Live Your Life with Gratitude

 

With all the horrible news coming at us at every angle, it's difficult not to get caught up in a tailspin of negative thoughts. Be kind to yourself and those in your life by taking the opportunity each and every day to latch onto the positives in your life with gratitude.

Daily journal writing can set the tone for a day of gratitude and abundance. Don't think you have anything to write out, think again. Concerned your writing won't flow, don't worry. Your journal writing is for your eyes only.

Start your journal session with at least three positive aspects of your life. Write about what makes each one so wonderful and how you are grateful for each, no matter how small or big. 

For every small blessing turns into a chock full day of gratitude?

Love Snoopy and Charlie Brown!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Happy Thanksgiving 2015

Wishing you all a Blessed Thanksgiving. 

During this time (and every day) it is important

to reflect and appreciate our blessings...

Small and large.

For living your life with gratitude,
 blessings will be plentiful!

God Bless!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

G is for Gratitude - A to Z 2015 Challenge

With all the horrible news coming at us at every angle, it's difficult not to get caught up in a tailspin of negative thoughts. Be kind to yourself and those in your life by taking the opportunity each and every day to latch onto the positives in your life with gratitude.

Daily journal writing can set the tone for a day of gratitude and abundance. Don't think you have anything to write out, think again. Concerned your writing won't flow, don't worry. Your journal writing is for your eyes only.

Start your journal session with at least three positive aspects of your life. Write about what makes each one so wonderful and how you are grateful for each, no matter how small or big. Did you know that every small blessing turns into a chock full day of inspiration and gratitude?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Happy New Year!

Wishing one and all a Blessed New Year!

May you take the time to...

laugh more often

love more often

take chances more often

offer forgiveness more often

less judgment more often

and live with more gratitude each and every day!

God Bless!

Interested in staying up to date of my writing world and special offers, join 506 parents, teachers, and publishing colleagues and receive two FREE e-Books... "The Story Behind the Book" and "Marketing Tips e-Book"...

iContact Email Marketing You Can Trust

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Gratitude Sets the Tone for a Positive Day

Last week I chatted about living a life of gratitude and journal writing. I hope you have taken the time out to do such each and every day! The positive benefits on your life are immense!

Today, I'd like to touch a bit on what I'm grateful for...

My husband... Tom - we've been together 29 years and of course we have hit our bumps in the road, but we always manage to circle back around and be there for each other.

My daughters... Nicole and Hayley - my girls fill me with pride and awe every day of their lives. Whether it be their steadfast focus on their individual goals or overcoming adversity in their lives they inspire me daily!

My family... no matter what obstacles have been thrown my way, my family... immediate and extended are always my loudest cheerleaders.

My girlfriends.... My mantra to my daughters is to hold on tight to your girlfriends for they are the ones who will always be there at a drop of a hat in your good and bad times, no questions asked. A great big shout out to (in alpha order)... Cynthia, Dawn, Lynn, Mary, Maureen, Michelle, Theresa and last but not least... of course my twin sister, Debbie!

Crittin' Chicks Critique Group... I big shout out goes to Karin and Marilyn.... without their expert and thorough critiques of my works-in-progress I would not be where I am today! Ladies enjoy the holiday season festivities and see you January 2015 as we recommence our critique sessions!

Wishing you all a daily life of gratitude.

I'll be offline through the new year enjoying the magic of the season and being present in each and every moment.

Cheers!

Interested in staying up to date of my writing world and special offers, join 506 parents, teachers, and publishing colleagues and receive two FREE e-Books... "The Story Behind the Book" and "Marketing Tips e-Book"...
iContact Email Marketing You Can Trust ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Live a Life of Gratitude

With all the horrible news coming at us at every angle, it's difficult not to get caught up in a tailspin of negative thoughts. Be kind to yourself and those in your life by taking the opportunity each and every day to latch onto the positives in your life with gratitude.

Daily journal writing can set the tone for a day of gratitude and abundance. Don't think you have anything to write out, think again. Concerned your writing won't flow, don't worry. Your journal writing is for your eyes only.

Start your journal session with at least three positive aspects of your life. Write about what makes each one so wonderful and how you are grateful for each, no matter how small or big. Did you know that every small blessing turns into a chock full day of inspiration and gratitude?

Need direction? (Please note this is not an advertisement or affiliate link... I just wanted to share Tina Games' information with you since I had such a positive experience in her journaling retreat).... 

"When I participated in Tina Games' Journaling by the Moonlight retreat I had an amazing and positive experience. Taking the time out for myself and focusing on my goals and desires set a path for positive attitude and clarification in my life... both professionally and personally. On a daily basis (sometimes twice a day, depending what's going on) I continue to journal and I always walk away feeling refreshed. I encourage you to treat yourself and take the time out to visit Tina's website. See below..." 

Tina Games, Life Purpose Intuitive and Creativity Coach

Author of "Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother's Path to Self-Discovery" and Host of "Life Purpose Legacy" on Contact Talk Radio offers an amazing journal writing retreat and it's worth checking it out. 

www.JournalingByTheMoonlight.com
www.TheMoonlightMuse.com The Moonlight Muse

Wishing you all the best in positive attitude and gratitude. 

Happy journaling! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Children's Magazine - Guardian Angel Kids - December 2013

Attitude of Gratitude

December 2013 

BOOK FEATURE

Tales From Kensington Forest 

POEM

The Giving Fever by Robert Niven

Think by Sarah Varnam

SHORT STORIES

A New Kind of Club by Trisha Faye

Good Neighbor Love by Evelyn Horan

A Helping Hand by Felicity Nisbet

NON-FICTION ARTICLE

Freedoms Even Kids Have by Shari L. Klase

PARENT TEACHER ARTICLE

Instilling an Attitude of Gratitude

by Irene S. Roth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ Coming January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Gratitude

Since I began blogging in 2007 my tradition for Thanksgiving is to share a prayer and as I reflect on the last year I'd like to share my gratitude of my blessings. 

I'm grateful for…

My husband Tom and daughter's Nicole and Hayley - your unconditional love and support from day one is a true blessing and I love you all up the stars and beyond.

My family and friends - from childhood and now adulthood the adventure continues, I'm honored to be part of each of your lives.

My health and that of my family and friends. Thoughts and prayers continue for all. 

My critique partners, Karin and Marilyn - your guidance has been instrumental in my success and I look forward to our publication journeys.

My publisher, Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing  and fellow "Angels" - the family atmosphere is an honor to be part of.

My fellow writing friends, many of you I have not met in person, but you all hold a special place in my heart. The exchange of ideas is constant source of encouragement.

The publication of Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey.

My boss, Thomas John and his family and friends - who have welcomed 

me into his and their lives with open arms.

Wishing you all a Blessed Thanksgiving! 

I'd be honored to hear about your gratitudes!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

5 Inspiring Ways to Live Your Life with Gratitude

I truly believe the most important thing we must do on a daily basis is to live our life with gratitude. When there is so much heartache in the world it's easy to fall into the pattern of feeling like nothing is going right in our own little part of the world. This negative perception will get us no where. Such as, I can't loss weight, why do my children constantly bicker, my book sales are not where I want them to be, etc. The negatives are endless if we allow them to be. That's where my "5 Inspiring Ways to Live Your Life with Gratitude" come in:

Start your day with prayer. It does not matter what religion you follow. "Thank you Lord, for this new day and the possibilities it comes along with it. Amen." Or use what ever prayer you prefer. Each day is a gift and we should treat it as such. We do not know how long our time on Earth will be so live it with honor and love.

Give thanks to the roof over your head and the comforts within. When my daughter (who is now 16) was 8 years old she came home from a new school chums house and exclaimed that Lauren was very lucky because she lived in a huge house and must be very rich. My dear old neighbor, Tom (who grew up in the Depression), took this opportunity to ask Nicole what she saw when she looked at her backyard, to describe what was in her house, and who was sitting along side her at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on a weekday. She went on to list her swing set, basketball court, and her Barbie dolls and all the fun pieces that go along with it, her own room, and that her mom was sitting next to her. He then replied, "Well my dear Nicole, in my book you are a very rich girl and you have all that you need. Especially a mom that can work from home and be there for you when you come home from school or playdates." This conversation has had such an impact on Nicole, that she never compares herself to others and is very comfortable in her own skin.

Be thankful for your family and friends (especially girlfriends if you are a woman). When you are true to your relationships with family and friends and you develop a two way street of appreciation and support these individuals will be your go to people in good and bad times. For without support, successes and heartache would be impossible to celebrate and navigate through.

Positive thoughts and actions over negative thoughts and actions. When our thoughts go to that negative place it shows upon our faces, which then invokes not such an inviting place for a another person to engage you in conversation. When you are out and about on your daily routine, say hello to those that cross your path. At first it may seem many people don't respond, but you will be surprised on how a simple hello brightens someone's day along with yours. I invoke this on my daily walks along the Hudson River and when in the supermarket and various other stores. It definitely sets for a positive tone throughout the day.

Smile throughout your day. Do you know it takes 43 muscles to frown and only 17 muscles to smile. So frowning takes more energy and it can zap you from enjoying yourself and letting your creative side explode.

What do you do to Live Your Life with Gratitude?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm