What a busy today was…..running here….running there. I’m thankful for my mom picking up some Christmas items for me. Life really does take a village doesn’t it. Where would we be without our family and friends. I know I would not exist without mine and feel I am incredibly blessed with honest, warm, never ending caring, and loving people in my life. The manner in which I’m supported I am forever grateful and is one of the main reasons my soul smiles.

What makes your soul smile?

Boy, I really didn’t want to go…..but I really needed to go. The gym, that is. Working out feels great, is good for my mood, releases the endorphins, and is good for the muscles. Thank goodness for short (yet tough) workouts. I’m appreciative to have the opportunity to get in, work hard, and get out. Especially on those days I was trying every excuse not to go. Thank goodness I went…..I always am grateful after the workout. It’s getting there that’s the hard part for me.

Am also appreciative to work with some really amazing individuals. There is SO much talent at Capella and I work on a team that capitalizes on that talent. Today, was a fun day. We celebrated with an appetizer potluck and a white elephant party. I can’t wait to use my new zebra purse. :0)

What kind of workplace do you work in?

Everybody has story and I love hearing them. It’s amazing what people have been through and how their resilience has been tested. I think that’s one reason I love reading blogs. Most of the time the bloggers are uninhibited and willing to share their true self….one thing I wish more people had the courage to do (ok, another blog topic). Just this last week KARE11 featured in their Land of 10,000 stories series a piece about my Grandpa Willis. It’s a beautiful testament to a man who welcomed me and my siblings into a family filled with love. Here is his story http://www.kare11.com/story/news/features/2013/12/12/bluebird-man-forms-friendship-in-dying-days/3989547/. I greatly appreciative of his presence in my life and what he has taught me.

Today is a video sharing day and I’ve got another really inspiring video to share. This one comes from an angel. A giving man who has so selflessly given of himself to over 80 families. http://newday.blogs.cnn.com/2013/12/16/layaway-angel-pays-20000-at-walmart/?sr=fb121613goodstuff330p.

This is so inspiring to me!! What inspires you?

Spent time to making Christmas cookies today with my Mom. I love that time together and am fortunate to continue that tradition this year. We gather each year and exchange cookies with my sisters and typically spend time preparing some usual favorites while some try new recipes. I never take for granted that we have a tight knit family and treasure the moments we are able to spend together.

What holiday traditions do you enjoy taking part in?

Happy Saturday everyone!  How is the Christmas shopping coming?  Anyone done?  Anyone not started yet?  We took a trip to the Mall of America and am appreciative that it wasn’t terribly busy. In fact,  none of the stores I visited had long lines.  Was able to accomplish a lot of shopping. 

Am also grateful for lots of family time today.  A common theme for me is to spend time with family.  It’s what I value and I’m trying to live life according to my values.

Are you spending time living your values?

Ahhhh….. it’s here.  The last day of the quarter.  The last day of the most challenging course I’ve ever taken.  Thank goodness it is complete and a new set of courses will start in a few weeks.  Until then,  I will treasure having my lunch hours to myself, not spending hours reading and researching. 

Am also thankful for an impromptu visit with my son and his girlfriend.  It’s always a joy when I can spend time with him,  especially at his request.  Love the man he’s becoming.

Who’s visits do you love?

Today was a lesson in slowing down for me and I’m grateful for both lessons and for slowing down. I have been pushing myself and not managing my stress well enough and have been struggling with a dull migraine all week again. This time I knew my headache struggles stemmed from stress. This happens every few months. I go, go, go and push myself too far and my body responds. Today, I forced myself to slow down and know I need to slow down more often but like most others am challenged in doing so. Maybe an idea for a New Year;s revelation….I will commit to slow down more often.

How often do you take the time to slow down….really slow down?

Wowza, have we hit a cold spell. It got down to -30 wind shield today….bloody cold. Today, I’m grateful for a warm home. Not just a warm home….but a I’m not going to worry about the heating bill warm home. Great snuggle weather and the perfect day to wear those beautiful knitted sweaters and scarves from Mom-thanks Mom for helping me stay warm!

I’m also grateful for a strong and challenging work out. It felt gratifying to release stress and get the serotonin flowing again. Love that feeling after I leave the gym and am in such a fabulous mood. Will try to do more of that in the next couple of weeks….might be a strategy to beat the stress and not be a beast to my family and friends.

How will you beat the stress during this busy Christmas season?

Today, I received an opportunity to participate in research and since I’m in a research course I’ve become more interested and invested in ways to become involved. I’m grateful to be able to learn about research in an real life experience.  I feel greater level of respect and understand how valuable research is in the innovation process.

I’m also appreciative for a good night’s sleep.  It’s invigorating how I feel and how well my day and mood is affected when I get the kind of rest that is needed.

What simple pleasure are you grateful for you today?