My Gratitude

Ranked #22,255 in Culture & Society, #459,168 overall

An Abundance of Gratitude

Every day for the last several years, I have actively practiced gratitude. First thing in the morning, and last thing at night, I make it my habit to make a list of the things for which I give thanks. Big, little, simple, complex, it doesn't matter. What matters is that I take the time to be grateful.



This practice has literally changed my life. Gradually, over time, I have become a different person. And...for that I am truly grateful!

Yes, one can be grateful for gratitude! And, isn't that a wonderful way to live?

Everything That I Am Grateful For

My Ever Changing/Growing List

The following are just some of the things that I am grateful to have in my life. In no particular order:

The exquisite air that breathes me in this moment.
My sense of belonging.
The delicious chai that teases my tongue.
My beautiful husband.
My family...those I came with,and those adopted along the way.
My baffling and wonderful body.
Nature.
The tender peace of the early morning.
Art, in all its many manifestations.
Chocolate.
The spirit that lives as me.
Shared laughter and tears.
My dog, who loves me no matter how badly I behave.
Old friends who know my history, and love me any way.
New friends.
The life that I have lived, with its diverse incarnations.
The good, the bad & the ugly.
My grandparents.
Having been born when I was.
The challenges that I have faced.
Old loves.
My cat, who allows me to live in her house.
Unexpected blessings.
Having many flaws.
Having many talents.
Understanding balance.....sometimes.
Intuition.
A life of service.
My sister-girlfriend (the other wife).
Bare feet.
This computer, even when it vexes me.
Oneness.
Raw food.
Music, masterfully rendered upon my ears.
Eyeglasses.
Marion Berry Pie.
Writing.
My heavenly bed.
Quantum Physics.
Books.
My bank account.
Ceremony.
Meditation.
My fears, for they have taught me so much.
Massage...giving and receiving.
My home.
Friends who call late at night excited about planning a trip to see me.
My mother-in-law.
The rain falling gently on this earth.
Reflective time by myself.

Some of My Favorite Gratitude Quotes:

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.

...Albert Schweitzer

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more.

...Brother David Steindl-Rast

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.

...Buddha

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.

...Johannes A. Gaertner

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.

...Meister Eckhart

Sounds True, Inc.

Snatam Kaur On Gratitude

Snatam Kaur is a renowned devotional singer in English and Gurumukhi, the ancient language of the Sikhs.
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The best way to live in gratitude is to write in a gratitude journal

Make it special, and allow yourself the precious time to write

I keep a special journal next to my favorite chair, and another one next to my bed. These journals are a gift to myself.

Your journal should be something that compels you to write in it. Choose something that speaks to your heart and senses. Perhaps it has scrumptious paper, or beautiful images that inspire creativity.

Most of all, create a habit of writing in it. Next thing you know, you will be living a life of gratitude, and manifesting a joyful life!
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More Gratitude Journals

Not only are they useful tools, but they make thoughtful gifts, as well

Some of my favorite gratitude journals have come to me by way of a gift. Each time I write in these special journals, I am filled with thoughts of love and appreciation for the giver.
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Some people Choose to Write in Their Gratitude Journal by Way of a Blog

As you can see here, there are many ways to express your gratitude.

Living a life filled with gratitude enhances one's life. The changes wrought in the life of one person have a domino effect on each and every person making contact with them. This becomes a passive, yet powerful way to bring change and healing to a planet whose people live lives of hopeless desperation.
My Urr Diary
After thanking God, I would turn to my parents; they deserve my gratitude, as without their prayers the mission could not have been accomplished. They have and continued to stand by me, give me the courage and inspiration I needed, as a fuel in my ...

I AM Grateful to These Wonderful Videographers!

Enjoy the Beauty and Inspiration

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Books That I Give Thanks For:

Books have helped me out, when no one else could. They have given me inspiration, hope, made me laugh, made me cry, and helped me to find my way. Books have paved the path of my life, held my hand, tickled my belly, and kept me company on a cold dark night.
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Gratitude and the Law of Attraction

Gratitude is the Engine That Drives the Law of Attraction

If you have watched or read "The Secret" , you know that each of the teachers recommends expressing and FEELING gratitude is and important key in the co-creation of your life.

If you are not familiar with "The Secret" or "Law of Attraction." Here is a good place to start.

Namaste.
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The Following Books Have Inspired Me

Taking Law of Attraction to the Next Deeper Level

I believe that "The Secret" is a wonderful place to start on your journey toward gratitude. However, there is MORE to it! Ernest Holmes has written more on the link between what we think about, and what we become than anyone I know.
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What are You grateful for?

Please take a moment to share.

Thank you.

  • Rommel John Panal Sep 24, 2010 @ 1:49 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing this concept about gratitude. :) This is such a wonderful idea. :)
  • motorpurrr Jul 2, 2009 @ 12:40 pm | delete
    Hi! Thanks for visiting my first lens. This is a very nice and pleasant lens.
  • tdove Jun 20, 2009 @ 1:47 pm | delete
    Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!

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These lenses are excellent! Please visit and enjoy!
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Are You Acting From Gratitude, Love, and Trust or Doubt and Fear? | Evolution Ezine
As human beings, we operate daily reflecting a wide range of emotions with a multitude of motivations fueling our behaviors.

All too often, we react emotionally to what others say or do. If our reactions are preceded by the emotions of fear, anger, or sadness, we forfeit our ability to act with personal power and effectiveness in lieu of a knee-jerk response. This reaction is all too often sourced in fear and low self-esteem. We may focus on what's wrong with us and our lives, fear being controlled, hurt, or taken advantage of.
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