Gratitude Journal

In this final 2023 episode, Matthew ruminates on grapefruits, sisters, and 'thank you' cards...all in anticipation of a coming new year.

Matthew's Thanksgiving message on experiencing the 'now' and then letting it go...and how difficult that can be, especially when your mouth is full of turkey!

Although he's still pondering the importance of cucumbers, Matthew provides an update on Donna's cancer diagnosis and an uninvited surprising visit from an old nemesis.

In this episode, Matthew reveals Donna's pathology report...and discusses the value...and the challenge... of performing tasks unconditionally.

In this episode, Matthew ponders the maxim 'G-d never gives you too much to handle'.

In this episode, Matthew arranges the fruit, serves it, and hopes that it can replicate the joy of twisting the throttle on a sunny day on the back-roads of northeast Ohio!

You up for a ride? Let's hit the trail, grateful for fine morning weather and an occasional Port-A-Potty!

Can chocolate teach us about the 'order of the universe'? In this episode, Matthews ponders this great question!

In this episode, Matthew looks at re-purposing our 'damaged' status and how it might benefit those around us.

Gloomy...cold....barren....both with the weather and , perhaps, the soul. In this first episode of 2023, Matthew admits to experiencing all of these lately. But he also offers a possible antidote, courtesy of an often-used line from childhood, on this episode of the Gratitude Journal podcast.

As 2022 comes to a close, Matthew reflects on the thing...or the 'things'....that need to be re-analyzed and re-considered, in order to make 2023 an even better year.  

Are you 'descending'? Have you 'descended'? Let's try to look up...together...on this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast.

In this 100th episode, Matthew expresses gratitude for the stunning New Mexico landscape and for the opportunity to record a 100th episode…and especially for those who download and listen. 

Cryptic message revealed: in this episode, Matthew reveals his 'future plans' for the podcast, while at the same time trying to find meaning in 'this or that'.

Yes...Matthew's demise has been greatly exaggerated! This time around, he explains his absence, his introduction to the world of COVID...and an upcoming BIG announcement!

Holding hands in a dimly bar...listening to the rustling of the leaves...and hoping that a taco place is open on a holiday.  In search of 'moments'? Matthew reflects on these things.  Can we find them, or do they just happen?

In this episode, Matthew tries to find the meaning and the correlation of where the 'beginning' meets the 'end', where they overlap, and how one might take the place of the other.

A West Highland Terrier by the name of 'Izzy' decides that he's had enough.  And Matthew shares his story in this episode about love, loss, and a dog's fixation with cheese.

When is the last time you really 'drilled down' in to your gratitude list? I mean, REALLY drilled down? Who needs bacon when you have cheese Pringles! More about 'gratitude lists', on this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast!

'Needs vs Wants'. 'Wants vs Needs'.  In this latest episode, Matthew reflects on whether one is more important than the other. And if so, which? The 'need to want', or the 'want to need'?

New Year's resolution? Not today. Not ANY day.  In this first episode of the new year, Matthews proposes experimenting with small ways to 'build back better' by shooting for longer-term smaller changes or alterations that might have longer-term effect and positive outcomes. (and who knows...you might STILL lose some weight!)

Is 'preparation' even possible for defending ourselves against 'the big ones'? In this episode, Matthew tries to investigate finding purpose and meaning within the construct of those enormous, life-changing events...and can we make ourselves 'ready' for them?

Happy Thanksgiving! Try to keep up with Matthew as he does his annual Thanksgiving morning sojourn, talking gluttony, gratitude, and hopefully not stepping in doggie-doo-doo!

We pack up some equipment and hit the road this time around, venturing a whole 10 minutes away to the First Congregational Church of Akron, Ohio. The delightful and insightful Senior Minister Rev. Nanette Pitt joins the podcast!  While totally masked and practicing safe social-distancing, Matthew and Reverend Nanette discuss why the 'spiritual discipline of waiting' is something to be grateful for...

What are you doing for YOU?  Does it sound trite? Maybe it isn't, as Matthew takes a peek behind the the 'things of illusion.  Are we processing those things as 'beautiful' or 'painful'? And what does it all have to with being grateful for treating ourselves well?