Appropriately so, I was inspired by the blog post from KD on “A Bit Squirrelly.” She wrote today about the days that we struggle to find things to be grateful for. We know we are blessed, we know what we have, yet it’s a struggle. It seems there are days when everything is working against us, we keep getting beat down. Sometimes it’s difficult (or seems so) to climb over that mountain and see the other side.

I often tell people that these days of struggle are often the days of most growth. Right now, after a tough week I am most grateful for simple things–sitting in front of a warm and welcoming fire, watching a football game while snuggling next to my warm and fuzzy corgi named Coco.

Days of struggle force me to see the simple things that I may overlook on the days when the gratitude pours out of me. I have a great appreciation for things that maybe on regular day I take for granted.

Use these days to dig deep and grow!

Founded in 2007, The Gratitude Collection is a line of jewelry and apparel that reflects the benefits of positive thinking and the acts of gratitude and thankfulness. When Deanna Collins, co-founder of The Gratitude Collection, was introduced to the MAOT organization, she fell in love with its mission. “They promote self esteem, family, education, and community. We feel that through this alliance we can truly accomplish our goal, which is to introduce young women across America to the benefits of positive thinking and a practice of gratitude,” says Collins.

“I’m thrilled that The Gratitude Collection has taken an interest in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization. I feel we are two companies that promote positive opportunities for young women and together we’re making a difference,” said Kim Parrish, President of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Inc.

For more information on The Gratitude Collection and to purchase your own jewelry and apparel from the line, visit http://www.thegratitudecircle.net. Please enter “MAOT” in the “how did you hear about us” section during the checkout process.

The Gratitude Circle aims to become the premiere online resource for inspiration and merchandise that cultivates a positive outlook on life and creates opportunities for people to share personal stories of gratitude.

An MAOT fan favorite is the “Be Grateful” T-shirt donated to each state representative participating in the scholarship organization (Retail: $25) and items from the Signature Collection donated to Miss America, Kirsten Haglund and Caitlin Brunell, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2008.

The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen program is scholarship-based and allows young women to showcase their accomplishments and awards the most outstanding young women with college funds. The organization not only promotes scholastic achievement, but also community involvement, creative accomplishment, and healthy living.

For more information on the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, please visit http://www.maoteen.org/.

Today I am incredibly grateful for this school year being OVER! I spent the afternoon with friends at an ice cream social for the kids and look forward to spending the afternoon with some more friends tomorrow celebrating the end of school and the beginning of summer.

I love the summer and can’t wait for all the fun we have in store this summer with friends and family. I am blessed (and grateful) to have unbelievable friends and look forward to all the fun we will have over the next few months.

I hope you look ahead at your summer and enjoy every moment…because it does go so fast! Take time to breathe in the ocean air if you are at the beach, notice the beautiful blue sky, the lush green grass (until the August sun hits!), and all those little subtle moments to feel gratitude.

In gratitude,
Deanna

We are taught from a young age to say please and thank you when we are given something, when someone helps us, etc. It becomes a habit, an involuntary action. It almost is as if we say it and loose a little of its meaning.

If you sat down and thought about (or better yet wrote down) all the things you are grateful for–your spouse, your pet, your home, and on and on, you would feel very full and realize how much you have in your life. I enjoy the days that are tough and I have to dig deep for the gratitude–such as I’m grateful for my air conditioning on a hot day, the heat on a cold day, being able to drive myself to where I need to go–it goes on. It’s on these days that you really dig out those not so obvious things and make a shift.

In the article, I found it really interesting when the author talked about a rainy day. Instead of looking at the rainy day and being miserable because it’s wet, damp, and dark–think about what that rain does to the earth, the grass, the trees, etc. and how much will grow after it. What a great way to look at a rainy day!

In gratitude,
Deanna

Count your blessings. A grateful heart attracts more joy, love and prosperity. –Cheryl Richardson

Enjoy this beautiful day!

In gratitude,
Deanna

P.S. I loved this picture of daffodils. It made me think of my grandmother, who will be 90 next week. It’s her favorite flower.

Ok, so I’m a summer gal–I love the water and dream of my house on the shore (of course with my hubby’s boat tied right to the dock), but how did we go from chilly 50′s to off the charts 100 degree days? Too quick even for me!

My town had our first “Oxford Day” event on Saturday. I had a booth and it was great to get out and support the community and see so many people that I know and don’t get to see on a regular basis…but boy was I hot! I have never torn down early, but I did on Saturday.

My father-in-law took my daughter to the beach yesterday and then they were back at the pool for a day of swimming–this meant a day for Greg and I to spend together. We’ve had a crazy year and it was great to have a day to ourselves. We took a ride to the shore and spent the whole day in the area where we rent our summer cottage. We were just so excited looking forward to the summer ahead and grateful for all the days we’ll have at the beach.

My girlfriend put in a request on Saturday for a Gratitude tank top–it was so hot–who could look at a hoodie!? I guess that’s the next one I need to do!

Stay cool and hydrate! Have a fabulous day.

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!