As I poured myself a glass of wine on Sunday night (it helps make meal/food prep easier…), I found myself reflecting on the weekend… and I just felt so blessed!
Between drinks and dinner with my friend Liz on Thursday night,
to spending Halloween with RM and his family, gushing over the babies, handing out candy and enjoying festive food and drinks,
to having my parents down to meet RM’s family
(but really, though, can you get any cuter than these two?! I nearly died when the hugged goodbye. So cute!)
to book club with my girlfriends, delicious food and lots of bubbly on a snowy Sunday afternoon
to having a quiet Sunday evening in my kitchen with a glass of vino, Miranda Lambert Pandora and lots of healthy and delicious food,
I really just feel so blessed! It’s so easy to get caught up in all the negatives (I didn’t sleep well, I am stressed at work, I have too much going on after work, I didn’t have a good workout, I don’t feel good, etc.), that it was a really nice change to have nothing but GOOD feelings last night.
I challenge each of you to list out 3 things making you feel blessed right now. Could be as small as not being in traffic on your way to work or finding a penny on the ground.
I challenge each of you to try and be present in the moment. To reflect on all the GOOD aspects of your lives. To say “I love you” more. To hug for a few seconds longer. To smile more. To listen. To forgive. To laugh (at yourself, too!).
… and then think about how you feel when you’re doing those things. I’m pretty sure you’ll find that thinking/feeling/living like that gives you a sense of peace and calmness that stressful/anxious/angry doesn’t, right? We spend so much of our days being angry or upset or pointing blame when we should really be focusing on everything good in our lives. I know this is something I need to work on, what about you?
Questions for you: What was the best part of your weekend? Do you tend to dwell on negatives or focus on the positives? What do you feel blessed for?
Burpees to Bubbly 
Love this post! I used to have a gratitude journal but got lazy right in it, so now I’m trying to first thing when I wake up, say a few things I’m grateful for. I feel like it just sets the tone for the day on a happier note!
Thanks Fiona! I think that’s a great idea. I always want to do that, but somehow always forget. I would really like to get better at it, though.
Very nice. Wedo need more of this
yes we do, Jean!
I had major surgery about 2 weeks ago, and have a total recovery of at least 8 weeks. The surgery and my recovery time have made me immensely appreciate my physical abilities and pre-surgery health, my friends and family (who have called, texted, brought food, spent time, etc.) and most importantly, my fiancé who has waited on me hand and foot every step of the way. It’s times like this that you realize not only what you appreciate in life, but who you appreciate in life. As for health/fitness, it made me realize that one should seize every opportunity to move one’s body to show gratitude for the health and body you have access to. That doesn’t mean you have to run marathons all the time or torture yourself in the gym, but even an opportunity to take a walk on a beautiful day or take a yoga class to de-stress should be cherished.
8 weeks recovery sounds really rough, Sam! But you’re right- it does make you realize how much you have that you generally take for granted. It’s only during injuries that I am able to appreciate all I can do when I’m injury free.
I love this! ha I always try to be thankful for at least 3 things everyday! Even when work stresses me out I remind myself I am lucky to have a job, When I get a seat on the subway, and when I smile for no reason, I feel extra grateful. 3 daily constants are: my niece and nephew, a bodies ability to work out, and my friends.
You’re right- the times I remember to put my outer shell aside and I slow down, smile and think about everything I have, I feel so good! we are all way more blessed than we realize.
I love this post!!! I have to remind myself often (especially lately) that I have much to be grateful for and I should focus on those things more than anything else.
Thanks, Kim. I feel like when I’m reminded of how lucky I am, I want to help other people realize how lucky they are, too! It can be hard when we are stressed or have a lot going on, but it’s so important to try!
Hi Nick, What a wonderful post! The best part of my weekend was spending it with you!! (and RM’s family). I loved “Momma”, and the meal was a foodies’s delight–WOW! I can’t believe all of the wonderful flavors in that meal. Can’t wait to do it again. Mom
We are so lucky to have such a great family! I’m so lucky that you and dad are such great parents and so supportive… not to mention that you love coming down to visit! Can’t wait to do it again.