A Joyful Heart

A Joyful Heart by Martha MacFarland

May I be mindful in this moment and be present to the experiences around me

For with an open heart, I recognize this instant is love if I allow and receive it with gratitude 

May I see the blessings around me and find appreciation where I am and what it has to teach me

For with a grateful heart, I open the door to receive the gifts of life and to accept people for where they are

Knowing  that we are all unique in our own perspectives and see the world from our own lens

And in these moments of gratitude, I feel more at ease and at peace

Knowing  I’m expanding what I focus my energy on when I’m mindful 

Mindful of what I think

Mindful of what I say

Mindful of what I do

And I have the power to neutralize the feelings I don’t prefer and look for the peace within me 

To set healthy intentions for the present moment and to embrace the values that guide my path

For the present moment is all we have 

And in this instance, I choose love and gratitude

Knowing that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues

For in gratitude, we appreciate others and show them love.

Love in our service to them

Love in our affirmations of them

Love in our time with them

And gratitude is our greatest teacher allowing us to learn from our past experiences and allowing us to create a vision for the future

But most importantly gratitude helps us find peace in the present moment to accept and embrace our lives and the people around us 

And recognize that in our mindfulness and gratitude, we have an open and a joyful heart