Well, today we’re all back into the swing of things after a long holiday weekend. It’s nice to have those breaks. I hope everyone used their holiday with purpose.

Today, I’m grateful for something pretty. As a girl, I love pretty things (like most girls do) and today it’s my pretty new ring my sister gave me. It’s a rose gold infinity ring with the inscription ‘sisters’ in it. It’s such a treat and such a treasure. I treasure my sister and will proudly wear this reminder of our relationship.

I am also very thankful for my sis-in-law for picking up and dropping off my driver’s license I forgot yesterday. Appreciate you too!

Who in your life do you appreciate?

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr Day and we honor his legacy. I’m grateful for his passionate servitude to the people of the United States. While progress is still needed, we shall work each day to serve his mission.

I am also grateful for time spent with family, swimming at the Y, and time to renew.

How did you honor Dr King today?

LOVE girlfriend time! Am grateful to have friends that have been a source of support, encouragement, and laughter.

Who are you grateful for in your life?

I’m a work in progress…..I’ve said this many times and I stand by it. We are all working on improving ourselves (some more actively than others). Today, was a day filled with family, rest, school work, exercise, and most of all a lot of fun. I’m grateful for time spent with family, enjoying each other, encouraging each other, teaching and teasing each other. Additional plans for our trip were made and excitement is building.

What plans are you making that you’re excited about?

Managing it all is tough, isn’t it? Everything we put on our plates-all of the commitments, relationships, communications. If you’re like me, you try and do your best, sometimes that works well, yet, sometimes we do only what we can. Today, I’m grateful for doing what I can. Although, I did not meet a deadline I know what I did offer was of good quality which is why I needed more time. Life’s a balance and that was the choice I made. Quality over meeting a deadline.

What choice did you make today that allowed you to balance?

Opportunities for gratitude, lie everywhere, don’t they? If you disagree, you might consider looking at different places, people, or things. I promise with practice your gratitude practice will come easier.

Today, I’m grateful for my sister. She blesses my life, offers honest advice, and most of all makes like easier for me and for that I am SO appreciative! Love you Michelle.

Also, ran into this article and yet another reminder of how to view those people and experiences in our lives that we might alter if we knew today was the last day of your life. So many of us, me included at times, take my time on this earth for granted. I am preparing to live a long full life but know often God has other plans and he invites back to heaven early. Until then, treasure your time, your loved ones, and most importantly yourself. Live life with no regrets. For suggestions, you can read more here http://www.viralnova.com/regret-when-older/

Which regrets are you living with? What is the first one you choose to let go of?

What did you choose today?

(Photo credit: Facebook/Teresa Martini)

It’s really challenging but I’m getting the hang of it. Delivering hard news is an everyday occurrence for me at work but it’s never been easy, especially when it affects people’s goals and motivation. I’m a people pleaser. Being MN nice is my norm.

This is definitely a growth area for me and with so many opportunities to practice, it is likely to become like second nature. While I’ve sharpened my skill level (with progress still needed) I find being honest and more important, being authentic to be an area I’m focused on. In my leadership development, authenticity is vital. I cannot act according to my values if I am being unkind, disrespect, or more importantly dishonest is where I draw the line.

What growth opportunity were you able to practice today?

Sometimes you just need a professional opinion. Today, I went to the Dr for some help with a nagging issue and I’m thankful I did. While the direction and result was different than what I expected it was fulfilling and that was the purpose.

While I tend to think I know myself well and consider myself well educated sometimes it just takes a professional to clear the muddy waters.

What are you grateful for on this beautiful Monday?

No work today…..thank goodness. After working for the last 6 days I’m grateful for not having to work today. While I spent the vast majority of my day in my pajamas (one of my New Year’s resolutions), working on school work and am only getting dressed so that I can go to the gym. LOVE days like this!

A simple day but the kind that’s my very favorite.

What kinds of days are your favorite?