My Gratitude List for May, 2015

I am glad to write this post for May, 2015.

The first thing that comes to my mind is the Gratitude Challenge I took part for 21 days, hosted by Corinne @ Everyday Gyaan.com was a great way to keep me healthy and happy; as I oriented myself to write down what I felt, inspired by the lovely quotes on gratitude.

Selvaraj & Maria Valentina

May month has been a busy month, wherein I was part of an extended family’s celebration. I was part of every ritual of the marriage, and was also busy with making a book let for the wedding, time was spent in selecting the readings and putting everything in order.  This match was between my nephew (my cousin sister’s son) with my husband David’s niece (his cousin sister’s daughter). Since David helped to find this match – we were involved in every decision making and all celebrations before the wedding and after the wedding too. It was fun and also created a family bond.

Nagarjunasagar

Statue of Our Lady of Sea

This month was also a summer break for my daughter; so I was busy in getting her homework done; and also taking her out for a couple of movies. We enjoyed watching PIKU (a Hindi movie) together. I also sent her for a two day workshop on self awareness through painting, which she enjoyed. We went for a day’s tour to Nagarjunasagar Dam and had fun going around with friends, despite the weather our friends kept us entertained.

My daughter at the workshop

Me & my daughter at a theatre

I went to the doctor with a particular problem and I discovered other problems; I am grateful for this as it helped me to go for thorough Master Health Check up and ensure that I am healthy. I am grateful to the doctor for being concerned, genuine and patient with all my queries, and also for connecting me to the right persons.

  

My nephew Sam who celebrated his birthday this month

There were two birthdays in this month in our family one was my nephew Samuel, who celebrated on the 15 May and my second brother Francis who celebrated his birthday as well as his 35^th wedding anniversary. I am happy and grateful for them in my life; and sent my love, prayers and wishes… the month of May was combination work, celebrations, fun, outing and also bonding with family.

At a silver wedding of another cousin

I am grateful to step into the 6^th month of this year June 2015, hopefully that the weather will cool down; managed with 47 degrees and still alive and happy, looking forward for another meaningful month of this year. My journey will continue with gratitude….. hoping to hear your thoughts on my post.

 Be Happy!!

21 Day Challenge - Day 21

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN

 The 21 Day Challenge

I am glad to complete this challenge, despite frequent power cuts, scheduled sessions, helping my daughter manage her time; finding something to keep her occupied, also looking taking care of my own health, that needed attention.

I challenged myself to do this exercise of gratitude for 21 days so that gratitude becomes an auto response in me, as I keep journeying in finding myself. My experience for the last 21 days has been very positive and a great motivating factor, especially when at the end of a tiring day completing all my responsibilities, it was very renewing and refreshing to focus on something very positive to think and reflect upon.

I am grateful for Every Day Gyaan for initiating this challenge, and thank Corinne for posting lovely quotes on gratitude every single day for 21 days. 

Every quote was so meaningful and inspiring, I felt motivated to respond to it with a few reflections from myself. This challenge kept my mind deliberately occupied to think and reflect upon the quotes that were posted.

While this month was a difficult one, wherein I had to make too many rounds to the clinic for an ear infections, followed by other issues that I needed to deal with as part of being healthy. This gratitude challenge has helped me to be happy; as everyday I made deliberate choice to look for the good in every experience and every situation right through 21 days and fill myself with gratitude.

Gratitude has kept me healthy, ruling out all infections from my body and also healing my ear infection.  I feel a lot better and stronger than before, and I am so glad to complete this challenge late … better late than never.

There was no internet connection at home; and now its back and I am happy to not only connect but also be inspired by blogger friends.

Be Happy ! Be Grateful !!

21 Day Challenge - Day 20

I am participating in  EVERYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

May 1-21, 2015

I remember attending a retreat as young girl, wherein the preacher was talking about attitude; stating attitude is everything in life.  Even the way we get up from our beds makes a huge difference; and he went on to explain “how do we get up from the bed? “ do say Ooooh God another day???? Or do we say “ wow !! thank God it’s a brand new day” all the girls laughed looking at his expressions. He added a lot more of humour giving examples of people who are grumpy right from the time they are out of bed and everything seems to go wrong for them, they cry about water, electricity, food,  politicians, etc  and  the whole day they are at the  complain counter.

I felt funny when I heard all this ; but later realized what he meant and from then on made a choice to look forward to each new day as a “Brand New Day”  I remember choosing every day a different colour dress  and match them with my earrings and bindi and sometimes even change my hair style to feel the difference. (they were small joys – but lighted up my life..).

These may look superficial, but it did help me to look forward with enthusiasm, and still today it  is the feel good factor to look new and different everyday, coupled with daily walk, and daily prayer and gratitude, it raises my energy levels – keeping me positive and optimistic till the end of the day.

Smile with gratitude with the rising of the sun! and end with setting of sun in gratitude !!

Be Blessed & Be Happy !

21 Day Challenge - Day 19

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN

 The 21 Day Challenge

I recall my spiritual experiences in the charismatic renewal that not only made me come alive as Christian, but also made me a vibrant and zealous person. The level of gratitude in me increased by leaps and bounds….  Those days every prayer meeting would begin by praise and worship, and I remember a format was also made as to how to lead praise and worship for the youth meetings. The experience was a life changing one that brought in praise, thanksgiving and reverence to the creator.  This experience of God influenced the way I perceived everything in my life…. Gratitude still continues to empower me.

I was never the same again, as my faith helped me realize that I am loved despite who I am and for the first time in my life. I started reading the bible and found that the scripture was full of affirmations and appreciations. 

Broken as I was with low self concept and zero confidence, full of fear, worry and anxiety about my future, the words from the bible came alive, and I felt that every word was written for me and suddenly I realized that I am more worth than the sparrows; that I am precious and unique in Gods sight, that I am only one in this whole wide world, and there is none like me. I am not repeatable in the history of time, and God has plan and purpose for me.

I was filled with awe and admiration for what I heard, still struggling to believe; as my experiences in life was very contradictory. I am thankful to my friends who helped me believe in myself and gradually helped me gain confidence. Today I bow with gratitude for varied experiences that has led me closer to myself, filling me with gratitude, awe and reverence… 

21 Day Challenge - Day 18

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN 

the 21 Day Challenge

Who does not want to be appreciated?

Appreciation is a great emotional need and also a motivator for every one in this world. When we appreciate those who work for us; we not only make them happy, but also increase their motivation to perform well whatever task we have entrusted to them.

When we appreciate children for their sincerity and initiative, we help them in learning to be honest and they become bold to take risks.

When we appreciate our family members for whatever they do for us; the family is more united filled with lot of positive energy bonding the family well.

When we appreciate our friends for what they are to us; we give them happiness and the friendship deepens. Appreciation has to be genuine and authentic and even thought the persons know about his/her strength – it becomes a magical when they are put into words. Some times the person does not know his/her strength, then we help them in identifying what ‘s in them and appreciate that particular quality.

I always considered myself lucky for all the appreciation I have received from my friends and my colleagues. Appreciation has strengthened some of the qualities and has also enhanced my self esteem. I believe that it is very important to appreciate those who are with us; and those who work for us; and also for those whom we work.

I find this very common in parents and some elders; that they would never want to appreciate their children directly, as they fear that the child may become over confident and proud. So they are always criticizing them and finding faults giving them rules of Don’t  do this … or Don’t do that … and we find children end up doing just the opposite. If we want children to obey, appreciation is very important, and it is very important to tell them that we love them, and they matter to us.

When was the last time you appreciated someone in your  life ?   

21 Day Challenge - Day 17

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN 

the 21 Day Challenge

Depression as most experts believe is a combination of family history and stressful life events may be the cause for depression. Life events can include a sudden death or suicide in the family, a severe financial loss, accident, disaster, crisis in the relationships like divorce, being cheated by a partner, failing in the examination, unable to live up to the expectations of others or even a diagnosis of a terminal illness.

One may also get depressed even if there is no reason to think of. Some times certain drugs too can cause depression. Depression is a complex illness with many contributing factors. Depending on the type of depression treatment and counselling is available. 

One of the ways to prevent depression is to learn to manage stress in our lives. Stress can be managed by taking up a physical activity, yoga, meditation, practising gratitude, affirming self, focusing on the positive, practising positive thinking, having faith in God, taking a break/ a retreat, listening to music, and taking up activities that produces happiness and joy, laughing out loudly, reading inspiring books, journalling and also listening to motivational speakers, gurus.

Hence it is not easy to feel grateful when a person is depressed as the quote above says, “It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.” Naomi Williams.

  

21 Day Challenge - Day 16

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN 

 21 Day Challenge

When I am not in a state of gratitude; then I am in a state of ingratitude that takes away my joy and happiness. Ingratitude also stops me from appreciating each new day as it unfolds and cuts me off from the supply of awesomeness as the above mentioned quote says.

Some times I feel its human nature to be in a state of ingratitude; as gratitude is something that is cultivated over a period of time; and we need to train ourselves to learn to be grateful always.  

Ingratitude decreases our energy, takes away the power from within; leading us to blame everyone and everything around us for our misery. Miserable people can never be happy and their only goal is to multiply the misery by spreading their miserable stories around. 

Thus by not taking responsibility for one self, we can cut ourselves off from the supply of awesomeness, losing out on the joy of being grateful.

“In gratitude is the daughter of pride” Spanish Proverb

21 Day Challenge - Day 15

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

This is a great reminder for all of us: that we learn to eat with gratitude; when we sit down to eat our food, seldom do we remember good and thoughtful people who have taken the trouble to sow the seeds, water the plants, put a fence around it to ensure that the tree is protected and yields fruits/flowers/vegetables in the right time.

I remember first time when I heard this quote from one of the enlightened guru, who says, that eating is sacred and when we eat, we must eat with gratitude thinking of all those lovely people who have invested their time and energy to ensure that the food reaches our table. 

He went on to the extent of thanking the farmer who sowed the seeds; and the persons who brought it to us all the way from the villages to the city.

I was vey inspired by these guru statements and from then on I made attempts to eat with gratitude; and also extended to other services that we get.  When I wash clothes, I deliberately recall with gratitude the person who invented this washing machine to make my life easy, and so is it when I use the gas for cooking, use ingredients to make breakfast, lunch and dinner… I am still learning to practice and extend my attitude of gratitude to everything in my life in order that gratitude becomes a part of me.

Do you have any thoughts on this proverb? I would love to hear from you….

21 Day Challenge - Day 14

I am participating in  EVERYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

May 1-21, 2015

Gratitude is riches!  Well said !

When I am grateful I feel very rich; I look at everything in myself and around me with awe and wonder; everyday is a brand new day ! every breath I take is new, I smile a lot and I feel a lot more happier and blessed.

It’s a great attitude to carry on in life; to always look for the good in every situation –  How I define  “Rich” is also very important. For me to be rich means:

·     To be able to smile always

To have a family that is caring, sharing  and of course even liberating to be myself

To be involved in a meaningful work

To have friends who motivate and inspire

To be able to laugh out loudly

To watch comedy with my daughter and husband

To volunteer for a cause and reach out to those who are vulnerable – youth /women

To have genuine relationships

To sit quietly and do nothing

To enjoy a movie with the loved ones

To glance the sky and smile at the flowers

To watch David   make chicken curry in the kitchen

To  see my daughter riding my bike

To relive moments – looking at the album and sharing lighter moments

Sending thank you notes to those who are generous

Acknowledge affirmations and give affirmations with love

To be able to sleep in peace everyday

To trust in the divine…

To be able to forgive …and let go ..

To write whenever I want to ...

Relax and enjoy life as it gives newer experiences daily..

All the above mentioned points makes me feel rich and happy for I am sure that, these are things not sold in the market of life ! I keep on adding to the list…. Whenever you want to complain, stop a while, pause and start looking at all those things you have, which cannot be purchased in a shop.  So now what makes you feel rich ? I would be glad to hear from you... .. and your comment will also add to my riches..

21 Day Challenge - Day 13

I am participating in  EVERYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

May 1-21, 2015

So very true – goodness come from soil of appreciation for goodness. Appreciation is a beautiful quality  that makes the person happy.  Most of the time we take everything and everyone for granted; we are slow to appreciate, but quick to criticize.

Even at home I find, all the good that is done will go un noticed; only a few things undone will get noticed, recently I found my daughter complete her  home work, cleaned up cupboard, sorted her books and when I came back from work, I asked her why she has not filled water in the bottles; she broke down telling me all that she did from morning till evening at home, and suddenly I realised how insensitive I was and immediately apologised and appreciated her for all the work she did.

image from google

In the same way, there are so many examples of how, we never appreciate the good around us We have trained our minds to look for flaws and criticism comes naturally. I remember years ago when my mother cooked lunch and served all of us, one person will always get stones in his food… it may sound very strange…. But I believe, we get is what we look for… and he would get so angry and my mother used to be doubly careful; despite which the same person will get the stones.

image from Google..

As I read this quote, I appreciate myself for all the good things I have – my family, the work that I do and whole lot of people who are so much part of my life; some who are very close, still others who are helpful and still some more I can have fun with, my neighbours who are kind, whom I can trust my house keys and sometimes even leave my daughter, in times of emergencies, the doctor who treats us, the shop keeper  who delivers our groceries, the persons who collect our garbage every day.. .. the list can go on … am happy to appreciate everyone and everything around me… 

21 Day Challenge - Day 12

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

May 1-21, 2015

Have you every noticed Happy People?  Their face glows – like a 1000 watt bulb shining and there is no need for any make up, the secret is gratitude; these people practice gratitude, they take time to recharge their batteries ie. Spend time and enjoy their own company. They create quiet moments to get in touch with themselves; appreciating, affirming, thanking, reflecting, , listening and surrendering their lives to the Divine

They are full of enthusiasm and high energy, they spread happiness, joy and brighten the environment as they keep going; they carry the positive energy around them, there is a beautiful aura surrounding them and the whole atmosphere gets charged and they retain the energy till the end of the day.

“Living one day at a time”, they do not carry the broken pieces of their lives into the next day – they live moment by moment enjoying everything that life offers, content and satisfied hoping that tomorrow will take care of itself…

 

Google images

The one person that comes to my mind is mother Theresa who with her cheerful disposition and grateful attitude reached out to the poor.

 

21 Day Challenge - Day 11

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

May 1-21, 2015

Living in gratitude brings a calmness and quiet joy; when we practice gratitude, the focus is only on the good and the positive. Focusing on the positive aspects gives us inner strength and builds confidence, where as focusing on the negative saps our energy and destroys our self confidence.

I agree with this quote, as I continue to live a life of gratitude there is a sense of calmness and quiet joy and adding this is also a peaceful sleep. Staying in gratitude is the surest way to be happy and gratitude also diffuses a lot of psychological problems like fear, anxiety, and inability to concentrate, tension and worry.

Studies show that grateful people are less prone for anxiety and depression. Those who showed appreciation to what they had in their life were happier and confident; these people did not compare themselves with others, but were very optimistic in counting their own blessings; Gratitude keeps us healthy and generates a lot of enthusiasm and positive influence where ever we are. Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things we can express with each other.

Make gratitude a way of life and you will never regret! Be assured of health, peace  and harmony!

 

21 Day Challenge - Day 10

I am participating in  EVRYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

May 1-21, 2015

 

One of the important consequences of being in gratitude is that the more grateful you are.. the more present you become… as said in the above quote.  Gratitude helps us to remain in the present moment, which helps us to be productive and successful.  As most of the times – we dwell in the past, thinking about the past experiences, and some times if it’s a negative experiences, we allow our mind to keep repeating the same experience – which actually blocks us from living in the present fully.

pics from Google

What we need to understand is that “past is gone”…. As Louise Hay says the past cannot be undone, no matter what we do, we can never drive in the reverse gear…hence what is important is the present… and when we learn to use the present moment intentionally wanting to do good and creating something positive, we will do ourselves a lot of good. 

As every thought we think is creating our future; the choice is ours; do we want to be grateful and live in the now ? or do we want to hold on to past and cry about what cannot be changed ? I like this saying “Do not dwell on those who let you down; but dwell on those who hold you up”

pic from google

Today once again I release all the past experiences of  hurt;I forgive and release all those persons who exploited me; I let go of all those who pretend to be my well wishers, but actually they are not…… I release them from my life in  peace… .. for  “I am not responsible for other people. We are all under the law of our own consciousness”.. Louise Hay

Be Happy ! Enjoy the Present moment !


Note: Thanks to Google for the lovely images..

21 Day Challenge - Day 9

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

May 1-21, 2015

Day 9

Saturday was a tiring day for me, at the end of the day I found this quote for the 9^th day challenge. I read this quote numerous times to ensure that I understood correctly. So if I can put this quote in my own words, it may sound something like this “it takes just one grateful thought to bring peace in our hearts”

According to me gratitude generates so much positive energy that it not only bring us happiness but also contentment and peace; wherein we are relaxed and find meaning and satisfaction in the kind of work we do; and we keep tapping our inner resources looking within for peace, rather than outside ourselves.

 “Peace Comes from within. Do not seek it without.” Buddha 

 Peace is internal and it has to be experienced from within; that is why it is very common to hear from all the great enlightened leaders who teach us to look within, and find out what is in us first, before we start holding others, situations, circumstances responsible for our own peace. 

Gratitude also means that we take responsibility to our thoughts; as ultimately it is the positive thoughts that bring us happiness; it is the focus on all the empowering thoughts that brings gratitude.

  “Do not overrate what you have received or envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind” Buddha

 I would be glad to hear your thoughts on the gratitude challenge 9 quote...  

21 Day Challenge - Day 8

I am participating in EVERYDAY GYAAN the 21 Day Challenge

May 1-21, 2015

Day 8

“Who does not thank for little will not thank for much”. 

Estonian Proverb

Today I prefer to post some images that reminds of the little things  of my life !

Be Happy!