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Volume 6, Issue 11 | November 2017
 

I'm publishing this month's newsletter a little earlier than usual so that I can wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

The Rocky Point vacation was a nice bridge between ending my work contract and starting my full-time job search. It was a relaxing time with some close friends and participating in some of the festivities around Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
    
Still, I was eager to get home and start my 'new' life. As I do so, it's an especially perfect time for me to very consciously think about all the people, things, and circumstances for which I am grateful. I've begun a journal that is solely about my blessings. Every night before going to sleep, I catalog ten (10) items that I am grateful for. It's a lovely way to head to Dreamland, and another reminder - of which I can never have enough of - of how much I am blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving! 
 




Joyce's signature 


Inspiration and Contemplation
Gratitude

It is fitting especially at this time of year to reflect upon gratitude: the concept, its practice, etc.

The mindful practice of gratitude can boost relationships, optimism, and overall contentment. Read below what some well-known folks have said about gratitude.

If you only say one prayer in a day, make it thank you.
-   Rumi
 
Reflect upon your present moment of blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.
-   Charles Dickens
 
Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.
-   A.A. Milne
 
Gratitude is an opener of locked-up blessings.
-   Marianne Williamson
 
May the gratitude in my heart kiss all the universe.
-   Hafiz

Spirituality
May the Light of Love of Be With You Every Day  
 
The following lyrics are excerpted from David Roth's song "May the Light of Love." David is another New Thought/Positive song writer and singer, like Daniel Nahmod, another favorite of mine who I mentioned in my last newsletter
 
I always think of this song as a Thanksgiving Day one, and several times over the years I have played it for guests who I knew would appreciate it.
 
As we come around to take our places at the table 
A moment to remember and reflect upon our wealth 
Here's to loving friends and family, here's to being able 
To gather here together in good company and health.

May we be released from all those feelings that would harm us 
May we have the will to give them up and get them gone 
For heavy are the satchels full of anger and false promise 
May we have the strength to put them down.

May the light of love be shining deep within your spirit 
May the torch of mercy clear the path and show the way 
May the horn of plenty sound so everyone can hear it 
May the light of love be with you every day.

 
 
People Helping People
They Bake Brownies to Hire People!  
 
I LOVE brownies! In fact, in a little while I'm going to bake some from scratch with a unique gluten-free recipe. But that's really not what I want to share with you; here's what I do... 
 
What began as a modest bakery on the edge of New York City with the moniker that "we don't hire people to bake brownies, we bake brownies to hire people," has emerged as a globally recognized brand with an innovative business model that includes hiring political refugees and citizens returning from the criminal justice system, and value proposition.
 
Read " How Entrepreneurs Helped Ex-Cons Turn Their Lives Around," yet another example of people helping people and illustrating how profits and social change are not mutually exclusive.   
 
And, oh, if you try out the recipe, let me know how you like it!  
No matter what your current circumstances may be in this crazy world on Planet Earth in a human suit, I hope you will realize your blessings and be filled with a heart of gratitude.  
 
To you and yours...
Blessings,
Joyce's signature
 

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