Daily Gratitude: “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

It’s important to read this several times a day. And then follow its advice.

Does this work? Yes.

Why? We are all about vibrations. We are energy and energy doesn’t exist alone. It vibrates and interacts with other forms or degrees of energy. Dolly Parton had such positive energy that as soon as she walked in a studio the atmosphere changed. We all have had an experience at a party or meeting and someone is really down (or up) and we immediately sense it. It’s because vibrations emanate out and are picked up by sensitive beings around it. Think back and I’m sure you can find at least one example in your life.

When you get a present and it’s something you like doesn’t that feeling stay with you? All you have to do is think about it and a smile will pop up on your face.

Imagine how you’d feel if you were constantly thinking about all the good things in your life. It would be hard to feel down. Especially if you take the time to see how those “bad” things that happened really weren’t so bad after all. Praise adversity for what it taught you and what you learned (they aren’t always the same thing). See everything as good in some way.

Be thankful for all you have. Dwell on that, not on the bad things because remember what I just said – in a year from now they won’t be “the bad things”.

Celebrate your life. Be happy.

Remember most of all – be like Dolly!

Daily Gratitude: “Don’t Wait”

The most important lesson from this past week since Dolly Parton left us comes from reading the monumental number of tributes and the love expressed for her.

Why is that an important lesson? When was the last time you told someone you love and admire what it is about them that impresses you?

Why do we wait until someone’s gone to talk about their wonderful points? Does that do the other person any good?

Haven’t you heard of people saying something like “oh I wish I’d known they were sick. I wish I’d told them
How much they meant to me.” How many times have you said that?

Why do we wait?

Why not tell people now?

Daily Gratitude: “You Can Be Larger Than Life ByBeing
Smaller Than Everyone Else.”

I think this was Dolly’s secret to success in all aspects of her life. Even early on she recognized that she was being held back on the Porter Wagoner show. She also knew that she had to be careful about how she made her exit. Sure, it was different back then because she was a woman. But she also could have stayed.

Porter initiated a lawsuit but eventually Dolly was able to leave. Despite all the hassle he caused her, she wrote “I’ll always love you” to show him how important he was to her and what he meant to her. It’s hard for someone to be angry with if you’ve written such a beautiful song. She was putting him first and telling the world how important he was.

She has done this all her life. She never demanded that people tell her she’s great or that they are so grateful. Many of her humanitarian acts weren’t even that well known or advertised. And she did it all quietly and personally – the personal aspect is key, I think.

For instance, her imagination library sends books directly to the children, not to the town or some organization. When she was helping flood victims she sent money to each family, not to a big pot where who knows what could happen in the distribution. All the stories told about her by people show that the memories are memorable because of the one on one interaction.

Listen to her songs too. Most of them make another be the important character. For instance you could think of Coat of Many Colors as a poor me type song or about bullies. But it’s about her mother and what she made for Dolly AND what she taught Dolly. Look at the lyrics for Joshua and you’ll see her wanting to give to another human the love and kindness she has (and also wants).

Even when Barbara Walters and Oprah tried to shoot her down in their interviews she just responded nicely, standing up for herself with both facts and jokes but never shooting back which most of us would want to do.

What a lesson in living this woman gave us.