People need people…..we’re in this earth’s journey together and many days come and go with us needing others’ to help us get through them. The phrase ‘it takes a village’ often referred to when we refer to children; however being a part of village is important to all of us. I love helping other people and sometimes take care of others before I take care of myself. Being needed is important and we all want to feel like our contributions are valuable. Today, I am grateful that I could be of value to others. Some of my classmates reached out to me and I was able to be of assistance even in some small way.

I am also very appreciative that the weather has remained above freezing. Being able to continue walking outside has been a joy and the warmer temps make it possible. While I love fall, I’m saddened by the reminders that winter is coming.

How were of value to another person today?

Peace. I love peace. Particularly peace and quiet. I try and build a little into everyday, whether in my car, in my bedroom or excitedly find a nook on the train where no one is talking or playing their music loudly. As an introvert I treasure time alone. I spend very little of my time alone, so when I’m offered the opportunity for a little peace I feel pure bliss. Today, was one of those days where little pockets of peace were intertwined into my day. This is what renews me.

Am also grateful for, humor and laughter. My coworkers and I were laughing at the new set of ads K-mart has come out with especially this little number http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PVhIMr4ScI. Some people find it a bit naughty, but it’s all in good fun!

Enjoy and feel free to share what makes you giggle.

As you might have noticed by my last 18 days of sharing what I’m grateful for I’ve tried to be more expansive around my thoughts and ideas and come from my soul. While I am thankful for technology that makes our lives easier and more connected (i.e.-this blog), or roads to travel on, or modern advances in medicine so we are able to live longer I try and go deeper than that and express my values and what is important to me. This blog and my gratitude will be a reflection of those values. 

I’m grateful for share experiences and especially those that allow us to better connect with each other. Shared experiences can be a source of comfort, comedic relief, or even allow a passage to connect with one another. Today, I experienced all three and it brightened my day.

Today, I was grateful for the stranger that borrowed me her blow dryer. While I was nervous to ask….as sometimes people aren’t as friendly or helpful but she was willing to help and even shared with me she was in the same position not long ago. Another reason I believe in helping others, karma, and paying it forward. 

When was the last time you payed it forward?

Another day of thanks. Today, my oldest nephew DeShawn turned 20. He is a smart, caring, hard working, talented young man and I’m proud to be a part of his life. I’m thankful for him and the memories we share.

Also, am grateful for family who have comforted me today as I was feeling affected. Knowing they are there when I need a shoulder or need perspective is something I truly treasure.

Enjoy the last moments of your weekend and focus not on what your weekend was not, but what it was.

Today was a quiet rainy day and I’m thankful for lazy Saturday mornings.  Sleeping in,  lounging in pajamas,  taking my time with what needed to be done,  and a quick workout were just the ticket.

Am also grateful for reminders.  God sends reminders often and if we are open we can use them as opportunities.  Today’s reminder came via a movie (I love movies!). This one featured a young mouth stricken with am illness and died far too soon. This prompted me to remember to live life with an open heart,  am open mind,  and kindness. 

What reminders are you grateful for?

TGIF! Thank goodness it’s Friday….it’s been a crazy week but one to be grateful for. Today, I’m grateful for a time off to refresh, renew, and revive mind, body, and spirit. Looking forward to workouts, sleeping in, and family time. 

Also, am grateful for feedback. I’m not perfect….none of us are and despite feeling confident about areas I think I shine in, there are always areas I don’t. I’m humble. I know I have a lot of areas to improve upon and work each day to try and better myself in some small way. Some days I work harder than I do others. I received a lot of valuable feedback today.

I consider feedback an important part of my development. BUT, not everyone does. Example, I work as an academic adviser and work with learners in PhD or master level programs. I often find others have a hard time receiving feedback. I’m not sure why this is so hard on people and don’t understand how someone who is in school doesn’t receive feedback well. Maybe there is more personal development that needs to be done. In any case, we are all on this planet and are designed to learn until the day we die. For those who don’t receive feedback well, take this as a ‘character building opportunity’ (as one of my learners referred to today) and just go with it.

Feedback doesn’t detract from who we are. We are amazing, beautiful, and talented human beings. Receiving feedback doesn’t diminish this. We are still this way but know we can better and who doesn’t want to be better?

On to being a better person and lifelong learning!

Today is Give to Max Day in MN. It’s the perfect day to make a charitable donation because the donations you make to many of the local and national charities will be doubled.  My donation today went to the Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau in Forest Lake.  I made my donation I’m memory of my baby sister Kelly Jeanne Thompson. Even though Kelly is no longer with us her giving spirit is being applied to help youth in the north metro.  You can give as well (you have until midnight TONIGHT for your donation to be doubled). Donate at http://www.givemn.org. Even donating $5 makes a difference.  Every donation matters-even if you feel you can’t do much.  I appreciate the opportunity to give back and do it on a day that makes an even greater impact.
I’m also grateful for free lunch.  We had a celebration to wrap up our United Way giving drive lunch was provided.  Two of my favorite things-giving back and receiving something for free.

Enjoy this glorious night and know that if you aren’t able to give financially please consider donating blood or giving your time.  We’re a village!

Another day of feeling thankful and more so than ever! Today,  I’m grateful for not having homework to do over lunch.  Usually,  this is great time to be productive but is challenging in that I’m using more mental energy throughout my day. My energy levels are bigger during the morning and early afternoon and using time for school work really utilizes my energy levels more efficiently. I used this time to catch up on personal reading and learned about a meaningful gift that I am planning to give a loved one for Christmas.  Did I mention,  it’s free?! Love everything free!

Also,  am grateful that I took a shortcut after work.  It saved me time but more importantly,  it saved me the stress from worrying that I would miss my train. 

What did you experience today that left you feeling joyful?

Gratitude……day 12. I’m grateful for the ability to learn. Learning in an educational context. I love to learn, challenge myself, and expand my knowledge. Today, I am grateful to be learning and finally after 6 weeks understanding my course material more and more. I can admit, most of the time I’m slow learner.

While, I’m not as excited about the cold weather I am incredibly grateful for the sky way system downtown Minneapolis. Having the ability to walk comfortably (and remain warm) is a gift. This allows for a source of exercise when getting away from work and self-care call.

Enjoy and remember as the holiday season gets closer we become busier and less patient with others. Please be kind. Everyone has the power to give kindness to others. Let’s be an example of what we’d like to see from others.

Happy Veteran’s Day All!

A blessing we have upon us by living in this great country is our freedom….and so many freedom’s have been granted and protected by so many of our bravest countrymen and women. I’m grateful for this protection and thank every past, present, and future veteran. Today, I attended a Veteran’s Day program at my nephew’s school and was overjoyed at the beautiful program, music, presentation, and readings designed to honor our country’s veterans. Lunch followed with one of my very favorite veterans. I always enjoying his stories of Vietnam and the experiences that accompanied that journey.

Am also feeling blessed to have spent more family time this evening, working ahead on school work, and talking to one of my other favorite veterans (my grandpa).

Again, Happy Veteran’s day! Let us honor our veterans everyday for their service and courage by thanking them. God Bless America.

(Photo credit: Google images)