Gratitude Journal

In this audio/video episode, Matthew reveals an honest assessment of his current mental state...and how something as simple as a train whistle can hopefully re-center us, amongst the daily chaos.

In this episode, Matthew continues to explore 'loss' and the death of his parents. For 'TheGratitudeJournal' on YouTube, please search TheGratitudeJournal.

In this episode, Matthew reveals the recent loss of his parents, as well as the gratitude found in a time of loss.

In this episode, Matthew recounts his 12 hours in the Emergency Room and why the most unlikely people can help us realize a brief whiff of 'gratitude'.

Look out all other aircraft: Matthew is in the sky!

Can we learn something from Donald Trump? In this episodes, Matthew discusses the crutch called 'being a victim', and why it's necessary to identify the warning sins and how to deal with the aftermath.

In this episode, Matthew leans into finding merit and worth in the smaller, less-noticeable events in which to discover, and uncover, gratitude.

New eyes, a sweet tooth, and a chance meeting with a VERY large dog, on this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast.

In this episode, Matthew gets new eyes, expands his care-giving duties, and checks the box-score of his beloved (?) Cleveland Guardians.

A tray of cookies. Should you have one? Two? 'Making Your Peace' with the trials and tribulations, in this episode of the Gratitude Journal podcast.

Matthew elaborates on how NOT to beat yourself up too badly over 'regret'.

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, her journey to the U.S, from South Africa, and why she chose a path 'on the side of God and on the side of love in this life'.

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?

Can the trite, often-over-used declarations from TV's 'talking heads' teach us anything about finding gratitude? Let's find out, in this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast.

The warm sound of 'vinyl'. The warm feeling of a liquid being inserted in to your vein. Same thing?  In this episode, Matthew used his old album-collection to help focus on 'the past', where it sits, where it should be allowed, and how it sizes up things for the present.

What can 'Words With Friends' teach us about 'gratitude'? Who cares if you have bad letters...it's our job to make them work! Passive vs Active, in this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast! 

Wanna go for a ride? In this episode, Matthew breaks open the bicycle helmet, turns on the small lav microphone, and embarks on the Freedom Trail, taking you with him as he discusses the value of the 'what-if' moment.

First 'good', then 'bad'. Then back to 'good', and then returning to 'bad'. In this episode, Matthew uses 'celebration' and 'loss' as entry-points into a discussion on 'duality', and how the 'yin and yang' of our lives are indirectly dependent on each other!

'Indians', 'Wahoo', and a lifetime of baseball memories! In this episode, Matthew says 'goodbye' to his beloved baseball team, reflects on the difficulty of new beginnings, and why 'baseball' is still the greatest game ever invented.

Did that person thank you?  In this episode, Matthew ponders the reasons we do what we do and the impact on our 'gratitude expectations'.

'Solitude' vs 'Being Alone'.  How much of a difference is there? And in the midst of bone-crushing loneliness, can any gratitude be found? That's next, in the episode of the 'The Gratitude Journal' podcast! 

Your house is burning down...what do you take? What's most important? Is this episode, Matthew gives thought to the things of 'value' and the things of value that we may even part with, so that other can derive value from them. Is it even possible?

Anyone ever help you 'change direction'? Anyone force you off the road you were on? Was it for the better? Or worse? In this episode, Matthew chats about the people who helped him 'veer off course', and the effect that that fork in the road had on his life.

Either/or? Could be or could not be?  Can 'past' be 'present' again? In this episode, Matthew reflects on being appreciated by former employers, consuming exceptional pizza, and carving up the roads on a Triumph...but maybe not in that order.  If things like these can no longer be experienced, is being grateful that we had the chance to have them in our life enough?

When crap turns to...not-so-crappy?  In this episode, Matthew ponders the 'bad'...and how, potentially, we can dig deeper to find the 'good'.  Just maybe.

Prior to hitting the road for his sister's wedding, Matthew urges subscribers and non-listeners alike: get vaccine, people!

Can a nun lay the groundwork for standing up for yourself? In this episode, Matthew gives 'gratitude props' to Sister Mary Dorothy, the young, intelligent nun who encouraged questioning the teacher and the teachings.

Can 'memory foam' mold is in to being more grateful? Matthew throws back the covers on 'the bed', in this episode of 'The Gratitude Journal Podcast'.