It's usually right there, readily accessible – the feeling of gratitude. All I have to do
is think about it.
This year, when I thought about the holiday, all I got
was a vague sense of should. I should be grateful. I should write something about gratitude. But what could
I honestly say? I don't feel it this year? I know that there is stuff to be
grateful for. I know there are blessings, but I do not feel grateful.
Given my life's work, I set about questioning my
feelings. First, how did I feel?
- Relieved that our US election is over
- Bombarded by Black Thursday, Friday and every-dang-day advertising
- Disheartened about the petty, small minded meanness of so many of my fellow citizens
- Concern about the people of NY and New Jersey struggling with the aftermath of Sandy
- Heavy hearted about the brutality of wars
- Discouraged about the cruelty of so many and society's blind faith in punishment
Oh, my! This is a shocking revelation for the "Handbook
for Happiness" author.
On to the next question. Why? Why were those feelings the ones for
me to have on this beautiful autumn day in Palm Springs?
The answer is familiar – because I do not like those
things! I want everyone on the planet to have shelter, enough to eat, peaceful
homes filled with love and kindness.
As I bring that desire into consciousness, I begin to
feel my world expand. I see the miracle of life again. I realize the amazing
grace of love, generosity and kindness. The fact that they exist at all astounds
me anew -- and in so many hearts and deeds.
There it is! The sweet, warm awareness of blessings – the
feeling of gratitude!
- I'm grateful to you for inspiring me to search for what is true for me to share.
- Grateful for loving friends and family.
- Grateful to everyone who buys my books; it encourages me to keep them available for people they may help.
- Grateful for every review that helps people find my work.
Grateful! When I was a kid, I thought it was spelled greatfull. I still like it that way. It describes the feeling of gratitude, full of great. Filled to the very brim with the amazing reality of life, with all of it's illusions, abundance, limiting beliefs, challenges, and infinite opportunities for miracles every day.
Thank you for reading this. Maybe you will share your precious thoughts and insights with
us by clicking on the "Comments" link.
Wishing you many happy days of Thanksgiving!
Love,
Mandy
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