Gratitude Journal, Nov. 7, 2020 The Angels in the Tree

 Nov. 7, 2020

This is Angel Oak Tree in John's Island, South Carolina. It's a magnificent tree that's estimated to be 450-500 years old.

My big sister and I were planning to visit it back in August 2017 when we were going to also be at the very spot of total darkness during that year's eclipse.

That trip just wasn't to be, but my husband took me to see it two-weeks ago and I'm ever so grateful to have finally had the opportunity to stand in its shadows.

The tree sits among millions of other oak trees on a small island off the coast of Charleston. It's an unassuming location on a one-lane dirt road that could easily be missed if you're not paying attention. It makes you wonder how it was even discovered. It's far from the grandiose entrance that I expected, after seeing what I now know have been enhanced photographs of the tree.

But as soon as my eyes locked on Angel, I simply broke down and spent the next hour channeling my sister, walking throughout all of Angel's low-hanging branches, placing my hands on her bark, listening to the wind blow through her leaves, whispering to her my appreciation, and leaving her a few of my tears.

We spend as much time as possible camping, hiking, and bike riding. I love seeing nature in all its glory; the beach, sunsets, rainbows, the mountains, leaves turning in the fall, the shape of boulders, rainfall, rocks on riverbeds, and even the force of a hurricane -- all of it leaves me breathless every single day. Nature brings me joy.

As a result, I pick up pinecones, rocks, leaves, shells, and sticks off the ground to bring home to enjoy forever. Those little "trinkets of nature" are a constant reminder of the beauty that stands before us each and every day.

While visiting Angel, I picked up some of her twigs off the ground and immediately saw a way to enjoy those twigs and honor my sister.

I'm so grateful for sight, not only in my eyes but in my heart -- to see and appreciate the beauty that is nature.

Gratitude Journal, Nov. 6, 2020 Thoughtfulness

 Nov. 6, 2020

"They" (whomever they are) say we shouldn't be grateful for material things.

I once saw this quote, "Don't make life about owning stuff."

And, while I understand what is actually meant by that, on the surface, I have to disagree -- and that's what my own gratefulness is all about today.

Things make our lives easier, they bring us joy, they help us manipulate through our daily lives. Things are what clothe us and help us sleep. Things drive our economy, and it's because of things that most of us are lucky to be employed. Oftentimes, it's things that make a person proud of the obstacles he/she has overcome, symbolizing not wealth, but self-confidence and self-assuredness.

Things can and do make us grateful.

Today, I am grateful for this little turkey in the photo.

Two friends gave her to me as a gift -- not for my birthday, not for Christmas, not for any reason other than 'just because.'

To me, that means I was in their thoughts and in their hearts at the time they saw this sweetie on the shelf. If you think about it, that's very powerful.

Thoughtfulness! It's a super-power that can change the world for the better!

Never let your appreciation for a friendship go unrecognized, but also remember to appreciate those moments you learn that you're a part of their thoughts.

I'm so grateful for the friendship of these two people and the joy they bring to my life.

Gratitude Journal, Nov. 5, 2020 Sacrifice Leads to Best Life

 Nov. 5, 2020

More times than not, gratitude stems from one "small" gesture of kindness, understanding, or even sacrifice. But my guess is that you can usually trace that gesture back to something so much more substantial.

This morning my heart is filled with love for a person with whom I've had a relationship for about 38-years. This person has often reminded me of my "roots," has talked me down from ledges, and has never, ever not provided me with words of encouragement. (I realize the use of a double negative there, but it's the best use of those words for stressing the heart-felt appreciation.)

And now this person is willing to make a sacrifice for me that will provide me the opportunity to live my best life.

It isn't necessary for me to go into any additional detail, but it is important to know that the things for which we are to be grateful are all around us. Sometimes we have to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, in order to realize or see those things that make our lives better. And sometimes it's the unprecedented sacrifice of a friend.

Tell me about your gratefulness.

Gratitude Journal, Nov. 4, 2020 Dedicated Parents

 Today I will begin a journey of gratitude. I am not at all a religious person, but I have always been filled with much gratitude. Perhaps I don't voice it enough.

I am a firm believer that your heart, your soul, and your head, can be filled with goodness and gratitude with or without religion. Religion, in and of itself, does not make a person good. I believe the true measure of goodness comes from a person's actions. And today I begin my journey by sharing something I wrote back in 2015 regarding the goodness of my parents.

I would love for you to come along with me on my journey and share your gratefulness, as well.

"Nov. 4, 2015 -- Today I am grateful for the maturity to know and appreciate that my parents, both of them, did the best they could with what they had and what they knew during the decades we were born and in the small rural areas in which we lived.

I am also grateful, though it was hard for them to do it, that they relocated from Southern Illinois to Miami where I was raised. I am grateful for my upbringing, that I did not miss the life lessons of my parents, and grateful for their daily guidance still today."

I'm so grateful to have come from two people whom were dedicated parents and grandparents.