Hearing one of the small dogs barking at the front of the house, I opened the door to reprimand the dog for being noisy, and then found the dog had a reason for barking…. Just there, right at the front door, was a snake, with it’s head reared.  The snake was perhaps about three feet long, although not very large in body circumference.  I had one small dog standiing on the other side of the snake barking at it, and two other small dogs moving about close to the snake, but apparently not aware of it.  And the snake was only a couple of feet from me also!  Panic! 

Not knowing what type of snake it was, or if it was dangerous, I was anxious to gather the dogs and get them away from the snake.  I managed to get the dogs inside and get the door shut between us and the snake.   After a few moments, I opened the door and looked again – yep, it was still there.  I was willing the snake to go away.

When I looked again, shortly afterwards, the snake was gone.  But instead of that being a relief, I was left wondering where it was?  I kept the dogs inside for a while, and also observed them for any possible symptoms, not knowing if they may have been bitten before I had seen the snake.

The pets were not displaying any symptoms, and the snake had not reappeared.

Definitely Gratitude for our safety with the snake encounter. 

Although I live on a rural property, this is the first time I have seen and experienced a snake near the house.  Snakes may have been around, but I haven’t seen them, so it is also a good reminder to be a little cautious.  And despite this little adrenalin-rush-causing episode, the wonderful environment and lifestyle on rural acreage is definitely deserving of lots of Gratitude.

In Gratitude,

Julie

It does not take a lot of time or effort to daily focus on Gratitude for the wonders in your life.  When we start to look for things to be grateful for, there is suddenly an abundance!    It is a wonderful habit to develop, to feel the Gratitude for the wonders in your life, even in the small day to day activities.  Notice the many things there are to enjoy and to be grateful for.  The smile from a passerby, the happy greeting from a pet, a phone call from a friend, the enjoyment of a stroll, the warmth of sunshine on your skin, and as you notice these, there will be more and more of the pleasant and joyous things coming to your attention.

To develop the ability to manifest in your life, as well as developing the Gratitude “muscle”, some other things to consider are:  

creating a vacuum – a space for the new to be manifested, make room to receive      

giving – keeping the flow in motion by giving, consider charitable giving, tithing, and personal giving.    

creating goals  -there are optimal ways to use goals in a manner which will maximise your results                                                                                                                                                        

taking “inspired” action – by listening to the inner guidance or divine guidance which can provide steps towards your desired results.  

Words have power, and spoken and written words put power into your goals.  

These, and more, will be expanded in further posts.

Today, what are the things you are grateful for?  Share your Gratitude.

The leaves in the trees are glittering with the reflections of the sun, and the treetops are moving lightly in the breeze.  The temperature is warm and comfortable, and the breeze gentle and caressing. 

There are many native birds twittering in the trees, calling to each other.

My Himalayan cat is stretched on the deck enjoying the sun, with the two little dogs nearby, also enjoying the sunshine.

There are just a couple of light, fluffy, white, clouds floating across the sky.

Yes, it is a glorious day – a day to be grateful for.

In Gratitude,

Julie

Earlier this year my 12 year old Maltese died by accident, but although sad, it was also a good thing.  It was sudden and apparently painless, and she probably saved herself from the complex and possibly painful trials of treatments for the cancer she had been diagnosed with.  The twelve years she gave me as a devoted and adoring pet were precious, and although she died suddenly and accidentally, twelve years was also a reasonable life span for her breed.  So although it is sad that she is gone, I am grateful for the twelve years she shared with me and that her passing was sudden and painless for her.

Recently I have purchased another little pup.  Although my little Maltese had been a wonderful companion, I didn’t want to have the same breed and be comparing the new dog to my previous dog, so this time I have a little black toy poodle.  It is cute and fluffy, and does what puppies do – leaves puddles, and other presents, runs off with my slippers, shreds up paper, plays with puppy toys, and is a bundle of activity, sharing her joy daily with all in her vicinity.  I am grateful to have this new little creature and to be able to experience her puppy playfulness and the cuteness of this little fluff-ball curled up asleep, or traipsing around after me.

Dogs and other pets can be so unconditionally giving and loving in their relationship with their owners and families.  Perhaps there are lesssons there for us all.

In Gratitude,

Julie