feel gratitude for what I have in my life

Do not take lightly small good deeds, Believing they can hardly help.
For drops of water, one by one, In time can fill a giant pot.
Patrul Rinpoche, Buddhist teacher

Took the kids for a walk in a gorgeous park today, so many trees and all so green and lush. It was such a nice walk and after we had got away from the lake area where there were lots of people, we followed the stream that runs through it. We were mainly alone on our walk, there was just the occasional dog walker passing by (call me anti-social but I prefer it that way) and it was on this little trek that we spotted the Kingfisher. It is wonderful to have a park like this in Scarborough, which is only 2 mins from the sea. There is so much to have gratitude for in this environment and I must always remember not to take it for granted…

They are both teenagers now so they have their moments! But to say that I am grateful for having children is the biggest understatement imaginable. I treasure every moment with them.

I heard the Dalai Lama speak in Nottingham yesterday. It was everything and more than I had hoped for. ‘Caring for our world’ was the theme of this talk and Jonathan Dimbledy was facilitating the discussion with the Dalai Lama. There was an opening dance presentation by children from Nottingham schools, it was wonderful. Three children each got to submit a question to the D L, all themed around the environment and universal responsibility. The few hours that I spent there were so moving, I sat among 6000 people but didn’t feel lost, I felt a connection to others seeking a solution for our planet. The answers it seems lie in compassion, non-violence, education in a life sense, responsiblity and consideration to name a few. I could go on but I will end my lovely experience with a poem that was written and read out by an 8 year boy,

The Earth

We must give her care,
The sky is our father,
He gives us our air

I love to climb trees
And swim in the sea
Fly my kite in the heavens
That pleases me.

I thank the earth on which I walk
I thank the air for which I breathe
I thank the fire that keeps me warm
I thank the water that I drink.

‘May all these things, ‘I shout out loud
Blow away the stinky cloud,’
Remind us all we use too much
Show us how to get in touch

I start with myself
Practice kindness and respect
Lets all work together and connect.

So important, so easy to take for granted.

I could really get into a four day working
week…:)

for my other half buying me a good pair of vegan walking boots… Well nice!!!

Life within families is obviously not always harmonious. However, when all is said and done, I have a loving wife, two terrific children as well as my parents, brothers, sister and extended family. Without them all, my life would be so much the poorer.

For starters, I’m grateful that I have work that provides income for my family.

As I grow more advanced in years I realise that I should be more grateful that I am still gainfully employed. A mate of mine who is a little older than me was recently laid off and is faced with finding another employer who is willing to retrain him. I feel fortunate to be in a position where I am still working in the same profession that I started in many years ago.

I’m also very grateful that I currently have the freedom to work from home when I want to, within reason. Added to that, the challenge of making a success of being self-employed is an opportunity that doesn’t come everyone’s way.

So, as I prepare to go back to work tomorrow after a family holiday, I’m grateful for the work that I’ll be going back to.

teaches me on a daily basis the lesson of gratitude. Every time we go out for a walk and he sees a new bird or has had a lovely time, he will quickly with an open heart tell me that this day has been the best day of his life… This always blows me away, because these are the simple and free joys in life. I have so much gratitude for having this positive little being in my life, he teaches me a great deal :)