Thank You Santa Claus

A Merry Christmas Morning

No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Christmas Day, December 24, 2012

"At Christmas, all roads lead home."

- Marjorie Holmes

It is Christmas Day !

It has finally arrived- Christmas Day is here! My Christmas has been everything I could have imagined and more! I am sitting comfy cozy at my Aunt's house. The unwrapping is finished. We are all satiated after a breakfast of homemade cinnamon buns, bacon, eggs, sausage, and Champagne. Milly is wandering about in her new festive collar. I received everything on my list. (I guess I was a good little girl this year.) But, in reality I received the best gift of all days ago. I am home for Christmas and we are all overjoyed. Nothing is more rewarding than being with my family for Christmas. No gift can outshine the smiling faces of my parents, my aunt and uncle, and my brother because I am here with all of them this year. There truly is no place like home for the holidays. This was a very merry Christmas morning; probably the best one in years. It most definitely topped my Christmas morning in treatment last year. (Although I suppose that wouldn't be that difficult to do.) I am overwhelmed with pleasant emotions. 

Christmas Morning with Milly !

This Christmas has lived up to all my expectations and I cannot believe that there is still more celebrating to come. It is only 1 o'clock. We haven't even had Christmas dinner yet. I can't imagine that it could get any better than this! How could I feel any happier or more thankful than I feel right now? I don't think it is possible. I can't stop grinning. I feel as if I am radiating positive energy. It's as if I am floating on air. Days like this remind me what life is all about. Family, friends, holidays, happy moments, new memories- life is a gift and these extra special days are our little rewards for making it through the rough times. This last year has not been easy. This Fall semester was brutal. I faced challenges that I thought I could not overcome. In order to get through all the shit I had to keep this reward in mind. I am here and it is solid evidence that I have made it! I keep thinking I am dreaming.I am truly in disbelief. How did I do it? How did I manage to get through the crap and make it to this point? Am I really here with my family on Christmas day? Yes I am! None of the hardships from the past even matter to me right now. It is all behind me. I made it through the tough moments, the difficult times, the obstacles; I overcame all of it for this day and it was worth it. I must pay homage to the child in me and say thank you Santa Claus. Thanks for my new wool coat, my pretty necklace, my cat toys, my holiday dress. And then I have to thank G-d because I know I could not have found the strength within me over the course of the past year without his guidance and support. And then I must thank myself. I have been helped by many people- family, friends, doctors, teachers- along the way. But, I couldn't be here today if it weren't for myself, my own hard work, my determination, my commitment to life and happiness. I have had a very merry Christmas morning, I phenomenal holiday season overall; and I am looking forward to many more joyful blessings in my future. 

"G-d bless us, everyone!"

"But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come around...as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely."

- Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Merry Christmas to you all!

xo

Homestretch

It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Finals

An Affirmation for Perseverance and Determination

We'll make it through this homestretch-

The end of the Fall semester is quickly approaching. I am two classes away from finishing and it's beginning to feel a lot like finals. It is the homestretch and I am completely burn out. My focus and dedication is beginning to wane. All I can think about is being home for the holiday. I am mentally and physically drained. I am having a difficult time putting my full attention to my studies in order to produce my best work. But, I know I can't stop now. I have worked too hard this semester to give up now and settle for sub par work. It is time to utilize an affirmation for perseverance and determination in the hopes that it will help me buckle down for the next week and half. Break is just out of reach. I can't sit back and relax quite yet. I am two classes, one test, and three written assignments away from achieving my goal- completing the fall semester. Lets consider the following affirmation in order to get us through this homestretch- the last few assignments and the final week until we can rest and enjoy the holiday season with our family and friends.

I back my goals with powerful determination and perseverance.

My goal from the beginning of this semester was to finish it. Over time my goal has changed a bit. I am still striving to complete the semester but now I long to finish it with the same passion, fortitude, and strength that I started it with. I have worked my ass off all semester to live up to my academic potential, build good rapports with my teachers, and do all of my work to the best of my ability. As the semester is coming to an end I am determined to finish it as strongly as I started it. I can and will persevere- ignoring distractions, fighting desires to take it easy, disregarding ideas to not put forth my best effort- and continue to work as hard as I have throughout the course of this semester in my last week. My final assignments will reflect my academic abilities, my dedication, and my effort. 

Sometimes the best way to persevere is to make light of the situation-

When the end of anything is near we often get the urge to slack off. We are exhausted from the mass amount of work we have already done and it feels simper to just to take it easy. But, we can't allow ourselves to do this. We can't let our work suffer and inaccurately reflect our capabilities as students, parents, employees. The holiday season is approaching and it is difficult to stay focused on the work we still have left to do. But let us regard the holiday as our shining reward after we have gotten through this homestretch. Let us stay determined to do our best at work or in school. We may be tired and ready for a break but we can draw upon that last bit of strength and energy that exists within us to persevere and make it through. The holiday will feel all that more rewarding if we know we did our absolute best all the way til the very end. It's beginning to feel a lot like finals, stress and exhaustion is in the air, the urge to neglect my work is strong. But I will not let any of these things prevent me from persevering and continuing to do my absolute best in order to achieve my goals. We are so close to Christmas! I am so close to the end of the semester! I nearly did it! This last week is the true test. If I can get through this without allowing my diligence to falter than I will have proved to my family, my friends, and most importantly myself that I am capable. I will be triumphant! I will have achieved my goal of finishing the semester and more than that. Three shining A's on my transcript will look beautiful and I know it is possible if I can maintain my levels of determination and perseverance as the semester comes to a close. The end is in sight. Our rewards are right around the corner- Christmas, Hanukkah, holiday parties and festivities, vacation- we need only persevere during this homestretch and all we are awaiting will be here before we know it! Keep pushing forward- we're almost there!

Stay strong and keep your eye on the prize,

xo

You mean Santa isn't real ??

21 Days Til Christmas

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas, Bing Crosby

Thanksgiving Cheer!

Make the Most of the Holiday

Thanksgiving Comes But Once a Year

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Thanksgiving comes but once a year and it is up to us to make the most of the holiday. As I have said in earlier posts I was not able to spend Thanksgiving with my family last year so it is especially important that the holiday this year is filled with Thanksgiving cheer! While I am thrilled to be spending the holiday at home with my family I think they may be more excited about my presence than I am. My Dad is busy in the kitchen prepping all of the elements of our Thanksgiving meal including a few of my own special requests. My Mom is visibly overjoyed and just turned on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day  parade. My Grandpa is standing quietly observing the scene. And I am sitting at my kitchen counter, writing this blog, and taking in all the beautiful aromas that are escaping from the kitchen. The house feels warm and festive. Our home is oozing with excitement and anticipation as we all await the arrival of our many guests. I am doing everything I can to share in the joy that the rest of my family is overtly displaying. I need to make the most the holiday not just for me but for the rest of my family as well. They are ecstatic that I am with them for Thanksgiving this year. It only comes but once a year but for me this day needs to be extra special because it is making up for the Thanksgiving that I missed last year. We have waited 731 days for today and therefore we need to be sure that it is filled with an excess of cheer, gratitude, and love. To help us all get in the spirit and make the most of the holiday I am choosing to share a few affirmations that cater to the specific themes I'd like to emphasize in this entry: thankfulness, family, and happiness-

To grow in thankfulness I'll concentrate upon the true gifts I've received and contemplate how these treasures can be spread.

Today I appreciate the love and support that my family offers me. I appreciate my ability to pull myself up in life because of the support from my family. Today I will let my family know how much I appreciate them.

I know that a happy life is no more than an accumulation of happy moments.

I chose these affirmations because collectively they encompass everything I'd like to touch upon and because I believe that these three themes- thankfulness, family, and happiness- will enable us to make the most of this Thanksgiving. But, as always, if numerous affirmations is overwhelming or too much for you to focus on just choose the one that best suits you and your needs. And of course you can liberally adjust and combine the affirmations so that you are able to create one that is perfect for you. For example-

To grow in thankfulness I'll concentrate upon the gifts I have received, including the love and support of my family, and contemplate how I can share my appreciation and happiness today.

OR-

I know that a happy life is no more than an accumulation of happy moment and I will enjoy the abundance of happy moments that this Thanksgiving Day will bring.

Helps bring me my Thanksgiving cheer !

These affirmations are meant to help you so don't feel nervous about reworking them, rephrasing them, combining them, or adding to them so that they apply to you and your life. Use the affirmation that will best help to fill you with thanksgiving cheer and enable you to make the most of the holiday. Once a year we have the opportunity to celebrate a holiday that is dedicated solely to recognizing and expressing our thanks. We have the gift of a day off from our typical lives- work, school, responsibility- and it is up to us to make the most of it by enjoying our families, engaging in happiness, and appreciating the blessings that we have been given. Thanksgiving is a unique holiday. It is not about gifts or decorations. It is not about spending money or meeting expectations. This holiday is purely about sharing thanks, spreading joy, and feeling love. I encourage you to focus on these themes as you celebrate today. Thanksgiving comes but once a year and by concentrating on the things that matter we will be able to make the most of it!

"But Thanksgiving is more than eating...Those early Pilgrims were thankful for what had happened to them, and we should be thankful, too. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that's what they mean by 'Thanksgiving.'"

- Marcie, from the animated film, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 

Feel and spread the Thanksgiving cheer with your family and friends,

xo

Happy Thanksgiving!

I grew up singing this song in school at our annual "Thanksgiving All School Assembly." It is beautiful, heart felt, and holds a lot of special meaning for me. I hope that you are able to enjoy it as much as I do.

For the Beauty of the Earth, John Rutter

Fire Up Your Engines!

Motivation for this Monday Morning

A Morning Affirmation and Quotes

Fire Up Your Engines!

I pushed myself a little too hard this Thursday and Friday I suppose and subsequently crashed Saturday and Sunday. I hate losing days to sleep and laziness although I know I needed to recuperate after my late nights out and about. While I am feeling far better this morning I am still up not up to par and I need some motivation to fire up my engine this Monday morning. As I have mentioned before Mondays seems to get a bad reputation and today I understand why. I feel robbed of two of my weekend days which I usually use to clear my head, do things I enjoy, and mentally and physically prepare for the week ahead of me. I am feeling a bit off because I lost this time to sleep. My usual organization is not in place and my mind is still swimming with thoughts from the previous week and the weekend (the part of it I was awake for...) I don't feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to face the long day that I have ahead of me. I am making the assumption that I am not the only one who is not quite ready for the weekend to be over and thought I'd help us all out by supplying us with some much needed motivation for this Monday morning. Lets start off with a positive morning affirmation to get ourselves in the right frame of mind-

I accept each day as a new opportunity to outshine yesterday.

Well, seeing as I was asleep for the bulk of yesterday this affirmation should not be difficult for me to fulfill. But lets look at in a broader sense and for all intensive purposes pretend that I did not sleep my day away yesterday. 

Someone needs some motivation this morning-

We wake up each morning, occasionally a little groggy, look at our alarm clocks (usually with dismay), and roll out of bed knowing that we have a full day ahead of us. Many of us tend to throw on whatever is clean, rush to get coffee or chug some quickly at our kitchen table, shove a breakfast bar in our bags, and run out the door. We see this day as any other day. We give it no special attention or think for a moment that today can be special, different, better than the day before. Despite my tiredness and disgruntled feelings toward this Monday morning I did my best to challenge that same old routine that we often find ourselves trapped in. I woke up before my alarm (which seems to be a regular pattern for me recently.) I sat down at my kitchen table and enjoyed a calming and full breakfast. I took my time to enjoy a bowl of cereal, cut up an apple and dipped in a large helping of peanut butter (one of my all time favorite foods), and sipped some cold water while observing Milly enthusiastically play with some dirty socks that were lying on the floor. (She's too cute and funny sometimes- She has all the toys a kitten could possibly want and she chooses to roll around with my dirty socks..go figure!) After my leisurely breakfast I ventured downstairs for my morning cigarette and enjoyed the sounds of the city- cars driving, buses running, horns beeping, people chatting (at rather loud levels,) and every so often a bird chirping.

Awkward photo shoot but regardless- me "dressed up this morning" !

I went upstairs and got dressed for the day. I didn't throw on whatever was clean or was easiest to access. I chose to get dressed up this morning because being put together helps me to feel good. I put on a nice wool dress, printed grey tights, accessorized liberally (tons of jewelry, some cozy socks, a cuddly fringed scarf, a fun printed headband), and put on enough makeup so I didn't look as worn out as I feel. (The only downside to my getting dressed this morning was my inability to find a specific bracelet. I spent almost an hour looking for it, which really through me off, and was still unable to find it. I am hoping that it comes up when I am least expecting it as things like this tend to do.) But even without the oddly missing bracelet I was able to look in the mirror and say that I felt very good about myself. I was pleased with my morning. I made definitive decisions to make this morning special, to do things that would help me feel good, and to create a foundation that could make this day better than yesterday. We have the capability to set the tone for our day. Lets look at this morning, and this day as a whole, and believe that it has the possibility to outshine yesterday. It's a new and different day and it is full of opportunities that were not present yesterday. Before I say farewell to you I'd like to offer one last resource- a quote of course, to help us fire up our engines this morning-

"Carpe Diem"- Seize the day !

"Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men [or women] wait for opportunities; strong men [or women] make them."

- Orison Swett Marden

Today may not be remarkable and the opportunities it offers may not be extraordinary but regardless the new day is here and along with it comes an abundance of opportunities. As Marden says it is up to us to "seize common occasions" and make them special, make them matter, make them big. It is our strength that will allow us to make the most of these opportunities and subsequently make today outshine yesterday. Don't let any opportunity pass you by no matter how seemingly unimportant or insignificant it appears. What are you going to choose today? You have a multitude of options- Are you going to stay in bed all day as the world passes you by? Are you going to snooze your alarm so that you are forced to throw on the first items of clothes lying on your floor? Are you going to shove a breakfast bar in your bag and miss out on the funny, adorable things your pet or child is doing right in front of your eyes? Or are you going to live with intention- actively ready yourself for the day, create solid building blocks to work off off, seize the day and all the opportunities that come along with it- and make today better than yesterday? I know what choice I have made. I am embodying the morning affirmation this very moment and I am heeding Marden's wise words. I am motivated this Monday morning to make today outshine yesterday. Get out of bed! Casually eat a wholesome breakfast! Observe everything fantastic that surrounds you! Wear something that makes you feel special! Prepare yourself for today- it's time to fire up your engine- because this Monday will be special if you believe it to be so.

Remember every new day is full of potential- it's up to us to take advantage of it,

xo

And I will make today better than yesterday-

Beating the Odds

Fuck the Facts and Figures

Believe that You Will Be the Exception

Before I begin this entry I would like to apologize in advance for my harsh language. I don't usually include such profanities in my posts but I felt that in this case it was necessary and appropriate. While doing research for my mid-term assignment that I mentioned in my earlier post, Why So Serious?, I came across a very disheartening quote. The source of this quote is author and mother, Harriet Brown, who was personally effected by anorexia because of her own daughter's struggles. The quote that follows both angered and empowered me-

Isabelle Caro in advertisement attempting to spread awareness about and fight against anorexia-

“Between 10 and 20 percent of people with anorexia die from heart attacks, other complications and suicide; the disease has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Or [one] could [lose their] life in a different way, [lose] it to the roller coaster of relapse and recovery, inpatient and outpatient, that eats up, on average, five to seven years. Or a lifetime: only half of all anorexics recover in the end. The other half endure lives of dysfunction and despair. Friends and families give up on them. Doctors dread treating them. They’re left to stand in the bakery with the voice ringing in their ears, alone in every way that matters.” 

- Harriet Brown

Me at an unhealthy weight. This is nothing to envy-

This quote angered me because I know it to be true. I know from personal experience what it feels like to lose years of my life to repeated relapses and subsequent treatment. I have had friends that died from their illness. I have friends that have lost more than 7 years of their life bouncing in and out of treatment. I know from endlessly reading statistics that 20% of anorexics will die prematurely due to effects of their illness. These statistics have taught me  5-10% of anorexics die within 10 years of onset, 18-20% will die after 20 years, and only 30-40% will ever fully recover. Brown's quote only served to remind me of all of this information and I became furious. Her startling words hit me hard but somehow actually managed to empower me. I am not a statistic and I have already been able to beat one of these facts and figures. I have suffered from anorexia nervosa for over ten years and I am not dead. I am very much alive and plan to be for quite a while. 

Me more recently. I am fighting and beating the odds !

I am not one of the 5-10% who died after 10 years of suffering from anorexia. Not only am I alive but I am living. I am not merely subsisting or surviving and I am grabbing life by the balls and making the most of every moment I have on this earth. I am saying fuck the facts and figures. I am going to beat the odds. And I will be the exception. So after this rant that reeks of self-empowerment, anger, and eating disorder blabber you may be wondering what this has to do with you. Why am I talking about an issue that is so specific to me? How does this have any relevance to you if you don't happen to be suffering from an eating disorder? Well I am going to tell you exactly why- we all suffer from or struggle with something. We are all told that we can't or won't do something. A number of us are given facts and figures, numbers, histories, statistics that tell us we are unable to do or overcome something because the odds just aren't in our favor. Well no matter what it is we are dealing with we need to believe that we will be the exception. We must have faith that we are strong enough to beat the odds and prove to everyone- doctors, scientists, friends, families, psychologists- that they are wrong. I have an affirmation for us to reflect upon today that will hopefully empower us and enable us to believe that we will beat the odds when they are seemingly not in our favor-

By refusing failure, I gain the strength and determination to keep going no matter what tries to stand in my way.

Fuck the Facts and Figures!

By refusing to fail, refusing to let statistics get us down, refusing to accept any diagnosis as a death sentence we empower ourselves. We enable ourselves to continue moving forward, fighting, and living. No matter what you are struggling with- infertility, an eating disorder, cancer, graduating college, depression- never stop fighting and never give up. Don't let what others may say dissuade you or make you feel disempowered. Don't let statistics convince you that you have no choice or that you are doomed. Scream out loud "fuck the facts and figures!" "I will be the exception!" We cannot allow these upsetting statistics and information permeate our minds. If we do so they will control our thoughts, dictate our moods, and alter the way in which we live our lives. We need to believe that we will beat the odds or we are resigned to a life of unhappiness and defeat. We cannot forget that there are exceptions to the facts and figures that are presented and we must believe that will be the exceptions. Yes, Brown's quote infuriated me but it empowered me as well. I am not a statistic and I will not become one of the numbers of anorexics that die a premature death. I will not lose my life to years in and out of treatment. I will not lose my life to dysfunctional, eating disordered thoughts. My anorexia will not take my life from me. I will continue to fight and truly do believe that I will be the exception. What will you choose to be?

Never ever give up on yourself!

xo

Never Surrender, Corey Hart

Good Samaritan

Earning Good Karma Points

Helping Out and Doing the Right Thing

It didn't look quite like this...haha-

Today I was at Starbucks when I witnessed a hit and run in the parking lot. I beige Volvo sedan pulled out and hit a parked green classic MG convertible. My automatic instincts kicked in and I quickly noted and memorized the Volvo's license plate number. I asked around and discovered the owner of the green convertible. I told him what I saw and he asked if he could borrow my cell phone number to call 911. He was so thankful repeatedly saying "thanks kiddo" and "what a nice young lady." I was still around with the police arrived and they asked if I would mind making a brief statement since I witnessed the accident. Of course I didn't mind helping out although it took a good 30 minutes out of my day and I was eager to get home. The owner of the MG continued to thank me and seemed utterly amazed that I so naturally looked to do the right thing by searching for the owner of the damaged car and willing to take time out of my day to speak with the police. I guess in this crazy world we live in, where too many people are just looking out for themselves, a small offering of kindness that I thought nothing of seems extraordinary to others. In my mind helping out and doing the right thing seemed like my only option. But I suppose some people would just ignore it and go about their day without thinking twice about the damaged car or the unlucky owner. I was happy to act as a good samaritan and offer as much help as I could in this situation. Maybe it's just my personality or because I was utterly appalled by the Volvo owner's behavior but I didn't think my actions deserved any praise. I was simply doing what I felt I was obligated our ought to do. At the end of the day it can't hurt to do the right thing- it will add points too our karma- and the recipient of our actions is sure to be extremely appreciative. As usual I have a quote to accompany my little tale-

"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking.  There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught."

- J.C. Watts

I like this quote because I think it speaks to many elements of my personal account. The woman in the Volvo clearly thought no one was looking or paying attention and therefore she could get away with the minor hit and run. She thought she was was "get[ting] by" but did not realize that someone else out there was willing to truly do the right thing and that she would be caught. Perhaps she won't believe she has done wrong until her actions catch up with her or maybe she knew she was doing wrong even in the midst of her actions. I guess I'll never know but that answer is pretty irrelevant. Our character or fiber, listening to our inner voice, doing the right thing, and holding onto our morals are important in terms of defining who we are and what we believe in. Doing the right thing- whether we believe it will be noticed or that we'll be repaid- does not only serve others but ultimately helps us well. When we shut our eyes at the end of the day we are only the ones that can determine whether or not we are proud of the way behaved during the course of the day. (The same goes in life as well- as many say we are born alone and we die alone.) As morbid as that phrase may be it is the truth. We being our lives with ourselves and our lives end in the same way. Nothing we have- material belongings, money, friends, our appearance- matters if we cannot be proud of the way we acted and treated others during our life. The only way to live is by sticking to our morals and listening to our conscience no matter what. The more we do good and act morally the more we will believe that we are in fact good people. The stronger our own belief that we are good deep down the less the outside world will be able to shake our view of ourselves. And if all of these reasons aren't enough to convince you that it's always worth it to be a good samaritan at least have faith that doing the right thing or helping out will earn you good karma points and the cosmos will pay you back in the ends.

Hold tight to your morals and have faith in your conscience,

xo

Always Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide, Disney's "Pinocchio"

Happy Thoughts Make Happy Dreams

Closing the Day on a Good Note

Evening Inspiration

My family vacation is finally coming to a close and I find myself feeling relieved. I am looking forward to returning to my normal routine and patterns of what I am used to and comfortable with. It is always difficult for me to step out of my element- location, eating, drinking, sleeping pattern- for too long without feel worn out and anxious. It's a shame because vacations are meant to be relaxing but I always find them anxiety provoking. I am most certain I will feel better after a couple days at home and back in my comfort zone. For tonight I have decided to turn to an uplifting and inspirational quote rather than an affirmation. I am hoping that these positive worlds will stimulate our minds and result in happy thoughts and happy dreams.

My dream to feel on top of the world- success!

"The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build your life by, and this you will become."

- James Allen

I think this quote perfectly accompanies the title of this entry "Happy Thoughts Make Happy Dreams." Not only do our thoughts impact our dreams they impact the way we live and the direction our lives will turn. If we envision a magnificent life for ourselves, outline it in our mind, we are able to achieve all that we wish. The only way to have positive results is to think positively. Negativity can only serve to bring both us as well as our dreams down. Our deepest desires, if believed in, can become our reality. At the end of the day it comes down to having faith and believing that we are capable of achieving these wants. Our wishes may seem lofty or unattainable and maybe some of them are. But, our only hope for achieving any of our dreams is to continue to envision them in our mind and fight for our own success!

Happy thoughts and dreams friends,

xo

Good Days!

Uplifting Evening Thought

A Positive Affirmation

Today has been my first very good day in a while. I am coming off of a few rough days which has allowed me to recognize and appreciate the simple joy of a positive day. I had a great doctor's appointment, chatted with a classmate I have never spoken at length with, finished and turn in an assignment, and enjoyed a yummy dinner at home with a friend. It wasn't a super special or eventful day but all the little good moments collectively created a very satisfying day. This feeling of contentment as a relax on my bed has lead me to choose and exceptionally uplifting affirmation for tonight.

I am grateful for this day. I give myself credit for all that I have accomplished, both big and small. I love my body and give it the rest that it needs. When I wake I will feel renewed and eager to start my day.



Maybe you're not in the same mental space as me right now but at least try to pick an aspect of this affirmation that you believe or can utilize. I am shocked that I am able to read this affirmation and can honestly believe all the words coming out of my mouth- especially the portion about loving my body. But in this moment it is the truth. I truly am content with my body and thankful for all that it is able to do. Our bodies are exceptionally resilient. We can put them through a lot- they can endure pain or starvation, dehydration or exhaustion, and still bounce back and serve us in the future! Today my body was able to wake up, read as an assignment, drive me to campus, walk to class, write a paper, and carry me to my bed where I currently sit. My body is a remarkable thing, as is yours, and I am thankful for its abilities and will honor it with sleep.


Respect your bodies by dedicating this time to rest,
xo


PS: I really love kittens and I just thought this picture was too perfect (not to mention adorable): sleep and love- perfect combination and directly reflects both the affirmation and my commentary.

Ok, maybe not the most typical or soothing of choices but this song about having a good day always manages to make me smile and gives me the urge to dance!


Good Day, Nappy Roots
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kuj-PGC8rE

The In Between

Abandon Black and White Thinking

Choosing to Make the Most of the Grey Area

I have been thinking a lot about my post from last night and feelings toward yesterday and seemingly current monotony of my life. I don't have a ton of good friends around and I'm stuck taking classes this summer in an effort to graduate ASAP because if I were academically "on track" I would have graduated this past Spring along with most of my friends. If asked how I view my current life or how I typically feel I would most likely answer- "miserable." I have forced myself to question, why? No I'm not surrounded by my best friends and I don't have constant activity but there are people around (considering I live in a house with 13 other people), the house organizes social events a decent amount, I have a couple friends outside the house, and I do have a few events that I can look forward to. My life isn't perfect or exactly how I would want it but in reality it's far from "miserable." The real problem isn't my life but my method of thinking- black and white thinking. If you are unfamiliar with this term black and white thinking means to think only in extremes. My life is either fabulous or awful. I am either ecstatic or depressed. Thin or Fat. Gorgeous or ugly. A genius or dumb. The list could go on and on depending on your personal vulnerabilities and insecurities. I personally am struggling with recognizing that events and situations can still be good even if they're not perfect. This good is the in between, the grey area, and it's up to me to make the most of it. The following quote emphasizes the importance of every moment and our ability to control it's value and meaning.

“All that is important is this one moment in movement. Make the moment important, vital, and worth living. Do not let it slip away unnoticed and unused.” 

- Martha Graham


By indulging in depression and negativity, because things in our life or even our lives in general aren't ideal, we allow ourselves to lose time. It is not deniable that our time on earth, while usually extensive, is indeed limited. We can't afford to give up or become dissatisfied during imperfect times because in reality the majority of life is made up of instances that are not exactly how we imagined or wished. This is precisely why it so crucial that we learn how to accept and embrace the grey- times in our life and experiences that while not perfect can still be great and enjoyable. There is more than just good and bad- there's a spectrum of feelings and definitions. Most moments fall into this middle ground and it is up to us make the most of them, appreciate them for what they are, and live. I urge you fight your black and white thinking in all regards and recognize the potential of the grey area.


Appreciate each moment today no matter how imperfect they may seem,
xo


Sometimes life, our emotions, ourselves are just the yellow gummy bear and being the yellow gummy bear is more than ok, it can be great!

And we can strive to make every moment exceptional or a "moment like this" despite its imperfections or failure to meet expectations-


A Moment Like This, Kelly Clarkson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC9AO7GHGfA