~*~
Gratitude
Where there is no gratitude,
There is only the absence of gratitude;
An empty soul.
If we cannot be grateful
We cannot acknowledge
The bounty there is in the world
And the heart of Love
That creates it.
If we have no gratitude
We cut ourselves off
From all that is good
And drown in a puddle of self-pity.
If we cannot be grateful
We undermine the
Power of others to give;
Deny them the blessing
Of being received.
When we cannot be grateful
Misery is the friend that
Denies us our heart’s desire.
*
To be grateful is to laugh
In the face of adversity.
To send the gods of war,
Spawned by greed, packing.
To be grateful is to bring
Peace to our hearts;
To acknowledge that to
Be fully engaged with life
Is enough.
For those who lack
Gratitude pursue death.
Embrace gratitude, and
Choose life.
~*~
To mind is brought all those who suffer disaster, lose everything and are yet grateful to be alive. They count the blessing of life itself and rise to the challenge of rebirth and renewal. To all I wish peace and healing.
~*~
For some reason the #FWF challenge didn’t show up on my reader or in my email so I’m a day late with this.
Still, it is an excellent challenge and, inspired by the words of a great man, I am grateful for the chance to participate.
The older I get the more gratitude I feel. My life is not perfect. I have enough health concerns to keep me grounded and certainly I’ve lived in survival mode most of my life. Still, I am grateful for everything that has brought me to a point where soul healing is in process, my life is opening up and I can finally see myself for who I truly am.
Self-awareness brings healing. To have a chance to heal on terra firma is a great blessing indeed.
And I am grateful for this and all the people (and my horse) who make this possible.
Thanks for stopping by,
Dorothy
~*~
©Dorothy Chiotti, Aimwell CreativeWorks 2013
Shedding Light on the Family Tree 
Hi Dorothy.
I was doing some cleaning out and came across a photo of a Christmas party photo with me, you and the other ladies from corporate relations.
After looking at the photo I did a search on everyone and was impressed at how much you’ve done since those days. Congratulations on the singing, the photography and writing.
Anyway, I just thought I’d say hello.
Take care and best of luck.
Hi, Fareed! It’s been a long time since those days. A lot has changed and much growing has been done. My life has been full and I am grateful for this. I hope life has been good to you and that you are well. Last time we connected you were in Ottawa, I think? The only person I’ve had any contact with in the ensuing years is Susan, though lately she seems to have disappeared into the ether as I no longer hear from her and cannot seem to locate her. … Those were challenging, and fun, times. For a while we were all a good team. And then life happened as I was making other plans and the first leg of my journey with horses began. What a ride that has been. 😉 … Thanks for stopping by and for your well wishes. Good to hear from you. … Be well and enjoy the journey, Dorothy 🙂
Hi Dorothy, I liked every line on your poem but the second one. That one came to me a bit too flat. Continuing reading after it was though a little journey worth taken. Thank you.
Thank you, I appreciate your candid feedback. In the spirit of the free writing exercise I didn’t edit this poem except for a few typos. Perhaps, if I were to take another look at it I might omit that line. Having said that, it occurs to me the combination of those words prepares the way for the next line, so I’m unsure. Regardless, I’m glad you enjoyed the poem and am grateful you took time to stop by and read it. … Be well and enjoy the journey, Dorothy 🙂
Oh, I see you got mostly me criticising the one thing I did not like about your poem. Please be assured that, especially giving the free writing aspects you’ve mentioned, I believe you came up with a very nice poem. Sorry if my feedback was too much focusing on the one thing that I believed did not fit. That was certainly criticising on a high level.
No worries. 🙂 … Please don’t consider it further. I’m glad you like my poem. Be well and have a lovely day. Dorothy 🙂
This really struck a chord with me. I feel like it was meant for my eyes. Thank you. I cannot even tell you how much I needed this.
Thank you, Kellie. I’m happy to have touched your soul so deeply. Life is full of beautiful, and comforting, surprises. Happy Thanksgiving! Be well, Dorothy 🙂
Just an awesome poem that I have read twice; it is so full of resolute strength and power. I am going to read it as a “grace” at my Thanksgiving dinner (and of course credit you!)
Oh, you are so sweet! I feel so honoured, and grateful, that you would include my poem in your Thanksgiving celebration. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed time. … Be well, Dorothy 🙂