41, 42...

Day 41: I'm thankful for forgiveness. Not necessarily saying. "I forgive you," but the kind that way you can do it on your own, without even speaking to the other party. It's easy to carry anger and bitterness around, and in the past I've been guilty to hold many grudges, however we all know that just makes the person holding onto those negative emotions feel worse. Recently, since the summer, I've discovered forgiveness as a way to make myself feel better against those who have hurt me in the past. I will take what they did, use it as a lesson, but move on without anger towards them. Yesterday, Saturday, I was thankful for forgiveness...and everyday really, because I enjoy walking through life with a happy heart.

42! MUSICALS! I love musicals! I want to scream from a rooftop how much I love them, but instead I will just blog about it. I saw Les Mis today and it.was.fabulous. I saw the movie with two of my great friends and I am thankful that we went together, and sang along..OK it was just me singing and humming, but it was so nice to be with them! I love me a good show tune, and especially one with a love story linked to it!

39, 40...

Day 39! Snow day! Didn't post, because when there is a Snow Day "no rules!" applies. This stems back from college when we would have days off from class due to wintry weather. So how did I spend my snow day? I went to yoga, watched the whole season of Girls and then went to Max's and imbibed on copious amounts of wine. :) No rules! Thankful for snow days, big time!!

Day 40: Today I'm thankful for random acts of kindness. The snow storm left my VW Bug covered! When I walked to my car this morning I noticed someone had traced a heart and a smiley face and the words, "Be Kind," on the back. It put a smile on my face immediately and reminded me that hearts and smiley faces do make everything better. Today I plan on listening to the words and being kind. So, even though my boss just walked into my office on a Friday morning with menial tasks that waste time that could be spent on better things, I will be kind. Yes. Yes, I will. :)

38

Day 38!

Thankful today for Trader Joes and it's proximity to where I work. This evening I make the trek back to Saratoga and I'm going to stock up on healthy treats from TJs because of the impending storm heading our way. TJs affordable, healthy and sometimes organic selection rocks-my-world.

Christmas

...and I don't know what day it is. I lost count.

Today I'm thankful to have spent the holiday with my parents. Both of them. It was a nice twenty-four hours filled with dog walks, fires, singing, food, cuddling, more food, and general Christmas merriment. While tradition was different this year due to my work schedule, (miss you grandma and grandpa, cousins, aunts and uncles) we were still able to enjoy a day off together. Things may be different come next year, but for right now, Dec 25th, 2012, we had a very nice time together.

Speak Up!

Today, on this sunny Christmas eve, I'm thankful for having the courage to speak up, always...when it comes to dating and men. I am also thankful for this article, which sums up my thoughts on relationships quite perfectly.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/opinion/sunday/the-downside-of-cohabiting-before-marriage.html?pagewanted=all&_r=3&

Here's to self respect, not doing things out of convenience, being brave enough to ask for what you want and what you need in a relationship and having the awareness to walk away when those needs and desires aren't being fulfilled.

Boom.

There is ALWAYS a Reason to Party

Day 34: I'm thankful for being out of college. Don't get me wrong college and grad school were definitely noteworthy and I met some of my best friends there, however, the way I treated my body during closet was similar to a dumpster. The late night binge drinking, the pizza, the lack of sleep, the late night binge drinking again...ugh, I tire just at writing it. So, in those regards, I'm thankful to be out of college. Why am I thankful for this on Day 34? Because last night a friend from college through his annual Holiday Party and as soon as I walked through his doorway I took a time travel machine back to 2002-2006! It was messy, but fun, and I think I see signs of six pack abs from laughing so hard. These boys are so much fun and they always have a reason to party.....I just can't hang like I once could.

Day 35: Today I'm thankful for Yoga Fuel. It's a vitamin/supplement that you take before you go into hot yoga. It's packed with natural electrolytes and goodness. I swear those were the only thing that got me through my Bikram class this evening. woof. I was tireddddd. Off to bed, Christmas eve tomorrow!!

<3

We're Still Here!

I'm thankful the world didn't end today. Life is really cool and I wanna keep l-i-v-i-n'!

Baggage.

Gross. Even the word makes me cringe. My baggage, other peoples baggage...woof. I've come to terms with the general baggage that exists in the world, but I never thought I'd be thankful for it, until recently. I have a friend who is going through a tough break up. It happens, we've all been there. It's taking me back to a tough break up I went though, and now looking back, I can honestly say I'm so thankful for the lessons I learned. While they didn't appear to be lessons at the time, they have really taught me the value of standards. I feel I'm a stronger individual with a butt load of self respect.

No one could have taught me and it's something everyone has to experience, and although the experience sucks immensely at the time, I can confidently say that I am a better person for having gone through such an event. My heart is stronger and softer at the same time.

Not only did I find it helps with romantic relationships, but just relationships in general. When you come to terms with your baggage and just let it be what it is, you have more time to fill your life with things and people you love. I think when we accept our past we can really move forward and live a life that's sweet, honest and fulfilling, at least for me it's working. :)

Would Ya Look At That..

My horoscope today reads:

"You may come to realize today that fortune has been on your side throughout your life. As you gaze about you at the individual empire you have built, you will likely feel the weight of your own abundance settle on your shoulders. If you can disregard thoughts of the hypothetical catastrophes that may befall you in the future, you can feel real gratitude where your prosperity is concerned. You may be inspired to not only thank the universe but also those individuals who supported you while your current quest for satisfaction was in its infancy. Today can be a wonderful time to share your literal and figurative wealth with those who have not enjoyed the same opportunities and advantages.
When we understand the extent of, and are truly grateful for, the blessings we have received, we naturally feel inspired to do what we can to ensure that others can enjoy the same advantages that allowed us to prosper. Those people who feel disadvantaged have little impetus to share their abundance, as they are afraid to lose what they have acquired over time. We lose this reticence when we are secure in our prosperity, thankful for what we have achieved yet certain that there is more to come. Often, it is the appreciation for the help we have been given that inspires us to spread our life’s richness among those in need. As you come to appreciate the overwhelming fullness of your life today, you will learn the true value of wealth and spiritual plenty."

So today, on day 31 of my journey, I'm gonna thank EVERYONE I've ever crossed paths with. You, in someway, shape or form, have changed me, taught me or helped me. Thanks peeps! : )

29, 30...

Another day passed without a chance to blog. Is the holiday season an acceptable excuse? I'm going to tell myself so.

29: The 29th day fell on a Monday. Work was typical, but my evening was anything but. The Lumineers, an alternative/rock/folk band came to visit upstate NY and play for FREE. I was lucky enough to have an in allowing me to skip waiting on line and roll up to the show at my leisure. Now while I'm very grateful for that "in," I already praised them early on in this blog, and the rule is not to repeat. So a quick thanks to EQX but thankfulness and gratitude on this day is for FANS. FANS EVERYWHERE. Whether they be sporting events, musical events, dance, etc! Fans are the shit! They pack houses and cheer and love and follow their favorite teams, bands, etc all over the world. They are the glue that can turn a small band from Colorado into big time stars and that was displayed last night. Fans ROCK! I love being a fan and I love finding new people, places and things to appreciate.

Day 30! One month in! Noticing different changes in my perspective and also how people are treating me. I also think that gratitude may have something to do with the Law of Attraction and also "paying it forward." I don't want to say my luck is changing because I don't believe in luck, but for lack of better example, that's what the past 30 days has felt like. Hm? We'll see!

Today, on day 30, I'm thankful for chickens...well hens. They lay eggs. While I'm sure my mom would love for me to follow in her Vegan footsteps, I can't commit to that yet. I also feel that I don't have enough time in my day to devote to creative vegan/vegetarian dishes that would allow me to garner the nutrients I need, as well as enjoy the foods that I love. So today, I made myself dippy eggs and as I was eating them and savoring them, I thought, "man, I am so thankful for this egg, wherever it came from." (unfortunately this dozen I bought wasn't local or organic, but usually I do aim in that direction.) I ate my 2 dippy eggs, or over easy some would say, with two slices of 8 Grain Toast from RockHill Bakery. It was delightful. Thanks chickens for all your hard work and all your delicious product. I hope that where ever you are you are treated kindly, with respect and humanely.

27, 28....

Day 27: I missed updating this blog because I was traveling with some of the finest, Bikram teachers I know. I was lucky enough to join these esteemed women for a 2nd year, down to the city. We took yoga classes, shopped, loved, and devoted consecutive hours to each other as opposed to just seeing them in the studio. There are never enough hours in the day, so being able to take this trip was something I was truly thankful for. Each of us cleared our calenders because not only are we friends, but we're coworkers and we realize that team building and spending time together makes that well oiled machine, that is Hot Yoga Saratoga, work! It was a great 36 hours and I'm so lucky to have these women in my life.

Day 28! Today! Sunday! I'm thankful for finishing my Christmas shopping. I was able to find gifts that will be welcomed by each one of my loved ones. I love finding an item for someone and just thinking, "they're going to LOVE this!" The gift of giving is gosh darn, heart-warming and I'm thankful to have completed my gift shopping prior to the holiday. Now all that's left is wrapping and sending them off!

<3

Elephant Journal

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/12/december-21st-a-mayan-manifesto/

Today I show gratitude toward a blog/online magazine that I pay hommage to each day. Filled with different authors and perspectives, combined with current events this site is divine.

Here, the link above, is a prime example of why I dig it so much. I could read that share over and over.

Thanks to Waylon Lewis and the gang over at EJ. Keep rockin' my world.

Da Roof.

Today I'm thankful for being able to have a roof over my head. I'm thankful for my job, essentially. Today I met with a client who was struggling hardcore and all she desires is to find a job. Her motivation and determination are fierce qualities and ultimately I know she'll be able to find a position somewhere permanent, but for now, she isn't working.

I'm thankful that I work hard everyday to provide and sustain a life for myself. I will aim to not wake up in the morning cursing the heavens above and complaining about having to go in. I like my job and it pays the bills. I dig it.

Gratitude - Day 24

'Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.' -Eileen Caddy.

It seems that this is very true, and today I'm thankful for little universal signs that keep reminding me that this blog was a good idea, like the quote above that popped up in my Facebook Newsfeed this morning. Aside from minor things, I find myself genuinely more happy, more giving, more optimistic. I find that when faced with something displeasing I can easily shake it off or find a way to make it better. The most trouble I've been facing is with different people and personality types and that is the hardest to work through. I realized that I have to dig deep down to tolerate certain people and to accept them for who they are. It takes lots of strength to realize everyone is fighting a different battle. That realization is the key to accepting others and still maintaining a positive outlook.

Keep on keepin' on.

Smiling.

Today's theme is smiling and I'm extremely thankful for all kinds of smiles.

Yesterday, a Yogi Tea phrase read, "Inspiring others towards happiness brings you happiness."

Today my daily quote calender read, "Happiness is not an individual matter. When you are able to bring relief, or bring back the smile to one person, not only that person profits, but you also profit." -Thich Nhat Hanh

THEN Tonight's Chinese Fortune Cookie read, "Your Smile is a curve that can get a lot of things straight."

In addition to these reminders of how to spread and receive happiness, I received an email from a client of mine. While I can't get into detail for breach of confidentiality, the end salutation read, "thanks for bringing a smile to my face." I literally threw my arms up in the air and did a little dance. I felt overjoyed from a simple email. I work hard as a counselor, to do my best for each individual but it often goes unnoticed. It's nice to hear that feedback every so often.

So with all that, I'm thankful for he ability to smile, through thick and thin. A simple smile at a stranger can make you feel infinitely better and your brain associates the action and links it to emotion!

So yes, I'm thankful for smiling. "Smiling's my favorite." -Buddy The Elf.

Day 22.

Today I'm thankful for my coworkers. I know many of you who may be reading this may be shocked, but it's true. Despite every ones quirks we work as a team, and a winning team at that. Today we have our annual holiday party and I'll be able to socialize and spend time with them outside of the office. The care and effort they put into their work translates to who they are as people. I respect them and I am proud to be able to work side-by-side with them daily. I am lucky to have made some bonds that extend outside of work and I'm truly thankful!

Happy Holidays ACCES VR! : )

HEATHER!

Today I'm thankful for Heather! She just walked into the yoga studio wearing bright pink which matches her bright personality. Heath is full of energy and loves to laugh. We met in yoga and have been sisters ever since. We found out we have a lot of common interests and we're both Aquarius!

Heather is determined, motivated and intelligent.  She is successful and fashionable and is always looking for fun. Her positivity is contagious and she surrounds herself with LIGHT. I am so thankful she's in my life. There isn't a day that passes where we don't text, share music or hang out. Heath, I love ya mama!!

Today is day 21 of my Gratitude Blog and I'm feeling so good! I love the holiday season and it's even better when I can share it with friends like Heather!

<3

Address Labels

Today, even though I don't own them, I'm thankful for address labels which save people time and hand cramps when writing Christmas cards or any card for that matter!

I just finished my cards and I wish I had those sticky labels! Next year!

FRIDAY

Today I'm thankful for Google Chat. A social networking tool that gets me through my day. I can chat with my friend Kaleigh, while writing my boring case notes. Kaleigh is a great friend from college and her and I have stayed in touch ever since. When Kay lived in Saratoga we were able to see each other much more, but thanks to G-Chat we maintain our bond just fine.

Kaleigh is hilarious. And she calls me, "Boo." And she looks like Kate Middleton, but she isn't pregnant which makes her way cooler.

Love ya Kay!

What Day Is It?

It has been a whirlwind of a week, since last Wednesday! I've been non-stop and my body is letting me know. I feel run down and on the verge of getting sick. Today I'm thankful for the ability to know my body inside and out. I know what I'm doing too much and when I need to slow down. So I have been. This weekend will be very low key and I'm looking forward to it.

Naps.

Definitely, 10000% thankful for naps.

The end.

Double Time

It's hard for me to blog on the weekends because I don't have Internet connection at my apartment and posting from my cell phone isn't the easiest. I know, a sad excuse, however it's true.

Today is another double post, to make up for what I lacked yesterday.

Yesterday I was extremely thankful for the turnout at my class that I lead at hot yoga Saratoga. With that, I'm very thankful for being able to lead yoga classes. I teach Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons and it's a great way to spend a part of my weekend. I get to share what I love with others and it feels amazing.

Today I'm thankful for the Kear brothers and it so happens that today is their birthday. I met Casey and Tucker in college and we've been besties ever since. While they may not live so close anymore I know they're a text or drive away. Luckily, they both love Saratoga so much that they are always coming to visit the area so I get to see them pretty often throughout the year. I'm thankful for their positivity, their comforting presence and their ability to make everyone laugh. They are the best and I'm so thankful they are in my life.

Dancing

Dancing. Most definitely dancing. Yup!

TGIF

Today I'm thankful for Fridays.
Bing-bang-boom.


Happy Friday!

oops!

I forgot to post yesterday! Already slipping and it's only the 2nd week. In my defense, I was busy cooking and getting my apartment ready for Friendsgiving! A group of friends I hold near and dear to my heart were over last night celebrating the holiday season. I feel OK not posting because right before we ate dinner, we all held hands and went around the table sharing one thing we are thankful for. So technically, I did share. I shared being thankful for a roof over my head, food on my plate and friends to share it with.  It was a lovely evening and I was pleased with my domesticity skillzzz. haha ;)

So that was yesterday, today I am thankful for being able to work in the field one day per week. The county I assist for work is Greene County and parts of Columbia County. Since most of my clients can't easily get to Albany, where my office is, I travel to them. I enjoy being able to get out of the office each week. It breaks the week up and makes it move a little faster. It's nice to have the autonomy to leave as well. I don't have supervisors breathing down my back, and I'm free to counsel and assist my clients as needed.

All caught up...have a happy Thursday!

Real Food

Today I'm thankful for real food, and by that I mean it has less than three ingredients, generally. Fruits and vegetables and actual grains. Foods that I can get at my local health food store or farmers market. Food that typically doesn't have an ad linked to it.

I'm especially loving these foods following the most recent holiday, Thanksgiving. I have been allowing myself to detox and cleanse for the past 2 days and will continue through the week. I am treating my body the way it deserves and while I'm feeling the effects of detox (headache, tired, etc) I know the side effects are short lived and I will feel better than ever in no time.

I love fueling my body with clean eating and foods that I can pronounce. In return my body thanks me with energy, strength and health.

So thanks apple, that I just ate, for reminding me how delicious simple foods are.

One Week Down

It's been a week of cultivating gratefulness and I don't feel much different, haha! It's OK though, I didn't expect to feel a change over night.

Some conclusions I've drawn, thus far, seem to all relate to the 'hedonic treadmill.' I was able to put a name to this idea after watching the documentary, "Happy." The Hedonic Treadmill or adaptation, according to Wikipedia,  is the supposed tendency of humans too quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes. According to this theory, as a person makes more money, expectations and desires rise in tandem, which results in no permanent gain in happiness.

In real life, or to apply it to mine, I was always falling captive to this idea without even knowing it. I'd buy a sweater, and before I knew it I needed the boots and earrings to match. I'd go get a manicure and I'd leave with pedicure, manicure and a wax! I'd go out for a drink and I'd end up getting appetizers or dinner! It was a vicious cycle that I didn't realize I was participating in. I would 'buy buy buy' and for what? I didn't even feel any better, if anything I felt worse, because I felt guilty for spending.

I think after my trip to Belize and seeing how they were so happy and survived on just the basic necessities, PLUS realizing how much I already have, I am slowly starting to release myself from that negative cycle.

So, what am I thankful for on Day 8? I'm thankful for commitment. My ability to stick with something I start has helped me throughout life. I started a project, I finish. I joined a team, I played. I agree to make plans with a friend, I keep them. I stand by my word. I decided to embark on 365 days of gratitude, and I'm doing it. By committing myself to something bigger than me, I hope to continue to find patterns, whether good or bad, that I can embrace or break, respectively.  By committing myself to this blog I hope to find a greater understanding of what it means to be happy, and to see that the people who are happy don't HAVE the best of everything, they MAKE the best of everything they already HAVE.

boom.

Zen Ken

If ya'll don't know Zen Ken, get to know him. On day 7, I'm thankful for my good friend, Bobby Los. I met him almost 2 and a half years ago and he's brought positivity and hope to my life. He's a true warrior of love, always guiding our circle of friends in the best direction and looking out for us. Bobby baby would give his left foot for any one of us and it shows.

He just went in the studio to put his mat down, while I quickly upload a blog post before I have to lead Silent Bikram. I met him at Hot Yoga Saratoga and it's true what they say, friends with common interests will be friends forever. Although we may have opposite schedules and the time we get to hang out is far and few between, lately, he is the type of friend that we can pick up right where we left off. His insight, although far out at times (in a good way ;)), keeps me on my toes and challenges my ways of thinking. He is always indirectly pushing me to be kinder and making sure I find the best in people.

His love for people, animals and mother nature make him shine even brighter. He is pure love and it shows. Thanks for the Kombucha tonight.

Love ya Bobby!

xo

Day 6

Today I'm feeling a bit blue. I'm finding it hard to smile because I know the weekend is coming to an end and I'm going to have to head back upstate and leave the comfort of my family.

Today I'm thankful for means of transportation. Whether it be my car, a train, plane etc. I am grateful I have ability to be with the people I love no matter how far. I was able to hang out with my best friends of all time last night and I'm lucky it was just a short car trip away. I am lucky that I can come home for thanksgiving, also.

So here's to my little VW Bug for helping me get from place to place.

Bikram yoga

Today I am thankful for Bikram yoga. I'm traveling and accessing my blog from my phone so I won't write much but this series consisting of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises is the beeeeeekneees.

Bikram keeps me sane, provides an intense workout and the benefits I reap go way past physical.

Hope everyone had a merry thanksmas.

Thanksgiving 2012

How appropriate, within the first week of my gratitude blog, we're celebrating a holiday devoted to the essence of gratefulness.

This Thanksgiving may not be like years past but it's still filled with the same amount of love, if not more. This year, and today (day 4), I'm thankful for my family. My mom, my dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and pets. They are my rock. They are people I can call up in the middle of the night, they will forever be there. I can be my most honest self with them and know they will accept and love me no matter what. I am thankful for them because they also shaped me into who I am today. I carry and possess a little bit of everyone within me.

I thank them for their generosity, their positivity, their strength and their uniqueness. Their ability to make me laugh, correct me when I'm wrong, praise and support me all add to the list of why I love my family. Throughout the years I've garnered traits such as responsibility, commitment, caution, adventure and love from examples and patterns in their life. I try to see them at every chance I get and savor every second I spend with them.

Today I am lucky to spend this holiday with the people I love most, whether they are here at my aunt's house with me or not, they are in my heart forever.

102.7, WEQX

Day 3:

Today I would like to express my thanks for our local, independent radio station WEQX. While they are located in Manchester, Vermont, the broadcast reaches throughout most of the capital region. I have been a consistent listener for about 4 years now and they age like a fine wine. They play the most recent tunes in alternative rock and also classics from the past. Their DJs are hilarious and intelligent, providing the kind of radio chatter you want to hear....if any at all because their focus is music.

They have introduced me to new bands, they put on great shows and they allow the listeners to control the songs played with their advisory board. While music, in general, is also something I'm grateful for, this radio station localizes my love. I started my review blog based off all the shows I get to see that EQX puts on...read here!

The reason why I'm referencing EQX so early on in the year is due to Jeff, the morning DJ. His thoughtfulness and generosity offered yesterday is now allowing me to sit pretty and not worry about getting into an upcoming show! The Lumineers are playing in my area and it's a free show! Naturally, I was planning ahead to secure my day...half day from work, wait on-line at about 1pm, doors open at 7, I felt would definitely guarantee me a spot in the concert hall. I wanted to see what Jeff had anticipated for the turnout and to my surprise, when I messaged him, rather than give me feedback, he promised me a guaranteed IN +1 guest!

It felt like an early Christmas gift for sure! I'm super thankful these people and this independent radio station continue to chime on and provide those tasty, delicious, ear treats to me and other listeners each day!

<3

Natalie Iris.

"Natalie is 2 years & 7.5 months. She loves Taylor Swift and the Berenstain Bears books. She dances with every inch of her body and has an imaginary friend. She insists on painted toenails and carrying a purse, blanket, and doll everywhere she goes. Her hair is easily 100 different shades of brown and her legs are constantly covered in bruises and scrapes. She calls everything she loves "special" and flails her limbs constantly in her sleep. Her favorite color is pink and her favorite food is cheese. She insists on wearing boy underpants (the characters are so much cooler) and loves to snuggle at night by wrapping both arms tightly around my neck." 

 

 

 

 

The above quote is from Natalie's mother's blog. Hilary and I met in grad-school and the insta-connection has maintained even through her move, with her family, to Maine. Hilary and Mike are a fabulous duo that I am thankful for and their bundle of joy, Natalie Iris, who I can so lovingly call my god-daughter. She is bright, adventurous, curious and full of love. Their family is caring, health conscious, intelligent and every time I visit I can't remember not laughing until I cry. They are the types of people that when they ask how you are, they actually care about your response and fully intend to listen, true friends.

 

I am equally thankful that Hilary takes time out of her fun-filled life to update the interweb about Natalie, a virtual baby-book! Uploading recent pictures and stories make me feel present in this sweet girl's life despite the distance. I average about 2 visits a year and while I feel it's never enough, I am grateful for having the time to visit at all.

This gratitude post has layers. Bing, bang, boom!

 

 

 

Short and Sweet.

A recent trip to Belize has left me all kinds of thankful and grateful for my life, my health and my support systems. While journaling throughout my time there, I decided to bring awareness to the things/people/places I already have in my life that I'm most grateful for. With Thanksgiving a couple of days away, I figured there is no better time than now, to start.

My goal is to blog for 365 days. Each day I will highlight one thing I am grateful for. The post may include one sentence or 7 paragraphs...however, they will be honest and they will be posted every.single.day. No excuses.

The main criteria for this project is that the object of my gratitude has to somehow either make me smile, or make someone else’s day brighter. 

In addition,  I hope to cultivate feelings that I may have let slip away. To bring a new appreciation to past feelings and generate new feelings that I can put in my metaphorical 'tool box' that helps me live the sweetest life. 

So, for the inaugural post, my 'first day of gratitude.' if you will, I will start simple. Something I take for granted most days,

I am thankful for the technological resources I have at my disposal day to day.

This computer I am using to blog with, to email with, to complete the work I do day to day for my clients, I am grateful for.

While I may not realize its strength, each morning while I wait for it to boot up I will make sure to say a quick, "thanks." It's a small piece of machinery that packs a lot of uses.