Reflections on Optimism

Inviting a spirit of gratitude to create optimism in our lives.

Visiting the nursing home yesterday, I was reminded of the need for optimism. One of the best ways to create optimism is to give thanks. An Attitude of Gratitude for the simplest of life's blessings. The sunrise, the pink tufts of clouds, the aroma of that first cup of coffee, the wiggle of my dog's body when she greets me, the crisp feel of the air upon my skin when I embark on my day's journey reminds me I'm alive, the crunch of the ice beneath my feet reminds me to slow down, to appreciate and be "in the moment", smiles upon others' faces as they welcome another person into their world, all blessings.



“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

TLW - Three Little Words for 2014

You may have read previous posts about OLW One Little Word Challenge @Ali Edwards blog

This year, I've decided on three words:
Optimism,
Joy, and
Vitality.


I welcome these words into my life in 2014!


What is your word for 2014?

2014 - A New Year

After watching Soul Sunday, and Marianne Williamson's presentation, I am reminded of the need for LOVE in our world. "There are two emotions, Love and Fear". How often do our minds get carried away with thoughts based on fear and doubt. Yet, we are reminded that God's will is for us to experience Love, and that if we truly have faith and trust in him, that everything will work out. An everyday practice, but let us remember and trust.

Insight and Reflections

As I read Mark Nepo's, A Book of Awakening I reflect on his passage, "Born with one obligation - to be completely who you are. Yet we spend time comparing ourselves to others. Yet a flower in its excellence does not yearn to be a fish. Yet we humans find ourselves falling into the dream of another life."

"Voice of emobodiment calling us to live our life like sheet music played."

How many times do we yearn to be something we are not? As I reflect on my "One Little Word" for 2012, Blossom, I'm focusing on blossoming and appreciating my true self. Appreciate your self. Be true to your self.

Today, I will honor and nurture my gifts. I am unique. So are you. What a blessing.

Rhododendron in June

2011 Year End Drawing Near!

Reflections on 2011. A year of change, insight, growth. What's to come in the New Year 2012?

One Little Word for 2012?

"Blossom" That's it!

What's Yours?

Summer in Maine

Summer's Beauty

Such a splendid time of year. Why do we appreciate the warmer weather and beautiful flowers so? Must be the long winter months, waiting and longing for warm breezes, flowering bushes, soothing sounds of waves lapping on the shore, the cry of the loons, rustling of leaves as the wind rushes by, and all the many wonders of summer.
Counting my blessings.

Useless Worry

As I was beginning my day, caught up in useless worry, my friend (another wise sage) reminded me of some timeless words from the wise sage, Gandhi.

"There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.” - M.K. Gandhi

I must admit I had to step up to truly practicing "giving it over". Daily reminders to be mindful and believe.