Beauty All Around Us
Yes, beauty is all around us!
And as we live each day in gratitude, we are gifted to observe expanding beauty in every task and person. So much good increases in our lives as we seek to live life through the lens of gratitude. So, we are excited to invite you to join us in increasing optimism, hope, happiness, and self-confidence in your world through our beautiful and fun 7-Day Gratitude Challenge.
Utilizing neuroscience and positive psychology research, this gratitude challenge pack of practices and printables is specifically designed to improve your mental and physical health and general well-being. These practices and accompanying printables are beneficial and transformative, yet simple and doable for individuals and families.
We also invite you to download our FREE "Neighborhood & Community Gifts" Gratitude Practice & Printable, which is Day One of the 7-Day Gratitude Challenge. This gratitude practice is a fantastic way to strengthen and bless your community. (See more below on my own experience with this gratitude practice.)
TRUTH
As we are enjoying crisp mornings, the colorful transformation of leaves, and warm soup and apple cider, we must pay our respects to an icon of autumn - the pumpkin!
Not only do these fanciful gourds add to our Halloween festivities and gorgeous porchscapes, they are all also an uber-healthy food. Here’s the nutrition scoop:
-Excellent source of vitamin A (important to preserve vision, fight infections, maintain healthy skin and bones, and regulate cell growth and division)
-Excellent source potassium (helps muscles contract, regulates fluids, maintains normal blood pressure, and balances minerals in and out of cells)
- High in carotenoids (combat the effects of free radicals in the body and may help protect against certain types of cancer)
-Pumpkin seeds are packed with protein and fiber and minerals, including: iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, folate, niacin and selenium.
BEAUTY
"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely." — Louisa May Alcott
We can practice “finding beauty” in all situations and circumstances. Pausing and observing the kindest gesture, a lovely space, or the simplest blessing strengthens our focus on the beauty before us.
As I have committed to spending one week on each day of the 7-Day Gratitude Challenge, I am delighted by the joy I've experienced in simple shifts in my focus.
This past week, I focused on Day One - "Neighborhood & Community Gifts." Because I was open to receiving opportunities to give back to my community and neighborhood, the opportunities came each day:
- While waiting in line to check-out at the grocery store, I noticed a man behind me in a wheelchair who only had a soda in his cart. I offered to buy it for him. It was simple, yet in that moment - it connected us as strangers in our community - and I felt so incredibly wonderful to fulfill a kind gesture to another person.
- During the same trip to buy groceries, I assisted the cashier in bagging my food items, so she wouldn't have to wait on a another team member to come and help. Again, a simple task that I might not have readily jumped on if I wasn't looking for opportunities, and I was grateful to help.
- After ignoring several texts to give blood, I signed up to do so. I'm not averse to donating blood and have done it several times. It was just easier to swipe the text off my phone because I wasn't focused on invitations to give in the moment I saw the message pop up.
- I gratefully participated in a neighborhood & community canned food drive and was reminded of the abundance I am blessed with each day.
- I accepted the invitation to bake bread and cookies for a community event that supports individuals with disabilities in my town. Baking beyond casual, family gatherings or an occasional friend gathering is not the norm for me. So, I'm grateful for the chance to try something new and help others as I try.
I share these highlights from my week not to congratulate myself. Instead, I want to show you - and for you to know - that this specific gratitude practice of focusing on showing appreciation to my neighborhood & community really worked!
I discovered power in my focus and observation of others and their needs. I experienced the beauty of connection with strangers and an increased desire to bless peoples' lives. And when I paused, I saw beauty in the faces and souls of individuals surrounding me.
GOODNESS
Last month, Hurricane Helene swept through 6 states, inflicting massive destruction and damage of property and loss of life. Despite over millions of people being affected by one of the worst storms in U.S. history, the goodness of humanity was a powerful silver lining to the ominous cloud. It was a reminder of beauty being formed in the ashes.
Hundreds of stories of neighbors helping one another, praying for each other, and sacrificing time and their own resources and provisions have been shared in recent days and weeks. In the midst of their own devastation, the goodness of these people inspire us to reach out to others and bless lives. Here are just a few of these stories:
Who is one person you can reach out to and lift today?
EXCELLENCE
Tis' always the season to help and lift and bless others. To give hope. To share love. The practice of excellence is never needed more than in how we treat others.
Recent natural disasters in our nation and world, the current political climate in America, and increased civil unrest in the Middle East might cause hesitation in our perspective to believe "all things will work together for our good." And we may wonder how we as an individual can create impact. How can we add beauty in a darkening world?
My friend, your light matters. What you offer another in words, in time, in energy, in kindness may be the only bright and beautiful spot in that person's life. That is impact. Never hesitate to reach out to another soul - your compassion can literally save a life. And what can be more excellent in your life?
A FINAL LOVE NOTE
Beauty is also found within you. Expand it through your self-compassion, self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, and self-love. Speak beautifully to yourself and the result will always be a beautiful you.
Remember - you are divine and loved. You are beautiful, worthy, and strong.
Lovingly,
