QUOTATION OF THE WEEK
When you arise in the morning
Give thanks for the morning light.
Give thanks for your life and strength.
Give thanks for your food
And give thanks for the joy of living.
And if perchance you see no reason for giving thanks,
Rest assured the fault is in yourself.
—American Indian Saying
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Saying "thank you" is one thing. Really giving thanks is another. Despite problems, despite how battered down we may be, there is always something for which to be thankful. In fact, the act of finding that thankful thing—however small it may be perceived to be in light of our looming problems—can help to keep us from wallowing in self pity and may even bring some peace and perspective to our lives. We cannot give thanks and keep in a downward spiral. The act of giving thanks is an upward movement. It opens us, expands us. We get out of our "self" and realize that there are other things and people (especially people) who interact with us in a positive way. The recognition of this can turn events and even our lives around.
So give thanks. Every day, before you retire, find something or someone for which to be thankful. I think you will find there are many. Write down your "thanks" in a journal. Then, when you feel that everything is going the wrong way, read your journal. Take it a step farther. Instead of just writing the thanks in a journal, talk or send a note to the recipient of your thanks and say "thank you" from what now is a place of true, unconditional giving.
Thank you!
Blessings and Love,
Allen Schmeltz
Copyright © 1999 Allen F. Schmeltz. All rights reserved.
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