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 […]

Gratitude fills the sky as clouds remind us to dream

Photos of clouds with saying "gratitude fills the sky as clouds remind us to dream"

As we gaze up at the vast expanse of the sky, we’re often greeted by the ever-changing canvas of clouds. What do you see? Birds, angels, chariots? Cloud formations remind us of the transient nature of life and the beauty found in fleeting moments. Clouds are like nature’s artists, painting the sky with strokes of […]

Grateful for Spring’s Renewal

Photo of first daffodil of spring and saying "in the garden of life, spring brings renewal

As the chill of winter fades away, spring emerges like a breath of fresh air, bringing with it the promise of renewal and growth. And there’s no better symbol of spring’s arrival than the cheerful blooms of daffodils, standing tall and proud, their golden petals basking in the sunlight. Daffodils are more than just flowers; […]

Embrace each day with courage and a grateful heart  

Photo of sunrise with quote "embrace the new day with a grateful heart and a courageous spirit

Life is a set of seasons, each one offering us the opportunity for growth, change, and renewal. As we embrace new beginnings, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and the chance to create the life we’ve always dreamed of. Being grateful for new beginnings is about acknowledging the courage it takes to step into […]