Healthy Living A to Z: G is for Gratitude

Gratitude changes everything
Gratitude changes everything (Photo credit: symphony of love)

Gratitude is defined in the Merriam Webster Learners Dictionary as a feeling of appreciation or thanks.  [Source Merriam Webster Learners Dictionary]    Don’t you love the simplicity of this definition?

Many times it is easy to think of all the difficulties in our world, but how often do we say thanks?  Do you let the people in your life know you appreciate them?  Do you thank them for the simple things they do to make your life better?  Do you thank the grocery clerk who rings up your groceries?  This is something I have learned from Bob.  It took me a long time to understand that when he thanked me for cooking dinner or cleaning house he was sincere, but now I find myself thanking him for even the little things.

It is important to feel gratitude but I think it is even more important that we express it.  When you wake up thank God for a new day.  And don’t forget to spread the gratitude around.  You might find the whole day goes better.

Thought for Today

“It is possible that the next Buddha will not take the form of an individual. The next Buddha may take the form of a community—a community practicing understanding and loving kindness, a community practicing mindful living.  This may be the most important thing we can do for the survival of the Earth.”
—THICH NHAT HANH [Source: http://www.plumvillage.org%5D

Thought for Today

Bust of Marcus Aurelius (reign 161–180 CE).
Bust of Marcus Aurelius (reign 161–180 CE). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“A man’s life is what his thoughts make of it.”  — attributed to Marcus Aurelius 

Thought for Today

Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins

“I relax and cast aside all mental burdens, allowing God to express through me His perfect love, peace, and wisdom.”Paramahansa Yogananda 

Inspiration from Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic  was born without arms or legs, but that doesn’t stop him.  He travels the world spreading hope and encouragement.

For more information on Nick Vujicic visit his website Life Without Limbs.

Thought for Today

Dreaming
Dreaming (Photo credit: MooBob42)

“Dream small that your dreams may come true. Dream large that you may always have a dream.” ~~ Robert Brault  

Thought for Today

Birthday Sunflowers
Birthday Sunflowers (Photo credit: Mrs Magic)

 

“Never, ever ignore your talent. You didn’t create it, it was a birthday gift from somewhere else.”Barbara Sher 

Send out the Peace Doves

One of the things I enjoy most about surfing around the internet looking for information for Espirational is the little unexpected gems I sometimes find.  My search for information on Desmond Tutu led me to the website for the Nobel Peace Prize.

There I found a game.  Send the Peace Doves out on their mission to disarm nuclear weapons throughout the world.  You choose the destination for each dove.  There is a lot of reading involved because there are extensive clues, but I think you will learn some things you didn’t know.   I did.

So visit the Nobel website and send out those Peace Doves.

http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/peace/nuclear_weapons/game.html

Celebrate Spring!

daffy1 resized

Today is the Spring Equinox.  These are just a few of the things I think are worth celebrating this time to year.

*  Warmer weather or at least the promise of it.

*  The fresh clean smell of spring air.

*  Getting back on the hiking trails after a long, cold winter.

*  Flowers!

*  The symbolic promise of new life and new beginnings.

So, what do you love about Spring?

Thought for Today

A Good Dog Can Bring Happiness to Your Life
A Good Dog Can Bring Happiness to Your Life (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Decide that you are going to do everything in your power to live a simply beautiful life and live your life to the fullest every day… and you will find happiness.”Dr. Robert Puff, Happiness Expert, Author, Clinical Psychologist