Back to basics … living with gratitude

There is no better time than now get back to basics, to start paying more attention to what’s important, returning to the values of gratitude and appreciation. Let them swell and expand our hearts. Let’s be less concerned with the complicated details of living. Let’s simplify our lives, concentrate on a perspective of thankfulness, and from the Echoes my February 2015 Happy Day Moments Facebook Page, let’s think on these things …

 

ALWAYS LOVE

Love always trusts, always hopes, always gives, even when the other person doesn’t give back. ‪

Let’s respect others the way we fiercely long to be respected. Love is one thing, respect is another. ‪

A significant synonym for “love” is “forgiveness.” ‪

Surround yourself with positive friendships and you will feed your soul.‪

Stay grounded with an underlying love for all people, without exception.‪

Let’s have real warm affection to one another and be willing to let the other person have the credit.

 

BE FORGIVING

Releasing grudges and bitterness will allow you to receive more beauty and joy in life. ‪

Be forgiving and look at your failings with mercy, patience, and as teachable moments.

Look forward. For forgiveness. For hope, for joy, for consolation. ‪

 

CHOOSE KINDNESS

[Tweet “The right words at the right time can be helpful, healing, and heart-changing. “]

Never qualify your kindness. Be kind to grumpy people as well as happy people.

Even being intentionally kind and gracious with smiles and cups of coffee shared can transform lives. ‪

Look around. And find someone to encourage. Remind them they’re not alone. ‪

 

DEVELOP GRATITUDE

Don’t lose heart or grow weary in doing what’s right, for in due time we’ll see blessings if we don’t get discouraged and give up.

Whatever you’re in the middle of — heartbreak or joy — know that you always have value and beauty and strength.

[Tweet “When you change your expectations into appreciation, you change your life. ‪”]

Seek that sacred space where gratitude dwells. ‪

Gratitude can push you through life’s slumps, thrust you over the humps, and pull you out of the dumps. ‪

 

EMBRACE ACCEPTANCE

[Tweet “Be brave enough to accept that life’s dangerous and painful moments can also contain joy.”]  

Believe in yourself. Believe in your ability to succeed. ‪

Don’t let the voices of guilt or inadequacy whisper negativity into your moments.

Accept others for who they are; we’re all just trying to do our best.‪

It’s okay that sometimes you need a quiet place alone to help you figure stuff out. ‪

Learn the wisdom of being happy where you are and with what you have

Give your life to something bigger than yourself and your story becomes greater.

Believe that who you are and what you do makes a difference. Because it does. ‪