"Happiness is an inside job," is something I normally wouldn't say but as cliche as it sounds, happiness truly comes from within. In all the changes happening in my life lately, I've had to find the golden lining.
Read MoreThere are only 11 days left until Christmas, the most joyous season of the year. Family, love, gifts, celebrations, travel, cookies, laughter, and tradition are the first things that come to mind when I think of Christmas. However, this time usually signifies the hardest time for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. Whether you lost the person recently or years ago, it is nearly impossible to not miss them during the holidays. Yesterday, I found out my Granny Phil passed away. Death has never been a concept I can easily grasp. I literally just saw her three weeks ago for Thanksgiving and now I have to accept that I'll never see her again? That's bizarre to me and I don't know how long it will take me to accept. I couldn't help but think about the families of all the young black men who have been killed in the past couple of years that we are marching/protesting for. At this time, not only do I pray that our (Black) lives will matter to ALL people but I also ask God to send their families peace of mind during this Christmas season. Even though their futures were stolen for no reason, I pray that their loved ones realize that NO ONE can steal the love and memories they shared.
My old suite-mate Chloe just lost her mother, so I send this prayer to her and to all of you remembering a loved one that is no longer with you this season. We are a fearless family and will get through this tough time. *HUGS*
Sundays nights can be rough! It is the most hated day of the weekend. You can't sleep in late because of errands/church and you can't stay up all night because of work/school. So yeah Sundays are mood killers and a reality slap telling you that soon you'll be waking up to Monday Morning Blues (unless it is a long weekend which we love). But what if we changed our attitudes towards Sunday nights and Monday mornings? On Sundays relax & unwind- catch up on your favorite shows, read a book, drink some wine, take a bath surrounded by candles, read Don't Die Afraid, watch football, cook a hearty meal, go horse back riding, exercise....really do anything that brings you happiness. If your Sunday is spent focusing on joy then you will be ready to conquer all the shenanigans you might face that week.
A lot of this anxiety about the weekend being over comes from us not being sure of ourselves. We aren't sure we can deal with the bullcrap we might endure for the week. BUT WE CAN! WE CAN DO IT ALL because we aren't dying afraid, we are a fearless family!
So with that mindset, I came up with the idea of #BeSureSundays. On Sundays, let's focus on seizing the last ounce of the weekend by doing things that makes us smile. Use the hashtag #BeSureSundays to post pictures or tweets about what you are doing that Sunday to be fulfilled, sure of yourself, and ready to conquer the week ahead! I'll also post an inspirational quote, that will be used to get us through the week.
As for Monday mornings, let's remember to be grateful for another day of life.
What do you do on Sundays to prepare for the week?
What is your favorite day of the week?
So I realized I get bothered by certain people. However, it isn't just any type of person...so don't go writing me off as being hostile towards the world. It takes a particular individual to make me mad. Want to guess what type of person it is? If you said "an ungrateful person" then DING, DING, DING you are correct!
I was raised by my Nana who was 72 when I was born. So yes I know you females out there are saying, "I need to have my first child by 30!" Well imagine being 72 and having one. Exactly! It wasn't the easiest task especially with a husband who previously had a stroke and was paralyzed on one side. Yes, I know my Nana is amazing! 
I was secretly jealous of my classmates who were being raised by their parents. I always longed for family road trips, having my dad intimidate any guy who came to the house, cooking in the kitchen with my mom, and yelling at annoying siblings. You know, that whole idealistic "nuclear family" that we all have seen in popular TV shows. My Nana has always instilled in me gratitude because despite all the obstacles we had, God made a way for us. Over time I became more thankful to have her as a caregiver because who knows where I would have ended up.
Years later I continue to have a spirit of gratitude. I try my best to express to others how much I appreciate them. I always keep some stacks of thank you cards so whenever the moment arises I can send it to someone who has been a blessing to me. These Green Inspired cards below are exclusively sold at Target. I love the detailing on the envelope, the front design, and that it is green inspired (chlorine free and use soy ink). It doesn't get any better than that!
I read an article years ago about how people who exhibit appreciation for the little things in life are happier. I am a living testament that it's true! Don't get me wrong, I have my days of sulking and saying...."Ughhh not another problem...why me?...*insert other complaints here*.." But my new attitude has become, "Why focus on the negative and crap you can't change? All it does is create negative energy and nobody has time for that!
Every night I exercise gratitude by writing on a post-it what I am thankful for that day. I just throw them in this tin can and in a year I plan on opening them and reliving all those happy moments. I suggest this activity for you if you feel stressed or find it hard to see the silver lining in life. It forces you to think about the highlight of your day, which can be really encouraging after a rough day. These notes can be some of the simplest like, "I'm grateful for the stranger I saw on the train who smiled back at me." Try it out for a month and let me know how it impacts your life!
What activities do you practice to stay positive?
Who taught you gratitude?
