I have noticed that a huge number of people and websites are recommending gratitude journals as a tool to remind ourselves of all the good in our lives and in the world. And I completely agree that it is very important to stop from time to time and really access all of the blessings that are showered upon us. Some people might like to end each day with this quiet time to reflex and appreciate while others find that a less formal routine is better suited. But the important part of this is that you do take the time to See The Good!
However, there is a second part to this lesson that I find I also need to work on and practice more diligently. I understand the immense value of keeping a positive outlook and being thankful for all that I have, as well as all of the challenges and tragedies that I have been spared. And I will continue to work to focus only on these blessings and my good fortune. But I also have discovered that I need to remember to share these feelings of gratitude with those who have helped me to achieve a goal or who have brought joy into my life simply by sharing their time, insight and love with me.
These are gifts that have changed me and changed my life. And I need to be vigilant in sharing my gratitude with the ones who have shared themselves and their gifts with me. Recognizing my blessings and understanding my own feelings of gratitude are important in sculpting the way that I look at my life and the world around me. But sharing my gratitude with others is my opportunity to change the world.
My gratitude is a single flame that helps to illuminate my path and warms me on my journey. But when I share that flame with others, they can then use the light as well. And maybe the best part of all is that sharing the flame doesn’t diminish the light that I have or its warmth. The light and the warmth simply multiply to meet the needs of everyone.
So today, as we launch into 2019, I want to share my gratitude with all of the amazing people who have contributed to See The Good, posted a comment or sent me a message of support and encouragement. Each of you is a person whom I am so grateful for, and I hope that by sharing my gratitude and appreciation, it helps to encourage you throughout your journey. Together we can share our gratitude and make the world just a little bit brighter place for everyone.
Thank you for this heartwarming message, Kathy. Being grateful is a perfect way to begin the New Year 2019, and to live it as it comes, one day at a time, one moment at a time. Let this beautiful new day begin! xxxooo
Thank you Kathy. I didn’t realize that there was so much about gratitude out on the internet. I am glad you pointed out what is important in life. Have a wonderful and productive New Year 2019. I am already a follower of yours and like what you write, so I will not check the boxes below. Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ.” This is for GOOD news and bad.
My wife and I have been in the habit of keeping a gratitude journal, and it’s something we do at night, just before we go to bed. I think it’s important to reflect on a few things that happened during the day to help set a sense of peace and gratitude for good things that happened during the day. No matter how rough a day may have been, there are always positive things to focus on and it helps us settled down for the night, relaxing nerves and setting a tone for the night. We can always find things to be thankful to God about each day.
Charlotte Mason once wrote that “Gratitude is the Holy Emotion”. I agree. I thrive on it.