Hello Laura
Thanks to share your nice and deep story. Remindering me, my own story, exactly one year ago, and I really agree completely with you; Gratitude definitely isn’t a switch to turn on only when things go well. It’s a light that shines in darkness too.

One year ago, in July more specifically, I was in the same machine as you – the MRI machine. In my case, because of a lot pain in my back. The physical pain was unbearable, I couldn’t think clearly… oh God, it was so terrible.

During the time in the MRI machine, I thought by myself; ok, I’m gonna die, so, I need try do my best here. In order to prepare my “RIP”, I started my list I’m grateful for. Immediately my heart and feelings kept calm and peace.

It was one year ago, and after that, many things happened and I feel better now a days. No pain any more. I would say that strong pain was transformed into a strong and grateful heart.

I’m here in Brazil, reading about your beautiful and grateful heart, and I’m sure how wonderful it is – choose the grateful living in all moments of our lifes.

With fraternal love, Cintia

Dear Kristi

I’m grateful for read your article! Amazing, lovely refletion. It’s a Christmas gift…. during all new year, all life.
And I’m able to understand the words, I mean, the essential meaning.
I’m so grateful I have learned to be grateful in each day of my life! Day by day, different experiences and many opportunities to be attention and to be grateful for.

I’m grateful for all Gratefulness Team.
With fraternal love, Cintia.

When I notice the violence, hungry children, loneliness… I ask myself, How is it possible open my heart? Some days it is so hard! My heart has scars and some are not healed.
I don’t want compare, for example, I’m grateful because I live in a safe place and I have food and others don’t. Or living alienated, ignoring the life around me.
Every single day is a special and unique, in order to learn about open my heart.
I believe it mean live with faith that everything is perfect, respecting the destiny of each person.
I really feel that sometimes I can’t, but it’s necessary. Because when I don’t share love, fraternal love, I get sick. The open heart giving love and compassion is my medicine.

I think the beauty is what I can feel with my heart. It’s a daily practice; see and find the beauty is like to search a treasures.

For example, last Sunday my dad was drunk, he is alcoholic. In first moment, when I looked his face and I saw he “walking crooked” I really felt sadness. But, I tried to find the love.
I looked again and it happened! I could see my dad, his soul, a man marked by the struggles of life.

Despite the pain and everything involved, a story of life, my dad, a life, beauty.