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!