Day nine

It's been a weird day today and I had a bit of trouble finding what I was thankful for.

I was then lucky to stumble upon some really fantastic and enlightening websites! Yeehaw!

One is a blog titled Parallax, it is

Another link I came across was a 10 minute animation on the topic of what motivates us, very interesting!!

http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/well_drawn_explanation_on_what_motivates_us

I am thankful that I have been willing to step outside my comfort zone and seek new ways of educating and enlightening myself. Was definitely in a rut of all kinds, wasn't learning anything, didn't feel engaged in life. I find myself yearning for more now, seeking positive influence and actively trying to keep myself away from tempting (yet depressing) things.

Cheers xx

Note - I was a lazy bastard the past few days and haven't posted in time - I was thinking about all these things though, hence why I'm dating the posts back !

Day seven

Today we had our first in depth session in the workshop I am attending around managing anxiety, mindfulness and self awareness. It was really interesting, I was amazed to see how much devotion it takes to truly focus yourself to live in the here & now. Less than five minutes of a guided meditation and I was half way between sleep and some internal monologue rambling! I am learning so much.

Besides being very grateful for having found such a diverse group of people to work with on these issues, I am really grateful for the chance to get sushi with Mum beforehand. It was really nice to try new things with my mum, who was always the advocate of new and sometimes intimidating cuisines.. And here I was, eating new things, no ketchup in sight. So glad to get over that phase!! Here's a photo of my VERY last piece, saved my favorite (Spicy Salmon rolls!) for last!

I am going to try and throw a few quotes into my posts now that I've managed to make a post a day. Enjoy :)

“The secret something that is shared by all effective healing methods is the process of leading the patient to an honest and truthful self-discovery. This self-discovery is required for the initiation and continuation of self-healing; for it is only through self-healing- in contrast to curing- that patients can experience both permanent recovery and spiritual growth…the closer our perception of self approaches, the deeper our capacity for self-healing becomes. When there is a very close correspondence between self-image and truth, our self-healing powers may be virtually unlimited.”

John E Upledger

“We see things not as they are, but as we are.”

H.M. Tomlinson

“The foundation of all mental illness is the unwillingness to experience legitimate suffering.”

Carl Jung

“Habit is necessary; it is the habit of having habits, of turning a trail into a rut that must be incessantly fought against if one is to remain alive.”

Edith Wharton


Ok, ok.. got to leave some for another day.

cheers xx

Day six

Today, my parents pulled an Oprah on us.

I asked mum for a ride to Walmart to get some new pillows. She called back after dinner offering us a ride to Sears instead. They then said that the pillows were on them. And some new sheets, you know, to cover the new pillows. And a duvet, because ours was garrrb. Then she said a bed like it wasn't even a [HUGE] deal to us, as they know we are saving for one and suffering back pain in the mean time. I cried like I was on Ellen when they unveil a new car for single moms.

It will be delivered by the end of the week!

I am thankful for having truly generous parents. And as mum suggested, I should be thankful of Grandpa, for he left all of his children with a bit of unexpected money.. I love you all very much :)

keep smiling

Day five

Today we got the chance to head to Matt's parent's house for a lovely meal! We were also blessed with a bountiful bowl of three kinds of tomatoes, a hot pepper and a gorgeous eggplant. Here's a little arrangement of some of the loot.

I am really thankful for the access we have to local produce, whether it be family, my own herb gardens or local farmers. It is the most delicious :)

Day four

I'm late with this one but I was thinking about it all day! Today, I'm thankful for my sweet little kitty.

He might have a sixth sense to when I'm in distress - always makes his way over for snuggles and a smooch.

Not the best shot of him but it was just a little moment of him coming to tend to mum and cuddling under the blankies. Little muffin man! (cat = muffin)

:3

Day three

Today I am grateful for the tickets I got in the mail! Matthew Good is coming to Ottawa this fall and I snagged some great seats. I've had the chance to see him a few times in person and every time my mind is blown. I can't wait!

I was lucky to get some great photos at last years Bluesfest when they performed, it was very powerful.

Enjoy & keep smiling

Amanda

Day two

Upon looking through my photos from this summer, I stumbled upon some photos from my brother's cottage. My nephew is 2 and a half, and the sweetest child I've ever gotten to know. We were very fortunate to have a long weekend with them. The memories I treasure the most aren't the posed photos we have, but the candid shots of him while he helped with little chores. He is a great source of inspiration for me.

One of my first outings after I spent a long time avoiding the public was to the museum with him. It was amazing how I almost immediately focused my attention on making him feel less overwhelmed and anxious by the large crowds. I realized I had the power to overcome my own anxieties, without medications or avoidance. And thus sparked my journey into recovery and self awareness.

Thank you Georgie :)

Introduction & First Post

I'd like to outline the goal for this project before I get started.

I have fallen into a rut recently, and am finally finding the courage to turn things around. I'm attempting to retrain my brain to think positively. It will take time, but some very hopeful mentors I work with say that it will become second nature once I integrate this idea into my daily routine. The idea is to create a collection of things that I am truly grateful for, and to document the transformation of how I perceive the world. I want to incorporate art of some kind every day, and words to explain (briefly if I can, haw haw) what tid bits of happiness fell into my lap that day.

Please feel free to post replies of what you feel thankful for today, and every day I post. I would love to hear from anyone who is doing similar work right now as well!

And now, drum roll. .

Today, I am thankful for those small moments we catch mother nature dancing in front of the mirror. It had been a few months since I had really gone out and a friend and I walked through the market with some coffees. The rain caught us a bit off guard, but the weather was mild and it wasn't so bad, we ventured to a monument overlooking the water. It was grey and colorless, and I felt a bit disappointed to have missed the summer sunsets. Just as we turned to leave, the colours exploded between the clouds. It very quickly transformed from a small streak of light to painting the whole sky orange. It was one of the most wonderful moments I have experienced in nature.






And now, to go on and conquerthatshit.
cheers xx