Hi there!

I just had a casual, lingering breakfast with a dear friend today, and I came away so refreshed. She has helped me so much on my writing journey—and yet she’s oblivious to that truth—making it seem like I am the one who’s given so much to her. She gushes with gratitude for the few things I’ve done for her. She is an encourager, for sure! And as I drove home, thinking  about our conversation, my heart loaded up on gratitude. My cup is full right now.

In my writing and working on the illustrations for Hildie’s Hat Party, I am often alone—in my little home office/studio—just me and my mini schnauzer, Sherlock. And sometimes I ‘feel’ alone and lonely. But when I am tempted to feel sorry for my state, I am reminded of friends who have helped me along my artistic and writing journey. Those who have read my manuscripts multiple times; others who have shed light on a difficult problem I’m trying to write about; or the one who cheers me on from the sidelines, asking again when my book will be published so they can buy it for gifts to their other friends.  Sometimes they’ll call or text when I need it most, buoying my spirit. When this happens I feel my heart fill with gratitude.

More People with Grateful Hearts Are Needed in Our Dark World Today.

One short article I read on this topic reminded me that gratitude is a heartfelt emotion that is not dependent upon the response of another person, or upon my circumstances, or upon that which I receive or don’t receive.  Ingratitude begins with a heart that refuses to be satisfied, seeing what is missing rather than what is already there.  Ouch! I have slipped into that latter place, haven’t you?

Today as I pondered this subject, I jotted five statements in my journal to remind me of what it means to be a grateful person with a thankful heart in this highly competitive writing and art world. I hope some of these thoughts will resonate with you, too–helping you to refill your cup with gratitude, too.

  1. A grateful person is humble and focused on others (not only on the social media trends, political issues at hand, or on my own set of circumstances).

Question? How interested am I in others and their creative works?

  1. A grateful person doesn’t take for granted the small and ordinary daily blessings. Instead she sees them as gifts given (sometimes for a short period, other times for longer).

Question: How good am I at passing on blessings to others—the things I have learned from my journey? I visualize this as adding links to an endless chain of goodness, a kindness that goes on and on multiplying in this crazy up-side-down world. (Kind of like ‘pay it forward’.)

  1. A grateful person looks for good around them, being observant, careful not to overlook the hidden, subtle signs of goodness all around them.

Question: Am I looking for good or am I a magnet for negativity?

  1. A grateful person chooses acts of kindness over other less edifying (or even harmful) choices.

Question: How am I doing at choosing kindness? What have I done today?

  1. A grateful person acknowledges their gratitude to others.

Question: To whom should I send a  ‘Thank You’ note  today? Who should I praise this week (on social media or in person)?

I think we would all agree that our world needs more people who possess grateful hearts. Kindness and appreciation, like a sweet-smelling flowers need to be watered in order to bloom, flourish and multiply. We need more people, and their faithful works, to shine like stars in the universe—making it a better place. I want to be one of them. However, this is just dreaming for some. It is impossible to do with an ungrateful attitude and complaining mouth.

Let’s up our “Gratitude Quotient” today!  

My word for 2020 is Begin. Today I commit to start each day with a cupful of gratitude!

Will you join me? I think it will do us good!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Tapping out a blog piece.