it is partially why I am up at 330 each morning. With 4 children and a vocation in which I work w the mental health of 5000 teenagers, I cherish that time in the morning. Jack Canfield calls it his hour of power. I call mine 30 to be sturdy hahhhhh. demo.gratefulness.org is a wonderful piece and peace in the morning.

ice cream. oxygen. gratefulness/anticipation of a new day. did I say ice cream? morning 30 to be sturdy routine. children’s laughter/my children’s laughter. “light bulb” moments for others and for myself. spreading the message of gratefulness

a daily period of self reflection on what can I really improve upon always reveals valuable information. the daily “putting gratefulness into actions” is where I can always do more. in my own home too!!!

the earth, nature fighting to be it’s wondrous self while fighting off the enemies of capitalism and consumption.

I need to check myself…interrupt the cycle of conflict. I can do that by definitely listening and communicating in a positive manner. it starts with how I’m feeling about myself before the conflict causing incident. am I in gratefulness? am I healthy/sick, am I in a positive frame of mind? regardless, I need to really stop, step back, listen, and communicate in a “not trying to win” manner.

I have friends that have taken me in, instructed me, critiqued me, encouraged me, laughed w me, sang w me. We have lived!!

they are one and the same. one can’t work without the other. they both fuel each other. the inner work puts me in a proper frame of mind to really push forward on social action.

the question itself along w the physical action requested produced a chuckle hahhhhhh! well done!!!

I make it a practice to include everyone I speak with during the day in the “who has made my day” category. I let them know right then they are” making my day” with either those words or my smile and engagement. how are u today? “I was really good but now I’m even better thanks to you!!” . takes 5 seconds.

whether it is simply living the day or working w others…a “what happened” frame of reference (without having to actually say those words) works better than a “what’s wrong w you/why would u do that!” reference point. any tools I can add each day to work thru the hurt, dig out of the past, live today as best as possible w gratitude is a blessing.

what’s interesting about the question today is I’m struggling to expand what makes me happy. There is something that makes me deeply unhappy yet make 4 others in my family happy. I need to appreciate their side of the matter and accept it.

One of my deepest values (that I am dealing w presently) is never give up. I have a mtg w a school district this mrng n the tech stuff that worked isn’t working this mrng. Another value is finding positives hahhhh! It will work out n my message will come thru!

I “hear focus”.

faith. also, a belief in myself and in others…that things will eventually work out to the good in its own time thru hustle, prayer/meditation, and love.

the same as making plans/setting a goal and actual execution. “don’t talk about it be about it” comes to mind, also.

this moment I need to find my normal early morning energy level. my diet, my “mindset”, and my activity/execution level are not where they need to be. I am grateful for this question today reminding me to reset right now. thank you!

ears w which to hear sounds that bring many different sensations including inspiration. eyes w which to see beauty and read inspiration. mouth w which to enunciate that which my ears and eyes bring to me. my mind n my beating heart which work together allowing me this new day by grace.

the fact that I am where I am at today/this morning is a gift from others’ support. everything from instruction, mentoring, encouragement, examples of love, literally taking me in when homeless, tough love, compassion. today is a culmination of so much support.

each difficult situation has forced me to find ways through it. they have taught me that faith, love and being tough, smart, unselfish are characteristics I possess.