The Gratitude Rock
Gratitude is the heart’s memory.
~French Proverb
“Just 4 Today”… every day… I choose to be in an attitude of gratitude. I get to choose how each day begins and receive the positive energy that accompanies my awareness and gratitude for all the many blessings in my life. Does life seem to move at such a fast pace that you unconsciously ignore all of the wonderful experiences, relationships and blessings in life? That was exactly what was happening to me. I was in a fog… over-focusing on the future, ignoring the learning experiences of the past and flying through the present like an F-16 after the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl.
I have some amazing daughters. I am so proud of all of them. It took the struggles of one of my daughters, however, to awaken me from this self centered sleep. A few years ago, after struggling with an addiction of substance abuse for many years, she hit a major breaking point and really needed help. Together, we researched and selected a program that we/she felt would make a positive impact on her life going forward.
At the door of this facility, we hugged and said our good-byes. With great emotion, my daughter hung her head and through smothered sobs uttered words of regret. She apologized for being a burden and a disgrace to our family. My heart ached.
I put my hands on her shoulders and looked into her beautiful tears-filled green eyes.
“Sweetheart, by going through this experience will you come out the other end better off or worse off?”
Her jaw tightened up and she proclaimed that she would be much better.
“And, if you allow me and the rest of our family to go through this experience with you, and we learn from this, then, are we going to be better off or worse off for having gone through this experience?”
“Better,” she said with humility.
“So let’s get going! I am ready if you are.”
Before we parted, I left her with one last thought. Since she was twelve years old, she has had the nickname of “Mariposa” which is Spanish for butterfly. I reminded her that she has known the struggle of the caterpillar; the loneliness of the cocoon; and now she was about to experience the flight and elegance of the butterfly.
That very day, I took a solo trip to a California coastal resort to get away for a few days for some introspection and to work on my writings. The next morning I was walking on the beach contemplating life’s challenges and opportunities. As I slowly strolled along the edge of the foam, breathing in the fresh morning breeze tumbling off the waves, my gaze was drawn to a dark colored rock. It actually seemed to be glowing and I couldn’t resist picking it up. As I examined this gray rock, I turned it over and there in black was the image of a butterfly in flight!
My heart stopped.
My throat tightened.
Was this a message to me to focus on the beauty of the flight?
I knew it belonged to my daughter.
I pocketed it and sent it to her.
When she received this little rock in the mail sent priority FedEx, she was anxious to call me and find out what this was all about. I told her to keep it close to her and every time she touched it, to think of something that she was grateful for. I told her I was going to hunt for my own rock and I would do the same.
Every morning when I get dressed and reach for my wallet, there is my rock. It immediately reminds me to drop to my knees and express gratitude for the many incredible relationships, experiences and blessings in my life. I actually visualize those things I am grateful for. I conclude by visualizing the day and the outcomes I desire for the day. During the day, each time I touch the rock, I am again reminded of my vision and gratitude. Then, at the conclusion of the day, as I take the rock out and place it on its special place on my bed stand, I capture the experiences and once again take time to express my appreciation.
Where ever I go, I now collect “gratitude” rocks and I will continue to give them to anyone who is looking for a system to keep them in an attitude of gratitude. Sincere gratitude is the lubricant that allows the law of attraction to work for us.
"Gratitude may not be the greatest of virtues,
but it is the parent of all the others."
Lee Brower (assisted by his daughter)
Thanks to all those who've written in and responded to this story. It's great to see the positive effect of something so simple. If you have your own story or observation to share in this regard, your welcome to use the form below or us directly. Thanks -Lee Brower
Hi, I know that Butterfly, and I have seen her spread her wings, maybe only a little bit, in the short time I have known her.
Impressive, friendly and warm.
Nicely written you two.
Lots of Love,
Jay
After our family was introduced to the video "The Secret", we noticed many fun changes in our lives as a family, as well as individually. (We no longer struggle to find a great parking space, for instance, and my five-year old daughter occasionally reminds me to "Ask Believe Receive" when we are searching for a missing shoe or set of keys!)
My eight year old son, Gunnar, has never been very fond of math. Shortly after watching "The Secret", he found himself a "gratitude rock" out in the yard. It is small, smooth and gray, an ordinary rock upon inspection. But he carried it to school each day, as it meant something to him. One day, he got off the school bus just beaming at me and clutching his rock in the air. "It worked, Mama!" he exclaimed. I asked him what he was talking about, and he told me about his afternoon in class.
"We were doing math drills- a game called "Around the World" and I almost always lose right away. But I held my rock in my hand and I got all the answers right. At the end it was just Spencer and me- and you know, Mama, he's really good at math. Well, I held my rock and kept thinking to myself, "I know I can do it, I know I can do it" and then I got the last answer right and I won, Mama, I won!!!"
As I said, he was not fond of math, and this was the first time I had ever seen him so excited about it! There have been so many blessings in our lives because of that wonderful, uplifting video, but I count that day as one of the greatest. It is summer now, and the rock sits next to my son's bedside, but I have a feeling it will accompany him to third grade!
Cat Redinbo
