Two People on a Mission of Gratitude and Thankfulness Share Their Vision with the World

(Oxford, CT   – May 10, 2010) – In today’s economy many people are having a hard time trying to find things to be grateful for.  People are losing their jobs, losing their homes, and finding it difficult to pay their bills.

Dave Block, from www.mygratitudelife.com, was in this situation.  He was facing foreclosure and unemployment.  Instead of being part of the problem, Dave chose to take action and be part of the solution.

“I want to set an example for others to follow that will inspire people to have vision, purpose and faith.”  Block said.  “I want to encourage people to take action toward their own personal goals through cultivating a habit of gratitude.”

In 2009 Dave started the “Gratitude Tour.”  Dave and his “Grat Pack” embarked on this journey that included random acts of kindness and encouraging a community of gratitude making joyful contributions to society. 

The 2010 “Gratitude Tour” kicks off on May 13^th in Miami and will include stops in Orlando, Cocoa Beach,  Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, NYC, and ending in New Haven, CT on May 21^st. 

Dave has used the power of social media to spread the word about his mission.  He and Deanna Collins, creator of the Gratitude Jewelry Collection and the Gratitude Circle (http://www.thegratitudecircle.net), connected this way. 

“I’m really excited to network with other individuals working to share the power of a life lived in gratitude,” Dave said.  “I am happy to be able to connect with people like Deanna along the way so I can also help support the work she is doing with the Gratitude Circle.”

“Gratitude and being appreciative is a concept that really resonates with millions of people right now,” Collins said. “People are growing tired of the gloom and doom scenario and are longing to connect in a more meaningful way.”

Research has shown that there are tremendous health benefits to living a life full of gratitude.  The Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness, conducted by Robert Emmons (University of California-Davis) and Michael McCullough (University of Miami) has shown that grateful people have higher levels of positive emotion, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lowers levels of depression and stress.

“It becomes really clear to see the incredible impact something as simple as a regular practice of gratitude and thankfulness can have on your well being.”  Collins noted.

Dave will be filming a video during the 2010 Gratitude Tour with the objective of showcasing the gratitude community of the world.  Block and Collins will connect when the 2010 Gratitude Tour makes its last stop in New Haven, CT on Friday, May 21^st.

Dave Block, aka “Dave, the Gratitude Guy” is an emerging entrepreneur on a mission to spread the message of the importance of having daily gratitude around the world. Dave developed the Gratitude Ball, which once held in your hand and squeezed is a powerful reinforcement tool.  It’s a gentle reminder to feel positive energy—putting you in the right state of mind immediately. He is also the creator of the Gratitude Tour, a way to embrace and share the feelings brought about by a life lived in Gratitude. Dave is filming a video during the 2010 Gratitude Tour that will showcase the Gratitude community to the world.  The main purpose of this tour is to be surrounded by positive people, learn from their experiences, inspire others, and make a needed contribution to society. Dave wants to show what people are doing to make a difference in their lives and the people around them. His vision is to educate people about the true value of Gratitude and how making this decision to be grateful is the key to opening the doors of happiness.  For more information, please visit www.mygratitudelife.com

Deanna Collins, a life coach and jewelry designer, founded the Gratitude Collection in 2007.  The Gratitude Circle, the online community for the Gratitude Collection, aims to become the premiere online resource for inspiration and merchandise that cultivate a positive outlook on life and create opportunities for people to share their personal stories of gratitude.  Deanna is proud to showcase Kazuri beads in the collection.  Kazuri, a fair trade organization, provides employment for several hundred needy people, especially women.  It has created a source of income for many women who would otherwise have had few options to provide for themselves and their families, including many women with disabilities, single mothers, and women widowed by the Aids epidemic that has swept through Africa. To learn more about the Gratitude Collection, visit www.thegratitudecircle.net.  For more information about Deanna go to www.deannacollins.com.

It’s a big month as we start the official holiday season next week.  It seems that everyone tends to feel extra grateful this time of year, which is fabulous!

You may have seen this cross your social media path lately:

“Let’s see how many people can do this. Everyday this month, until Thanksgiving, think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it as your status. “Today I am thankful for….” The longer you do it, the harder it gets! Now if you think you can do it then repost this message as your status to invite others to take the challenge, then post what YOU are thankful for today.”

This is a really fun exercise and I think it’s really cool when I log on and see so much gratitude being shared.  Even finding one simple thing daily to be grateful for, can make such a difference.  It doesn’t have to be big – start small with one thing daily.  Write it in a journal, put it on a post it note, post it on Twitter, Facebook or your social media of choice.  It becomes a virtual ripple of gratitude – which is very powerful!

Today I am grateful for another beautiful walk to start my Monday morning and am energized with the opportunities that lie ahead this week!

How about you?  Post a comment with your gratitude declaration and help be the ripple!

I am refreshed and renewed from a lovely vacation of travel and down time. We had the pleasure of spending a few days in Maine, one of the few places we instantly relax. I was sure to enjoy my fill of lobster and good wine. I hope you had a wonderful and celebratory July 4th.

I am obviously grateful this morning for a week of rest! We are constantly on the go. I must admit that I do thrive off of it, however some days seem to zip by and sometimes I wonder where my time goes and how it moves so fast. I wanted to share this quote as it spoke to me today:

“What’s the big hurry? You’re not ever going to get it done, so what are you racing toward? Every single activity that you’re involved in is for one purpose only, and that is to give you a moment of joy. Lighten up. Laugh more. Appreciate more. All is well.”

-Abraham-Hicks

Start your week off right, what are you grateful for?

In gratitude,
Deanna

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing ‘dance’ at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right..
The movement doesn’t flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It’s as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw ‘G’: I thought of God, followed by ‘u’ and ‘i’.
‘God, ‘u’ and ‘i’ dance.’
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God’s blessings
and mercies are upon you on this day and every day.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life,
please share this message with someone else.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
so let’s continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance!

I know we all have different spiritual beliefs and affiliations, but I thought this was very interesting and quite thoughtful.

May you have a fabulous weekend and to all the dad’s, have a wonderful Father’s Day!

In gratitude,
Deanna

Well, this week’s Monday Morning Gratitude, is Tuesday Morning’s Gratitude since I gave myself the day off yesterday!

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.

I am incredibly grateful for the glorious weekend we had and the unbelievable weather. We deserve it, don’t you think?

We had my sister’s annual Memorial Day Picnic/Parade on Sunday which was a great day with family and friends. It’s such a wonderfully pure holiday for us, just good food, laughter, friends and family. No stress of the holiday or out of control gift giving.

I am also grateful to have spent some much needed family time with my husband and daughter. We’ve been keeping such crazy schedules lately it was really nice to have some down time.

Faith marched in her first parade yesterday for karate. I was really proud! I also had the pleasure of seeing my neighbors’ girls in our new high school’s band, middle school band, and brownies.

I also am so grateful to our veteran’s. My dad being a Marine Corp veteran–I am very proud. These men and women have such a tough job protecting our country, but they do so with dignity and honor. I extend my deepest gratitude to these unique breed of people!

May you have a fabulous week!

In gratitude,
Deanna

As I was at my desk, I popped open my Wayne Dyer “Inner Peace Cards” and how appropriate, this is the one staring right at me:

“I am responsible for the day I create for myself. The choice is up to you. It can either be “Good morning, God!” or “Good God–morning!”

Each day as I get Faith off to school I ask her what kind of day she is going to have. She usually (now trained) responds with a booming, “GREAT!” Some days she says in a kind of ho hum way, “Good” and I say “Just good?” She responds “No mommy, GREAT!!” I am then excited for her and feel that she has her best foot forward walking into school.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Take the time to relax and enjoy.

In gratitude and peace,
Deanna

P.S. Thought you might enjoy a picture of me and my sister, my best friend, at her annual Memorial Day picnic. I can’t wait until tomorrow!

I am having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my friends in my life.

Honestly, right now without them, life would be hard. We’re there for each other through thick and thin–like sisters in another life. All going through similiar feelings with different circumstances. It’s been the high point of my week to see that I have this to rely on. We’re all at slightly different stages, with different life experiences…together making a powerful team of women.

My girls, I honor you, I love you, and my life is better knowing you. I hope when you are reading this man or woman, that you have someone like this in your life. Someone to enrich your life, lift you when your down, cry with you and cheer with you.

The comfortable and comforting people are those who look upon the bright side of life; gathering its roses and sunshine and making the most that happens seem the best.
- Dorothy Dix

In respect and gratefulness,
Deanna