By catching myself when immersed in my own ‘story’-based reactions and then lovingly and compassionately letting go of the ‘story’, I find that I am more present with what is, and that becomes my ‘present’ to myself and others.

When resting in a feeling of deeply enfolding gratefulness, Oneness is.

Some fearful feelings have actually been helpful, causing me to question, reconsider and reevaluate what I was “thinking I wanted.” And, in such situations, it prevented me from taking actions I would have later regretted.

I am fortunate to have a friend who has been a spiritual growth partner for the past 14 years. In ways that others might describe our lives, we seem very different. But, in all matters that matter, we track similarly in our individual personal growth. We speak on the phone (residing in different US states) at least once a week and share insights related to a full range of spiritual teachers and books.. It is a mutual way-paving that is filled with appreciation every week.

When my attitude is similar to one I’d have simply ‘wiping up the spilled milk’ without ‘going down the rabbit hole’ of triggered emotional ‘stories’, life feels much more peace-filled, friendly and easy.

The people I loved as well as those I hated are the ones who had the greatest impact on me by challenging me down to my bones and helping me to reach this point in my life. My appreciation goes out to all.

a belief that a perfection based on others’ expectations is more important

I hope that the good things I’ve said and done will be remembered more so than the not-so-good things.

By remembering to pause throughout the day and take the time to deeply feel grateful will be my way of saying thank you for simply being.

I savor/appreciate everything more when I take the time to slow down and pause, taking the time for my appreciation of Life’s gifts that surround and enfold us all to gradually expand, and then quietly and calmly ‘sink into’ that feeling, resting peacefully in it..

One way I show respect is when I am actively listening to another, and in so doing, I receive the gift of being fully engaged in a connection with the other, be it person or animal.

This morning, by visiting and helping spoon-feed an elderly friend who is in a rehab center, I truly felt that I was actively celebrating and honoring this precious life. Not just hers, but everyone, including those in her family, her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, as well as all her friends who wish her well .

Having been, since early childhood, the strong independent type, some challenges, like those after my husband died, made me be OK with needing and then accepting help from others. Thank God for the friends who stepped in!!

Everyone, by haven taken personal responsibility/response-ability for his/her own perspectives, perceptions, beliefs, and emotional responses, have also forgiven and let go of his/her own “stories” that have been the basis of blame, shame, and judgments (different from discernment), and now experience soulful gratefulness and the heaven that has always been available to be known here and now.

the magic of birth, seeing a almost anything (not bugs or stuff like that, except butterflies, of course) newly born

From the many stories I was exposed to showing how people behave towards others, I came to believe that there were kinder and more loving ways that people could behave towards one another. That belief kept me on the path that continues to this day to find ways to be a kinder, more loving expression of Life.

Though I feel grateful much of the time these days, and I do catch myself when I’m not and I do shift back into it, I am sure there will be moments when I will be triggered by old ‘stories’ where I may need to apply some effort to shift. Practice, practice, practice.

Thank you, Kas, for your comment. What a great idea and potential way to expand some of the really great teachings that abound in our world!

Thank you, Bob V, for your reply. It got me thinking … wondering if there might be a way for people to partner-up thru this website. I visit the gratitude lounge regularly, and I know there are some gratitude groups in some cities (not mine), but maybe … just maybe this might be something to consider. Hmmmm.

Thank you, Pilgrim, for your reply.