Like so many people, I get caught up in the stresses and strains of everyday life, wish I could scrap it all, and start all over again. I want a different job, a new husband, more money, increased luxury, a brand new car, a bigger house, a slimmer waist, a younger face.
I want to travel to exotic locations, meet exciting people, try enticing new foods, and lounge on the beach with nary a care in the world.
Maybe, if I hit the lottery or write a bestselling book, this could happen. But until then, how do I keep my perspective and enjoy life?
GRATITUDE
The Thanksgiving holiday teaches us to sit back, take a realistic look at our lives, and count our blessings.
Do I really want to turn in my well-worn husband for a new model? We’re used to each other. We know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. We’ve been to hell and back together and count each other as best friends.
In 2013, we took some investment savings and paid off our mortgage. As long as we pay the taxes, nobody can take away our house. Do I really want another mortgage? NO! I don’t want the stress or the hassle. Being mortgage-free gives me freedom that I didn’t have before.
Although my job can be very stressful, I make enough money working part-time that I can keep a flexible schedule. My husband and I have learned to live on less. Do I really want to commit myself to a 40 hour a week job? No way! I value my free time. And if I can’t afford to vacation on the French Riviera, so what? I’m perfectly happy and content at home with my husband, two cats, and one dog.
I have loving relatives and supportive friends, with the possibility of meeting new people wherever I go. I have a beautiful daughter who’s talented, intelligent, and independent. She’s been the light of my life. I don’t need anything more.
And you know what? That’s okay. I’m grateful for the things I have. And if Fate decides to send me more, well, I’ll deal with it whenever it happens.
What are you grateful for?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Dawn Pisturino
Copyright 2014-2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
Dawn Pisturino's Blog 
Every day I wake up and my first thoughts are that I am grateful for the air in my lungs and the blood traveling through my beating heart.
That gratitude is the foundation of my day and I build upon it.
M
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I can honestly say that I don’t always feel that way, especially if I’m in a lot of pain from my back, but all I have to do is walk outside and look at all the beautiful things God has given us in Nature, and I feel grateful to still be walking around and functioning and enjoying the things that truly matter. Thanks for sharing!
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I think when there is pain it is difficult to have an ‘attitude of gratitude’.
I found it very difficult to be grateful for a job that caused me to be in pain from sitting at a desk all day.
I hope that your pain is being managed effectively and that you continue to enjoy the beautiful things in nature 🙂
M
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Thank you for your kind words. I manage my pain by walking, using the elliptical, and taking hot baths. I take tizanidine (for muscle spasms) and ibuprofen at night. Staying active seems to work best. Yes, sitting at the computer is very unhealthy for your back, neck, hands, and eyes!
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I’m grateful to still be alive and still writing poetry:) and so much more…
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And I’m happy that you are here with us and writing your beautiful poetry!
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Thank you….and you too:)
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Its easy to relate to your post, now. As a headstrong youth I had no idea about balance.
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There’s a wonderful line from “It’s a Wonderful Life:” “Youth is wasted on the wrong people!” LOL! Being young is wonderful, but wisdom comes from years of living.
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That’s a lovely summary of all that you value.
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We should all be thankful for beautiful people like you! Happy Thanksgiving to you Dawn! 🍮🍮💕🍂🌺🍂🙏
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And the same to you!
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🌼⭐️🌕
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As we carry our crosses my Sister!
You’re normal my Dear Sister in Jesus! Dawn, I’ve been there done that and the world has so much rivalry power over many of us, but we are in the battle of and for our lives; so we must fight harder than ever to overcome the folly and temptations of this world, snares of the Devil abound all around us! It may seem like an impossible mountain to scale and get on over to the Promised Land, but with the right approach and vigilance it is always within reach! Turn it over to the Lord! Let go of all this hum-drum “Ways of the World” madness and let God! You’re living in the most unprecedented time in all of history so that tells us something loud and clear! The Abominations are everywhere and people are sick and drunk with power and self! This is the last step into Hell! For many and this corrupted world are heading straight to “Perdition!”
So many people are “playing the game” even in the midst of the hellish diabolical plan unfolding before their very eyes, wanting to just keep living their own way as they have been in most cases all of their lives! And God is going to judge this generation accordingly; it’s the “Abomination Generation!” Look at that creature that is in the highest office in the land along with how many human babies have been snuffed out since 1973 and now full term day of delivery, while the masses mull around like a bunch of dumb oxen; that alone spells out how the END IS CLOSE!
It’s like when Moses came down from Mount Sinai to find all the people worshiping the golden calf only this is exponentially worse; as in this world is now “on the precipice and door step into Hell Fire!” “God’s Wrath!” It’s so plain to see; yet I see so many people being jackasses and running toward the fiery pit and Satan; just wanting to win, and be somebody, or get something, and impress others! They are the “Blind leading the Blind!” They will end up in Hell, if they don’t wake the hell up fast and repent; then turn away from this world, and look to the world to come; and follow Jesus to the end of the earth: so that we are gladly carrying our crosses!
Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
John 12:43 “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
Amen!
Hallelujah
Brother in Christ Jesus,
Lawrence
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One of the hardest lessons to learn is to trust in God because we want what we want when we want it, and God’s plan isn’t always clear. But I have learned from hard experiences that he will take care of me and show me why things happened eventually. And He has always been right! Thank you, Brother Lawrence, and God Bless You!
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“I have learned from hard experiences that he will take care of me and show me why things happened eventually.”
Sister Dawn so beautifully and perfectly put! I do agree wholeheartedly with what you see and say! I think we have felt and experienced some very much similar and the same things that challenged us but also assured us of His ever present love and guidance which is of course always spot-on even if it takes years for us to wake up to it or just realize we needed to see our own error or need to be further awakened! He is so loving and patient with us!
God bless you too my Sister and Friend!
God bless you always Dawn!
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thanks be to He
the ultimate mystery
gift of life lift up
raise ya cup
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That’s a wonderful poem. Thank you!
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yw Dawn my name ryhymes with yours John.
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Gratitude is so important to making the most out of every precious moment of this life ❤️
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You are absolutely right, Ingrid! Enjoy your day!
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A great post, Dawn. I agree with you about being grateful for what we have, and remembering to question our thank f about what is “needed.” A great and powerful exercise. Have a wonderful coming holiday!
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Thanks for the feedback, Jeff! I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving!
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You’re welcome. Always! Thank you!!
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Hello Dawn. I just discovered your channel and look forward to exploring.
A couple of links came to mind that I thought might appeal to you.
• Eva K Bartlett (she is primarily the one, along with Vanessa Beeley, who woke me up from my slumber, starting with Syria)
https://ingaza.wordpress.com/2021/11/17/actual-reality-is-infinitely-preferable-to-the-dystopian-augmented-reality-of-the-metaverse/
• 100 Tang Poems
• The Golden Dress (or Gown)
https://100tangpoems.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/the-golden-gown/
Beautifully read and explained here – I thought it fitted your theme here perfectly)
• Mastering Chinese Poetry Ep. 3: The Golden Dress 《金縷衣》
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Thanks for the links! They both look like interesting blogs.
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Being mortgage-free is awesome!!
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Yes!
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