From the editor...
The key to joyful living is starting each day with an attitude of gratitude.
It does not cost you anything, you can do it whenever or wherever and the only thing needed is an acknowledgement that although there may be unpleasant things in your life, there are a multitude of good things too.
In a time when all the news seems grim, finding the good things to celebrate is becoming increasingly difficult. The problem with acknowledging this is you must also accept another truth, and that is somewhere along the way we began to allow others to decide for us whether or not we have a reason to give thanks.
A friend of mine shared with me recently that a couple of years ago she traveled to Africa and during her visit learned a valuable lesson about living a life of gratitude. She shared that no matter where she ventured she was greeted by locals in a phrase that she assumed were words spoken in their language to everyone throughout the day. She shared that not only was there a greeting, but the enthusiasm was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Finally she got the nerve to ask one of them what it was that everyone was saying. Her response, “joy for today”. She shared that she felt so foolish not to realize the obvious although when spoken, all of the words were communicated as one. She was quite taken aback when she reminded herself that although these people had endured almost every atrocity a human being could imagine, their lives were filled with joy because they had simply made a decision. This has become for my friend Grace her mantra — “joy for today”.
For years, immediately following my prayer and workout, I tuned in to the news to get an update of what was going on in the world. Although I was attempting to stay informed, I was also undoing all of the good that my prayer time and workout had provided me. The sad thing is there are very few places to get good news these days. I have often wondered why news stations spend so much time informing us of the absolute worse things they can dig up, leaving to fade into obscurity all of the good that happens on this planet 365 days a year.
The ability to give thanks is all about having a right and proper perspective about where you are and where you could be; if given a slight turn of events. The fact that you are reading this makes an incredible statement about what could be your alternative. And although you are perhaps like so many people who would rather be anyplace other than where you are at this moment, the fact still remains, YOU ARE HERE...and for that you can be grateful.
One of the key goals of Recipes for Good Living Magazine is be your resource for good and uplifting information. And no, we are not in the business of creating fairytales, but it is our business however, to help you to live, no matter what your circumstances, a life that is good.
Writing this month’s column has reminded me that I too need to spend more time focusing on the good in my life and use it as the foundation for building my future. And so, I ask each person reading this to join me beginning now through the end of 2010 in keeping a “Joy for Today” journal. This requires only that each day you write in your journal at least one thing for which you are grateful.
And to kick off the 2011, I would like to invite you to join me as we post your comments on our Facebook fan page...our very own “Joy for Today” virtual journal. What an incredible way to usher in 2011 and begin your life anew.
Remember, we can’t always change our circumstances, but we can change what we think about them. Until next time, Eat, Live, Be Well and Thrive!
Deigratia,
Bonnie
