Written While Watching Netflix, Naturally || 12.22.14

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||LET THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BEGIN ||

This time of year always brings out the softest, nicest hearts in people all over the world. The other day I heard about a story of a man handing out crisp 100 dollar bills to the waitstaff in diners and coffee shops all over the area. Other people donate money to local shelters, volunteer their time, and spend their money on gifts for others rather than on themselves. The love is genuine and spirited, and I only wish that we saw this action and compassion not only in this time but all year round. My hope is that whomever reads this post continues the same loving generosity to all those in need despite the season or the hour.

Our minds are predisposed to think negatively first until our mental state turns positive. Like any other muscle, our mind can be exercised and shaped into one that performs exactly to our desire. If we want to be kind and compassionate individuals, we can change the way our mind works by choosing tolerance and kindness first rather than skepticism and hatred. My hope is that I work to choose the good stuff first and let go of the bad things a little quicker next time and the time after that. I know it is an evolution, a slow one at that, but I'm going to try one instance at a time. Anyone with me?

How was your weekend? Anything exciting happen? How can you think and act more optimistically and compassionately in the upcoming week, month and year?

||GRATITUDE||

I am grateful for fun nights spent eating good food and watching great television with a wonderful woman.

I am grateful for jobs that allow me to stay in beautiful places taking care of adorable animals.

I am grateful for the ever-present love that comes from non-humans.

I am grateful for this season which brings out the best in many people.

I am grateful for love and light and hope and magic.

What are you grateful for?

xx

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Wednesday Already? Mantras Necessary || 12.17.14

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Sorry for the silence over here! I've been sharing my time equally between being lazy and being frantically busy. Here are some of my mantras for the week ; - ). xx

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Slow Down & Take a Load Off || 12.15.14

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||LAZY & FRUSTRATED||

Okay, so the title is a slight exaggeration, but not far from the truth. I feel like the stress that has been building up over the last few weeks -- what am I saying, the last few months -- has caught up with me and reduced me to an exhausted Emily, lying on the couch, and watching Blue Bloods like my life depends on the show. Which it kind of does right now. The lazy, hazy weekend has been extended into the week, into my veins, and into my bones. Hopefully this week I'll get moving, catching up on much needed work, writing some great posts for all of you, and getting ready for my Kula Christmas at the end of the week. I do love the holiday season.

P.S. I made this cornbread over the weekend - twice - it. was. that. good.

P.S.S. If you're traveling home for the holidays over the next week or so, check out my holiday survival guide.

How was your weekend? Eat anything yummy? 

||GRATITUDE||

I am grateful for -  in the words of Joanna Goddard - "my gorgeous best friend who texts every morning, holds my hand in scary elevators, and sneaks wine into movies." Yep, she's a keeper.

I am grateful for beautiful nights in twinkle lit gardens with my beautiful Momma.

I am grateful for tea with a wonderful woman and incredible friend.

I am grateful for having a puppy in the house who reminds me what yoga off the mat looks like.

I am grateful for Netflix. It had to be said.

I am grateful for love, for I am never without it no matter where I go.

What are you grateful for?

xx

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