Monday 30 March 2009

Attitude of Gratitude

Have you ever noticed how easily most children are made happy? Simple things — a colorful sticker, a trip to the park, hugging a cuddly puppy — make them squeal with delight and smile for hours.

Naturally, it's not as easy for adults to be so easily satisfied. While simple things should make us happy, life has gotten more complicated. Cute as they are, puppies just won't do it anymore — our happiness too often comes from big paychecks and expensive purchases. We've got less time to enjoy life and we're more stressed out. It's enough to make you wish you were a kid again!

What's making you happy these days?
Is it all about getting shiny new things, or are you finding value in feeling healthy and energetic?
Do you feel peaceful and in control of your life?

Contentment feels good, too — learn to savor and appreciate the feeling, which costs nothing but your own determination and discipline.

This week, I will focus on taking pleasure in the simple things life brings my way! I will take a snack to my local park and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine,.... I will take a walk through a pet store, or bring freshly picked flowers to an elderly neighbor. Iwon't spend much money, and the reward of simple pleasures will last all day!

13 comments:

  1. You always have thought-provoking posts. I must be a kid at heart, because I still derive a great deal of pleasure from being with my puppy. lol. I am trying to find little things to be appreciative of and grateful for every single day. That's the last thing I think about before I go to sleep at night...What happened today that made me smile, that brought any joy to another human being, etc. We tend to overlook the simpler things in life, when they're right under our noses. Thanks for this entry. Hopefully, it'll make your followers stop and think. Hugs.

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  2. It made ME stop and think, too. I like being in touch with the child in me. Plus I think ALL redheads stay children in some way. Maggs

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  3. Amen, Maggie! Now all I need is the pigtails and freckles! HA! Hugs.

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  4. I like to ogle strangers - it is cheap and more stimulating than the gov't's fiscal splurge

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  5. Lol @ Lermie!

    I love going to the park.. not only to watch Ty play but play along with him; to watch his expressions, to explore. He keeps it all real for me.

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  6. I loved this post...*smiling* It brought me pleasure! *laughing*

    A good book, sharing a good laugh, my favorite song on the radio, a sunny day after a week of rain, my husband's warm feet in the bed when I am cold...I am easily amused I guess! *wryly smiling*

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  7. Children are constant reminders of how we are all meant to live.

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  8. I spend a lot of time just watching people all around me but never quite put it like Lermie - he is SUCH an original!!The simple things are such a gift. I have ben known to do pigtails and my feckles ( thank fully) have faded!!! lermie I dont get anything from the government promised splurge - I earn too much!!

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  9. This is SO true. I was just watching my kids and thinking about this . . . their default is joy. I need to learn from them! Great post.

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  10. Children live in a constant state of anticipation. Everything is NOW and when they ask you to do something chances are they want to do it "now" The lists are endless.

    I wish my adult life was like that in many ways.

    I suspect that is why children are generally happy.

    Now is always a good time.

    Bobby

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  11. In truth Bobby, NOW is all we have. The past is gone and the future ( so many of us worry about) is yet to come. We have NOW.

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  12. *hugs* Your friendship makes me happy :)

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  13. It's the simple things. Warm tea when I'm cold. A good book, or a good blog to read. :)

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