Thanks and Giving

-by Matt Leedham

It struck me recently that Thanksgiving is a combination of two words and two meanings. Of course it’s common to say that it is a time to give thanks, but I think that is incomplete. To have gratitude for all that is around you and all that you are is beautiful. But there is also beauty in giving. There is deep joy in gratitude and giving, and I wish that gift of joy for all of you.

Enjoy this time with loved ones. Give generously, and be open to receiving with all of your heart.

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.” -Johannes Eckhart

Weekly Wednesday Inspiration #40

By Jaime Willis

It's been over a year since Matt and I first conceived of the idea that became Velocity.  In the past year, we've had a ton of amazing experiences and even more fun.  None of this would be possible without your support and encouragement.  As you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, please accept our gratitude and appreciation that you are all a part of our Velocity family!

HT:http://stephaniereid.typepad.com 

Gratitude in the Midst of Struggle

By Jaime Willis

"Hope is a choice, not a sum. You can have as much of it as you damn well please, regardless of circumstances." - Matt Ruff, Sewer, Gas, and Electric

This is week is all about gratitude.

Some of you may be struggling this week to feel thankful. You may be dealing with financial difficulties, personal set-backs, family drama, loss, or illness. You may wonder what you have to be grateful for as nothing in your life is going as you want. I hear you. It is hard to gather the emotional strength to soldier on and stay positive in tough times.

What can you do to build a grateful heart in the midst of struggle?

First, dig deep and try to find a silver lining in whatever difficulty you are dealing with. When I am struggling and can't find anything to be positive about, I go back to the basics. As people who know me well know, I am frequently sharing my thanks for flush toilets. Really! There are folks in other parts of the world that don't have indoor plumbing. I am grateful that no matter what else I may be struggling with in my life, I am not worried about outhouses and chamber pots, because I have flush toilets. My thanksgiving for indoor plumbing may seem silly, but it always helps me put my situation in context -- it could be a lot worse.

Second, when you can't find the strength to grab your own silver lining, lean on your support system. G at Momastery.blogspot.com spoke about this in her blog today, and it was so powerful, I wanted to share with you all:

There is a song by Bebo Norman, called "Borrow Mine." It is a song he wrote about a conversation heard between two friends; one, who was going through deep personal troubles, told the other, "I just don't know if I have faith anymore." The other friend replied by saying, "Then, you can borrow mine. I'll have enough faith for both of us."

I am constantly amazed when my friends offer me encouragement and support at just the right time to pick me up. I am so grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially in my times of struggle.

Last, I want to share a few songs (below) that help keep my spirits up when I'm feeling low.

I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving!

Hope by Twista featuring Faith Evans

Life Goes On By Chris Kazi Rolle

Things Can Only Get Better By D:ream

Over the Rainbow - What a Wonderful World By Isreal "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole

Thank You By Dido