For the first 50 years of my life, my perfectionist self mistakenly believed it was all about knowing more, getting it right, planning, attempting to prevent bad things from happening, and keeping all of my chicks in a row. It took me this long to discover that the JOURNEY is all that matters. This quote from Gilda Radner sums it all up:

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.
"


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

MANY Thanks

I just finished reading this book. 

The concept of the book is simple.  The author was at a very dark time in his life in 2007.  After writing a thank you note and realizing how that one simple act of gratitude changed his life for the better, he decided to express his gratitude to various people in his life by writing 365 thank you notes.  

These hand-written notes of gratitude not only made a difference in the lives of the recipients, but they changed the author's life dramatically.


"It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed at the same time."   ~Naomi Williams


The author felt his spirits lift as he was looking for reasons to be grateful.   His view of the world became much more positive and hopeful.


After reading this book,  it is impossible NOT to reflect on who I would like to thank and why.

It is impossible NOT to be spurred on to write notes of gratitude myself.  And I will.

It is impossible NOT to consider why the written thank you note is almost a thing of the past.






Maybe it's because emails and Facebook messages are easier.
Maybe it's because we think it is someone's job to do things for us 
          and thanks are not needed.
Maybe it's because we feel entitled and it is owed to us.
Maybe it's because we are self-centered.
Maybe it's because our lives are so busy.
Maybe it's because we just don't notice. We aren't looking.
Maybe we think ONLY the REALLY BIG GIFTS
         warrant a hand-written note.






Here are a few written notes of gratitude that I have KEPT.






What/who are you thankful for? 

"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone."  ~Anonymous

Thanks Graphic #77

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