My Gratitude Journey

Posted: July 13, 2011
Under: Gratitude
By: Elizabeth Hartigan

My Gratitude Journey
Be Grateful!

Life-ism: The most important things in life are love, gratitude, hope and peace.

Gratitude is the single act that has transformed every facet of my life. It all began one October afternoon in 2001 while watching the Oprah show. On this particular day a radiant guest named Mattie Stepanek, the goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a poet and peacemaker took the stage.

I remember the day so vividly. Mattie was 11 years old. He was dynamic, brimming with love and filled with joy, peace and gratitude. To me, he seemed like an “old soul,” full of wisdom, truth and honesty. I was taken by him, inspired and intrigued.

Watching his interview moved me and changed my life forever. He reminded me that the most important things in life are love, gratitude, hope and peace. I decided right then to open a new chapter in my life, count my blessings and write about my experiences in a new journal I call, “My Gratitude Journal.”

Over the years this practice has become as natural as my very breath. It has helped me to see the world through new eyes. This practice has calmed me when I was fearful, encouraged me when I was down and has connected me to amazing people.

Most recently, I created a business called Gratitude Girls in which it is my life’s purpose to inspire others to come together living, giving and sharing gratitude. For this, I thank Mattie from the bottom of my heart. His interview on Oprah, for that brief moment, has shaped the rest of my life! And, for this moment I am extraordinarily and joyfully grateful!

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