Gratitude Tuesday: Smile

It seems kind of silly, but I completely agree. A smile is the difference between a stranger and a new friend or a good day and a bad day. So, I'm going to smile at at least one random person today. It may not bring me a new friend or turn around that persons entire day but the simple act of smiling does make me feel happier. You should try it, you might be surprised.

Gratitude Tuesday: Strangers

Image via WeHeartIt


Today I am grateful for the kindness of strangers.

On my morning commute to work I found myself doing what I do nearly every morning: listening to KROQ while driving with my windows down because in the summer months I consider an air dry commute to be the perfect solution for not blow drying my hair.

While stopped at a red light, I must have been laughing at something said during the Kevin and Bean Morning Show because all of sudden I heard someone yelling "Hey!". I looked to my right and there was a little old man in a pickup truck perfectly in line with my passenger window, I realized he was yelling at me and instantly thought I was going to get yelled at about my driving. But instead he said "Hey, you're happy aren't you?" I was confused since I had expected to get snapped at so I replied "Well, I guess so... yes, I'm happy". Then he smiled, laughed and said "You have the nicest smile so I hope you're happy".

I had no idea what to say to that but thank you. After that I didn't know what to do, what is the etiquette for red light conversations with strangers? By the time I ran through what may have been a nice reply the light turned green and we went our separate ways. I don't know what made him want to talk to me but I appreciated it and I thought about it for the rest of day, especially since a morning drive to work isn't always the happiest thing. Since I didn't get a chance to say something nice back to him I figured the next best thing I could do was pay it forward to a co-worker. So, I complimented the small detailed things that get over looked but are still very special.

That little old man really made my day and all he had to say was "You have the nicest smile so I hope you're happy."

Gratitude Tuesday: Bean

I'm so grateful for the unconditional love of dogs, specifically my little mutt mix. She's always happy to see me, a good listener, always willing to take walks & cuddle, makes me smile everyday and never complains. Now that I think about it she is akin to what I want in mi media naranja. Dogs, other half, same difference? In only the best way of course...

Gratitude Tuesday: Risk

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It's okay, try it. Risk it. You just might get everything you've always wanted.

Gratitude Tuesday: Unknown

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I think everyone has heard the following:

"Everything that's happening is supposed to be happening" or "It's about the journey, not the destination". And we're supposed to take comfort in these phrases.

The more I think about those things the more I find them to be true. However, I use the universe as my reason for the unknown. I often think:

"The universe will bring it to me when I'm ready"
"The universe is trying to teach me a lesson"
"The universe must have brought this person or thing into my life for a reason"
"The universe is recongizing my karama" and so on...

So, what does that make me? Religious? Careless? Faithful? Unaccountable? Existential? Metaphysical?

I would like to believe that I am a universalist who takes trust and delight in the unknown. Which somedays is just a nice way of saying: I don't know what the hell is going on but I'll find some kind of humor in the unknown until I can wrap my head around my often strange life.

Gratitude Tuesday: Kindness

I'm grateful for kindness, whether it's from a loved one or a total stranger. To me, the greatest acts of kindness are often seen as the smallest. But lately I feel like kindness doesn't amount to much if you can't be kind to yourself. I really need to work on that. Being your toughest critic is rough when you're stuck with yourself. I figure if I can give myself a break and be kinder then giving away that kindness will be effortless.

"Well, you made the best of this life where you never knew one day from the next. Dig your heels in a little girl put them to the test. You gotta be kind to yourself." -She & Him

P.S- I'm in love with She & Him Volume Two. I've been singing/dancing around like a fool to it non-stop. Pure bliss.

Gratitude Tuesday: Truth

Sometimes I need a pick me up when I'm at work. Most people reach for a cup of coffee but I'm not much of a coffee drinker because I have a low tolerance for caffeine. I turn into an antsy mess—an A-Type running on caffeine can be scary.

I needed a boost today so I made myself a cup of tea. One of my favorite brands of tea is Yogi because 1) their green tea energy blend gets me going without feeling like an ADHD kid 2) they have affirmations on their tea bags.

This was my affirmation today:

Gratitude Tuesday: Failure

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Today I'm grateful for failure.

I'm grateful for all my clumsy moments, the awkward situations I've found myself in, the stupid things I've said (and done), the things that I should have said (and done), the risks, honesty, emotion, vulnerability etc.

As all of these things happen (and will continue to happen) I always tell myself "If I could just go back and change it with what I know now things would be different." I'm right, they would be different. But I would never learn anything from my so-called failures. Just because it feels like failure now doesn't mean that it isn't a step toward success and just because you've messed up once doesn't mean you can't try again. I'm a firm believer in second chances, maybe even thirds if you're really lucky.  

Ah, I love this glass half full feeling. Though it's rare, I love it. It's time to make some ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.

Did you get the Bowie reference? If so, I like you. If not, listen to some Bowie today.

Gratitude Tuesday: Kiss

Found through StumbleUpon, anyone know who made the original?
 Note: Since it's Valentine's week I've decided to make every post this week about love. I know, I know, it's kind of nauseting but everyone no matter who you are loves love in some way shape or form so get over it and just enjoy a moment of sweetness that might make you barf.

I like this quote a lot because all kisses should be this way, whether they're on the cheek, hand, blown in the air, sweet, simple, soft, tender or passionate. Kisses for hellos, goodbyes and everything in between. A kiss with a purpose is a wonderful thing.

Gratitude Tuesday: Music

I don't think I've found a better quote to define what music means to me—a sweet escape; a way to fill up moments where words would only fail. I really wish that every moment of everyday could be filled with music. Growing up I used to envision life like a big musical, there would always be a song to define every moment and everyone would always know each eight count dance move and never forget a lyric.

I wonder if other people do this? I would like to think everyone does, maybe they don't envision a grand musical but instead they associate music with life. In the kind of way that makes you tie someone, something, someplace, some moment to a song. They're the kind of songs that you can't listen to anymore because they break your heart or the kind of songs that take you back to that exact moment where you can remember what the weather was like, what you were wearing, how you felt, the sights, sounds, smells, tastes etc.

I really wish that every moment of everyday could be filled with music.

Gratitue Tuesday: Key Things In Life

  

Found through StumbleUpon. If anyone knows where the orginal came from please let me know!

This photo was a simple reminder of what's important for me so I thought I would share it this week. But why compassion so small? Meatphore? Or is my PR background kicking in and making me think that nothing is an accident and everything has meaning? Ah, the joys of being over analytical.

Gratitude Tuesday: Rain

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We are supposed to get a considerable amount of rain this week. Any rain is considerable since it's California and if we get a light sprinkle every news station in the state beings their "storm watch" coverage.

For the most part I love the rain, I would love it more if I could spend all rainy days in my pjs spooning and watching movies but you can't always get what you want. Here are a few silly reasons why I'm grateful for the rain:

• I can use my embarrassingly bright umbrella. I figure if I'm going to carry an umbrella then I'm going to consider it an accessory to whatever I happen to be wearing that day so I want it to stand out. 
• I can use my embarrassingly bright rain boots (for the same reason as my umbrella). 
• I like pretending I'm 5 for a moment and jump in a few puddles, with my rain boots on of course.
  
• I use the rain as an excuse for making peaceful playlists. I gather up all my "quiet" music and amplify the already calming effect of the sound of rain with some tunes.
• I also like using the rain as an excuse for getting comfy with pjs, a fluffy robe, moccasins and a blanket. No one can say you're being lazy, it's just natural to want to veg out.
• Finally, it's the perfect time to watch old classic movies. Deep down I'm an old soul and really enjoy watching Bogart, Grant, Wayne and all my other favortie old timey leading men. I can be a bit of an AMC & TMC remote hog.
  

Gratitude Tuesday: Friends

I'm forever grateful for the people who tease me endlessly for all the random/awkward/goofy/idiotic things I do and say. 

I like to call these people my friends. What makes them so great is that they can give me a hard time, remind me that even though I think I'm crazy I'm actually just a normal version of crazy and then sympathize with me because they've been there too. 

This is the best description of what friends are in song: (by best, I really mean it makes me laugh and I finally found a good excuse to post it.)

Gratitude Tuesday: Change

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Bad change.
Good change.
Scary change.
Forcing change.
Trusting change.
Unexpected change.
Running away from change.
Extra change (in your pocket).

Gratitude Tuesday: Perfectly Imperfect

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Today I'm feeling grateful for the little things that other people do that may not seem loveable, special, cute etc. but somehow they are because you love them. 

I'm a firm believer that everyone feels this way about the people they love. It's the loud annoying laugh that comforts you when you're feeling down, the outlandish hand gestures that make even the most boring story interesting, the intense squint that lets you know they're thinking long and hard before giving you an answer that wont have them in hot water, the sigh that signals annoyance but they'll never admit it.....

I could go on and on. Whether its a significant other, best friend, family memeber, or co-worker it all counts. So, what are some not so "loveable" things that you love about your favorite person/people?  

Gratitude Tuesday: Happiness

Every Tuesday (if I can keep to my own schedule) will be Gratitude Tuesday. This has been inspired by a recent website project. The project is all about affirmations and how you can transform your life through positivity. Makes sense, right? I thought so. Gratitude Tuesday will be affirmations, quotes, shout outs to the people and things I’m grateful for, stuff to make you smile, laugh, think etc. Basically, anything that is positive. There is so much in my day that is stressful/weighted with responsibility so why not take some time at least once a week to reflect on the good things in life both big and small?