Do you ever have a feeling that wells up from somewhere deep inside, giving your whole body a tingly, warm, effervescent shiver? 

That's the sensation I have when I am vitally aware of my gratitude.

Like you, I can point to and list what I'm grateful for - and that’s fun and uplifting! 

But the measure of gratitude I'm talking about goes beyond the stuff of life, or experiences of time.

I used to write things down, you know, in a "gratitude journal:" I'm thankful for______ (fill in the blank)  and the lists could be long.  Yet somewhere in the back of my mind, I'd also hear the "Yea, but I'm not thankful for this and that."  It was a self-canceling process!  Gratitude with limitations.  Thanks, except for how my expectations were not met.  Ick.

Somewhere along the line, I had a realization:  When I allowed myself to feel my gratitude - whether I wrote it down or simply thought about it - my gratitude was amplified.  I discovered that gratitude is more than the words used to define it. 

When I feel the uplifting emotion that comes with gratitude, my feelings transcend any limiting expectation.

As time passed, I began to get in the flow with my new practice.  I found that when I felt my gratitude and shared it with someone else... Now, that was just this side of magic!

I have much to be grateful for.  Don’t you?  Some is what I call "the stuff of life."   (I love that I have this warm, sun-kissed office, with a view of the water from my desk!) And much of it's not measurable in quite the same way.

Much more of my gratitude is for the intangibles:  Life Lessons, Cherished Relationships, my own unique appreciation of beauty.  I am grateful - that somewhere along this life - I learned to allow myself to feel the love of others.

I am thankful for the support, encouragement and belief in what I'm doing that I receive from some very talented people.

I am grateful for each day that I get the joy of contributing to others.

Along those lines, I want to say, "Thank you for the feedback, kind words and resources you shared with me at the launch of my new website, and this newsletter.  It's been a labor of love and dedication to get this far.

Some talented people joined my team to help me bring it to a reality (or is this cyber-world of communication a virtual reality?)  Without their guidance, nudging, support and direction, I would still be dreaming of it.

So, I share with you those who helped make SoulfulLivingByDesign.com and this newsletter: The Art of WellBeing a reality for my business, and my life's work. 

If you'd like an introduction to any, it would be my pleasure...
Web Design and Custom Newsletter:  Marissa Berger of MBI
Video Production:  Scott Stiefvater of Blue Sky Video Productions
Portrait Photography:  John Streeter of A&J Photography & Style
Hair & Make-up:  Angel Nicole of A&J Photography & Style

I invite you to join me in the finding and feeling your gratitude.  And share it!

In gratitude,
Tambra