Thursday, May 23, 2013

Focus On Gratitude

by Judy



"As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world." 
-Adabella Radici-

At the beginning of January I wrote a post entitled My Grateful Jar.  One of my New Year's resolutions was to write something down each day that I was grateful for, and place it in what I called my "grateful jar."  I wanted to become more aware of all of the good and happy and miraculous things in my life, and I thought that writing my gratitude down would make me more aware of all of my blessings. Five months later, my grateful jar runneth over.

I felt I was very thankful for things before I began this resolution, but after writing something down each day since January 1st, carefully folding it up and placing it in the jar, I feel different somehow.  I feel that this project of mine has really changed me. I have a significantly more positive outlook each day - even when things aren't going well.  I am able to see something every day that fills me with gratitude.

 I don't have to ponder what I'm going to write down for the day.  Things now come rushing to me, big and small, as I go through each day. Whether I awake to the sunshine streaming in my windows, or to the sound of much needed rain drops falling, I am simply grateful for the day. 

I hope that you take the time today to look around you and to really see all of the little miracles that are your life. 

 "The more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you."

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Two of our Focusing on Life sisters live in Oklahoma - Leigh and Kelly.  We are thankful that both of them, and their loved ones, are safe.  Let's keep all of those who were affected by the tornado in our thoughts and prayers as they work to recover.

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15 comments:

Carol said...

Beautiful Judy. Yes, you can read that two ways-beautiful, Judy, meaning what a beautiful approach. And Beautiful Judy-meaning you are beautiful! Both are correct!
And we are grateful to have you here . And prayers are strong for our sisters and everyone's sisters in Oklahoma
Be aware of the gifts in your life

AFishGirl said...

Hooray to the practice of gratitude and lovely shot. Great start to the morning.

Nicki said...

What a wonderful idea - fabulous photo to accompany your post as well.

Dotti said...

This is a message I needed to hear today, Judy, as I've been struggling the past few days ... forgetting to stop and count my "gratefuls" ... or as my dad used to call them my blessings. One of those blessing is all my sisters and friends here at FOL.

xo to all of you.

CarolHart said...

This is a wonderful post Judy. I can imagine how just the sight of that full jar must bring a smile to your face. I know it does mine. Thank you for this timeless and timely reminder to be grateful for all we have and all that we are. BTW, nice image!

Corinna said...

Such a great message and so true. Sometimes we forget about that in our daily hectic life. Focusing on gratitude each day...thank you!

kelly said...

i do so truly believe that the more we are grateful for, the more we receive. and i am so happy to hear how your jar runneth over.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

A wonderful post and I love the idea of a grateful jar....

terriporter said...

When I was a little girl, my mom used to sing a song to me that went "When I'm worried and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep and I fall asleep counting my blessings" and I've always tried to remember that. Being grateful for what we have makes us so much happier than dwelling on our problems. Thank you, Judy, for this wonderful Focus on Gratitude!

Cathy H. said...

Beautiful picture to go along with your reminder to be grateful everyday. I'll be turning 60 in a couple of weeks and have been looking for a few projects to celebrate the year. A grateful jar sounds perfect!!

stamper2 said...

A wonderful post. Oh how we all need to be more grateful for even the small things in our lives.
Your image just illuminates! Beautiful!!

cheryl Crotty said...

I love the idea of a grateful jar...or a happy jar...I think I need to so this again...did it many years ago and it creates great awareness.
Beautiful blog post

Deanna said...

I had every intention of doing this, but unfortunately failed...in fact I was going to give my whole family a jar for Christmas and then next year have a grateful day...but again, didn't follow thru. But I am so happy to see that you are doing this on a daily basis...makes everything we are grateful for right in front, written down, remembered. Great post, Judy!!

Kim Stevens said...

Oh yes, and as I said in one of my posts....as my gratitude grows so does my joy! Even though things have been really tough at our house, there is always something to be grateful for, and it's usually the small things that feel the biggest.

Jeanne said...

Awesome you have kept this up. Have your ever read SIMPLE ABUNDANCE by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It was a live changing book for me! Hugs from Texas

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