Gratitude this Season

Although Hurricane Sandy’s fierce winds and pummeling waves occurred 3,000 miles from my home in California, the impact of the storm struck a chord deep within me. Within the hours and days following Sandy’s landfall, as images of NYC blanketed in darkness and decimated New Jersey shore towns made way into our living rooms, I was instantly humbled. And grateful for the simple things I unintentionally take for granted: a hot shower, running water, electricity, a charged computer and cell phone, heat, a nourishing meal, my own bed.

Hurricane Sandy was a reminder to me to say thank you for all I have in my life—at this very moment, right now.

Expressing gratitude is a ritual I incorporate daily in my life. Every morning, before getting out of bed, I say a simple thank you. Deeply appreciative of nature, I do the same every time I walk in the forest or in the local hills. I also keep a journal—where, at the end of the day, just before bed (or whenever), I take a moment to write down things I‘m thankful for. Admittedly, I don’t write religiously in this journal. But I’m working on that.

My yoga practice has played a big part in helping me to work on being mindful…I’ve been practicing for over 20 years. As a result, I am acutely aware of how being grateful—for the simplest things—helps me to appreciate my surroundings more deeply.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day—the day of giving thanks—I am so very grateful for the people—my parents, beautiful daughters, family, friends, colleagues—in my life. I’m grateful for our company and especially to you, our customers for allowing us to turn our passion into great skincare products for well-being and health. And my heart goes out to the east coast, and all affected by Hurricane Sandy – particularly those who’ve lost their homes, cars, personal belongings and entire communities. I’m also, as the rebuilding begins there, encouraged and again, humbled, by the beauty of the human spirit at work. People helping people. People going to extraordinary lengths. One of the most touching stories I’ve heard surrounded a simple photograph unscathed that washed up on Ortley Beach in NJ. The photo was from the 1970s, and showed two women and a man in giant sunglasses, bright swimming suits and I Dream of Jeannie hair. The woman who found it was relentless in finding its owner—posting the photo on FB, Twitter, Pinterest. A family member saw it and reclaimed the treasured heirloom.

The little things. The simple things.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

With love,
Charlene

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