There’s a saying “South Africa is not for sissies” and lately it seems my country is hell bent on living up to that reputation.
From horrific violence against women and children, to rolling blackouts it has been rather challenging to remain upbeat and positive. I’m not telling you this to bring you down, I’m actually hoping to do the opposite!
Because despite how bad things get, no matter where you live or what you’re going through, we can and should do our utmost to find good in the stuff around us.
That might sound naively simplistic – I know slapping a positive bumper sticker on the problem won’t make it go away. But I do believe we always have a choice in how we let circumstances affect us.
Finding joy in things around us despite our hardship is essential to our happiness. And if we can keep reminding ourselves to focus more on the good and less on the bad, collectively we can build a more positive world.
And gratitude is a great place to start! So I’ll go first:
- I’m grateful for the natural beauty that surrounds me daily.
- I love that I see giraffes in the wild on our regular trip up the coast.
- I’m lucky enough to have a husband who backs me 100% in everything I do and still makes me laugh after 20+ years.
- Everyday I’m amazed that I get paid to do what I love.
- I’m deeply grateful to you for supporting me and the wonderful connections I’ve made via email and Instagram.
- And lastly I’m grateful that I can actually add to this list with many, many more examples.
Now you, what are you grateful for? Or maybe you recently had a really good experience when you weren’t expecting one. Leave a comment below, I’d love to read about it!
I’ve been to South Africa once. Beautiful country and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to visit your country when things seems so good then (back in the nineties). And thank you for making those lovely thingies and fonts.
Staying positive seems to take much more discipline the older I get. Life throws us all unavoidable daily curve balls and the challenge to duck them is, well, challenging. Every Christmas, I chronologically display my daughters’ family Christmas cards. This year a new grandson on their card fills me with unmeasurable joy. They remind me how very blessed we. Every time I glance at them, I feel grounded gratitude for what my husband and I started 43 years ago, for the love and support that binds us, for the peace and stability we’ve been gifted, and hope that this newest generation will positively influence this screwed up world.
As a fellow South African I’m grateful for the amazing people I meet everyday, the resilience and strength we have in this country despite everything. I’m grateful for the big blue sky. I’m grateful for all the creative peeps around me. sooo much to be grateful for.
My dear Lisa,
Your email spoke directly to my heart. You are fighting the stay positive battle in the most beautiful way.
I recently found myself waking up one day and realising that I was living in a toxic and abusive environment. I do not know what helped my brain clicked, but it did and ever since I have been struggling to save my baby boy and myself from this madness. I never realized what I had been through, not untill my decision to leave, led to a series of violent explotions and unreasonable aggresiveness. Now, months after, still not as strong as I would like myself to be, I am trying to keep away the ugliness from my mind. I feel unlimited gratitude for my precious baby boy, that I have managed to bring back the smile in his eyes. I am so grateful that I finally took that so important step and now I have a chance to breath freely again. Every day is a a blessing, even the tough ones that the nightmare returns and the darkness of his threats keep me awake. I am grateful for the strengh I find for my son and myself. Somedays it is harder to smile than others, however light always wins over darkness.
For all the people that are struggling with their own nightmares I dedicate my new favorite song “defying gravity”.
How brave and courageous you are Olga! You’re an inspiration to all women out there facing such a dreadful situation. You may feel like you have a way to go, but you’ve already taken the hardest step and that takes true courage! Sending you and your baby boy many warm wishes and love xoxo
I’m thankful to people like Lisa, who remind the world there is always beauty — if we take the time to have a grateful heart, pause and look around us.
I am grateful that that I have a collection of talented and beautiful friends that make the world a better place by doing what they do best. I am grateful for tenacities call get out there and explore this amazing thing called life. I am grateful for dreams unfulfilled because in the journey towards those dreams my true purpose has been realized. I am grateful for the gift of photography for it has given me a tool in which to take notes of my life that way at the end of it when God asks me what I learned from life I will have a killer slideshow to show him. I am grateful that I have learned to art to love and be loved, knowing that I am never alone. Lastly I am grateful for the opportunity to stay and be connected to kindred spirits around the world so that on this Sunday morning I have been inspired to pause and write what it is I am grateful for this morning. Stay Awesome Lisa Glanz…I know I will. Happy Holidays.
Dear Lisa,
I have never met you but I feel like we’re friends, especially because you have answered me personally.
I have purchased many of your products even though I haven’t and don’t know how to use most of them. I love your art and I love believing in my own small way I am helping to endorse and support your efforts.
I believe my life is in crisis taking care of my almost 94 yo mother and living in a country with a crazy President but it is nothing compared to people in your country.
I heard an interview on the radio very late last night with a man who is the grandson of your former leader that started apartheid and is working to reverse its very harmful effects. I thought of you and then this morning you were there in my inbox talking to me and others who love and support your work. Thank you for touching our hearts. We need beauty in this crazy world. Thank you for the reminder to be thankful.
May you and all those who value the beauty you bring into the world find some peace and joy.
With gratitude,
Laverne
You are so lovely Laverne! I feel so blessed to have met so many amazing people like yourself from all over the world, and like you said, feel like friends! 🙂 You are so kind and your support means the world to me. Sending you love and strength as you take care of your mom xoxo
I just did a Gratitude list the other morning because I am feeling very “stuck.” My dad passed away the first week in December after a lengthy illness. Right now there is a “grayness” to everything. My sister, her family and I have been trying to help my mom who (because of their ages), has her own health issues. I’m a single mom, with no full time job which can be challenging. But there is always something (in my case lots of things) to be grateful for.
So sorry for your loss Christine. What you’re going through sounds heartbreaking. That grayness really affects the way the world seems. I wish I could give you the biggest hug, but what I can do is send you love 🙂 And also say that you’re wonderful to take the time to leave a comment, you words will remind others to keep going, there’s lots to be grateful for!
My husband surprised me with a trip to Africa for our 25th Anniversary. It had been a dream of mine to go since I was little and my walls were always covered in national geographic photos instead of pop stars when I was a teen. It’s sad to see so many problems in such gorgeous parts of the world. I wonder sometimes if being in a cold country like Canada, Denmark, Sweden.. People are so busy ensuring they can survive over the winter, there is less time for unrest? It was just a thought I had when it seemed many warm countries with stunning nature seemed to have so much poverty and crime.
I have PTSD and anxiety but my sense of humour helps a great deal. You’re right Lisa that it helps if you look to find joy in the simple things in life. Oh to see giraffes on a drive! We watch the antics of the squirrels out in the garden. My husband names them .Ok. He calls any red one Big Red after a bully who nested next to our patio and gave us what-for whenever another squirrel or we dared to venture onto his territory) He gave daily reports on what it was up to. Now we have Son of Big Red. It’s a source of constant laughs.
Nature can be such a balm to soothe your mind and soul. Perhaps some people could use more nature and less material things to make and keep them happy. There’s an abundance of nature. <3
Oh yes!!!! 100%!! Nature is a natural healer and as you said, a source of endless joy and entertainment. Your story made me laugh! I hope Son of Big Red knows he has big shoes to fill! 🙂 Thank you for brightening my day! xxx
Thank you sister.
My country is on fire (quite literally) and the menfolk that run it are standing around denying their stupidity and craven short term focus has anything to do with it. My kids are starting to worry about about their future and the future of the birds, bees and other creatures that mean so much to them.
It is the ‘not seeing’ that is the risk to our future and the arts have such a vital role in helping us see, appreciate and value the world and the creatures we share it with. I’m grateful for you and your vision and the warmth and joy your art brings to this world.
Amen Sister! And I’m grateful for you for raising beautiful souls who fill me with hope that the younger generation will fight for their Earth xxx
Dear Lisa, I am thankful and grateful for every day of life, now especially, since I actually died on the operating table two years ago and was brought back to life by the grace of God and wonderful physicians guided by his hands. I have always been a positive person, but something like that makes a person even more so when you realize that every day forward is just a gift to you.
I am grateful for you and others I have met online and have actually corresponded with since starting on my art journey. Art has become my outlet as well.
I am grateful for my own husband who is so supportive too, and I am grateful for the upbringing my parents gave me that has encouraged me throughout my life.
I am also grateful for the ideas of hope and courage that come to me when I see others in the world around me in need. It helps me realize that I am not alone in my trials and that everyone needs people who care about them.
Thank you for your caring, sharing and grateful attitude.
P.S. Please enjoy your time off on holiday, and I look forward to hearing from you when you are back.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your inspiration. I do love your work and have purchased it. I have met many lovely South African people who have emigrated to Australia, and I admire their wonderful resilience. I wish you joy over the coming holidays and look forward to finding more of your great art.
Hi Lisa – Thanks for sharing the reminder to be grateful! Excellent advice in these times. I’m grateful to a God in heaven for His grace and mercy, then my family and friends, and – one of the first things that popped into my mind – people like you that are willing to share their artwork in a way that some of us that aren’t talented in that area – are able to put to use in creative ways. I believe sharing with a free heart is rewarded in many ways – and I hope those ways find you!
Hi Lisa – I’m grateful for my friend Jennie. She always encourages me keep on doing my art, especially when I don’t think my work is good enough. Plus she’s terrific at getting me out an feeling better when I’m depressed. Finally I’m grateful for the day, 19 years ago when I walked into her framing store and she let me rearrange the art work on the wall. Since then I’ve enjoyed volunteering at her place of business. Learned a lot about framing and having the opportunity to see beautiful pieces of art.
I love your positive attitude. Sending love and prayers for you and your country as you try to stay positive in the midst of trials. May you find peace and true joy at this special holiday season!
I was going through a difficult situation at home and was feeling really down, then the unexpected happened, I grabbed my phone, checked my e-mails and right there, in one of those e-mails were the exactly right words I needed to read to make me feel better. It was Liza Glanz’s note about gratitude. Thank you for the reminder
Aw! Gina! So glad the email came at the right time! I hope your difficult situation is resolved soon. Sending many good wishes and love your way xoxo
As a fellow South African I can totally empathise, but yet daily I am reminded of and grateful for the friendliness & resilience and of course the wonderful sense of humour of fellow South Africans. Thank you for the beauty you bring to the world with your art and for flying the flag high!
I’m grateful for people like you who help me to stop and take note of the things in my life that are waiting to be appreciated. My hubby, son in college, our dogs, family, blue sky, clouds, snow, birds….
Lisa ~ I am grateful for the natural beauty in this world and for artists such as yourself, who bring it to life in a different way. The world does seem darker now than just a few years ago but perhaps it is just because we are right before the dawn…. I pray that is true.
In the meantime we must all do what we can to make small changes in our world in a positive way so that optimism, hope, tolerance, and love find a larger place in the world. I am a big believer that many small positives will add up to a larger sum and cancel the negative…. your art is one way! Thank you.
Dear Lisa,
In a world of consumerism, where we are bombarded with sales and discounts in every newsletter, your message was a breath of fresh air.
Thank you for your inspirational message, it takes courage and understanding of oneself to speak of being grateful in a world full of conflicts.
I am grateful for being alive, for your message and for everyone’s positive messages in this post.
We are all struggling with something in our lives. Nevertheless, this post and all the replies, show how many of us can clearly see that gratitude is what we need to find peace.
I wish Lisa and everyone a wonderful life and finish with two inspiring quotes from Prem Rawat.
“To give thanks for being alive – that’s called gratitude.”
“You always have a choice. Choose wisely.”
Maria Teresa – Portugal
My partner died in May of this year at the age of 44, after 2 years of fighting cancer. He was diagnosed the same day we buried his 45-year-old brother, a victim of another cancer.
I am very grateful to life for being healthy and being able to spend time with my 13 and 17children. And I´m grateful also because there are designers like Lisa Glanz able to make me smile every morning just by looking at her drawings.
I design invitations, and other things using his drawings and that served as a therapy throughout the disease because I concentrated on something else.
So very sorry for your loss Susana! I can’t imagine the heartache you’re feeling. You are an inspiration to use all – finding gratitude at a time of sorrow takes a special person. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m truly honoured that my work brought some joy to your day xoxo
Thank you so much, Lisa!
I’m truly touched to be reading amazing stories of both tremendous joy and heartache! I hope we all take comfort in knowing there is so much hope and compassion around us and together we are stronger. Thank you for taking the time to leave these beautiful words here, you never know what they could mean for someone and the difference they can make. For me, it has lifted my spirits immensely and I’m so grateful for the wonderful community I share my work with.
You are amazing!
With love
Lisa
xoxo
I’m grateful for the IVF coverage my company has offered. Last year, more than 70% of women in the US who went through it had no coverage. I’m grateful I even have the opportunity as it is a privilege and knowing that without that insurance I couldn’t afford it. I’m grateful for the baby that I might bring into the world and am full of hope and love.
Thank you, Lisa, for asking us to share what we’re grateful for. For starters I’m forever grateful for the young man who died in prison that allowed me to have his kidney. I’m also grateful to people like you who are inspiring, motivating, and overall helpful to those who are learning a new skill. God bless you this holiday season, and enjoy your well deserved vacation!
I spent the past weekend with my nearest and dearest family in Tulbagh, surrounded by beautiful mountains and fields. I am grateful for the special memories made in such a beautiful place.
This year, my son was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. He was treated at Groote Schuur Hospital where there are extremely good, hardworking people (from doctors to nurses to cleaners to kitchen staff). They saved his life and I will be forever grateful. Despite South Africa’s immense problems, there are veins of gold. Thank you for so generously sharing your tags, they are going to make a perfect finish to my Christmas gifts!
Thank you for this reminder! I’ve been working on not allowing gratitude to be tied only to circumstances, but in developing it as an attribute – the way I experience the world no matter what the circumstances are. It’s not easy, but brings me so much peace. I’m especially grateful to live in a time when the world is smaller and I can connect and learn from people across continents and oceans. I’m grateful to have literature and research from throughout history – right at my fingertips. And I’m grateful to have the time and means to develop skills and share what I’ve learned.
Lisa, I just love your artwork, every time I see it, it puts a smile on my face!!! I’m not good with technology, but your artwork makes me want to learn, so I can really enjoy your artwork to it’s fullest potential. I currently use the purchased artwork like stickers in my letters to loved ones, but when I see you layering the texture effects with boarders and papers, wow!!! As for what I’m grateful for…God! As life throws me difficulties, I go to God in prayer for comfort and guidance and at the end of the journey, I’m amazed at, (yes, I’d rather not have had the stress) but look how many kind and helpful people I’ve met along the way! If I was never placed in this situation, I would have never had a reason to see their goodness and know so many people like this are out there!
What a beautiful attitude to have Patty! Thank you for leaving such a lovely comment. I hope you manage to get more comfortable with technology so you can create even more wonderful things for your lucky friends and family 🙂 Thank you so much for all your ongoing support x
Australia is burning and while I am so grateful that my little town on the South Coast of NSW was spared when the fires were very near me I am so so sad and am struggling with knowing of all the wildlife that has been lost or hurt, or the animals that survived have lost their habitat or family. It breaks my heart every day. But one thing I am truly grateful for is the Love of my dog. I Love and adore her more than anyone or anything in this world. I don’t take one second for granted being with her, I cherish every single moment. I am so grateful we found each other. Thank you Lisa for this awesome website and sharing your art with the world.
Hi Allee! The fires are just terrible and extremely heartbreaking! Like you I always think of the wildlife, unfortunately my imaginative mind sends me down horrific rabbit holes of suffering when fires are raging – here in the Western Cape of South Africa we’ve had some devastating fires also intentionally set some years back. Some animals can’t move fast enough to escape 🙁 But enough of those horrible thoughts! I love my dog and cats too! more than anything in the world! Ok, maybe Cliff my other half might share the spot 🙂 But for me they are my world! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and taking the time to leave a comment. Thinking of you and all the animals and people in Australia x