In the moment

I woke up this morning with a major urge to write a blog post, I just HAD to do it! It never happens anymore because "I don't have the time". Truth is I have the time, but I can usually find a million other things I SHOULD be doing. Well I'm going to start making journaling (blog posts are almost always something I have journaled about) one of the things I "should" be doing, because it always puts me in a better mood! And what's more important then that?

I've been working on trying to be in the present moment more. And becoming more grounded. Like literally grounded. I have been trying to make a point at least once a day to step on the grass with my bare feet and really take in the sensation of the cool grass between my toes. And to work in the yard once in awhile with out gardening gloves to feel the plants and dirt with my own finger tips. To put on that little bikini in the privacy of my own backyard and let the sun shine on as much of my skin as possible. Sitting outside in the cool morning, turning my head to the fresh morning sun and letting it warm my face. To not only be outside but to really use all your senses. To listen to the birds chirping, smell the grass, feel the wind blow through your hair. I realize now so much of being in the moment is just making yourself aware of the world around you. It is so important to step outside at night, look up at the sky, and allow yourself to feel small. 

It was a couple weeks ago I was closing up the house and ready to head upstairs to bed. The last light to turn off was our back porch. Usually I turn off the last light and it's just blackness until I can feel my way up the stairs. But that night I turned the back porch light off and instead of blackness I noticed the whole back yard was lit up by a beautiful silver light. I could not resist stepping outside and being a part of it. I turned the corner to the side of the house to come face to face with the source of the light. I couldn't help but smile at the full moon. My God! How do we ever take the night sky for granted! It is breathtakingly gorgeous! I try to remember to step out in the night and look up at the stars every once in awhile, even if it's only for a few seconds. Makes all the difference in the world. 

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A Perfect Start...

I had to take a moment to share with you my most wonderful morning. It's the kind of morning that is so beautiful and the weather is so incredibly perfect, that you could just cry! There is a light, cool fall breeze blowing, the sun is shining crisp in the sky, and even the hummingbirds and butterflies in my yard seem a little extra happy today. I was so enjoying the butterflies joyful floating around my flowers that I couldn't help but get up and join them. I snapped a few quick shots that I thought you might enjoy as much as I did.

Can you spot the butterflies??

A morning like this leaves me feeling like all is right with the world.

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Take a Deep Breath and Relax

photo credit

Don't Ever Doubt Yourself

You have so much to offer,

so much to give, and so much

you deserve to receive in return. 

Don't ever doubt that.

Know yourself and all of your fine qualities.

Rejoice in all your marvelous strengths

of mind and body.

Be glad for the virtues that are yours,

and pat yourself on the back for all 

your many admirable achievements.

Keep positive. 

Concentrate on that which 

makes you happy,

and build yourself up.

Stay nimble of heart, 

happy of thought, 

healthy of mind, and 

well in being

- Janet A. Sullivan

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Perfect Saturday

I would love to share with you my day of Bliss.

It all started by sleeping-in after the most restful night of sleep...ahh...

Then we packed up our breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and dog and headed to the park. There are few things in the world that give me more joy then watching our dog run free at the dog park, playing with all his newest bestest friends, splashing in the pond, and frolicking around with a big goofy smile on his face! Pure exuberance!

It is always such a fun way to start our Saturday mornings! And it is so enjoyable talking to the other dog owners. Dog people are always such nice friendly people.

Then we headed downtown to the Farmers Market. Farmers Markets might be my favorite things ever. It will always be a good day if I get to go to a farmers market! I got so much of my last minute Christmas shopping done. I was VERY happy about that.

And what made it even more enjoyable was that my husband was being such a good sport about it all and even seemed to be enjoying himself!

After we were done at the Farmers Market, we dropped the dog off at home and went to lunch at one of my favorite places. Always such a treat! Then I came home, ate like 10 Christmas cookies, and took a nap next to the Christmas tree. PURE bliss.

I woke up in time to see the most beautiful sunset out the window. I just had to get outside and soak in the last bit of this perfect weather. So we took a little stroll around the block in the crisp, refreshing air as the sun set and the Christmas lights started to come on. Just perfection.

I think I will end this perfect Saturday with a Christmas movie and a cup of hot tea... Life is good!

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Me Day

I really think a "Me Day" is in order! I'm starting to get a little bit of that Christmas panic feeling. I have so much to do, so many Christmas presents to buy, I haven't finished decorating, I haven't made one cookie yet, and every day is getting closer and closer to Christmas! I'm running out of time!! AHHHHH!!!!!

I certainly don't want to feel this way. Especially this time of year. So I think the most important thing to do right now is have a day where I get caught up on the very basics.

It is a cozy, rainy morning out right now. I am going to have a nice relaxing morning in front of my Christmas tree (please don't take any notice that the tree is a little crooked). Then I am going to finish decorating and get the house all cleaned up! Nothing makes me feel more like I have my life in order then a clean house.

So that is my goal for the day. I am giving myself ONE goal. I am not going to overwhelm myself by trying to get everything done in one day. I am not even going to worry about all the presents I have to buy right now. I am going to sit and make a shopping plan and do all my shopping another day. (There is something about getting thoughts on a piece of paper that really helps to de-clutter my brain!)

Tonight, once my house is perfectly clean, I think I'll make some cookies and watch a Christmas movie!

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My Morning Moment of Bliss

There is nothing I love more then waking up to a dark, rainy, windy fall morning; sitting outside on my porch with a hot cup of tea watching the wind blow through the trees and listening to the rain fall. To me it is such a relaxing, magical way to start the day. I'll light a few candles, cuddle up in my big cozy sweater, and enjoy the feeling of the hot tea in my hands. 

It is my ultimate "me time". I don't focus on anything that might be stressing me out or bothering me, I let my mind wander to happy thoughts. Right now what seems to be filling my soul are the Holidays! Lately when I'm having these moments to myself I love to flood my head with thoughts of Thanksgiving and everything I love so much about the holiday. Especially all those precious childhood memories! 

So for the next few minutes I am going to sit back, relax, and finish this delicious cup of tea! Happy Friday!

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Hello Autumn!

I thought a good first post for me after our SisBliss hiatus would be to write about my favorite time of year, the fall! And everything I love so much about the season. It will be hard to sum up and put into words, but here goes...


Ever notice how the fall just kinda creeps in? I can always feel the Earth changing. Even those last few days of Summer in September when the weather is still warm, there is something different about the air, the sun. Then you get that first cool, cloudy day and BAM! It's Fall. Time to pack away summer and pull out fall decorations!


My favorite part of any season is getting to decorate! I love the excitement of pulling out all the boxes and going through them. Then running around the house figuring out a good place to put everything. The boxes always have a particular smell to them. The smell of the decorations I suppose. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Then that night when the house is all decorated and candles are lit, you get to relax with a good seasonal movie and enjoy all your hard work! Or what I like to do is bake something special that night. There is nothing like the smell of something sinful baking in the oven to kick off the season!


There is nothing I love more then a blustery autumn day, sitting outside all bundled up in my favorite fall sweater with a cup of hot cider. I love the wind. The way it blows through the trees, carrying with it the leaves from the branches that have finally surrendered to the season. I love the sound of the dead leaves on the ground being stirred by the breeze. And the feeling of the crisp fall wind blowing the hair away from my face and neck. Such a rejuvenating sensation! 


And the smells! ahh the smells... Best part of any season in my mind. The smell of camp fires off in the distance and fallen leaves. The smell of apples and spices in the air. 


There is a magic in the fall air that is almost palpable. You can feel is all around you. The Earth has this eerie stillness, even when the wind is blowing. Like the world is finally relaxing after a long hard Spring and Summer of growing things and being lively. 


These kind of blustery fall days are the kind of days that I feel anything could happen and anything is possible. I do believe there is a magic in the world. A magic that is always there if you know where to look and is just waiting to be discovered. Or maybe is doesn't want to be discovered, and that is what makes it so special and mysterious.  


Fall is the time for homemade soup simmering on the stove. For apple pie, pumpkin bread, and anything with lots of cinnamon! It's for cozy nights in front of the fire, big fuzzy blankets, and a comfy couch. A hot cup of tea and a good book you can really get lost in. Or for one of those fantastical movies I've been waiting all year to watch (Tim Burton anyone?) 


Each season is wonderful and special in its own way. But autumn is the one that stirs something inside me!


I would love you girls to help me kick-off the rest of October with everything we love about the fall! What do you love most about the fall? What are some of your favorite fall memories?


~B

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Joy Journal

I was sitting here looking through my Thomas Kinkade book that I often like to do when I want to feel peace and calm. It is a book filled with many of his paintings, and next to each painting is an uplifting, beautiful quote. Some by Thomas Kinkade, some by other famous people. I came across something written by Thomas Kinkade that wasn't exactly a quote, but just a really wonderful idea...

"Everyday joys abound. It's a matter of perspective. For every trial there is joy. For every loss there is gain. Finding the benefits to typical challenges brings to focus the beauty of daily life. It's as simple as keeping what I call a joy journal, jotting down the small gifts of being alive. The scent of a fresh breeze. The handshake of a friend. Sounds and sighs. Aromas and textures. Life is a grand blessing, but it's one that is carefully made of tiny and simple joys. Just like a mural, it's pieced together stroke by stroke with the light and dark elements living together (one is never found without the other). A Book of Joy inspires us to open our eyes and hearts to these tiny but tangible building blocks that can create a world of celebration...and life of possibilities." Thomas Kinkade

In the past I have thought of having some kind of "joy journal", but of course I never actually started it. But I think now I might. There is something more powerful about actually writing little joys down, rather then just sitting there thinking of them. I think it will be a strong way to keep the joys front and center in our lives, and keep a comfort and happiness in our souls.

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Spa Music at Home

I love the tips in your last posts Brittany on working through negative energy days and breaking the routine.  It's usually the little things that make the biggest difference.

For example, I've started turning the TV off more during the day and spending less time on the computer (as you may have noticed by my absence lately!). Instead we've been listening to relaxing music and it's making a HUGE difference.

I tend to need to have the TV on all day for "background noise". Instead I went out and got this CD player on Amazon:

Remember those?? It's like a MP3 player but you have to put these giant "compact discs" in there that only play like 10 songs at a time...you know me and technology! :)  Although it does come with an MP3 cable if needed. I really like it. I have some older relaxing music Cd's I wanted to be able to play and also went and got some additional Cd's. This was also great to have on our last trip to play our usual lullaby music for the baby when we put her to sleep (in a crib!) in the hotel bathroom!

I wanted to find some "spa music" to play during the day at home. Can you imagine a spa experience without the music?? I think we underestimate and forget how healing and restorative music really is, and I wanted to see if I could bring some of that relaxing, peaceful atmosphere to my home.

I found that Amazon is a great place to find music. You can buy the CD, MP3 album, or individual MP3s. They have samples of just about everything and you can check out user reviews. You may also be able to find some nice MP3s for free!

 I did searches for "spa music" and "relaxation music" and "sound healing". After sorting through the options I ended up getting these:


Sound Healing


Spa Dreams


and Canyon Trilogy

All heavy on the flute with a touch, but not too much New Age-ness, which I discovered I like best.  You may like something totally different..and should be able to find it.

I feel so at peace now working around the house and started spending more time playing with my baby girl. I even got my husband to listen to music in the morning instead of watching the news, which I noticed was causing him to start off his day being upset and angry...which would usually last most of the day. He said he notices the difference already, after only a few days, and I see such great changes in him already. It's just hard to get stressed or worried with relaxing music in the background.

We are even thinking of getting rid of cable for the Summer now. I'm just so sick of zoning out in front of the TV. I love the idea of sitting outside, hanging out with my husband and friends in the evenings, working in the garden with my baby girl during the day. Kind of scary and drastic, but I will let you know if we go through with it!

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Breaking the Routine

I wanted to add something that I find REALLY helps keep me in a good mood. Throwing off the routine a bit. I say "a bit" because I believe routines are a good thing. It keeps us on track and helps get things done. But do you ever feel like you are going through a rut? That every day starts to feel exactly the same?

This was my husband and my night-time routine for a solid two weeks... Make dinner, eat dinner on the couch while watching Scrubs, sit on the couch playing around on our computers while some other random show played on TV, then finally give our full attention to the TV and channel surf until its time for bed.

After about a week of that something started to feel not right. We were totally losing touch with each other and losing touch with myself to be honest. So for the next couple days, we ate dinner at the table... ok I would really love to say I turned the TV off so we could have a nice conversation, but Scrubs is just one of those things I look forward to watching! And during commercials I would turn the TV down and we would talk :) But AFTER dinner is where I cut out the TV. No one needs that much TV in the evenings! Instead Austin and I will try and do something together. One of our favorite things to do is play a competitive video game. Ok I know what you are thinking, video games are still TV. But at least we are interacting, laughing, and having so much fun with it! One of our favorite games is still Mario Kart! I'm thinking about buying some board games to play in the evening as well (if you know any good ones let me know!)

The other night it was absolutely gorgeous out! So we last minute decided to have a bon fire in our backyard on a Tuesday night, called up some of our friends and had a great time! Who says you have to wait until the weekend to do stuff like that? Really helped to break up the week!

So after a week of trying some new routine type stuff, I really noticed a difference in both our moods! And we were definitely more connected with each other.

Again changing your routine doesn't have to be anything drastic (try taking a new route to work) it just something to break up the monotony of life.

Let me know if there are any little routine breakers that you guys come up with!

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'Little House' Lessons

I treated myself a month ago to this Little House on the Prairie book set. I remember loving them when I was little and just wanted something fun and light to read.  And they are...but I ended up getting so much more out of them than I ever expected.

With the disaster in Japan this week, it's really got me thinking a lot of "What Ifs??"

What if we had to evacuate our home? What would we take? Where would we go? What is most valuable to me?

Those are pretty common thoughts, I think. But I had to go and take it a step further.....What if our entire way of life was destroyed...what if we lost our power system and had no electricity, fresh water...what if we lost access to our oil supplies and the stock market crashed or our whole economy collapsed??

Okay, took it a little too far, but this really isn't coming from a place of panic...just really got me thinking. What do we really need to survive?? Could we survive if we had nothing but what's in our home right now??

The Little House on the Prairie books have given me such an amazing insight into the human spirit.

They grew, built, cooked, sewed practically everything they needed. Would pack up the covered wagon, travel to the unknown, and build a new house and furniture from all materials from the land. Grew their own food, letting nothing go to waste. Helped out and depended on their neighbors. Children had such respect for their parents. And husbands and wives worked together as a perfect team.

And they were happy and so grateful for everything. Every little thing. No matter how bad things got, as long as they had each other, they felt blessed for their wonderful life.

I think this has a lot to do with knowing they were capable of providing for themselves and not dependant on anything but the land...which was often pretty cruel.  In our modern life we are so dependant on things of no real value, except to make our lives more comfortable. And yet, despite all we have, it still so hard for most of us to just be happy.  That it takes so much effort to think happy thoughts sometimes

I think this all is at the core of why I feel so moved to simplify my life lately....




Making my own baked goods and cooking almost all of our meals from scratch. Making my own baby food along with cloth diapering.



Getting into making simple crafts, like this wreath, to fill my home with beautiful things that I made and love.



Changing the way I use things (or don't use) around my house like paper towels and paper napkins.


Switching to a lot of my own non-toxic cleaning supplies. Even making my own deodorant! (Which, I gotta say..so far, is a TOTAL SUCCESS!)
I'm sure some people see me doing these things and think I'm some crazy Supermom/Martha Stewart wannabe.

But I honestly do these things because they bring me so much satisfaction and joy! And I love that all of these things are making me more self-dependant. And they really are things anyone can do, even though our old-mindsets sometimes tell us we can't.

I'm always on the lookout for new things, that I'll continue to share. My new project is growing a big garden from seeds this year and learning how to do my own canning. So excited!

My thoughts and prayers are constantly with everyone that has lost so much in Japan right now. I just thank God every second for my amazing life that I far too often take for granted!

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Spring Purge: A Fresh Start

I don't know what it was..but with the first few days of Spring-like weather, I snapped out of my Winter hibernation coma and felt an overwhelming urge to "clean house". I mean really clear out. I just needed all the excess gone immediately. 

I am definitely undergoing a personal transformation lately, since becoming a Mother and settling into my "grown-up" life after this past year of moving, having my husband deployed to Iraq, being pregnant/having a baby, permanently living in the same city/state and under the same roof as my husband for the first time in 6 years, and writing my thesis and graduating with a Ph.D...all at the same time.  Phew!

I've felt so at peace lately, really for the first time in my life, as I've been plagued with horrible anxiety as long as I can remember and debilitating depression the past 5+ years.  I'm finally learning how to go through my days focused on gratitude for this amazing life I've been blessed with.

So now I'm really ready to move on, get rid of the baggage from my old life, and make a fresh start.

The process has been so challenging and rewarding so far. Up to this point, I've mainly worked on growing my Faith and changing my mindset. Now that I've made some progress, I'm starting to take stock of the remaining obstacles.  And I realized something that is really holding me back is all the clutter in my life.

It was as if I woke up and could suddenly feel the full weight of it all. I didn't feel stressed about it, as I normally would. I actually felt at peace. I just don't want to go through life anymore with anything that doesn't bring me joy.

Now I only want things in my life that I truly NEED or LOVE in a clean, organized space.

Here are the main areas I want to work on:

1. Master bedroom closet and dresser

2. Linen Closet

3. Bathroom Cabinets

4. Pantry

5. Coat Closet

6. Guest Bedroom Closets

7. Nursery: closet and dresser

8. Office Area

9. Pantry, Fridge, Freezer

10. Office Area

11. Basement

12. Junk Drawers and Kitchen Cabinets

13. And finally, the dreaded Storage Area. (I'm going to have to break this down into smaller projects.)

With a busy 8 month old, I don't know how quickly I'll be able to get through the list. But I'm not going put too much pressure on myself. I'll be sharing my process and progress with you...what I'm doing and what I'm learning as I go. Hopefully, I'll provide some inspiration for you to join me!

First up this week...Master Bedroom!

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My Secret

No one ever asks me "what my secret is", but if they did this is what I would tell them! Good clothes and good music! That's it! That is my secret for staying in shape. For me it is really that easy. There is nothing more motivating to me then a cute new workout outfit or some new great music to get the adrenaline going! When I get a new playlist I can't wait to go for a run just so I can listen to it! Some songs just really get my blood pumping.

And you wouldn't really think clothes would make much of a difference, but for me it is very hard to get motivated when I'm trying to work out in old baggy sweats. You want to look the part! Same reason men wear business suits or women where high heels. It makes you feel empowered! So next time you think "I don't need to be spending money on workout clothes when I can just as easily where my sweat pants from 10 years ago and my old ugly T-shirt with the stain on it" think again! I'm telling ya it makes all the difference in the world!

Here is my workout playlist. I know these songs are already probably old and not cool anymore. But they are young and fresh to me and get me goin! Feel free to add to it I would love some new ones!

1. MGMT - Kids

2. Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream

3. MGMT - Time to Pretend

4. Rihanna - Only Girl

5. Inrique Iglesias - I like it

6. David Guetta - Sexy Chick

7. The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary

8. Daft Punk - Superhero

9. Lady Gaga - Poker Face

10. Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling

11. Daft Punk - The Game Has Changed

12. Lady Gaga - Bad Romance

13. Lady Gaga - Telephone

14. Jason Derulo - In My Head

16. Lady Gaga - Just Dance

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Martha-Stewart Syndrome

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(source)

I've gotta share a part of an email from one of my best and oldest friends (the kind that aren't afraid to tell you how it is!) that was both a wake up call and a relief...

"I'm slightly relieved to hear that you're human. I had to quit reading your blog for a little while, and only look at baby pictures because, as I was feeling overwhelmed and like a failure.. you had a newborn, who never cried, and had eliminated processed food from your diet, and were spending only $20 a week on groceries, and making your own furniture, and buying 100% organic, all the while always smiling and being completely in love with your husband...You're amazing :)"

It was a wake up call because I felt terrible that by sharing some things I'm excited and passionate about, I am apparently coming across as a "one-of-those-women" and making someone else feel inadaquate. That is NEVER my intention in anything I do in my life and home or blog.

I really want to view being a stay-at-home Mom as my job and do the best I can. Some days that means making homemade bagels and a big batch of homemade baby food and washing a load of cloth diapers and having a hot meal waiting for my husband in our clean house...by "some" I mean maybe that's happened once in the past 7 months. Probably not though..my exhausted Mommy brain can't think back that far.

Most days though it's just me struggling to survive the day at home with the baby and not go crazy...with both of us in our pajamas all day (both covered in spit up because I just don't care enough to change either), me eating cereal and cheese and crackers all day because I don't have the energy to come up with any real food to eat. The house a disaster..baby toys everywhere, loads of dirty and clean unfolded laundry everywhere, dishes pouring out of the sink, and (if my "perfect" husband isn't on a trip or working a 24/48 hr shift) me and my husband snapping at each other over something involving the baby or the house.

The email was also a relief though because not one of those things my friend mentioned I do is true, and I realized that if my friend thinks I have it all together and a perfect life...then maybe all those other women I think have the perfect life don't either!

I call it the Martha-Stewart Syndrome. For some reason, I think all of us women tend to look at other women and think they have it all together and have this perfect, magical life..with a perfectly decorated, perfectly clean, perfectly organized house, and perfect kids, doing perfect crafts all day, and making perfect meals at night for their perfect husband....and that we need to measure up to and keep up with that!

I'm starting to realize that doesn't exist anywhere...so why do I always compare myself to this mythical woman and make myself feel inadequate on a daily basis??

....just don't think that just because I came to this realization that I'm cured of the sickness! But it's a start!! :)

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Off Days

This is something I have come to decide is very important for mental health. I came to this realization talking to Steph the other day. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, some days are just destined to be "off days". The important thing to note here is that it's okay. I think sometimes when you fight so hard to make an off-day a great day, it is almost doing the opposite of the intended purpose. It seems that when I fight so hard to make an off-day a great day, it almost just exhausts me. What do you do when you wake up to an off-day? I say just give into it. Stephanie said something along the lines of "I think some days are just going to mediocre". I mean everyday can't be totally amazing, right? Because then the really good days wouldn't seem so good. Kinda like you can't fully appreciate how amazing spring feels if you never had the winter.

Sometime I feel like I get more done when I just give into an off-day. Let me explain. When I try to be productive when I'm really not feeling it, I tend to waste so much time trying to get myself motivated. I'll drink coffee while I play on the internet, procrastinate while making phone calls, slowly get myself dressed, drink more coffee and play on my computer a little more... before I know it I have wasted hours doing pretty much nothing. If I had just given into the off-day, or as mom likes to call it a "mental health day", I could have at least been doing something to better myself in some small way.

For example on a mental health day (we will now call it, sounds more optimistic), I might curl up and relax with some magazines I have been wanting to read, or work on something artistic, maybe finally accomplish some project I have been trying to work on for months.

Now, the biggest issue to work on here, is to have a mental health day without feeling guilty about it! Tiff & Steph, I know you have problems with this like I do! It makes us feel lazy because there is always soooooo much we could be working on. We need to tell yourselves, "It is okay for me to have a day to relax and re-charge!" Chances are you will only feel extra rejuvenated for tomorrow!

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Think Happy Thoughts!

Peter Pan had it right! Something I try to always do is keep a happy thought it my mind! I keep it there in the back of everything. When I feel myself starting to fall into a negative place, I pull that thought back up and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside or even rejuvenated. It is such an easy yet effective way to try and keep yourself feeling good.

A "happy thought" is more then just a nice idea, it is something that is really strong and effective to YOU.

The “thought” can be a memory or even just a feeling. And it can be so simple. You know that feeling when the house is completely clean, physically and mentally you’re feeling great, there’s a wonderful dinner in the oven, candles are lite, you don’t have anything pressing to attend to, and you are relaxing with a magazine and a hot cup of tea. Ok maybe you don’t know that feeling because how often does that really happen. But you can imagine how good that feels, right? And when I keep a nice thought like that in my mind, I find myself wanting to try and create that for myself. I want that feeling of the prefect, carefree day. So I try to take care of anything I have been procrastinating on so I can have that peaceful feeling, I clean the house because that ALWAYS puts me in a better mood, and might work out and get dressed to help me feel better and more refreshed physically.

So really it is just a trick of the mind that helps to get my butt in gear. If I want to really have that feeling, I have to create it. Some other happy thoughts I keep in my mind are memories. One of my favorites is when the 3 of us would get together as kids and play video games. Or family vacations is another good one. Or maybe something really simple, like a time we were all laughing together.

It is really kinda hard to explain how keeping those happy thoughts in my mind makes me feel. I guess it is just a reminder of what an amazing life I have had and continue to have... What are your happy thoughts?

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Happiness is a lot of work!

Something I have been focusing on this month is a positive outlook. I think it’s something to work just a little harder on during the winter months. It is so easy to get down when it's cold and gloomy all the time. There’s nothing wrong with little tricks for yourself to help get you through the chill and lack of color in the world.

I'm sorry but I'm just not one of those people who wakes up every morning whistleing zippity do da. After all these years I have come to peace with the fact that to be in a good mood every day, I’m just going to have to work on it a little harder. Most of the time it needs to be a constant conscious effort for me. And I think that is Okay. So I am working on a series of posts on things I do that helps to put me in a better mood and make each and every day special. Stay tuned!

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Health Benefits of Lemon Water

As I was drinking my warm lemon water this morning, I thought...."hmmm, I should do a blog post about this..."

The first thing I do every morning while I'm still waking up, is make my warm lemon water and sip it as I read e-mails and check my usual web sites. Lemon water is such a great feel-good thing to do first thing in the morning. I drink it mainly for stomach and digestive purposes but it has so many other health benefits as well. Drink it first thing in the morning, before you eat anything, and it helps to cleanse and detox your body. I found a website that lists the top 10 benefits of lemon water. After reading it you'll be drinking lemon water every day too!

Go here for more detailed information: Top Ten Health Benefits of Lemon Water

1. Good for stomach
2. Excellent for Skin Care
3. Aids in Dental Care
4. Cures Throat Infections
5. Good for Weight Loss
6. Controls High Blood Pressure
7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders
8. Good for treating Rheumatism
9. Reduces Fever
10. Acts as a blood purifier
    

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Be Joyful Series

I came across this really nice series from LifeAsMom on "14 Ways to be more Joyful". She points out such simple things that we can all easily do everyday but usually overlook.

"And having a good attitude — in all of life..— is a choice. Sure, there are physical and hormonal circumstances that can derail us. I don’t dismiss those. And I don’t pretend that Pollyanna never had a tough moment. But, many times when I don’t have a good attitude, it occurs at moments when I do have a choice to be impatient, to respond in anger, to raise my voice, or to feel sorry for myself. I want to be a woman who makes better choices. I want to make the days count."

"I want to be joyful instead."

Read the rest of the 14 Ways to be more Joyful series here.

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The Power of a Walk

I took Koda for a long walk yesterday afternoon because he was driving me crazy.  I began the walk as I normally do, head down and a mind full of the days tasks. I just wanted to get the walk over and done with as soon as possible.  

At some point about half-way through the walk I lifted my head up and it was the first time during the whole walk that I noticed what a truly beautiful day it was.  The air was crisp and refreshing, the sky was bright blue, and the sun was so bright and crystal clear.  Instead of wanting the walk to be over as soon as possible, I enjoyed the feeling of being outdoors, and how good it felt to have my body in motion.  

I began to look at the world around me instead of the small piece of pavement directly in front on my feet.  I tried to take in the sensation of the warm sun on my face and the wind blowing the hair off my face and neck.  And the sounds of the little birdies all around me.  I couldn’t help but smile.  It was such a perfect day! How did I not notice it until now?

It made me realize how much of life is spent not noticing the little things. You hear it all the time, that "it's the little things in life that really matter".  It is so true. Then why is it so hard to notice those little things? Because they are little? Perhaps.  

I think we live our lives so caught up on the stresses of the day, To Do lists, and the countless number of other things that aren't getting done.  It causes us to live day after day not truly appreciating our lives and being stuck in a negative place... The rest of the walk I tried to clear my mind of any and all thought and just enjoyed the world around me and the beautiful day God has blessed us with!

Challenge for the weekend: Try to spend a full day appreciating all the little things in life... I read this in Whole Living magazine (Thanks again, Tiffany!). It is an Action Plan for one whole month.  It is for a complete body, soul, and lifestyle transformation; To give you a positive outlook on the world (which is what we are striving for here at SisBliss!).  Each day has something different to work on.  It could be something simple.  I really liked this... 

"Light your night. We can’t think of anything cozier than the glow of candlelight in winter. For every candle you light this evening, take a calming breath and think of one thing you’re thankful for”. 

That’s so nice, isn’t it? And there really is something about candlelight.  And this one… 

“Look closely at something you haven’t seen in a while - the frost crystals on the windowpane, the hue of the tea in your mug, or the swoop of your partner’s eyelashes”. 

It’s all about slowing down, and enjoying the world around you!  Check out the rest of the action plan at wholeliving.com/action-plan. 

I would love to hear what “little things” you guys noticed and appreciated over this weekend!

-B

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