Author Archives: Gratitude Squared

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About Gratitude Squared

I’m Mary and write on my blog, Gratitude Squared. I prefer creativity with artistry sprinkled with bits of philosophy, previously a university scholar, compassionate for others, and deeply involved in advocacy and inclusion for human rights for people with disabilities. In 2017, I was diagnosed with a serious illness and prepared to die. However, nearly five years later I am very alive and extremely grateful to see life’s joys daily. Even with a recurrence in 2022, I love sharing aspirational and inspirational messages, and want to help you find your own gratitude. Thank you for going along this journey.

Gratitude For Hope And Promise

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My life is changing again. I don’t mind change as it serves as a challenge for me to learn new information and experience different events.

Some of you may remember my post on September 14, 2021 “Gratitude Through Anxiety” in which I explained that I was about to undergo CT scans to check the status of my health. I am happy to report that my abdominal, pelvic, and chest scans showed no change again! We are pleased with these results. For nearly 4 and 1/2 years my health has remained stable.

At the same time, the pathologist noted lung nodule “suspicious for the spectrum of adenocarcinoma”. With the awe comes the shock now! My gynecologist referred me to a pulmonologist to make decisions as to how to proceed. I feel concern right now because of the current pandemic. A serious issue is having a potential “lung” surgery during the additional complication of a COVID variant. This is bad news…

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Grateful For This Sacred Day

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Today my Facebook reminded me that 10 years ago today was my father’s last day of life! Tomorrow will be his 10 year death anniversary. I miss him so.

Rather than be buried in the usual stress of my own life, I devoted this day to those memories of my father. He was a minister 100%. He always was in a suit, tie, jacket. I remember one year on vacation he even rowed a boat in a suit and tie. We sometimes had to cancel our own vacation plans because someone in the church was in the hospital, or was dying, or needed him.

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Grateful For Walks Through History

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On September 15, 2021, we were reminded that 58 years earlier there was the 1963 church bombing on 16th Street in Birmingham, AL. It happened. I had moved to Birmingham 14 years after the bombing (in 1977) and my son was born there. I recall the KKK meeting me in my little yellow MG Midget with their white hoods and robes on various street corners and at intersections. I remember I had not encountered such an experience during my young life. At that time, I had moved to Alabama from Indiana and was not as aware of cultural issues, and histories as I am now.

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Gratitude Through Anxiety

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Tonight is the eve of a series of CT scans of my body early in the morning. I am supposed to be scanned every three months but due to the pandemic I have put it off for nearly one year. I hate these scans with iodine contrast. The iodinated procedure enhances the visibility of cancer pathologies and vascular structures and organs. I will have three scans due to the multiple sites of my cancers four years ago.

I am trying my best to practice gratitude and to remain in a State of Gratitude this week, but it is harder than usual because I feel anxious regarding the possible results. I do not have any symptoms which gives me confidence that everything will be ok. But, I read the literature and know the odds for my health each year, so I am not denying what result may appear.

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Gratitude For Big Puppy Curiosity

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Over the holiday I took our big puppy, Augustino, to see the ocean for his first time as he is smart and we love to watch him explore through new experiences. Of course the professor in me believes he learns and acquires motivation through anticipation of rewards, and sensations of pleasure that correlate with happiness. Thus far, his motivations seem to be linked to “toys” rather than “foods”. Just like people, it is important during his early development to foster curiosity and exploratory behaviors. I admit I was disappointed that he did not seem interested in the ocean waves this first time, rather he loved to watch the other dogs and people. Maybe he will love the waves the next time?

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Fall Is Coming Soon: Continue With Gratitude

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The Times, they are changing: Pandemic outcomes continue to go up and down. Variants continue to emerge. People are still seemingly unsettled. Health issues, death and dying, and unknowns are still reported. A war has ended. Fires and hurricanes continue. What are you to do during these crazy days to keep yourself in a State of Gratitude? How is it possible to remain joyful?

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Gratitude For Marine Rev. Robert Blake and Wife

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I believe we must remain in a State of Gratitude these days even in the midst of the pandemic, the hurricane, the ending of the 20 year war, the murder of service men and women, the fires, the arguments over masks, and on and on…

Recently, I talked about #portals opening briefly in our lives, and closing just as quickly. Over the last few days I wondered what kind of portal opened up this week? It seems the news is all bad.

I reflected on what makes me continue to believe in gratitude in spite of everything? In fact, one site I view daily is #gratitudemakestheattitude. I was drawn to an old video my son made for my father’s celebration of his 90th birthday and I share it with you today.

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Gratitude For Nature’s Beauty

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When life feels stressful I like to go outside and walk or drive and breathe in nature’s beauty. I have many family members and friends right now who are experiencing extreme stress with breakups in relationships, serious health problems, consequences from the virus, fear of going outside, and on and on. Today, I want to share some beautiful photos to give you peace and calm, and harmony with nature.

During trying times, practicing gratitude helps me. I hope these photos help you to focus on something beyond your immediate issues.

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Grateful For Each Family Member

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These times are tough. The virus is disrupting our lives. Many people are troubled with serious, deadly illnesses. Years of relationships are breaking up. People are in pain.

When I look at this old family photo, I am reminded that the entire back/top row of my family is already gone. They have passed away. Only myself and my brother (in bottom row) remain. How does that make me feel? Sad, but reflective on life. What have I done with my life? Have I been a helpful, loving member of my family as well as my community, and society? With my remaining years, how might I become more giving, helpful, a better listener to all others, more contributing, kinder, more sensitive to “hear” the pains and frustrations of others, more understanding, more selfless, more decisive in helping other persons move through their various pains of life with illness or with loved ones?

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