Tag Archives: #gratitudesquared.com

Grateful For This Sacred Day

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

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 For Big Puppy Curiosity

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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Gratitude For Nature’s Beauty

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

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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Grateful for Gentle Giant Dog Friend

I have an amazing dog, Augustino, who believes he’s a lap dog. He can change from a loving puppy to an alert, protective watch dog in an instant. His DNA kicks in to guard his owner and property, yet with me he is playful, fast on his fast, loves to play ball, and entertain himself for hours with toys and a bucket. In the swimming pool, he pulls me to safety whenever I leave the side of the pool. He is simply pure joy and affection each and every day.

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I’m Grateful For Sunglasses

I love to people watch at the beach as often as possible. But, the California sunshine is sometimes too bright so I have to close my eyes. Lately, I solved my problem with these sunglasses and hat.

Thank God for this discovery. Now I can continue to people watch all day long!

Even dogs have gratitude!

#gratitudezero

Gratitude, The Brain, Morality, Group Behavior

Those of you following my posts will note that I love to study gratitude in addition to feeling it and watching others practice and talk about being grateful. The study of gratitude will take years to fully understand all the dimensions, traits, and states. My purpose is to excite you, influence your thinking, invite you to reflect, and please you with various examples of joyful gratitude. Once in a while I will take you a bit deeper into an understanding of what it means to be grateful. Today is such a posting, which is why I label this particular blog as #gratitudeultra.

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