This week the Free Write prompt from Kellie Elmore is the word “GRATITUDE.” If you are not familiar with the free write challenge, feel free to read the intro on Kellie’s website. In short, here is what is expected. . .
- Do not think. Do not edit. Do not pay attention to spelling, punctuation or form.
- Just allow the moment, your feelings, your imagination to run free and…
- Do not stop until you find yourself forcing your words or trying too hard to complete a thought.
Free Write Friday Prompt
We are taught from early childhood to say “please” and “thank you” to the point the words flow as naturally as chocolate syrup being poured over ice cream. If someone should ask why you reply as such, a common response would be “Because my mother taught me to say so.” But, is that all there is to it? Is simple saying “thank you” enough? Are those words being used from learning simply because it is the right thing to say, the way we were taught?
Thanksgiving brought with its celebration heartfelt thanks for the many, many blessings bestowed upon each of us on a daily basis as we journey through life. Echoes of thoughtfulness, thankfulness and gratitude resounded throughout the day as family and friends gathered in fellowship and prayer. In thinking back over the day, a question comes to mind: “Isn’t giving thanks being thoughtful in expressing gratitude for what we have?” So, what is the difference in being thankful and expressing gratitude?
When I was a young child, I was among those who were taught the right thing to say, the “please” and “thank yous.” But, I cannot remember ever being taught gratitude. Did its meaning evolve as my vocabulary bank received deposits of new and unfamiliar words? Perhaps with recognition of both the good and bad in life an awareness was evoked for all the things I was truly thankful. As for today’s experiences in the blogosphere, I am thankful for the words that sometimes flow more easily that others which offer inspiration for purposes unknown to me at the time written. Most importantly, however, is the gratitude I have for those who choose to read and follow the musings I so thoughtfully share. To me, being thankful is learned whereas gratitude is a choice.
My challenge to you: Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing today, pause and reflect on whom or what you are grateful. You may find it easy to name coming rather naturally or you may find it takes some time for the right choices. Just remember, regardless of whether easy or hard, the goal is still giving thanks and being grateful for all you have. Isn’t there a lot to be thankful for…all you have to do is put a little catnip into your life: Observe life at its best, listen to life’s songs, embrace life’s bounties, breathe the breath of life and savor life to its fullest!
That’s it, folks…no rereading, editing or mulling over whether I accomplished what I intended. Let it fly. . .
catnipoflife 
[…] This week the Free Write prompt from Kellie Elmore is the word “GRATITUDE.” If you are not familiar with the free write challenge, feel free to read the intro on Kellie’s website… […]
I agree! We should take a moment every single day to count our blessings. It’s sad that we forget the little things in life, always grumbling about what we want and forgetting what we already have. I am guilty of the same… thank you for reminding me to give thanks more often and not just at Thanksgiving. Love this!
Great post Sharla! Each breath is a gift and gratitude is a choice we should make every single day!
beautiful and thankful that I have eyes to read! great write sharla.
Len, I am on your site now. I hate not being able to post comments. Really like your post Many Faces…how many of us truly look in the mirror and like what we see, not just the surface, the true depth of the mirror? Reflection upon the water is like looking into the mirror…see https://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/reflection-upon-the-water/
beautiful dear one I like that!
Yea! We have a way to communicate.:>) BTW I found you on Twitter and started following…I am Awakenings 2012. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
oooo I don’t operate well on Twitter can’t seem to find anyone or reply or anything it is so confusing like the new world poetry thing I keep getting invited but I can not navigate there to save my soul. I am just so illeterate, and I have just qit face book no matter if I am there or not people tend to put wordsin my mouth so I am a blogger and that is it! I do have ayahoo acct but I forget it and when I remember I have a thousand messages …crazy world I live in. have a blessed, beautiful, blogging weekend!
Now I wonder if I am connected to a different Len Carver (???)
nominated you for award go tomyownheart.me/2012/sisters
I just read it on Twitter! At least I know I am following the right person! LOL:>) Thank you, Len. It it gratefully accepted and truly appreciated!
A very thoughtful and wonderful post, Sharla. Thank you for the insight and making us stop to take some moments to be thankful in our hearts.
[…] But, I cannot remember ever being taught gratitude. Did its meaning evolve as my vocabulary bank received deposits of new and unfamiliar words? Perhaps with recognition of both the good and bad in life an awareness was … […]
[…] This week the Free Write prompt from Kellie Elmore is the word “GRATITUDE.” If you are not familiar with the free write challenge, feel free to read the intro on Kellie’s website… […]
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