Written While Watching Netflix, Naturally || 12.22.14

/

||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

[click image for link]

Cheese! Smile, It's All Going to be OK || 12.8.14

/

monkey&banana

||WEEKEND OVER, TWO DAYS TO GO ||

The idea that I'll be sleeping in my own bed tomorrow night hasn't quite registered. That along with seeing my baby dog, Dellie, and her fuzzy best friend, Amore. Can't wait. Finals today and tomorrow will surely put me in my place, but I'm ready. Like a monkey with his banana, I'm ready for anything.

How was your weekend? Anything exciting? What are you looking forward to this week?

||GRATITUDE||

I am grateful for a friend who never passes judgement.

I am grateful for snacking until dinner and ruining my appetite.

I am grateful for studying, for it serves as a reminder to all that I have learned.

I am grateful for forgiving myself sleeping in; my body was tired and knew I needed rest.

I am grateful for laughter when stress and exhaustion set in for the long haul.

I am grateful for new television shows that keep things in perspective.

I am grateful for love.

I am grateful for light.

I am grateful for life.

What are you grateful for?

xx

[image through link]

Harmony through the Holidays & a Little Meditation || 12.03.14

/

This was originally posted to There's Beauty in Recovery last week... jump through to the site at the end of the excerpt to read more...

... The truth is, we never see the moments that we are beautiful. We will never see the twinkle in our eyes when we lock glances with the cute boy or girl or the way our cheeks blush in the cool wind. We never get to see our pure smiles, so filled with light that it touches the irises of our eyes as we laugh or share a precious moment. We never get to see the passion that flows beneath our skin while telling a story or recalling a memory. We never get to see the very instances that make us most vibrant. But each and every one of us, you beautiful lights out there and little ol’ me, we all contain that beauty. We all light up at something in our lives but are so lost in our pain that we dull ourselves to shine a little less, to disappear, to hide. What a travesty. Life is meant for living and loving and breathing great gulps of this beautiful, divine Earth.

So here’s a little holiday mediation for when the blues of our mind outweigh the glorious possibility of this season... [keep reading]

How will you find the beauty in both yourself and the world this holiday season?

xx