24-162 Gratitude

The Mandala Lady, , , , , , , , , , ,
abstract background of wispy colors of teal, yellow, green, white, and maroon. On top in metallic copper ink is a large circle in the center with one row of ornate lotus petals around the outside. on the inside is a spiral starting from the circles edge inward connecting to the base of a heart.

Gratitude

“the quality of being thankful”

Initially, when we think of gratitude, it’s usually a feeling we have because something positive happened or it’s for something positive that’s in our lives, or has been in our lives. How about the challenges in our lives? Can we have the attitude of gratitude towards them?

I know for me, just about every challenging experience in my life appeared negative at the time but over time became positive in that I grew from it, that it worked out better for me in the long run, and that it helped me be able to help others along their journey.

This one time I ran a challenging campaign for County Commissioner as an Independent in a very Republican county. In the end I lost. However, because of that campaign, my involvement in local government, and my software engineering background, the county contracted me to develop their first web site which paid me way more than I would have made as a commissioner AND I didn’t have to deal with local politics. It turned into a successful five-year adventure. So while it hurt to lose the election, I gained so much more. For that, I am truly grateful.

With today’s MotD we’re encouraged to look back on our challenges from the perspective of gratitude…in what way have we gained from that experience? In what way has it helped us? We can also look at our current challenges to help us unveil their opportunities for growth. Can we acknowledge and appreciate their positive side?

Yes, it’s natural to want to avoid challenges and yet they probably have lead to our personal growth more than any or all of the positive ones. So, along with the positive, we are encouraged to also appreciate the value of our challenges.

How about you? Is gratitude a core value for you?

BTW…here’s what it looked like to begin with …

abstract background of wispy colors of teal, yellow, green, white, and maroon.

joyfully,

Maureen
The Mandala Lady

encouraging and inspiring curiosity, creativity, and play through the art of mandalas

About the 2024 Mandalas of the Day

Each day I will create and post a mandala inspired by one of 366 “value” words chosen randomly. The objective being to discover for myself which ones would best represent my core values…and by doing so, I hope it inspires you to determine your own.

Unknown's avatar

Published by The Mandala Lady

My Mission: connecting with our Inner Light in delightful, inspiring ways For me, creating mandalas is more than just coloring pretty patterns in a circle. I do it because my spiritual evolution and creativity require it of me. My mandala designs come about within an active meditative state, connected with my higher self, my spiritual guides and nature spirits. Together, we bring into form, mandala art the allows me to re-connect with my own inner peace and joy, letting me explore and expand my own creative spirit to however far and in whatever direction I want to take it. As part of my own spiritual journey, I encourage, and hopefully inspire, others to explore their own creativity, to help them re-connect with their own inner peace and joy. As a means to that end, I make all of my mandalas available for people to color. Why should I have all the fun?

Leave a comment