Today, my heart is full of gratitude for a number of things, which just goes to prove, yet again, that when we appreciate every little thing, positive or negative, life gets better and better-er.
December has been very eventful, not the least of which was Mother Nature's fury, when my home State suffered the worst disaster ever. We got busy from the last week of November when rains literally drowned Chennai, resulting in loss of lives, livelihoods and homes. The disruption was absolute. We were privileged to be involved in relief work. I am grateful I am blessed to have the opportunity to contribute towards making lives better. The relief work is still in progress and will be, for a long time to come.
Several years ago, I got into the habit of starting my day with a prayer of gratitude for everything I have. I do it with more intensity now for the things we take for granted - the air we breathe, our cozy home, food to eat, our beds and all the frills we live with. I will continue to purge and donate surplus items.
My son is home for three weeks and naturally, we're thrilled. Even more thrilling was an invitation from his school, inviting us for their Annual Day Function where he received an award for academic performance and cultural activities. I am so grateful this happened when he was visiting. Makes such a big difference!
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An unexpected trip to Kolkata for a week was quite delightful and I had an extremely pleasant time.
While in Kolkata, I was very lucky to find a wonderful takeaway restaurant that sent me healthy food every day. If ever you are in Salt Lake City, Kolkata, I highly recommend checking out HomeFlavour. Mr Vikas was wonderfully kind and thoughtful and made sure I ate on time by sending me delicious homecooked food. He even called me to discuss my preferences. (Hi Vikas!).
It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving
I am grateful for a loving family and friends - and the kindness of strangers - which goes to show that no act of kindness is ever wasted - it makes such a difference in someone's life.
It has been so much fun to walk with family on the terrace again, chatting, laughing and enjoying each other's company. I treasure the moments we're together and am filled with gratitude.
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I take stock of my earnings in December every year and I am very happy that this year, I can give more to my favorite welfare homes and sponsor more children.
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I am especially grateful for gifts I've received this month. These were in the form of experiences, interactions, love and thoughtfully chosen things.
We played Secret Santa at the BAR and thoroughly enjoyed the guessing games and interactions that came along with it. So much fun to see the ingenious ways that gifts were sent with Shailaja and Sid providing clever clues in verse when it was time to guess!
I am excited to own Leonie Dawson's 2016 shining year workbook. I've been a subscriber for the last two years and am a big fan of her message and art. This year I figured I'd get myself one and folks, this one is absolutely awesome and I love it. I am going to do my best to make 2016 memorable and you can too. As the year unfolds, I'll share my experience with it. I signed up as an affiliate and if you are ready to shine, order your 2016 shining year workbook/bundle here. Any commission I earn will go to charity.
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I am overwhelmed by the fabulous books I've got lined up for reading. So thankful.
I could go on and on... and I will, in my gratitude journal!
More than anything, I've been practising mindful living - living in the moment, for we know not what tomorrow might bring. Change has been a constant, and I am deeply grateful for all the learning that it brought me.
This year has been hectic with so many changes, and I guess I'll devote an entire post reflecting on what was and what I look forward to. I have a feeling 2016 will be amazing.
My special message for you today, with a grateful hug, is this:
Hug a Friend Today
Best friends are treasures. Hug them for their caring. Applaud their accomplishments. Laugh with them gratefully.
The December Gratitude Circle bloghop linky will be up shortly. Write your own post and add it to the linky. Thank you!
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and Merry Christmas!
