Ripples #913: Thanks Gives Back!
Nov 21, 2016
PEBBLE
Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.
-A.A. Milne, shared by Leslie in Madison, WI
BOULDER
In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.
—Melody Beattie, shared by Robin in Madison, WI
PONDER
Like piglet, I’ve been noticing lately just how much gratitude can fit into my heart. Even on the tougher days (and I’ve had a few lately), it takes only a moment to pause and ask, “What am I thankful for?” The response is usually transformative, as there is almost always more to be grateful for than there is to be grumpy about.
Focusing our attention on gratitude can have a significant impact on life satisfaction as well as emotional and physical health. Prayer before meal, journaling before bedtime, or using “stuck in traffic” time to daydream about all the good people and good times and good stuff we’ve enjoyed lately…these are all brief yet powerful opportunities to practice appreciation. People who regularly generate moments of gratitude in their lives are happier, more hopeful, and even healthier!
Moments of gratitude are simple, sweet, and sacred; whenever you make time to give thanks, thanks will give right back to you.
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
P.S. If you’d like a mega-dose of gratitude, I keep a running list of all the gratitude-themed quotes we’ve unleashed over the years. Enjoy!
