January 10, 2025

Is sounds so cliche, and slightly overused...

that gratitude is the key to happiness.

I'm always grateful.

Mostly.

But I have noticed that sometimes when I am grateful...

it's usually quickly followed by a reason not to be.

It's my way of protecting myself from being too happy,

so that way, if it is taken away...I won't be too sad either.

 It doesn't work.

NOT a healthy pattern.

It's roots runs deep.

A worn out and very old coping habit.

But mostly a resistance to life at it's fullest,

and it makes life kind of meh.

We can choose to open ourselves up and go with 

the flow.

We can develop faith. Practice trust. and

engage more fully.

Trust in the things that make you feel whole.

Don't engage in things that you know will derail you.

Slow down, and acknowledge your wins.

Think about the things that you've nailed.

Decide you want to do something about the things

that aren't working for you.

Drop the doubt.

Live in the possibility.

Stay the course.

I'm sitting here unable to venture far from the kitchen table.

Not a side-effect from my acupuncture yesterday,

but I have been transfixed to the scenery outside my door.

The snow...the birds....the cat bobbing and weaving

in front of the window.

She's is in her own version of a virtual

reality game with her feathered friends.

I've chatted with my girlfriend on the phone over coffee.

Been receiving photo updates on my mom's antics through her

texts.

She's in her 80's and sledding down

the handicap ramp to her house. 

She makes me laugh.

I can't help but feel fueled by it all.

Could you imagine if every single one of us would wake up happy

 and just take some time to play a little more?

Some journal notes from this beautiful, snowy morning...

The more you trust God, the more He empowers you to do so.

"Go deeper than what you see, touch, and feel.

Encounter God's presence in the depths of your personhood

where the freedom & healing take place."

"God always knows what is in your best interest & acts accordingly.

Regardless of your circumstances, He knows how to 

turn them for your good."

You may not know what to do today, but God does-

perfectly.

"I want to make your life a glorious adventure, 

but you must stop striving for a lifestyle that

feels safe."

God

You cling to old ways because change frightens you.

'You can't be happy without feeling gratitude 

for what you have.

It's impossible'

'If you are grateful the world will bring you more opportunities 

for gratitude.

If you believe yourself to be a victim,

the same is true.'

You can see the world in whatever ways you wish;

you always have a choice.

Everything in life teaches us something about ourself.

Cultivate love for yourself.

See the joy and laughter 

where you once saw despair and darkness.

"Be aware of your feelings, listen to your emotions,

the are the language of the heart."

Your life emerges from how you feel.

"We lose ourselves under the distractions of the world.

Spend time with yourself & tap into your true identity."

"You are not a haphazard collection of failures,

weaknesses, duties, responsibilities, & rules.

You are a person of real worth,

you have value in this world,

& you add value to this world."

"You must let your inner light guide you out of the darkness."

be well...

xoxo

💖

P.S. Thanks mom for reminding me to it's ok to let loose,

and laugh at yourself.

I appreciate you for always being true to yourself, and 

your genuine-authentically-you-spirit.

You inspire me.

Love you!