gratitude – Page 2 – Every Day Simple

The Value of Family

June 20, 2008 No Comments

I daresay that none of us would put a monetary value on our family. The truth is that our family is invaluable, but how often do we take them for granted? Not only do I mean our immediate family but also our extended family. When was the last time you gave thanks for each person and truly thought about all you have to be grateful for?

On this, my 100th post, I simply want to encourage you to think about who you consider family, think about your role in the family and give thanks for everyone in your family.

And to my own family, my husband and children, parents, brother, brothers- and sister-in-law, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, old friends and new friends, thank you for all that you bring to my life.

Life Lessons

Mindful Moments

May 23, 2008 No Comments

Some days you just have to bask in life, in the little things, and truly give thanks for where you are right now.

A good dream, a quiet yet productive day, content and healthy kids . . . what more should I ask for?

We have to say thanks for our blessings. We have to send a surge of heart-felt energy for those who are suffering, whether they be on the other side of the world or right next door. We have to send our positive energy out there so that it’s there for us, too, when we need it most.

It only takes a moment, a pause, and it does a world of good for yourself and others.

* * *

As I realize that I’ve had this blog up and going for about four months now, I figure I can ask those of you who are regulars what you prefer best. Answer for me, if you would be so kind, the following questions by posting a quick comment. I’d love to see something other than spam!

What do you like most or would like to read more of?

Anything you can do without?

Constructive criticism in general? (I promise I can take it.)

I sincerely appreciate your feedback. I’m hoping this summer to do a personal design for the site, though I am fond of the gently rolling hills. 🙂 If you have thoughts, I’d love to hear them. Don’t be offended if I don’t use them, though.

Blessings to you and yours, and have a beautiful weekend.

Life Lessons

Makin’ Memories

April 16, 2008 No Comments

Remember me sharing that we went for a hike a couple of weeks ago, stopping by the pottery shop afterwards? It rained on that hike, especially hard when we actually got to the waterfall. My kids are still residually snotty from their colds, but I wouldn’t trade that day with family and friends for anything.

This morning I made one of our not-too-frequent stops by our local bread shop, taking the younger two with me to pick up a breakfast sandwich, chocolate muffin, raspberry scone (the raspberries make it healthy, right?), and bread, of course. My four-year-old loves “the stone place” (it’s called Stonemill Bread), and I love the feeling of supporting our local business, sharing the morning with my little kids and eating some great food.

Both of these experiences remind me that I’m making memories each moment of my life. Even as I’m here typing (after taking a break for nursing someone that needed a moment of attentive loving and then having a quick IM chat with my mom), I know I’m making a choice to nurture myself by writing and sharing with you.

The main point is that everything we do is significant, from helping the stranded guy at the post office by offering a jump since you have the cables (which happened last night) to taking the kids to school every weekday. In every moment we have the opportunity to affirm life and love, to share in our abundance.

Do you have a gratitude journal? Have you considered how blessed you are to have this day to make new memories? The best way to assure you’ll continue to have abundance is to give thanks for all that you have. So, give thanks and then make some new memories.