Now here’s one for you! Yesterday my morning started out a little wrong. Well, not exactly wrong, but with a little frustration — which I expressed here.
Anyway, I did make it to Old Lady Day at the Bi-Lo. And, yes! I did enjoy the wonderful items on sale, especially since I got that extra 5% off because of my age. Oh, YES! There are great things that occur when you become a “senior citizen.” That leaves me to wonder what the next step is — I mean, being a “senior citizen” has to be followed by something and I’m hoping it isn’t necessarily the big transition. I wouldn’t mind graduating from “senior citizen” to “post-senior citizen.” Or, maybe I’ll just be awarded an honorary Ph.D. in geriatrics. GEEZ! I’m not sure I want to go there yet.
Well, happy with my groceries I came home, put away the goodies and sat down at the computer to tell the story of yesterday morning. I finished up and began to browse the email. Ah, ha! There was a rather lengthy email from Daniel Brenton of The Gratitude Watch. I decided to get a glass of fresh lemonade before reading it.
I have to admit that as I began reading my mind was wandering back to the morning visitor. I was having one of those days when I just couldn’t let go. I was focused on what, at best, was a nagging at me like a splinter in a finger. As I read the email I found myself becoming totally intrigued by the content. Daniel is one of the good people in the world. He cares. I read the email twice before beginning a response. I needed to let it sink in. Of course, anyone who dares ask my opinion on anything leaves himself open. (Teasing you, Daniel.)
But, the point is this. After the morning I had, what with the woman trying to rationalize her inaction when her neighbor needed action, it was so very refreshing to get such a positive email from someone — Daniel — who is interested in how he can spread the feeling of gratitude to others.
Of course, I believe that once we begin to celebrate our feelings of gratitude — when we take the time to look for the good things in life — more gratitude finds its way into our hearts. Most of the readers know that I firmly believe that gratitude comes from within and it comes from our own actions, not from the actions of others. When I’m feeling a little out of sorts, I try to deliberately do something for someone, something that will benefit them. Knowing that I may have eased another life, if only for a while, is enough to bring the feelings of gratitude to me. Sometimes, I am so thankful that I can do something for someone when they need it most. Giving is the beginning of gratitude.
My friend Daniel is filled with gratitude — and let me just say that he does not live in a perfect world, either. He has his challenges. But, really! Aren’t the challenges the things that makes life? And, conquering those challenges are the seeds of gratitude.
With gratitude comes peace — maybe not world peace quite yet — but that wonderful inner peace. Just think about that. What if everyone in the world could share a bit of gratitude and peace with just two people — just two! We all know that there are only 6 degrees of separation (according to a recent study, I think it is actually 6.4 degrees of separation) among all of us.
Now isn’t that something to think about? I think sharing gratitude must be something like compound interest. (Of course, that may not be the best example these days.) But, it seems that you start with something small — a single act of kindness — and if everyone passed it on — well, the world would be a different place.
If you haven’t seen Daniel’s site, be sure to visit it. Click on the Recent comments or the link above. What an interesting outlook on how to share kindness, peace and how to feel gratitude.
To Daniel —- Thank you for sending such a thoughtful email. I really needed it after my morning. And, I do hope my response was helpful.
And, if anyone else feels like sharing thoughts or feelings, login and leave a comment or send a personal email to Maya@onlinegratitudejournal.com
