Gratitude In Action

In these economic times, it seems like everybody could use a little more happiness in their lives.  And with holiday season around the corner, stress levels appear to be increasing even more than usual.  How does one combat these holiday blues and financial woes?  Well a group of people in Michigan, the state hit hardest by the factory closings of the auto industry, decided to do something about the current state of the world by creating the 30DaysofGratitude project. This is a web-based community experiment running November 1^st through November 30^th complete with intentions of spreading the positive effects of gratitude throughout the world. 

The idea for the project stems from scientific findings that concluded people who focused on appreciation and gratitude were considerably happier, less likely to complain about physical ailments, and more likely to exercise. Gratitude can also positively impact people’s energy, health, and life satisfaction.  Who knew that Thanksgiving could serve a positive mental health function? 

So if you are sitting anxiously on the edge of your seat wondering, well how do I get involved?!  The first step is to go to http://www.30daysofgratitude.org/ and register.  Then starting November 1^st you will receive e-mail themed prompts reminding you to submit your gratitudes, either daily or weekly depending on the program you choose.  There are a few different options when joining; you can join as a family and submit your gratitudes under one name, or you can join individually and search and archive personal friend’s gratitudes.  And we are especially encouraging a techno-savvy person to partner with someone who is not connected to the Internet (i.e. grandparent and grandchild). 

When asked the purpose of this project, head founder Annie Zirkel said, “Gratitude has the power to change your life, this project is about putting all the energy in one place.”  And the energy is growing.  People are signing up everyday from all over the world.  So jump on board, for a month of inspiration, happiness, and looking at the bright side of life for a change!

Click image to watch video:

“Tarheel Traveler” Scott Mason and photographer Tom Normanly of WRAL Raleigh
came to Asheville and reported about the postcard project! May the ripple of these
precious little works of art send waves of gratitude out into the world…

Reporter Leigh Kelley and photographer Mike Dirks of the Hendersonville
Times News stopped by during the Thanksgiving weekend and this
wonderful article emerged from our meeting!  I was thrilled that it
made the front page!!!

The concept of paying it forward is amazingly simple. All we need is inspiration and our ability to tap into the universal consciousness to pay forward a good deed. If you lack ideas or inspiration to do the same, remember Oprahs’ amazing pay it forward episode back in 2006 when she gave 300 audience members $1,000 each to donate to charitable cause of their choices.

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Here is a chance to connect with hundreds of like minded gratitude people on this amazing and exciting cruise announcement. The Ocean Of gratitude Cruise will sail in 2009 and you can see first hand how gratitude can affect you and the people around you. Learn how the practice of gratitude will make you a happier person.

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Cafe Gratitude is a wonderful website, honoring the world of plenty by giving ample gratitude. The site is dedicated to supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products. Cafe Gratitude also offers catering services with organic and wholesome food prepared with love.

Just the pictures on their site make my mouth water in anticipation of something yummy to eat. Cafe Gratitude was founded by Mathew and Terces Engelhart and serves over 1500 people per day. This is actually a number that was printed in 2007 so by now, this figure might as well have risen. The cafe is based in San Francisco and together with their Abounding River products, Cafe Gratitude is a beautiful concept designed to share love, gratitude, abundance and generosity.

If you are not hungry yet, check out their online menu.

There are also regular workshops and events hosted by Matt and Terces, designed for people who would like to learn more about gratitude and abundance in their everyday life.

Take a look at the creative Abounding River Board Game from Cafe Gratitude. The game features spectacular paintings and design and stands alone as a piece of art. I think it is a fantastic way to explore the law of abundance and learn how we can create a positive field around us by practicing gratitude in our day.

Thousands of American troops are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, Guantanamo Bay and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time. The non profit organization OPERATION GRATITUDE seeks to lift troops’ morale, and bring a smile to their faces by sending care packages to service members overseas. OPERATION GRATITUDE care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.