"An Attitude of Gratitude"

"Cicero calls gratitude the mother of virtues, the most capital of all duties, and uses the words grateful and good as synonymous terms, inseparably united in the same character," wrote Bate.

An attitude of gratitude or a prayer of appreciation makes living easier. When life presents challenges, problems and sadness, it can be very difficult to find the "silver lining" in the storm clouds. Every time you think that you have problems, there are millions of people on this fine planet who have it worse than you do.

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

"If you have never experienced the danger of the battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

"If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

"If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are most fortunate because the majority can, but most do not.

"If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch their shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer a healing touch.

"If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone cared enough about you to share this passage, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read.

"Have a good day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are!"

When my dear friend and sister, Jane Greene, e-mailed this anonymous writing to me months ago, I kept it for a special occasion. Today I am feeling especially grateful for the joy and abundance that fills my heart and life, hence the spirit of this column.

I observe my happy, healthy, funny, smart children and my heart swells with appreciation. It is an honor to be their mother and I live everyday in awe of the miracle of their existence. My heart breaks for all of the children who are not wanted, loved or treasured in this world.

My husband of 16 years is my best friend and supporter. He is dependable, wise, loving, loyal and a phenomenal father. I'm grateful to have him to go home to and know that he is there for me. The roller coaster ride ride is worth it. The comfort from loving stability is warm and secure.

The women in my life have taught me how to love. The sisterhood shared among my mother, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and nieces unifies our strong, feminine, compassionate grace.

Thank you to the friends who sit in the balcony cheering me on to pursue my dreams and the ones who walk with me side by side.

I'm grateful for my imperfect thighs because it means I have legs to stand on and don't have to depend on a wheelchair to take me places. It is easy to take the simplest blessings for granted. Life is more rewarding when every morsel is appreciated.

I'm grateful for my messy house. It represents the creativity of my kid's artwork, the piles of paper from my research and writings, and the dog hair from our beloved Jack Russell named Skip. Our home is far from perfect, but it happily overflows with the chaos of having slumber parties, running to t-ball games and doing Play-doh on the kitchen table. The stains on the carpet are a sign that children live here and they fill our house with purpose and wealth. Our home wears these badges with pride.

Marianne Williamson, author of "A Woman's Worth," wrote "Some parents teach children, "The world is yours. Go out there and get it. Enjoy yourselves." Other children are taught that the world is a tough place where it's hard to find abundance.

"Children soak up these messages like dry sponges, and they stand in line, with everyone else who has been told by their parents what reality is, to live the lives prescribed for them at a young tender age.

"The economic problems in this country do not stem from financial breakdown, but a breakdown of hope and enthusiasm. How can you be enthusiastic when you don't believe there is anything out there for you, when it seems that others have all the power and get all the breaks?

"We must teach our children that the abundance of the world is infinite and available to everyone because it comes from within us. As we teach our children to bless the world, celebrate the world and embrace the world, we are handing them the keys to success."

When Americans, who live in freedom with abundant resources complain about their lot in life, I lose patience and respect. Our greatest limitation is our attitude. These self-proclaimed victims need to go live in a third world country for a day and realize that they are richer than they could ever imagine. The possibilities are endless.