Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
Melodie Beattie
I think that gratitude is one of the quietest yet most powerful of virtues. I tried to find a word other than virtue - it has some funny connotations - but in the end I couldn't quite work out what gratitude was - an emotion, a feeling, an attitude, an approach, a path, a way of thinking or being or ??? Whatever it is, it is quiet yet powerful.
It is also very personal - no one else can do it for you.
I like the bit "It turns what we have into enough" Isn't that perfect? I don't even need the more - just enough is perfect for me. It helps stop the comparisons with others; the envy or desire to have more and keeps reminding me that all shall be well.
Melodie Beattie writes about alcoholism, co-dependenc and recovery from addiction and I guess she understands gratitude on a daily basis. There's a whole bunch of folk out there who go on with "an attitude of gratitude" and I don't want to be part of some movement; I just think its a good way for me to try and be.
PS A big bit of gratitude in my life - Barry. Happy New York Birthday B!
Melodie Beattie
I think that gratitude is one of the quietest yet most powerful of virtues. I tried to find a word other than virtue - it has some funny connotations - but in the end I couldn't quite work out what gratitude was - an emotion, a feeling, an attitude, an approach, a path, a way of thinking or being or ??? Whatever it is, it is quiet yet powerful.
It is also very personal - no one else can do it for you.
I like the bit "It turns what we have into enough" Isn't that perfect? I don't even need the more - just enough is perfect for me. It helps stop the comparisons with others; the envy or desire to have more and keeps reminding me that all shall be well.
Melodie Beattie writes about alcoholism, co-dependenc and recovery from addiction and I guess she understands gratitude on a daily basis. There's a whole bunch of folk out there who go on with "an attitude of gratitude" and I don't want to be part of some movement; I just think its a good way for me to try and be.
 |
| Calligraphy by Helen Irving. Photo and adjustments Fiona Dempster |
Love this quote. Hoping your having good times in NY.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful reminder Fiona....and do hope you are enjoying every moment there in NY! And yes, happy New York birthday to Barry!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Barry! Yes, gratitude is amazing and powerful.
ReplyDeletegratitude opens - so much... the heart, the universe...
ReplyDeletehope you are enjoying the city... weather is a bit odd, but could be worse...
birthday? oh really?!
New York!? Whacko... I didn't know. Happy birthday Barry, and hope you are both having a great time. Re 'gratitude'... it's certainly part of my life in the 'lucky country'.
ReplyDeleteGratitude is indeed a powerful force. But to me it seems like something that can only come after accomplishing many years of serious living, thinking and feeling, not all of it positive! And even after that, not everyone acquires it, or understands it an acquisition constantly requiring maintenance. A discipline almost, like meditation. One of the things most disturbing to me about many members of the new generation is a sense of entitlement entirely unearned, and entirely lacking in gratitude, never feeling that anything is enough - in fact, born in a state of disgruntlement that more has not already been hand delivered free of charge! For my part, I am daily grateful for so many things, great and small, and among them is my sense of gratitude itself! Great post, F.
ReplyDeletefiona, again you have given me something to think about. thank you. happy birthday barry!
ReplyDeleteIn my adult life I have always tried to follow the three "g's":
ReplyDeletebe good;
be generous &,
be grateful.
Thank you Fiona for your thoughts on gratitude. I am grateful and very fortunate to have you both you and Barry as friends.
Happy Birthday Barry!
I knew you were on holiday but must have missed the fact it was in New York! Wow! Hope you are having a sensory overload kind of time and that Barry is enjoying his birthday in style.
ReplyDelete~bright belated birthday wishes Barry!!!
ReplyDeletefiona...a beautiful post this day...last year i understood gratitude in a whole new way...what i had thought it was had changed ever so much...in quiet...i think you are right on in saying so...it is something that sneaks in and washes over us...cleansing...sheds light on a whole new way of thinking...of being...being content with what and where you are and all that you have in the moment...in not wanting more as you said...it in in accepting...giving and receiving without even knowing you are doing so...it is a word i think one could write about for hours...much to think about this day...be well and much love light and blessings~
Hi Annie - yes it's another gentle reminder and ye we are!
ReplyDeleteThanks Patti we really are enjoying ourselves and wishes have been passed on!
So true Jane.
MJ I agree it can ope n up and change so much. And yes, a pretty good g'day present! Weather is crazy but all good.
Hi Jo - we must have snuck out! Birthday greetings passed on and yes we are having fun.
Hi G/TT I like the way you think about it because it is a discipline and a way of being that doesn't appear without having been thru the furnace a bit. And now showing my grumpy old woman side I can't stand that sense of entitlement!
V - always glad to be of service ; )! B enjoyed his birthday too thanks!
Hi G - good principles to guide us and too am grateful for friends like you.
Hi Leslie, yes we kind of snuck thatbit in! Having a fine time and B certainly enjoyed his day.
Brandi - yes I thought this would resonate with you. It is such an important companion as we try to make it thru tough days; and also to celebrate the ordinary things. B had a great birthday and I passed your wishes on...
the quote is a well timed reminder for me - so easy to forget gratitude - thank you Fiona and wishing you happy adventures in New York
ReplyDeleteLovely and thoughtful post, Fiona. A belated birthday greeting to Barry!
ReplyDeleteRosie - thank you for your thoughts; it's a good reminder for me as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane - the wishes reached him; glad you enjoyed the thoughts.