Monday, June 14, 2010

Be Thankful


BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
~ Unknown


It's Monday, and you know I like to start the week on a positive note. Today, try to find a positive side in every situation - positive AND negative. If you're waiting for query news, be thankful there is hope and opportunity behind the waiting. If you are struggling with your ending, be thankful you have have a beginning and a middle. If it's pouring down rain, be thankful it isn't too hot!

Whatever you face today, face it with a thankful heart and your day will be a brighter one.


Happy Monday!

49 comments:

Jayne said...

Lovely words, Shannon. Today my positive side is that although I dropped my lunch down my black trousers (cream cheese - not a good look!) that at least it didn't stain - phew! I shall try and keep seeing those positives. :)

Jaydee Morgan said...

I needed this post this morning - mainly because I hate Mondays and I had a crappy sleep last night. I guess I should be thankful that I woke up this morning. The alternative is a lot worse.

Hannah said...

I've only read three posts this morning and I already feel awesome!

You rock my world!

Jennifer Shirk said...

Thanks for the encouragement! Happy Monday!

Aubrie said...

I have to say I'm not always thankful! But I should be!

Natasha said...

What a lovely post.
I would not want to have everything- would rather keep working for that one thing that is so elusive!

And nothing like a bad time to strengthen you.

Jonathon Arntson said...

I am thankful for you! I hope your day is bright too.

Stina said...

I love this post. You said it so well. :D

Mary Aalgaard said...

And, good morning to you, too, Miss Pollyanna!

Did you ever read that book? I did when I was young, maybe 4th grade. I liked it, but thought it was a bit syrupy even then.

Alright, I'm thankful for sunshine and that I didn't overcook my oatmeal. Plus, the blueberries are good.

Sophia said...

"If you are struggling with your ending, be thankful you have a beginning and a middle." I needed to hear this. I have been putting off finishing this novel for a multitude of reasons, none of which made me feel better about not doing it. I need to remember I'm nearly finished with a novel I started in March with very little idea where I was going. Most people don't get this far, finishing will just be gravy.

And I have written 523 words today. Words that didn't exist before I put them down.

Thanks for this.
- Sophia.

Anonymous said...

I think it's hard to last in this writing business without being thankful!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Thank you, Shannon. You always know just what to say. I'm thankful you do. ";-)

Corey Schwartz said...

Thanks, Shannon. You always have such a great attitude!

JE said...

Oh, that's such a wonderful poem/thought. I must print and hang right away! Thank you!

~JD

Kelly Lyman said...

Thanks for the encouragement! I needed it today!

Christine Danek said...

Thanks for the uplift. I need it.

Erica Mitchell said...

Thanks for the uplifting words, and reminder to be thankful. Always needed on a Monday :) Have a wonderful fabulous day.

Crystal Cook said...

Thanks so much for this, your posts always make me feel better :):):)

Kelly Polark said...

What a lovely post, Shannon! THANK YOU!!

Patti said...

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.


I really needed that one today.

Jamie Grey said...

What a great reminder! I really needed this! Thanks for posting :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

It's a nice reminder. Thanks, Shannon.

Moll said...

Thanks for the reminder. I just want to finish my draft so damn badly that sometimes I forget how much I have accomplished already.

Heather said...

I love this post! We need to approach every day with this kind of attitude. I might print out that poem and put it on my wall!

Tahereh said...

i heart you so hard.

you always make my day brighter :D

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is such a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing.

Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

I am having a HUGE thankful day... The shipping cost to another country was going to be $50 but managed to get it to 13. LOL

On a serious note..I loved this post. I always love stopping by

Angie said...

Thank you! What a great addition to my Monday.

Sherrie Petersen said...

I can always count on you for inspiration :)

Lindsay said...

Great post. Thanks for that inspiration. I needed that reminder today. :)

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

I'm thankful for inspiring blogs, like yours. :0)

Patti Lacy said...

Shannon,
Such a great, homey place!

It was raining here, but sunshine followed me into a retirement village, where I taught memoir writing.

Wonderful!!!
Patti

Angela Ackerman said...

This gets two thumbs up from me. :) I'm definitely a glass half full kind of girl. :)

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

Crystal said...

Thanks so much for this, Shannon! What a great way to start the week! Beautiful! :)

Guinevere said...

Thanks for a cheerful Monday post! I always feel antsy on Mondays, getting back into the week - so it's good to hear a message of happiness. :)

Kimberly Franklin said...

You are always so upbeat and inspiring. Thanks!! :)

Stephanie Damore said...

Amen. Keep the positivity coming :)

Stephanie Damore said...

Amen. Keep the positivity coming :)

Vicki Rocho said...

What a nice post to come home to!

Jemi Fraser said...

Love it! I just bookmarked it in case I ever have to do a graduation again :)

WritingNut said...

Great post, and very inspirational! It's been a interesting weekend, and I needed that reminder :)

Slamdunk said...

Thanks for the encouragement.

Staying positive is easier said than done--I need to practice it more.

bu melfa said...

wow.........really have to bring my thumbs up for those words...

bu melfa said...

wow.........really have to bring my thumbs up for those words...

Charmaine Clancy said...

I'm thankful for all the grumpy moody people, I'm glad everyone's not the same, and they remind me to try and be cheerful and positive.

And of course I'm grateful for you Shannon :-)

Lydia Kang said...

It's so true. I need to remember all the good stuff. Always!

Theresa Milstein said...

Thanks for the poem and the reminder. I try to tell myself that down times help me grow. And if I had everything I wanted, I'd have to invent drama, screwing things up! We all need a tiny bit of angst.

Happy Tuesday!

Lola Sharp said...

I really loved this post, Shannon. :)

I am thankful for my fellow writers and bloggy friends like you.

Love,
Lola

Tales of Whimsy said...

Amen!
I heard the most brilliant quote the other day!
It read:
"I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and, if I have not everything I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me, or I shall have it in due time." - Matthew Henry

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