Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution. - Kahlil Gibran
If your strength manifests through being unkind, through being harsh and unwelcoming, through defending your vulnerability with walls of insults and offenses, then you, my friend, are not strong at all. You are a weak victim, shackled on a chain of cruelty that has hijacked your better nature; the best version of you that you can be. You are the quivering shadow behind a stone that hides from the sun as the rest of the world is baked in glowing warmth.
You will not know your true strength until you step into the light and stand against the darkness that once comprised the defense of your being. Only then will you see how weak you once were.
Grateful Brand was created to serve as a reminder of the importance of being grateful, expressing this gratitude through positive messaging and acts of kindness.
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Incredible Wisdom from Maria Shriver
Recently, Maria Shriver gave the commencement speech at the Annenberg School of Communication's graduation ceremony where her own daughter was among the graduating class. In her twenty minute speech, the graduates as well as the world were given a glimpse of this magnificent woman and what has made her who she is.
In a world where "the state of communication is out of control", she asked that in the wake of the big question, "What are you going to do?" that the graduates take time to pause.
"The pause allows you to take a break, allows you to take a beat, it allows you to be in the moment."
With those moments of pause, she encouraged that the graduates make an effort to "change from criticism and fault finding to understanding and compassion, from nay say and name calling to acceptance and appreciation, from dissembling and dishonesty to openness and explanation, from screaming to speaking."
"Today I pray that you will be able to pause and spend time and give thanks for all who made this journey possible. I hope you will express gratitude to everyone who helped get you here. I hope that you will be grateful for all the love you have in your life and all the love that you have ever had in your life."
"I stand here as a deeply grateful woman, grateful for the life that I have lived and the life that has brought me here; grateful for all the experiences that I have had that have made me the communicator that I am today."
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Bound Thought
Imagine your life as a bundle of news papers. News papers themselves are simply a source of information printed on a page, but for the purpose of being imaginative, your life is a bundle of news papers, tied together by a piece of twine.
Those news papers represent your thoughts, ideas, dreams, goals, pretty much all the information that you, as a vessel of information, contain. The twine represents the limitations placed on that information. Most of us would like to believe that our stack of news papers is far larger than the average mans, but boundaries of thought are literally ingrained in our societies and cultures which serve to limit the expansion of information we give consideration to.
Religions, laws and governments, and even our educations tell us, "this is the way it is," and most of us do not ask why, we just accept that information as the way of truth that need not be deviated from. We trust the sources and thus invite facets of society to bind our thoughts and our opinions, which often results in people becoming fearful and even hateful of that information which falls outside of those teachings.
A friend recently said, "Life and love have no boundaries and therefore cannot be contained by a concept created by or from bound thought." Interestingly enough, human beings do a fantastic job of binding the ways in which people think about life and love, possibly more than anything else. But there is a severe drawback to allowing the scope of information you consume--your knowledge--to be commandeered by external influences.
Among many things, bound thought limits us from ever realizing all that we potentially have to be grateful for. When our thought process begins to explore uncharted territory, we either tighten the strings that hold our limited stack of information together or we loosen them, expressing a willingness to add more to the stack even if that information falls outside of what is considered an acceptable truth.
The world has so much to offer. We can either live in the world or live within our thoughts.
Those news papers represent your thoughts, ideas, dreams, goals, pretty much all the information that you, as a vessel of information, contain. The twine represents the limitations placed on that information. Most of us would like to believe that our stack of news papers is far larger than the average mans, but boundaries of thought are literally ingrained in our societies and cultures which serve to limit the expansion of information we give consideration to.
Religions, laws and governments, and even our educations tell us, "this is the way it is," and most of us do not ask why, we just accept that information as the way of truth that need not be deviated from. We trust the sources and thus invite facets of society to bind our thoughts and our opinions, which often results in people becoming fearful and even hateful of that information which falls outside of those teachings.
A friend recently said, "Life and love have no boundaries and therefore cannot be contained by a concept created by or from bound thought." Interestingly enough, human beings do a fantastic job of binding the ways in which people think about life and love, possibly more than anything else. But there is a severe drawback to allowing the scope of information you consume--your knowledge--to be commandeered by external influences.
Among many things, bound thought limits us from ever realizing all that we potentially have to be grateful for. When our thought process begins to explore uncharted territory, we either tighten the strings that hold our limited stack of information together or we loosen them, expressing a willingness to add more to the stack even if that information falls outside of what is considered an acceptable truth.
The world has so much to offer. We can either live in the world or live within our thoughts.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
When Nothing Goes Your Way
We have all been there. With your back against the wall, you feel helpless as the life you have built for yourself is reduced to rubble at your feet. Plans, dreams and goals are but scrap. The only thing you can do is breath and ponder what tomorrow holds in store.
In these moments, we become victims of our circumstances; the things that are out of our immediate control. But what if we were missing a sign?
As mentioned many times before, change is the one thing we can absolutely count on as being inevitable. But when we resist change or fail to recognize a need for change, we set ourselves up for being blindsided by it, which results in moments of collapse when nothing goes as expected or as we had hoped for.
The fact is, sometimes, life needs to get your attention. When we invest so much of ourselves and our resources into things and situations that do not serve to benefit our lives in a healthy, constructive way, life will eventually find a way to intervene if you are incapable of seeing error in your ways. Life will halt you in your tracks and force you to assess who you are, your behavior, your decisions, etc. and demand that you be accountable to yourself.
Most people would think that being grateful for having nothing go your way is out of the question, but this is not what any logical person would expect you to be grateful for. Overcoming the collapse is what you stand to be grateful for.
You become grateful for the STOP sign and then for the DETOUR that forces you to change directions. You become grateful for the road that you ultimately find yourself on that you would have never discovered had you not experienced a time when nothing went your way.
In these moments, we become victims of our circumstances; the things that are out of our immediate control. But what if we were missing a sign?
As mentioned many times before, change is the one thing we can absolutely count on as being inevitable. But when we resist change or fail to recognize a need for change, we set ourselves up for being blindsided by it, which results in moments of collapse when nothing goes as expected or as we had hoped for.
The fact is, sometimes, life needs to get your attention. When we invest so much of ourselves and our resources into things and situations that do not serve to benefit our lives in a healthy, constructive way, life will eventually find a way to intervene if you are incapable of seeing error in your ways. Life will halt you in your tracks and force you to assess who you are, your behavior, your decisions, etc. and demand that you be accountable to yourself.
Most people would think that being grateful for having nothing go your way is out of the question, but this is not what any logical person would expect you to be grateful for. Overcoming the collapse is what you stand to be grateful for.
You become grateful for the STOP sign and then for the DETOUR that forces you to change directions. You become grateful for the road that you ultimately find yourself on that you would have never discovered had you not experienced a time when nothing went your way.
Monday, May 7, 2012
A Clip of Incredible Inspiration
When help is scarce, the will to persevere will see that your needs are met and that your will is not tested in vain.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
A Story For Perspective
A young family attended their local church one Sunday as they have done most Sundays, but this particular Sunday was different. An announcement was made that some members of the community were in desperate need of help as times in their small town had become excruciatingly difficult for many.
The pastor announced that a collection jar would be established specifically for these people and that the jar would be presented to the recipients at the end of the month. This would give the modest congregation of about 100 members ample time to rally aid for those who were struggling most.
After the service, the young family went home and discussed what they could do to help those who were less fortunate than them. Feeling so grateful for all they had, it was only natural that they help others in need.
So, the family decided to collect bottles and cans every day for a whole month and on the last Saturday of the month, they would take the money gained from their recycling efforts and donate it to the community aid jar.
The bottles and cans began piling up and soon there were trash bags full of glass and plastic, ready to be recycled. The Saturday before the last Sunday of the month, the young family made 4 trips to their local recycling center and their efforts resulted in $51.00. They took the money directly to their church and placed the donation in the jar.
The next day the young family attended their church as usual and the pastor announced that $117.75 had been collected for the community aid jar and that he would be personally delivering the donations to members of the community that evening.
After church, the young family returned home and were so grateful to know that their efforts alone resulted in almost half of what was collected in the community jar, but they felt even better about knowing that those funds would be going toward helping people who really needed a helping hand during trying times.
Later that evening a knock on their door surprised the family as they sat around their kitchen table to eat dinner. It was their pastor, holding the community aid jar.
The pastor announced that a collection jar would be established specifically for these people and that the jar would be presented to the recipients at the end of the month. This would give the modest congregation of about 100 members ample time to rally aid for those who were struggling most.
After the service, the young family went home and discussed what they could do to help those who were less fortunate than them. Feeling so grateful for all they had, it was only natural that they help others in need.
So, the family decided to collect bottles and cans every day for a whole month and on the last Saturday of the month, they would take the money gained from their recycling efforts and donate it to the community aid jar.
The bottles and cans began piling up and soon there were trash bags full of glass and plastic, ready to be recycled. The Saturday before the last Sunday of the month, the young family made 4 trips to their local recycling center and their efforts resulted in $51.00. They took the money directly to their church and placed the donation in the jar.
The next day the young family attended their church as usual and the pastor announced that $117.75 had been collected for the community aid jar and that he would be personally delivering the donations to members of the community that evening.
After church, the young family returned home and were so grateful to know that their efforts alone resulted in almost half of what was collected in the community jar, but they felt even better about knowing that those funds would be going toward helping people who really needed a helping hand during trying times.
Later that evening a knock on their door surprised the family as they sat around their kitchen table to eat dinner. It was their pastor, holding the community aid jar.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The Gift of Being Challenged
Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don't fight them. Just find a different way to stand.
- Oprah Winfrey
Today, I was challenged.
Technologically, I was challenged. My creativity was challenged. My common sense was challenged. My intellect was challenged. My ego was challenged. My morale was challenged. My patience was challenged. My temper was challenged. My courage was challenged. My strength was challenged.
In spite of all these challenges condensed into one short day, I am grateful for every single challenge that I have ever faced and those that have yet to present themselves, for it is through these challenges that I grow and become a better version of me.
When counting your gifts, your blessings and all that you are grateful for, you would be wise to include that which has challenged you, for without challenges, you stand to be among the simplest of beings to be classified as human.
- Oprah Winfrey
Today, I was challenged.
Technologically, I was challenged. My creativity was challenged. My common sense was challenged. My intellect was challenged. My ego was challenged. My morale was challenged. My patience was challenged. My temper was challenged. My courage was challenged. My strength was challenged.
In spite of all these challenges condensed into one short day, I am grateful for every single challenge that I have ever faced and those that have yet to present themselves, for it is through these challenges that I grow and become a better version of me.
When counting your gifts, your blessings and all that you are grateful for, you would be wise to include that which has challenged you, for without challenges, you stand to be among the simplest of beings to be classified as human.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
The Opportunity To Do More
There is a saying . . .
"There are no traffic jams when you go the extra mile."
While I do not know who coined this saying, it is remarkably true when applied to most aspects of our lives. When we extend ourselves beyond expectation, we are transcending simply doing the correct or just thing by making a figurative statement that you are willing and able to do more than what is necessary.
Be it at your job, within your relationships, school, being charitable or in your home, when life presents us with the opportunity to do more, most people decline, opting for meeting expectations or rather doing just enough to get by. The idea of doing more is often too much, requiring too much energy and too much time. But what if we considered the idea of doing more as an opportunity that has been granted, perhaps even gifted to us? Again, there are no traffic jams when you go the extra mile. Sure, there may be more effort demanded of you initially, but the end result will undoubtedly be better than you could have ever imagined doing only what was expected.
Life does not demand that we go above and beyond in all that we do, but when we do, the reward is great. When we succumb to just getting by, life has a way of perpetuating your status of just getting by. So, consider doing more and be grateful for the opportunity and ability. You may not see the reward today, but your future will be grateful you did.
"There are no traffic jams when you go the extra mile."
While I do not know who coined this saying, it is remarkably true when applied to most aspects of our lives. When we extend ourselves beyond expectation, we are transcending simply doing the correct or just thing by making a figurative statement that you are willing and able to do more than what is necessary.
Be it at your job, within your relationships, school, being charitable or in your home, when life presents us with the opportunity to do more, most people decline, opting for meeting expectations or rather doing just enough to get by. The idea of doing more is often too much, requiring too much energy and too much time. But what if we considered the idea of doing more as an opportunity that has been granted, perhaps even gifted to us? Again, there are no traffic jams when you go the extra mile. Sure, there may be more effort demanded of you initially, but the end result will undoubtedly be better than you could have ever imagined doing only what was expected.
Life does not demand that we go above and beyond in all that we do, but when we do, the reward is great. When we succumb to just getting by, life has a way of perpetuating your status of just getting by. So, consider doing more and be grateful for the opportunity and ability. You may not see the reward today, but your future will be grateful you did.
Friday, April 27, 2012
A Reality Check: Being Grateful For Space
Oprah Winfrey is one of the wealthiest women in the world, but she attributes much of her success to being aware of the world at large, being charitable and expressing gratitude. On a recent trip to India, the media mogul visits a family of five--a husband, wife and their three daughters--who live in what are considered the slums of the heavily populated city in which they live. Amazingly, their home, accommodating five people, is no bigger than a typical American, walk-in closet.
Pictured above is a screenshot of the family welcoming Oprah into their home. This room comprises their entire life. During the interview the father mentions that he has been living there his entire life; some 33 years. Notice, there is no private bathroom, not even a sink with running water.
Having little space to film, the cameramen are forced to squeeze into the doorway to film the discussion between Oprah and this family. She asked one of the daughters if she was happy and without hesitation she smiled and said, "Yes!" Oprah then asked the father what his dream was for his family and he was unable to maintain his composure. Surely, he is grateful for what he has, but he longs for a better life, if not for himself, then certainly for his daughters.
This is the face of gratitude. This family is one of millions around the world who are forced to make the most of so little. In the midst of such circumstances, this child is a beacon of light and inspiration, brighter than any self serving, entitled youth of America. We are so fortunate, yet it takes seeing the world for us to really appreciate how fortunate we are within our home borders, within our own space.
Special thanks to Huffington Post
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Gratitude Heals: Inspiration from Joan Buchman, Fibromyalgia patient
The following passage is taken from an article written by Joan Buchman who has been coping with Fibromyalgia, a condition that is characterized by excruciating pain in your muscles and pressure points on the body.
Her words are truly inspiring and a sincere testament to the power of Gratitude.
Learning the Power of Gratitude
Janette taught me to treasure what I have right now. Gratitude means appreciating what you have and making the most from that. So I began to express in my journal appreciation for people in my life and my life as it was. That led to feelings of gratitude for the lessons I had been learning about myself because of my illness. I had learned that moving as fast as I could, doing as much as possible, was not making me happy. I was not taking any time to nurture my physical, mental or emotional needs. I believe that my body was shouting at me to slow down and savor life.
I think I would have learned about gratitude on my own by writing the Gratitude Journal for that entire year. But Janette, as a shining example of experiencing gratitude during a crisis, gave me a crash course in finding gratitude in my life. From Janette's model of living her last days with grace and appreciation of everything she had right then, I learned that I can live a happy and peaceful life with my chronic illness.
In fact, I would even say I am grateful for FMS, for without it, I would not have been forced to take a close look at how I was living. My life today is not the life I had imagined, but, looking back, I realize that I was not on a track for happiness and peace. Because of FMS, I have had the opportunity to find out what is really important for me to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Gratitude is not about "looking at the bright side" or denying the realities of life. Gratitude goes much deeper than that. It's about learning from a situation, taking the good to help deal with other challenges in the future. It's about finding out that you have more power over your life than you previously imagined. You can stop being a victim of your circumstances and reach out to the joy in living. If you open your heart to the good in your life, gratitude becomes as much a part of your life as breathing.
So I continue to write in my Gratitude Journal. Only now, I do it in my head, every minute of every day. I do not limit myself to five lines.
The gift I gave myself that Christmas of the Gratitude Journal changed my life. After struggling with FMS for years, searching for answers and cures, I was finally able to reach a level of acceptance that has dramatically improved my quality of life. I am better at pacing my activities, listening to my body and have more patience with myself and others. I have found joy at every turn, from appreciating the beauty of nature to improved relationships with family and friends.
I still have muscle pain and fatigue. Those symptom levels remain fairly constant. But that journal opened the door to unconditional happiness with the hand I was dealt. I can look beyond the pain and fatigue and look forward to each day and the joy it will bring. And it all started with a book I saw at a bookstore amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping.
The full article can be found at this link. I highly recommend it.
The Healing Power of Gratitude
Her words are truly inspiring and a sincere testament to the power of Gratitude.
Learning the Power of Gratitude
Janette taught me to treasure what I have right now. Gratitude means appreciating what you have and making the most from that. So I began to express in my journal appreciation for people in my life and my life as it was. That led to feelings of gratitude for the lessons I had been learning about myself because of my illness. I had learned that moving as fast as I could, doing as much as possible, was not making me happy. I was not taking any time to nurture my physical, mental or emotional needs. I believe that my body was shouting at me to slow down and savor life.
I think I would have learned about gratitude on my own by writing the Gratitude Journal for that entire year. But Janette, as a shining example of experiencing gratitude during a crisis, gave me a crash course in finding gratitude in my life. From Janette's model of living her last days with grace and appreciation of everything she had right then, I learned that I can live a happy and peaceful life with my chronic illness.
In fact, I would even say I am grateful for FMS, for without it, I would not have been forced to take a close look at how I was living. My life today is not the life I had imagined, but, looking back, I realize that I was not on a track for happiness and peace. Because of FMS, I have had the opportunity to find out what is really important for me to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Gratitude is not about "looking at the bright side" or denying the realities of life. Gratitude goes much deeper than that. It's about learning from a situation, taking the good to help deal with other challenges in the future. It's about finding out that you have more power over your life than you previously imagined. You can stop being a victim of your circumstances and reach out to the joy in living. If you open your heart to the good in your life, gratitude becomes as much a part of your life as breathing.
So I continue to write in my Gratitude Journal. Only now, I do it in my head, every minute of every day. I do not limit myself to five lines.
The gift I gave myself that Christmas of the Gratitude Journal changed my life. After struggling with FMS for years, searching for answers and cures, I was finally able to reach a level of acceptance that has dramatically improved my quality of life. I am better at pacing my activities, listening to my body and have more patience with myself and others. I have found joy at every turn, from appreciating the beauty of nature to improved relationships with family and friends.
I still have muscle pain and fatigue. Those symptom levels remain fairly constant. But that journal opened the door to unconditional happiness with the hand I was dealt. I can look beyond the pain and fatigue and look forward to each day and the joy it will bring. And it all started with a book I saw at a bookstore amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping.
The full article can be found at this link. I highly recommend it.
The Healing Power of Gratitude
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thoughts from the Cheap Seats
A man is very apt to complain of the ingratitude of those who have risen far above him.
- Samuel Johnson
Society at large and various media outlets make a point of targeting those who have more, holding them to a higher standard and pointing out flaws in character or behavior for the sake of making conversation. The truth is, it simply is not fair to presume that because someone has more, that they are by default prone to being ungrateful.
What does complaining achieve? What to we gain and what impact does complaining have on us and our lives? When we examine our present situations and compare them to those who have more, how does this exercise serve a greater good? Hopefully, those more fortunate examples inspire and lead with positivity, but if not, who are we to complain about their behavior?
The fruits of ingratitude will always be realized. This you can be sure of. We need not file a complaint to ensure that the ungrateful are served their just dues.
Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do."
If life currently has you situated in the cheap seats, anyone can relate to not wanting to being where you presently are. You perhaps may be grateful to be where you are. But nothing is gained from searching for ingratitude in others. Seek only that which inspires you to do and be more, to move forward, to get better seats in the show called Life.
- Samuel Johnson
Society at large and various media outlets make a point of targeting those who have more, holding them to a higher standard and pointing out flaws in character or behavior for the sake of making conversation. The truth is, it simply is not fair to presume that because someone has more, that they are by default prone to being ungrateful.
What does complaining achieve? What to we gain and what impact does complaining have on us and our lives? When we examine our present situations and compare them to those who have more, how does this exercise serve a greater good? Hopefully, those more fortunate examples inspire and lead with positivity, but if not, who are we to complain about their behavior?
The fruits of ingratitude will always be realized. This you can be sure of. We need not file a complaint to ensure that the ungrateful are served their just dues.
Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do."
If life currently has you situated in the cheap seats, anyone can relate to not wanting to being where you presently are. You perhaps may be grateful to be where you are. But nothing is gained from searching for ingratitude in others. Seek only that which inspires you to do and be more, to move forward, to get better seats in the show called Life.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
For When You Think the Adventure is Over
This grand old airstream trailer looked as though it had been neglected in a corner of its equally neglected culdesac for years, but seeing it ignited a desire for adventure. I just wanted to shine it up and take it on a road trip with my buddies. Surely some good times must have been had within its retro shell back when it was cared for and functional. Now, it sits, waiting for someone to come along with the vision and resources to bring it back to life or perhaps re-purpose it for something completely different.
There is something to be learned from this lonely airstream. That lesson is that the adventure has not ended. Yes, it is easy to assume that this trailer has seen its best days fade away into time and space but, it still exists.
Your life functions the same way. Life is an adventure. That adventure does not end or pause because you have children or because you accept a very demanding job or you lose a job or relationship. With every passing day the adventure evolves, if ever so slightly. Change is the only inevitable constant that exists. What we do with that change or how we respond to it, is solely up to us.
This airstream is inspiring. Yes, there will be times when we feel neglected or life seems to build barrier upon barrier around your ever shrinking, stagnant pond of recycled opportunity, but this to is part of the adventure that allows us to appreciate all the more, when our lives are polished and restored to either their former grandeur or something completely new and exciting that we would have never expected in a million years.
The adventure is not over until you are over. Be sure to make the most of it.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Is There Only So Much?
I had a conversation with a gentleman today about gratitude and he asked if he could shake my hand. Of course I obliged, but while shaking my hand he said, "You're a better man than me. There's only so much I can be grateful for."
An inspiring response failed to manifest itself and the gentleman walked away seemingly aware of something that he would rather not share. Well beyond his prime but nonetheless gregarious, there was a polite cynicism; a distrust in my passionate belief in the power of gratitude. He smiled at me as if I were naive. Perhaps he was kind enough to save any words of wisdom that might undermine my enthusiasm or perhaps not, instead leaving me to discover in my own time an awakening that would ultimately see me become just as cynical.
Needless to say, his response left me questioning what people are truly grateful for and how, over the course of a lifetime, does gratitude really play out. The sum of this man's reality, whatever that reality may be, has given him reason to deliberately limit that which he is grateful for. Even if his statement was made in jest, his words left a lasting impression.
To say there is something wrong with his allocation of gratitude is asinine. To each their own. But how many people out there--all over the world--feel or believe that there is only so much to be grateful for? Does transcending the limitations of our ability to appreciate require more time, effort and energy than many or most can spare? Do less than ideal or perhaps even terrible circumstances warrant a cap being placed on what we are or should be grateful for? Is it perhaps just an aspect of the human design to enable and accept some ingratitude in response to life as we individually experience it?
Answers to these questions may elude me forever, but this I am certain of: being grateful is a personal choice of which the limitations are solely controlled by us as individuals. External influences can be used as an excuse but the measure of a persons expressed gratitude is completely hinged upon how compelled you are to give thanks for what you are, what you have, what you have experienced and the life you live.
Be as grateful as you want to be or perhaps not. You are free to believe and behave as you chose. But know that life is better when gratitude is expressed and there are no boundaries inhibiting that gratitude from permeating the world around you.
An inspiring response failed to manifest itself and the gentleman walked away seemingly aware of something that he would rather not share. Well beyond his prime but nonetheless gregarious, there was a polite cynicism; a distrust in my passionate belief in the power of gratitude. He smiled at me as if I were naive. Perhaps he was kind enough to save any words of wisdom that might undermine my enthusiasm or perhaps not, instead leaving me to discover in my own time an awakening that would ultimately see me become just as cynical.
Needless to say, his response left me questioning what people are truly grateful for and how, over the course of a lifetime, does gratitude really play out. The sum of this man's reality, whatever that reality may be, has given him reason to deliberately limit that which he is grateful for. Even if his statement was made in jest, his words left a lasting impression.
To say there is something wrong with his allocation of gratitude is asinine. To each their own. But how many people out there--all over the world--feel or believe that there is only so much to be grateful for? Does transcending the limitations of our ability to appreciate require more time, effort and energy than many or most can spare? Do less than ideal or perhaps even terrible circumstances warrant a cap being placed on what we are or should be grateful for? Is it perhaps just an aspect of the human design to enable and accept some ingratitude in response to life as we individually experience it?
Answers to these questions may elude me forever, but this I am certain of: being grateful is a personal choice of which the limitations are solely controlled by us as individuals. External influences can be used as an excuse but the measure of a persons expressed gratitude is completely hinged upon how compelled you are to give thanks for what you are, what you have, what you have experienced and the life you live.
Be as grateful as you want to be or perhaps not. You are free to believe and behave as you chose. But know that life is better when gratitude is expressed and there are no boundaries inhibiting that gratitude from permeating the world around you.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
One Good Thing About Music . . .
"One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain." - Bob Marley
The power of music is immeasurable. Music can heal, sooth, inspire, console, revitalize, energize, uplift, anger, and much more.
I was inspired to post this song from Bob Marley because I feel that music is making a resurgence in my life, transcending beyond being the pace keeper of my work day and the ambient sound of my home. I am so grateful for music and so many artist that have produced masterful works across numerous genres. What better way to express gratitude for music than through song?
Stay tuned.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Good News
What is good news to you? What has to happen for you to feel a sense of sincere gratitude? Life has a way of getting your attention by giving and taking and today I was reminded of this during a phone call with a dear friend.
This individual has endured tremendous personal and financial loss. Opportunities for recovery have been miniscule at best. But today she called me with joy in her voice after years of relying upon sparse income and assistance from family and friends to announce that she had made her first $100 dollars from a completely foreign venture that she was forced to learn just to survive beyond this month.
The sound of gratitude is unmistakable. To so many of us, $100 is but a mere drop in the bucket. We spend more on fast food and coffee in a weeks time. But do we express gratitude for the $100 dollars that affords us such conveniences? My guess is hardly.
Good news is all around us. You just have to pay attention or rather, chose to be grateful even if you are struggling to identify specifics. If not, life will open your eyes by taking from you that which has distracted you from what is really important.
This individual has endured tremendous personal and financial loss. Opportunities for recovery have been miniscule at best. But today she called me with joy in her voice after years of relying upon sparse income and assistance from family and friends to announce that she had made her first $100 dollars from a completely foreign venture that she was forced to learn just to survive beyond this month.
The sound of gratitude is unmistakable. To so many of us, $100 is but a mere drop in the bucket. We spend more on fast food and coffee in a weeks time. But do we express gratitude for the $100 dollars that affords us such conveniences? My guess is hardly.
Good news is all around us. You just have to pay attention or rather, chose to be grateful even if you are struggling to identify specifics. If not, life will open your eyes by taking from you that which has distracted you from what is really important.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Revelation vs. Revolution
Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.
- Carol Burnett
Carol Burnett was absolutely right when she said these words and they apply to all of us. But the challenge that most of us face is initiating change.
Revelations happen all the time. These are the ideas, desires, wants, dreams, ambitions, and goals that flip our subconscious light switches and massage our gut instincts. Some fall by the wayside over time but others smolder in the recesses of our minds as nagging reminders of what could be in relation to what is. We all have those revelations that ignite excitement within us, but whatever happens to those revelations? Do you act upon them or do you allow them to retreat to safety?
Well, my friend, you should take a good hard look in the mirror, because you are a revolutionist. You have within you the militant force of "I can" and "I will" and "Yes" that can force any of your revelations to the front line of possibility. Of course failure is a very real aspect of that possibility, but without starting your inner revolution, there is no possibility. You are stagnant.
For some, the idea of a revolution, leap of faith or overhaul of self and career is the last thing you want to endure. But no matter what station in life you are in, you must remember that it is your life. You are the only one who can make the change you want to see happen. Once you have made up your mind that you want nothing more than to venture down that path, help will gravitate to you, but you must initiate the journey and supply yourself with enough motivational fuel to finish along side those who have helped you or completely alone.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Courage to Purge
When and if we are honest with ourselves, we can often identify those forces, influences, habits or possessions that actively work against our overall well being, harmony and happiness.
Unfortunately, the act of purging can be very difficult. Emotional attachment, wanting to remain popular and various other reasons can prevent us from living our best lives. In truth, it takes courage to purge. For some people, getting rid of old, meaningless items can prove to be incredibly challenging, but these instances are rare. Purging things like a smoking habit or things we just do not use yet hold on to in the event of something are more common.
A purging challege that we can all identify with is the purging of people. There is an old addage that states that some friends are for a lifetime and some friends are for a season. Be that as it may, separating yourself from a person who diminishes your quality of life can be devistatingly hard because of the history shared between the two of you. The process can take months or even years, as you grow apart in directions uniquely suited to your individual interests. Or, you could abruptly sever the connection in one fell swoop, going so far as to clear out all reminders of that relationship. No one wants to ever find themselves in this situation, but sometimes it is necessary.
Purging can manifest in many different forms, but if we all evaluted ourselves and our homes, there are bound to be things that do nothing but chip away at our quality of life. If not, then you are on a prosperous path.
For the rest of us, we many have to dig a little deeper to discover the courage within to remove toxins from our lives. Perhaps the opportunity to recirculate useful items to others will present itself, but before you think about others, think about yourself and what it means to live and function at your very best. You will be grateful you did.
Unfortunately, the act of purging can be very difficult. Emotional attachment, wanting to remain popular and various other reasons can prevent us from living our best lives. In truth, it takes courage to purge. For some people, getting rid of old, meaningless items can prove to be incredibly challenging, but these instances are rare. Purging things like a smoking habit or things we just do not use yet hold on to in the event of something are more common.
A purging challege that we can all identify with is the purging of people. There is an old addage that states that some friends are for a lifetime and some friends are for a season. Be that as it may, separating yourself from a person who diminishes your quality of life can be devistatingly hard because of the history shared between the two of you. The process can take months or even years, as you grow apart in directions uniquely suited to your individual interests. Or, you could abruptly sever the connection in one fell swoop, going so far as to clear out all reminders of that relationship. No one wants to ever find themselves in this situation, but sometimes it is necessary.
Purging can manifest in many different forms, but if we all evaluted ourselves and our homes, there are bound to be things that do nothing but chip away at our quality of life. If not, then you are on a prosperous path.
For the rest of us, we many have to dig a little deeper to discover the courage within to remove toxins from our lives. Perhaps the opportunity to recirculate useful items to others will present itself, but before you think about others, think about yourself and what it means to live and function at your very best. You will be grateful you did.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Great Inspiration from a Holocaust Survivor: Alice Herz-Sommers
Alice Herz-Sommers in an accomplished pianist and author at the age of 108, but she is also a Holocaust survivor. There is not much one can say about the experience of being a Holocaust victim without inciting unimaginable dread, but Alice has a very different take on her experience. She says that throughout her time in the concentration camps, she always smiled, looking only where there is good.
She expresses gratitude for absolutely everything, even her time as a detainee. Does she hate her former captors? Her answer is no.
"Hatred eats the soul of the hater, not the hated."
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Patience is Kindness
When we think of what it means to be a responsible person, it is often difficult to fully articulate all that we are responsible for. Understandably, most of us will immediately think of our financial responsibilities or that which allows us to maintain our lives and our family's. We must also consider our emotions in relation to our actions. So many of us fail at being responsible by losing our patience.
Patience is arguably one of the most fragile and least exercised virtues that human beings are capable of exhibiting. As the standard of convenience increases and the human population expands, our collective patience with each other and the world we live in steadily dwindles with every passing year.
One of the leading purposes of Grateful Brand's existence is to encourage the spread of kindness but this encouragement does not stem from a delusional expectation that everyone should drop what they are doing and spread kindness. Reality paints a very different picture.
Patience is a form of kindness. By exercising patience you are letting everyone around you know that there are margins cushioning the projected expectation of perfection, for no one is or can be perfect.
The following quotes speak of patience and provide insight into ways of thinking that may have previously eluded you.
"Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind."
- Leonardo da Vinci
"Patience with others is Love, Patience with self is Hope, Patience with God is Faith."
- Adel Bestavros
"Patience has its limits. Take it too far, and it's cowardice."
- George Jackson
Patience is arguably one of the most fragile and least exercised virtues that human beings are capable of exhibiting. As the standard of convenience increases and the human population expands, our collective patience with each other and the world we live in steadily dwindles with every passing year.
One of the leading purposes of Grateful Brand's existence is to encourage the spread of kindness but this encouragement does not stem from a delusional expectation that everyone should drop what they are doing and spread kindness. Reality paints a very different picture.
Patience is a form of kindness. By exercising patience you are letting everyone around you know that there are margins cushioning the projected expectation of perfection, for no one is or can be perfect.
The following quotes speak of patience and provide insight into ways of thinking that may have previously eluded you.
"Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind."
- Leonardo da Vinci
"Patience with others is Love, Patience with self is Hope, Patience with God is Faith."
- Adel Bestavros
"Patience has its limits. Take it too far, and it's cowardice."
- George Jackson
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