Friday DO: Be Thankful

Friday DO: Be Thankful

Friday, November 21, 2014

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, hopefully all our thoughts are headed toward giving gratitude for all the blessings that have drifted into our lives. But did you know that giving thanks each and every day can make you happier in your day to day life? It's true - taking a few moments each day to think about what you are grateful for will change your entire perspective for the day. As someone who has battles depression occasionally, I find taking those sweet moments to recognize the little things that make me happy to be on this Earth really put me back into place. I feel whole and aligned.

To accomplish this feeling of completion, every morning I wake up and immediately list 5 things for which I am grateful. These things can be anything from the way your pet says good morning, to the sun creeping through your blinds, the way your soft sheets rub against your naked skin, or simply the way your first conscious breath feels.

Once you get in this routine, you will find yourself saying thank you for the simplest things in life.  In fact, yesterday on a drive, I could see the most beautifully sunset. I was privileged in that time to witness layers of soft orange, blue, and purple merge into the sublime. In that moment, I was instantly grateful for this amazing opportunity. I was happy.

This Friday, find the little things in life, and just say thank you. You will be happy you did. Be sure to tell me what sweet little moments you find!

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Friday DO: Take Time To Rest

Friday DO: Take Time To Rest

Friday, November 14, 2014

As mentioned in my previous post, taking time to rest is essential for us as human beings. Without sufficient rest, we often end up irritable, and frequently take it out on those we love most. We lash out, snapping, being hurtful, and end up feeling even worse for our negative attitudes. Sometimes, everyone needs a little time in which to do nothing. That little bit of nothing can be an unexpected day off, a relaxing afternoon, or even an opportunity to sleep an extra hour.

This weekend, find some time to lounge. Wake up when you feel good and ready, take a hot bath, slowly enjoy a simple breakfast and coffee. If you have plans and are too tired, consider cancelling them, or minimizing the stress by not staying as long at that meetup. Maybe even change the plan - have an at home spa day or Netflix binge with a pajama pal! I find that with holiday stress just around the corner, it is more important than ever to just wedge a little bit of rest in your week for what is to come. Refreshed with a new life, you may find the holidays are even more enjoyable than ever before!

Do the best that you can, even if it's just a few hours at home of silence. Sit on the floor and feel your breath rattle through your bones. Let the weight fall off and a beam of light shine pierce through your chest. Know that you are doing this for your physical and mental health. Know that your health is important. You are important.

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