When you’re really under it, what fills your heart? Appreciation or despair?
If you haven’t developed the habit of thankfulness, you’re missing something fundamental, for thankfulness is the greatest of all virtues. While we’re on the subject, what virtues do you hold dearest? Have you thought about it? Make a list. It will tell you a lot about yourself. If you need a little help, here is an excellent list to prime the pump (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtue).
Life – the precious gift of life – is something you can always appreciate.
A friend of mine recently pointed me to this song. I enjoyed it’s simple, poignant and profound message and hope that you do too.
I’m Alive
So damn easy to say that life’s so hard
Everybody’s got their share of battle scars
As for me I’d like to thank my lucky stars that
I’m alive and well
It’d be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you’ve sat and watch go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me… I’m alive
And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathing in and out’s a blessing can’t you see
Today’s the first day of the rest of my life
And I’m alive and well
I’m alive and well
Stars are dancin’ on the water here tonight
It’s good for the soul when there’s not a soul in sight
This motor’s caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I’m alive and well
And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathing in and out’s a blessing can’t you see
Today’s the first day of the rest of my life
Now I’m alive and well
Yeah I’m alive and well
Gregory Hake 
Great video, and great point. Thanks for the reminder.
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Finally had an an opportunity to open this up today … Deep breath and a smile. Thank you. Appreciate you!
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A little appreciation goes a long way. One of my favorite Shakespeare quotes: “A merry heart goes all the day, Your sad tires in a mile-a.”
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I think of thankfulness as the element that creates fertile ground for a fruitful life experience to grow in. It seems to be where creativity, love and joy spring.
It’s also a habit. Thanks for sharing the song, it’s going on my IPOD.
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I sometimes wonder what last thoughts go through someone’s mind who wasted their opportunities fill their hearts with appreciation and thankfulness for the beautiful things right in front of them. It probably is just that, having a life flash before one’s eyes, “What a waste!”. I don’t plan to let mine be a waste. Thank you for the obvious reminder, and the song to really let it be felt in the heart!
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I am so thankful for your Blog! Planting wonderous seeds in the garden of our mind is SO vital to a happy life. It seems that many of us scramble around for positive insight when things go wrong. How about consistently filling our minds and hearts with beauty, love and hope so that the darker moments become less and less. Life is wonderful, if we allow it to be so!
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“Breathing in and out’s a blessing can’t you see” – a simple starting point for any one of us to fill our hearts with appreciation for the magic of life!
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I think there is suich a shortage of appreciation in the world today. Looking around or watching the news, it seems people like to feel justified for being angry, resentful, and overall depressed, but where and when do we start to focus on what IS there to appreciate. Life, health, love? Having teenage daughters and now a “tween”, I find that it is important to help them to learn the art of appreciation and actually “feel” the difference it makes in their hearts and minds. We often overlook the biggest gifts in our life by losing sight of those things that we truely appreciate. This was a great post to remind us to take a different look at our worlds and “feel” the difference a new perspective can make!Why punch yourself in the eye by being angry or resentful at someone else? Thanks Gregg!
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I’ve heard is said that thankfulness was the not only the greatest of virtues but also the parent of all others.
Great place to start today; for the rest of our lives.
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my son wakes up each morning, runs from his room yelling, “I’m back, look it’s a beautiful day!”….rain or shine, he’s thrilled with the opportunity of facing another day.
So, as a reader, next time we wake up a bit slower or with concern in our heart, picture a child jumping out of bed with excitement pouring from his being ready to see what today brings. A little thankfulness and appreciation for the gift of life goes along way.
Thanks for the song!
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