But our challenges are what bring the chance for transformations.
And it is during our deepest pain that we can be most grateful,
because we know our hardship will deliver a lesson that refines our character."
~Excerpt from Oprah "O" Magazine~

As you practice gratitude this month,
remember to give thanks not only for what you have,
but what you have escaped.
Many of our blessings we take for granted,
and do not think much of "What we have escaped."
But it does bring forth a multitude of images
in my mind how much more richer my life is...
by contemplating this.

Another thought is when difficulties come about
try thinking "What is the lesson for me in this?".
For instance...
Today as you practice Gratitude appreciate your senses:

What beautiful sight caught your eye?
What favorite food did you smell or taste?
What hunch proved right?

Another way to realize your gratitude
is when you wake up...
offer this prayer:

"Thank you for the gift of this day."
Or you might, before going to bed,
write down five reasons that the day was wonderful...
There are so many little ways to realize our blessings
*smile

"Gratitude has a cleansing effect on the soul,
healing us from the inside out.
To say thank you is an act of spiritual power.
The very act of saying a sincere thank you
hones our personality,
making us humbler,
gentler,more loving people.
When something good happens and we give thanks to it,
recognizing it as a blessing,
then its positive effect expands within us."

"Very often I say,Thank you,God!",
when a gift in my life is packed in silk and satin
and wrapped beautifully in ribbons and bows.
But just as often,
I say thank you when the gift has been wrapped in heartache.
Thank you, because I know there's a gift here,
even if I cannot yet see it."

"I have seen that after every devastating loss,
there comes at last-
because of what I learn-
a stunning win of some kind.
And when that win arrives,
it is more than wrapped in ribbons and bows:

It is accompanied by shooting stars.
And then I do not shout,
"Thank you,God,"
I whisper it.
My gratitude reverberates softly through my entire being.
I know I have touched a nerve,
not only in me but in the universe itself,
and I feel in those moments
that life is grateful to me as well.
Gratitude lies at the heart of the universe,
and I want it at the heart of me."

*BACK TO HOLIDAY INDEX*

**BACK TO MAIN INDEX**

I Am A Proud Member Of:

Phenomenal Women Of The Web

Thank you Dorsey for my award!

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws