Gratitude

This week's meeting was very inspiring and informative. Next topic is ”Creativity- The Spark of Life"

Some of the things that came out from this week's meeting on Gratitude were:

-Many people are the most grateful for loved ones and for the real satisfactions in life, not so much for material things.

-There are so many ways to show appreciation and gratitude and it's very important to express it to others. One little expression of appreciation can change someone's life forever.

-Receiving appreciation can be just as wonderful as giving it out. Think of an experience of expressing gratitude and another experience of receiving it from someone- so profound that you've never forgotten the feelings. 

-A letter or a phone call or even an email telling someone that you appreciate them or something they did can change someone's day and leave you with a wonderful feeling. 

-Sometimes we're most grateful for unexpected outcomes of situations that were not of our conscious choosing. 

-We show appreciation by taking care of ourselves, of others and of what we have.

-Don't look back at what might have been - it could have turned out worse.

-We can be very grateful for the person we once were - that person might now be our best teacher. 

- Compose, add to and review often a list of all that you are grateful for. It comes in really handy on bad days. 

-We can be very grateful for our life's path which took us where we never planned to go with people and experiences better than any we could have mapped out. 

-How often do we express deep, heartfelt appreciation to those closest to us?

-Gratitude is an emotion ignited by thoughts and it changes every cell in our bodies, improves our health and the quality of our lives.

Fred Richter

Joy of Life Discussion Group July 3, 2012 Today’s Topic: Goals to Give Meaning and Joy to Our Lives

Joy of Life Discussion Group
July 3, 2012
Today’s Topic: Goals to Give Meaning and Joy to Our Lives

Some of the things we discussed today were:
-Striving and pursuing goals, activities and interests that excite us can keep us more vibrant, alive and healthy, as well as living longer and more meaningfully.
-Do what you love and what makes you excited in life.
-Let your imagination run. Step out – way out and don’t let fear or doubts hold you back.
-Does everyone need major goals or is just following our daily routine and living a good life enough to make us happy?
-Would major goals make life better?
-Small goals can be just as good as big ones.
-As we age, sometimes “not doing anything” is ok and good.
-Peace and contentment can be a great goal too.
-We may have already met our major goals, ie. career, etc. and now lesser goals might be just fine.
-Goals based on ego or the expectations of others or their judgments or approval are never as fulfilling in the long run as goals that come from within us.
-Sometimes maintaining the status quo is an ok goal.
-In some circumstances, just making it another day/month/year can be a good goal, and challenging as well.
-Letting inspiration flow through us, resulting in creativity, brings out wonderful goals.
-We should never let what we have to do in our society, such as career, prevent us from following our true path in life.
-Some of us need external stimulus and some don’t, using what comes from inside.
-For many, life unfolds without much planning or effort.
-When little flashes of inspiration jump in, pay attention.
-We need to nurture all the various aspects of ourselves.
- When in any relationship with others, and goals don’t match or coincide, remember, it’s your life and you cannot live a full life if your significant goals remain unsatisfied. However, it’s necessary to use give and take and compromise, using love and looking for mutualities wherever possible.
-Reflect carefully to determine the best goals/path for you.
-Pursuing what we love makes us excited, fills us with passion and will fill our lives with joy, making us happier and having the same effect on those around us.

Fred Richter 7-3-12