I made a goal for myself that I would start doing some videos.  Well, my friend Lori over at Zen Rabbit and the Gratitude Cookie challenged herself and did her first, so the challenge was thrown out for me to do my own.  Thanks Lori for giving me that little extra push to get it done!

Having said that, I have sort of slowly launched this short little piece.  I put it up on youtube about a week and a half ago and have procrastinated putting it on the blog.

I’ve done a lot of speaking to various groups and audiences, done tv appearances and love it all, but – I have to tell you, video – a.k.a. talking to the camera directly with nothing else – whole different ball game!

I now have such an appreciation for my friends that are in the media – most especially my friend Kim Parrish, with all her time as a QVC show host – holy cow girl! I can now appreciate what it’s like to talk right into the camera on your own with no audience!

I love speaking. I love entertaining, motivating, and inspiring  a group.  I love the energy in a room – to see people’s reactions.  It’s completely motivating and energizes me….

My video series:  The Gratitude Greeting is meant to be a short nugget of grateful inspiration to motivate and inspire you as you move about your day and week.  I hope you enjoy it and keep coming back to the Gratitude Circle for more.  Please share us with your friends!

So here goes….my first foray into video…

In gratitude,

P.S.  Feel free to check out and subscribe to our new youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/gratitudecircle

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/.

Enjoy!

Caitlin Brunell, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2008 showing off her “be grateful” t-shirt.  Caitlin is a smart, savvy entrepreneur and philanthropist.  Check out her website at www.caitlinscloset.org. 

Check out these MAOTeen contestants with their “be grateful” t’s!  Thank you girls!

It was so exciting to watch the Kim Parrish Collection on HSN today and see Kim and the models wearing the Gratitude Collection.

It was an incredibly rewarding feeling and some great exposure for us!

As I travel on this amazing journey with this brand and its message it is remarkable to me the people that I am meeting and the opportunities that are presenting themselves to me. In a world focused on fast paced non-stop life styles, it is heartwarming to meet people who want to help you. They want to help you succeed and believe in you.

I feel that I am on the edge of so much that is before me. To all my supporters and believers, I say thank you.

Have an amazing day,
Deanna

Kim is just fabulous and I’m so excited to share that Kim will be appearing this Thursday morning on HSN at 9am with her collection. She will be wearing Gratitude! Be sure to keep your eyes on the models as well, they will hopefully be wearing some of my collection.

This is exciting news and great exposure for the Gratitude Brand! It makes me really think of the post I wrote a few weeks back about perserverance. It’s really about moving up and forward a little at a time. Doors will open when they are ready–it’s just a matter of keeping strong and moving along.

In gratitude,
Deanna