Many ways to give thanks and gratitude

"Today is a great day..."

This is something I should remind myself to say each and every morning. You know what? It does make a difference. I remember at one of my first jobs there was this guy who was so cheery. He sorta reminded me of Santa Claus. I wondered what this guy's secret was. Even on a "bad" work day he continued the way he started. So one day during lunch, I asked him about this. He told me, each morning before he wakes up he pumps each fist up in the air towards the ceiling while in bed. He alternates each fist while saying, "I FEEL GOOD!!! I FEEL FINE!!! I FEEL THIS WAY ALL THE TIME!!!"

Now you can imagine how his wife must have felt when he shouted this each morning. He told me that at first she couldn't stand it and now it's just so part of the morning routine she reminds him to do it. Maybe she just found feeling good contagious. I never forgot that, obviously.

Today was sorta like that for me with an added twist. I drove streets I have driven many times before. As I did I gave thanks for each experience I have had. From shopping at Smart and Final and Target to the mini airport that offers $99 courses on how to fly a small plane. Granted I haven't taken the lessons but I am so thankful for the thought of it and the feel-good emotions that pass through me. I thought to myself, "Wow this is a blessing in itself."

On the way home I even gave thanks to everyone who slowed me down or cut me off or even walked in front of me. I thought to myself, "I am always at the right place at the right time; all things for a reason, right?" I got home safely. I gave thanks for this and my parking on the street. When I got home, I cleaned out my wallet, tossing old receipts. I felt this was another opportunity to give thanks and gratitude for all the items I was able to purchase and use/share. Afterwards, I threw the receipts away with kindness. I felt I really gained something here, not just an "ordinary" experience for the day.

I invite you to give it a try and see how your day goes. Share your experience. Let's inspire each other. ;)

With love and light always,

MJD