Connect
Gratitude: Today, I'm grateful for...
Studies have found that expressing daily gratitude improves both physical and emotional well-being. It helps us focus on what is good in our lives, the world and others. It also helps us find the silver lining in our challenges. Gratitude turns what we already have into enough. Gratitude brings us joy. I’d love it if you can share something you’re grateful for today. I’ll start.
I’m grateful I have both the ability and luxury of taking long daily gratitude walks through the beautiful nature that surrounds my home.
I’ll take you through my typical walk:
When I open my front door to leave, I’m usually greeted by a few adorable squirrels, three crow friends, juncos and wrens who all hope for a walnut treat before I go. My walk along the creek down the street brings me peace with a variety of 100-foot trees, flowers of every shape and color, grass, fascinating wildlife, sounds of a babbling brook, birds calling, squirrels chasing, etc. Each day, I also see bunnies, ducks with ducklings, egrets, lizards, turtles, a variety of small birds, butterflies, and sometimes coyotes and hawks.
I meet new people along the way as we share our love of nature. I am also greeted by their happy, adorable dogs. Sometimes I learn something new. Sometimes I feel like I was able to bring joy to someone by letting them know they are worth a few minutes of my time. That brings me joy. Half the people in my large retirement community live alone as I do. Today, I met a lovely 96-year-old woman who walks a half mile with her cane and sweet rescue poodle every day. Impressive! She didn’t look a day over 80. I never miss an opportunity to smile and say hello to everyone who passes by. When I arrive home after an hour or so, some of my wildlife buddies are usually there to welcome me back with the enthusiasm of a dog.
When my last dog went to Heaven a few months ago, my camera became my new walking companion. Once I’m home, it’s time to upload my latest nature photos. I relive my walk all over again through the eyes of a zoom lens and a 32” monitor that together reveal extraordinary colors, patterns, textures and wildlife expressions the naked eye can’t see. I’m sharing a few pix from today. Can’t wait to go again tomorrow! 🙂
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.
Connect
I am very grateful to have come across your entry Zebra! Your photos are a heavenly gift. I adore nature, wildlife and all the healing properties that come with it. We are so blessed to have such beauty in our lives. Thank you so very, very much. You made my day! Keep up the good work. 🙂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi Arlo @equanimous
Glad you enjoyed the pix! I just love nature especially animals! It's my happy place! Well, that and Hobby Lobby. I'm grateful for Hobby Lobby and all the feel good stuff they carry! If you want to enjoy more "good for the soul" pix, check out the What's Outside of Your Picture Window Today discussion. Enjoy!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/whats-outside-of-your-picture-window-today/?pg=218#comment-893019Zebra
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am grateful that I in in day 20 of recovery from mastectomy surgery. Still adjusting to everything but grateful for my husband being here. Thanking God for bringing me through.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI am grateful for God's greatfulness!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI am grateful for all I have suffered in my life. It has taken those experiences to open my heart to who is really in control.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI am grateful for
The starry night sky
The glistening light of sunrise
The webs spun by spiders on the morning grass
The sounds of birds greeting the morning light
The warmth of the mid day sun
The sprinkle of a summer afternoon shower
The hawks fishing the river in the evening
The quiet of the deepest dark night
The wonders of each new day
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsWhat a beautiful way to celebrate your life! I could visualize the wonderful things you encountered on your walk; thank you for lifting my heart today!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsWe all have struggles; some seem very hard to accept; some are trivial when compared to so many others who suffer far more than we do! I am learning that our pains, disappointments and heartaches are supposed to help us grow. God does NOT make mistakes! So, I am especially grateful for this beautiful world He has given us to enjoy!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI am grateful for the loving God who put all of those for us to enjoy and find pleasure in.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsHobby Lobby carries a lot of things that point to The Creator of all things who is Jesus, all the lovely flowers, animals, US, and most of all am thankful that I was a sinner, who, by God's grace and patience through the life, death sacrifice on the cross, and his resurrection I was saved by His grace, that I have repented and confessed my sins and am saved to the Glory of God!!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions