Gratitude…..Again!!!
As I mentioned to you a while back, recently I was in a slump, over the embezzlement I went through, some personal disappointments I didn’t expect (who ever expects those?), my late son’s birthday which came and went, but is always a hard day, and I guess I was feeling sorry for myself, which happens to all of us—–and a wise friend caught me up short. She reminded me of the literally millions of people my son helped, through the book about his life (and his battle with bi-polar disorder), the thousands we have helped through the foundation we established in his name, to help the mentally ill. She reminded me of the blessing in the embezzlement, that it was stopped, it could have gone on forever and bled me dry. One by one, she went down the list of my woes, and reminded me of how much I have to be grateful for!!! And even in the small disappointments I had, I was probably spared much worse disappointments later. Without question, gratitude is the antidote to sadness for me every time. When you stop to think how much you have to be grateful for, it’s really hard to be sad about the rest. I realize that again and again. No matter how dismal a situation seems, or how disappointing, or how many problems we have, if you can find something to be grateful for, anything, a call from a friend, a moment that feels better than the rest, a good deed you can do for someone that makes you feel good and blesses them, a blessing you had forgotten, anything…..you realize then that life isn’t so bad, and you can be grateful. No matter what is happening in my life, gratitude always helps me feel better. I thought I’d share that with you again. And eventually that gratitude turns things around, and things start looking up. I was grateful for the reminder from my friend, and I thought I’d remind you of it as well. Instead of focusing on the losses and disappointments, if we can connect with gratitude, even for a minute, life looks better again!!! Pass it on….. Love, Danielle
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Well said! I agree with you – we are on this earth for a very short time – and it is so very important for us to reflect daily on our many blessings – whether they are past or present. Regardless of their size – there are so many things, both big & small, to be thankful for if we only take the time to see them and appreciate them. Thanks for reminding all of us to carry on and count our blessings!
Thank you for the work through your foundation,my daughter has unfortunately made use of the John Muir psych facility way too much. Bipolar disease is real and devastating to not just the one with the disease but the entire family. The facility is a great boon to the process….I too must remember gratitude..thank you.
Now your talking! Call the people you know can give good advice. They are priceless. It is not easy with people looking for every little flaw so try not to go there and protect your feelings. Like with me, I live alone and sometimes things just get huge and then I call a healthy friend and they remind me that I was there for them and we make it. Thanks for you good moment!
Thanks, I needed that!
Dear Danielle,
Today, I found myself researching creating a website, as I’m a new Children’s Author. Your name came to mind, immediately. I read your first blog entry and was drawn to read it–how personal yet beneficial. I found it such a blessing to learn just a tiny bit about your struggles. You’re absolutely right, misfortunates and tragedies are an awful road to travel, but ultimately somewhere in the fog there are hidden jewels, if we take time to notice them. God bless!
Danielle,
You are so completely right! We all go through those moments in life where things are difficult and you just wish you could escape the problems and issues that you’re facing. But remembering to be grateful for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us helps to bring you out of that slump. I just want to say that I have been an avid reader of your books since high school and I’m two books away from reading EVERY book you’ve written (with the exception of your children books…LOL)! Your books are often a grateful escape from reality, even though my reality for the most part is quite wonderful. Thank you for what you’ve given the world…your beautiful gift of writing. It is truly a treasure to be grateful for. :o)
Develope an attitude of gratitude. Every night before I go to sleep I write down five things that I am grateful for. It could be just that I am thankful for a stress-free day or if I am having problems with my bad knee I just say to myself that I am thankful for my healing and the pain seems to ease up. Tonight I am going to write how thankful I am that I discovered your book and thankful that you are still writing such great novels for me to read. Thank you! Love ya, J~
Dear Ms Steel,
Gratitude is indeed the attitude for us all to have in life.
I came from a “working class” home and my mom always said we were poor but when I used to see the people living in the shanty towns( too many people do here in South Africa) I knew my mom had no idea what the word “poor” meant.
If you have a roof over your head, food in your tummy and access to some sort of education you are truly blessed! Having said that it does not mean that those who are wealthy should feel guilty about their lives we all have a part to play.
I agree!!!
As it relates to gratitude, well I’m grateful to you for the type of books that you write. Back in the 80’s I was going through some terrible times with marital in fidelity, being a single parent something that didn’t cross my mind. I thought I was going to go crazy, not much money with three sons and a lot more. I use to read your books when i couldn’t sleep in the early mornings. The books gave me hope because they depicted women who came from nothing to something and also if you lost you could have again. The titles i don’t recall just now. I lived in Jamaica, W.I then, I’m here in the US now. Through faith much prayers and good people I’m a stronger and i have more confidence now. I gained strength because my sons depended on me. Glory and honor to God. Keep on writing those books you touch lives and that is a blessing indeed!
Beautiful and thoughtful post. Thank you for sharing. xo