It is so interesting to me that just by simply being grateful, one is able to move themselves closer to a healing state, able to remove stress, attract prosperity, calm themselves down, come out of depression, be joyful and even affect others in a positive manner.

http://heartmath.org has done some amazing research into understanding the heart and it is so inspiring for me because I see such great potential in not only helping and healing ourselves and our loved ones, but I see great potential in healing other people, blessing others, lifting others up…and why wouldn’t we? 

My dad and mom raised 9 children, in those days there were many large families and I am so happy and thankful that I was raised in this one. Some of the things that I remember my dad teaching us is to always be kind and caring, loving and compassionate, sharing and respectful.

He always taught us that we are all human beings, all made the same and that we all deserve to have the best life possible. That’s what I remember, that is what I took away from my childhood, in a time when racial discrimination was still alive he made a point of teaching us that was not acceptable.  It was a time when we didn’t lock our doors, we didn’t even take the keys out of the car. We trusted and we were trustworthy. We were grateful for what we had and felt as rich as could be when my dad came home with groceries. 🙂 Oh what joy.

My parents grew up during the “great depression.” Times were more than tough back then, many families sent their children off to orphanages because they couldn’t afford to raise them. I remember my mom telling us about how there was no sugar available here and so people just went without (I now know that having no sugar is a blessing.) She told us how the poor had to eat whole wheat bread and the rich ate white bread. Time sure have changed.

When I was growing up I thought that our family was the only family who was “poor” and that idea didn’t even come into my mind until I started going to school, children will say the darndest things and I was so tender hearted (still am) that I took it all in. I think it makes sense that ,because we are social beings and we have mirroring neurons, we are affected by those around us whether positive or negative. 

In my family growing up, I remember that we were grateful (as grateful as children can be) and I am still grateful to this day no matter what. I feel as though I am among the wealthiest on this planet.

I know that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. So I make a point of speaking gratitude, speaking love, speaking compassion, speaking joy, speaking health; try it if you haven’t already and see how your heart and life becomes overgrown with such an abundance that you cannot help but give it away.

I just wanted to share my painting and some of my thoughts (I could go one forever) on my parents, my life and gratitude.

I also want you all to know that I am writing my blog posts with very little editing so please forgive the errors. If I started editing I would never share anything since it takes so much time for  me to do so.

As my Instagram [heatherdawnkemp ] says, this is “me, as is, the real deal, always living to do better, love more, understand more.”  

This painting is 36 x 48 inches oil on canvas. I see this painting as a testament of love, gratitude, abundance, prosperity, family and value for all the lives we encounter daily. Love is the key.

Where do I envision this piece you might ask? In a beautiful dining room where it can be most appreciated is my first thought, it was created to reside in that special place where Gratitude is paramount in honor of my dad. 

Enjoy your life, take time for your precious self, love others and wow the world.

hugs ❤