Please remember:

Your job is the dream of the unemployed.

Your house is the dream of the homeless.

Your smile is the dream of the depressed.

Your health is the dream of those who are sick.

Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity.

Find something to be grateful for.

I saw that reminder on a chalk board and thought it was really powerful. And I think it can extend well beyond the basic necessities of living. I think we should also take great care of our unique abilities. We should never underestimate how much others admire our lives and what we are able to do, even when we are focused on what we’re lacking.

All of these photos were taken in my neighbors’ garden. They have no idea how much I admire their ability to turn their landscaping into such a beautiful respite from the world. It is a skill I am entirely lacking and every day I’m filled with awe to see how the blooms are progressing. It makes me want to take an inventory of my own abilities and see what opportunities I have to utilize them for the benefit of others.

I suppose it all boils down to – and it always boils down to – the fact that our lives are gifts filled with unique blessings and opportunities for gratitude if we just choose to see it that way.