Tag: life

The Long Road Ahead (#286)

Sometimes, we’re a deep breath away from where we’re supposed to be but till have to be patient until we get there. It’s a long road ahead on a lifeline journey.

10.21.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Self care
  2. Embracing change
  3. A little luck
  4. My continued education
  5. My family
  6. Positivity and inspiration
  7. Trying new things
  8. Catching up with old friends
  9. Music that makes you think
  10. Staying with my Uncle in California when I needed support
  11. Funny stories from work
  12. All kinds of ice cream
  13. Time at the gym
  14. Creative self expression
  15. Winter coats
  16. New perspectives
  17. Game of Thrones Sunday’s
  18. Fresh fruit
  19. Time to read
  20. My headphones
  21. Handwritten notes and letters
  22. BSU intramurals
  23. Indoor soccer
  24. Morning stretches
  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 Iceland

How Far We’ve Come (#285)

Grateful for my process.

Grateful for my learning.

Grateful for the people who have helped me get here.

I’m grateful for all of it.

10.19.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Time for exercise
  2. My Peer Mentors
  3. Greeting the rising sun
  4. Riding my bike through campus
  5. Free food
  6. Lessons from Walking To Listen
  7. Comfy sweats and a warm apartment
  8. The WordPress community
  9. My talkative cat, Ned
  10. Ice cream
  11. The weekend
  12. Good communication
  13. My summer in the UK
  14. Netflix Movies
  15. Backyard soccer
  16. My family
  17. The sound of birds in the morning
  18. Things we create
  19. The Universe
  20. Inspiring teachers
  21. Life lessons
  22. Healthy snacks
  23. Trying new things
  24. Embracing chance
  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.

Gratitude and Celebration (#278)

Holidays, birthdays, special occasions are all synonymous with gratitude for some. For others, it’s a day of reflection. Gift giving can be challenging but I think I have it figure it. The greatest gift you can give someone is your time in whatever way you can. It’s that simple. Show them you care! Take the time to write them a note or a card. It’s the little things that can make the biggest difference.

Happy birthday, Julie!

10.09.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Vibrant sunsets
  2. Clean water
  3. Relaxing at the beach
  4. Old man basketball
  5. Home cooked meals
  6. My town library
  7. Revolution soccer nights
  8. Family traditions
  9. Tattoo stories
  10. Sharing music
  11. Patience
  12. Comfy sweatshirts
  13. Safe travels
  14. Getting things done
  15. Leadership lessons
  16. Teachers and mentors
  17. Good parking
  18. A couple deep breaths
  19. Chocolate anything
  20. Talking things out
  21. Written notes and letters
  22. Happy pictures and good memories
  23. Trampolines
  24. New books
  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.

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.

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.

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.

Mindful Breathing (#267)

Some of you may already be familiar with the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, a well known teacher of mindfulness. Recently, my friend Ashley gifted me Peace of Mind, Becoming Fully Present by that very same Buddhist monk. The themes present in his writings aren’t revolutionary or radical. Enlightenment and happiness stems from each and every breath we take.

What stands out to me is there isn’t a prescribed mantra or routine that creates joy or satisfaction. Thich Nhat encourages the reader to create our own narrative with each breath in and with each breath out.

Gratitude is just one piece of the well-being puzzle. We can find purpose in balancing everything else that comes with it.

09.23.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Time at the gym
  2. My New England Patriots, even when they lose
  3. My family
  4. Getting things done
  5. Support in many different ways
  6. Sharing pictures and stories
  7. Nights sitting outside
  8. Mac and cheese nights
  9. Summer jijutsu classes
  10. Being cozy in the cold
  11. Movie theater recliners
  12. Feeling organized
  13. New music suggestions from (https://youshouldhearblog.wordpress.com/)
  14. My summer in England
  15. Rainey days
  16. Night time stretching
  17. People who motivate and inspire others
  18. Weekend soccer and indoor all winter
  19. My headphones
  20. Time to journal
  21. Shared laughter
  22. Checking in
  23. The Boyden stairs at BSU
  24. My breath
  25. The precious 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 from Acadia! The first sun sighting in the eastern standard time zone.

Checking In With Myself (#266)

Life has been good and I’ve felt a unique calmness as summer turns to fall. It’s not enough to simply meditate once and expect enlightenment. We won’t be able to bend over backwards and find flexibility by stretching once. We need to continue to check in with ourselves and do what we have to be mindful of our progress. Happiness is a practice that we have to work on every day. Some days will just be easier than others. I have gratitude for each and every day in between.

09.22.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Cold mornings
  2. Vibrant sunsets
  3. Peanut butter sandwiches
  4. Time with my cat Ned
  5. A good book
  6. Premier League Weekends
  7. A warm cup of tea
  8. Learning new things
  9. Friends from home
  10. Time at the gym
  11. Phone calls with my mom
  12. Riding bikes
  13. Good health
  14. Safe travels
  15. When the grocery store cashier keeps their lane open for you at the end of their shift
  16. Clean water
  17. Teamwork and collaboration
  18. Coaching and mentorship
  19. Being here at UMass
  20. Mental clarity
  21. Talking things out
  22. My breath
  23. Writing things down
  24. The sound of the birds in the morning
  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. Can’t even begin to describe how excited I am to share the pictures.

Happy Birthday, Ned! (#264)

09.12.18

The old man turns 11. One year again today, I adopted Eddard Stark Ames but I like to call him Ned for short. He’s not the friendliest but he sure knows how to cuddle. He’s an old man set in his ways but has brought love and affection to my family and me. When I adopted Ned, I wasn’t sure how my parents would react. They weren’t thrilled about the idea but I think they realize how special Ned is. He’s always around to listen and can appreciate a good piece of ham. Looking forward to spending many more birthdays with my cat Ned.

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Time with my cat
  2. Rainy days inside
  3. Sleeping in
  4. Snow days off from work
  5. Mellow music and rain mixes
  6. Time at the gym
  7. Clean water
  8. My mom for watching Ned all summer
  9. Safe travels
  10. Time to journal and reflect
  11. Talking things out
  12. The feeling after you brush your teeth
  13. A clean apartment
  14. Visiting family in California
  15. Honesty
  16. Time for photography
  17. Nighttime stretches
  18. Gratitude
  19. Warm water with lemon
  20. Making new friends
  21. Having new experiences
  22. The community of bloggers on WordPress
  23. Good directions
  24. Chipotle
  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 birthday boy