WELCOME To All Things Gratitude

The philosopher, Epictetus said, "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."  Wouldn't it be great to reach a place in our lives where our heart is so filled with wonder and appreciation for the gifts that grace our days that we feel no need for more STUFF?  Probably not an easy achievement in our materialistic world, but I think it is attainable.

Any time of year is a great time to begin deepening and strengthening our gratitude but this is summer, the season of sunlight and heat.   What better time for getting fired up about being more grateful?

Feeling and expressing gratitude strengthens relationships, improves health, increases energy and helps us have a more positive outlook.

According to research gathered from the Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness, a study conducted by Professor Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis and Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, people who approach life with gratitude experience all these improvements, PLUS a greater ability to deal with tragedy and crisis.   Who wouldn’t want to benefit from these amazing results?

So, what do you say, GOT GRATITUDE?  Let's go get some!!

If you'd like some ideas for how to do that, please link in to this blog a few times each week.  I'll be posting stories, quotations, and even some scientific research that will help you to understand WHY gratitude is so important, and HOW it can change your life and and improve your health.  Hopefully, you'll be as inspired as I have been to regularly see life through the eyes of thanksgiving.

TODAY'S AWESOME BLESSING: 
Because of the progression of my husband's Parkinson's disease, we went to the DMV to get a handicapped placard for the car.  We only had to wait about a minute before our number was called.  The young woman who assisted us was very pleasant and our needs were quickly met.  WAY TO GO DMV.  Thanks so much!