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! : )