Day 64, February 27

"Commitment: It's the little commitments every day that lead to the final results we're striving for."

As I continue on my mindful living journey I remind myself to stay committed, because the results are so incredibly worth it! I have been feeling so much more relaxed and joyful recently! I spent the weekend with my grand kids (Brody, Ellie and Cade) and did my best to be engaged. I strayed a time or two (that darn phone is such a temptation), but overall focused and enjoyed every bit of my time with them. 

I have been striving to be more healthy for several weeks now (again). Earlier in the new year I posted  tips for mindful eating in a blog (click on mindful eating to go to that blog). I plan to refocus this week on mindful eating and also step up my exercise program a bit. Every time I spend time with my little grand kids I'm reminded of my purpose for staying healthy... so I can keep up with them and because I want to be around for a long while!

Day 63, February 26

 

 

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” – Carl Jung

Day 62, February 25

“Writing can be an incredible mindfulness practice.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Writing and reflecting daily has been an important part of my mindful living journey. It keeps me aware of my successes and reminds me to keep my challenges in perspective. Most importantly, it helps me to see the good in things and enjoy life.

Day 61, February 24

 “It takes a little bit of mindfulness and a little bit of attention to others to be a good listener, which helps cultivate emotional nurturing and engagement.” – Deepak Chopra

 As I continue my study of mindful living, I have been reading about how to be mindful of something isn't just to be fully aware of that thing, it also means that you're fully engaged. In a lot of ways, this is natural - if you are completely mindful of what you are doing you are fully engaged. I find there are times I do better at this than others. This afternoon, for example, my grandson was here. While he was here, a friend called and asked if it was okay if she stopped by. I said it was.  So, she and my grandson were both here at the same time for about an hour. After they left, because I kept going back and forth between the two of them, I felt I missed out on an opportunity to be fully engaged with either one of them. Sometimes things like this can't be controlled. But when my friend called to ask if it was a good time to stop by, I should have suggested she wait until after my grandson left. She might not have been able to make that accommodation, but I didn't even ask. It wasn't a big thing, I still enjoyed seeing them both. But, next time I'll see if I can work it to have some one-on-one time with both of them.

Day 60, February 23

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

I love this quote. Sometimes, when bad things happen, you don't see the good that comes of it until after it's happened. And, as I have mentioned in the last few posts, focusing on the good things brings a sense of peace and well being for the day. Today my three things I am thankful for:

1) My job. My students had a robotics meet today. It was fun to watch them compete and to see their little minds at work problem solving.

2) Spending the evening with my grandkids Jaylin and Jace.

3) Ice. Yep - that's a silly one. But my feet are killing me this evening so I'm icing them to relieve the pain.

Day 59, February 22

"A moment of gratitude makes a difference in attitude."

As I continue my focus on being grateful, I've noticed an increased awareness of the good things, which in turn has given me a more positive attitude on life. There is a lot of research that says when you consciously are grateful and positive, then you begin to attract more of the same. It's called the Law of Attraction. Most importantly, for me, being mindfully grateful is bringing me a strong sense of well-being. The three things I am grateful for today:

1) Someone anonymously gave my husband Ed and I money to help defray costs due to his health issues.

2) Good surgeons! Cade had tubes put in his ears today and is doing great!

3) Reliable and friendly workers. We needed our garage door adjusted and a contractor we have used in the past squeezed us in and worked longer than expected to get everything up and running.

What are you grateful for today?

Day 58, February 21

"The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become." Robert Holden

Today I continue focusing on being mindful of the good things in my life. I hope if you're reading this you will do the same.

Today my top 3 things I am thankful for:

1) A gorgeous day!! 
2) My husband, Ed. He helped me get my bike ready so I could get out and ride on this beautiful day.
3) My faith. It always sustains me.
 

Day 57, February 20 - Gratitude

"For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything thy goodness sends."-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gratitude opens the heart and evokes positive emotions. Being mindful of the good things in life will help you be happier, less stressed, have more energy and sleep better. This is just a few of the many benefits. More can be found here: The 31 Benefits of Gratitude You Didn’t Know About: How Gratitude Can Change Your Life.

Three things I am grateful for today:
1) My family (always).
2) For having the energy and the opportunity for a good workout.
3) For cell phones (so I can have long chats with my sister and never have to worry about 'long distance bills"). 

What are you grateful for today?

Day 56, February 19 - Rest

"Allow yourself to rest. Your soul speaks to you in the in between moments between your thoughts."

It is Sunday, and a rare occasion when I don't have a lot that I should do. As I was thinking about what I could get done today, it occurred to me that there was nothing wrong with resting and relaxing for a day. In fact, it would be quite good for me to "just be" after the last several high stress months. So that's what I am going to do today!

 

Day 55, Feb. 18 - Being Creative

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong."

This morning, I had a really enjoyable time painting pictures with my grandkids, Jaylin and Jace. While I love spending time with them, sometimes when they want to paint I just think about the mess ahead and don't really get too into the art itself. Also, I have never felt like much of an artist -- too self critical of the things I paint, even when it's just for fun. But, this morning, I found myself not only having a good time with the kids, but the art too! Then, I had an aha moment - perhaps art could be a good living mindfully tool. Sure enough, with a quick Google search, I found this great article, "Art and Mindfulness: Art Can Shock Us Into the Present Moment." The article talks about how fully immersing ourselves into a creative project activates a different part of the brain. If you really get into your creative project, "there are no thoughts apart from what's happening in the present". I encourage you to read this article, then let me know what you think. Also, I'd be interested in what kind of creative projects you enjoy. Let me know in the comments.

Jaylin and Jace painting

 

Day 54, February 17

"Grandkids bring joy to every day!"

Tonight I have my grandkids, Jaylin and Jace with me for a "sleep over". Jace was the "Wildcat Reader" at the varsity basketball game in town. He really  had fun and I love see high school kids give attention to the little ones.

Tonight's blog is short so I can mindfully spend my night with the grandkids.

Day 53, February 16

"If you're always moving to the next moment, what happens to the one you're in?"

Today was one of those super busy days. Now, at the end of the day I'm asking myself , "Was  I mindful today?" Upon reflection, I was at certain times. Happily, I can say that I ate mindfully. As for all of the other tasks of the day - well not so much. But, these days will happen, because that's life and this busy world we live in.

So readers, how was your day?

Day 52, February 15 - Stay Focused

"Stay focused. Your destiny is too important to give into distractions."

I chose today's quote to remind myself to stay focused on my goal of living mindfully. We live in a world with so many distractions, it seems I constantly have to remind myself to stay focused and in the moment. I feel like I'm making progress, however, because I catch myself being distracted and bring my attention back to whatever it is I'm working on or who I am with. Also, my anxiety will creep back in ever so slowly. I start wondering about the future and how Ed and I will handle some of the changes we need to make. But again, I find that I'm more quick to tell myself "let it go and take one day at a time". Mindful living really does help me from becoming overwhelmed. So, I will persevere until it becomes second nature to me.

LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Day 51, February 14 - Happy Valentine's Day

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."

-Thich Nhat Hanh 

A few tips for being mindful on Valentine's Day:

💓 Celebrate this day by being mindful of your blessings and the people you love. 

💓 Take some time to show yourself some love -- relax, read a book, treat yourself! 

💓 Hug a loved one.

💓 Give to your favorite charity.

💓 Offer the gift of your presence to someone you love. 

 💓 Create your own happiness.

 

Day 50, February 13 - Simple Pleasures

"Simple Pleasures are Life's Treasures"

Appreciating simple pleasures are a sure way to enjoy life and be mindful. As I was reflecting on my day and thinking about what to write, I was asking myself what the highlight of my day was. It was talking on the phone with my 4-year old granddaughter Ellie. Yesterday she went to Disney on Ice with her mom in St. Louis, so this afternoon she was telling me all about it. She talked of seeing "real" princesses ice skate, how she went to a restaurant, and that it was "just me and Mommy!" (a very big deal with two brothers, one of which has a heart condition). It was such a joy to hear her enthusiasm!

If you're reading this, please share - what was the highlight of your day?

Day 49. February 12

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it."

There was a message from Pope Francis in the church bulletin this morning that was a good reminder to be mindful of how we react to disruptive influences in our lives. He states, "Happiness is often jeopardized when our lives become hectic and out of control." The Pope reminds us that one way to maintain calmness is "to establish a deep spiritual life of prayer...so pray, pray...pray."

I wish I could say that I always react positively when I go through difficult times. I think I do much better than several years ago, but I still allow myself to get too worked up and have doubt. Ed and I still have a long road ahead as we deal with his disability and the changes we need to make. I will strive to focus on the positive (the kindness of family and friends as we adjust, for example), and remind myself that some things are out of my control. Keep the faith and pray!

Day 48, February 11

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life."

I often hear or read this saying, but don't always heed it's meaning. There has been so much going on with my husband, Ed, and his health, that it's been easy for me to put things off. Tomorrow I'll get back to living mindfully. Next week I'll start eating healthy. I could go on an on, but I'm sure you get the point. Imagine what could be accomplished if you didn't always wait for that perfect time to begin something new or begin a good habit? Instead, think about today, and ask yourself,

"What can I do today to make life better?" 

Today I exercised, grocery shopped being mindful of eating healthier this week, enjoyed watching my grandson at his birthday party, and made a conscious effort to practice living mindfully.

Day 47, February 10

"It is not how much we have, but how much we ENJOY that makes us happy!"

Tonight I had the pleasure of watching my granddaughter Jaylin at her first gymnastics meet. It was easy to be "fully present" watching her. I'm such a proud grandma! For Jaylin, this was about more than gymnastics. A few years ago Jaylin would barely talk to anyone she didn't know. She was extremely shy..especially around strangers. She loves gymnastics so much she had the courage to put herself out there this evening. She competed in three events, received three medals, hung out with friends, and from all appearances seemed to be having a great time. Such a joy to watch!

Day 46 - February 9 Mindful Giving / Give Frequently

" Mindfully doing good deeds are good for you."

Today, when giving mindfully, I want to encourage you to give frequently. Donate at your financial comfort level, but spread your donations out over time. For example,  you might give five $10 gifts instead of one $50 gift. Or, you might give ten $50 gifts over one $500 gift.  If you do this, you can receive the mental benefitis of charitable giving more frequently.

Remember when giving that your intent to give and awareness of your acts, more than the amounts, are what will give you the most emotional and spiritual benefit. And, if you are not able to make a financial donation, remember that you can give your time or your prayers for the cause.

Day 45 - February 8 - Mindful Giving / Be Loyal

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

Mindful Giving, as I discussed in yesterday's blog, can provide you with profound spiritual benefits.

To get the most out of giving become a fan of your causes. I encourage you to find a charity, or two, that resonates with you and stick with it. The following was taken from a Huffington Post article, and it explains perfectly how being loyal in your giving can help you derive the most benefits.  "Build connections between yourself and the cause by spending time on its website, exploring links, perhaps advocating on its behalf, participating in its events (walks, runs, biking, etc.), and maybe even eventually volunteering. Or, simply contribute financially, but root for your charity to “win” — and you’ll experience far more emotional pleasure when your charity shares with you the good news of victories earned with your help, and personal involvement when you’re informed of challenges still to be met"

For me, my causes are very personal.
The American Heart Association, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the American Cancer Society.

 What are your causes?

Day 44, February 7 - Mindful Giving - See the Face of Charity

The heart the gives, gathers.

This week, February 7 to February 14, is CHD (Congenital Heart Disease) Awareness Week. My grandson, Cade, was born on May 25, 2015 with Hypolplastic Left Heart Syndrome. What that means in layman’s terms is that only half of his heart is functioning. His heart condition is only one of many, many congenital heart defects. I have a niece, Hannah, now 22, who was born with pulmonary stenosis. I look at these two and I see the wonders of modern science. When you give to a charitable organization, it really is helping save lives! However, with that being said, according to the Children’s Heart Foundation, CHDs are the most common cause of infant death due to birth defects. More research is needed.

I recently read an article in the Huffington Post about “Mindful Charitable Giving”.  This article talks about how, for many, charitable giving is no longer perceived as a privilege and a pleasure, but a duty that provides us with about as much satisfaction as dashing off a check to the electric company.  However, you can improve your sense of well-being and your outlook on life through acts of giving, especially if you practice a few tips that make your giving more meaningful.

Mindful Giving Tip:

 See the Face of Charity

When you write your check, you are giving to the well-being that is the end result of the charity’s work. Two examples are Cade and Hannah, who I talk about above. The stories in the video, Veterans United Foundation Five Years of Giving, personalize the impact of giving. The last family featured (at 6:50 in) is my daughter Rachel, her husband Zach and how this organization helped them after Cade was born. I hope you will consider giving.