Mary's Motivational Message: LETTERS OF GRATITUDE

In the past I have spoken on the subject of GRATITUDE however, recently I was encouraged to put my words into action; Actions that would transcend through me and directly impact lives.

With that said, several months ago I became affiliated with a movement called, TeamHealthMe. The vision of TeamHealthMe, is to establish a platform of encouragement as we move towards optimal health; a health balance of physical, emotional and spiritual self. The founder Tiera Gilder sums it up as, “Balancing your PESce so that you can experience true PEACE.”

Recently, she incorporated a 30-day challenge. The foundation of Day five’s challenge was focused on extending GRATITUDE. All were instructed to reflect on their individual journey while internally connecting with those who have added profoundness. That profoundness could derive from something as simplistic as a word or action that added a special something within a moment.

In addition, all were encouraged to identify three individuals who had touched their lives and forward to them a letter of heartfelt GRATITUDE.

As I sifted through my mental Rolodex, cell contacts and phone book I began to understand a reality, numerous individuals have been so good to me. Truth be told, I could write hundreds of letters acknowledging the love, kindness, generosity and mentorship that has been extended on so many levels.

In the construction of those three letters existed a power; within the core of that power housed a validation of our interconnectedness. And that connectedness is an intricate part of our identity.

As you rush through the Christmas Season and prepare for the New Year, set aside a moment to reflect on those who have stood and those who continue to stand on the front line with you. Regardless, if your act of appreciation is grand or as simplistic as a letter, continue to extend gratitude to those who have added profoundness to your journey.

Happy New Year, Love, Peace and Joy.

Mary E. Gilder

Mary E. Gilder is the author of the award winning novel, “A Misrepresentation of Myself.” Mary can be contacted at: meg@maryegilder.com or bookclubs.maryegilder@yahoo.com. Also, visit her website at: maryegilder.com

Marys Motivational Message: A Simple Act of Kindness

Recently, I went to my dictionary to explore the definition for the word kindness.  It was described as: Friendly feeling, warm-hearted and one who is of a friendly warm-hearted nature. It actually gave a description of one lending an umbrella to a child in the rain.

Check this out:
-- You can literally change the tone of your day with just a simple act of kindness
-- You can actually shift a negative emotion/thought with just a simple act of kindness
-- The very energy you extend goes out into the UNIVERSE to be received by others and passed on

My daughter shared with me months ago how she was having a “heavy” day. There was a lot going on with work, school, relationships...etc. And in the mist of her heaviness, she set out in her car to address errands. She came to a stop sign and to her right she observed a man standing on the corner with a young child selling crates of fruit.

What concerned my daughter was that it was storming and the man and child were soaking wet. As she drove past the stop sign, she suddenly felt less willing to focus on her issues and turned her attention on how she could be of assistance. Stating she felt as though she was being “willed” to help.

Have you ever felt that GOD was calling upon you to help someone; to lighten the load of another? My daughter stated that she made a u turn and gave the gentleman her large umbrella and he immediately gave it to the young child, who was now sheltered from the rain. My daughter shared how her simple act of kindness made her soul feel good. And when she returned home hours later, she observed the shelter her simple act of kindness was providing. How many can relate to that feeling she felt? I can relate to it as a giver and also as a receiver of simple acts of kindness.

I’m remembering how on one morning in particular, I awoke in a funk. Have you ever retired to bed feeling grateful only to awake in a funk? Well, on this particular morning I could not shake the negative energy. For those of us who try to enlighten, we know how unhealthy it is to stay in that zone but at times shifting our thoughts can be difficult.

That morning when I went to my computer, I retrieved an email that my eldest daughter had forwarded. It contained a message pertaining to random acts of kindness and the importance of staying positive and being a reflection of that to others. Within that moment I reflected on that message and embraced its’ words. I willed myself to change the direction of my thoughts.  I fixed myself up, thanked GOD for allowing me to see another day, engaged with others while extending some kindness.

The point I’m trying to convey is that when we look beyond ourselves and our circumstances within any given moment and stay positive; we add richness to the Universe.  My youngest looked beyond her “moment” and extended an act of kindness to a stranger and young child, which allowed for him to extend better service to his customers.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             My eldest looking beyond the challenges of her day extended a powerful morning email that changed the direction for many, including myself. Intern, I extended kindness to those I encountered during that day, which hopefully transferred to the individuals they encountered.

As you journey through your life, never forget that we are all enter-connected. And within you lies the power to bring about a positive impact on so many profound levels, with just a simple act of kindness.
Love, Peace and Continuous Joy,

Mary E. Gilder


Mary E. Gilder, is the author of the award winning novel, “A Misrepresentation of Myself.” Mary can be contacted at: meg@maryegilder.com or bookclubs.maryegilder@yahoo.com. Also, visit her website at: www.maryegilder.com.

Treasure Every Moment Of Your Life

by Mary E. Gilder
 

How many times during the course of a year, month, week or day have you heard someone state, "Life is so short?" How many times during the course of a year, month, week or day have you heard someone state, "Live each day as though it were your last?" How many times during the course of a year, month, week or day you have heard someone state, "Treasure every moment?"

Well, last week while sitting in my car, in front of my favorite grocery store, my mom phoned. For the record, I always cherish conversations shared with my mom. During this particular conversation my mom shared her perspective on life and the importance of treasuring every moment.

It was during that conversation, I became invaded with overwhelming thoughts. Because within that moment, I came to truly understand the depth of my mom's words as I replied, "Mom, we are only here for a moment. In sixty years, in all likelihood, your generation as well as, mine will be gone. Your sister's, their spouses and their children who are my first cousins will be gone. And all who reside within my home, my Aunts, Uncles, first Cousins, friends, neighbors and co-workers; gone.

As my conversation extended, with intensity, I observed several adults walking by, the cars passing by and the interactions of people from afar. And in that moment, I digested a reality; we are simply visitors and our passports will expire. As I made an attempt to process that truth, the cries from an infant in the car parked next to mine, validated that our replacements are arriving daily.

Reflect on this:

• Why do we exist as though we are going to be here for a life time?

• Why do we disrespect each other and live as though we have a lifetime to atone?

• Why do you hold back the love housed within your heart? And live as though you have a lifetime to muster up the courage to express what it is your heart truly feels.

Set aside a moment and look around, take a good look around. In sixty years the landscape may present as unaffected however, what will differ are the earth's occupants. There will be new tourist on assignment. In fact, our replacements are being born each and every day.

Yes, it's time to get serious about your life, it's time to treasure every single moment, it's time to embrace all that adds joy to your soul, and it's time to take a stand for what you truly desire. It's time to distance yourself from negativity, it's time to align with positivity and it's time for you to invest in love. But most importantly, it's time for you to stop living as though you have a life time to get it right. Waiting until tomorrow will no longer do, starting today be committed to treasuring every moment of your visit.

Wishing you endless Love, Joy and Peace, Mary

Mary E. Gilder is the author of the award winning novel, "A Misrepresentation of Myself." She can be reached at meg@maryegilder.com or bookclubs.maryegilder@yahoo.com. Also visit her website at maryegilder.com.