Gratitude on the go! 10-2-12

Today I am grateful for:

-Tuesdays with Marit. We talked about what I'm now calling my, "weekend meltdown." What caused it, how can it be dealt with next time, etc. I was able to pin point my triggers and she explained to me that my filter for emotions is just really thin right now. She gave me some great strategies for the future if I can't get ahold of anyone to talk it out with. 1. Recognize what's going on, 2. Calm myself down, 3. Put things into perspective, 4. Stop Thinking! (I need to really work on #4)

She also gave me a new book. It's Easier Than You Think. It's an intro to Buddhism. Marit made it very clear that she likes using Buddhism psychology and philosophy because it's non-denominational. It's not about religion or God or trying to get me to believe in something that I don't. It's just about being mindful and present. Things that I've already been trying to practice! Also, interestingly enough, within the first few pages that I've read, it talks about Waking Up. Which is what I've been calling this past year! My Wake Up year. I found that to be a fun little coincidence if I do say so myself. :) 

On a related note though, I've actually been thinking a lot about my spirituality lately. About religion, the universe, "a higher power." etc. Religious is something I most definitely am not. Religion makes things so complicated. Wars are fought over it, politics are fought over it, etc. With religion, people think there should be a Right Answer. "God says this and therefore you are wrong" "No, God says This, and therefore You are wrong!" When it comes to a, "Higher Power," I was told when I was young that God is Love. I believe that. Love is all powerful. We all want to be loved. We all want to be connected. So basically what I've come to the conclusion of is that I believe in the higher power of love and connection. Those things are more powerful than I'll ever understand and I'm okay with that. Anyway, moving on! 

-Breaking Ice

-Being Challenged. In the Breaking Ice show there is a movement piece where I have to be lifted and carried. That for me is extremely challenging. I am so self aware of my weight. It's a trigger. I start thinking, "I'm too heavy. I'm going to hurt them. What are they thinking about me?" You know what though, I'm just trying to breathe, let go, dare greatly, and practice my 4 steps of shame resilience. You know what? It went really well!

These beautiful pictures of fall:

Tree outside my house. So beautiful.

Fall leaves. They won't last much longer.
Enjoying them while I can.

-Laughter

-breathing

-the basics

-Canoles. I had one after dinner tonight. It was awesome. 

-This text message from Andy:

We were soo bored at the Staff Training Meeting.
Thank goodness for stupid museum humor am I right!?
Seriously though, this convo was way funnier that it should have been.

-As always, my friends.