Tag: writing

Thankful Thursday (episode 2)

Last week I began a habit that I wanted to continue: focusing on being grateful by recording three things that I’m thankful for each day. Well, I did okay with this, but not great. I tried using an app, the Five Minute Journal, to help me keep track of my gratitude list, but I would forget to write in it! Then a day would pass without my recording anything, and because of my memory loss from ECT (electro-convulsive therapy – it can help with depression), I would forget the things that I was thankful for. *sigh*

But not to fear! I am going to keep trying. The app has the option for sending you reminders, so I’m going to see if that helps me. And if it doesn’t, then maybe I could try keeping a physical journal. I just have to find what works for me. 🙂

Anyway, I WAS able to record a few things that I’m thankful for, so without further ado, here is my list:

  1. A fairly good appointment with my Psychiatrist
  2. Safety while traveling in the rain
  3. The opportunity to bring free drinks and a cookie from Chick-fil-a to Target for Roy’s (my Hubby’s) work break so we could enjoy them together
  4. A nice time at Barnes and Noble with the Hubby
  5. My Mom helped me with picking out a meal for Monday night (our good friends come over to share a meal before our handbell practice)
  6. We had a good time at dinner and handbells (the dinner turned out fine even though I was worried about making it, and we had a profitable rehearsal)
  7. Drinks at Dunkin’ Donuts…woo-hoo!
  8. Mild weather…I was able to take a nice walk with the dog
  9. A beautiful sunset
  10. That God helped me with work, as I wasn’t feeling very well

That’s it for this week! Hopefully I will do better next week with keeping my list. 😉 Thank you for reading! ❤

Peace Begins with a Smile

I’d like to start off by asking, “What makes YOU smile?” Is it nice weather, or a day off from work, or maybe something as simple as your favorite song playing on the radio? Well, that’s the question that I also want to ask of myself today!

What makes me smile?

So here goes…here are thirty things that make me smile.

  1. A well-crafted iced latte
  2. An intriguing book
  3. Capturing a good photograph
  4. Traveling to someplace new
  5. Looking into my Hubby’s baby blue eyes
  6. When my Mom and I call each other on the phone at exactly the same time
  7. When we have our good friends over for dinner on Monday nights
  8. Getting something for cheap, or free!
  9. A good conversation
  10. Get-togethers with my in-laws (there’s always great food and good laughs)
  11. A tasty meal – especially if I didn’t have to cook it 😉
  12. When our pets do something cute
  13. When someone comments on one of my blog posts
  14. Being able to help someone
  15. When my Hubby does a chore without my asking
  16. Knowing I have a God who loves me unconditionally
  17. Writing!
  18. Having a “good hair day”
  19. A soothing cup of tea (add a delicious scone, and it’s even better)
  20. Sliding under the toasty warm covers at bedtime
  21. Meeting someone who struggles with similar issues as I do (it helps me feel like I’m not alone)
  22. When my Hubby and I go over my brother’s apartment for “Movie time”
  23. Finding a good parking spot
  24. Listening to rain pounding on the roof as I fall asleep…thunder is good, too
  25. Going down to my parents’ house for the day
  26. Catching up with a close friend
  27. The smell in our house when I’ve had a crock-pot meal cooking all day
  28. A good hug
  29. The revitalized way I feel after I take a walk and get fresh air
  30. Knowing that I have a purpose and that I have a wonderful adventure ahead of me.

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed my list! And let me ask you again…what makes YOU smile? Do any of the things that I’ve mentioned make you smile, also?

peace-begins-with-a-smile-quote-2

*I got the idea for this writing prompt from   at Psych Central.

*Featured Photo Credit: Eli Defaria

My Dream Journal

I’ve never had the chance to share about the beautiful gift that my husband gave to me for our 3rd Wedding Anniversary several weeks ago – a unique leather journal. He had done some research about traditional gifts to give on this specific anniversary year, and something leather was recommended. So leather is what he chose.

I call the book my “Dream Journal.” The soft cover and the vintage gold key clasp inspire me, and the special binder pages give me a wonderful place to write down my thoughts and ideas. So far I’ve penned poems, prayers, and other musings that were on my heart. It really has been a lovely gift.

So a special thank you goes to my husband, Roy, for this sweet gift. It will continue to remind me of him and his love each time I use it. ❤