Amy Collette

“Love your shoes!” “Thanks!” Women regularly start this conversation with other women they don’t know. Sometimes it’s just a quick conversation in an elevator, and it makes both people smile as they go their separate ways. Other times it’s a way to start to know each other.

Guys do the same thing with cars or sports. A Chicago shirt always leads to the “Cubs or Sox?” question. It usually sparks a story and a couple of laughs.

These tiny connections can make a huge difference in your day. They say, “I’m interested in you. I want to reach out and make contact. I’m glad you’re on the planet – you matter.”

It’s one of the easiest gifts you can give, and a great way to practice gratitude.

When someone thanks you for something, you reply…. (Please choose the best answer)
A. It was nothing
B. Just doin’ my job
C. Aww, shucks, anybody would have done the same thing
D. Forget about it!
E. Don’t mention it
F. You’re welcome

Okay, the obvious answer is “you’re welcome.” But how many times do we answer with one of the others?
“Thank you” is a gift. Not accepting it is like throwing that gift back in the giver’s face or stomping it under your heel. Maybe you really feel that you did nothing, and you don’t deserve a thank you. But the person who is giving you thanks feels differently and wants to connect with you through gratitude. Accepting it graciously invites more grace into your life.

If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything.
~ Shunryu Suzuki

Today I am blessed and inspired by Louie Schwartzberg’s gratitude message:

“So if you love somebody better tell them so
‘Cause you never ever, ever know when they gonna go
If they love you back, just give thanks
Can’t keep love like money in the bank”

~Michael Franti and Spearhead “Life in the City”

Songwriters: Jason Patrick Bowman, Michael Franti, Carl Rogers Young

Did you know that you could be wrong and swear you’re right
Some people been known to do it all their lives
But you find yourself alone, just like you found yourself before
Like I found myself in pieces on the hotel floor
Hard times have helped me see

I’m a good man, with a good heart
Had a tough time, got a rough start
But I finally learned to let it go
Now I’m right here, and I’m right now
And I’m open, knowing somehow
That my shadow days are over
My shadow days are over now

~ John Mayer’s song “Shadow Days”

Something in this song made me cry the first time I heard it. I’m inspired by the thought that “hard times let me see” the goodness inside, living for today, grateful for the dark days and ready to let them go.

Every time I saw my father-in-law Tom, his parting words were “think good thoughts,” said with a big smile.

He embodied that phrase – always upbeat, loving and generous. His eyes sparkled with Irish spirit, and lit up when he saw you. Tom regularly broke into song, remembering all the words to songs from the 40′s and 50′s. He loved to laugh and make other people laugh, and had the gift of gab.

Someone once compared his energy to a leprechaun – a fitting description of the fun-loving Irishman.

I’m grateful that I knew him. He passed away in September, and is sorely missed. His lasting legacy is his favorite phrase: think good thoughts.

I believe that everyone is the keeper of a dream – and by tuning in to one another’s secret hopes, we can become better friends, better partners, better parents, and better lovers.

~Oprah Winfrey

A beautiful sunset.

What are you grateful for today?

You know when you were a kid and you banged your knee? Your mom or dad or grandma kissed it and suddenly it was all better?

We all have that spark of divine healing power. We can use it any time for ourselves or people we love.

When we get together and focus that energy – magic happens. That’s what a healing circle is.

Individually we connect with the healing energy inside. Then we join together to focus that energy.