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Heartwings Love Note 802 - Thankfully

Heartwings says, "Giving thanks is something to do all year long."

Following a practice I began in my late thirties I give thanks for my blessings on a daily basis. I began doing this after a phone conversation with a friend. She told me that rather than complain about what I thought I was lacking, I needed to be grateful for what I did have: good food to eat, a roof over my head, a comfortable bed to sleep in, warm clothes to wear, and so on. She reminded me how important it was to give thanks for the simple yet necessary blessings we take for granted. I believed her. Now these many years later, I am most grateful to her. An attitude of gratitude leads to true happiness.

When we focus on whatever there is in our lives that brings happiness, healing, kindness or friendship we are emphasizing that aspect. When we complain about our difficulties we are focusing on our lacks and our problems, most of which we can do little to nothing about. There is no happiness in dwelling on our misfortunes. When we do emphasize what is good in our lives it seems magically to increase. Giving thanks for that which we have as well as that which we do not have is an important key to a good life.

Gratitude for the bounty in our lives has been a theme of harvest celebrations throughout the ages. The Pilgrims did not host the first Thanksgiving ever, just their first one here in this country. Giving thanks to a higher power is common to nearly every religious or spiritual path. Most paths have some kind of ceremony to honor the powers that be that provide them with support and sustenance. If the rains do not fall or the sun does not shine our food will not grow. It's as simple as that. I know how grateful I am to the market and the farmstand that provide me with good, fresh food.

More than anything else however, I am grateful for the love that has come to me over the years. I have been extremely fortunate in the people I have met and with whom I have had the opportunity to interact. My friends, past, present and even future are important to me. I am thankful for each and every one. While some of those have vanished from my life, the experience of that love remains to bless me with its warmth and the joyful memories of happy times together. No matter how something may end, what matters is the good that came of it. I am grateful for that good and for the dear ones still in my life.

Wishing you every joy at Thanksgiving and always,

 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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