Poor Dorothy Gale dreamt of a better place, where dreams come true and love isn't far behind her. Somewhere over the rainbow she thought she could find all that she hoped and wished for. What she didn't realize is that she already could make her dreams come true and she was already surrounded by all of the love she needed. She just couldn't see it.

It certainly seems easy to notice what we don't have and what's not working in our lives. In this world of always wanting more, we may fall into a false sense of "lack". It's almost ingrained in us to be dissatisfied with what we have. Yet look around you right now. I would venture to guess that you have all of your needs met, right here, right now. Sure you wish you had a newly remodeled kitchen, or that your partner appreciated you more, or you had that new job that will bring you happiness. Yet, how would your life change if instead of focusing on what you don't have, you focused on what you do have? And, what if you focused on what you can give versus what you can get?

So how did Dorothy finally come to a place of gratitude? Thank goodness for her it was only a dream that she lost everything and everyone that she knew. After she woke up her perspective completely changed. Her life hadn't changed at all; it was her willingness to see the goodness that always surrounded her and to acknowledge it.

Susan's Gratitude's. Today I am grateful for:

• My amazing friends and family who love me through my life challenges and celebrate my successes with me.
• The courageous women who I work with, who are committed to their life's happiness and who've changed before my very eyes.
• The privilege of living in Northern California where the sun shines warmly and the flowers bloom year round.
• My former husband, Mike. Who taught me about love and life. You are my greatest teacher.

Fearless Integration

1. Who or what do you appreciate?
2. What would you do without this person or thing?
3. How can you express your appreciation?
4. What can you give in order to celebrate what you have?

Aspire Gratefully!

About the Author:

Susan Liddy, MA is a Life Coach and founder of Aspire Life Coaching™. Susan facilitates personal growth in women who have poor self esteem, negative body image and unhealthy relationships. Common to most of Susan’s clients is having the general feeling that “something is missing in their lives” with fear being the root cause. Susan’s programs and seminars teach women how to manage fear and create a healthy lifestyle through self care, fulfillment and healthy relationships.

©2005 Susan Liddy, AspireLifeCoaching.org, All rights reserved.

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