Wings of Peace: Grateful for the Serenity in Flight… As birds soar freely in the vast expanse of the sky, may you too find freedom from worry and strife, and embrace the peace that surrounds us with gratitude.

Photo of Red Shouldered Hawk flying from tree. "Free yourself soar in the wind... and and the wind whispers "Yes"

There’s something inherently peaceful about watching birds take flight. This big, beautiful red shouldered hawk, that my granddaughter named Jupiter, greets me on my mountain hikes. I find whether it’s the effortless glide of Jupiter the hawk, or the playful flit of a hummingbird, birds have a way of captivating my heart and mind, reminding […]

How to Build Your Gratitude Every Day

Photo of cherry blossoms with saying "find gratitude in nature's tapestry"

Nature has a way of reminding us of the beauty and abundance that surrounds us, if only we take the time to notice and be filled with gratitude. Amidst a field of wildflowers, each bloom unique and vibrant, we find a tapestry of colors and textures that fills our hearts with joy. I used to […]

How to Build Your Gratitude Every Day

Image of sunrise with caption "How to Build Your Gratitude Every Day" Start each day with Gratitudes Embrace"

Want to grow your gratitude muscle? Start the day with a quiet moment of bliss. As the sun rises over the horizon, it illuminates the world with warmth and light, reminding us of the beauty and potential of a new day. Just as the dawn brings a fresh start, so too can we cultivate gratitude […]

Arbor Day: Grateful for TREES

Image of tree with saying "today is hug a tree day (Arbor Day) you know what to do.

As I walk through the forests in the Santa Cruz mountains, I often stop to thank the trees and give them grateful hugs. Yes, I admit it, I am a tree hugger. Are you? There is a symbiotic relationship between people and trees – we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Trees, on the other […]

Earth Day: Our Home, Our Responsibility

Photo of sunrise with text "Good Morning Mother Earth. Thank you."

Earth Day serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and the planet we call home. It’s a time to reflect with gratitude on the beauty of our natural world, the fragility of its ecosystems, and our collective responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations. As we celebrate Earth Day, we […]

Grateful for Volunteers: Heartbeat of Community

National Volunteers Week is a time to celebrate the special volunteerism that is unique to the US. In countries with serious social support programs, volunteerism is often unnecessary. But in the United States, where so many are under served, passionate volunteers try to fill the gap. This week we celebrate the selfless contributions of those […]

Blossoming Gratitude: Nature’s Delicate Beauty

photo of single daffodil with saying, "blossoming gratitude: nature's delicate beauty

In the quiet corner of a garden, amidst the symphony of spring, a single daffodil unfurls its petals, a radiant testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of gratitude. In its solitary splendor, this delicate flower invites us to pause, to breathe, and to marvel at the wonders of nature. As we gaze […]

Courage: Choose Kindness Always

Image with quote "Have the Courage to be Kind"

In a world that often celebrates strength in the form of power and dominance, the true essence of courage lies in the simple act of kindness. “Have the courage to be kind” embodies a powerful message, urging us to defy the norm and embrace compassion even in the face of adversity. Choosing kindness requires courage […]

Love > Power = World Peace

Image of girl and balloon with Jimmy Hendrix quote "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."

In our world, often consumed power, Jimmy Hendrix’s words remind us of a profound truth: it is love that truly holds the power to bring about peace. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” These words resonate as a beacon of hope, urging us to prioritize love […]

Silence speaks volumes for LGBTQIA rights

Image: LGBTQIA Day of Silence

On LGBTQIA Day of Silence, we honor and express gratitude for the courage and resilience of those who have been silenced or marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQIA individuals worldwide and the importance of raising awareness and […]