New Weekly Mantra - We think too much about what goes wrong..

I realized that I've been acting ungrateful lately. I'm quick to point out all of the things that aren't right, from the littlest things, to the larger life items. It is always when I read international news, or look up for a second from my own world, that I realize that I have much, much, much more than I'll ever need; even if everything is not quite where I want it to be.

This week's mantra relates. Enjoy! x

"We think too much about what goes wrong and not enough about what goes right in our lives. Of course, sometimes it makes sense to analyze bad events so that we can learn from them and avoid them in the future. However, people tend to spend more time thinking about what is bad in life than is helpful. Worse, this focus on negative events sets us up for anxiety and depression. One way to keep this from happening is to get better at thinking about and savouring what went well." - Dr. Martin Seligman via Brain Pickings 

The Big Question - What Are You Thankful For?

This Thanksgiving, before eating, we all had to state what we are thankful for.

When it was my turn to say my gratitude, I got a little bit awkward as I normally do when the attention is on me. I started my sentence with an "Ummm...," and then someone shouted,

"She's grateful for New York!"

Everyone had a chuckle (haha, very funny) and then the spotlight moved on. I did, however, have something to say, and I didn't really push to stay it once I lost the moment.

So here goes it: I am grateful for consistency. 

It doesn't matter if I've had the worst week of my life, or if I just won the lottery, when I walk into my aunt's house on Thanksgiving, everything is the same. There will always be too many pies to taste, the annual walk after lunch and squishy bread stuffing. Some years we may add a chair for a new boyfriend or a new baby, and other years, life forces us to take some away, but we always come back to each other. Beyond Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for a family that chooses to remain together. To live nearby one another. To take care of each other. To keep it all going.

In a world where everyone is fixated on how they can upgrade every aspect of their lives from their phones to their jobs, I'm happy to say that in this area of my life, I wouldn't change a thing.

x 

Be Grateful - Not A Model Mantra

Lately, I can't help but become unbearably sad when I read the newspaper. Lately, I can't help but question the world that I live in. 

Today, be grateful.

Today, there is no lack in your life and if there is, put it away for one second. Instead, think of everything (little and large) that you are thankful for.

For me it's:

Shoulders that like to kiss the sunlight, a good friend to call on the phone, the sound of laughter that travels to my toes, a fresh vegetable salad, a frigid glass of beer, the morning sunshine, the afternoon storm, a roommate who lets me nap in her bed because hers is more comfortable, the way that I can read this sentence right now, comprehend it, walk away from it, and remember it; a body with working limbs to carry me from place to place, a fridge with food in it, discovering a new album that ignites my elbows, a firm pillow, a place to take a warm shower, a desire to be better, the fact that I'm only gone for eight weeks and my parents are flying over to visit me this weekend. 

The way that the moment you start listing all the things you have to be thankful for, you realize there is not one extra thing you could need.

This week's mantra is as follows: 

"A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are for what you have."- anonymous 

BEAUTY. BRAINS. BOOST

                        BEAUTY

No one wants to make-out with a piece of sandpaper. When the harsh winds try to pierce through the piled on layers and meet our soft flesh, there is one area that always suffers the most: the lips. My new favourite: Jack Black Intense Lip Therapy SPF 25 in Lemon and Chamomile. Not only is it made from natural ingredients, but it doesn't shine or stick (perfect for both men and women) and it smells unreal.

BRAINS

When it comes to cancer, education and awareness are key. October was Breast Cancer awareness month, and November Movember is prostate cancer awareness month. I always find it inspiring when I see courageous people finding a way to spread awareness and education about cancer in an engaging way. 

My friend Claudia (the beauty in yellow on the right) was featured in a documentary called 'I Don't Have Time For This.' The documentary tells the story of five Canadian women who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the prime of their lives. I watched it on the W Network and was inspired by the strength of these women. It was an eye-opening look into a disease that people may assume only affects older women. The doc is now available to watch online. Check it out here: I Don't Have Time For This 

On another note, while mustaches are not my favourite facial hair accessory I let it slide during the month of November. Movember is a great cause for men to get involved with, while looking super creepy or dapper depending on the grooming. Some creative dudes I know created a video and song to create awareness about the disease. Check out: Do A Little Mo and try and donate before the month ends! 

BOOST 

These days nice gestures are easy to show electronically, whether through a text message or e-mail. I'm old school. I'm a sucker for handwritten notes or fresh flowers. One of my best friends Pell gave me a card over the weekend to celebrate my new found full-time job status. I was simply touched. Thanks girl! 

Not A Model says...  

1. Protect your lips

2. Get inspired by real stories. Donate to great causes.

3. Do something sweet and kind for someone you appreciate in your life that doesn't involve merely hitting [send]. xx 


[photo credit 1 & 2: Jack Black & W Network] 

Once A Year Is Not Enough...

It is easy to be grateful for one day.

To feel your heart swell with happiness as you sit with loved ones and share in stories, warm food, and laughter. It comes effortlessly because these moments are beautiful and familiar. These moments and memories repeat every year for the fortunate families who choose to honour them. This year's Thanksgiving was bigger than ever (with new additions to the family) and double the meals celebrated on both days.

While the feasts were magnificent, this post is for what happens in the weeks and months after.

Be Grateful:

...even when the turkey has been gobbled, the gravy has been drunk and the pie pans are soaking in the sink.

...even when family and friends get back into their routines, and it takes longer to be in the same room again. These people are always there, regardless of busy schedules.

...even when it's easy to scowl at the rude person serving you coffee, or the person who shoves by you on the street. You don't know their story.

...even when life disappoints you, brings you down and steps on your face to keep you there. Learn the lessons, and be thankful to have a harsh teacher.

...even for the boring days, and the stretches of time where nothing seems to change, or happen at all. You don't need a tragedy to appreciate them.

...even for the moment right now, that you can read this, hopefully safe somewhere, waiting for the next best thing to happen.

...even that the next best thing hasn't happened. It allows you to believe in something, strive towards something and understand the present moment.

Whatever those dreams may be...

Be grateful.

[Little's 1st Thanksgiving, perhaps his first piano lesson by cousin A]