This month I’m amping it up on gratitude. When I crawl into bed at night, I write about the wonderful things that happen during the day, from the simple to the amazing. When I do this, my heart swells and I feel a rush of joy from all the wonder that the world has to offer.

You can’t fake gratitude. It’s either genuine or not. To be honest, some days, when I climb in to bed and pull out my gratitude journal, I don’t want to write. I don’t feel it. It’s as if I’d rather stay stuck in my misery than write my way to a better place.

When I do write, when I recall the sweetness of the spring air, the heart-felt connection with a client, the deliciousness of a homemade lunch, or the coziness of a hug from my husband, some of the pain from the day fades away. I am reminded of life’s beauty and of what really matters.

This morning I am grateful for my warm, comfortable bed, the smell of early morning air, and a hot cup of coffee. These things are real life. They are my life. I am grateful for how they delight my senses.

Please share. What are you grateful for?
 

... well, not nothing.

Dinner has been made. The house is clean. That project was completed. Small tasks (or big ones) are checked off the list. We do get things done. But on a grand scale, nothing is ever done.

Tomorrow night, another dinner needs to be made. Next week, the house will be dirty again. There are always more projects.

The same is true with the evolution of ourselves. Eating healthy today needs to be followed by eating healthy tomorrow. Exercising once will not keep a body fit for a lifetime. We don’t make money one day to support us forever (unless you’re a lucky lottery winner, fortunate enough to hold on to your winnings). In the same way, we are never done.

As we grow and change, so do our goals, our dreams, our deepest desires. If we’re in a job we don’t like, we can fall into the trap of saying, “Once I figure out what I want to do with my life, then I can be happy.” Yes, a new job may make you happier. However, once you have that new job, you’ll set your sights on something new. That’s the nature of being human. Continual growth and infinite possibility.

Enjoy where you are right now. Continue to grow and reach for the next thing, yet don’t allow that next thing to keep you form appreciating where you are today.

Take a minute now to notice what you have today that was merely a dream yesterday or last year. Take in the glory of your growth and achievement. You’ve got plenty more coming to you.
 

In April I chose two monthly themes to help me focus my energy in areas where I was looking to grow. For May, my two themes are Dance of Shiva and gratitude.

I don't understand what Dance of Shiva is, but funny enough, that's the point. It's fun, quirky, and something we're supposed to suck at. I've practiced it off and on for about nine months (okay, more off than on). I now want to put in some dedicated time. 10 to 15 minutes in the morning, followed by a 15 minute meditation. I'm looking forward to radical epiphanies and goofy fun.

In April I taught a class on Lizard Taming for Money Fears, and in our last class, we discussed gratitude. For May, I'm going to amp up my practice of gratitude in two ways. First, I have a beautiful new journal where I will write about the wonderful things in my life, throughout the day. Second, I have a smaller book I will carry with me when I'm on-the-go, to capture those moments of gratitude when inspiration strikes.

Do you have themes for May? Want to join me in either of these endeavors?
 

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. Happy turkey day!

Instead of a post about Thanksgiving, I’m going to share a short video from my 2008 holiday. Last year I flew back to Boston to celebrate with my family, the first time since 1997. It was a treat!



Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!


If you receive my newsletter, you probably read my article about Thanksgiving and thankfulness, One Minute to Happiness, where I discussed feeling gratitude for the simple things in life.

My newsletter is sent out twice per month with an article to help you find more happiness, balance and meaning in your life. I also share the inside scoop on what I’m working on, wonderful things from other people I admire, and little bits of inspiration.

If you aren’t getting my free email newsletter and would like to, I’d love to have you join the list. The sign-up box is up top, on the left. 

If you would like a copy of the article One Minute to Happiness, email me, and I will be happy to send it to you.

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