On Gratitude…

Proud Peony - 2020

Nevada

Honor Mom…from me to mine, from you to yours.

I am confident that each of us has reasons to be grateful. Beyond life itself, there’s our world of people that each of us can think of that warm our hearts and cause us to smile.

We have been graced by the benevolence of others. We recognize it and quietly think kindly of them. 

Sometimes, we want to thank them personally, in the manner that we were taught when we were growing up. To express our heartfelt gratitude. To do so brings joy to those who have given of themselves for our benefit, as well as satisfaction to ourselves.

I know that many of our blessings are divinely ordained. 

Another source is fellow human beings.  We know them as family, friends and acquaintances. Then there are those we do not know, but know who we are. They manifest their goodwill toward us even as we are unaware. 

Each has their unique version of love and goodwill that benefits each of us.

Grace and Goodwill

It’s rewarding to those who have graced us with their goodwill, as well as ourselves, to affirmatively express our gratitude to them…abundantly, frequently.

To express gratitude costs nothing, yet the rewards to the recipient and giver are beyond measure.

We often desire to do so, but often the demands of life seem to minimize our best intentions so that they fade from our minds vision.

Our expressions of heartfelt gratitude graces those who have given of themselves that we may live a fuller life. It’s in saying thank you, without reservation, that we help reaffirm their belief in us. 

Graceful Gratitude for Whom?

To gracefully express genuine gratitude it's one of the core gestures of a wholesome life.

We benefit others and ourselves by reorienting ourselves from passive awareness to affirmative, grateful expression.

As we do so, it’s important to have clarity of how we direct our gratitude. It may seem natural to express our gratitude for some things.

Upon reflection, the idea of being thankful for something is a mirage. More accurately, it's really a being, divine or human, who made something possible. 

As we reflect deeply, we enable ourselves to feel proper pride, born of humility, in our efforts and achievements. 

They too, are very real.

Where to start?

After thanking our creator for our life, we must also clearly express our gratitude to our Mother.

I remember a beautiful habit of sometimes spontaneously telling my Mom: "Thank you for being my Mother.” I smiled then and I smile now at witnessing and remembering the joyful smile that simple act brought forth.

Whom to Thank

Once considered, you will probably think of a long, long list of whom to express your gratitude.

It may seem that it will take considerable time and effort to fulfill your desire to express your gratitude. I hope that for you, it will be a tremendous task as it will reflect your blessings. One that will reflect your appreciation of the goodwill that has been bestowed upon you. How it has influenced your life…for the better.

Be confident that as you express yourself, and experience the reactions of others as well as your own satisfaction, your ability to express yourself further will be enhanced.

With that thought I encourage you to begin, as I have someone special to thank…

Mom, please hear the melodies of my eternal gratitude concerto.

May you and your family rejoice on Mother’s Day!

Updated: May 12, 2023

Dahlia - 2020

Nevada