While most people were busy starting their new year with a long list ( or a short one for that matter) of resolutions, my nine year old was making a list of what she wants in a boy.
I've mentioned on this blog before exactly how important I think it is for the parents of girls to start early and instill in them what to look for in a boy/man as they grow into strong, independent women. I call a list like this non-negotiable items when it comes to relationships. And while her list make grow and change with her, Lord knows I wish someone would've sat me down and had me think through a list like this, even at 18.
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Here's her list that I, by the way, did not help her with......all items she came up with herself most probably based on her experience with me and her dad compared to Jason and I. Kids are perceptive, I say, more than you could ever imagine.
1. funny
2. will stick up for me
3. a great personality
4. will love and respect me like Jason & mama
5. not clingy
6. have his own friends
7. be able to laugh all the time
8. has a good memory (like for birthdays and stuff)
9. lets me be independent and not force me to do "his stuff"
10. not agree with me all the time
11. not secretive
12. be his own person but still a good dad/husband/boyfriend
13. don't disregard others
14. has to be honest and truthful
15. good with money and saving
16. has to protect me
17. should not be embarrassed by his love for me
18. had to be trustable
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I'm willing to bet that there are some people out there MY AGE who have many of these things on their NNL, too. :)
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Oh Baby!
After several people asked, I decided I had better do a blog about this baby/pregnancy! :)
I'm not quite sure, but, truthfully, I get a little more private when I'm pregnant. I'm not sure why, but the hormones make me a different Tisha than I'm use to normally. This could be one reason that I haven't baby blogged yet.
I do NOT like to be limited. Ever.
In any area of my life, you will find that if someone, anyone tells me "you can't" I will do everything in my power to prove them wrong. When someone tells me that statement, it fuels my fire to prove to them and myself that I CAN.
I've been like this ever since junior high school. I had a teacher that told me "you cannot do honors work."
That one teacher has no clue how they shaped my life with that one powerful statement.
Many of the things that I have under my belt is due to the fact that someone (usually just one person) didn't believe in me.
Pregnancy is full of "you can't"
You can't run.
You can't lie on your stomach.
You can't eat sushi.
You can't lift.
You can't have a margarita with your nachos. ;)
You can't have caffeine.
You can't take hot baths.
You can't control your moods.
You can't .....You can't ..... You can't.....
You won't have the same energy.
You won't have control over your body.
You won't know why you're crying.
You won't know why that person annoyed you.
You won't know what has hit you.
If you didn't already know by reading my blog - "I can't" usually isn't ever in my vocabulary.
I struggle a lot on a daily basis now because typically you can find me going about 120 mph - at work, at home, and trying to run that fast while going running.
Now, I'm unable to run or even walk for that matter. My tailbone hurts on a constant basis and the only relief is an hour of prenatal yoga every day. If I'm stressed, I can't grab the ipod and go for a run. And yoga only does so much for my stress.
At work, I can't climb, wear my famous heels, or walk like a I'm walking a marathon.
At home, I run out of energy faster, and need more sleep than you can imagine. I love food, but most of the time nothing sounds good - ever. So eating is like a chore. :( Remember? I LOVE FOOD!
And, literally, it feels as though everyone that sees me needs to give me a belly update - like I didn't ALREADY feel like a whale or see myself in the mirror everyday.
"Wow. You popped."
"Really? March?"
"Oh, I just have to touch."
"Stand up. Let us see."
I'm not a CARNIVAL side show! Wow.
******************************************************
All of my complaints aside, feeling the baby *is* amazing.
Watching the girls love the baby already *is* amazing.
Watching Jason's face when he feels the baby moving *is* amazing.
Knowing that the baby is growing and doing well *is* amazing.
Folding his little clothes or blanket *is* amazing.
Knowing that Jace Patrick will be here in almost 100 days *is* amazing.
I'm not quite sure, but, truthfully, I get a little more private when I'm pregnant. I'm not sure why, but the hormones make me a different Tisha than I'm use to normally. This could be one reason that I haven't baby blogged yet.
I do NOT like to be limited. Ever.
In any area of my life, you will find that if someone, anyone tells me "you can't" I will do everything in my power to prove them wrong. When someone tells me that statement, it fuels my fire to prove to them and myself that I CAN.
I've been like this ever since junior high school. I had a teacher that told me "you cannot do honors work."
That one teacher has no clue how they shaped my life with that one powerful statement.
Many of the things that I have under my belt is due to the fact that someone (usually just one person) didn't believe in me.
Pregnancy is full of "you can't"
You can't run.
You can't lie on your stomach.
You can't eat sushi.
You can't lift.
You can't have a margarita with your nachos. ;)
You can't have caffeine.
You can't take hot baths.
You can't control your moods.
You can't .....You can't ..... You can't.....
You won't have the same energy.
You won't have control over your body.
You won't know why you're crying.
You won't know why that person annoyed you.
You won't know what has hit you.
If you didn't already know by reading my blog - "I can't" usually isn't ever in my vocabulary.
I struggle a lot on a daily basis now because typically you can find me going about 120 mph - at work, at home, and trying to run that fast while going running.
Now, I'm unable to run or even walk for that matter. My tailbone hurts on a constant basis and the only relief is an hour of prenatal yoga every day. If I'm stressed, I can't grab the ipod and go for a run. And yoga only does so much for my stress.
At work, I can't climb, wear my famous heels, or walk like a I'm walking a marathon.
At home, I run out of energy faster, and need more sleep than you can imagine. I love food, but most of the time nothing sounds good - ever. So eating is like a chore. :( Remember? I LOVE FOOD!
And, literally, it feels as though everyone that sees me needs to give me a belly update - like I didn't ALREADY feel like a whale or see myself in the mirror everyday.
"Wow. You popped."
"Really? March?"
"Oh, I just have to touch."
"Stand up. Let us see."
I'm not a CARNIVAL side show! Wow.
******************************************************
I will never be a great pregnant lady. Never have been. I admit it.
I do NOT look forward to sleepless nights and days and recovery time. Blech.
You will never hear me say "Oh! Pregnancy was the best time of my life."
Even if I'm feeling great and you think I'm "glowing" I will not feel anywhere near as great without all this extra weight and being my sassy, fast self.
Even if I look like I have it all together, my fears and anxieties are magnified during this time.
I probably in some way go into my own little world and draw within just to get through the aches, pains, and uncomfortableness - both in my mind and within my body.
******************************************************
All of my complaints aside, feeling the baby *is* amazing.
Watching the girls love the baby already *is* amazing.
Watching Jason's face when he feels the baby moving *is* amazing.
Knowing that the baby is growing and doing well *is* amazing.
Folding his little clothes or blanket *is* amazing.
Knowing that Jace Patrick will be here in almost 100 days *is* amazing.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
My Gratitude List - 40 Days
Thought I would share my 40 Days of Thankfulness list since I've dedicated several posts to the topic:
October 20, 2009
40 Days for Thankfulness Day 1: I’m thankful for a job I love and enjoy each of every day and for co-workers that always make me laugh.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 2: I’m thankful for an amazing husband who was truly God sent to the girls and I. He’s the hardest worker I know and shows a profound love for so many that it amazes me. And he even does dishes! :)
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 3: I’m thankful for those people who were already spreading the gratitude and positive messages even before 40 Days.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 4: I'm so thankful for all the new friends I've made because of the 40 days of thankfulness!!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 5: I'm thankful for each and every struggle and the fact that I made it on the other side with a lesson and usually a new friend.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 6: I'm thankful for a loving God and a continual relationship. I'm thankful that at such a young age someone special truly introduced me to Him. I ♥ you, Warren and family!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 7: I'm thankful for electricity, surprise lunch with my husband, and a healthy start to a great week!
Thankful for a night by the fire with the family and some chocolate chip cookies!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 8: I'm thankful for 2 girls who have big, giving hearts, and are so full of love and life everyday.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 9: Today I'm thankful that I get to take Avery to preschool for once and for being able to spend movie night in the middle of the week with the girls! :)
Thankful for pumpkin carving and roasted pumpkin seeds!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 10: I'm thankful that so many people have joined me in having gratitude and passing it on. Sending out positive energy creates more positive energy. It can be life changing!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 11: I'm thankful for the warm sunshine, lunch out with my fav co-workers, and the extra few minutes with Jason before work!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 12: Today I'm thankful for love that is intoxicating, laughs that are contagious, and mornings that allow me time to breathe deeply.Thankful for the extra hour of sleep I will be getting along with my mani/pedi!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 13: I'm thankful for being able to walk for an hour and meditate, for having extra money to pamper myself, and for all of the broken roads in my life - no matter what it was God always blessed me and led me in the right direction - I would not change the events in my life for anything.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 14: I'm thankful for this Monday with the sun shining bright and all the possibilities it brings for a new week! Have a blessed day friends!!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 15: I'm thankful for my mom and dad. Almost 33 years ago they adopted me and opened the doors of opportunity for me to experience all life has to offer.Many things I'm certain I would not have done had it not been for them. I ♥ you both!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 16: I'm thankful for God's little "surprises," the existence of prenatal yoga, my fetal doppler, and SmartFood White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn! :)
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 17: I'm thankful for the Thanksgiving dinner I will have tonight - no cooking, time with family, and some great homemade food!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 18: I'm thankful for ALL the men and women who serve our country in all ways and their families. That is true sacrifice. I'm thankful to be an American!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 19: I'm thankful for a slow day of Cafe Brazil, movies, and enjoying watching fall blanket over the trees! What a beautiful day once again!
Day 19 Part ii- I'm thankful for Jason taking my rings and having them cleaned and polished!! They sparkle again
Day 19 Part III- I'm thankful that we all have the choice to change our ways at anytime. Its never too late. (Courtesy of Charles Dickens)
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 20: I'm thankful for learning and knowing about homeopathy. No matter what we have going on those remedies are always SO helpful and soothing.
I'm also thankful for Braum's strawberry ice cream! YUMMY!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 21: I'm thankful for Advocare and that I can still have spark. Otherwise todays implementation of a new system would not be as positive for me! ;)
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 22: I'm thankful that I can wear jeans any day of the week, for co-workers that make me laugh hard, for family time at night and for Tuesdays.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 23: Rough day but here I am. I'm thankful for those friends that are there through thick and thin; the ones that don't sit in judgement but sit while holding your hand; those that know you inside and out and aren't afraid of what they see; those that will walk with you no matter what. I wish...
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 24: This morning I'm thankful for the 10 hours of sleep we all got, for lavender oil and all it's uses, and for a little lotion called Renew that has totally healed up the girls' eczema! :)
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 25: I'm thankful for Jason and what a great role model and dad he is to the girls. They adore him, beg for him to stay home with them, beg for them to take them to school, and when they are crabby he is the one to get them happy. I regret nothing in my life because without it I would not be blessed with him in my life.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 26: I'm thankful for super early birthday presents, making time to spend with Jason in the early morning before the world wakes up, pillows, Meyer's cleaning products, pillows, lunch with new friends, pillows, Sharpie pens, down pillows, Christmas shopping, and did I say pillows?
Day 26 part II- I'm thankful for Christmas music, peppermint mochas and a day out with my girls!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 27: I'm thankful for waking up to a 4 year singing: ♫ Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, Give thanks to the Lord for He is good ♫
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 28: Today I'm thankful for a very healthy baby #3!!!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 29: I'm thankful for my health, for a healthy baby BOY, for healthy girls full of life, drama, and love; for a husband who makes even the smallest things in life fun, for my family and friends and for Facebook which allows me to connect with them on a daily basis!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 30: I'm thankful for the sunny day and time to breathe.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 31: I'm thankful for the piano. I'm thankful that I took lessons. The sound still speaks to my soul & my dream is to move my babygrand here with me to share that sound with the girls and baby!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 31 Part II: Thankful I can provide the girls with a home, toys & clothes that they want & need;have a car to drive them to school. I'm VERY thankful for great stores like Sprouts & Whole Foods. I think nothing of buying eggplant, vitamins, or organic milk/eggs-in the past 2 days we've encountered moms who had to live in community housing & who have never even seen an eggplant. I wanted to take them on a field trip!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 32: I'm thankful for 10 days off from work with my girls. Thankful that Jason agreed to go shopping with me on Black Friday. Thankful that tomorrow we will get to take the girls to visit Santa and the Reindeer. Lastly - thankful that I ca surprise Jason and take him to see New Moon later tonight. :) I'm sure he'll be THRILLED! ;)
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 33: I really am thankful that I've been standing in line for an hour with a crazy 4 year old running laps around me, an 8 year old that's starving, and a VERY patient Jason who makes me laugh anyway...Santa is late!
40 Days of Thanfulness Day 34: I'm thankful for Avery's extra special talk with Santa, for decor getting put up, homemade peppermint bark candy, and for people who carry the spirit of Chistmas with them all year long.
40 Days of thankfulness Day 35: I'm SOOO Thankful that I get a whole week off of work for the holiday. The girls and I are thrilled!!!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 36: I'm thankful for endings - no matter how painful they are at times. Without endings there would be no beginning and I am thankful for those just as much.
Day 36 Part II: I'm thankful for great music like Kutless. I just bought their new album on iTunes.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 37: A very, very bad cold has set in and I feel horrible, so two thankful thoughts today 1. Thankful that I can stay home today and rest 2. Thankful that I have already made reservations for Jason and I at III Forks in Dallas for lunch tomorrow.!
Day 37 Part II: SOOOO thankful for the homeopathic cold meds. I am feeling better already! And to whichever Seminole resident that introduced me to sausage balls - THANK YOU! I just made 2 lbs of sausage worth - bet it won't last long - they are sooooo yummy!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 38: I'm thankful for this day. I'm thankful for YOU. I'm thankful for however our paths crossed once upon a time. Happy Thanksgiving!
DAY 38 PART II: A 3 course meal at III Forks and 3 movies later......its been a holiday to remember. . .
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 39: I'm thankful for a husband who is willing to shop early on Black Friday and does better than I do with good deals!!
Day 39 part II: I'm thankful that our elves showed up and left Super Mario Bros Wii game. They played it first, of course. Its sooo fun. Even Avery can play!!!
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 40: I'm thankful for perfect timing. God's hand is always in it-a song playing on the radio at the right time with the right words to get you through the day; a check in the mail for just the amount of $ you need; a surprise phone call/visit; words spoken by a complete stranger; the wind changing course, a stop light, a hug, a smile. GRATITUDE for all things IN ALL THINGS reaps ABUNDANCE.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
40 Days of Thankfulness
I decided to "Google" 40 Days of Thankfulness. If it's caught on in the Facebook world, I wanted to see what else was out there and surprisingly enough, I found a blogger who ran across the idea and began posting her days of thankfulness in her blog.
Today marks the 40th Day for me.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 40: I'm thankful for perfect timing. God's hand is always in it-a song playing on the radio at the right time with the right words to get you through the day; a check in the mail for just the amount of $ you need; a surprise phone call/visit; words spoken by a complete stranger; the wind changing course, a stop light, a hug, a smile. GRATITUDE for all things IN ALL THINGS reaps ABUNDANCE.
This has been such a cleansing and eye opening journey for me. However, even though I'm at the "end of the exercise" my attitude of gratitude cannot end here. I try to think of it more as a beginning. The 40 days was just the beginning of how my heart needs to be in each day of my life.
As I discuss perfect timing in my thanks for today, I reflect back on my night last night and the previous day with Jason.
Thursday:
9:30 AM The girls leave for Thanksgiving with their dad and his family.
9:45 Jason and I leave for a fun filled day together, in celebration, in love, and in need of not sitting in an empty quiet house.
10:00 Cinemark - The Blind Side - what an excellent movie - no expectations of it, but I would see it again and again and most likely will add it to my "The Girls Need to Watch This" movie collection.
12:25 Leave movie and head south to III Forks for a 3 course meal
12:45 We are seated and began giving thanks for all we have, are able to provide, and the course both of our lives have taken up to this point
2:00 We leave and head north again - time for New Moon - much better than the first, but a little disappointed it wasn't better ( The Blind Side was REALLY good)
4:30 It's Starbucks time - we barely make it before they close!
5:00 Going to our 3rd movie of the day Precious - I was prepared for the content of this movie and, though, it was disturbing, I believe it painted a very real picture of many of the youth in our country.
7:30 Now what?
The whole day we had been right on time for every movie, every reservation, and even for a peppermint mocha! Perfect timing was in every move we made, every stop at a red light, every moment that danced across our day.
We ended up at IHOP. I ordered a BLT and it came without the T. I laughed it off. After all, "T" had been our theme for the day- so had the number 3. Thursday, Thanksgiving, III Forks, 3 movies, and we never left the toll (Dallas North Tollway).
After that we decided to get home for some sleep before the 4 AM trip to Target!
As a complete side note, any man that can get up that early to shop with crazy people who use shopping carts as weapons, still find the good deals AND make me laugh in the wee hours - is perfect in my book. :)
Last night after we got the girls to sleep and settled in their beds, we settled on the couch with som TV.
Perfect timing. Even though I have this movie - the channel that was on the screen was playing Facing the Giants. I don't care what type of movie watcher you are - this is an excellent movie with excellent scenes and a lifelong message if your heart is open to it.
God's timing is perfection. In the chaos, it IS perfection. Our attitudes reflect our hearts. Faith is going the distance BECAUSE we do not know what is ahead.
As I watch, I realize that the main character decides (chooses) to show gratitude in every situation - win or loss, on the field or off. Once he decides to do this, his life takes an abundant turn.
I begin thinking of this song that I accidentally stumbled upon last week:
I'm Still Yours - Kutless
When my life is not what I expected
The plans I made have failed
When there's nothing left to steal me away
Will You be enough for me?
Will my broken heart still sing?
If I lost it all, would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives and takes away?
If You take it all, this life You've given
Still my heart will sing to You
Even if You take it all away
You'll never let me go
You take it all away and I still know
That I'm Yours, I'm still Yours
Gratitude in all things, FOR ALL THINGS creates ABUNDANCE.
Today marks the 40th Day for me.
40 Days of Thankfulness Day 40: I'm thankful for perfect timing. God's hand is always in it-a song playing on the radio at the right time with the right words to get you through the day; a check in the mail for just the amount of $ you need; a surprise phone call/visit; words spoken by a complete stranger; the wind changing course, a stop light, a hug, a smile. GRATITUDE for all things IN ALL THINGS reaps ABUNDANCE.
This has been such a cleansing and eye opening journey for me. However, even though I'm at the "end of the exercise" my attitude of gratitude cannot end here. I try to think of it more as a beginning. The 40 days was just the beginning of how my heart needs to be in each day of my life.
As I discuss perfect timing in my thanks for today, I reflect back on my night last night and the previous day with Jason.
Thursday:
9:30 AM The girls leave for Thanksgiving with their dad and his family.
9:45 Jason and I leave for a fun filled day together, in celebration, in love, and in need of not sitting in an empty quiet house.
10:00 Cinemark - The Blind Side - what an excellent movie - no expectations of it, but I would see it again and again and most likely will add it to my "The Girls Need to Watch This" movie collection.
12:25 Leave movie and head south to III Forks for a 3 course meal
12:45 We are seated and began giving thanks for all we have, are able to provide, and the course both of our lives have taken up to this point
2:00 We leave and head north again - time for New Moon - much better than the first, but a little disappointed it wasn't better ( The Blind Side was REALLY good)
4:30 It's Starbucks time - we barely make it before they close!
5:00 Going to our 3rd movie of the day Precious - I was prepared for the content of this movie and, though, it was disturbing, I believe it painted a very real picture of many of the youth in our country.
7:30 Now what?
The whole day we had been right on time for every movie, every reservation, and even for a peppermint mocha! Perfect timing was in every move we made, every stop at a red light, every moment that danced across our day.
We ended up at IHOP. I ordered a BLT and it came without the T. I laughed it off. After all, "T" had been our theme for the day- so had the number 3. Thursday, Thanksgiving, III Forks, 3 movies, and we never left the toll (Dallas North Tollway).
After that we decided to get home for some sleep before the 4 AM trip to Target!
As a complete side note, any man that can get up that early to shop with crazy people who use shopping carts as weapons, still find the good deals AND make me laugh in the wee hours - is perfect in my book. :)
Last night after we got the girls to sleep and settled in their beds, we settled on the couch with som TV.
Perfect timing. Even though I have this movie - the channel that was on the screen was playing Facing the Giants. I don't care what type of movie watcher you are - this is an excellent movie with excellent scenes and a lifelong message if your heart is open to it.
God's timing is perfection. In the chaos, it IS perfection. Our attitudes reflect our hearts. Faith is going the distance BECAUSE we do not know what is ahead.
As I watch, I realize that the main character decides (chooses) to show gratitude in every situation - win or loss, on the field or off. Once he decides to do this, his life takes an abundant turn.
I begin thinking of this song that I accidentally stumbled upon last week:
I'm Still Yours - Kutless
When my life is not what I expected
The plans I made have failed
When there's nothing left to steal me away
Will You be enough for me?
Will my broken heart still sing?
If I lost it all, would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives and takes away?
If You take it all, this life You've given
Still my heart will sing to You
Even if You take it all away
You'll never let me go
You take it all away and I still know
That I'm Yours, I'm still Yours
Gratitude in all things, FOR ALL THINGS creates ABUNDANCE.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Change the World?
I just finished reading The Alchemist and one of the main motifs of the book is that everyone in the world has their own "personal legend." A personal legend is very much like a life's purpose or the path that God lead's us on. My Maddie would say her personal legend is to use her God-given talent for art and express emotion through her drawings or to cause emotion from those who see her art.
I think we ALL have a purpose in life and many times it will involve our talent.
I know people who are great at decorating, organizing events, giving, singing, drawing, writing, reading, drawing people closer to God, making people laugh, teaching.....
Well, the list could go on and on, but bottom line is even if you don't see it or don't believe it you have something to give the world.
I think for some of us it's difficult to keep that focus when life gets in the way. We tend to forget how our talents are making other's day or making them smile or showing them something about themselves.
If we choose to ignore these talents or stop listening to that intuition, then we are really failing to fulfill our life's purpose. True happiness comes from following through with those whispers from our soul that tell us to "do what we love."
**********************************
40 Days of Thankfulness
Well, I'm on day 24. There have definitely been days where I've struggled with my nature to come up with something positive instead of leaning on the negative.
Despite that struggle, I've managed to think of usually many, many things I'm thankful for on a daily basis.
The greatest blessing for me is not only reminding myself of the power of my gratitude, but just how fast the idea has caught on with other people.
My friends took the idea and their friends took the idea and so on and so forth....until now we have a 40 Days of Thankfulness group with over 200 members!
It humbles me to see that so many people are taking this concept and literally running with it and passing it on to others.
If you aren't on Facebook, MySpace or Twitter, don't let that stop you! Email your friends and send it out to them each day - or text them your thankfulness. It will surely catch on and chances are they will keep you accountable. :)
We all have the ability or talent to change the world. Sometimes I think we get caught up in the need for it to be a BIG change, but when you think about it, it takes many, many tiny little snowflakes to create a blizzard.
Let the gratitude blizzard continue . . .
I think we ALL have a purpose in life and many times it will involve our talent.
I know people who are great at decorating, organizing events, giving, singing, drawing, writing, reading, drawing people closer to God, making people laugh, teaching.....
Well, the list could go on and on, but bottom line is even if you don't see it or don't believe it you have something to give the world.
I think for some of us it's difficult to keep that focus when life gets in the way. We tend to forget how our talents are making other's day or making them smile or showing them something about themselves.
If we choose to ignore these talents or stop listening to that intuition, then we are really failing to fulfill our life's purpose. True happiness comes from following through with those whispers from our soul that tell us to "do what we love."
**********************************
40 Days of Thankfulness
Well, I'm on day 24. There have definitely been days where I've struggled with my nature to come up with something positive instead of leaning on the negative.
Despite that struggle, I've managed to think of usually many, many things I'm thankful for on a daily basis.
The greatest blessing for me is not only reminding myself of the power of my gratitude, but just how fast the idea has caught on with other people.
My friends took the idea and their friends took the idea and so on and so forth....until now we have a 40 Days of Thankfulness group with over 200 members!
It humbles me to see that so many people are taking this concept and literally running with it and passing it on to others.
If you aren't on Facebook, MySpace or Twitter, don't let that stop you! Email your friends and send it out to them each day - or text them your thankfulness. It will surely catch on and chances are they will keep you accountable. :)
We all have the ability or talent to change the world. Sometimes I think we get caught up in the need for it to be a BIG change, but when you think about it, it takes many, many tiny little snowflakes to create a blizzard.
Let the gratitude blizzard continue . . .
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Lead by Example
"...this provides that outlet"
"Tell me more about the 40 day thing....you know it is never to late to start new."
"Tell me more about the 40 day thing....you know it is never to late to start new."
"What is this 40 days of Gratitude? I really like it, but where did you get the idea?"
"Gratitude really is contagious! Another of my FB friends loves the 40 days, so I invited her along too!"
"How did u stumble upon this 40 days of thankfullness? can i join u?"
"I love this, so i'm gunna join u!"
"I'm interested in 40 days of thanks! Can you give me info on it?"
"Ps - May steal this idea! Love it!"
...mind if I steal it?"
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When I began this 40 Days of Thankfulness/Gratitude, I honestly, did it mostly for me. I knew that, personally, I needed to focus on the positives in my life even during the frustration, struggle, tribulation, loss, and uncertainty.
I knew that if I sent out negative energy all I was doing was creating more negative energy. I know better than that even on a social networking site. I know the power of thought and prayer. It's worked so many times in my life for both the things I wanted/needed and for the things I was trying to keep at a distance. So, I tried to think of something that would impact my life, but also be a positive for others.
I had no idea what I was starting, really. After Day 3 or 4, I began getting messages and requests to repost my note. Several friends had friends who wanted to join or who wanted to know what it was about. Of course, this entire 40 Days idea has not been about me but for me. If others were getting something out of it, too, then great! :) I was/am happy to share my note and idea with anyone and everyone who wants to join in on the concept.
Today and yesterday I noticed a boom in people who wanted to join - friends of friends of friends.
I love reading how excited people are about being thankful. I don't know about you but I seriously get enough negativity during the day at work or in other ventures. I don't need to think up more negative or read about it as soon as I log onto Facebook. Don't get me wrong, we all have the occasional vent, but when we find ourselves doing it daily, it obviously becomes a habit.
So why 40 days you ask?
Well, it is no secret that I'm spiritual and have a relationship with God/Jesus. 40 days wasn't something I really noticed until I did a bible study once and it lasted 40 days. After that, earlier this year I began fasting for 40 days. Both times, the 40 days seemed to be a huge commitment, but afterwards, I felt so rewarded and changed. It became a habit and a way of life; something I began to continue even after the 40 days was over. I had cleansed my heart, soul, mind and body. Truly what goes in, comes out, wouldn't you agree? So, 40 Days. But does it end then? I sure hope not! Ironically, my 40 days will come to an end the week of Thanksgiving. Truly amazing, since I didn't plan it out at all.
Why Facebook or other social networking sites?
I've said it before - these sites are astoundingly famous for being able to send information out in such a quick manner. Within the hour we knew that Patrick Swazye had died or who was winning the VMAs.
Why not use it as an "outlet" as someone above describes? Facebook is an outlet. After all, we all love telling what we're up to during our day. And even more so, whether we admit it or not we love the ability to go and see what others are doing without them knowing it. It's a fascination that our society has developed in the past 10 years or so. I think using this power for positivity is a wonderful tool to help change the world and be a leader.
Should we only post status' of our thankfulness?
I do, but that's just me. If I am only posting the gratitude list in my life, then I'm continually focusing on that gratitude. Not everyone does this. Many that have joined are doing their 40 days and then later in the day still posting other things. I think that as long as we are focused on being thankful, positive and showing gratitude then the purpose is being fulfilled. But if we stray from that and let those negative thoughts or vents out, we are more likely to fall back into that pattern of comfort.
I'm not saying I don't want to post those things. I find myself, especially from Day 5 - Day 9 wanting to post about the discomfort of pregnancy, that I had to pay $70 for an appointment that I didn't make, or that I broke my favorite olive oil container. But I hesitated and remembered my goal - changing my way of thinking.
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I don't know how far this idea will go or if anymore people will decide to join with us.
I don't know if some will shy away from it because they think they already have enough gratitude in their lives. (is there really such a thing as too much?)
I don't know if all those who have joined will be up for withstanding the commitment, but . . .
I do know that no matter what - some people are getting in the habit of recognizing their blessings more often and in doing so may be telling those people who didn't know how important they were just how life would not be the same without them!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Power Of Gratitude
I've been thinking a lot about how so many people are on Facebook or Twitter lately. My friends age range span about 50 years. To me, this is an amazing thing and a powerful tool of united people across the globe.
I've also been thinking how fast information gets out to our friends or the public if we have a public profile. We post that someone has the flu and before 10 minutes is over it can be all over a small town.
Then, I was reminded last week, how some people either continually use their status to vent on an on-going basis or they seem status-crazed by updating their status every few minutes.
I have a friend who actually goes in and deletes people based on the substance of their social networking content. Then, because of deleting people, she seems to get flack because the other party thought they were "friends." I have my own opinions of the whole "facebook friend thing," but I'll save that for another day. :)
While sitting at a red light the other day, I realized that I could use Facebook to bring both positivity into my life and remind others of the positives in their life. Some of my own friends already do this and their words of encouragement always make my day better.
I'm a BIG believe in an attitude of gratitude and so I thought as we approach the holidays it would be a good time for me to once again remind myself and the things I'm most thankful for.
I do this for several reasons:
- focusing on the blessings leaves less time for worry
- acknowledging our own blessings allow us more time to also help others
_ an abundant attitude creates more abundance
- gratitude stresses the importance of living in the moment
-being reminded of the non-tangible in my life puts less focus on the things I have or think I need
- creating my own thankful heart helps my girls to develop their own gratitude
- Even on the worst of days, there is always something to smile about or be grateful for
It's so much easier to vent or be negative, but putting thought into being positive creates that positivity we all need during our daily struggles. So - even though I find myself wanting to post a venting status or put a negative spin on something - I won't. And putting those positives in writing makes them even more powerful.
For 40 days I've decided to post my thankfulness of the things and people in my life. Ironically, I will finish day 40 the week of Thanksgiving. I invite you to join me! :)
I've also been thinking how fast information gets out to our friends or the public if we have a public profile. We post that someone has the flu and before 10 minutes is over it can be all over a small town.
Then, I was reminded last week, how some people either continually use their status to vent on an on-going basis or they seem status-crazed by updating their status every few minutes.
I have a friend who actually goes in and deletes people based on the substance of their social networking content. Then, because of deleting people, she seems to get flack because the other party thought they were "friends." I have my own opinions of the whole "facebook friend thing," but I'll save that for another day. :)
While sitting at a red light the other day, I realized that I could use Facebook to bring both positivity into my life and remind others of the positives in their life. Some of my own friends already do this and their words of encouragement always make my day better.
I'm a BIG believe in an attitude of gratitude and so I thought as we approach the holidays it would be a good time for me to once again remind myself and the things I'm most thankful for.
I do this for several reasons:
- focusing on the blessings leaves less time for worry
- acknowledging our own blessings allow us more time to also help others
_ an abundant attitude creates more abundance
- gratitude stresses the importance of living in the moment
-being reminded of the non-tangible in my life puts less focus on the things I have or think I need
- creating my own thankful heart helps my girls to develop their own gratitude
- Even on the worst of days, there is always something to smile about or be grateful for
It's so much easier to vent or be negative, but putting thought into being positive creates that positivity we all need during our daily struggles. So - even though I find myself wanting to post a venting status or put a negative spin on something - I won't. And putting those positives in writing makes them even more powerful.
For 40 days I've decided to post my thankfulness of the things and people in my life. Ironically, I will finish day 40 the week of Thanksgiving. I invite you to join me! :)
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