Dr. Thomas Maples

Inspirational Quote

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.

Tecumseh

The Psychology Perspective

I have developed a daily gratitude practice over the past two years that has greatly affected my life. This week of Thanksgiving, I will focus on the need the psyche has to engage gratitude, to give thanks for what we have received, as a means to encourage our overall mental health and development.

In today’s post, the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh reminds us to give thanks for all of the gifts we are bestowed. Each and every one of us has a purpose, a star, a guardian angel if you will, that helps drive your journey forward. In this quote, Tecumseh, reminds us to give thanks for that light, that source of strength that drives our journey forward.

Recently my wife told me of an old Russian tale, about a guardian angel who walked with its host through the good times and bad of life. The story goes as follows.

A man died and was shown his life by God. As the movie played out, the guardian angel showed the man two sets of footprints present at every major turning point in his life.

The guardian angel said, “look, I was always there with you, to guide you along the way towards your personal destiny.” As a major turning point in the man’s life turned wrong, the man looked at his angel, and said, “I only see one set of footprints. Where were you.” The Guardian Angel answered, “It was not I that had disappeared… In that moment, I needed to carry you through.” The man was at peace.

There is a guiding light in all of us. Giving thanks for the gifts we are given, not only drives our life forward, but opens the mind to wondrous miracles abound.

Have You given Thanks Today?

©2019 by Dr. Thomas Maples