"the blessing of beauty"

With the rocky economy it can be difficult at times to feel grateful instead of grumbling about what isn’t right with the world. However, by taking time to be grateful even during difficult times and at challenging moments, exceptional personal growth can take place. I read an excellent article by Jack Canfield, author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul, on Gratitude and Appreciation. You can read the full article here:

http://jackcanfield.com/files/newsletter_archive/112008.htm

I began to reflect on moments that I have made a conscious effort to focus on gratitude and appreciation. A few weeks ago I experienced a very challenging moment when I discovered that one of my car tires was very flat. This was particularly inconvenient as I was 40 miles from home. As I was given the news by a very sweet woman in a restaurant where I was having lunch, I realized that I had a choice about how I was going to react to my flat tire. I could have certainly become “justifiably” upset, or I could calmly face the situation and focus on the blessings around me at that moment. The blessings I chose to focus on included the fact that I was not alone as I decided what to do. My aunt and cousin were with me and offered tremendous support. It was a brilliantly sunny day and neither pouring rain or snowing. I did have a spare tire in my trunk if I needed it, and calling AAA was always an option.

As I focused on these blessings I remained very calm and at ease. The flat tire no longer seemed to be such a big deal. With a few stops along the way at gasoline station air pumps, I made it safely home, and found a tire service station that could work on my car right way. (It was even a Sunday!). While I waited for my car I read a wonderful book and actually enjoyed the extra time to relax. Once my tire situation was evaluated I was informed that I actually needed two new tires. Fortunately, I was later told by a family member that I had received a great deal on the tires!

So as you go throughout your holiday season look for people, circumstances and events to appreciate. The more you appreciate the more grateful you will feel and the more beautiful life will become. You can have a lovely holiday season despite what they may be saying on the news!

Deborah Barnett, Ph.D.

ManifestingWellBeing.com

“Manifesting Well-Being for Health and Success”