tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9590146556999775432024-03-13T08:50:47.023-04:00The Happy ChanceMadison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-40617131308948837692014-01-26T01:37:00.000-05:002014-01-26T01:40:31.877-05:00A New Year of Gratitude<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
Madison Grace Lovewith</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe3bgthyphenhyphenMZ5jgQFc2ALUytsCzgkAo4GUaUnBuRjvTxdeqrz5wmKh37Powgg4ekPHF0BkK8AoHxpFPS96pM1ROMYSBi13V39RseJ9n8IgpY1_QbahXX_R_4axF9KRnwLoNDNLRcY6PAGZs/s1600/new+years+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe3bgthyphenhyphenMZ5jgQFc2ALUytsCzgkAo4GUaUnBuRjvTxdeqrz5wmKh37Powgg4ekPHF0BkK8AoHxpFPS96pM1ROMYSBi13V39RseJ9n8IgpY1_QbahXX_R_4axF9KRnwLoNDNLRcY6PAGZs/s1600/new+years+pic.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve always enjoyed new beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New interests, new friends, new job, new
life, everything bursting with freshness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And with the New Year, there’s the opportunity to clear out old cobwebs
that kept us from living our most authentic life and to rejuvenate our sense of
self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gratitude leads to a new attitude,
a unique outlook of perspective and approaching things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So with the new life, in order to make room for the new, it
is so important to remove the old way of handling things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the Bible, new beginnings mean
the changing of old to new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bible
states:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Therefore,
if anyone <i>is</i> in Christ, <i>he is</i> a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">new</span> creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have
become <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">new</span>. <strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205:17&version=NKJV"><span style="color: blue;">2
Corinthians 5:17</span></a> (New King James Version)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">How can Gratitude help with this
transition from the old to the new?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gratitude transforms old perspectives to new ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re going through some challenging
times, what are some of the good things that you can discover in the
challenges?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was working on a job
that was causing some me some extreme stress, it was hard for me to find some
good things to think about regarding the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But if I wanted to transform the situation into a better one, I had to
find some good things about the situation to put me into that better feeling
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And from the better feeling
place, I could then start allowing that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">new
creation</i>, the new me to come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Coming from a state of misery on my job, I started my Gratitudes
small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I started to feel Gratitude that I
had a good job, that my commute to work was nearly nonexistent, that my team-lead
was a kind and sweet person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started
finding good in small daily things, such as being able to print out a memo,
having a nice private cubicle space, the compliments that I was receiving on my
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you know what, as I began
giving thanks for even the small things, there were more and more things for me
to begin being grateful for on the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was transforming myself from being a stressed and worn employee to a
more gracious and optimistic employee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I began sprinkling a little Grattiude everyday into my job
situation, my perspective on things had to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to my finding Gratitude in my job, I
had been looking for a new job for a couple of years with no success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I began pouring Gratitude into my
current job situation, Gratitude not only made it easier for me to work at my
then current job but most importantly opened doors for me to find the job with all
of the requirements that I was looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But in order for the new you to
be revealed you have to allow the releasing of the old stuff that’s holding you
back from the Universe’s blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever your New Year goals may be, sprinkle some Gratitude into
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re looking at losing some
weight, what are some of the good things you can think about regarding your
body?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re looking to find the motivation
to exercise, what are some of the good things that you can focus on about
exercising?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Transform your thought
process about your goals and you’ll transform your life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong></div>
</span><br />Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-69114571556768024572013-08-26T10:50:00.001-04:002013-08-26T10:50:14.478-04:00Gratitude Pays<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By Madison Grace Lovewith<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;">Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do
that.—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy-Tj_THpdGSoqT2Haag3MblN-ADMuOIIoi57mPDRLfJ8Xvz7rBe0J5NRKWqacStjB-9Y-NVk6PZ9F6pe8iFPrYyZqNG0ETDER6YxH8PrdbxZKi3N1nPchXJRXEIbBktJ4QKIFtIaolPM/s1600/Pic-+Gratitude+Pays.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy-Tj_THpdGSoqT2Haag3MblN-ADMuOIIoi57mPDRLfJ8Xvz7rBe0J5NRKWqacStjB-9Y-NVk6PZ9F6pe8iFPrYyZqNG0ETDER6YxH8PrdbxZKi3N1nPchXJRXEIbBktJ4QKIFtIaolPM/s200/Pic-+Gratitude+Pays.PNG" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today is the first pay period
that I’ll be back to my full salary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am so grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My organization found
the money it needs to pay its employees their normal pay for the time
being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 20% pay cut status has been
reduced by a month and a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so
grateful for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that God’s
hands were in the situation, and he pulled us through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are still challenges ahead but with my
affirming and believing that everything will work out, it will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I saw the work of
Gratitude in the lives of some of my coworkers as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About a month or so ago, one of the guys who
attend our weekly bible study had to say his farewells because the company that
he worked for lost the contract to continue supporting our organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sad to see him go because he always contributes
some passionate and enlightening experiences during our bible study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His words have always been encouraging and
full of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when I learned that he
was back on the job, I was thrilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently, he is back in his old position, supporting our organization,
only this time with a new company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything
worked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His works of encouragement
to his situation was that even when things seem bleak and aren’t working out
the way you want, just know who is in charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Put your trust in God/the Universe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There are other areas of
my life that are working out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
dealing with some challenges with the rental property that I have, but again,
Gratitude has found a way to make things happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, after being behind in the rent, the
tenant has not only paid the back rent, but has paid a month in advance to show
his good faith in keeping up with the rents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m so grateful for that because it gives me encouragement and peace of
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so grateful for that peace of
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m grateful that Gratitude is
helping me to keep my thoughts in alignment with gratitude and love, so that I
can continue to see the blessings that she has in store for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Whatever your financial
situations maybe, focus on what's working, the abundance in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When worry and thoughts of lack creep up,
pivot those thoughts with Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When those thoughts come up, and the only good thing that you can think
of is “Thank you,” then just say thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember that light drives out the darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If all you can say is thank you when the dark
thoughts pop up, that will shed some love into the situation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-48105999889294128742013-07-21T11:01:00.002-04:002013-07-21T11:01:34.441-04:00When Rocks Speak<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By Madison Grace Lovewith</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5PlMzC4Ggj-gPk42h6mwjZoAo-jEmOqDs9xF3MFou7fGT9ZXc-Y1nIkFOb0cEgZarFnwGRBW6EGp30X8qOKKy8aF5T0RN_2C4uJfIgMPwKYkYaWxqzdW629SCG7Lcfv6AFPtKYbRCQj-/s1600/Caverns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5PlMzC4Ggj-gPk42h6mwjZoAo-jEmOqDs9xF3MFou7fGT9ZXc-Y1nIkFOb0cEgZarFnwGRBW6EGp30X8qOKKy8aF5T0RN_2C4uJfIgMPwKYkYaWxqzdW629SCG7Lcfv6AFPtKYbRCQj-/s320/Caverns.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I always marvel at the
beautiful world around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I quiet
my thoughts and feel appreciation for the abundance of life around me, I can
really connect with the idea that God/the Universe is always trying to get my
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begin to feel the
interconnection between myself and my world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eckhart Tolle in his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A New
Earth</i>, talks about living in the Present moment and connecting with
nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To feel this connection, you
remove the labels and words that block our natural synergy and just appreciate
nature for what it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See and love the
flowers without stating so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hear and
really listen to the birds, without the labels and appreciate the beauty that they
have to offer you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love and enjoy the
vibrancy of the plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every living
thing has something of beauty to give. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI3GRWyGwMgC6118IEfDpq-TzxtpFbEjgkgNnTyLEoQ2fbtSEhDyfYbvo7dJcIdFUMufzLlE2imOhugKjMf4GZd6NG_eTlHe71QRgP4UQ5LJUps0T8mqyKMn6Eh2DPaeVQ-pOQLM251xP/s1600/Caverns-+Wishing+Well.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFI3GRWyGwMgC6118IEfDpq-TzxtpFbEjgkgNnTyLEoQ2fbtSEhDyfYbvo7dJcIdFUMufzLlE2imOhugKjMf4GZd6NG_eTlHe71QRgP4UQ5LJUps0T8mqyKMn6Eh2DPaeVQ-pOQLM251xP/s320/Caverns-+Wishing+Well.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Recently, on Day 30 of my
30-days of fun challenge, I had the opportunity for the first time to visit
some caverns, caves which are considered to be active and still alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I entered the caverns, it was remarkable
to see the beauty that Nature created over eons and eons of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cave is made up of deposits of limestone
over what was once a seabed millions of years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I embraced Gratitude for the caverns, I
could feel the energy of the limestone, which came in quite notable shapes and
sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like the cave had a tale
of its own to share with visitors, if we would only take the time to appreciate
and listen.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Despite the 90 degree
weather we were experiencing outside the caverns, the caverns themselves were
cool and damp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tour guides informed
us that the drippy water streams throughout the caves were indicative of
formations that were still alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
aliveness meant that they were still forming and creating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was said that the living rocks grew an
inch every 120 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was something
to imagine that the rocks were alive and still forming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I could definitely feel the aliveness
inside the caves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I was
hesitant about going on the tour, as I can be a little claustrophobic. But I
then realized that I shouldn’t allow fear to hinder the gift of love that
Gratitude wanted to share with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
tour of the caverns was over an hour, and throughout the tour, I enjoyed the
timelessness and peace flowing from these ancient caves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you think about the antiquity of the
rocks, it makes the problems that we worry about day-to-day seem so small and
insignificant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rock formations spoke
of love and peace, something that as humans when we’re being who we truly are, all
share with our natural world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Interestingly, a few of us
on the tour noticed a rock formation that looked like a little Buddha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite a pleasant surprise to see that
and to notice some of the other interesting rock formations that Nature made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded me a little of cloud formations
and how Nature spoke and provided stories through the clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you ever listen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you do when Nature speaks?</span></span></div>
Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-50310958359015353132013-06-28T23:10:00.000-04:002013-06-28T23:10:00.363-04:00Day 14 of 30 Days of Fun<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">By Madison Grace
Lovewith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
is Day 14 of my 30 days of Fun, and halfway into it, it has been a broadening
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By nature, I’ve been much
more of a homebody, so doing this has allowed me to expand my experiences and
way of thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just talking to
my mom about this challenge because it really is helping me clear some of my
self-imposed blocks in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mentioned to her how I would love to meet new people and expand my social
circle but how do I do that sitting in the comforts of my home all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in that regards, it is really helping me
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
I do different and fun activities, I go back and forth between scheduling something
for me to do versus asking Gratitude what she wants me to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way that I do it, Gratitude ends up
working things as she wants to work it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For example, on Day 2, my intent was to visit one particular
museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t find it for whatever
reason, and I was lead to visit a museum that I hadn’t even known existed
featuring African art and another museum featuring a variety of art forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a great time nevertheless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And
then there are other days when I ask Gratitude where she wants me to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she leads me to where she wants me to
go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Day 9, I walked an area of my
town that I hadn’t been before/hadn’t been to in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day before, I went to Whole Foods to buy
some kitty litter for my cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kitty
litter at Whole Foods isn’t my favorite, but I needed some while I still
searched for the kitty litter that is right for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whole Foods was out of the kitty litter, so I
figured I would have to return there once they restocked on the litter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While walking my roads yet not trodden for my
activity of the day, I discovered a little doggie shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though it was a doggie shop, I decided
to drop in to see if they sold any cat items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And they did have a nice selection of cat items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought an all-natural kitty litter that I
hadn’t tried before and some new toys for my kitten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kitty litter so far is really good, and I’m
thinking I just may have found exactly what I was looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I would have never discovered this little
boutique doggie shop had I not followed Gratitude’s guidance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another nice little thing about following
Gratitude’s guidance is that a few days after visiting the doggie shop, I was
taking a closer look at the receipt and realized that the kind cashier gave me
a 10% off membership discount (even though I’m not a member of their doggie obedience
school).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thrilled by that little
gift from Gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On
some days, because of my homebody nature, I have to force myself to get up and
do something different and fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
form of resistance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I know
that doing activities is good for expanding myself and my experiences, I don’t
always want to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where
Gratitude comes in because by feeling Gratitude for my ability to do some
activities, my meeting people and putting myself out there, and even some of
the resulting experiences that I’m having, I’m definitely benefiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, because I’m doing something
different everyday, I’m gaining new experiences and insights that I’m applying
to my creative writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s allowing me
to broaden my mind to become a more imaginative creator, a better writer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It’s
also interesting how Gratitude somehow springs different expanding situations
my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two days ago, I get a call from
my out of town mom saying that she was in the area and wanted to drop by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can imagine how ruffled I felt trying to
get things cleaned up around the house at the last minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I felt bad because the timing was all
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to work the day that she
got here and the following day which was Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We couldn’t do anything on Saturday because I
had already made plans to go to an amusement park with a group of friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it all worked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to take the time off of work on
Friday (today) to spend the day with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We talked for hours and went to an Amish farmer’s market to do some
grocery shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was interesting to
see how Gratitude worked her magic during our shopping visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything worked seamlessly, and when we got
boggled down in our thoughts and got off track, Gratitude worked circumstances
to put us back on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, I
had bought some specialty cheese, got a grossly incorrect change back, but was
so excited about my purchase that I didn’t notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later, my mom was paying for
her purchase at a different counter when the cashier noticed that she overpaid
for her purchase, and he gave her extra change back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was my clue about my not receiving the
correct change back (I was supposed to receive $11 dollars in change, but only
received a $1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I noticed the error
when buying some fruit at a different counter, I immediately went back to the
cheese counter to alert them to the mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were very kind and gracious and immediately gave me my $10, without
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost didn’t go back to let
them know about the mistake because I thought they would have to do a time
consuming money assessment on the cash register.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all worked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was happy that I got the correct $10
owed to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Gratitude is making so much happen with my 30
days of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main thing is that so
far, I’m having a great time and it’s forcing me to look beyond myself and
enjoy my world around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you,
thank you, thank you! </span></div>
Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-56802868306608423372013-06-14T21:01:00.001-04:002013-06-14T21:01:51.412-04:00I Ask and Gratitude Answers<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">By Madison Grace
Lovewith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LzGKLqQ9Yjow19x6E7qNKyvYTK3I_44CA7nWqRHlWO1gBUCWRC60NhLtohXpHn0knSjeg6BCYaqNhfmHGQXVo6YNt1nW1cxQx154fpPWBbCE2_OSKijdf9GuzvG4XzJ2O4McL8CQ31Ta/s1600/Me+and+water+background.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LzGKLqQ9Yjow19x6E7qNKyvYTK3I_44CA7nWqRHlWO1gBUCWRC60NhLtohXpHn0knSjeg6BCYaqNhfmHGQXVo6YNt1nW1cxQx154fpPWBbCE2_OSKijdf9GuzvG4XzJ2O4McL8CQ31Ta/s320/Me+and+water+background.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
a couple of weeks, I had been thinking about my next 30-day journey (after
having completed a <a href="http://www.thehappychance.com/2013/05/more-on-self-love.html"><span style="color: #0563c1;">30-day
self-love journey</span></a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny how
when I decided that I was going to do a 30-days of fun journey, that the
Universe heard and immediately began bringing life and circumstances to help me
achieve my goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I hadn’t even
started the journey yet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Last
week out of the blue, my childhood babysitter, who I haven’t seen in over 20
years, called saying that she was visiting the area and wanted to see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her sister moved to the area for work a
couple of months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what I thought
would turn out to be a one-day dinner thing, turned out to be a three-day
hanging out having fun affair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all
the while, everything just worked out seamlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sisters treated me to dinner both nights,
which was very gracious of them, in particular since it was my friend’s
birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it was the “caregiver”
mentality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though my friend is only
five years older than me, she’ll probably always view me as like a baby
sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second night, I took them to
a really nice restaurant, right at the waterfront, where we enjoyed the mesmerizing
water view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave them a little tour of
my Old Town area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was raining, and
raining rather hard, but we enjoyed our time together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Then
that Saturday, we went on a 2-hour gospel cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I could really see the power of Gratitude
in action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They more they gave, I gave
Gratitude in return, and the more I gave, I felt Gratitude in my giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so important to feel Gratitude in both
giving and receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Course in Miracles</i>, a self-study book that
teaches on love and forgiveness says, “To give and to receive are one in
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will receive what I am giving
now” (Workbook Lesson 108).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so
true that whatever energy we are giving out, we receive back in return
immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when you’re giving out
Gratitude energy, you can feel the Gratitude because that Gratitude energy is
what you’re receiving from what you give out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You reap what you sow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s such
a lovely yet powerful Law of Nature. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
gave in return, and felt Gratitude for everything, the giving and the
receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Gratitude just worked continuously,
with this giving and receiving cycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cruise had a gospel singer and a band who came and played some
really nice spiritual songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also acknowledged
that it was my friend’s birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
end, as we were walking back to the car, the singer stopped us, gave us a hug,
and then began to go on her way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
after a minute, she called us back and said she wanted to give my friend one of
her CDs, as a birthday gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend
was so pleased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was interesting
though, because my friend had already bought two of the singer’s CDs, one for
herself and one for her sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my
friend kept the CD the singer gave her, and she gave me one of the extra
CDs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all had CDs then!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Gratitude
keeps on making a way for my 30-days of fun journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, out of the blue, my coworker wanted to
give me a giftcard for a restaurant of my choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he didn’t want anything in return, he
was just giving from his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
coworker had previously given me some giftcards to restaurants, as he’s a
foodie and loves for us to talk about the restaurants that we enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thrilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that I appreciated his kindness
and that his offer came just in time for my 30-days of fun journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Nevertheless,
I haven’t started my 30-days of fun and already I’m having a ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s wonderful how everything just works out
according to God’s will, if you allow it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-44318033441449214142013-05-31T21:45:00.000-04:002013-06-03T08:26:41.858-04:00More on Self-Love<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">By The Happy Chance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPODyDZdXl13S0Zss2kYvpiXqsA32O0Qmyxmyx41aPwn3vxDh1lRv6Y0uD-Lg92dt2Oz6iSWI-NXQr7OQWWOwVqKKcr3ZzIKRWghFdjLJcR9s417aM-TmUmAY9C8NZvQH3rUbr_XO-kCTY/s1600/happy+woman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPODyDZdXl13S0Zss2kYvpiXqsA32O0Qmyxmyx41aPwn3vxDh1lRv6Y0uD-Lg92dt2Oz6iSWI-NXQr7OQWWOwVqKKcr3ZzIKRWghFdjLJcR9s417aM-TmUmAY9C8NZvQH3rUbr_XO-kCTY/s320/happy+woman.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Last
month, after writing my posting on <a href="http://www.thehappychance.com/2013/04/i-am-worthy.html"><span style="color: #0563c1;">self-love</span></a>, I
decided to embark on my own 30 days of self-love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During these 30 days (and a bit more), I used
my morning meditation/Gratitude routine to embed this sense of self-love into
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would meditate on self-love
and also listen to affirmation CDs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
most of my mediations, I listened to The Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation
Challenge™ - Life Wisdom Trilogy, the Love CD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was a meditation program that I learned about after taking the
Oprah and Deepak 21 Day Meditation Challenge-Perfect Health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was an amazing program, that I’m so
grateful that I learned about. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my
affirmations, I used Louise Hay’s work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you haven’t been introduced to Louise Hay and her wonderful affirmation CDs, I
highly encourage her CDs such as, “Self Esteem Affirmations” which has a lovely
array of affirmations set to music that fills you with love and peace about
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used Louise Hay’s affirmations
on a daily basis, usually in the mornings but sometimes during the day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Throughout
the day I used affirmations such as, “I love myself,” “I am worthy,” “I am so
grateful to be me,” or a simple “I love you,” and filled myself with as much
Gratitude as I could while saying this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When self-critical thoughts come up, I would say one of the affirmations
and fill myself with Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
undesirable situations came up, I would tell myself, “I love you,” and feel
grateful for being me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of exercises
from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Magic</i> by Rhonda Byrne, Day
27, The Magic Mirror, requires you to say “thank you” whenever you get in front
of a mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did this as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of focusing in on some of my
undesirable physical qualities, I took the time to say thank you for being
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Other
things that I did was treated myself to some of my simple pleasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a couple of years since I last
did this, but I made a homemade lavender-peppermint sugar scrub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the scent of lavender, which as an essential
oil, has a calming and relaxing effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I soaked myself in a warm bath (and I’m normally a shower type of girl)
and used the body scrub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also had a
professional massage, something that again, I hadn’t done in years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
self-love I practiced felt really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I noticed over time that people started to respond to the self-love
that I was giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People were smiling
at me and giving me compliments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Normally, I get nice compliments, in particular since I’ve integrated
Gratitude into my life, but now that I was targeting Gratitude into love for
myself, the love that I was seeing in my outside world seemed at a higher
level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of people asked me why
am I always so happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you’re
emitting love of self, others can feel that love and they respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as you’re showing love for yourself, your
point of attraction changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result
you begin to attract people and circumstances that match this new love
vibration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It is interesting that some of my most simple
pleasures, I hadn’t done in years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
30-day self-love practice taught me that I should treat myself with loving
kindness all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also taught me
that my thoughts of Self need to reflect the same love and Gratitude that I show
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have ended my 30-day self-love
practice, but I am so much more careful with my thoughts of self and learning
to be more loving to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think in
the near future, I may resume the practice and perhaps make it a 90 day or 120
day practice, just to really spearhead my results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the moment though, I’m thinking of a few
other 30-day practices I may want to embark on next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got this idea for doing different 30 day
practices from the article <a href="http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/30-days-to-success/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">30 Days to
Success</span></a> by Steve Pavlina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
haven’t visited StevePavlina.com, his site is a great resource for self-improvement
articles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-84376425654547224632013-05-23T05:23:00.001-04:002013-05-23T05:23:09.533-04:00A Seed of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ivGshxaWAk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
few years ago I happened across this YouTube video called, “The 15 Minute
Miracle Method,” which was a daily gratitude exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The woman in the video talked about the
exercise as a means for manifesting the desires of your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I diligently began doing the Gratitude
exercise, which consisted of making a list of 10 things that you are grateful
for while feeling the Gratitude and then making a list of 10 things that you
desire, feeling the Gratitude as if you already have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time that I committed myself to doing
this Gratitude exercise, I couldn’t quite get myself to the feeling of
Gratitude, like she talks about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
feeling of Gratitude is key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few
months, I stopped doing the Gratitude lists because I couldn’t see the results.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Little
did I know that a seed had been planted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t see it, and at the time, I couldn’t feel it, but it was a
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been back to doing my daily
Gratitude list now for quite some time, as I started back up after reading <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Magic</i> and committing myself to
living in Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look back at this
video and realize that this video helped plant the seed of Gratitude in
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t appreciate Gratitude then
as I do now, but once that seed is planted, it begins to grow in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’d
highly encourage you to start making a daily list of 10 things that you’re
grateful for in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while you
make that list, feel as much Gratitude as you can for the good in your
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power for change in your
life comes in feeling the Gratitude energy flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when you make this list a daily habit
(which, as the video discusses) for at least 30 days, it will begin to become a
normal part of your day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have
to do it in the morning, though the morning is preferable, but you can carve
the time out during your day or even in the evenings before you go to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you do, make time for Gratitude and
you’ll be amazed at the changes that you’ll start to notice in your experience.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
</span>Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-22971850314932637002013-05-20T07:37:00.002-04:002013-05-20T07:37:34.980-04:00Gratitude’s Works on the Job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm90q9jcYm44x3GMj7ty5G9x0YqSn8M7Mcu2jkKWVAh8ubt5i1Lsx4PR_yg10uavhVtKCZirIC3_I35Hgv-286G7B53CKLv2FrvatdzP8GOMwpNwj_aH9lOwRoPNhI1Fmq2o1JX7v6mYy/s1600/Yes-+Blog+office+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm90q9jcYm44x3GMj7ty5G9x0YqSn8M7Mcu2jkKWVAh8ubt5i1Lsx4PR_yg10uavhVtKCZirIC3_I35Hgv-286G7B53CKLv2FrvatdzP8GOMwpNwj_aH9lOwRoPNhI1Fmq2o1JX7v6mYy/s320/Yes-+Blog+office+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last year, Gratitude blessed me with my ideal
job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After two years of interviewing and
hoping without results, Gratitude delivered me four job offers in the span of
only months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only took me using the
power of Gratitude to pave the way for the job that is perfect for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I’ve been on my job now for eight months,
and I love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that I’m doing
work that I enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m grateful that the
work environment is more relaxed and inviting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love it that my coworkers are a pleasure to work with and that my
management have been great as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can’t begin to explain the appreciation that I have for the flexible work hours
that provides a healthy life/work balance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There’s a caveat to my perfect job that I’ve
been working with Gratitude to help me overcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My organization over the past odd months have
been experiencing some financial issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These issues have been passed down to affect employees in the form of
pay cuts, which would have amounted to a 20% pay cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I started to feel a wave of worry
creep up, but I told myself, to focus on the loves I have for my job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept affirming what I was grateful about my
job and that I was grateful that everything would work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When friends would bring the subject up, I
would say that I was grateful that I was employed because a pay cut is a
blessing compared to layoffs that others were experiencing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was told to “face reality,” but I kept my
steadfastness on Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t
matter what my physical “reality,” is showing, if I do my part in keeping my
mind focused on Gratitude and the good in my life, Gratitude will do its part.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A day or so later, after I took a stance to
not entertain the “dooms day” mentality that so many of my friends and comrades
held, leadership announced financial improvements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pay cuts were declared to be
reduced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like magic that I saw
the power of Gratitude in action.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then again, more recently, it was
announced that the pay cuts were being reduced again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, the pay cuts have been reduced by 50%
from the initial forecasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so
grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does my heart so good to
see the love, care and protection that Gratitude provides, when you allow her
gifts in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The financial issues are improving, and I
expect that very soon, more pay cut reductions will be announced until the
situation has been completely resolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What I have learned from personal experience
in living with Gratitude, is that you have to be grateful for the desires of
your heart <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i> you see them in
your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people don’t understand
this concept, but it is so important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span class="text" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now faith is confidence in what we
hope for and assurance about what we do not see.—Hebrews 11:1 (New
International Version)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spirit values faith, and good works in your
life require faith in Gratitude and Love to work things out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In church yesterday, the choir sang a
beautiful song that said, “I See God’s Grace through the Eyes of Faith.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the way to seeing the resolution to so
many things that may pop up in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we let go—let go of the worries and need to control outcomes—then
we can allow Gratitude to take charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
take charge she will! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Thank you, thank you, thank you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<o:p>
</o:p></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-91535363338112381002013-04-02T03:21:00.001-04:002013-04-02T03:23:41.733-04:00I am Worthy<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">By The Happy Chance<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbG_zbPhI5y8gpLklW__MR5xQruhyphenhyphenVnq-_anckFjVfuujd6MXDv9K9D9LnwPo3IticN1GTl8vheoHE1yW7k2kzDTYnHITslpLWeV8uop2B0UDntT0lMtwUZIran3X-SYxqEo5ECzyo-ZB/s1600/Picture-Blog+on+Worthiness.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbG_zbPhI5y8gpLklW__MR5xQruhyphenhyphenVnq-_anckFjVfuujd6MXDv9K9D9LnwPo3IticN1GTl8vheoHE1yW7k2kzDTYnHITslpLWeV8uop2B0UDntT0lMtwUZIran3X-SYxqEo5ECzyo-ZB/s320/Picture-Blog+on+Worthiness.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
considered myself to be a yes in so many ways:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>attractive—yes, successful—yes, talented—yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the category of romantic
relationships, I was a no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Not
that it mattered most of my after high school life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In college, I made up my mind not to get
involved in any serious dating, as I wanted to focus on my education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some dating then, but nothing too
serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And nothing that would detract
me from college.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And
then after college, it was my career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a career woman, I wanted to make sure that I had a fulfilling and successful
career, one that would allow me independence and the lifestyle that I
wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I entered into a
relationship, I wanted to be able to bring something to the table and be able
to grow with my mate together in a relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Then
life happens, one thing after another. I was never ready and “worthy” for a
satisfying relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to do
this and then do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when problems
came up, some of them major life issues, I wanted those to be resolved and to
have my house in order, so to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to be perfect and ready for that special relationship, one that would
lead into marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So
it didn’t matter then that I hadn’t found that someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at thirty something, it matters now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who
talked about the “princess” syndrome that some woman have when dating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some women overcompensate for their low
self-worth, thinking that if they demanded the princess treatment and respect
from men, this would somehow fill that void of self-worth within them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they demand that special attention,
without reciprocating the treatment and respect to the men they date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see, this creates a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
discussion on women and self-worth lead me to really think about why in the
area of romantic relationships, I hadn’t attracted my ideal mate, my
husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really gave it some thought
and came to the realization of what my issue was:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never felt that I was worthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
was always something that I felt was a priority, something I had to accomplish
before I could settle into a fulfilling love relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now know that I had unintentionally been
giving off single vibes, vibes that would attract a life of singlehood if I
continued on that path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would be
fine, if it was the life that I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I never wanted to be single all my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw myself as married to an amazing guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, I came to that realization in good
timing, and I’m so grateful that I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Gratitude,
as with other areas of my life, can shift both my conscious and unconscious
feelings of unworthiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I allow her
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like any other relationship, it’s a
give-receive exchange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give my love
and praise to Gratitude, and in return Gratitude gives love and unimaginable
gifts back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case, I’m using
Gratitude to restore the feelings of worthiness in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because in order to attract a loving
relationship, I must first start with that relationship within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must first love myself for others to see
that jewel within me, and an expression of that self-love can manifest into a
romantic relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Some
of the things that I’ve been doing to transform my feelings of unworthiness is
to use affirmations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say affirmations
to myself, such as, “I am worthy,” “I am grateful that I am worthy,” or “I love
myself so much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I muster as much
Gratitude into those affirmations as I can, feeling the Gratitude deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the book, The Magic by Rhonda Byrne, one of the exercises for a day is called
“The Magic Mirror.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that exercise,
you state while in front of the mirror, “Thank you,” with as much Gratitude as
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She uses the analogy of
Michael Jackson’s song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Man in the
Mirror</i> to show, that if we send a bit of Gratitude energy to ourselves, it
would transform our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our outer
world is a reflection of our inner world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So as we work to improve the world inside us, we begin to attract
outside experiences that reflect our improved state within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all about loving ourselves and feeling
the Gratitude for being who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It’s
all a learning experience and a journey, improving the self-love and
self-worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I continue working on being
Grateful for me, who I am, and the contributions that I make to the world, I’ll
begin attracting improved circumstances in all areas of my life—including the
one area that’s been alluding me for years—romantic love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
do you think?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have any
experiences that as you begin feeling better about yourself, that you began
having improved love relationships?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
you had the experience of realizing that some of your self-talk thoughts
haven’t been loving thoughts about yourself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s quite an eye opening experience in realizing the feeling of
unworthiness impeding on attracting a loving relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s very empowering to know that once
you recognize this within yourself, that Gratitude can change it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-79144748084616783662013-03-26T05:06:00.003-04:002013-03-30T03:34:36.181-04:00Think on These Things<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By The Happy Chance</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5XSn1dxRU1KWP-7N7foA1wcOCxZecP2lhAEm2xY8giLXEgBG0rR73bCGA0f1KWQVUIc2GH3ifaPmdz-aHF4L9t-jL98OLrINv_I1erYveIAe_YMQPO0yB2-WEJuBWuaDHVh1pPf0Xgce/s1600/Think+on+These+Things-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5XSn1dxRU1KWP-7N7foA1wcOCxZecP2lhAEm2xY8giLXEgBG0rR73bCGA0f1KWQVUIc2GH3ifaPmdz-aHF4L9t-jL98OLrINv_I1erYveIAe_YMQPO0yB2-WEJuBWuaDHVh1pPf0Xgce/s320/Think+on+These+Things-Photo.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used to be a news junkie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I loved watching all the news channels and keeping up on the drama going
on in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I found that
focusing in on all of that negative energy attracted negative feelings and
depression into my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I gave up
watching news a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
haven’t looked back since.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I love hearing good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when negative issues appear, I try to
seek out the good that may be hiding in the “bad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following Bible passage comes to
mind:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">…keep your minds thinking about whatever is true,
whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be
loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth
giving thanks for, think about these things—<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Philippians 4:8</span><span style="color: #52160a; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span>New
Life Version)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it comes to family
life, sometimes the only news I get about different family members are
negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I was so happy when my mom
mentioned some good news about her sister, news worth being grateful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My aunt, who in the past had issues working
out what she wanted with her career, had been honored with being Employee of
the Month at Wal-mart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This news told me
that she was finding some joy in the work that she’s doing, and she’s receiving
recognition for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two wonderful points
to be grateful about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are some of the
smaller accomplishments that you can be grateful about, going on in your
life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are some of the simple joys
that brighten your day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, keep
your mind focused on the virtues and things worthy of being praised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep your mind focused on Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-31648159662743176672013-03-16T10:27:00.001-04:002013-03-16T19:47:03.496-04:00Every Moment is a Gift<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "ArialMT","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By The Happy Chance</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iJD9EFBgw86qWzmw26wwEEQKU80AA74vxXxXs_T71Qpgg5YGx703rH3gMFzQKQhLvzw7z_pDYFiXqksRUx_bJl1AsbOVf3lETPhourc8p4SySW0zryv8m8tEgKDSwYIlOLV_lIkjwOBq/s1600/Vintage+Thank+You-About+Blog+Entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iJD9EFBgw86qWzmw26wwEEQKU80AA74vxXxXs_T71Qpgg5YGx703rH3gMFzQKQhLvzw7z_pDYFiXqksRUx_bJl1AsbOVf3lETPhourc8p4SySW0zryv8m8tEgKDSwYIlOLV_lIkjwOBq/s320/Vintage+Thank+You-About+Blog+Entry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "ArialMT","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every
moment is a gift—and the recognition of this is Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My journey with Gratitude started on March 6,
2012 when I began doing the 28-day Gratitude exercises from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Magic</i> by Rhonda Byrne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I understand then how much
Gratitude would transform my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
the time, I was adjusting to life challenges that had me emotionally drained,
was trying to remove myself from a living situation rut, and needed a
breakthrough with my then current job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gratitude transformed all of those issues—with lightening speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concept of appreciation, which I had
always thought was just something our culture taught as a means for being
polite, was actually a Law of Nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you want to live the wonderful life that you were meant to live, you need to
live in Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I learned from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Power</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Magic</i> by Rhonda Byrne, it’s not just a concept of politeness
but a loving and powerful energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon
after I began living in Gratitude, I not only understood this concept
intellectually, but I was experiencing it day-to-day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you give Gratitude, you receive so much
more to be grateful about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "ArialMT","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ancient
great works from around the world embraced this concept: it is up to us, if we
wish to experience fantastic lives, to live it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot begin to tell how much Gratitude has changed my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gratitude has become a close and trusted
confidant, a provider and most intimate friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whether you believe in God, the Universe, your Maker, Inner Self, or
however you call the force that’s greater than yourself, when you open yourself
up to Gratitude, you are embarking into a personal relationship with the
Divine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "ArialMT","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blog
is inspired by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Power</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Magic</i> by Rhonda Byrne, the author of
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Secret</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful for both books, and how they
opened my eyes to the beautiful and life-changing energy of Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can know sing from experience, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amazing Grace, I once was blind but now I
see</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still learning about
Gratitude and ever growing closer to the Divine as each day of living in
Gratitude passes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This blog chronicles
my ever expanding knowledge of Gratitude, both from research and personal
experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It discusses the love, joy
and delight of living in Gratitude. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959014655699977543.post-58680885597938856332013-03-07T00:22:00.000-05:002013-03-30T03:36:39.678-04:00Gratitude—My Intimate Friend<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By The Happy Chance</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This month commemorates my 1-year anniversary of living in
Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever does that mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means making a commitment to viewing life
through the eyes of appreciation, from the small simple things to the larger
things, to seeking out the good in trouble areas of your life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alex Haley, the author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Roots </i>once said, “Find the good and praise it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That in itself is Gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gratitude honors the good in life and draws
out the joy that would otherwise get lost in the details of day-to-day
living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The New Living Translation Bible
states:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>But
giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.</span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you keep to my path,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
will reveal to you the salvation of God (Psalm 50:23).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And truly, living in Gratitude is a path to joy, to inner
peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so fortunate to come across
The Magic during a time in my life when I needed something greater than myself
to help me through various issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
The Magic, a book that teaches about Gratitude, I learned that Gratitude was
more than the empty thank yous that I uttered out of politeness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Magic provides a 28-day exercise that
instructs you on true Gratitude living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And when going through the 28-days of Gratitude exercises, it really
transformed my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before reading The
Magic, I was living a great life, but I was focusing so much on the nonsense
that I couldn’t see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And after
practicing The Magic, life got so much even better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gratitude is so much more than the polite thank yous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the 28-day Gratitude journey, I
continued on with my Gratitude walk because I learned that living in Gratitude
is a life-long journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every moment
that I live in Gratitude, I grow a stronger and more intimate relationship with
Gratitude and love and all that is beautiful and endearing in my life and
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gratitude is my loving and
intimate friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I so welcome her
into my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you, thank you, thank you!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
Madison Grace Lovewith, The Happy Chancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08132410630027459034noreply@blogger.com0