Sunday, November 23, 2008

An Attitude of Gratitude




"Be in an Attitude of Gratitude."


One of the reasons I like to watch The Secret DVD is it reminds me of the power of positive thinking. It also reminds me to be thankful for what I have every day, not just when the fourth Thursday of November rolls around. (I haven't really decided what I want my future to look like yet, so the rest of its message will need to wait.)


During these difficult times, we need to remember we do have a lot to be thankful for. It doesn't matter what's on the table or under the tree, but who is sharing the day with you.

It's time to get that pen out and start jotting down all of the reasons you know you are blessed.

I'll start.

I am thankful:
*I have wonderful friends and family who love and encourage me. I can't even begin to explain how much they mean to me.
*My daughter is graduating college this school year. (I am so proud of her. Choosing not to remarry while I raised her was the right decision for us.)
*I have a classroom full of angelic children who brighten my workday.
*God has shown his presence in my life repeatedly.
*I have reconnected with old friends who enrich my life, and I hope more of them find me this next year.
*I am happier than I have ever been.
*Instead of suffering from "The Empty Nest Syndrome," I've found myself again. (The woman hidden beneath the writer, teacher, mother…)
*Extra weight I held onto like a shield is falling off with minimal effort.
*I recognize that I'm entering a new chapter of my life - one full of miracles and exciting possibilities. I can't wait to see what happens next.


I asked my blogging partners what they were thankful for.


I caught Kim Watters between her many duties. It was short and sweet, but says it all:
“I'm thankful for my family and friends.”


Carol Webb is also thankful for the many blessings in her life:
“I'm truly grateful for my two daughters who are turning into wonderful, warm, and caring young women. I'm deeply honored to be their mother. They have given me such a different perspective on life compared to if I'd been without children. My friends add another deep layer to my life. They've been there through the tears and laughter, listened and given advise when I needed it and they've done it all because they cared. I can only hope to return the favor.
I have a roof over my head, food in my refrigerator, far more than many on this earth and for that I am deeply humble.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with abundance.”
Kathryne Kennedy had this to say:
"I have many blessings I'm thankful for, including a wonderful family and the support of so many friends (the ladies of this blog foremost). I'm grateful for having found such a supportive publisher for my writing, a place where I feel a part of a family with an editor who cares about me as a person. I'm thankful for every letter I get from my readers. In many ways, my writing has helped me get through a difficult year of personal health issues for me and my family. So most of all, I thank God for the gift of my imagination."


Now it's your turn.
What are you thankful for?



Have an awesome Thanksgiving holiday!
Tina LaVon


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm thankful for my son who is growing to be a nice young man. He's 15 and is the best! What can I say? I'm proud of him. I'm also grateful for my husband who I love. He's nothing but encouraging about my writing dream. And of course, I'm grateful for the many friends I've found here at Desert Rose in the last year. With their help I know I can write. I know I will finish my manuscript and i will send it off!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

What I'm thankful for(in no particular order):

I have a husband who understands me and loves me anyway.

My writing career has truly started.

I have friends who support, encourage, and care about me.

We're managing to pay the bills somehow even though a new job hasn't come yet.

The biopsy came back negative.

My children are healthy.

I have family in town with whom I get to spend Thanksgiving.

Pat Cochran said...

I'm thankful for my supportive and
loving husband, for my children and
their spouses, and for all 10 of our
sweet grandchildren!

Pat Cochran

Karin said...

I'm thankful for my friends and family.

I'm thankful I live where I do.

Jo Anne said...

I am Thankful that I had my little sister for 44 years. On Dec. 10th she would have turned 45. I am thankful that for the last 9 months of her life I was there for her and with her. My sister was strong, I have to be stronger because I am here. I am thankful that she is with out parents and that she is painfree. I am thankful that I had the chance to watch her grow up. She was such a wild little kid. I am thankful for my family for being there for me and for being strong. I am thankful for this life.