Great post, Elizabeth. I was thinking about all of the people and things I’m grateful for and one of them is my cat....and then I saw the moment of Zen! 😊 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁
I am really grateful for life itself,when just a few short years ago I was suffering from some severe health particulars that could have easily ended in an untimely death for me.Despite socially based and generational curses,scary possible physical dangers,God still has me clinging to life. Just because I haven't made a lot of money in my life,or sold a lot of my publications,doesn't mean I shouldn't always be grateful!
We don't celebrate Thanksgiving, although it was once my favorite day. Not for football or turkey, but because it was the one day everyone in our country was (or was supposed to be) grateful. Now I write a Daily Gratitude Journal on my FB page, choosing three things to express my gratitude for on the day. Remembering to appreciate the small things in my life keeps me from sinking into depression, which I have done in my life. Right now the thing I'm most grateful for is the cortisone shot I got in my shoulder nine days ago. I once again have use of my dominant hand and arm, after months of deterioration that got to the point I could barely use my arm at all. And I was in constant pain. The list of things I'm grateful for far exceeds my list of complaints. And that keeps me going, keeps me writing every day.
Books I'm reading this week: My Sweet Embraceable You by Sandra Scoppettone and Blanche Among the Talented Tenth by Barbara Neely. I'm hoping some of the books I have on hold at the library become available soon.
It occurs to me, reading this, that it is useful to make a list to see what is longer: the things we are grateful for or the complaints. Writing it down forces a person to reckon with all sides of an event or feeling and when the list is viewed, it becomes very easy to keep track of which side is winning.
Just this morning I wrote in my journal about the feeling of gratitude I experienced yesterday while sitting in the dentist's chair with two sets of hands and all manner of instruments in my poor numb mouth. A broken tooth, a next-day appointment with a very good dentist, a credit card to temporarily hold the charges, and a nap with a kitty when I returned home. Thank you for your weekly newsletter, Betsy and the Spark you add to my week.
I so happy for you, Judy! Every time I feel resistance and fear of going to the dentist, I have to stop and remind myself how great it is to even be able to go and to have my teeth. Nothing is worse than being forced to have a painful, broken tooth for a protracted period and here you are, all set for Thanksgiving eating!
Nov 19, 2022·edited Nov 19, 2022Liked by Elizabeth Marro
I think that, for this self-avowed word nerd, the fact that the phrase "Attitude of Gratitude" rhymes helps me to keep a thankful heart ever-present. It's a framework, a lens for looking at life.
It also helps to have been raised in a loving home where the grace of God was firmament. Further, to have never lost this belief as an adult. An 'attitude of gratitude' is my default mode. It's a blessing, and a basis for a good life.
I'm so grateful for the wonderful authors in my life, not just Ms Marro, for her incredible book and the great newsletter each week, but the others who inspire me with their words daily, as well as the books I devour endlessly. And last but not least, since I'm an editor, my clients are all authors, too. Thank you all!
I'm pretty sure I could make a complaint list longer than any of my gratitude lists. LOL. But I continue on with my three a day gratitudes and I do feel better.
Great post, Elizabeth. I was thinking about all of the people and things I’m grateful for and one of them is my cat....and then I saw the moment of Zen! 😊 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁
So great that the the stars aligned! Here's to the felines in our lives, whether they are IRL or online. Happy Thanksgiving to you , too, Jolene!
I am really grateful for life itself,when just a few short years ago I was suffering from some severe health particulars that could have easily ended in an untimely death for me.Despite socially based and generational curses,scary possible physical dangers,God still has me clinging to life. Just because I haven't made a lot of money in my life,or sold a lot of my publications,doesn't mean I shouldn't always be grateful!
Thank you for sharing this, David. I wish you health and many moments of happiness in your work.
We don't celebrate Thanksgiving, although it was once my favorite day. Not for football or turkey, but because it was the one day everyone in our country was (or was supposed to be) grateful. Now I write a Daily Gratitude Journal on my FB page, choosing three things to express my gratitude for on the day. Remembering to appreciate the small things in my life keeps me from sinking into depression, which I have done in my life. Right now the thing I'm most grateful for is the cortisone shot I got in my shoulder nine days ago. I once again have use of my dominant hand and arm, after months of deterioration that got to the point I could barely use my arm at all. And I was in constant pain. The list of things I'm grateful for far exceeds my list of complaints. And that keeps me going, keeps me writing every day.
Books I'm reading this week: My Sweet Embraceable You by Sandra Scoppettone and Blanche Among the Talented Tenth by Barbara Neely. I'm hoping some of the books I have on hold at the library become available soon.
It occurs to me, reading this, that it is useful to make a list to see what is longer: the things we are grateful for or the complaints. Writing it down forces a person to reckon with all sides of an event or feeling and when the list is viewed, it becomes very easy to keep track of which side is winning.
Just this morning I wrote in my journal about the feeling of gratitude I experienced yesterday while sitting in the dentist's chair with two sets of hands and all manner of instruments in my poor numb mouth. A broken tooth, a next-day appointment with a very good dentist, a credit card to temporarily hold the charges, and a nap with a kitty when I returned home. Thank you for your weekly newsletter, Betsy and the Spark you add to my week.
I so happy for you, Judy! Every time I feel resistance and fear of going to the dentist, I have to stop and remind myself how great it is to even be able to go and to have my teeth. Nothing is worse than being forced to have a painful, broken tooth for a protracted period and here you are, all set for Thanksgiving eating!
I think that, for this self-avowed word nerd, the fact that the phrase "Attitude of Gratitude" rhymes helps me to keep a thankful heart ever-present. It's a framework, a lens for looking at life.
It also helps to have been raised in a loving home where the grace of God was firmament. Further, to have never lost this belief as an adult. An 'attitude of gratitude' is my default mode. It's a blessing, and a basis for a good life.
Happy Thanksgiving, Betsy!
Yes, a big part of gratitude is attitude. I'm glad that you've had this framework through which to consider your life. Happy Thanksgiving to you, PJ!
I'm so grateful for the wonderful authors in my life, not just Ms Marro, for her incredible book and the great newsletter each week, but the others who inspire me with their words daily, as well as the books I devour endlessly. And last but not least, since I'm an editor, my clients are all authors, too. Thank you all!
This author thanks you, Jennifer! And I'm sure all those whose books you've helped birth will always be grateful they found you.
I'm pretty sure I could make a complaint list longer than any of my gratitude lists. LOL. But I continue on with my three a day gratitudes and I do feel better.