Perspective On The Most Special Day of This Inn ........................11/22/12

       Dear Guests to the Attitude of Gratitude Inn:

 I resonate with the message in today's illustration.  Nonetheless, I appreciate today's focus: gratitude and thanksgiving.  Each home in the United States becomes

An Evening to Remember ..5/29

..

      I just got in from being out last night, Saturday. I had a marvelous time with friends. Tonight's post shall be brief.

My gratitudes for Saturday.

1. Fun with friends and family was my delightful experience this evening. My birthday was celebrated at my favorite place, the Fairmont Hotel.

Gratitudes from the Innkeeper

My gratitudes for today:

1. I finally got my problem with the DMV straightened out.Ya ay!  I was so grateful, that I offered to take the supervisor who helped me, out for dinner. I appreciate the freedom I have that allows me to go wherever I want, whenever I want----a bit of independence that's easy to take for granted. I'm not old, yet, but eventually most seniors reach a point when they no longer can drive.That's a several decades away, but it is a good thing to be thankful.
2. I went grocery shopping, after my trip to the DMV. I'm into healthy food. I'm glad that I was able to get what I need to make nutritious, SSS meals.
3. My baseball team won tonight. They're in first place. They're hanging in there, even though they aren't scoring many runs. It's the superb pitching they have, that's contributing to their success. I enjoy celebrating life's little joys. As you know, my team are the world champions, even though we only play Major League Baseball in the U.S. and Canada.
4. My middle son and I had a good visit this morning. I love his personality and the open interaction we share. We were able to discuss goals he might want to pursue. I value his open-minded attitude and connection we share with each other. 
5. In the early evening, my youngest son and I were able to visit. He's the musician among my sons. Being that I'm a musician, we were able to discuss music and catch up with each other. We are going to do something next weekend, as a family.  I look forward to the time we'll share.My sons are my number one priority, other than my relationship with God.
6. I'm happy to see positive outcomes for the work I do. I got a e-mail from a client last night. She's noticing big changes in her life, due to the time we've spent. It's been three months. I tell all my clients that their desire to get better has to be stronger than my desire to help them. Otherwise, I can't assist them. To push a person along in their personal growth is untenable; it's also would make me a codependent, something I don't care to be.

      Okay, you've heard my gratitudes. Would it be possible for me to hear yours? It would meet my need for equality, reciprocity, mutuality and fellowship. 

      Here's to having a terrific Thursday,

A Special Occasion Tonight

     Good evening everyone. Thank you, for dropping by; the Attitude of Gratitude Inn celebrates its two month anniversary tonight. It opened at 10:30 p.m. on  March 13th. Since that time we've had over 2500 visitors from: the U.S., Canada, Malaysia, England, Australia, Germany, India, Iran, Russia and Singapore, in that order of frequency.

       New friends, I've met, one of the results of the 124 comments and gratitudes shared by visitors to this inn, not counting the ones I post.  Thanks for the letters I've received from you----you know I enjoy community.

      I've churned out fifty-three blog posts since this place opened up. The furnace to this place has only begun to warm up this inn of encouragement   Ongoing fellowship in this inn, is something I look forward to, as the year progresses.

      Have a great and grateful Saturday, 

A Tribute ................................................5/8/11

      I hope you enjoy these on this Mother's Day.  Keep posting your gratitudes!

                      Mother

Never a sigh for the cares that she bore for me,
Never a thought of the joys that flew by;
Her one regret that she couldn't do more for me,
Thoughtless and selfish, her Master was I.

Taking Care of Self While Stressed .............................4/1/11

Van Gogh: Almond Branches

    How are you?

Yep, it's late. I've been working on a major project. Overall, Thursday was great. I'm processing loss. A community that I've been involved with for 19 months is shutting down. When facing stress, I make a point to do what I need to do in order to take care of myself.  It is especially important during such times to make sure that I strengthen and equip myself.  Being at an optimal level, while going through a difficult time, is in my best interests. 

My gratitudes for today:

1.  SSS is still open, as I write. See my first post in this blog, for more background information.
2.  I'm grateful for those who post gratitudes here.   I enjoy community, your support and the celebration of what's alive within you.
3.  I'm glad my computer is back in action.  I study, take notes, research, communicate with many, record thoughts, prepare my work, and decompress, using this electrical device that allows me to talk with you.

4. I'm thankful for the lively conversation I enjoyed with others until 11:00 p.m, last night, after I spoke. I'm inspired by the different insights of others. Even if I don't agree, I like hearing divergent perspectives.   It's a good thing to keep an open mind.  Our mind is like a parachute, it only works when it's open.

A small portion of what I viewed on Thursday, during lunch

        Lunch in the island town of Alameda was had on Thursday. I visited a cafe that fronts the San Francisco Bay, Abigail Cafe. It's fast becoming one of my favorite hang outs. It's not as crowded as Starbucks, it's on the quieter northwest side of this ten square mile island. The place has wi-fi, offers plenty of tranquility, in addition to Moroccan and American food. When you come out to see me, I'll take you there. I might even like it better than Fenton's, that says plenty, if you know me.

       The vista stretches ten to twenty miles beyond the sloshing waters of the bay. Views of  San Francisco and its peninsula restored my mind, worn by recent demands.  I took care of business with a colleague while sharing a meal. The panoramic, 250 degree view was breathtaking. The weather was in the mid 70's, with a cool breeze. Little squirrels or varmints popped up their heads in the grass that runs along the shoreline. If only I had Alexander the Gray with me, it might have picked up his spirit.

5. I'm thankful for rest, the hypnotic power of the waves lapping against the beach and for a treat for my weary eyes and soul. 

6.  Tonight I was feted with a fabulous dinner; I didn't have to cook----can't beat an opportunity like that!

7. Thursday morning I enjoyed an in-depth, uplifting conversation with a dear friend. I've known him for 35+ years. Heart-felt conversations satisfy my soul. Inclusion, stability, empathy, nurturing, respect and support are wonderful qualities to come upon. Our talk armored me for the rest of the day.

8.  I've been relating with someone I barely know.  It's disappointing that she likes to judge and does so, quickly.  She even told me her judgments of me.  The last thing I enjoy doing is interacting with someone who's not affirming and is controlling.  Keeping my distance from her provides the serenity I need.   There are diseased areas within my psyche that, if I weren't careful, would want to accommodate a person with an attitude of superiority and is critical.   I'm glad I place principles----in this case, watching out for my emotional safety---above weak areas in my personality that would make me even think of  pleasing her.

    So, what are your gratitudes?  I'd love hearing them.