Day 21.

I can’t believe it’s been 3 weeks since I started this challenge.  Life goes by way too fast, which is why there’s no point in stressing, worrying, doubting, complaining, etc.  It’s all a complete waste of time.  Just think how different your life would be without doing all those things.  How different would your life be if you enjoyed every moment…if you took in all the little things that life offers you at that moment (good and “bad”) and were just totally grateful for it?  That’s what this challenge has helped me realize.

I’m understanding that what I consider problems or issues or stress or crazy situations is just my perspective of it.  When I shift my perspective to a more positive one, I get different results.  If I just shift my perspective to a grateful one, it changes the entire circumstance.

This challenge has made me feel better, and I’m so grateful for that because I know that feeling good is what it’s all about.  Don’t we all just want to feel good?  Doesn’t our life basically boil down to that one statement…I want to feel good!

When I would get irritated with toys strung all over the house, I would think how grateful we are to have all these toys.  When I want to honk & cuss at the car in front of me for not going fast enough, I would think how grateful I am for being safe and how grateful I am that I get to go wherever it is that I was headed.  When I had to make a choice, I was grateful that I get to make a choice and that I have options.  When I didn’t feel like making dinner, I was grateful that I had food to make, that I had a house to cook it in and clean dishes and gas to heat it.

This feels good!

This gratitude challenge has made me stop, take the time, and write about my gratitude.  I’m so thankful I did.  It puts things in perspective.  I realize more and more everyday just how great I have it, just how great my life is.  It has given me peace, and allows me to just relax and take it all in…to enjoy the now moment.

This feels good!

As you know (or maybe you don’t), I’m a HUGE believer in the Law of Attraction, where like attracts like.  When I have a feeling of appreciation it’s an energy that I radiate.  That energy is drawing to itself more energy of the same quality, so more things are coming into my experience for me to be appreciative of.

This feels good!

The challenge ends today, but I will never stop being grateful.  I will continue to write in my gratitude journal, and I will continue to be open to receive more good things in my life.

WOW – THIS FEELS GOOD!

(And thank you so, so much to everyone that reads my blog!)

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Okay, so I’ve totally slacked on this.  I could easily just blog about my excuses as to why, but I’ll spare you.  Plus, it doesn’t matter.  So, what I’ve done is list the assignments in the 21 day gratitude challenge for the days that I slacked, plus today’s.

Day 16 – Stand in front of the mirror for five minutes and focus on at least five things that you love about yourself. Write them down in your journal.

5 minutes, really?  This was not as easy as it sounds.  Fortunately, it didn’t say stand naked for 5 minutes!!  Looking at myself in the mirror for 5 minutes…I interpretted that to mean “what are the 5 things physically that you love about yourself”.

1.  My hair

2.  My arms

3.  My ass

4.  My complexion

5.  My stomach

I’m truly grateful for these physical attributes, but more than that I’m grateful that my body is healthy, strong, and functions properly (without me knowing how it all works!).

Day 17 – Write about something you feel grateful for in your life today.

This was last Saturday and that day I had lots to be grateful for.  I taught a yoga class that morning.  I hung out with my niece & nephew, enjoyed some gorgeous weather, and had Max’s 4th birthday party.  I could go on and on, but I’d like to just focus on one thing this day.   I’m so, so thankful for the students that show up every week and allow me to guide them in their yoga practice.  They are extremely dedicated students and I’m inspired by them every week!  I’ve been teaching this group of students for many, many years now (I could figure out exactly how many, but it’s late! ) and I’m so thankful to have them in my life.  I learn so much from them.  They are great people, and I really do appreciate them.

Day 18 – For the past three days, you have focused on appreciating what makes you unique. Write about all the things that make you so lovable. Take a moment to appreciate your personal style, talents and charm.

I think what makes me “so lovable” is that I don’t take myself too seriously.  I have a great sense of humor.  I’m completely easy going and don’t get bothered by what others say or do.  I listen more than I talk, and for the most part I like everyone.  And ya know what??  I love all that stuff about myself.  I’m really thankful that I’m this way.  I haven’t always been all these things, but as I’ve grown I’ve really come to love myself more and more.  Thank you for this.  I think it’s a fantastic feeling!

Day 19 – Have confidence in the all the choices you have made today and be grateful for being able to believe in
yourself.

I’m grateful that I believe in myself.  It takes work and I’m glad that I work on it!  I, like you, have doubts.  I really try to identify those doubts, and doubt my doubts.  Sometimes it easily works and others not so much, but I do recognize that it’s all me; that I’m the one that holds myself back, that gets in my own way.  And for that I’m grateful.  I’m grateful that it’s in my hands, and I have control over it.  My confidence and belief in myself starts with me and ends with me.  I’m grateful for the awareness, the pep talks that I give myself, and for the choices I make.

Day 20 – As The Challenge winds down, write a thank you note to yourself. Thank yourself for taking the time to stop and focus on all the little things for which you feel grateful.

Dear Self,

I’m really glad I did this challenge.  Thank you so much for taking the time each day to be aware, to be grateful and to be challenged.  I have been reminded to appreciate the little things and the big things.  My eyes have been opened to just how great I have it.  I have an awesome life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I’m thankful that this challenge was brought to my attention, and that I’ve inspired others to take the challenge as well.  I’m thankful that on those days that I didn’t feel like actually blogging about my gratitude, or didn’t have time that I didn’t quit.  It never once entered my mind to quit.  Thank you!

I’m thankful that I’ve put myself out here, so to speak, and have been more exposed.  It has made me open up in ways that I would have normally kept to myself in a personal gratitude journal.

I’m thankful for the way this challenge has made me feel, and I’m so glad and grateful I did it!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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My assignment today is to “take the time to focus on yourself. Appreciate and give thanks for your unique personality, skills and talents.”

Here we go:

I’m thankful that I know who I am and am true to myself.  I’m thankful for the confidence in who I am and that I don’t feel like I need to be anyone else.

I appreciate the mom that I am, the wife that I am, the friend that I am, but above all that I appreciate who I am.  I know that being a mom, wife, and friend are just labels that we put upon ourselves, and above that, above the ego is me, and I love me.

I’m grateful that I’m laid back and easy going.  I’m thankful that I’m productive and efficient.  I can multitask like nobody’s business (you should see what all I’ve got going on right this moment ) or I can focus on one thing and be completely present for it.

I’m so thankful that I’m healthy and strong.

I’m thankful that I live life in the present moment as best I can, and that I have developed a great sense of awareness.  I appreciate that I’m aware of my thoughts and of my feelings and can change them if I’m not liking the way I feel.

I’m so, so grateful that I have a positive perspective.  I love that I see life through rose colored glasses, and that it’s always sunny and 70 in Katland.

I appreciate my sense of humor (even if I am the only one laughing…those who know me well know that I crack myself up all the time), my wit, my creativity, my passions (that I know what my passions are!), and my ability to let go.

Thank you, Me.  Love, Me

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I skipped making a blog post yesterday on the gratitude challenge because I really wasn’t quite sure what to write.  I was just thinking I’d be repeating myself, which is fine if I’m drunk!  haha  So I just let it go.

The assignment was to write about the challenge thus far and how it has changed my perspective.  This entire year, starting Jan. 1, I’ve been writing in a gratitude journal, so this challenge wasn’t really new to me.  What was new and why I wanted to take the challenge was because I wanted to blog about it everyday, and be accountable to you.

I would have to say that my perspective is always positive, so the challenge hasn’t necessarily changed my perspective about anything.  BUT, and here’s where it gets interesting…

There were 3 times yesterday where out of the blue, just at totally random times I would feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation.  I had this amazing feeling of just how awesome my life is.  It was an energy that came over me that made me feel high, so to speak.  The buzz didn’t last a real long time or anything, but it did keep me going for a while.

I’m so thankful for that feeling because I know that appreciation is an energetic feeling that vibrates at a really high frequency and when we can align energetically to this high frequency we are really connected to all that we are.  (If you are totally confused, read this post)  And, I know that the more we feel good (which gratitude and appreciation make us feel that way) the more good will come our way!

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Day 13 of the 21 day gratitude challenge – I’m loving this challenge, but wow it is a challenge!  I’m not used to blogging so much, but glad (and thankful, of course) that I am.

So the assignment is this –  Pick three friends or family members you see regularly. View their actions and gestures through a positive lens, assuming their goodness and witnessing their best intentions.  –

Nearly all my family and friends are positive people.  Of course they have negative thoughts at times (who doesn’t?), but for the most part they’re positive.  When they’re not, they become aware they’re not (which I think is what’s important!).  I’m extremely grateful to be surrounded by their light.  I think we all help each other shine brighter!

In watching and listening to some of my family and friends here’s what I’ve discovered.  It’s enlightening to witness when life gives you lemons.  At first there may be some bitterness, some stress and some anxiety but in the end it always works itself out.  I’m fortunate (and oh so grateful) that I learned this and grasped onto it a long time ago…so I rarely get stressed.  I just sit back and wait for the lemonade!  But, I see this happening with people around me (and in myself at times)…  A life situation arises (not enough money, not enough time, etc) and at the moment it seems horrible…maybe there’s some bitching, complaining, and just negativity.  We all handle stress in a different way.  At a point, though, there’s a shift.  We see just a little glimpse of light in the darkness and there’s hope.  We start to see a little more lightness and the positivity comes back…more hope, more faith, more confidence, more smiles!

I think that entire process is pretty cool.  I see it play out in different people and with different situations.  For some, the gap between the “horrible” situation and the glimpse of light is wide.  It takes a while.  And in some (depending on the person & the situation), the gap is much shorter.  I’m so thankful that my gap is typically really short, and I’m thankful that I have gotten to witness this and write it down.  I think it totally helps it stick.  It helps me remember that there will be light, there will be lemonade!

So thank you to my family and friends for letting me learn from you.  Thank you for being who you are, for having genuine goodness in your heart and for having only the best of intentions.

I’m thankful for having such positive people in my life.  I’m thankful that we all have hope and faith, and I’m really grateful that I’m aware of this!

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We all know how crummy Mondays can be…especially rainy ones!  So last night before I fell asleep I decided to imagine how great my Monday was going to be.  I envisioned everything I was going to get done and how productive and efficient I would be.  I felt what my day would feel like, and what a good mood I would be in.  And guess what??  It worked!

I had an amazing day.  I had a lot of catching up to do…paper work, pay bills, get organized, phone calls, etc., and I was able to get most of it done.

I felt great paying bills, knowing that I have the money to pay them and they’re all on time (some even early!).  I’m so grateful for this.  I’m grateful that money flows in and money flows out.  I have tremendous appreciation that we have the means to pay our bills and that our credit score is excellent.  Thank you!!!!

I also had to make a few phone calls.  Those kind that are easy to put off; knowing that you’ll be on hold forever and that the person on the other end could dispute what you’re requesting.  BUT I got them done!  I decided before each call that I was going to be positive, kind, patient and thankful.  It really helped.  I felt great for being so nice and I’m sure the person on the other end appreciated it too.  Everyone was so helpful and my requests were made.  Thank you so much to all the customer service type people that helped me today, and thank you, God that I’m not one of them

Thank you for the positive day I had today.  It feels refreshing to get caught up on paper work type stuff, and like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I’m thankful for all the people that helped me today.  I’m reminded that treating people the way I want to be treated is definitely the way to live.  I always try to do this, but today I was really aware of it and I’m so glad and thankful I was.  It made my day a whole lot easier.

Mondays, I love you!

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Day 12 of the 21 day Gratitude Challenge…when will you start?

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Day 10 & 11 of the 21 day gratitude challenge – yes, I skipped a day.  I guess I was just completely present and lost track of a day…or I was too tired last night to write   Either way, I was grateful for my busy day!

Okay so day 10’s assignment was to pick one of my five senses to focus on and take note of how many gifts come to me via that single port.  I chose (drum roll) my sense of taste because I, of course, love to eat!  I could have gone the route of tasting processed chemical laden food, but instead I chose to focus on real food.  Food that comes from a plant or an animal.

Real food is so incredibly good.  I’m so grateful to be able to taste, and to be able to differentiate between foods.  I made a pineapple salsa yesterday and OMG…so good.  All that was in it was pineapple, cilantro & red pepper flakes, but the combination of the sweet and spicy was so delicious.  I put it over shrimp.  Wow, I’m so thankful that I am able to put food in my mouth (can use my arms and hands and can chew, rather than being fed through a tube) and can taste it.  There are so many great foods that are natural.  I’m not only grateful that I can taste it, but that the universe provides it!  We can live a wonderful, healthy life by what nature provides us.  We don’t need processed food to live, and for that I feel a great sense of appreciation.

I’m so thankful that I can taste things and decide whether I like it or not.  I have a choice.  If I decide that I like the way something tastes, I can have more, and I can completely enjoy it.

I love that I have choices and can taste different flavors, that mother nature provides us with everything we need, and that I can enjoy it.  Our sense of taste is so awesome, and I’m so grateful for it!

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Day 11 is to see the world through the eyes of a child, and to think about the things I take for granted on a daily basis.  Then, to express gratitude for everything down to the basic necessities that sustain my current life.  This one is easy because I have 2 kids under 4 and I think about this a lot.  I think about being brought into this world knowing nothing.  Now, let me back peddle a little…I believe babies know a lot.  I think they are way more connected to their sense of Self then we will ever be.  But, I’m talking about not knowing what things are, not knowing how to speak, and experiencing life for the first time.

This really goes back to the 5 senses.  It’s incredible to see a child’s face the first time he tastes a banana, strawberry yogurt, or a piece of candy.  I love to watch the excitement in my children when they see something for the first time.  This past Christmas when Max, my 4 year old, started to understand Santa…just priceless the look on his face when he saw what Santa had brought him.  I’m so thankful to have been able to experience that through his eyes!  I’m also so thankful to have been able to provide as many toys as we did.

Miles, my 2 year old, got a little plastic harmonica for his birthday.  When he heard the sound it made, he completely fell in love with it.  I’m grateful to be able to hear beautiful music, the croak of a frog, the ocean waves crashing in, my children’s laughter, and Miles trying to play that harmonica.

It’s really cute.  Max has just now began to notice that some things stink.  It used to never bother him.  I’d ask “doesn’t that stink?” and I don’t think he really knew what I was talking about.  Now, if he even thinks Miles has a dirty diaper he covers his nose.  I even had him tell me that I smelled good after spraying on perfume.  Our sense of smell is really cool.  I’m thankful that I can smell good food cooking, that I can smell a great candle, and that I can smell something to know if it’s still good or not.

I remember going to my Dad’s house every other weekend as a child and when I’d get there I would notice that my clothes smelled like my mom.  That was so comforting to me.  And when I’d get back home (to my mom’s house) and smell that same smell, I knew I was home!  I just love that smells can remind us of things.  The ability to smell is typically a sense that I take for granted, but really it’s such a blessing.  Thank you, Nose!

I’m thankful for textures and that I can feel.  There are lots of touch and feel baby books, and it’s really neat to watch those little fingers feel.  Since I have 2 little ones in my lap when we read books they both want to feel it.  And now it’s a matter of who goes first.  It’s so funny.  They make me want to feel it and to experience the bumpiness, roughness, or smoothness like it’s my first time.

I love and appreciate that our bodies have the capability to feel.  I’m thankful that I know when I feel good and when I don’t.  I love it that I can feel my emotions and that feeling is a guide.  I’m so grateful for this guide because I know that all I have to do is feel good and everything else will fall into place.  Thank you, thank you for this guidance system.

In summary – I’m thankful for pineapple salsa, Santa Claus, harmonicas, my nose, and touch & feel baby books!!

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I absolutely believe that we are all one.  We look at the same sky.  We drink from one water.  We breathe the same air.  We are one energy.

Marcus Aurelius says this:

“Think often of the bond that unites all things in the universe, and their dependence upon one another.  All things are interwoven with one another; a sacred bond unites them; there is scarcely one thing that is isolated from another. Everything is coordinated, everything works together in giving form to the one universe. The world order is a unity made up of multiplicity: God is one, pervading all things; all being is one, all law is one… and all truth is one…”

While we are all connected, we are also all different.  Each one of us has our own unique abilities, talents, personalities, looks and thoughts.  I am so grateful we have these differences.  Can you imagine life if we were all the same?  How boring!!

I truly appreciate our differences.  I love that we all have different views and ideas.  While I don’t always agree, I keep an open mind.  And I appreciate that we have the freedom to express those different ideas.

I love that I can learn from different people, that I am entertained by different people, and that I can enjoy different people.  Thank you!

I think Bono says it best…

Too late
Tonight
To drag the past out into the light
We’re one, but we’re not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other
One

Thank you, Bono for giving us this song too!!

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Today I’m grateful that my youngest son turned 2 years old.  I’m grateful that we had an “intimate” party for him that was SO much fun.  I’m grateful that we were able to buy him lots of gifts, had a fabulous dinner (I made chicken with spinach, pears & feta – yum!), that my mom-in-law joined us, and that we were all together.  I’m grateful that we’re all healthy, happy & enjoying each other.

I’m so grateful to have my children in my life.  They have brought me so much joy.  They mean the world to me, and I’m so grateful that I’m responsible for them.  They have taught me patience, compassion, how to let go and how to be more present.  They show me what’s truly important.  And, they have taught me that love is infinite!!

I can’t thank you enough!  I love you, Max & Miles

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So I didn’t skip out on day 6 of this 21 day gratitude challenge.  The assignment was to call someone and tell them how much you appreciate them.  I did.  I called my mom.  Made me feel good and I know I made her day!  Thanks again, Mom.  I truly appreciate you.

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My list of things I currently have that I’m ever so grateful for.

–These are in no particular order–

• My friends.
• My house with warm, clean beds, hot running water, full of great furniture, a playroom filled with toys, a pool, a fantastic neighborhood and schools, and most importantly, a place I call home!
• My car.
• That I have a solid marriage.
• My kids.
• My family.
• My Mac.
• My camera.
• My faith.
• That I have support.
• My health.
• That I am inspired.
• My motivation.
• My breath.
• My awareness.
• My ability to always see the bright side of things.
• My clothes.
• My hair, eyes, and sense of feel.
• My jewelry business that’s doing really well.
• My yoga and yoga students.
• That I get to stay at home with my kids.
• That I am free.
• That I have good food to eat.
• That I get older and wiser.
• That I live a dream life….my dream!
• That I have an amazing body to carry me around in.
• That I’m laid back.
• That I know who I am, and have confidence to just be me.
• The love in my heart.
• That I am able to give.
• That I am open to receive.
• That I get to make this list!

THANK YOU   THANK YOU   THANK YOU   THANK YOU

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