A few years ago, I wrote notes to each family member (including the grands who could not read) and told them how grateful I was for our experiences together and how much I loved them. I had a few hugs and comments, which made for nice moments. The most touching thing was to find that my brother had kept his until he died.
I’m so glad it resonated, Keith (or are you called Keith-Williams?). When I look closely at my proudest moments, I can always find the fingerprints of others all over them—those who helped/supported/contributed.
Gratitude helps me stay in the now. I am working on being intentional about being content with today and not always working on the past or looking to far into the future.
I’m working on that too, and I find it’s a journey, not an act I can do and say it’s done. Your post reminds me of an excerpt from a piece of ancient Sanskrit called The Exhortation of the Dawn: “For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision, but today—well lived—makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.” I wrote about his here: https://heartspoken.com/why-today-is-so-important/
I like that I have permission to have a bad day, week, month, and maybe even a year, when I sometimes don't feel so grateful. The deepest part of me is almost always thankful for even the smallest of gifts (the shower head didn't spurt sideways and ruin my hair today, the infusion I had to have yesterday didn't make me sick yet; I may have discovered my new side hustle) so just for today I'm happy for no reason and grateful for this article. I'll remember it the next time things aren't going so well, and give myself permission to be okay. Thank you.
Oh, Patti, what a beautiful message. I’m thrilled it helped in some small way. Yes, there are many days (weeks, months, years) when you have to dig deep to find something for which to be grateful.
A few years ago, I wrote notes to each family member (including the grands who could not read) and told them how grateful I was for our experiences together and how much I loved them. I had a few hugs and comments, which made for nice moments. The most touching thing was to find that my brother had kept his until he died.
It might be time to write them again.
Loved your post, Elizabeth! Thank you for reminding me to be grateful for those around me who give me so much support 🌱
I’m so glad it resonated, Keith (or are you called Keith-Williams?). When I look closely at my proudest moments, I can always find the fingerprints of others all over them—those who helped/supported/contributed.
When I first joined Substack, I was told that people couldn't search for me by name.
There are other Keith Williams on Substack and when they searched for me other people with my name appeared in the search results, but not me.
So I added a '-' between my first and last name, and now when people search, they find me.
Strange isn't it?
Yes it is...I thought that might be the reason but I appreciate the explanation.
Very strange. I wonder why.
Gratitude helps me stay in the now. I am working on being intentional about being content with today and not always working on the past or looking to far into the future.
Great comment @Tess Whittler! What a great reminder to be content with today🌱
I’m working on that too, and I find it’s a journey, not an act I can do and say it’s done. Your post reminds me of an excerpt from a piece of ancient Sanskrit called The Exhortation of the Dawn: “For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision, but today—well lived—makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.” I wrote about his here: https://heartspoken.com/why-today-is-so-important/
Wow, Elizabeth. I have never heard about The Exhortation of the Dawn before- what and amazing piece of ancient Sanskrit. Thank you for sharing this 🌱
I like that I have permission to have a bad day, week, month, and maybe even a year, when I sometimes don't feel so grateful. The deepest part of me is almost always thankful for even the smallest of gifts (the shower head didn't spurt sideways and ruin my hair today, the infusion I had to have yesterday didn't make me sick yet; I may have discovered my new side hustle) so just for today I'm happy for no reason and grateful for this article. I'll remember it the next time things aren't going so well, and give myself permission to be okay. Thank you.
Oh, Patti, what a beautiful message. I’m thrilled it helped in some small way. Yes, there are many days (weeks, months, years) when you have to dig deep to find something for which to be grateful.
Grateful for this post.
Grateful for you!