Your comment about us refusing to accept what happens reminds me of a statement I heard recently that really helps me move forward, “whatever happened, happened and couldn’t have happened any other way…because it didn’t.”
A lot to think about here. Thank you, Jack. I needed this today and should probably reread it everyday.
Before I sleep I count my blessings because right now, though life is difficult in many ways, I know I have so much to be grateful for. Thanks for the reminder.
Excellent article!! “Gratitude is simple. Practicing it is not”. So true! Taking our thoughts captive is a discipline whatever the goal. Gratitude, joy, peace, love. If we practice that discipline, we will have taken our thoughts captive. It’s really up to each of us to capture our thoughts for the outcome we want.
Well written Jack, it is something I have tried for years to get someone very close to me to do. It reminds me to value the relationships I have, and seek to make new connections. I really appreciated reading this tonight! It fits into my "make your own miracles" philosophy.
Thanks Jack. Every night I say a little thank you prayer, and some of the thanks are standard, from my great friends and family, to the birds and beasts, to the roof over my head.
But I always find other small things to be thankful every day, from a neighbour giving me a piece of deer liver, to the black bear that was foraging across the street from me.
There’s always something. Sometimes, on a not such a great day, you have to search a bit harder for it, at other times, it’s right in front of you, but it’s there. Just take the time to look.
I made a commitment several years ago to add one bit of gratitude to my daily writing. It’s likely the only New Year’s resolution I have ever kept! If I miss a day, I write two things the next day. It’s a good reminder every day to watch for things that matter in my life. And as you noted, Mo, sometimes identifying it takes some effort. But there’s always something there, even if it’s just, “I am grateful that the day is finally over!”
Beautiful article and oh so true when I read it and look at myself. Reread it 3 times. It’s now printed out and on my frig for daily reading. Love it. Beautiful and yet simple. An article I didn’t realize I even needed. Thanks!!!!
This really spoke to me as I have always tried to look at nature, my life in general and been thankful for being exactly where I am. Sure there are frustrations but you stop and step back and reevaluate yourself and life and move forward again. I also think of John Kennedy and is perfect phrase “ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country”. To me that can also mean what can you do to help others or your city to make things better. Just look around and check on your neighbors. It all falls under his saying.
I had to remember my ethereal toolkit was still there to lift me out of the spiritual desert that is MAGA. I see them as the low men from Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series.
Plus, my head needs to be on straight for shoulder replacement surgery today. See you on the flip side.
Today has been a lovely, fulfilling day that started with a deliciously cool, bright morning. I’m a bit stiff and sore but I’m content and smiling to myself.
Something to reread each day before I sign off my daily scroll!
#holdfast
Laura
Laura…great idea!
#holdfast
-Jack
Your comment about us refusing to accept what happens reminds me of a statement I heard recently that really helps me move forward, “whatever happened, happened and couldn’t have happened any other way…because it didn’t.”
Andrew…I love that.
There’s something disarming about how plainly it cuts off the spiral of “but what if”… it just points back to what actually was.
Thank you for sharing it; I’ll be sitting with this one for a while.
-Jack
Good one.
A lot to think about here. Thank you, Jack. I needed this today and should probably reread it everyday.
Before I sleep I count my blessings because right now, though life is difficult in many ways, I know I have so much to be grateful for. Thanks for the reminder.
#Holdfast
~Susan
Susan...this means a lot.
Holding onto gratitude...when things are HARD... is the whole point...and you're already LIVING it.
Thank you for reading!
#Holdfast
-Jack
Excellent!!!
Thank you, David. Much appreciated.
-Jack
Excellent article!! “Gratitude is simple. Practicing it is not”. So true! Taking our thoughts captive is a discipline whatever the goal. Gratitude, joy, peace, love. If we practice that discipline, we will have taken our thoughts captive. It’s really up to each of us to capture our thoughts for the outcome we want.
BG...'Capture our thoughts for the outcome we want' ...that's the whole thing in one line.
Thank you for reading...and for adding to it!
-Jack
Well written Jack, it is something I have tried for years to get someone very close to me to do. It reminds me to value the relationships I have, and seek to make new connections. I really appreciated reading this tonight! It fits into my "make your own miracles" philosophy.
#Holdfast
Kristine...thank you so much. Comments like this are EXACTLY why I write.
I hope that person comes around someday...but in the meantime...I'm glad it reminded you to value what you've got.
'Make your own miracles' is a philosophy I can get behind.
# Holdfast
-Jack
Thanks Jack. Every night I say a little thank you prayer, and some of the thanks are standard, from my great friends and family, to the birds and beasts, to the roof over my head.
But I always find other small things to be thankful every day, from a neighbour giving me a piece of deer liver, to the black bear that was foraging across the street from me.
There’s always something. Sometimes, on a not such a great day, you have to search a bit harder for it, at other times, it’s right in front of you, but it’s there. Just take the time to look.
I made a commitment several years ago to add one bit of gratitude to my daily writing. It’s likely the only New Year’s resolution I have ever kept! If I miss a day, I write two things the next day. It’s a good reminder every day to watch for things that matter in my life. And as you noted, Mo, sometimes identifying it takes some effort. But there’s always something there, even if it’s just, “I am grateful that the day is finally over!”
Love it Faith. I start my prayer with thanks for another day.
Beautiful article and oh so true when I read it and look at myself. Reread it 3 times. It’s now printed out and on my frig for daily reading. Love it. Beautiful and yet simple. An article I didn’t realize I even needed. Thanks!!!!
Deborah...on the fridge...that's the highest honor an article can get.
Thank you! I'm so glad it said something you needed to hear...even if neither of us saw it coming.
-Jack
Jack this is the best thing you
have ever written that I have seen. Thank you friend. You will never know how much I needed this today.
Mary...thank you, my friend. Knowing it reached you when you needed it most makes the writing worth it.
-Jack
This really spoke to me as I have always tried to look at nature, my life in general and been thankful for being exactly where I am. Sure there are frustrations but you stop and step back and reevaluate yourself and life and move forward again. I also think of John Kennedy and is perfect phrase “ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country”. To me that can also mean what can you do to help others or your city to make things better. Just look around and check on your neighbors. It all falls under his saying.
#HOLDFAST
Teri
Teri...this is a wonderful way to read it.
That step-back-and-reevaluate instinct...is EXACTLY the muscle I was hoping to point at.
And...I love that you carry Kennedy's line with you... especially the way you turn it outward TOWARD neighbors.
That's the whole thing, really.
Thank you.
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
Tks Jack. You’re a well rounded man who keeps our square corners smooth.
John...Thank you so much. You're welcome!
-Jack
I LOVE & LIVE this. Thx Jack💜
Kimberly...I LOVE that you DO!
-Jack
I had to remember my ethereal toolkit was still there to lift me out of the spiritual desert that is MAGA. I see them as the low men from Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series.
Plus, my head needs to be on straight for shoulder replacement surgery today. See you on the flip side.
Let the choir say, "Amen".
Thank you. #HoldingFast
Roberta...you're welcome.
#KeepHoldingFast
-Jack
You mean doom-scrolling won't make me happy? Dang!
Ha! I know, right?! ;)
-Jack
It’s clear you live what you write. Truth. A good reminder to be present where we are.
Thank you, Sara. And...you're welcome!
-Jack
Today has been a lovely, fulfilling day that started with a deliciously cool, bright morning. I’m a bit stiff and sore but I’m content and smiling to myself.
Dream well. Pretty sure I will.
#HoldFast, my friends.
Rae...a cool bright morning...and a contented kind of sore at the end of it... that's a day to be grateful for.
Glad you're closing it out smiling. Dream well!
#HoldFast
-Jack