Day 13: Assume Goodness

Today's challenge is to assume goodness in people. I don't really know how to do that in a blog post, or really out in the world because I spend time around people I know are good. But I guess there have been a few things lately that have irritated me about people, and I could probably stand to make a more concerted effort to say to myself, "okay, X is annoying about this person, but why are they this way?" By asking myself this question, I'm better able to put things in perspective and can move past my feelings of resent and onto patience and understanding. So now that I have gotten those feelings out, hopefully I can do this more often!

Day 12: Glass Half Full

Okay, okay, I've been bad. I haven't kept up consecutive days with this (it's really difficult to do on the weekends, when I don't want to be anywhere near a computer!) So shame on me for being bad, but I'm going to just pick up where I left off. I know it kind of negates the purpose of the challenge, but I'm sure it's better than nothing. I'm going to try my darndest to be better!

Today's challenge is to see the glass half full. Funny, because last night I was watching an episode of Private Practice where they were speaking about this very thing! The past few days have been quite rough on me, as I've had some big decisions to make and had to do a lot of "soul searching." Today, I'm feeling much better than I have been lately - both physically and emotionally. Today is gloomy, but it isn't raining like it has been for what seems like forever -yeah! Today I'm excited to hit the gym after work to let loose of some pent up stress and get back into my old routine. Already I'm feeling more optimistic about the choices I've made and the path I'm on, even though I'm still sad about certain things. These internal struggles are trying, but are good reminders that I'm happy and fortunate for so many things. Deep breaths...

Day 11: Child's Eyes

Today's challenge is to see the world through the eyes of a child. Since I don't have one of those, I'm going to do an interpretation of things around me and the childlike joy or emotions I feel when seeing them.

fall leaves :: crunchy leaf pile
couch :: cushion fortress
trees :: treehouse, best branches for climbing
cup :: cold milk
coworkers :: playmates
magazines :: collages
stuffy nose :: sick days home with mom, chicken soup
school bus :: nostalgia, recess

Day 10: Senses

Today's challenge is to be grateful for one of your senses. Normally, I would be inclined to say my sense of smell because it so closely ties to memory. While I am incredibly grateful for all my senses, I am very grateful for sight. I'm a very visual person and love to see and experience all the things my world has to offer. I'm especially grateful for sight around this time of year when the Fall season lights the trees on fire and the vibrant hues blanket the town. Ahhh...makes me want some cider!

Day 9: People Around You

Today's challenge is to enjoy the people around me. Not hard to do considering I work in an office where everyone is young and fun (think majority under the age of 26 here). I enjoy being able to come in every day and talk, laugh, confide in and lunch with my co-workers. There is a great, carefree and collaborative dynamic between us. We work hard but are constantly laughing, taking jabs at one another or sharing stories. Proof that sometimes it's not what but WHO that makes a difference!

Day 8: Thank You Notes

Okay, I goofed. I didn't keep up with the challenge for a few days, but I do have a valid reason. I was in Colorado to celebrate my mom's birthday and see friends (which I'm very grateful I had the opportunity to do!) So I'm just going to interrupt this programming and start on day 8 where I left off. Tonight, I will write thank you notes to 5 friends. It works out perfectly because I have to go to the post office tonight anyway to buy stamps! And I will get to use my cute notecards - bonus!

Day 7: Photo

I took this photo this weekend at Eckert's Farm in Millstadt, IL. Looking at it makes me grateful for many things - life, friends, laughter, food, happiness, sunshine, blue skies, nature, growth.

Day 6: Phone a Friend

Okay, so I'm going to go a little out of order here. Being that I actually phoned a friend I hadn't spoken to in FOREVER the other day, I'm going to flip flop and make a list of blessings I'm grateful for.

happiness.
health.
success.
options.
freedom.
choice.
being female.
confidence.
family.
friends.
pets.
intelligence.
education.
creativity.
funny.
cleverness.
wit.
touch.
taste.
smell.
hear.
see.
financial independence.
opportunity.
relationships.
travel.

Day 5: 5 Minutes

Today’s challenge is to “take 5 minutes to write about how grateful you are for all the wonderful things that you currently have in your life.” So I will take 5 minutes startingggggg....now.

I am grateful for Sundays. I love just hanging out on the couch watching football, even if it is the terrible Rams. I am grateful for waking up in a warm bed and sleeping in late. I love my fresh fruit smoothies in the morning, it's great to start my day with a healthy meal. I am grateful for my apartment - it's very inviting and comfortable and feels like home. Same with St. Louis. I am grateful for this great city that feels like home and has so many great cultural opportunities for me to attend with friends. I am grateful for my friends, who make me laugh and keep me sane. I am grateful for Chris, who dances like crazy and acts silly with me in public, and isn't embarrassed to do so. I am grateful for sunshine, and watching Pickles shift between the window and the floor when she gets too hot. I am grateful for Sunday funday and going apple and pumpkin picking with friends.

Day 4: Bad as Good

It's all in how you look at it.

Bad: Waking up feeling sore and un-rested
Good: Waking up to a weekend day where I have time to rest and relax

Bad: Spending too much $$ at Petsmart
Good: Obtaining a litterbox I no longer have to frequently scoop that will lead to a cleaner house and kitty!

Bad: Running late
Good: Having a long conversation with an old friend

Bad: Large crowds that are frustrating and annoying to wade through
Good: Spending time with friends, meeting new people

Bad: Dealing with non-English speaking call center people at Sears
Good: Coming 1 step closer to having my TV replaced

Day 3: Today

I am grateful for Today. Today, I woke up to a cool, rainy morning. I am grateful I started my day with a nice hot shower, freshly pressed clothes, a go-getter mentality and a perfectly ripe banana. Today, I received morning text messages from people that believe in me. I am so grateful for these people and their support. Today, I noticed the little things - the comforts of home. I am grateful for my warm bed, my cozy slippers and my "sweet caroline" alarm ring that wakes me up in a better mood. Today, my cat woke me up with her incessant morning feeding time meows. I am grateful for these meows that let me know she's hungry, alive and well. Today, my muscles are sore. I am grateful for this soreness because it reminds me I have the ability to move freely and stay active. Today, I am sitting in my cozy workspace, with its home-y lighting and music resonating from the other room. I am grateful I have this workspace to spread out my things and make my own. Today, my gums are sore and tender. I am grateful for this because it reminds me I have the means to see a dentist to ensure my teeth stay healthy and white. Today is Friday, TGIF! I am grateful today kicks off the fun weekend ahead. I am so grateful for Today.

Day 2: The Alphabet of Gratitude

a :: airplanes. for affording me the opportunity to visit friends and family and go on vacation.

b :: beer, particularly mico-brews.

c :: citizenship in america. i feel so fortunate to be born into a country of such great opportunity and freedom.

d :: dad who keeps me laughing (even when accompanied by eye rolls) and always takes the extra time to teach me, play sports and games with me, and who even lets me teach him a thing or two (mostly about computers) every once in awhile.

e :: eating good food. i love nothing more than trying a new restaurant and eating a great meal.

f :: facebook. it keeps me connected to people i wouldn't otherwise hear from nearly as much, if at all.

g :: girlfriends. there truly is nothing quite like them. and mine just so happen to be the best (seriously).

h :: health. i may already receive letters from medicare because they think i'm nearing eligibility, but i don't have a terminal illness, or even a non-terminal one. sighs of relief everyday for this one.

i :: internet. it keeps me informed and feeds my hunger for knowledge. and its evolution is fascinating.

j :: justice. even if our justice system isn't flawless, we're fortunate as americans to have one that isn't totally corrupt and helps keep our society safer.

k :: kids. though i have none, kids remind me to stay carefree, curious and playful.

l :: laughter. one of my top 3 favorite things about life.

m :: momma. she would do anything for me, gives the best advice and is my biggest role model. her graciousness, hardworking attitude and kindness continue to amaze and inspire me.

n :: nose. my scent is unbelievably keen. i swear i was a bloodhound in a past life. without it, i would have very few memories.

o :: outdoors. i love spending time outside in nature, which is largely a credit to my parents for exposing me to it early on in life.

p :: pickles. my best friend for 19 years and counting.

q :: quiet time. i love and need it. probably has something to do with the fact that i'm an only child.

r :: rain. for providing life and beauty.

s :: seasons. the sunshine of summer, the colors of fall, the scents of spring and the warmth of winter (think fires, sweaters, ski lodges, etc.)

t :: tea. it's healthier and tastes better than coffee. and is the only caffeine i drink.

u :: uggs. my cold weather, poor circulation savior!

v:: vacation. i've been so very fortunate to see and do things most people only dream of.

w :: windshield wipers. what a great invention.

x :: x-rays. they find/rule out so many medical problems that would otherwise go un-diagnosed or untreated.

y :: youth. 24 isn't old!

z :: ziploc baggies (stolen from amy at OS) because they keep my food fresh.

Day 1: The Pledge

I recently signed on to volunteer with a wonderful organization in St. Louis by the name of Operation Shower, who delivers "baby showers in a box" to expecting military moms and their deployed husbands. While reading more about the organization and later stumbling upon their blog, I discovered that the members of the organization were taking part in Tiny Prints' 21 day Gratitude Challenge, which tasks people with sharing gratitude for everyday experiences in the hope that it will remind us to live a more sensational life. I think this is a great idea, as counting our blessings certainly isn't something we all spend enough time doing.

So the purpose of this blog isn't to make me a Pulitzer prize winner or earn me the blog fame of Dooce or that 14 year old fashion-whiz kid girl (who I think dresses ugly, ps). I want to share my gratitude with you readers in the hopes that you, too, will take this challenge, but most importantly, I want to become more mindful of my surroundings, acknowledge the good in my life and make it a habit to do so every day after I complete this challenge. So here goes...