What I am Grateful for Today

Are there coincidences, or does life appear to happen exactly as it should? Has your life been comprised of random events occurring over and over again? Do you believe that everything happens for a reason? Even tragedy, death, sickness and loss? What about the stories in your scrapbook of memories of great joy, elation, being in the right place at the right time? It certainly creates debate among us and causes us to scratch our head and ponder the bigger picture of what is meant to be.

I consider myself to be a very fortunate and lucky person, therefore I generally am. Even during these last two years of unemployment and a dwindling bank account I have had unlimited blessings. What if it was all meant to be? For all of us... Many of you are in the same boat as I am and holding on by your fingernails. We've collectively lost our homes, cars, gone bankrupt, suffered through unemployment, became sick from worry and fear and are struggling to just get by.

Yet, through all that, don't we seem more appreciative? Take less for granted. Redefined our values. I remember when I couldn't afford to pay for someone to clean my house any more and had to face the task myself. I was complaining about the chore to a friend of mine who suggested that only I could clean it to match my own standards. Revel in the accomplishment instead of being stuck on the errand.

What I am grateful for today:

I am grateful for the abilities I have. I can walk, talk, breathe, laugh, cry, read, write and all without real effort. I am so accomplished that I can work in auto-pilot while doing other things.

I am grateful for the memories I have. Yes, even the sad ones. It's my choice to spend time there. One of the best advantages of age is that we can look back on our life and see the mistakes we made and how we would do it differently now. The trick is to not dwell in the land of shoulda, woulda, coulda's; cause you didn't. Take what happened and learn the lesson. It's important to go back and take ownership and apologize. It's really never too late. Even if someone has passed on, the letter that you write or the words that you speak will heal your own heart and those around you.

I am grateful for all the parenting I have had. My mother is evolved and enlightened and has taught me to be independent and giving. My foster parents taught me about the bonds of marriage and forgiveness, no matter what. My step-dad created a world of writing and a thirst for knowledge. My dad has encouraged me to reach for my goals through discipline and persistence.

I am grateful for where I live. It is paradise. Often I think that God gave me this gift to fill me up so that I could go out and do the same for others. Am I succeeding? Could I do more? Always...

I am grateful for all the encouragement I receive from so many of you. I am lifted beyond measure when you write back and share your thoughts. Thank you for being part of my life.

I am grateful to all the property owners who have been so tolerant of my intrusion. Living in the country affords me the ability to climb through barbed wire, ignore no trespassing signs and pass through closed gates. I often think I know their land better than they do. I have discovered hidden tree houses, an abandoned swimming pool in the middle of nowhere, little waterfalls and streams, and a surplus of beauty and delight.

I am grateful for fireplaces. Is there anything better than staring into flames and getting lost in your own thoughts? The coziness of a warm hearth and the crackle of logs is reassuring and comforting, not to mention warm and energy efficient.

I am grateful for water. I drink a lot of it. A great way to stay healthy as it flushes out our system and keeps us hydrated. I bathe in it, swim in it, listen to it gurgle and crash. One of the world's best treasures!

I am grateful for a loving and powerful God. The creator of all who doesn't leave life to circumstance but offers us destiny. It is always our decision to decide which road we travel and what our journey will teach us.

I am grateful to be part of the universe. A body formed from matter and energy and created for some higher purpose. I hope that I can make a difference.

Please share your comments and what you're grateful about. I want to change the world by offering gratitude and love instead of hostility and blame. Share this message with people you care about and let them know you are grateful for them!

Coach Be