Day 25 - Today I am Grateful For.....

Twenty-five days ago I wondered if I could go from saying I was grateful to having gratitude become a state of being. I don't know if I am there yet - and perhaps I come to conclusion in 75 day that there is no destination and it is the journey of gratitude that will become a lifelong commitment.

I will say though this exercise each night becomes a bit more comfortable - I thought a few days ago that it was easier and that doesn't accurately describe my progression. I am finding now that investing in myself with this activity is likely going to be one of my best accomplishments this year.

Today I am grateful for .....

• Having been able to attend a Publici-Tea Express workship with Nancy Juetten where I met some fabulous business people desiring to have more success with greater ease.
• Lunch with my good friend Betsy Talbot who I talk with frequently but I don't get to see one on one as much as I would like - thank you for the conversation and friendship.
• The nice server/bartender at McCormich and Schmick's Harborside who paid for our parking.
• My first flu shot - ever - being a bit more sensitive this year as it seems like so many peeps are getting the flu already - and I don't want to end up sick and have to skip time with family as we near the holidays.
• My right as a citizen of this country and as a woman to vote in this election.

.....my wish for you and all you know is prosperity and the good fortune you deserve.

Day 24 - Today I am Grateful For.....

So today my good friend Jeni Dahn spoke at an eWomen meeting about the choices we make in life and how we face our day - with fear or faith?

She started by asking how many of us close our day with Gratitude - journaling or statements out loud (yes, I raised my hand - along with about 1/3 of the room) - then she asked, "what if you started your day with gratitude for the unknown.....for what the day will bring? Hmmm - well now - here's a twist - in some ways to me it sounds like setting an intention.....yes? I am grateful for the friendships that will blossom - setting the intention for good encounters for the day, yes?

Now this has gotten me to think - is this something I can incorporate into the future - not yet - but after my hundred days - is this the next exercise I can incorporate into my life and routine.

What about you? Could you start your day journaling about gratitude you are ready to give - for meals you will eat, the people you will meet, the opportunities that will present themselves.....

So tonight's gratitude will be about what I am grateful for tomorrow.....

Tomorrow I am grateful for.....

• The contacts I will make at my workshop tomorrow that will be appreciated by my clients.
• The generosity of a good friend.
• A long walk on the beach with my husband and best friend.
• My mom saying she can be here in two weeks to sit for a family portrait that is too long over due!
• A yummy pork roast in the slow cooker.

.....my wish for you and all you know is prosperity and the good fortune you deserve.

Day 23 - Today I am Grateful For.....

After a tremendously wonderful and long day I am going to talk about the easy stuff....

.....so today I am grateful for.....

• The unexpected generosity of a friend.
• The family atmosphere at Chace's Pancake Corral love the Vic's special
• The beautiful and dynamic changes in the weather today
• A fantastic meeting with a young couple who really has it all working together!
• Elvis

.....my wish for you and all you know is prosperity and the good fortune you deserve.

Day 22 - Today I am Grateful For.....

So one fifth of the way into our adventure - and I am finding this quite interesting - how I feel about the book-ends of my day as I call this process.

I have fallen a bit with my early routine - I think perhaps because I know I have this such public commitment to fulfill at night.

So my question for you tonight is if you don't act angry does that mean you never are?

Sometime ago I made the decision to not swing with my emotions from one extreme to the other and I find myself living in a much healthier place for me and my family. There was definitely a time that you would know all emotions all the time! So does that mean I don't get upset, angry or frustrated - not all - I just consciously decide how I will be with those feelings. It is definitely a stretch some days - and I don't want to sound too 'zen' - but it sure is amazing how I am in my life.

When I think of all the hours I have lost in my life being in a negative place I am so thrilled I heard this message and have recaptured so many hours in my life going forward.

.....so today I am grateful for......

1. Making conscious choices in how I appear in my own life and the lives of others every day.
2. The growth that has allowed me to have a stronger presence in my own life.
3. The people in my life who shared some of their journey to allow me to learn how to be a better me.
4. The great ability to appreciate the quality of time in my life and with those I love.
5. A sleepless night that allowed me to dream.

.....so my wish for you and all you know is prosperity and the good fortune you deserve.

Day 21 - Today I am Grateful For.....

Today is a collaborative guest post with Pat who is becoming fascinated with this adventure. (I knew it was only a matter of time before he started wanting to contribute - hee hee).

Today we are grateful for.....

• All the fall pumpkins around the house.
• The little bat lights decorating the mirror in our home.
• Baked squash with oven roasted chicken.....a sure sign of fall.
• The coziness of our bed this morning with the big lovable lab and the furry black kitty while the outside temperature was below 40.
• Two really good friends.

.....our wish for you and all you know is prosperity and the good fortune you deserve.

Day 20 - Today I am Grateful For.....

Twenty days.....I can't remember ever having kept a 'new' commitment like this one - 20 days in a row - in many ways it seems to have flown by - in many ways I look forward to it each day. What have you recently committed to and stuck with? Did it go by quickly or not?

I find it interesting that something I have dreaded and fought so long - go back to the beginning posts - I am now finding great peace and comfort. How much easier would many things be if I did not fight them - and just went along and did them and appreciated the lessons they provide.

Today I am grateful for.....

• Acceptance - this is a big one for me - and there is a tremendous difference between acceptance and resignation.
• Warm big dogs who come and hop into bed around 3 am because they are a little chilly themselves - no one needs an electric blanket if they have one of these four footed friends.
• Good conversations with mom - one of my favorite Sunday routines since I moved out and went to college - coffee and mom on a Sunday morning.
• Roasted and braised meat - nothing tastes much better in the fall.
• A big freezer full of food - when so many have so little I am grateful to have been blessed with so much.

.....so my wish for you and all you know is prosperity and the good fortune you deserve.