This year as Thanksgiving approaches, I’m focusing on gratitude. The dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” I like that this definition includes both that we recognize our blessings and acknowledge what we receive.
Stephen King said, “Don’t let the sun go down without saying thank you to someone, and without admitting to yourself that absolutely no one gets this far alone.” Today, I want to thank y’all for being here. You are truly a bright spot in my life each month. You’ve made me laugh, taught me so much, and shared yourself with me. That has truly been a blessing.
Here are some additional quotes that have inspired me.
- If you want to find happiness, find gratitude. –Steve Maraboli
- The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see. –Mary Davis
- Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. –Robert Braul
- We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. –Cynthia Ozick
- When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. –Maya Angelou
- Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. –Randy Rausch
- Gratitude is a powerful process for shifting your energy and bringing more of what you want into your life. Be grateful for what you already have, and you will attract more good things. –Rhonda Byrne
- Gratitude doesn’t change the scenery. It merely washes clean the glass you look through so you can clearly see the colors. –Richelle E. Goodrich
- If the only prayer you said in your whole life was thank you, that would suffice. –Meister Eckhart
- My socks may not match, but my feet are always warm. –Maureen McCullough
- You ought to be thankful a whole heaping lot, for the places and people you’re lucky you’re not! –Dr. Seuss
- Though I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, it hasn’t changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I’m just wearing better shoes. –Oprah Winfrey
- Be grateful for what you have and quit complaining—it bores everyone else, does you no go od, and doesn’t solve any problems. –Zig Ziglar (This keeps things in perspective for me.)
In addition to spreading good cheer, there are other benefits for living more gratefully. People practicing gratitude are more likely to reach goals, feel successful, have higher life satisfaction, a stronger support group, and even sleep better. Since I started focusing on gratitude, I’ve tried to thank those who make a difference in my life, and I admit, I’ve experienced a lot of these benefits. However, I’m still waiting on the improved sleep. ?
Because I’m so grateful for all of you, I’m doing two random drawings this month–the first for the Howdy Fall Y’all earrings and a copy of A Cure For the Vet, and the second, a Happy Camper T-shirt and copy of Family Ties. To be entered leave a comment about a quote or share your thoughts on gratitude. Thanks again for being here and brightening my day!
Julie Benson has written five novels for Harlequin American, and her Wishing, Texas series is available from Tule Publishing. Now that her three sons have left the nest in Dallas, when she isn't writing, Julie spends her time working on home improvement projects, rescuing dogs, and visiting Texas wineries with her husband. Visit her at www.juliebenson.net.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Debbie, thank you for sharing that beautiful Bible verse! I’m adding that one to my list of favorites I refer to in times of difficulty or stress. I’m so glad you’re here this morning. Take care, stay safe, and give thanks.
I remember learning this Bible verse as a child:
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
denise
Denise, thanks for stopping by the corral today and for sharing another great Bible verse. I remember learning that one as a kid. It’s so simple to remember but such a good reminder to live each day in gratitude. Take care and stay safe.
Gratitude was the word I chose for 2021, so I am LOVING this post. I will always try to grow in my gratefulness every day of my life. It takes a lot of prayer for me. I thought I was a very thankful person, but I realized there is a huge difference in thankfulness and gratefulness. Yes, Julie, Life IS better with a grateful heart ??
Lana, I thought I was grateful too until I made the choice (and it is a choice) to be more grateful. My mother has always been a complainer and a poor me person, but now with dementia she’s even worse. I realized she made the choice in her life to be miserable. That’s why I started making an effort to be more grateful. For me too, it takes a lot of prayer. In addition, I find it takes a lot of soul searching and reframing my thoughts. But living a life of gratitude has made me so much happier.
Thanks for stopping by today and I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Take care and stay safe.
I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” by Will Arnett
Debra, that’s a great quote! I agree that being grateful is a choice. It’s so to focus on the negative, especially on those days that are tough and we have to search harder to find the positive. I’ve been amazed how much happier I am just by changing the way I see things. I’m definitely going to remember that quote. Thanks for stopping by today. Take care and stay safe.
Oh Julie, thank you for this. I am grateful every day to be here. My family is not long-lived, and when I make it to my birthday this month, I will have lived to an age none of them were lucky enough to achieve. It makes you aware that life is a gift not all get to experience.
Laura, you are such a joy, and I’m thankful to have gotten to know you. My BFF’s hubby had the same issue with his family. He, too, has now outlived the males in his family. Like you, I think it made him aware life is a gift and not to take anything for granted. Live long and prosper, girl!
“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” Kristin Armstrong
Charlene, I love that quote! It’s true, when we focus on the good and are grateful for it, we have less disappointment. I’ve been amazed how being gratefully makes room for more love in our lives. I guess it’s the good attracts good. Thank you for stopping by the corral today. Take care and stay safe.
My Mom always said – It is easier to be Positive than Negative, with a smile on your face = I sure miss her and her wisdom every day!
Teresa, how lucky you were to have a mom that thought that way. She sounds like she was wonderful and wise! My mom was the opposite. She always complained and was negative. It has taken me a long time to realize being that way is a choice and to turn my thinking around. Take care and stay safe. Thank you for being here today!
I am so grateful for everything in life. My family is one that doesn’t live long so I am so grateful for each passing day. Life has been pretty good and I am so grateful for that and still kicking after all these years.
My husband always says getting older is better than the alternative! How sad that your family members died young, but thankfully you’re breaking that legacy. Enjoy every moment and keep going strong! Thanks for being here today.
I am so grateful for so many wonderful things in my life. Family, friends, my home. This quote When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. –Maya Angelou, is so me. I feel this all the time,
Kathleen, I love the Maya Angelou quote too. It’s so sad she’s no longer with us. She had such wisdom to share, but at least we have what she’s written. The accepting gratefully is hard for me. I often try to say people don’t need to help me. I’ll be fine. (Another thing I’m working on changing.) Now I’m learning to be thankful for the help and accept it graciously. I’ve learned it takes away so much stress, and like Stephen King said, none of us get where we are without help. Thank you for being here today. Take care and stay safe.
this is a wonderful post. thanks for sharing. I love this quote: My socks may not match, but my feet are always warm. –Maureen McCullough And I loved reading Zig Ziglar books So much of what he has to say is right on. When my husband and I were Amway distributors, one of his books was a must read for that month. That started my husband and I reading other of his books. Then I found out that for years my dad had read his books also. I love gratitude. I love to write down what I am grateful for each day. It really does put things in perspective
Lori, isn’t it amazing how we find more to be grateful for when we write it down? I love Zig Ziglar quotes, but I’ve never read any of his books. But after hearing you rave about them, I will. Thanks for stopping by the corral today. Take care and stay safe.
I enjoyed every word of your post this morning. I live by the idea that basically ‘What you think is what it is’ and to me gratefulness and awareness are the platform for it.
Rachel, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! Your philosophy for living is great. With a attitude that positive, how can you not draw only the best into your life? What a beautiful way to approach life. Thank you for stopping by today and sharing. Take care and stay safe.
The thing I’m most grateful for is that I was my Mom’s caregiver for 9 years. I always told her I would never regret that time with her, and that’s what’s gotten me through this season of grief, knowing that I was there and did the best I could for. I thank God every day that I had her as long as I did.
Trudy, I suspect your mom was blessed to have you there as well. Being her caregiver for nine years couldn’t have been easy. How amazing you were able to see it as a gift. Not everyone chooses to do that. I pray you find comfort in your memories of your time spent with your mom and that eases your grief. Losing someone we loved always hurts. We just have to hope we get to the point where we smile at the memories more than we cry over the loss. Take care.
Oh my dear Trudy…I understand and nine years is a long time but of course, not long enough. I took care of my parents and aunt and even though it wasn’t always easy, I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else to do it because nobody loved them more, some may have loved them as much as I did, but impossible to love them more. You mentioned ‘season of grief’ and that’s a great way to explain it because seasons do change.
Thank you! I always told Mom, even as far back as when I was in Junior High, that I’d be the one to quit work and stay home with her later on, not one of my 3 older sisters. She would tell me before she passed that God gave me to her because He knew she was going to need me. My oldest sister has told me since Mom’s passing that if I hadn’t been home with her, they would have put her in a nursing home. The last thing Mom and I wanted to have happen, and I’m extremely thankful it didn’t! She was home with hospice for her passing, where both of us wanted her to be.
Gratitude … what a rich word. Rich in meaning as it weaves itself through life. I have learned gratitude in a whole new light this year. And I believe in showing my grateful heart and passing on goodness! Thank you Julie for the blessing of this post today. It touched my heart. You are so generous and have such a big heart. So wonderful to feel your realness in the post today. God bless you dear one!
Kathy, thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you and your hubby are well and aren’t suffering any long term problems from having Covid. All you’ve been through over the last couple years has shown your strength of courage and faith. You could teach classes on thinking positive and how to live a grateful life. Thank you for being here today. You have truly inspired me.
I am so grateful I finally got to visit my mom and brothers after this crazy year and a half. After being separated for so long, it was a time we will never forget. God’s presence was very much felt during that special time together. I am truly thankful for all of God’s blessings.
Julie, thank you for stopping by today. These crazy times have made me more grateful for family and friends, too. When everything shut down, our middle son couldn’t take living and working home alone. He moved back in with us, but kept his apartment. The six months or so he was with us was such a blessing. I’m so glad you were able to visit your mom and brothers again. We took so many things like being able to visit family and friends for granted. Now those precious visits are even sweeter. Take care and stay safe.
Attitude. Negative is misery and positive is wonderful. Life and what we make of it.
How right you are Anne. Life is what we make of it. If we expect the worst, that tends to be what we receive. When we see the good, suddenly there is more abundance around us. Thank you for stopping by today. Take care and stay safe.
Everyday should be viewed with appreciation and gratitude since life is fleeting and we have much to contend with but also to enjoy.
Ellie, you’re right. With the challenges of our world, we never know how much time we have. We can’t afford to waste one day. Helen Keller said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” This reminds me it’s all how we view the situation. We can view something as a problem or a challenge. Those two words have very different connotations and can affect our attitude toward the situation. Thank you for being here today. Take care and stay safe.
I think that as we get older we realize how much we are grateful for. The beauty which surrounds us and our health. After dealing with life threatening illnesses for several years you realize what is important and appreciate it so much more.
Sharon, dealing with a life threatening illness changed my perspective, too. We always have a choice. We can give up, give in, or give it all we’ve got. Congratulations on still being here, and not giving up or giving in. Having a positive attitude is so important when dealing with any illness. Take care, and keep that wonderful attitude. It’ll serve you well.
Love the quotes you shared this morning… have to share them with others! Thanks!
Colleen, I’m glad you enjoyed them. Take care and thanks for stopping by today.
Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever. Psalm !36:1 Also: Don’t take anyone or anything for granted, always be thankful for what we have. I am Thankful for my family and for good health. Have a great week and stay safe.
Alicia, thank you for reminding me about that wonderful Bible verse. I think if we give thanks to the Lord, we are less likely to take those blessings for granted. I hope you have a wonderful week as well. Thank you for stopping by today.
A great post! This week I have been thinking of the phrase “If I wasn’t laughing I would be crying”. Our house has been invaded with flies and we can’t figure out where they are getting in. There have been times when my husband and I have both been swatting them I have burst out laughing much to his surprise. I choose to look at the humor of it no matter what a mess it is making.
Thank you everyone for sharing so many great positive quotes.
Alice, what a story! Yup, some things you have to laugh at or you’ll end up in tears. At least it’s flies and not wasps or mosquitos! I wonder where the flies are coming from. We had flies earlier this spring when we left the door to the side yard open so the dogs could be outside. (The door opening is too small and accessible by anyone to have a doggie door.) I guess they’ve decided your house is the fun/cool house in town. Good luck getting rid of them. When we had ours, I got pretty good with a plain old fly swatter. Thanks for stopping by today and making me smile. Take care, stay safe, and get a fly swatter! 🙂
I enjoyed reading your comments and found myself nodding in response to many of them. When you bring up “sayings” I can’t help but think of Will Rogers. One of my favorites is “Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due”.
Oh, Cathy, thank you so much for that quote from Will Rogers. I’m a recovering worrier. I’ll have to paint that one on a rock for my desk! It puts worrying into perspective for me. See y’all teach me so much. The next time I’m worried, I’ll remember what you (and Will) said. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for your advice today and for being here. Take care and stay safe.
Love all the quotes, especially the Zig Ziglar one. Gratitude is very important, it keeps everything in perspective.
Megan, I’m glad you enjoyed the quotes. Zig Ziglar always seems to speak to me. He and Maya Angelou both had such wisdom, though they possessed very different voices when they expressed it. Thanks for stopping by today. Take care and stay safe.
Thank you for a thought provoking post.
I like the quote you shared – Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. –Randy Rausch. They are all good, but we forget that a simple “Thank You” can make such a big difference in a person’s day and in yours. It is such a simple gesture and makes you feel better after saying it. With all the negativity in the world, this simple act could help make things a bit better.
We just got back from a 2 1/2 week trip to attend a funeral and visit family we haven’t seen in almost 3 years. Before leaving we needed new tires on our RV (felt safer bringing our COVID bubble to stay in) and new brakes. We had brake trouble the second day, our generator died in cold, rainy Vermont, and all the hotels and B&Bs were full. We met the nicest people who helped us deal with these issues.. Their kindness made a trip that could have been a disaster rather enjoyable. Even looking at the repair bills coming up, we can honestly say it was a good trip. The gratitude we have for their kindness and consideration will brighten our days. for quite a while.
Patricia, I’m sorry for your loss. Funerals are never easy, but they’re even worse during these COVID times. My BFF feels more comfortable taking an RV when they visit their son and his family in New Hampshire, too. However, they rent one. How wonderful that you were able to find something positive and to be grateful for with all those troubles. What a blessing that couple was!
And you’re right about the simple thank you. I know that from, personal experience. There have been a couple times when someone’s genuine thanks has turned my day around. It’s shown me people still care and can appreciate what we do for each other, rather than take common courtesies for granted.
Take care, and I’m glad you made it to and from Vermont safely.
I am grateful for having such a wonderful family. My immediate family, my friends and their family, we each hold the other accountable. We push each other to do better, to contribute and volunteer to help others who are less fortunate, who have suffered a tragedy. We live in a small town and worked in the school system, so we know pretty much everyone. We are thankful that we are there for whomever needs us or if we need them.
How wonderful that your family not only supports each other, but encourages everyone to be better and help the community! I think small towns do a better job of that than cities. In cities, we tend to find support and community service through our churches or neighborhoods. My neighborhood has driveways in the back alley. I hate that. Where I grew up the driveways were in the front and we would see people coming and going. It was much easier to get to know our neighbors. It takes more effort or we see someone when they go to get their mail. Thanks for stopping by. Take care and stay safe.