View from Here

Already today, many reasons to be thankful.  

• Waking up rested was gratitude marker #1!  After a late night and very sore back, feeling physically ready for the day was a blessing immediately this morning!  
• Peaking out the window, glorious sunshine spread over the lush, fresh-cut green grass - YIPPEE!!  A beautiful day!!  
• Getting my [instant] coffee ready, I was thankful that I a) had this fun mug from Caribou gifted to me by a dear friend, b) instant Starbucks mocha coffee when I don't have a coffee maker, c) with a splash of delicious peppermint mocha creamer added delight to what was already proving to be a splendid start to the day.  
• Something felt funny and I looked to my wrist to see a wristband and reflected on yesterday's fantastic day of pizza, wine, and Wii games with a friend during the rainstorm and live, outdoor music with great company when the weather cleared.
• Here is a multifactorial blessing: a) sitting outside, b) in the morning sunshine, c) drinking my coffee and d) having some quiet time reading Scriptures,  I look down and e) my amazing/angelic/perfect/loyal dog is laying at my feet.  

My view - made me think of God's view when we come to sit quietly at His 'feet'.  

Gratitude is a practice that I want to continue to cultivate daily.  When I stop and take the time to look at what is around me right now, I cannot help but smile and feel my heart fill up.  

Thankfulness continues . . . 

• I registered my business with the State of MN today.   Dynamic Wellness, LLC:  'Integrating Healthy Practices for Mind, Body, and Spirit.'  I am thankful for the support of people in my life, past and present, for the encouragement and constructive criticism and ethical advice - as well as the role models that I am blessed to have.
• Calling my dad to wish him Happy Father's Day reminded me how much he has given to me and taught me.  I'm very thankful for my step-dad who been such an incredible blessing to my mom, sister, and me over the last 20 years.
• And then my mind goes to how much is provided for me every second of every day by the ultimate Father.  My mind cannot wrap around all of the goodness.

Those who read this blog and know me, personally, know that I experience life's ups-and-downs just like anyone else and sometimes struggle.  No person is without contextual tragedy.  What I want people to remember about me is that in the end, I choose to be happy; that I choose to see the good.  

Our perspectives create our worlds.  The same external 'happenings' will occur no matter how you respond; if you choose to look through a lens of gratitude, your experiences change dramatically.  

I choose to look with open eyes, a heart of gratitude, and a mind of discernment

And the view from here is pretty spectacular.