Reflections on the benefits of being grateful


Reflecting Pond at the Hick's Spring Flower Show, March 2012

I have been blogging for about 4 months now sharing what I am thankful for. I thought it would be a good time to reflect how focusing on appreciation has changed me. Today when I was getting my favorite iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts, a gentleman saw me coming and waited to hold the door for me. One of the things that I have noticed is the kindness of strangers. More people give me a friendly smile and hello, and many doors are opened for me. I am not sure whether I just notice and am grateful for the kindnesses or if I am sending out a vibe that strangers pickup on. It is really heartwarming to focus on these random acts of kindnesses. Being grateful has helped me look at the potential for good everyday. It has helped me solve problems and cope with life's adversities with strength and calm. Writing and taking pictures for the blog has energized me creatively. I love finding beauty in nature and capturing cool images on my digital camera. I also get tremendous joy out of reading the comments from people who also share what they are thankful for. If you enjoy my blog share it with like minded souls. Here are what I was thankful for yesterday.

1) Thankful for another beautiful Spring Day! Enjoyed taking Oreo to the dog park and watching some of the other dogs play. It is fun to watch the dogs chase each other and jump for balls!

2) Thanks to my pediatrician who called in a prescription for eye drops, since my daughter got pink eye! It was good not to have to take my daughter back to the doctors office again. It was nice to see her wake up this morning without crusty eyes.

3) Thanks for the joys of simple pleasures. I enjoyed watching "Psyche" with Liz. We love Sean and Gus's antics on the show. Was thinking of my daughter Becky who is away at college and probably watching the show with her room mate Marley.

4) I am thankful for our public library. My daughter just finished reading a book she loved and the librarians where helping her put in a request to get the next book in this young adult series for her when it comes out in August. I always enjoy browsing the book shelves and the calm the library offers!

I invite you to share something that you are thankful for today.

Comments

  1. skautzMarch 22, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    Had a wonderful afternoon with my friend John at Meals on Wheels where we volunteer he always asks about my life and really listens and remembers. I have met so many kind and decent people from all walks of life who give their time. I am also more aware of the crisis of the neglected elderly and happy there are people who really care. I am especially thankful that I have both my parents and they are functioning and have children who love them and are so involved.

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