Practice Gratitude

I know it's pretty cliche to write about gratitude this time of year, but this is really important!  Did you know that studies have shown that people who practice gratitude are happier overall, and even go to the doctor less often than people who focus more on the negative aspects of their lives?  A professor at UC Davis states that  "gratitude heals, energizes, and transforms lives." 

So how do you cultivate gratitude in your life?  Here are a few ideas:

• Say "thank you" often.  We too often take those we love, or those who do things day in and day out for granted.  Thank your spouse for making dinner or taking out the trash.  Thank the bagger at your grocery store.  Thank your baby for smiling at you.
• Write a thank you note.  I need to do better with this one.  Think of someone you haven't seen in a while who has made a difference in your life.  Let him or her know.
• Keep a gratitude journal.  Write down 3-10 items each day that you are grateful for.
• Notice the small incidents that make you happy.

 

Conquer Fear with Love

One reason that am starting this blog to combat fear.  A fear of writing, as I don't think that I am a very good writer.  A fear that no one will read it.  A fear that I will embarrass myself. 

Another reason that I am starting this blog is to serve.  If one person reads each post and benefits from it, I am writing that post for that person.  As a service to him or her out of love.  I am choosing to allow love be my primary motive and to conquer my fear with love.

Dr. Laura Markham, in her book Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting states that all thoughts are driven by either fear or love.  I am choosing love.

Stephen Palmer says, "You can’t unleash your greatness until you expose your fears and weaknesses. Your fears and weaknesses can’t be exposed until you get out of your comfort zone."  This is what I am doing.  I am getting out of my comfort zone and facing my fears.

Marianne Williamson states: "As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."  I am consciously choosing to let go of my fears and live out of love.

The Bible reads: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Choose love.