We can only be said to be alive in those moments
when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
~ Thornton Wilder
To me, this quote is talking about living in gratitude. If we continue to be conscious of our treasures and that which we are grateful for then we can continue to fully live.
It’s hard sometimes to always have a grateful heart. Life gets in the way, our moods challenge our peace of mind and obstacles seem to bombard us. But so long as we are able to always count our blessings then we will find happiness. We will live full and vibrant lives.
I get in my own way sometimes, and most times, truth be told. I do let the negative drag me down at times but I strive for peace of mind. It’s impossible to always be in that positive state but we should aim to have our moments of gratitude always outweigh those moments of negativity and despair.
What about you? Are you able to always be conscious of your treasures? Do you live life in gratitude? How do you interpret this quote?
Angels Bark 
The Thornton Wilder quotation is nice. I think it’s about appreciating what we have. It’s a little too sweet. I think I live a life of gratitude most of the time, but it’s been extra hard lately. Even when I feel extra bad–lots of physical and emotional pain–I am grateful for Franklin, who never leaves me. Because of Franklin, I am aware of my treasures, though he is not mine. I am his.
Love,
Janie
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I’m assuming Franklin is your dog? I love how you say that he’s not yours, you are his. Well said! Just a glance from my dogs and my heart swells with love. My dogs help me see the gratitude in life when I seem to be forgetting it. Thanks for stopping by Janie! I’m headed over to your blog now to check out you BOTB post…See you over there. 🙂
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It’s a great quote, and i love your thoughts on it. It’s such a work in progress for me to remind myself what I’m grateful for. It’s been such a disappointment to discover that I spent a huge amount of money on my education, and ended up with a master’s degree that apparently qualifies me to do nothing, and over qualifies me for everything else. I am grateful though that I have the opportunity and the means to start my own business, which I’l be opening very shortly, and be a professional quilter. I’m sure I’ll love living my passion more than any of the office jobs I thought would be available to someone with my level of education. It’s just very frightening to have to go out on my own. But why does that worry me when people are losing jobs they were great at and thought were secure left, right, and centre, and often being rehired by the same companies, for the same job, as contract workers, and therefore no security and benefits?
And I’m grateful that every time I open my studio door I have three gorgeous faces to greet me, even though other people would consider that I am alone in the house.
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Just knowing where you are and the things around that holds most dear.
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I am really bad about getting in my own way too. I like how you do Notable Quotables!
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I hear ya Paula. I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to progress! Thanks for the compliment. I’m glad you like my Notable Quotables!
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I do sometimes get in my own way, and find it difficult to find treasures and gratitudes. But I strive to appreciate life and the good things that have come my way. Trying is all we can do sometimes; and then make up for it when we feel stronger.
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Very well said! Yes, trying is sometimes the best we can muster. This life is hard. When I need a good dose of gratitude, I step outside and commune with nature. I can really find gratitude in my moments spent with the breezes blowing across my face and the sun shining down on me, watching the birds and the squirrels and seeing my dogs rolling and rubbing their backs on the grass… THAT makes my heart sing.
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When I’m feeling negative, I will sometimes just list out loud things I’m grateful for (big and small) and that seems to help. I do think we are happier when we embrace an attitude of gratitude.
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That’s a good idea Robin, to say aloud that for which we are grateful. It makes it more meaningful …and believable! So true about happiness. Thanks for stopping by!
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As they say, “things could always be worse”. Yeah, sometimes they could be better too, but I always start with that first thought. That said, a good (but brief) wallow in self-pity can sometimes make you feel better, afterwards. My favourite expression: “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. 🙂
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