As we ease into the Christmas holiday season this upcoming week, I wanted to share one last thought on what I’ve learned about daily gratitude this past year.
Being grateful for what I have – focusing on, and seeing what I have rather than what I don’t have – well, it helps me give more to others. If I keep my eyes focused on how I’ve been blessed, I’m less likely to try to hoard my resources and keep them to myself. I’m more likely to want to share with others, no matter how much (or little) I have. As the saying goes, no matter how or where you find yourself, there is always someone in the world who has less or has it worse than you do.
Not that I use that to focus on the negative aspect! No! In my mind, I picture the Cratchit’s from A Christmas Carol by Dickens. Enjoying what they have and sharing with others made their life fuller, and happier, even though they may have had less than many.
And now I’m rambling. But I think you get the idea. And I think it’s the perfect note to end on as I come to the season of giving. It’s the perfect reminder for me – give, share, be happy with what you have while still seeking to be more. That’s what’s brought me joy this year. It has filled my heart up with the positive when the negative things around seem like they could be overwhelming and carry me away in a tide. Believe me, I’m sitting here today making hot tea for an oldest son who has a terrible cold, and keeping a puke bucket close for a youngest son who has the stomach flu, and just typing this has made me feel better.
I can not change the world if I can not change myself first. And I choose to change and be more. One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Ghandi. I spent some time earlier this year studying his life, and can only try to be more like this giant of a tiny man.
Be the change you want to see.
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