Gratitude

This evening I saw the most beautiful sunset. Living on the coast, I see many stunners, but this was one for the memory banks. A bright deep-pink, red strip sat over the light blue ocean after the sun had gone down. It was one of those little things that I will remember and savor.

We are not unlike most Americans in that we’re struggling a bit to keep our financial heads above water. I can say this knowing we’re not alone. But if we work hard towards the goals that are fixed in our hearts, there are many little occurrences that remind us to be grateful for all we have. And I’m not talking about material things, I’m talking about things that make us smile for no reason. Simple things that happen everyday that bring us joy and make us laugh.

Meet Jack. If you’d told me that after Breeze had walked through the veil I was going to get a kitten? I would have shaken my head no. No way. Nothing could persuade me to bring a new kitten into our home. But that’s exactly what we did. Soon after we Breeze left her body, I heard from her while swimming in the pool. I often get unsolicited messages when I’m swimming because it’s a good time to keep my thoughts still. Her message was short and clear. I needed to bring a new kitty home to cheer Eddy. While the first part of this has proven to be a great idea, the second part, has taken some time to adjust. After all, Eddy lived with her mama her entire life. But Jack is special. Very special. He’s smart, he’s precocious, he’s patient with Eddy, and he’s exactly what we need right now. Not only that, but he’s already shown he will be invaluable in my work. Today I was working with a kitty who is in spirit. She belongs to a longtime client and there were many questions about her return. My client is anxious for her to come back to her again and also what to look for. This CAN be done. Our animals come back to us. And there was a part of me that hoped Jack would either be Bart or Breeze. But he’s not. He’s Jack. A totally new soul for me.

He’s a pretty busy boy. But he also harbors something special. Because as I talked with this kitty in spirit today, (one of three my client wanted me to talk with) Jack jumped into my lap and announced he KNEW this kitty. I was a little surprised as I’ve never met this client nor her kitties. And in his four months here in a body, I know he hasn’t either. I work with animals telepathically, so they can be anywhere doing anything when we chat. In a body roaming the planet, or in spirit. But Jack certainly knew her and would not leave my lap until I was done talking with her. At 4 months, he’s not learned the tools yet in which to help me with my readings in a constructive way. But he did know this kitty and was not afraid to say so. And the kitty acknowledged that she knew him too.

I’m grateful that he isn’t Breeze or Bart. As much as I anxiously await their return, I also realize that Jack is bringing a whole new level to my work. He’s going to add and teach both me and my clients. Just having him around everyday will bring a lot more knowledge into the work I do with animals.

I have many photos and stories about Jack that I’ll be sharing in the future. But tonight is about how we very often forget to thank the Universe (or whoever you thank) for very simple pleasures. How many things in your day do you take for granted that bring a smile? Do you remember to be grateful when your dog practically knocks you over because you have come home from work? Are you grateful for the sun that peaks or shines everyday during these short days? Are you grateful for the person who sleeps next to you at night and shares a laugh with you? Are you grateful for the pile of animals in your bed?

All these little things are here for the taking. They’re free and they’re wonderful. Because all we have is right now. Not what happened last week, not what tomorrow may bring, but right now. This moment. The glorious life you’ve created for yourself. If you aren’t practicing the Fine Art of Recognizing Joy on a daily basis? Then you’re living in your head and not in your heart.

This is what these new times are teaching us. We must learn to live from our hearts and forget all the things that make us nuts. Those things are created by us, in our heads and are easily forgotten with a little practice. Even during our hardest days, we can find and fill ourselves with love and gratitude.

In order to make a better world, we all must live in gratitude and joy daily. And it will take some practice since our lives have become so stressful and busy. But we need to return to a world where we live in our hearts. Try it. Master it. Pass it on.

So – kick your shoes off, enjoy a good book, meal, or a movie tonight – something that will make you smile. Or you can simply sit under the stars and be grateful you’re living in these times that have the potential of learning these lessons.

Me? I’m going to wake Jack who has slept on my lap this entire time – and find his mousie!

Don’t forget, I’m running a special for the month of December. Go to my website where you can find out how to get a hold or me! Thanks to all who have participated!