Gratitude

“Just think how happy you would be if you lost everything you have right now, and then got it back again.” - Frances Rodman

Gratitude. What a powerful thing. I read that line this morning and knew it was so powerful. People are driven by any of many different things. The most powerful things I do for myself is every morning go through  gratitude list and do the same thing in the evening. Some days I have a hard time doing that exercise. I think I become so accustomed to everything I have I take it for granted. That and I start to focus on my difficulties and not the things I have to be grateful for.

Where would I be if I lost EVERYTHING. Well, the most important things are Linda, Ainsley and Morgan. My house and stuff is just that - - stuff. But I am grateful for everything. I have a place to live, I am warm and dry. I have a business. I teach. I have clothes.  

Some of the students I teach have less than what I have – a lot less. They go to school and at least on the outside seem to be grateful for what they have. Imagine having nothing.

My grandfather came to Canada with nothing, not even the ability to speak English (from what I know). He got off a boat in Montreal, took the train to Hamilton and started working in the steel mills. He became one of the highest ranking people in the foundries and all from nothing. So what right do I have to complain.

I am truly grateful for my life. I realize that what I get out of life is a direct reflection of what I put in. I want more out of life so I have to give more to life. By that I mean I need to be of more service to more people. Can I do that? Of course I can. I wonder though. I have many things I can do for others. I often get bogged down in trying to figure out what the universe wants me to do. I think what I need to do is relax and let it tell me on its own.

I have what my mom would say is “too many irons in the fire”. People will tell me to focus on one thing and do it well. I honest look at everything as just one giant thing. So in fact, although it looks as if I am accomplishing nothing, everything is moving ahead however slowly though it is moving ahead.

And I am grateful.