EDITOR'S MESSAGE
 
Our Editor explores the importance of gratitude
 

 
Paul Mauchline, Director
The Art of Loving Institute
 
Other Memo's
 
September, 2001
Our World Under Attack

August, 2001
The most important keys to having a mature, loving relationship
 
June, 2001
Our insatiable thirst for knowledge and advice about SEX
 
May, 2001
Spring that magical season that inspires love
 
April, 2001
Youth Violence
 
Feb., 2001
Valentine's Day
 
Dec., 2000
The Power of Words
 
Sept, 2000
The Importance of Gratitude
 
June, 2000
The Lessons of Love are the Greatest Gifts we can give Ourselves and Others
 
April, 2000
The Art of Loving and
The Culture of Peace Are In Our Hands
 
Dec, 1999
Millennium Message from The Art of Loving
 

September 25, 2000

 
My Dear Friends,
 
Recently I was sitting at one of my favorite beach-front restaurants, when the conversation at the table beside me caught my attention.
 
A family of five people sat across from me, consisting of an older gentleman, his wife, his adult daughter, and her two teenage daughters. I paid close attention to their body language, and, more importantly, though not intentionally eavesdropping, to their conversation -- which, I might add, I am sure could be heard all the way out on the beach.
 
The old gentleman quietly ate his breakfast, while the women folk of his family proceeded to complain about everything in their lives.
 
I am sure this man had his ears turned off, though part of me still wanted to rescue him from the energy that surrounded him. It appeared that he was used to it: he just ate his food contentedly with little comment to add to the conversation at the table, other than the occasional nod of his head.
 
The women of the family, on the other hand, proceeded to attack everything about the restaurant, including the food, the staff, and their seating. Next came a total attack on the Caribbean island that I call home. Their conversation then went on to complain bitterly about their lives, in general. During a period of over an hour, I heard not one positive comment uttered from any of their mouths. Based on their dress, the excessive amounts of jewelry the women were wearing, and where they were staying, this family did not appear to be suffering financially by any means. With all that they had, they certainly did not appear to be grateful for anything in their lives. More importantly, though, none of them appeared to be happy with anything in their lives.
 
As I listened to their bitter complaints, my thoughts went to my own sense of gratitude. I feel so grateful for everything and everyone in my life. Watching and listening to them brought out totally opposite thoughts and feelings in me. The more they complained, the more I felt grateful for the riches in my life. Even when I watch this type of exhibition, I try to make it a positive experience, and understand the lesson behind it all.
 
Today, never a day goes by without me saying to myself that I am blessed and grateful for what I have in my life. I certainly do not have the material things I had five years ago. What I have today, though, is a better, more fulfilling, and more loving life. I live today in a great place surrounded by so much natural beauty, in a community that I have grown to love. Most importantly, I have a handful of friends that trust, respect, and love me, just as I trust, respect, and love them. In my opinion, this is as good as it gets. I am truly grateful to have it all.
 
The next time you want to complain, why not try turning it around. Instead, think about something in your life for which you feel grateful. Tell those you are close to that you are grateful they are part of your life. Wake up with an attitude of gratitude, and fall asleep with your last thoughts focused on what you are grateful for in your life.
 
As we enter Fall and as the Thanksgiving season approaches, maybe it is a good time to start focusing on gratitude. Incorporating gratitude into your life truly brings more rewards. More importantly, it brings more happiness and love into you life. Complaining only stimulates fear, insecurity, and an unhappy life. The choice is yours.
 
Wishing you a most epic and loving day from Providenciales.
 
Paul Mauchline
 

 
Five years ago Paul Mauchline launched an in depth North American phase of research into,"LEARNING TO KEEP LOVE IN YOUR LIFE." His new dynamic workshop series, The Art of Loving ™, promises to help you learn the skills you need to succeed in a lasting, loving relationship.
 
He is the founder and director of The Art of Loving Institute based in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, British West Indies.
 
"I'm a researcher, writer, and speaker -- not an accredited counselor or therapist. The purpose of my life's work has been to get people to recognize that LOVE TAKES KNOWLEDGE & EFFORT. The purpose of my articles, soon to be released book, and workshop series is to provide a foundation of skills that will open doors to establish and enhance a more loving attitude towards oneself and others."
 
"THE ART OF LOVING WORKSHOP PROVIDES THE FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING A MORE PASSIONATE AND COMMITTED LOVING LIFE."