Grateful

I just wanted to say that I am grateful to all those who read my blog even though I have not posted anything lately. Hopefully, I won't do that again. I have been getting ready to do a boutique on December 6, 2008. After that is my DS's birthday and Christmas. Its a busy month but I love it. I love the sights, the smells, the love. Wishing everyone who reads this (and even those who don't) a very Happy Thanksgiving. May we all remember what we are grateful for and how blessed we are during this time of trial for our country. Love you all.

Gratitude

(From the Brat Factor)

Most people do not realize the many health benefits of gratitude. Studies indicate that thankfulness is directly linked to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Compared to people who do not live a lifestyle of thankfulness, research shows that grateful people:

1. Experience higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination optimism and energy

2. Experience less depression

3. Better manage stress

4. Are more likely to help others

5. Exercise more regularly

6. Make more progress towards their personal goals

7. Have stronger immune systems

8. Have fewer symptoms of physical illness

Those are some impressive benefits that can be yours without even increasing your physical activity or changing your nutrition plan. All that is required is a grateful heart.

Are you a thankful person? If you are unsure, then it may be in your best interest to consider the following questions:

Are you the type of person who dwells on the good or on the bad things that happen to you?

Do you tell others about the blessings in your life as much as you tell them when things go wrong?

Are you considerate of the people closest to you or do you often take them for granted?

Are you thankful only when things are going well or do you look for blessings even when bad things happen?

Is there someone you admire who is a thankful person?

What other attributes do you admire about him/her?

Are you leaving a legacy of thankfulness that others will remember you by?

There is nothing complicated about gratitude. Quite simply, thankfulness is a choice. To say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our life is great. It just means that in spite of all we see that is worthy of complaint, there is far more we can choose to focus on that is worthy of thank- fulness. Why not choose to extend the tradition of giving thanks through the entire year, instead of limiting it to the Holiday Season? You’re physical, emotional, and spiritual health will all reap the benefits of a thankful heart. The choice is yours.

I Am Thankful For...

For the teenager who is not doing dishes but is watching TV, because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
For the taxes I pay, because it means that I am employed.
For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.
For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking, and that I have been blessed with transportation.
For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
For the lady behind me in my place of worship when she sings off key, because it means that I can hear.
For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.
For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.
and finally....

For too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.(