Monday Message 7.16.18 Gratitude
Gratitude: noun
1. The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Gratitude is the key to unlocking abundance. Consider the phrase “you reap what you sow”. If you’re spreading seeds of discontent over what you perceive is lacking the only thing that can grow from those seeds is more lack, multiplying the discontent. However, if your seeds are those of thanks, of recognizing what you do have, then more of that good stuff is sure to take root.
Sometimes it doesn’t feel like there’s much to be grateful for. The struggles are real and it can seem like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Although I don’t think there is a scientific study* to prove it, my experience has shown me that no matter the circumstances there is there is always something to be thankful for. And it may indeed be tiny. Your child gives you a handful of wildflowers and weeds as a gift. The sky is clear on a full moon night. Someone held the door for you at the grocery store. These are small gestures but they add up, especially when you start training yourself to notice them.
Some people have a daily practice of recording what they are grateful for, whether it’s writing those things in a journal or recognizing them in a whispered prayer before bed. It might start as a forced exercise but over time it begins to flow more easily and eventually focusing on gratitude becomes a way of life – as natural as breathing.
If you’re currently going through a hard time it might feel irritating to read this essay. On the other hand, it might help you take a deep breath and begin to shift away from despair and back to hope. Wherever you find yourself along that spectrum, I hope that you will enjoy reading words of thanks written by WISP recipients to Ms. Buffett.
∞
Thank you from the bottom of my soul for standing in my corner in such a profound way when others have tried to keep me down. I truly appreciate the financial support, and I am eternally grateful for the powerful force of encouraging belief that your scholarship brings.
AK
By awarding me with WISP support you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school, learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. Through volunteering I have healed myself and help others overcome language barriers.
YN
Thank you for your scholarship program. I just wanted you and your staff to know that the scholarship has not only helped me financially but mentally. The monetary award helps with much needed financial issues but my scholarship coordinator, my sponsor, and motivational Mondays have helped me to be brave, stay strong, and stay encouraged.
TB
I would like to show my deepest gratitude not just through words but also by working hard and achieving excellent grades. I hope to empower myself and help other women in similar situations by encouraging and motivating them to follow their educational dreams.
AS
Thank you for your kindness and care, your efforts and generosity in helping women like me rediscover themselves and pursue their best selves, and the immeasurable positive impact this has on their children, the community and the future. Thank you for helping my family as I move out of darkness and into light, towards a beautiful future.
RV
Your decision to award me this scholarship has helped me to be more than an abuse survivor. I am living proof that life can and will be beautiful again! Thank you for choosing me…thank you for believing in me!
TJ
When I received the acceptance for renewal, my heart took such a sigh of deep relief. This venture of single parenting…full time worker and student…is daunting to say the least, but through this scholarship I certainly feel empowered for the course! Thank you.
CS
Today I am standing at the threshold of a great future. Each choice, each step of faith, with your help is preparing me to be a leader and an inspiration to many, especially women. The sacrifices of today are but stepping stones to my destiny. Thank you for the gift of love.
SJ
Before going back to college, I envisioned my future as a little old lady working long hours for minimum wage with no hope for a better future in sight. Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me become the person I had in the past only dreamed of becoming.
BG
It has come to me that nothing in life is easy, all dreams and hopes are worth chasing. I can’t believe how far my family has come in our lives. It has been a wonderful journey, and one that I did not accomplish on my own. I have always been a prideful woman and one that rarely asks for help. Once I let go of this pride and allowed others to help me my life changed tremendously. I am very grateful for all that you have done for us and other women and children.
EM
*There ARE scientific studies of gratitude! Read The 31 Benefits of Gratitude for a summary of a bunch of different studies.
