YES!

Day 7 of the Purposeful Gratitude Project

Today marks a week into this project, and I have found that deciding to be positive has had some decidedly positive effects on me. I've noticed that I look for uplifting moments more. What about you? How's this project defining and/or redefining you?

Well, here is my list for today:

1. I am grateful for God's blessings that allow me to be a blessing. It's true, it's great to give and I thank God for giving me blessings to pass on to others.
2. I am grateful for the ability to smile. I used to feel self-conscious and hide my smile. Now I grin all the time, and I realize that my smile brings joy to others ... strangers and friends and family. It cost nothing but it's priceless!
3. I am grateful for the Word of God. I notice that when I speak His Word as I've done today, I feel better. I just believe it's working on the inside, growing my faith. LORD, thank You for leaving me Your Word to change my world and the world at large.
4. I am grateful for music. I love the sound of instruments and it's so amazing how God gave man the ability to create instruments that make wonderful sounds of praise to Him.
5. I am grateful for my daughters of destiny ... Andi, Katie, Saundra, Michelle, Patress, Mercedes. These young women are precious, and it is an honor to be able to share life with them. They are strong and resilient young women and having them in my life makes me a better person

Day 5 of the Gratitude Project

Happiness researchers? Did you know there was such a thing? Well, there is! It's probably not as popular an area of study as the greenhouse effect, but I think it's interesting that people have actually studied the effect of gratitude on happiness. Are you happier because you're grateful? Do grateful people have better attitudes than ungrateful people? Mm mm.....

All I can tell you is while running my own unofficial happiness research, I've discovered that I am happier. Fluke, you say? I think not! You see, as I've consciously appreciated people, ideals, concepts, places, and things, it has become harder for me to stay in a blue funk pass 5 minutes. Okay, so it's not scientific, but it works for me! So I'm happy to share my gratitude list for today:

1. Computers. My first experience with a computer happened back in 1982 when I went to work for IBM. It was love at first sight and first use. The very idea of being able to communicate with the world at the click of a key is a blessing. I can write my sons in Texas, read Kristin's blog, post my own blog, meet and make new friends, shop in my pj's, and mail packages without leaving home. Oh yeah, I love my computer.
2. Sweaters. It's 12 degrees here today. I've pulled out all of my warm clothes, and I found one of my favorite sweaters. It has a black and white geometric pattern, looks good over my black turtleneck and black pants. It's practical, yet stylish. Sweaters of great pieces to have in your wardrobe.
3. Mom's talking better! Mom called today and she spoke so clearly. I am grateful that she is getting better and better every day.
4. An unexpected blessing. For no apparent reason someone paid my cell phone bill.
5. Shug. I was cleaning my office today and found a card my sister sent me a couple of weeks ago. It was a "Sister" card and sent just because. Her real name is Cathy, and she's my little sister. Shug is my vault. She holds my secrets, my fears, my joys, and every now and again she'll even let me complain. I love you, Shug!

What are you grateful for?

Dr. Angela aka "The Purpose Professor"

Day 2 of The Purposeful Gratitude Project

Gratitude, according to Wikipedia, is "a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive." I like that word acknowledgement because it suggest an understanding of personal recognition shared outward. It's like, "I know this and now I want to tell someone else what I know." In regards to being thankful, I know this. I know that I am a very blessed woman and I want to take a moment to tell God Thank You! So here's my list for today:

Today I am grateful for:

1. My father. My dad loving takes care of my wheel-chair bound mom. He's not in the greatest shape himself, but he makes sure she's comfortable. Every time I visit them in Jersey, and watch him with her, I am reminded of what my mother really meant when she used to say, "love is what love does."
2. Jessie. Jessie is one of my prayer partners who is away on vacation in Florida, but she thought about the Sisterin' (my prayer group) and surprised us with a phone call. Jessie is the kind of person who acts on her instincts ... she did this morning, and it was a delightful gesture.
3. Ideas. These days my mind seems to be overflowing with ideas, thoughts, dreams, goals, visions. I attribute this to making the commitment to this project. I believe I have opened up my world because the ideas for book projects, client marketing, etc. just keep coming!
4. Kind strangers. I stopped to get gas and this gentleman not only waited for me to get to the door, he opened it for me, and greeted me with the warmest smile. It prompted me to do the same for a lady who came into the store as I was leaving. It felt great.
5. Adrian. I got a letter from him yesterday and it made me smile. May the love I feel for him go through the Cosmos and find him in SC and whisper, "Mom loves you!"