I've Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

If I could design any dream job in the world, I would want to sit on a dock by a lake somewhere warm, with a pristine view of the sunrise and the sunset, while I write and decorate greeting cards for Hallmark. I am personally obsessed with greeting cards of all shapes, sizes, and purposes, just knowing that their sole purpose is to provide some sort of warmth, smile, or message of encouragement to the receiver on the other end. However, my other dream job would be working with high school students at an inner city high school, teaching them English and a sense of positivity. Luckily, I was given the option of the latter, so all is not lost. That being said, during my down time, on my off days, or while I just need some time away from grading paper and creating plans, I do like to search for cards with a certain friend or loved one in mind. I like to be able to provide a surprise and a smile in this ever changing and often stressful world. Recently, I decided to take up the hobby on m...

My students are really beginning to grow on me. It's been a steady climb, I feel, since my first day. I'm feeling like a better teacher with a little bit more knowledge in my head each day, and it's obvious that they are starting to feel more comfortable in my class as well. There was one slight downfall last week, we hit a brick wall if you will. Since then though, I do see an improvement. We've climbed over the wall and are now stronger because of the climb. It's amazing how things fluctuate between weeks and even days. A few times I have been on the verge of tears, wanting to just rush home and hide from my kids in my bed. But more often I find myself laughing, I notice more students just stopping in to say hi and share stories with me, or ask to come to my room during lunch. I even hear them say, "no keep reading!" when I tell them that's all we have time for. My students aren't the only ones in the room who are learning. I've learned ple...

When is enough enough? At what point are we able to train our brain to think positively no matter what the situation is? I have recently realized that some people think being too negative is a bad thing, while being too positive is also a bad thing. Someone recently referred to it as "unrealistic" to be too positive. Why? How? Give me an example. There are of course terribly sad situations and life experiences where it is very difficult to remain positive or to even understand what is happening. That, however, does not mean better times aren't ahead. It does not make thinking positively "unrealistic." The way our mind works, we make gut reactions, or snap judgements, according to author Malcolm Gladwell . The amount of time it takes to form a gut reaction, initial opinion, first impression, is within seconds. It's the same amount of work whether the reaction is positive or negative, so why not teach ourselves, train our brains to react in a positive way?...

So here it is, January 1st, 2013. A new year, a new chance to reflect back on the past, on accomplishments and regrets, on love and life, and on what's still to come. For me, it's been overall a pretty darn good year; there were some accomplishments that were unexpected and warmly welcomed, as well as a few personal regrets that I have in turn learned lessons from. I believe that some of the most important accomplishments from the year are not those that can be held, not those that can be proven with paperwork or pictures, or circled on the calendar, but those that are about the personal growth that I feel I was able to recognize in myself and even admire. I have watched myself grow, I have watched myself set and reach my own goals, and I have watched how differently I may now handle certain situations and opportunities. I believe that a large part of my new and improved outlook on life and on myself came from my practice of yoga , which I am obsessed with and grateful for. Y...

Today was quite a lovely Saturday. Not only was the sun shining and radiating across the blue sky all day, but I began my day with the alignment of my body, mind, and spirit as I dedicated 3 hours to myself to attend a workshop at my yoga studio that included yoga, conversation, and meditation. Each time I am at yoga I am amazed and inspired by the words of wisdom by the lovely ladies that teach the classes. This particular morning an analogy was shared that seemed so obvious, so true, yet so overlooked that I had never considered it before. While listening to this analogy of life and water, I was amazed. It seemed so fitting to my personal life and its recent events. In life we can approach things two different ways. We can grab at things with fast moving, clenched, and strong hands- expecting to catch what it is we have in sight. Or, we can slowly and cautiously bring our hands cupped together to scoop up what it is we desire. Think and envision. If we grab for water with clenched, ...

For weeks I've seen it. Green trees. Bright lights. Sparkling ornaments. Christmas has apparently arrived early. But I must admit that it upsets me to see the packed catalogs, toy-filled store shelves, and Christmas wish lists in full force. We have completely forgotten about the holiday with a universal message of gratitude and skipped right to the holiday of wishing and greed. We have forgotten about what we have and are only worried about what we don't have and badly desire. As someone who practices the daily mindset, "attitude of gratitude" it bothers me to see corporate America and the media focusing on what we don't have and what we can add to our own personal wishlists. Although some people view Christmas as a time to give, help, and donate, many people also view it as a chance to receive. Let's not indulge in cookies, shopping, and seasonal bargains, but rather let's overindulge in family, gratitude, and some savory home cooking. I hope that peop...

Often times in life we are faced with a choice. Some, far easier than others. There are so many different mindsets we can choose to take in a situation faced with choice. We can take a chance, we can play the "better safe than sorry" card, or we can remain where we are comfortable. We can make a pro/con list, we can discuss among other experienced peers. Regardless, making a decision is never a quick task. Personally, I fear the unknown. I get anxious, nervous, and worried even for things that are out of my own control. A large piece of making a decision is the unknowingness of what will happen once your mind has been made up. Will it be the right choice? Is there no turning back? What if it's not right? While our minds race trying to answer these questions among infinite others, I try to refocus my energy to something positive. I am positive, I have a lot to be grateful for, and when faced with a choice or fear, we must remember to look on the bright side. Every situ...