by Judy
I've noticed that when I allow myself to quiet my mind, I don't focus on my "to do list", or that shiny new camera/car/ or latest gadget that I want.
Instead, with a quiet mind, I naturally focus on the more important things in life, which makes me realize how really wonderful my life is. With each breath, my heart fills with gratitude.
When I'm quiet, I think of how grateful I am for...
my loving husband, always supportive, and my two sons who fill my heart to over-flowing each day...
my job, and the opportunities it brings me...
my friends, who encourage and inspire me....
how privileged I am to be healthy and strong....
new days with fresh starts, because God knows there are many days I need a fresh start...
my love of reading, which expands my world and allows my mind to grow...
this country that I live in, where anything is possible...
my strong empathy toward others, which enables me to be a kinder and gentler person...
my childhood memories....
and the fact that those things that 'didn't kill me" really did make me stronger.
and then, of course, all of the "little things" that just make life so darn good, like...
the smell of fresh brewed coffee, the way the light shines in my bedroom in the morning, my dog greeting me at the door with a wagging tail, flannel sheets in the winter, iced tea in the summer, and a phone call or text from a friend, just when I needed it the most.
Put down your cell phone. Turn off the T.V. Just sit with yourself for awhile. Quiet your mind, and the gratitude will flow...
Instead, with a quiet mind, I naturally focus on the more important things in life, which makes me realize how really wonderful my life is. With each breath, my heart fills with gratitude.
When I'm quiet, I think of how grateful I am for...
my loving husband, always supportive, and my two sons who fill my heart to over-flowing each day...
my job, and the opportunities it brings me...
my friends, who encourage and inspire me....
how privileged I am to be healthy and strong....
new days with fresh starts, because God knows there are many days I need a fresh start...
my love of reading, which expands my world and allows my mind to grow...
this country that I live in, where anything is possible...
my strong empathy toward others, which enables me to be a kinder and gentler person...
my childhood memories....
and the fact that those things that 'didn't kill me" really did make me stronger.
and then, of course, all of the "little things" that just make life so darn good, like...
the smell of fresh brewed coffee, the way the light shines in my bedroom in the morning, my dog greeting me at the door with a wagging tail, flannel sheets in the winter, iced tea in the summer, and a phone call or text from a friend, just when I needed it the most.
Put down your cell phone. Turn off the T.V. Just sit with yourself for awhile. Quiet your mind, and the gratitude will flow...
10 comments:
Such a beautiful post, so much gratitude and peace. And the photo ... the peace shimmers, so stunning. Yes, unplugging every now and then, being quiet can work wonders for us in so many ways.
I love that shimmering water! You are so right, we can focus on what really matters when we quiet our mind and all the outside noise. Something we all should do and frequently. Great post!
Wonderful post, wonderful image!
Beautiful image.
Being quiet, is one of the things I love about gardening. Taking breaks...more, as I get older...and just listening to the sounds of nature. It lets the mind rest.
Yes, those lists of gratitudes is something I should practice everyday, thank you for the blessing of knowing you, Judy. I am grateful for you and the love and kindness you bring to this group!!
Finally getting here after a morning of craziness and, man, did I ever need this post! So many of the things you listed are things I am grateful for as well. Today I will find my own quiet in the chaos and let the gratitude in. Thanks so much for the encouragement to do that.
What a beautiful message!
This is so good Judy! It's so hard for some people to let go and do this. For me it is one of the most valuable things I do. I don't formally meditate, I can't always stop in the mist of life and chant, but every night as I fall asleep, and every morning as I wake up, and every chance I get to sit on my porch - well - I just take that chance. And it always pays off.
oh my goodness judy this is such good advice and was totally meant for me! thank you for the reminder today. xo
Your shimmering blue and gold image is one of the loveliest water images I've seen in a while -- it really speaks to me. And so does the rest of your post. I couldn't agree more.
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