Gratefulness when cultivated in a deliberate way (journaling, meditating, practicing compassion for others and self-compassion) would reveal the innate goodness and love that is in all living things. Gratefulness would bring about, and reveal the beauty and tenderness in each of us and for each of us.

To live a life without regret would mean living anew in each moment. Each moment is a new beginning and the past moment that may or may not contain regret is now gone, it is a memory, nothing but a narrative that can be let go if I choose. Letting go of the past and any regret it contains is the practice of renewal.

Dropping expectations that I have about any day, person, or circumstance would be freeing, open, and create the potential for something new. If I could not expect perfection from myself I might simply move in a direction guided by my heart. That would be sufficient.

One important place to start is with ourselves. Finding a higher road toward loving, accepting, forgiving, and being kind to ourselves puts us on a path toward brining those same qualities to the world around us. There are specific meditations designed to aid in cultivating these qualities. A couple of sources that may speak to others are self-compassion.org, or www.sharonsalzberg.com.

My greatest hope and aspiration is to be peaceful with this life and peaceful in the world. I am working through some situations that are bringing up fear, doubt, and are accompanied by my old friend the Inner Critic. I have the specific hope and aspiration to teach mindfulness based programs in my community. I want to be peaceful and compassionate toward myself so that I may offer these same attitudes to those I connect with in these endeavors.

My wife. She is always willing to help me through difficult times and be a support. Also, my employees. They work to the best of their abilities everyday. Writing this reminds me that we are all connected to each other in some way. If I can remember and honor the sincere connection of humanity then I am grateful.

As it pertains to my personal life and my tendencies, uncertainty often does not feel like a gift. When I am able to touch in and be aware that uncertainty is inextricably part of the human condition I am able to broaden my view of life. If I lean in to the feeling of uncertainty I can create space around this feeling. It then becomes just an emotion to be curious about. Awareness of uncertainty is the gift because it tells me to wake up and come back to being present in my life.

When I live gratefully I am called to engage with life in a meaningful way. This matters because it reminds me that I need my community in its various forms just as it needs my unique contributions.

I can really be thankful for the abundance of love. I really believe deep in my heart in the goodness that exists in each human soul. Even when we see it clouded over so much these days…media, politics, winners and losers. Do I struggle and forget this belief? Often!. But, I truly believe it exists. I can be thankful for the ability to access this abundant love within myself and share it with the world in my unique way.

Hi Bob, thanks for you honest and wise answer to this question. Your response reminds me very much of myself and, like you, mindfulness also lifts my spirits. Good day to you.

Ed, thanks for your comment about having something to reach for. This was a helpful reminder for me.

Hi Vicki, thanks for your reminder about the relationship between the darkness and seeing the stars. This was helpful to see this today.

Hi Pilgrim, often I find myself pulled toward a feeling of cynicism too. You are not alone in your search for hope. I believe hope is within and with practice it can be be revealed. Thanks for you honest comment.

Carla, I really like your words “making progress not perfection”. This especially rings true for me.

What a great example of connection. Thanks for sharing.

Verona, thanks for this message. As a regular meditator I notice myself lost in the busyness of my mind. Thanks for reminding me that there is silence and peace beneath it all.