Wednesday, 20 October 2010

Gratitude...

"If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough."
  ~ Meister Eckhart

I believe that we should be grateful for one thing every day. I mean, how hard is it to be thankful and happy for one thing in your life every day? It might be the weather, it might be an unexpected letter or comment, it might even be your health. It doesn't have to be a big thing, just something small, something which perhaps made you smile today, or think, or laugh.

Today I am grateful for my friends, for those who have stood by me through thick and thin. They may not have given me anything of monetary value but they have given me something more; their friendship. They have been there when I've ranted (sometimes at them about themselves), they've been there when I've laughed. They've stood by me while the world seemed to fall apart and now they stand beside me as I make a life for myself. They have been proof-readers, coffee makers, hug givers and care givers. They have been the bringers of smiles and laughter, encouragement and unadulterated love. They have listened and advised and, while we may have had our wobbles, they have come back stronger than before, forever walking beside me. My friends, the family I have picked for myself, have been there through thick and thin, through happiness and sadness, through winters and summers. They were there yesterday and they are here today. My beautiful and wonderful friends, I am thankful for you every day and I hope that tomorrow will be another day with you.

Sunday, 3 October 2010

Random Acts of Kindness

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.  ~Author Unknown
 
Today it was a lady in the waiting room of the dentist, a complete stranger, who held my hand and talked to me, telling me I wouldn't be in pain for much longer.

Today it was a dentist who didn't charge me for the work he did, saying he was happy that I would no longer be in pain.

Tomorrow it could be me, or it could be you. A smile costs nothing and uses less muscles than a frown does and it could make the day of someone who is feeling utterly awful.

Smile, even if you feel awful; it will make you feel better even if you think it won't. Laugh; it really is the best medicine. Be happy, because if you're happy, then the world seems like less of a dark place.