This week’s gratitude post is considerably shorter than what you’re used to but that doesn’t mean I’m any less grateful. It just means this week was a bit quieter than usual but no less impactful.
Gratitude is our best wireless connection to God, the angels and the universe. Stephen Hopson
Want a direct line to God? Be grateful. Keep track of good things that have happened to you and you’ll get more of the same. Pretty soon you’ll change the way you think, leading you to a happier, more content way of life. You’ll smile more. Your energy will feel lighter. Laughter comes easier. You feel a stronger sense of inner sense of calmness. Outside events will no longer rankle you.
Looks like I’m not alone with this thinking. It seems that more and more bloggers are devoting themselves the art of cultivating gratitude and sharing what they’ve learned with their readers. The Internet is such a powerful place for planting seeds of gratitude because of the vast number of people it can reach and impact. While I have some idea of the amount of people I’m touching through this blog (through subscriber and daily traffic stats), I really have no way of knowing whether the gratitude posts are being forwarded and shared with others. But the potential is there.
The Internet has the power of a magnifying glass. What you see, read and hear on the web is magnified many times over.
It’s no accident that I continue to attract great opportunities as well as people in my life. Seriously cultivating the attitude of gratitude has been responsible for the way my life is unfolding these days. Last week a lady who hit my car left a note on the window claiming responsibility and asked that I contact her. Several weeks ago a major publisher asked to see my book proposal for publishing considerations. A nationally syndicated columnist interviewed me, the result of which got my name out to that many more people in several cities. All of these and more are the result of consistently maintaining a genuine attitude of gratitude. It keeps the cycle of giving and receiving flowing.
I encourage you to start your own gratitude journal today. What are you grateful for? Can you look for one positive thing that’s happening, even if you’re in the midst of adversity? Do you see adversity as an opportunity in disguise? All you have to do is look and you’ll be surprised.
Here’s a quick list of why I’m thankful this week:
This Wednesday was the first time I truly became a member of the local Toastmasters Club, held at Fairlawn Country Club. My application and fees have been processed. I was selected to answer a question during the Table Topics portion of the meeting (impromptu responses to questions asked of you – designed to make your heart thump a little faster and think on your feet). At the end of the meeting the club voted me as the “Best Table Topic” speaker and gave me a pencil (sort of like a ribbon). It was fun and I’m meeting new people – that’s something to be grateful for.
- I read a very interesting article, Money – Valuing – Allowing by Drew Rozell about the importance of allowing money to come into your life. He wrote about his experience in looking at a $30 million art painting and his subsequent reaction to it, which led to uncovering some hidden financial blockages he had deep inside himself. It’s an interesting read, not to mention educational.
We’re celebrating the fourth of July tomorrow – a cause for celebration because, compared to some other countries, we have a bit more going for us. Women can vote, a Senator has already made history by becoming the first African American presidential nominee of a major party (with the very real possibility of getting into the White House), we can dream big and go after them. Of course, the real meaning of freedom has different connotations but for the purpose of the fourth, I am grateful we have freedom to do what we want to do – for the most part. (Photo credit: Katherine Shade)
After taking my car to the body shop, I picked it up yesterday and was delighted with the workmanship on the car. The damage that was there before is no more.
A brand new bumper and headlight was put on and all of it was taken care of by that lady’s insurance company. The price tag for the total repair job came to just over a thousand dollars.
I’m grateful God paid for it! (See last week’s photo of the bender fender).
Food for thought: What are you grateful for this week? Can you see a sliver of an opportunity amidst adversity?
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9:16 pm on July 3rd, 2008 1
Great advice Stephen, and thank you for sharing your weekly dose of gratitude.
Welcome to Toastmasters. Sounds like you had a great experience. You will have many more. I know I’ve had many since joining about 2 years ago.
Happy 4th!
10:00 pm on July 3rd, 2008 2
Excellent post!
I had an experience today that involved turning negative thoughts around, so I’m grateful for that.
I received a letter from my doctor’s office saying I’d bounced a check. At first, I felt sick to my stomach and was upset, then I realized it was impossible. Then, I saw the photocopy of the check – it wasn’t mine. Not my name, bank, or account number. I called the doctor’s office and it was resolved in no time. But it really stressed me out at first and I was so annoyed that I had to deal with it.
However, after a few minutes, I realized I could let that go and just be grateful that I didn’t bounce a check and say a prayer for the woman who did because certainly her problems are bigger than mine.
Dawns last blog post..Knowledge is Power: June’s Perfect Post
10:04 pm on July 3rd, 2008 3
[...] Hat tip [...]
10:25 am on July 4th, 2008 4
I am grateful for the inner awareness that gave me the clarity and power to turn down two job opportunities over the past two weeks. I am grateful that money-wise, I didn’t have to take either job. I am grateful that my husband and his business provide us with enough money that I don’t have to work to help make ends meet.
I am grateful for the support of and information from my spiritual guides in figuring out the direction that I want my life to go. This week I have been fully connected to my personal power.
I am grateful that I don’t have to accept a job that I would be bored silly at within a week. I am grateful that I had the information and courage to turn down or at least postpone taking a position that I would be rushed into without the proper training as a healer or leader.
I have the information and gut instincts to tell me that right now isn’t the right time for me to accept this job. I am grateful for the courage and the words to turn down this opportunity. I may choose to go in that direction at a future date when I have more information and the time to explore my healing abilities more. It has been a glorious week of self-discovery.
11:45 am on July 4th, 2008 5
You reminded me that I must go back to Toastmasters! Dropped out a couple of years ago because of conflict in schedule – but I loved it!
I especially enjoyed the Table Topics. That’s when they call your name and give you a topic to speak on for a short time – usually as you are walking up to the podium. You really have to think on your feet.
Not surprised you won.
1:56 pm on July 4th, 2008 6
The power of gratitude is so easy to see when it is pointed out — and so easy to ignore when your mind and emotions are locked in on what’s missing.
You are so right; it is vital for us to remind ourselves that we can be grateful. We each have many things to be thankful for.
Yesterday I wrote a post about inner beauty. As I wrote it, I felt grateful for beauty, and for my nature. I felt gratitude for all the simple but powerful things that make us human in this amazing cosmos we occupy.
In that gratitude there is a great power to create and to live well.
John Rocheleau – Zen-Momentss last blog post..The Beauty Within You
8:42 am on July 5th, 2008 7
Electric! I’m very thankful for the electric that came back on with a house full of people.
Karen Putzs last blog post..Roughing it at Christie Lake
5:52 am on July 6th, 2008 8
Nick:
I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my weekly dose of gratitude. Have you been keeping up with yours?
5:55 am on July 6th, 2008 9
Dawn:
Thanks for sharing your stories of gratitude. I certainly know how it feels when I’ve realized a check I wrote bounced. Been there a few times myself. What a relief it must have been for you to learn it was not yours that bounced. I’m sure that made you realize how important it is to be on top of your financial situation. Perhaps a reminder from God?
5:58 am on July 6th, 2008 10
Patricia:
Thanks for sharing with us a couple of job-related situations that you’re grateful for. The position of being able to turn down jobs that aren’t right for you feels pretty empowering, doesn’t it? When you’re in that place, you give off a certain kind of energy where there’s no “desperation.” You feel relaxed, content. Interestingly enough, that’s the kind of energy that pulls in more opportunities for you! It’s the “let it go” kind of energy, which the universe responds to.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks or months to see if any more offers come your way as a result of the position you’re in.
6:02 am on July 6th, 2008 11
Corinne:
Let me know if you do go back to Toastmasters. It’d be fun to keep tabs on you and follow your progress. It’s a great organization – the key is to find the right club that matches your energy.
When I started looking around here for one, it wasn’t until I visited the 2nd or 3rd club that I found what I was looking for. The club I am now in is large, full of professionals and very well run. It’s at a beautiful country club with a view of the golf course. The people there are of the supportive kind.
It’s fairly large though. That means you could go for a long time without making a prepared speech but I’m having fun meeting new people anyway. There’s even a judge who just joined! Talk about professional caliber.
6:12 am on July 6th, 2008 12
John:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us about the meaning and value of gratitude.
I was reading a book last night called “God is No Laughing Matter” and there was a section in there about gratitude. The author said that gratitude is a “heightened and receptive spiritual state. It is a potent way of reinforcing faith especially when you are grateful for things that have not yet manifested in your life.
You’re right that we could easily be less thankful when the going gets rough or when things don’t appear to be happening on the surface. That’s why I keep a sheet of paper on my wall to jot down things I’m grateful for. My mindset is such that I consciously seek out stuff to be thankful for and write them down. Because of that, I seem to attract an abundance of big and little events into my life, many of which have been included in the weekly gratitude posts.
Thanks for sharing – by the way, our inner beauty is something we all have but aren’t necessarily aware of. The moment you recognize it tbough is the greatest blessing anyone can ever have and that’s something he/she will have a moment of profound gratitude unlike anything ever before experienced!
6:15 am on July 6th, 2008 13
Karen:
Well, for teh benefit of those who are just stopping by, you’re talking about electricity that went out at your family summer spot in Michigan. Isn’t it amazing how much we take electricity for granted until we find ourselves grappling for all the voltage we need to keep our refrigerators and air conditioners humming?
Thanks for the reminder.
11:28 am on July 6th, 2008 14
Wonderful piece. Gratitude is everything. I awaken with gratitude, and as one friend says, I am grateful for being above ground and not underground. I am grateful for what you have to share. “A grateful heart flourishes.”
Brenda
BeeBlessedDaily.com
Brendas last blog post..Plenty of Time
3:33 pm on July 6th, 2008 15
Brenda:
Hi there, and welcome! I don’t know how you got here but from an overall cosmic perspective, it was no accident you came here because I believe “like attracts like.” I continue to be amazed at the quality of visitors who come here because they feel compelled to join in the conversation and share their thoughts, beliefs and gratitude.
Thanks and I hope to see you back here soon.
4:26 pm on July 7th, 2008 16
Hi Stephen –
Am glad you enjoyed the article I wrote and thanks for posting the link here…
(and for the record, it’s Drew, not Derrek…
Good to meet you, sir…
best,
d
6:20 pm on July 7th, 2008 17
Drew:
OOPS! I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing out the oversight. Sorry about that.
You’re welcome – I actually read your article months ago and was quite impressed by it. When I was drawing up the gratitude list, I somehow remembered your article and went looking for it. All I had to do was do some googling and I found you!
Thanks for sharing your insights – it was quite a revelation on your part and I was glad to share it with the Adversity University community.