When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
(Songwriter: Irving Berlin)
By the time you read this blog, I will either be out Black Friday shopping or home recovering. Shop hopping on this day with my daughter and granddaughter is one of those traditions I love and sometimes take for granted. No matter what happens when we're out, it's an adventure because we enjoy being together. I often forget how fortunate I am. I find it easy to focus on what went wrong in life or didn't go as planned or...you get the idea. Lately, I've been trying to improve my happiness quota with a different approach. I stop and think of what went well or what I have that makes me grateful.
There are many ways to do this. I once read of a person who felt depressed and couldn't come up with much good about her world. The woman resolved to do something for others as her therapy. She decided to write and send a personal heartfelt note of appreciation to a different friend or acquaintance each day for a year and to mail it to them. She set aside a dedicated time each morning for her task. The woman never asked for a response.
Well, she was surprised. Cards began arriving for her. People wrote back telling her how much her words had meant to them. Many saved and reread their messages over and over. Amazingly, her simple sincere act of kindness had made a difference and touched their lives. Lesson learned, it's never to late to speak up or share your appreciation. So, here are a few of my blessings or simple things that make me happy.
The beauty of the hills and mountains that surround me. The thrill of catching the deer looking in at us through our window. When my granddaughter told me she loved being with me when we watched a movie together. My friends who support me even when I'm wrong. (Yes, I eventually come to my senses.) My husband and children. And of course, the many books I've written and can look at on my bookshelf. Each one symbolizes a dream come true for me.
I could keep going, but you get the idea. There are too many gifts to mention. Most go unseen until I pause and evaluate. My friends, I wish you the best on this Black Friday. If you can't sleep tonight, you know what to do. Count your blessings. I'll count you as one of mine.
Nora
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Don't forget my latest book Trail of SECRETS is available. My hero and heroine have lost jobs, homes, and people close to them. It's not until they band together and embark on their joint journey that they discover their greatest gift, love for each other.
That's a beautiful gesture. Thank you for sharing it. Your book sounds great, too! I like the title.
ReplyDeleteI love that story! It does feel great when you help someone else, but how lovely to get all that love in return.
ReplyDeleteGreat sentiment. Love the story.
ReplyDeleteThanks, all. I remembered the story because it meant so much when the responses started coming. She wrote sincere notes of gratitude. i think she must have been a born writer.
ReplyDeletethat's such a lovely story. Thanks for sharing that idea of sending notes to people
ReplyDeleteWas a inspiring story. She debtaed over emails but decided to go the old fashion way.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post, Nora. Thanks for sharing the story with us.
ReplyDeleteLovely. Thanks for this great post!
ReplyDelete