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/.

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 thought I would start this morning with a bit of gratitude.

I woke up this morning and took some time to myself to go downstairs have a cup of coffee and enjoy the silence of the early morning.

If you happened to get our newsletter in March, I wrote a tip about having a “positive energy” or “gratitude” buddy. I am really lucky–I have a few!

One of my pals is really great at sending inspirational text messages (I am addicted to texting!!!) I sat at my computer this morning to check my e-mail and I heard a text pop up on my phone. I opened it, fully knowing who is was from and it said, “Good Morning! Make it great.” What a great way to start my morning.

It made me think of how grateful I was for my friends. I must admit, I have really great friends. I really feel that I am at a point in my life where I have finally found friends who will stand the test of time, bring you up when you are down, and celebrate with you when you are up.

It’s so great to have this kind of support, especially when you find someone who shares your energy. Not every day is perfect, but when you have someone to pull you up and share their energy “dust” with you when you need it–what a great feeling it is!

Do you have someone like this in your life? How do they make you feel? How do you make them feel?

Try this exercise. The energy you create can be electryfing!

In gratitude,
Deanna

P.S. Here’s a picture of me and one of my buddies. Don’t you just love the jewelry?!