Day 7

Hugs from new friends, when they seem genuinely happy to see you. Refreshing and welcoming

Day6: good conversation

I was blessed today to spend a lengthy amount of time conversing with a person I've come to truly cherish. When we talk, no topic is off limits. There is no such thing as too silly, too bizarre, too vulgar, too bold, too dark. Anything goes. And as a result, our conversations are truly incredible. I am so grateful for that stimulation, or as Alanis would call it "intellectual intercourse"

Gratitude Mantras

Day 5: hair pampering

Today I got my hair done. Not fancy, just a simple cut & blow dry.
This started out as very depressing because I wanted to go simply because I couldn't wash my hair because of how bad my back is. Poor me!
And that does suck. But it is pretty darn wonderful sitting in a chair and having someone pamper you. Scalp massage and fresh coffee and all that goodness. It's actually pretty delightful. Best I've felt all day, so my unfortunate pain had a lovely little silver lining.

Day 4: my big brother

Day 4 of focusing new attention on things I am grateful for. Today I'm highlighting my brother. I don't want to be focusing on people EVERY day, but it's hard not to with the incredible people in my life.
My brother is in town for Thanksgiving, and he's my best friend. I don't get to see him nearly often enough and time with him is extra extra special.
He is a smart, kind, incredible man. I don't know if he would use this particular label, but he has some old-school tendencies. He is strong in his masculinity and acts as "the man of the family." He's always looking out for me and my parents, trying to make sure everyone and everything is okay. He drove my to and from Thanksgiving last night, didn't push me to leave until I was ready, helped my carry things, bounced from room-to-room as my comfort level dictated. Essentially he behaved as the perfect date.
First thing today he helped me with housework. There are things I haven't been able to do lately because of my back injury, and too big of projects for my faster to do alone. So my brother went with my dad to tackle all this housework the morning after Thanksgiving, on his vacation.

Day 3: my cousins

Thanksgiving is obviously the heart of gratitude season, and after spending all day with my wacky family I am so so so grateful for them. I come from a very large family and we have a lot of love. We laugh so much when we're together. I consider it such a huge blessing that these are the people I am kin to.
My cousins are beautiful women, and one handsome tall young man. They are all intelligent, educated, and pleasant to converse with. They are the people who've known me since way back when, and still love me unconditionally. There is never enough time with them.

Day 1&2 of new daily gratitude reflection: Amanda & Glenn

Amanda is my Panda and a very nurturing friend. She has been looking out for me in all my problems lately, and is not afraid to be brutally honest. Amazingly she does brutally honest in the most loving way. She has pushed me to take responsibility for the things I do have some control over changing, like my attitude, anger, and distance from God. She pushed me to Glenn.
Glenn is a new friend, but someone I instantly like, trust, and respect. The positive attitude and relationship with Gof that I need, she seems to have. She agreed to mentor me. And that gave me so much hope.