November 17, 2014

Let the Wild Rumpus Start || 11.17.14

November 17, 2014/ ekfriend

|| Let the Wild Rumpus Start ||

Today marks the 8 day count until I'm heading in a fancy car to the airport to kick off the holidays. Just 8 days, a to-do list that rivals any honey-do list out there, and a desire to not become a recluse. It's all going to happen with optimism and laughter at the problems that arise and hope that I remain sane. With only a little over a week until Thanksgiving, how are you all holding up? Have you felt the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Next week I'll be posting some quick holiday survival tips, just a little cheat sheet, so you can truly enjoy the season rather than obsess. Are you busy right now, too? I find that all of my classes front load work so there isn't as much our last week before finals when we return from Turkey Day. Let the countdown begin!

||Challenge|| Now more than ever is our time to be grateful, so I thought that each day this week and next, we could all write down, think aloud, or imagine the beautiful facets of our lives for which we can give thanks. I'd love it if you would share with me some of your thoughts.
I'd love to hear how you all are doing. Are you up for the gratitude challenge? How was everyone's weekend?

|| GRATITUDE ||

I am grateful for sleeping in and no longer feeling guilty. I am grateful for roommates who make time to say hello. I am grateful for Skype that never keeps My Marsha too far away. I am grateful for my dog, Delilah, who knows how to weather any storm. I am grateful for friends who encourage me to try new things. I am grateful for spending the holidays season with loved ones. I am grateful for rain, because it makes me appreciate the sun all the more. I am grateful for my readers, because I'm only encouraged by your presence and good vibes. I am grateful for life, love, and happiness.

What are you grateful for?

xxoo

[Kula Graduation by Tree Bird Photo]

November 10, 2014

Places No One Has Ever Been || 11.11.14

November 10, 2014/ ekfriend

"The one who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been." ~Albert Einstein

Sometimes I read quotes and I realize that they are meant for me for another time in my life or for another person around me. This quote, however, feels fully intentioned for me as I contemplate my future, my choices, my life goals and purposes. It can be exhausting to get input from all those around you, and equally exhausting for ideas to bounce around in the mind without ever ceasing. I think sticking to our own choices, chosen only to better ourselves in the moments we are present, manifests a reality that is profound and fun and filled with laughter and love. Who doesn't want all of those things? I'd rather wind up somewhere extraordinary with me, myself, and I, than follow the tried and true path of a crowd, be they family, friends, or community. I refuse to believe that you either have to be alone or following the likes of others. Imagine if the crowd we choose to surround ourselves with was filled with wanderers, never without fascination or excitement, always encouraging self exploration and discovery? That would be truly lovely. And I believe it is possible that we can all find this. If not, let's enjoy our own company enough to cherish the moments we stand alone; enough to open our eyes when we journey into the unknown.