Today's gratitudes - a bit brief because I have worked my tail off this week so far and it's catching up to me. But I feel like I have a good positive attitude and outlook on things despite the craziness!
1. People willing to take old books that my daughter doesn't need any longer. I am grateful that she is able to let go and take pleasure in the knowledge that many children in those schools will enjoy reading them.
2. My flexible work schedule.
3. My son's responsive teachers - they have been so helpful with his course selection choices and what they feel is best for him for next year. Yes, it's February and they are already starting to work on the fall schedule!
My Random Act - sent birthday wishes to a friend - not so random, but I remembered!
Meditation - just a few deep breaths before starting my day at work.
Relive a positive experience - Walking my dog gives me great pleasure every morning, but on days when the sky is a brilliant blue and it's early enough that we are the only ones outside, I just seep happiness!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Day 10 of 21 Days of Gratitudes
It's Day 10 of 21 and I feel like I have been "diarying" forever! I want to complete this task as I feel like I am perpetually starting projects and never finishing them.
So here's what I am grateful for today...and the reason this is posted late is that I forgot to set the scheduling (I am defnitely a newbie blogger)!
1. Work is so busy, so I am never bored, and it equals job security as well!
2. My cat serenading me with her quiet meows so I come over to see her.
3. My children behaving when I work late.
My Random Act - taking time to let a far away friend know I was thinking of her
Meditation - yikes, no I didn't do again.
Relive a positive experience - I was thinking about the Mediterranean Sea - I lived in Tunis, Tunisia for a few years when I was in elementary school. My most vivid memories are those of camping on the beach with my family and friends. We had a lot of freedom to roam around unattended and it always felt like I was in a remote location, miles away, when in actuality, my mom probably could see me the whole time.
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes (again)
So here's what I am grateful for today...and the reason this is posted late is that I forgot to set the scheduling (I am defnitely a newbie blogger)!
1. Work is so busy, so I am never bored, and it equals job security as well!
2. My cat serenading me with her quiet meows so I come over to see her.
3. My children behaving when I work late.
My Random Act - taking time to let a far away friend know I was thinking of her
Meditation - yikes, no I didn't do again.
Relive a positive experience - I was thinking about the Mediterranean Sea - I lived in Tunis, Tunisia for a few years when I was in elementary school. My most vivid memories are those of camping on the beach with my family and friends. We had a lot of freedom to roam around unattended and it always felt like I was in a remote location, miles away, when in actuality, my mom probably could see me the whole time.
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes (again)
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Day 9 - "The Program"
I participate in a program through our health insurance company that rebates some of our premiums paid if we participate in various programs they offer such as stress management, weight control, there's even an exercise tracker! There is coaching offered through this company where you will talk to someone once or twice a month to get a program in place. I didn't feel like I was ready to commit to getting some extra support but I feel more ready now. It's not like I have had 9 days of perfection, but I just feel like my outlook is so much more positive. I am going to stick this 21 days out before starting any new "programs" - my goal is to get to a place where I am self confident enough to start exercising, and lose that last 10 pounds, have more passion and love for life. Did I mention - get more organized?! I hope you are inspired to diary your gratitudes for 21 days and see what you start feeling that you can take on!
1. Dog's teeth are sparkling clean after an appointment with the vet - I am hopeful that his stinky breath will get better and my daughter and I are committed to brushing his teeth everyday to keep his teeth and gums healthy (and hopefully more fresh breath in months to come)!
2. My husband, haven't mentioned him much yet. He works hard to be a good dad, husband, role model and provider.
3. an act of nature, a huge flock of birds flying around together over my head during the dog walk - it's amazing that they don't ever crash into one another - and that I did not get any droppings on my head!
My Random Act - if I am being honest here, I wasn't mean or nasty to anyone today, thought I had something random to share....maybe not. How about that I didn't take out my frustration of dealing with the copier lease on the copier sales person who is now involved?!
Meditation - a few moments of deep breathing
Relive a positive experience - Another kiss from my son, with no hidden agenda, just because! Or is it his birthday coming up in a couple of weeks?!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes
1. Dog's teeth are sparkling clean after an appointment with the vet - I am hopeful that his stinky breath will get better and my daughter and I are committed to brushing his teeth everyday to keep his teeth and gums healthy (and hopefully more fresh breath in months to come)!
2. My husband, haven't mentioned him much yet. He works hard to be a good dad, husband, role model and provider.
3. an act of nature, a huge flock of birds flying around together over my head during the dog walk - it's amazing that they don't ever crash into one another - and that I did not get any droppings on my head!
My Random Act - if I am being honest here, I wasn't mean or nasty to anyone today, thought I had something random to share....maybe not. How about that I didn't take out my frustration of dealing with the copier lease on the copier sales person who is now involved?!
Meditation - a few moments of deep breathing
Relive a positive experience - Another kiss from my son, with no hidden agenda, just because! Or is it his birthday coming up in a couple of weeks?!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes
Monday, February 25, 2013
Day 8 - Mellow...
Today was a really mellow day, I wasn't too focused on gratitudes so I had to think a bit more than usual and reflect on the day.
1. I am happy that I spent less than $100 at Costco - and that was with two family members in tow! So I guess I am grateful I had some restraint today, not trying to overshop and overstuff my frig.
2. I am grateful that we don't have to worry about selling our house, at least in the short term.
3. Grateful for a raise that is coming my way in my next paycheck.
My Random Act - some FB cheer for a friend who needed a boost.
Meditation - Did a couple of minutes of deep breathing this afternoon
Relive a positive experience - snuggling on the couch tonight between my two kids!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes..I know, again?! Lucky Dog!
1. I am happy that I spent less than $100 at Costco - and that was with two family members in tow! So I guess I am grateful I had some restraint today, not trying to overshop and overstuff my frig.
2. I am grateful that we don't have to worry about selling our house, at least in the short term.
3. Grateful for a raise that is coming my way in my next paycheck.
My Random Act - some FB cheer for a friend who needed a boost.
Meditation - Did a couple of minutes of deep breathing this afternoon
Relive a positive experience - snuggling on the couch tonight between my two kids!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes..I know, again?! Lucky Dog!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Day 7 A rainy day - a great day for organizing
Rainy days make me think of all the indoor projects I want to accomplish, mainly sorting through old things I can't seem to let go of, my children's items they have outgrown (they are at the age where I am more of a drill sargent directing recruits), and downsizing the clutter in general that we all accumulate in life. I follow some of the practices of Fly Lady who has an effective declutter/cleaning program. It's all about routines and I have them in place to a certain extent, but the chaos of daily life or lack of motivation sometimes gets in the way!
1. The rain today will mean healthier plants and grass out in my yard and less work for me in the spring!
2. Rain forcing me inside to work on my organizing projects
3. The free time to also read a magazine!
My Random Act - I sent my parents a note telling them I love them - not so random but let them know I was thinking of them.
Meditation - did not do today, but did relax for a few minutes with a magazine!
Relive a positive experience - a night out at a fundraiser -
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes
1. The rain today will mean healthier plants and grass out in my yard and less work for me in the spring!
2. Rain forcing me inside to work on my organizing projects
3. The free time to also read a magazine!
My Random Act - I sent my parents a note telling them I love them - not so random but let them know I was thinking of them.
Meditation - did not do today, but did relax for a few minutes with a magazine!
Relive a positive experience - a night out at a fundraiser -
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Day 6 of 21 days of gratitudes
Well, the crock pot beef roast did not turn out as well as I thought, it was tougher and not "fall apart as you take it out" as promised by the recipe...
Today I am grateful for:
1. Quiet catch up day at the office
2. My son noticing the beautiful sunrise this morning, and pointing it out to me!
3. The beautiful sunrise - sky was all shades of pink, orange, with puffy clouds - I should have taken a picture!
My Random Act - Made cookies for Mother Son bingo night, gave the extras to the ladies in the school office (and even put a surprise cookie in each of the lunches I made today for my family)!
Meditation - a few minutes of deep breathes
Relive a positive experience - the immediate smiles and reaction of the office ladies when I brought them cookies too!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes
Today I am grateful for:
1. Quiet catch up day at the office
2. My son noticing the beautiful sunrise this morning, and pointing it out to me!
3. The beautiful sunrise - sky was all shades of pink, orange, with puffy clouds - I should have taken a picture!
My Random Act - Made cookies for Mother Son bingo night, gave the extras to the ladies in the school office (and even put a surprise cookie in each of the lunches I made today for my family)!
Meditation - a few minutes of deep breathes
Relive a positive experience - the immediate smiles and reaction of the office ladies when I brought them cookies too!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes
Friday, February 22, 2013
Day Five ...Progress And A Book to Share
Taking care of my state of mind has been eye opening for me this week so far. I am feeling more motivated to do things around the house and even getting on the exercise bandwagon...I wonder if anyone reading this will have the same reaction. Maybe motivation for exercise is just around the corner for me!
Self help books are so abundant, you can find one for any situation. Without sounding too cliche, I feel like you have to love yourself before you can make progress on any other problems you are having, whether it be personal relationships, raising children, lack of passion for life or sex, or even losing that last 10 pounds....
I am currently reading "The Kosher Sutra: Eight Sacred Secrets for Reigniting Desire and Restoring Passion for Life" by Shmuley Boteach - click here to go to Amazon to read more: Kosher Sutra - I am only into the first few chapters and feel like he is talking directly to me as if he is using my family as his example! (I am not Jewish and don't feel you need to be to get a lot out of this book).
1. Clean Carpets! Oh, I said I wasn't going to say the same thing, didn't I?!
2. Everyone off to school and work on time and in good moods!
3. Dinner in the crock pot for tonight - beef roast
My Random Act - not so random maybe - making cookies for the school for an event I won't be attending but they needed volunteers! Trying to support those moms who are in charge of gathering support!
Meditation - a few deep breaths at the computer after work really helped focus
Relive a positive experience - Noticing a sign in the grocery store parking lot cart area reminding people to bring in their reusable bags! Not sure I can take credit for this, but I do participate in a community customer service program for this grocery store company where I take surveys for them at least once a week about various topics. This one was one of the main topics recently and I was one of the participants who suggested this would be a good way to get people to remember to use their reuseable bags!
Exercise....Doggy walk this am for about 20 minutes - another cold brisk walk!
Self help books are so abundant, you can find one for any situation. Without sounding too cliche, I feel like you have to love yourself before you can make progress on any other problems you are having, whether it be personal relationships, raising children, lack of passion for life or sex, or even losing that last 10 pounds....
I am currently reading "The Kosher Sutra: Eight Sacred Secrets for Reigniting Desire and Restoring Passion for Life" by Shmuley Boteach - click here to go to Amazon to read more: Kosher Sutra - I am only into the first few chapters and feel like he is talking directly to me as if he is using my family as his example! (I am not Jewish and don't feel you need to be to get a lot out of this book).
1. Clean Carpets! Oh, I said I wasn't going to say the same thing, didn't I?!
2. Everyone off to school and work on time and in good moods!
3. Dinner in the crock pot for tonight - beef roast
My Random Act - not so random maybe - making cookies for the school for an event I won't be attending but they needed volunteers! Trying to support those moms who are in charge of gathering support!
Meditation - a few deep breaths at the computer after work really helped focus
Relive a positive experience - Noticing a sign in the grocery store parking lot cart area reminding people to bring in their reusable bags! Not sure I can take credit for this, but I do participate in a community customer service program for this grocery store company where I take surveys for them at least once a week about various topics. This one was one of the main topics recently and I was one of the participants who suggested this would be a good way to get people to remember to use their reuseable bags!
Exercise....Doggy walk this am for about 20 minutes - another cold brisk walk!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Day Four - Clean Carpets - a happy day!
It's only DAY FOUR and I feel like I have been in a better mood overall despite some of the crazy things going on. Even when I have felt grumpy of
1. Clean Carpets!
2. Taking a day off work and being productive around the house and scheduling all those appointments I forget to do when I am at work.
3. Being able to plan and cook a dinner that everyone will enjoy for tonight (since I am home today).
My Random Act - Not so random, another note in my husband's lunch - he didn't see yesterday's note!
Meditation - clearing my head was surprisingly easy with the whirring motor of the carpet cleaner in the background
Relive a positive experience - a good laugh at the office yesterday during a 401(k) presentation of all things!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes, colder and a little snow showers blowing around, and I wore my lighter jacket thinking it was warm - brrrrr.
1. Clean Carpets!
2. Taking a day off work and being productive around the house and scheduling all those appointments I forget to do when I am at work.
3. Being able to plan and cook a dinner that everyone will enjoy for tonight (since I am home today).
My Random Act - Not so random, another note in my husband's lunch - he didn't see yesterday's note!
Meditation - clearing my head was surprisingly easy with the whirring motor of the carpet cleaner in the background
Relive a positive experience - a good laugh at the office yesterday during a 401(k) presentation of all things!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes, colder and a little snow showers blowing around, and I wore my lighter jacket thinking it was warm - brrrrr.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Day Three
1. Kids behaved while home alone today!
2. Daughter had already blocked a shady person on her social media site when I spoke to her about my concerns - she's got a good head on her shoulders.
3. Husband smiling as he recounted his geeky reaction to the technical webinar that he attended with co-workers.
My Random Act - a secret note in my husband's lunch to let him know I love him
Meditation - again, did not do....
Relive a positive experience - dinner out with my kids when they finally started chatting with me a little!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes, good pace and slightly warmer weather!
2. Daughter had already blocked a shady person on her social media site when I spoke to her about my concerns - she's got a good head on her shoulders.
3. Husband smiling as he recounted his geeky reaction to the technical webinar that he attended with co-workers.
My Random Act - a secret note in my husband's lunch to let him know I love him
Meditation - again, did not do....
Relive a positive experience - dinner out with my kids when they finally started chatting with me a little!
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes, good pace and slightly warmer weather!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Day Two - A pretty good day
1. The phones at work were super quiet therefore, I was super productive on a project!
2. No snow here today :)
3. I was grateful that the call I was expecting this morning came right on time as promised and delivered reasonably good news...
My Random Act - A call I took today was for our sister office in another town, I was super nice to the client and I think we both got off the phone smiling.
Meditation - did not do today
Relive a positive experience - my morning commute, so nice and uneventful today - put me in a good mood to start the day.
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes and once again, it was freezing so it was a quick one!
2. No snow here today :)
3. I was grateful that the call I was expecting this morning came right on time as promised and delivered reasonably good news...
My Random Act - A call I took today was for our sister office in another town, I was super nice to the client and I think we both got off the phone smiling.
Meditation - did not do today
Relive a positive experience - my morning commute, so nice and uneventful today - put me in a good mood to start the day.
Exercise....I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes and once again, it was freezing so it was a quick one!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Day One
This first entry will likely be the easiest one to write as I don't want to list the same three things everyday, nor should I!
1. I was thankful for the blue sky today after so many cloudy days - and even better, the first post I read on facebook was a friend expressing the same gratitude.
2. I am extremely thankful everyday for my warm fuzzy cat - not a lap cat, but at night when she thinks I am asleep she jumps up on the bed to snuggle nearby - she also puts up with multiple interruptions to her nap schedule on a daily basis from all the love we bestow on her. She doesn't have a mean or nasty bone in her body.
3. I am thankful I was able to see my child play field hockey today - she's a force on the field!
My Random Act - a small one, but a wish to a friend via fb to have a great day -
Meditation - I had a raging headache this afternoon (I need to drink more water), so my meditation turned into a little doze time too! Nothing wrong with that.
Relive a positive experience - my son coming to kiss me on the cheek and sweetly tell me he's lost his retainer - arrgh! The positive part of this story was definitely his attempt to deliver the news so nicely!
Exercise....ok, so I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes and we walked pretty fast because it was cold this am! Does that count?!
1. I was thankful for the blue sky today after so many cloudy days - and even better, the first post I read on facebook was a friend expressing the same gratitude.
2. I am extremely thankful everyday for my warm fuzzy cat - not a lap cat, but at night when she thinks I am asleep she jumps up on the bed to snuggle nearby - she also puts up with multiple interruptions to her nap schedule on a daily basis from all the love we bestow on her. She doesn't have a mean or nasty bone in her body.
3. I am thankful I was able to see my child play field hockey today - she's a force on the field!
My Random Act - a small one, but a wish to a friend via fb to have a great day -
Meditation - I had a raging headache this afternoon (I need to drink more water), so my meditation turned into a little doze time too! Nothing wrong with that.
Relive a positive experience - my son coming to kiss me on the cheek and sweetly tell me he's lost his retainer - arrgh! The positive part of this story was definitely his attempt to deliver the news so nicely!
Exercise....ok, so I walked the dog this am for about 20 minutes and we walked pretty fast because it was cold this am! Does that count?!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Step One. An attitude recharge
In my experience, when it comes to being happy/having a positive attitude, losing weight, raising kids, and enjoying marriage, my state of mind plays the biggest role in how things are working out for me. Let's start together with step one, a plan to recharge our attitude. I watched a TED video on YouTube not too long ago, http://tinyurl.com/772s6qw, I was inspired. Shawn Achor shares how to have more positiveness in your personal and professional life. Please take the time to listen, he's an entertaining and interesting speaker and gave me tools to recharge my attitude which I believe is the first step towards my goals - which are lofty and necessary and not unachievable!
Here is the last part of Shawn's talk in case you are pressed for time and can't watch the TED talk right now: In just a two-minute span of time done for 21 days in a row,we can actually rewire your brain, allowing your brain to actually work more optimistically and more successfully.We've done these things in research now in every single company that I've worked with, getting them to write down three new things that they're grateful for for 21 days in a row, three new things each day. And at the end of that,their brain starts to retain a pattern of scanning the world, not for the negative, but for the positive first.
Journaling about one positive experience you've had over the past 24 hours allows your brain to relive it. Exercise teaches your brain that your behavior matters.We find that meditation allows your brain to get over the cultural ADHD that we've been creating by trying to do multiple tasks at once and allows our brains to focus on the task at hand. And finally, random acts of kindness are conscious acts of kindness. We get people, when they open up their inbox, to write one positive email praising or thanking somebody in their social support network.
And by doing these activities and by training your brain just like we train our bodies,what we've found is we can reverse the formula for happiness and success,and in doing so, not only create ripples of positivity,but create a real revolution.
So starting tomorrow and for 21 days in a row, I will post my 3 daily gratitudes, journal a positive experience, and perform one random act of kindness. I'll also post my exercise successes and attempts at meditation! It sounds like a lot to add to my already crazy busy day. In reality, it shouldn't take more than an hour a day, if I include exercising - and I think it's worth it. Join me by posting yours on my blog.
If you are just discovering this blog, welcome and I hope that you too start the 21 day first steps with me.
Here is the last part of Shawn's talk in case you are pressed for time and can't watch the TED talk right now: In just a two-minute span of time done for 21 days in a row,we can actually rewire your brain, allowing your brain to actually work more optimistically and more successfully.We've done these things in research now in every single company that I've worked with, getting them to write down three new things that they're grateful for for 21 days in a row, three new things each day. And at the end of that,their brain starts to retain a pattern of scanning the world, not for the negative, but for the positive first.
Journaling about one positive experience you've had over the past 24 hours allows your brain to relive it. Exercise teaches your brain that your behavior matters.We find that meditation allows your brain to get over the cultural ADHD that we've been creating by trying to do multiple tasks at once and allows our brains to focus on the task at hand. And finally, random acts of kindness are conscious acts of kindness. We get people, when they open up their inbox, to write one positive email praising or thanking somebody in their social support network.
And by doing these activities and by training your brain just like we train our bodies,what we've found is we can reverse the formula for happiness and success,and in doing so, not only create ripples of positivity,but create a real revolution.
So starting tomorrow and for 21 days in a row, I will post my 3 daily gratitudes, journal a positive experience, and perform one random act of kindness. I'll also post my exercise successes and attempts at meditation! It sounds like a lot to add to my already crazy busy day. In reality, it shouldn't take more than an hour a day, if I include exercising - and I think it's worth it. Join me by posting yours on my blog.
If you are just discovering this blog, welcome and I hope that you too start the 21 day first steps with me.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Is it really just about that last 10 pounds?
I've been making excuses for that last ten pounds for almost 12 years now. It's time to lose it, maybe we can do it together. But I realize now it's not all about weight, it's about other things too, raising kids (tweens and teenagers in my case), being happy in general, passionate and secure in your marriage, working, and on the horizon - approaching menopause and eventually empty nest. I am hoping to inspire others and maybe understand myself a little better in the process. Join my journey....
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