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Arousing Joyful Hope: Footbridges to Healing
Why is Disneyland’s official slogan (since 1955) “The Happiest Place on Earth”? Because for years a day at Disney provides a joyful, magical memory for all attending. But, in gratitude I want to tell you about another special complex in Orange County, CA, very near Disney, which exceeds the joy, arouses hope, and creates life…
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You’ve Got to Be Ready to Begin Again (w/ Gratitude)
Sometimes in life you have to start over. I am grateful for the many times recently it’s been possible for me to begin again, supported by others. Last week the City of Hope Orange County held their Inaugural This is Hope Celebrating Survivorship event and invited their survivor celebrants to be together and share. What…
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Hope, Joy, and Peace
Generally, I find joy most days and peaceful situations such as while reading lovely verses, listening to calming music, or viewing beautiful scenes such as of sunsets, bodies of water, or happy groups of people enjoying life. It is important for me to “give back” to others who may not have “peace” in their life…
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Grateful to Understand When It Is Enough!
It seems that some people strive for more and more within their daily lives which is both a good attribute (for education, a better job, to become a model parent, to help within their communities, etc.) as well as a nearly torturous trait, as seeking materialism, or more attention from others, or more money does…
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The Weight of Thoughts : Grateful Thoughts (An Essay)
Recently, my dear friend shared a photo of “The Weight of Thoughts”, Bronze Sculpture by the Belgian artist Thomas LeRooy. The word “Thoughts” and the “big head” caught my eye. Why are people talking about this sculpture? How are “thoughts” and “Gratitude” linked? Look at what has happened since LeRooy created this work of art…
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Our Life Is A Collection of Overlooked Moments
Last week as I stood in my kitchen, rinsing and cutting the green topper leaves off each berry within a basket of large organic red strawberries, my mind flashed to a strawberry field in the summer heat, with clusters of people picking each strawberry that I was, at that moment, holding between my fingers. During…
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How Does The Actual Healing Process Interact With the Body Versus How it Engages With the Soul?
Many people seem to become more spiritual when faced with a serious illness. Why I wondered? The last time I visited the City of Hope (COH), I noted the quote on the huge glass wall at the entrance. I was pleased to see the COH mention the “body” AND the “soul” as I believe one’s…
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Joy in Learning About Other Religions – Hindu
The Malibu Hindu Temple is nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, located on 5 acres (close to Malibu Creek State Park) near Calabasas, CA (1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road, 91302) and just a short drive from Los Angeles. It was built in 1981 and is considered one of the finest examples of a Hindu Temple…
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So Happy That City of Hope Builds Hopeful Foundation
My motivation to start posting about gratitude originated from an illness that began in 2017. Now, six years later, I am grateful to be alive because of wonderful doctors at various hospitals. Recently, the City of Hope broke ground to build a new hospital closer to my home, targeted to open in 2025. My goal…
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Intellectual Gratitude: the Symbolism of Doves During End of Life Practices
I began my walk to gratitude when learning of an illness in 2017. In 2023, a recurrence causes even deeper reflection on end of life choice. I continue to claim good health, but it’s time to think about necessary choices. Rather than feeling sad, I experience deep gratitude as I learn about symbolism behind choice.…
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The Emotion of Gratitude: Why It Is So Meaningful and Necessary In Our Lives
Last weekend a family held the hands of their beloved mother as she passed. It was a sacred moment. Through tears, they gave gratitude for mom’s parenting, joy, and deep spiritual teachings. The colors of the cloth around her neck represented memories from her grandchildren, children, and spouses. After the death of a loved one,…
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So Grateful to my Vet: I Was As Sick as a Dog, but Better Now
Hello again, Barley here. You may remember my April 20 message, DogGoneIt! I was so afraid to go to the Vet for surgery. But….. I am pleased to tell you that after oral surgery, surgery to remove a growth on my tongue, dialyses, a new renal prescription diet, plus two weeks of drugs, I am…
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Gratitude Squared 