Old Wisdom, New Places (#275)

I sound like a broken record. Gratitude this. Gratitude that. It doesn’t matter where you go or who you’re with. As you explore new chapters of your life, you’ll find ways gratitude, patience, and positivity can play a role. Sometimes, it’s just not about you.

10.06.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Giant indoor roller blading
  2. Ice cream
  3. Games with friends
  4. Exploring new places
  5. Long drives and long stories
  6. The warmth of the sun
  7. Just listening
  8. Thai food
  9. Creativity projects
  10. Friendly animals
  11. First responders and those who serve
  12. Learning new things
  13. My family
  14. Handstand practice in random places
  15. Finding my way
  16. A couple deep breaths
  17. Peanut butter bars
  18. Time for pictures
  19. Making new friends
  20. Trust and honesty
  21. Sharing music
  22. Candy corn
  23. The change of seasons
  24. Good parking
  25. This very moment

As always, check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image from the NY state government building.

Change Is All Around Us (#274)

As I rode my bike along the Norwottuck Rail Trail, for the first time I saw the reds and oranges of Fall. Leaves, separating from their branches like a bird from its mother, the seasons are changing. In Western Massachusetts, the change is dramatic. The deep green present on campus turns to a crimson red, intent on staying until snow falls in the Winter.

For me, this is both a powerful and perfect time to reflect on summer. To appreciate the time for what it was. There’s a lot of good in my life in the here and now. It’s important to stay focused on my present but I am grateful for my process all the same.

10.05.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Bike rides with Stephen
  2. When my mom comes and visits
  3. Clean water
  4. Texts from Peter in Mississippi
  5. Finding the time
  6. Lending a helping hand
  7. Good teachers and bad teachers
  8. Warm blankets
  9. Handstand practice
  10. My process
  11. Good parking
  12. The upcoming long weekend
  13. A clean apartment
  14. Handstand practice
  15. When things work out
  16. Reminders to be patient
  17. Long runs
  18. New music Friday
  19. Sharing laughter and food
  20. Old man basketball on Wednesday’s
  21. Good mentors and role models
  22. Lessons learned
  23. Cozy socks
  24. UMass Amherst
  25. This very moment

As always, check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image from Acadia with Julie!

I Am Unwavering…Or At least I Try To Be (#273)

John Wooden said it best,

I am not what I ought to be, not what I want to be, not what I am going to be, but I am thankful I am better than I used to be.

I find this quote appropriate. I struggled to write about gratitude for a lot of reasons this week. I had a hard time with my mental health and justifying a post about positivity and gratitude didn’t feel right if I didn’t mean it. There wasn’t one moment that set me off, it was a feeling inside that threw off my balance.

With time, I will learn. This life is a process and as John Wooden so eloquently stated, I’m still better than I used to be.

10.04.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Late night ice cream
  2. The people I work with at UMass
  3. My Peer Mentors
  4. Staff Meeting
  5. The rain
  6. Morning stretches
  7. Gratitude
  8. Foggy mornings
  9. Sleepy time tea
  10. Leadership lessons
  11. A couple deep breaths
  12. My long run
  13. People who inspire
  14. Sharing desserts
  15. Hot showers
  16. A clear summer night
  17. Summer spent at the beach
  18. My cat, Ned
  19. Naps in Iceland
  20. A clean apartment
  21. Change in all its forms
  22. Getting stuff done
  23. On campus sushi
  24. My friend, Erika
  25. The here and now

As always, check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of a small boat. I took this picture thinking of tranquility.

Making Traditions (#272)

It’s October! That only means one thing in the Ames household….decorations for Halloween are going up. My dad has made it a point to be the spookiest house on our street. Granted, we live in the suburbs so we’re surrounded by families who have kids so none of the decorations are “actually scary”.

Why not make Gratitude a tradition in your daily schedule? Leave the once a year traditions to my dad and our Halloween decorations. You can use gratitude and share it with others all year long.

10.01.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Warm blankets and cozy socks
  2. Sleeping in
  3. My class on educational leadership
  4. Making dinner with Julie
  5. My cat Ned
  6. Morning tea to start the day
  7. My brother and my family
  8. Learning new things
  9. Clean dishes and a clean apartment
  10. Big Y granola for my yogurt
  11. A couple deep breaths
  12. Buffalo chicken salads
  13. Talking things out
  14. NFL Football
  15. Oldies radio
  16. Nighttime thunderstorms
  17. Handstand practice and time at the gym
  18. The change of color in the leaves
  19. Sharing music
  20. After school cereal snacks
  21. No traffic
  22. Friends from home
  23. A night at the movies
  24. Books on tape
  25. The here and now

As always, check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Doing my best to be present. Featured image is celebrating my present.

Acts of Love (#271)

Love, gratitude, positivity, it all starts with us. Whether you have a list or your sending thoughtful texts, demonstrate love in whatever way you know how. You may inspire gratitude in ways you could have never imagined.

09.28.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Making meals together
  2. Trust and honesty
  3. Summer freckles
  4. The warmth of the sun
  5. People who inspire
  6. New music Friday!
  7. Safe travels
  8. Time at the gym
  9. Each and every breath
  10. Mango Chutney
  11. Books on the bike
  12. Classic movies
  13. Chipotle trips
  14. Friends from home
  15. Soccer practice after school
  16. The rain and the life it brings
  17. New beginnings
  18. Acts of love
  19. Fresh air and sitting on the balcony
  20. Hammock naps
  21. When my mom would pick me up from school
  22. Good feelings and good vibes
  23. Peace and positivity
  24. Leadership lessons
  25. The here and now

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of Eagle Lake in Maine!

Hold On (#270)

There’s a lot of good in our lives, even when it feels like there isn’t. With a deep breath and some intentional gratitude, you can conquer anything. So hold on, and don’t give up hope. You got this.

09.27.19

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Handwritten notes
  2. Late night ice cream
  3. A clean apartment
  4. Safe travels
  5. My family
  6. The weekend
  7. Supportive supervisors
  8. A full tank of gas
  9. Going to concerts with my brother
  10. Morning tea and bagels
  11. Getting things done
  12. Teaching CORE
  13. Good conversation
  14. Mentoring
  15. My summer abroad
  16. Spotify radio
  17. Clean water
  18. Cupcake and cake frosting
  19. Positivity and gratitude
  20. Time to journal
  21. Waking up next to my cat, Ned
  22. Rainy days
  23. Good advice
  24. A couple deep breaths
  25. The here and now

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image from Acadia.

Finding Clarity (#269)

09.25.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. The sound of the rain on my window
  2. Foggy mornings
  3. My family
  4. Staff meeting with my peer mentors
  5. Cause for celebrating
  6. Bike rides through campus
  7. A little understanding
  8. Coaches and mentors
  9. Honest conversation
  10. Writing things down
  11. Shared laughter
  12. Clean water
  13. A couple deep breaths
  14. Patience and support
  15. School spirit
  16. Consistency
  17. Movie theater recliner seats
  18. Waking up next to my cat
  19. My introvert time
  20. Trying new things
  21. Clear skies
  22. Backyard soccer
  23. Organized music
  24. Time to sleep in
  25. The here and now

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of a foggy morning outside my apartment.