Yep, the above says it all. 2011 was a tough year for many, and for me and my husband. (see Painless is Feeling Good, The Ring Doesn't Come Off )Β As part of being hopeful about 2012, I accepted an invitation from some dear and far-flung friends to participate in an online book group on the book One Thousand Gifts- a dare to live fully right where you are.
I took the dare, without really knowing what it was about. Because I've always been a gambler that way.
*Spoiler alert*
One Thousand Gifts is about practicing gratitude. Daily. By writing down a list of one thousand things you're grateful for. It's nice that the author writes beautifully, it's even more amazing the effect on me it's had.
I'm feeling my feelings, and today, they are joy and gratitude for all the good things, so many amazing things, going on in my life. I've been doing this series on Unlocking Creativity, and beginning my list of a Thousand Gifts has been just that… A gift.
Another gift is the awesome opportunity to be interviewed by well known author Lorna Suzuki on her blog. She asked me a lot of really deep questions about my writing, why I did it, why Lei and the dark and gritty story of Blood Orchids. Check out the interview on her blog, All kinds of Writing and also on the huge website AuthorsDen.com .Pop by, check it out, and throw down some comment love! I'd appreciate it.
What an honor, to be featured on my birthday, and I wrote it down as #36 on my gratitude list. I just can't emphasize enough how this “project” has broken loose much needed joy in my life–and I even have scholarly articles somewhere to back up the mental health benefits of this practice, not that I even care right now. It's my birthday, and I'll cry tears of joy if I want to! (and let's hope they aren't the sign of encroaching menopause)
Want to join me for one thousand things? I dare you- start your list today.
I have found that starting my day by being grateful for the things/people I have in my life helps tremendously to ward off the negativity that so easily pervades our lives. Most days I mention the same things: I’ll try branching out and finding various things. I don’t know if I could reach 1000 that are meaningful, but it’s worth a try.
Congrats on your interview and Happy Birthday (cue the party horns and confetti)
Happiest of birthdays to you, Toby! I love the gratitude thing and try to start each day with a list. I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to meet you on Twitter, and to pick up another great read in BLOOD ORCHIDS! All the best for the coming year.
Lovely new site design, Toby! And happy birthday…sounds like you’re off to a great start this year, with an intriguing new challenge. I hope 2012 is full of wonderful things for you. π
Happy Birthday, Toby—many warm hugs!! I try to practice gratitude each morning and night, and as many moments as possible in between–sometimes, that is the only thing that keeps me going!
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what a great thing to do.
Happy Birthday Kitty! I know you’ll have many more wonderful birthdays to come. π
I think that’s a great way to look at the world…what’s positive about it in your life. I think there are often millions of things we can be happy about, but negatives usually outweigh the positives.
I hope your day was very happy, Toby! I, for one, am grateful to know you.
Happy birthday Toby. Many happy returns on a wonderful day with more gratitude for a good marriage and loving husband. Hugs.
Wonderful. Your celebration had a lasting effect on many people.