Gratitude

This is a little article I wrote for the WoMen's Literary Cafe Gratitude Blog Hop, November 16, 2011

Gratitude, by Melissa Foster

If you are following our blog hop, then you are reading many blogs about gratitude. I’m going to present this one from a little different slant. Enjoy!

G – Giving without expecting something in return is the best gift of all.

R – Receiving is a sign that you are appreciated. Share it with someone else. Pay—it-forward

A – Appreciation can be shown in many forms; a smile, a thank you, a gift, or even just a wave. It’s easy to do. Reach out, show your appreciation for others.

T – Thanking someone is one way to show you appreciate them. Sometimes, a thank you is nice to receive when you haven’t done anything other than being you. Perhaps you can share that with someone today.

I – Including others in your life and in your success is a wonderful gift. Try it.

T – Tell someone what you like about them for no reason at all—you’ll make their day.

U – Unhappiness comes from within. Helping others can help your happiness. Try it.

D – Delve deep into why you do things—is it for others or for yourself? If it’s all for you, change it up a bit. You might find greater results.

E – Expecting friends to help you is not being a true friend. Expecting yourself to help others is. Know the difference. Share your love.

A little preachy? Maybe, but it’s from the heart and I hope you enjoy it as well as the free books you receive on our gratitude blog tour. We are truly grateful for all of the support we receive from readers, bloggers, authors, and friends. WoMen’s Literary Café (www.womenslitcafe.com) is all about giving back. Join us!

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"—Author Jennie Shortridge

"Foster's latest novel is in the same league as books written by such authors as Nicholas Sparks, Jennifer Weiner, and Kristin Hannah."–Author Carrie Green

Melissa Foster is the bestselling, award-winning author of three novels, Megan's Way, Chasing Amanda, and Come Back to Me. She has also been published in Indie Chicks, and anthology. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, and the WoMen's Literary Cafe, a cross-promotional site for authors, reviewers, bloggers, and readers. Melissa is currently collaborating in the film production of Megan's Way, and hard at work on her next novel.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest or her personal website.