Tag: life

Gratitude

March Gratitude Recap!

By Jacob Ames on

Another video!

I definitely felt more comfortable in front of the camera and I’m eager to improve. I miss the daily posts and interacting with the WordPress community on a more regular basis. I really enjoyed interacting with and having conversations with professionals dedicated to education. I can fondly remember some of the most outstanding teachers I have had, simply because of how they made me FEEL. It’s not always about content, I would be unable to tell you about some of the specific details about old tests or assignments. What I can share is how I felt at home walking into each of these anointed classrooms. I was welcomed and encouraged to do my best work and to be myself. I hope to one day do that for students of my own.

As I wrap up my Master’s Degree, I’m looking forward to doing more writing and sharing here on the Gratitude Journal. The sun has helped my motivation this past week and I’m excited for it to continue to get warmer.

Keep on the lookout for a published version of 365 Days Of Gratitude!

My dream for the Gratitude Journal is to recruit as many writers as possible. The blog would continue to post daily and share gratitude lists from all over the world in combination with larger projects and ideas meant to be shared. If this is something you’re interested in, follow the links to Guest Blogging up above.

Check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I started writing about gratitude and why I want you to start writing a list of your own. 

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!

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Gratitude

Community Post: Finding My Identity

By Jacob Ames on

This post is written by Katie Lemons, a wonderful blogger, and creator you can learn more about at (Hot & Sour). Katie was recognized as a recipient of Amazon’s Top 35 Family Lifestyle blogs. 

I am a woman. I am Chinese-American. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a scientist. I am a writer. I am all of these things, yet none of these words can accurately portray my individuality or even begin to explain the essence of who I am.

It wasn’t until after my son was born that I truly began to think deeply about my own identity. Before then, I had taken it for granted that I knew who I was, that it wasn’t something that needed to be reflected upon. But after having a child, my identity became inextricably intertwined with the little person who was now a permanent fixture in my life. It was only when I tried to separate myself from the role of motherhood that I realized I didn’t know where to begin.

Little by little, I began to realize that my identity is not defined by my roles, my job, or my hobbies. Rather than looking for labels to describe me, I began to look at the various aspects of my life as the things which bring me overwhelming joy. It wasn’t until I began to appreciate and be thankful for the things I have that I was able to shift my focus and live life to the fullest.

I am grateful for…

  1. The feeling of sinking into my bed, after an exhausting day
  2. Watching my son eagerly absorbing everything the world has to offer
  3. Reading a book that truly resonates with me
  4. Finding something in common with someone else that is totally unexpected
  5. Witnessing the immense love my son continuously receives from his grandparents
  6. A long hug with my husband after work
  7. Sleeping in on the weekend when my son visits with his grandparents
  8. A big bowl of delicious noodle soup
  9. Discovering a TV show that my husband and I both love
  10. Amazon Prime Two Day Shipping
  11. Coming home to a house cleaned top to bottom by my husband
  12. Creative inspiration
  13. Making a difference and being recognized at work
  14. Connecting with old friends without missing a beat
  15. Financial security
  16. The feeling of comfort and nostalgia when eating food I grew up with
  17. Doing something random and silly that causes my son to laugh from his belly
  18. Finding a great deal on something I was going to buy anyway
  19. Listening to podcasts
  20. People and situations that are placed in my life that facilitate personal growth
  21. My health and well-being
  22. Knowing that what I do makes a difference in patients’ lives
  23. A workplace and supervisors that are incredibly supportive of parenthood
  24. Changing into my pajamas and snuggling under a blanket on the couch
  25. Being a homeowner with two parks within walking distance of our neighborhood

Screen Shot 2019-03-27 at 3.52.07 PM.png

For more from Katie, check out her blog at Hot & Sour, where she writes about motherhood, marriage, food, culture, and much more.

Check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I started writing about gratitude and why I want you to start writing a list of your own. 

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!

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Gratitude

Sharing Gratitude and Creating Something Bigger Than Ourselves

By Jacob Ames

Hi, internet!

As I have taken a step back from the daily posts, I have given time and thought to what my next Gratitude project will be. One of the most powerful lessons I learned during my 365 Days Of Gratitude was that Gratitude is meant to be shared. It is important to have Gratitude for yourself and for your process but others deserve to hear the same. A handwritten note or a big ol’ hug can go a long way for a friend or mentor.

I love the idea of paying it forward and I hope to inspire the same with Gratitude. Below you will find The Gratitude Wall. A digital wall to share, post, create, draw, and design.

Made with Padlet

I have been inspired by those before me who have created colorful, thoughtful, spaces for people to show their love and appreciation. In today’s digital age, this wall can grow beyond the confines and access of a single space. We have the opportunity to share gratitude across the globe in so many different ways. I’m hoping you will join me in this venture. Post on the wall and share it with a friend. Encourage them to do the same and we can create a chain reaction of Gratitude.

I have aspirations of changing the world but something like that does not just happen overnight and it’s not something I can do alone. Change starts in ourselves, it extends to our communities and environments and continues on to shape the lives of others. The best part is, we have the power to start today. Sign the wall and post something of your own.

Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
― Barack Obama

Check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I started writing about gratitude and why I want you to start writing a list of your own. 

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)! I’m looking for list makers and gratitude writers! 

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Gratitude

My Next Project!

By Jacob Ames on

Thanks for watching! Still trying to master video but I’m excited to share this first installment. Now that I have completed 365 days of gratitude, I’m ready for what comes next.

Follow The Gratitude Journal for bi-weekly videos and posts in-between about living life with positivity. I want to hear your story!

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!

Check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I started writing about gratitude and why I want you to start writing a list of your own. 

I need help to get published!

The Gratitude Journal is a personal blog meant to inspire. Donate to help generate more content and posts on gratitude, life, and positivity. With your contribution, I can hopefully publish and bind my blog into a real book. Follow the blog for exclusive information on original book copies and production. Send it with your friends and together let's share gratitude.

$10.00

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Gratitude

Promise Yourself (#354)

By Jacob Ames on

“To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.” 
― Christian D. Larson, Your Forces and How to Use Them

02.17.19

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Shared laughter
  2. Late night ice cream
  3. Game Of Thrones marathons
  4. Real running marathons
  5. Productive time
  6. Trips to Chipotle
  7. Hanging out with Ned
  8. A clean apartment
  9. Painted skies
  10. Time at the gym
  11. Handwritten notes and letters
  12. A moment to breathe
  13. Signs from the Universe
  14. A cool breeze on a warm day
  15. People who inspire
  16. Local bagels in the morning
  17. My family
  18. The little things
  19. Teachers, mentors, and coaches
  20. Basketball in the driveway
  21. Coming home
  22. Hot soup on a cold day
  23. A good book to read
  24. Lessons learned
  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.

 

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!

Featured image from Judas Tree

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Gratitude

All I Am (#317)

By Jacob Ames on

All I am is a reflection of my actions. I want to choose to bring positivity and gratitude into life and hopefully inspire others along the way. All I am is me and I’m proud of that.

12.21.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Pickup soccer with friends
  1. Good health
  1. Shared laughter
  1. Texts from my girlfriend
  1. Time with my family
  1. Chipotle trips with Lucas
  1. Vivid dreams
  1. Good communication
  1. The warmth of the sun
  1. Morning yoga with mom
  1. Late night ice cream
  1. Hanging with my cat before bed
  1. Bridgewater State
  1. Acoustic slow jams
  1. Talented artists
  1. My brothers in Sigma Pi
  1. Nice days and cool nights
  1. Spontaneous dancing
  1. New York bagels and local pizza
  1. A growth based mindset
  1. A little luck
  1. Nights in London
  1. Cambodia friends
  1. My continued education
  1. 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.

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!

Featured image from Malibu.

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Gratitude

Middle Of The Road (#162)

By Jacob Ames on

“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 that I am better than I used to be”

John Wooden

It’s a long road ahead but I’ve found myself to be in a good place along the way. Remembering my breath to enjoy the ride.

11.17.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. My family
  2. Basketball in the driveway
  3. A change in season
  4. Comfy pillows and warm blankets
  5. Time at home
  6. Letting things go
  7. My grandparents
  8. Talking things out when needed
  9. Hot yoga with my mom
  10. Time to journal
  11. Good tea and good conversation
  12. My cat, Ned
  13. Cereal snacks
  14. Late night ice cream
  15. Friends abroad
  16. A week off from school
  17. The colorful setting sun
  18. Time to heal
  19. A couple of deep breaths
  20. The sound of the train passing
  21. Local bagels
  22. Safe travels and good stories
  23. Meeting new people
  24. Patient thoughts
  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 last winter

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Gratitude

It’ll Be Alright (#298)

By Jacob Ames on

Adversity can be suffocating. It can isolate you and make you question everything. The walls close in, you feel trapped in this moment and there doesn’t seem to be any way out…

I’m here to remind you to hold on to hope. To be patient with your process and to tell you that you’re strong enough to get through this. Strong enough to find your way out. Remember to breathe and take it one day at a time. You’ll find your way.

It’ll Be Alright

11.08.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. A little bit of good luck
  2. Watching the Celtics with my dad and brother
  3. A clear night to see the stars
  4. Tattoo stories
  5. My process. My journey.
  6. Crossing things off my to-do list
  7. Being helpful
  8. Shared laughter and fun stories
  9. When my cat wakes me up after I hit snooze on my alarm
  10. A new perspective
  11. Perseverance and determination
  12. Embracing change and offering support
  13. Catching the sunrise
  14. Summer camp and the warmth of the sun
  15. The sound of birds outside my window
  16. Clean water
  17. A clean apartment
  18. Exploring new places
  19. Comfy pillows and warm blankets
  20. Driving with the window down and the music up
  21. Positive energy from others
  22. Safe travels and good health
  23. Late night ice cream
  24. Time for hiking and photography
  25. The present

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 my friend Lucas, one of the most inspiring people I know.

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Gratitude

Visions Of The Future (#296)

By Jacob Ames on

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.

Jim Rohn

I’ve felt stuck of late. I have these dreams and aspirations of a career in education. Unfortunately, my work doesn’t align with my goals and I’m afraid I’m wasting time. I’m doing my best to make changes that help me in the present and not some theoretical date in the future. My journey is my own and there’s no prescribed method or fast track to doing it. The lessons I learn have been taught to me by time and adversity and there’s no better teacher.

11.06.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. My parents and their support
  2. Summer days spent outside
  3. A clean and warm apartment
  4. Mentors and role models
  5. My education
  6. Sledding down the hill in the winter
  7. FaceTiming with friends
  8. My club, Liverpool, even when they lose
  9. Change
  10. Getting picked up after school
  11. Clean teeth
  12. My fraternity brothers
  13. Honest communication
  14. Trips to the beach
  15. Reading through old journal entries
  16. Good advice
  17. Clean water and my friends from Cambodia
  18. Catching the morning sunrise
  19. Waking up next to my cat
  20. Learning new things
  21. Patient thoughts
  22. Family owned breakfast places and real maple syrup on my pancakes
  23. A couple deep breaths
  24. Signs from the Universe
  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 the fog at UMASS.

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Gratitude

Keeping Up (#295)

By Jacob Ames on

In my Monday class, we talk about leadership. We talk about being a good role model and how impactful GOOD role modeling can be within a school or an organization.

I view my blog in the same way. I hope to role model having a positive mindset, using gratitude, and trusting the unknown. I appreciate followers who have kept up and those who have just joined the journey.

Hearing about gratitude in your life reminds me why I started the blog. Thank you for your time and energy, it makes a difference.

11.05.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. The rain on my windshield
  2. Adaptability
  3. Mutual support
  4. Leadership lessons
  5. New beginnings
  6. My family group chat
  7. Coming home to my cat Ned
  8. A chance to rest my legs
  9. Healing at my own pace
  10. Gratitude
  11. Morning pancakes
  12. Safe travels
  13. A couple deep breaths and a reminder to let things go when I need to
  14. Good health
  15. Clean water
  16. Embracing change
  17. Walks to the grocery store
  18. Card games with my dad
  19. After school cartoons
  20. Late night ice cream and stretching
  21. Comfy sweatshirts
  22. Figuring it out
  23. A little patience
  24. A good book to read at the gym
  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 the summer sun in Liverpool. Wishing I could go back to simpler times.

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