Express Your Gratitude Now

One of the reasons we created Bcelebrated was to give you an opportunity to leave words of gratitude, appreciation, advice, consolation and LOVE to those who matter to you. But that doesn't mean you should wait til you bite it to let people know you care.

Since November is a time of remembering and giving thanks, why not use this month to show your gratitude in ways big and small. So often our hearts are full of gratitude but we are so busy making noise we forget to listen to that still small voice saying "thank you. thank you."

So how about checking in each day this month, just for a moment, and listening to your heart beating it's tune of thanks. THEN ACT ON IT.

Do something, ANYTHING, to express your gratitude. It may be a simple smile in a check out line, a quick email, phone call, or hand-written note to someone who keeps coming to mind. It doesn't matter what you do - your heart will direct you. If it feels good when you think about doing it, just do it.

You may think you're doing it for the person who came to mind, but you'll soon come to realize you're doing it for yourself. The more gratitude you express, the more gratitude you feel. The more gratitude you feel, the more joy, peace and love fill your life. It's a win-win!

I recently wrote a thank you note to a man who's name I do not know, and who I will probably never meet.

I met his son at the Friday Venice Farmer's Market. I had been buying lamb there for some time because they'd told me how well they care for their land and the animals. Last week I asked Ibrahim how they slaughter the lambs and goats. I was so touched by the love and care they show their animals right up to the moment of their death that I was moved to tears. All week long I thought about that sweet moment of sharing tears of tenderness with this farmer's son.

Yesterday I wrote a note to the farmer thanking him for caring for his animals in this way, for making his meat available to us city folk, and making it possible for me to eat meat in a way that is congruent with my values. The letter begins "Dear Sir..." because I don't know this man, and probably never will. I will give the note to his son when I see him next.

Writing the note I thought of all the small family farms around the world being run by people who care enough about the land, their animals, and the rest of us, to make the harsh sacrifices it requires to farm honourably. I was delighted to be able to express my deep gratitude to one of them.

I am grateful that you took the time to read this, Thank you.
Debra Joy