Practicing Gratitude

In October of 2011, I had the privilege of visiting the Heart School in Haiti (then named Wings Over Haiti), and was blessed witness a people so resilient and joyful despite tremendous societal and environmental challenges. The staff at the Heart School, including Carina, mentioned below, are true heros making a difference in the lives of the children who attend the Heart school, their families and the community they live in.

I was touched and inspired by a recent Facebook post written by Carina’s mother – and re-post it here. I hope you will check out the the Heart School and the Sparks program mentioned below.

Practicing GratitudeAre you frustrated that your life is not going the way that you want it to?

I know the feeling! Some changes that I want to happen in my life seem to be taking FOREVER! Oh yes, I do need to be patient but I also know that embracing GRATITUDE will help me to be more patient and attract more of what I want in my life! My daughter Carina has taught me how important Gratitude is. Carina moved to Haiti at the young age of 18, right after high school graduation. She chose to leave her comfortable home with clean running water, a comfy bed, ceiling fans and an ample supply of food for a third world country with cold bucket showers, a bunk bed on a roof, lots of mosquitoes and not much food. Since I can only handle a week in Haiti at one time, I studied how Carina survives, even thrives in Haiti and realize that Gratitude is a tool she uses repeatedly. Carina tells me about the sunflower that just bloomed, the neighbor who cooked them some yummy rice and beans, a person who donated bunk beds for kids sleeping on the floor, a parent from the HEART school who brought Carina tea when she had a sore throat and many more stories each time I talk to or receive a message from Carina.

I have re-committed myself to keeping a gratitude journal and writing at least 8 things each evening that I am grateful for. Have you ever kept a gratitude journal?

Let us know what you experience and learn!

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If you enjoy this simple, effective inspiration, check out our monthly and 8 week Sparks Inspiration Classes!

Have a great day!
Maria and Ann