This is a pearl that I have consciously made my fundamental core belief.  Many great thinkers and philosophers that have written about it.  This pearl is even deeply embedded in the major world religions.  I am by no means writing about something new, but I am so grateful I have wrapped my arms tightly around this.  This pearl is GRATITUDE.

Gratitude has lifted me out of darkness many times.  When I meditate on my blessings and the goodness of life, I am affirmed that my loving God, and the tremendous people in my life, have given me so many treasures.  Gratitude forces me to look outward instead of dwelling on my inward turmoil.  The awareness that I have so many wonderful gifts and people in my life helps to squash my fears.

Gratitude teaches me to give and then to give more.  Almost every time I have been generous to someone, I have been repaid exponentially.  Giving brings me tremendous peace.  I often ponder how I can give even more.  I pray that God uses me to help others.  Gratitude and giving go hand in hand.

I believe the secret to profound happiness is gratitude and giving.  I do my gratitude meditation before bed.  Prayers, followed by gratitude contemplation, help me to sleep more peacefully and with less worry.  I awake feeling happy and supported and ready to look for my chances to give.

I am not sure my gratitude pearl will enlighten any of my readers.  When you are in a state of gratitude, you attract the same type of happy, giving people in your life.  I can honestly say that I have wonderful and generous family and friends.  But, sometimes I can get lax and my prayers and meditation get chopped.  May this be a gentle reminder to keep a state of gratitude and giving!  Happy Holidays!