Drop and give me gratitude

angel with a sword

You know those times when you are immersed in a situation that has you feeling out of your normal internal harmony?

You can tell, because it usually feels like apprehension, self-doubt, agitation, or some other offspring of fear. Aw snap, did I just screw up?!?

Oh, and you’re likely spinning up in it, too. Crap oh crap oh crap it needed to be done – but could I have done it better?

Self-reflection turns into self-flagellation.

Yeah, me too.

child making an L on his forehead with fingers

This is when I try to remember to physically stop, and then immediately send up a surrender: Help, please.

And I just now realized my next best step to take in that moment of pause and potential: find something to be grateful for. And another. And another.

large visual list of "I am grateful for"

Bonus challenge round: what can I be grateful for about this situation?

Yeah, me too.

there is always something to be thankful for
two otters hugging

Restore factory settings

happy face emoji with OK buttons for eyes

Our default setting is actually “OK and happy.”

ali campbell

Wow. Great reminder, from an NLP book I’m reading. (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

It’s interesting that we humans tend to search for wellbeing, when doing so actually covers it up. We don’t have to find what it is that we wish to feel, we already are it.

red search icon and button

What is it that you wish to feel, today? Peace? Connection? Contentment?

Here’s a fascinating thought: Happiness covers all of that. Because happiness is inherently harmonized with absolutely any other quality. If I have ______ I am happy — and I will not actually have happiness without also having that desired ______. (For example, try plugging in the examples of peace, connection, contentment.)

Let’s go back to the question of what you wish to feel today. (Don’t search too hard, remember that’ll only cover it up!) If you’re not sure, always go with Happiness.

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Open house awesomeness

We had SUCH a great celebration of the kids’ wedding!

Big huge thank you to the St. Paul Crew. Words cannot express our deep love and gratitude for you.

Thank you to all who made the trip! We are so grateful that you came to share with us this day!

Congratulations to the amazing couple!

SO proud of this man
A ninja turtle

Gratitude, a game, and a giggle

linked image of the venue, Smoke on the Water in Coleraine MN

Oh my goodness, we had SUCH fun last week at our first writing playground event! A huge thank you to Tia for providing the space and deliciousness for us to enjoy Write & Sip. Immense gratitude for those present and participating. Another such gathering is in the works!

For those who couldn’t make it, here is a quick creative writing play game for you:

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