difficulties were all about. I have found a doorway to his heart, and for that I am very grateful! I also managed to help him get his School documents in order and start some tasks he had to catch up on. Plus, as he absolutely wanted to listen to some music while studying, I proposed some studying & relaxing sounds to him which I found on YouTube, and it seemed to me that it calmed him down and helped him focus better on his work. I hope your daughter is doing ok as well! Warm thoughts coming your way, dear Palm! 💖 💖 Read More2 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmDear Ursula, thanks for sharing your heart, you are not alone my friend, I also had difficult family moments this weekend, and only now I am starting to calm down from my being so cross… don’t be too hard on yourself, for me it is important to recognize the part I played in the situation, so that I get a balance, but whereas in the past I would blame myself entirely, I have now learned to recognize that the other party also played a role and that, if I didn’t manage to avoid a reaction,...Dear Ursula, thanks for sharing your heart, you are not alone my friend, I also had difficult family moments this weekend, and only now I am starting to calm down from my being so cross… don’t be too hard on yourself, for me it is important to recognize the part I played in the situation, so that I get a balance, but whereas in the past I would blame myself entirely, I have now learned to recognize that the other party also played a role and that, if I didn’t manage to avoid a reaction, it is because I am only human. A work-in-progress, I am glad you found my post useful. It is so good to hear that you are having this connection with your son, so that he can take life lessons from you, which are even more important that “school lessons”, what a blessing Ursula. Funny that while I was reading your post, I was listening to “Focus” music, my favorite category on Spotify, a site that I downloaded on my laptop, and that I was using to calm down, there are even albums called “study music”, I wonder if your son would enjoy it… Yes, my daughter is doing well, her school year ends tomorrow, and I have enrolled her for a holiday program next week, designed by her teacher, so I feel safe that she will enjoy it. It also coincides with my last week of work, and then we will be both on holiday, and she won’t need to spend full time with her dad, who then may lose patience… Warm thoughts and prayers coming your way too, dear Ursula 🌷💕🙏🏻 Read More0 Reply Michele1 week agoMichelePalm..what a simple but important lessons for us all! Yellow is the most important! Wishing you well always. 1 Reply grateful sea2 weeks agograteful seaIt is wonderful Palm. thoroughly wonderful. 1 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaIt is wonderful Palm, I am so glad for this teaching, and of course for the wiseness of the teacher! 1 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaJust taken in my garden, For you all my friends, in this Advent time. With love, Anna 3 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaThank you, dear Anna, Beautiful!! 💖 💖 0 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleThank you for this lovely gift. Amazing that such a beautiful plant can have such sharp leaves! I suppose it wants to be left alone for all to enjoy! ❤️ 0 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaHello Michele, just sending you warm wishes for a good day, with love from grateful sea. 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleHello grateful sea. My heart was happy to see your message. I had a difficult day unfortunately. I decided I must put some Christmas decorations out for when my small grandchildren visit. I came upon Yoda’s Christmas Stocking and it all came rushing in as the day we parted. It’s been four months and the grief will not give way in the slightest. Oh my. how will I get through a holiday without him? 😢 0 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaOh Michele, also sending a hug. 0 Reply Pilgrim1 week agoPilgrimDear Michele, how grief can take us by storm at such unexpected moments! I know that you hold your memories with the deepest of love and gratitude. I pray that you hold yourself and such moments with equal love and kindness. While we cannot replace a loved one, I trust that you will find another fur buddy in love and life at any time now. I am lighting my candle for this today, my friend. 2 Reply Palm1 week agoPalmMichele, sending you a hug too.. holidays are not an easy time for people that have lost loved ones or like in my case, are far away from family, please be patient and let’s keep company here, love, Palm 1 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaOh Michele, Just let me give you a hug and tell you that we are together in this. Having difficult moments in family, my ok childhood wounds are coming to the surface again – the only good thing is that I often cry at the moment and release it all, which I hadn’t done for a long time. As Diane often says, ‘this too shall pass’ and brighter moments are waiting for us again soon ☀ 💗 1 Reply grateful sea2 weeks agograteful seaLovely, Anna, thank you. It reminds me of a favorite song of the season, for both the lyrics and the melody… The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown Of all the trees that are in the wood The holly bears the crown O the rising of the sun And the running of the deer The playing of the merry organ Sweet singing of the choir 2 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaDear grateful sea, I just listened to a CD by Loreena McKennitt yesterday, and of course one of those was this very song! <...</div><div class="full"><p>Dear grateful sea, </p> <p>I just listened to a CD by Loreena McKennitt yesterday, and of course one of those was this very song!</p> <p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class='youtube-player' type='text/html' width='640' height='360' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/_FvE-z8xV1g?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent' allowfullscreen='true' style='border:0;'> Read More0 Reply Ose1 week agoOseThank you for this beautiful music, dear Ursula. It will accompany my day, listening to it and let it sink in. Warm greetings to you! 0 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaThank you, dear Ose, for appreciating and letting me know! And for reminding our Common Prayer! Warm greetings right back to you! 0 Reply grateful sea1 week agograteful seaDear Ursula, hello, and a warm embrace to you and Sunny. Thank you for the music. I will listen now! I used to have some CDs by Loreena McKennitt, such a beautiful voice. 1 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleI love her voice as well. Even my granddaughter loves her! 0 Reply Alicia Mary Ann Parr2 weeks agoAlicia Mary Ann ParrThank you so much, Anna. 1 Reply Palm2 weeks agoPalmThank you dear Anna, for sharing your enchanting garden, it offers beauty throughout the year! I hope you have been feeling well after your son’s graduation and wish you all a peaceful Advent, with love from Palm 2 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaYes, I am well dear Palm! 1 Reply Ursula1 week agoUrsulaBrava, Anna! I am content for you! 0 Reply Pilgrim2 weeks agoPilgrimHow lovely, dear Anna! Thank you for sharing this! 2 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaIt is a joy, dear Pilgrim! 0 Reply Deb S. N.C.2 weeks agoDeb S. N.C. I am so missing you all here who have listened and reached out to me and been here so consistently, or at least dropping in- as is the case for some of those who are traveling or going through travel, changes etc. Though I think that I feel it is taking too much time out of a day to visit I wonder of myself: it actually serves as a way to make the most out of my days and nights…how could I possibly overlook all of the wonderful ways to discover more about myself as Gratefulness has a... I am so missing you all here who have listened and reached out to me and been here so consistently, or at least dropping in- as is the case for some of those who are traveling or going through travel, changes etc. Though I think that I feel it is taking too much time out of a day to visit I wonder of myself: it actually serves as a way to make the most out of my days and nights…how could I possibly overlook all of the wonderful ways to discover more about myself as Gratefulness has an aura of energy and love, while here in this corner of the world there is shining light that prevails through wisdom of others , who express so much around gratitude and support throughout the place between one another….it always leads me to good places within and without. I just forget how incredible it feels. The aftermath of dropping in brings such serenity, quiet time, space for self-examination and reflection and prayer with meditation included as time makes it’s way into my realm. There is hardly another place to find all of this even though we have not met in person. Have I let that hold me back? And the busy-ness that can wreak some havoc when one is not fully-aware- another reason to be here intentionally and mindfully present.. I am committing to being present daily or at the least, every other day, either first thing a.m. or in the beautiful evening hour like I am doing today. Blessings to all here and those not here who have been. Thank you for your constant loving lives. Blessings also for this place, and all who run Gratefulness which offers so much and is here for the asking! Read More4 Reply Michele1 week agoMicheleSo beautifully said Deb. Thank you. Some days I just read the many wonderful articles, comments and reflect. I’ve been very sad this past week and feel as though I need to bring light to my friends here and not my darkness. So I read and write when something moves me a bit out of my dark place. Much love…🌸🌸 0 Reply Palm2 weeks agoPalmThank you for being with us Deb, either in though or sharing through writing when your heart prompts you… Like Anna, I can also feel the benefit that practicing here has had to my wellbeing. I have found it useful to set up times that suit me, and then , if I can, I participate. For me it is best in the Common Prayer Day and the weekend. We are all busy with life, and these pockets of peace help recharge. Love and blessings to you dear Deb 1 Reply Ose2 weeks agoOseYou are very welcome, dear Deb S. N.C. So good to see you again. A place for sharing and unfolding into the truth of our interconnected being. Great to know you with us! Have a good day full of inspiration, Ose 0 Reply Anna2 weeks agoAnnaDeb, this corner of the world is actually a place of peace, rest, learning, growth in gratitude and awareness, I’ve really known my improvement since I visit this site. I look forward to seeing your messages, dear Deb!
