“From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other— above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
Albert Einstein
This brings to mind the people we love and others we depend on for our well being. Yet there are so many more unknown people that support us from a distance.
Notice where you are right now and what you are relying on… your seat, floor, desk, smartphone, computer, cup of coffee … ? Look around you. There is so much that we usually take for granted that supports us and has brought us to this moment and what we are doing. Behind these things are countless unknown people who have contributed to make this happen.
This is a reminder to pay it forward with a Gratitude Practice. See how many times today – and every day – you can find to say thank you.
Express your appreciation out loud, and look for different ways to express it.
Give your loved ones an unexpected kiss or note.
Smile at strangers.
Tell colleagues how much you appreciate them.
Thank the check out person.
Send a card to a friend.
Go out of your way to show your appreciation.
And pause in your day to look around at everything that others have done in order for you to be where you are in this moment. Its pretty amazing!
Thank you for reading this post. I really appreciate it. 💛
True gratitude is sadly all too rare a thing. H ❤
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I don’t see much of it around these days either Hariod. For some it seems to be unknown … and for a few it is a living practice that brings joy. ❤️
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Among other things, I am grateful for whoever invented C~H~O~C~O~L~A~T~E!
An attitude of gratitude makes us happier . . . right here, right now!
Thanks for nudging us in the “right” direction, Val.
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Nudging Nancy Nudging ☺️
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I’m with Nancy on this one!
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Thanks Suzi! Is it the chocolate or the gentle nudging that worked for you? 😉
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ha, a little of one and a lot of the other…you guess which one is enjoyed LOTS!
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Thanks for the great reminder Val 🙂 Hope all b is super with you ♡
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Thanks Lorrie. Life is good … I’m riding a dip in the ocean and will see you on the up side soon. Take care! xo
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🙂 ❤
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Val, great post. I’m always struck by the extent to which the most mundane things involve so many social connections.
Yes, gratitude is beyond important both to the obvious and not so obvious.
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Thank you Jean! This is a good day for Gratitude for human connections and community 🙂
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So true. We take many conveniences for granted that came from inspiration and the sweat of others. Gratitude is a daily mantra for me.
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Thank you Olga for sharing your daily practice and inspiration!
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Beautiful post Val ~ I love using gratitude to change my life and the lives of others (hopefully)! You are such a kind soul and I am so grateful that we’ve connected. ♥
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Thanks Yvonne! I am so grateful for you being here. Keep shining your light 💛
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You’re welcome. And thank you. 🙂
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I appreciate you too Colleen 🙂
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That is a very good practice! Gratitude is a powerful force, we give … and we receive. Thanks for this beautiful reminder, Val.
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Love this Tiny – a practice that becomes a cycle of goodness ❤
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Have you ever wondered whenever you catch a plane or train how many people were involved to make that moment happened.
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That is an amazing thought Elizabeth! I’m so glad the comment came through 🙂
Thank you for opening my mind this morning! xo
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Sorry, my comment did not post due to internet slowness. This message came up and I have inadvertently copied the message rather than my comment! Silly me 🙂
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No worries … It’s here 🙂
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If it weren’t for you, Val, I would not have grasped the power of gratitude over the last several weeks – thank you so much!
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Thank you dear friend. I am grateful for you being here ❤
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thanks for the encouragement, Val!
i’m trying
i’m trying 🙂
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Keep going, keep going 🙂
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THANK YOU, Val, I certainly appreciate your uplifting words. 🙂 I say this blessing before meals: “Bless this food and all who have a had a part in bringing it to this table.” It gets me thinking gratefully of the long line of folks, from farmers, truckers, distributors, clerks, my spouse who all made it possible. Then I think of the sun, rain, air and earth that supports it all. I feel so blessed!
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This post gives us the key to happiness all we need do is unlock our heart._/\_
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Beautifully said Jack. Thank you _/|\_
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Today I am grateful for the gentle rain falling outside. I am lucky to live in a region of abundance, and wish I could send some of this rain to California.
I have always loved listening to the rain. It is calming and gives me peace. It is a great time to meditate!
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Thank you A! Rain is soothing and calming … As well as nourishing for life.
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Val always a breath of good fresh air over here. Not to mention inspiration.
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Thank you dear Kath! 🌼
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