This is the time of year many seem to be more aware of blessings than at other times of the year. For so many, gifts abound; more than they even know what to do with.
For others, there are no outward gifts. For some, this may be challenging. For others, not.
The greatest gift we can give ourselves and others is the gift of gratitude. The gift of knowing that life offers us so much to be thankful for even when it may not seem evident.
Earlier today my friend, Chantal Beaupre sent me a YouTube video of an amazing man who lives gratitude and inspiration to the greatest degree.
If you ever thought you have reasons for excuses not to be grateful, live your life to the fullest, be loving and giving, perhaps watching Dan Caro will offer you a shift in consciousness.
Happiness is not something that is based on the outward. It is truly an inside job and one which we do have complete control over.
Blessings to you and yours. May today be a day filled with gratitude, love and inspiration. May your heart touch many with kindness, joy and care. Happy New Year.
What is your impression of the video and Dan's message?
Kathleen, thanks for this inspiring video. Each of us has the choice to make excuses or to achieve our goal.
This video is a wonderful illustration of persistence, personal responsibility, and not giving up too soon.
Posted by: Ann Bell | December 26, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Thanks so much for sharing this powerful video, Kathleen. What an inspiration for all of us. Very often we have no control over what happens to us but we always have control over our response.
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Posted by: Laurenamcmullen | December 26, 2009 at 01:58 PM
There are so many like Dan Caro who have achieved their dreams and more even with the tremendous "disability" they seemingly have. When I'm about to complain, I count my fingers and toes and look into my aging eyes that still see and hear the wind rustle through the trees and know I am truly blessed. I give thanks every morning and every night. I pray I can help others more, like this young man.
Posted by: Susanna Jade | December 26, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Thank you for all the wonderful comments. Many, many years ago, when I had just gotten over a difficult time in my life and was living in a very tiny room I had a spiritual teacher who taught me so much about gratitude.
In my usual fashion some 30 plus years ago, I was feeling sorry for myself because of what I didn't have rather than focusing on what I did have.
My dear mentor taught me a very important lesson on gratitude by asking some simple questions.
"Do you have a roof over your head?"
Yes.
"Do you have your eyes, arms, legs, hands, and feet?"
Yes.
"Do you have food in your stomach?"
Yes.
"Do you have people who love you?"
Yes.
"Do you have people who love you?"
Yes.
"Then what are you complaining about? What you need to do is look at what is good in your life rather than what is not? Or at least what you think is not."
This lesson has been with me for many years, for which I am forever grateful.
Even when we lose something on the physical or material level, there is always much to be grateful for.
Posted by: Kathleen Gage | December 27, 2009 at 08:05 AM