attitude of gratitude
You Are Not Alone
July 11, 2011
It may seem like other people know what they’re doing, and they’re breezing through life with all the answers. It may seem like everyone else has it better — no struggles, no anxieties, heartaches or disappointments.
Maybe your life is not where you thought it would be at this age. Maybe everyone else has the perfect spouse, big house, successful career, money, phenomenal body and great looks … and you’re just destined to be miserable.
Not really …
Not everyone expresses their pain. Think about it. Would you go spewing your disappointments and anxieties to just anyone?
Everyone is suffering in their own way. Everyone is struggling.
The more we feel alone … the more we feel like people don’t get us … the worse life can look.
Change your mindset. Reach out. Find people that can relate to you. Open your heart to those that love you. Express yourself in different ways. Try each and every day to find happiness. Come up a new plan.
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.
Photo by Wildcat Dunny.
Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?
March 9, 2011
It’s all how you look at it.
I was chatting with my friend Shaun about eating better and getting in shape, telling him about Four Hour Body, some things I typically eat, and how it’s really worked for me. We were sharing healthy lifestyle ideas and he was telling me that every morning, he journals and drinks a bottle of water. He got the idea from someone else, but he was saying how it really helps him re-hydrate his body after sleep and clears his mind. I liked the idea, and for the past four days have been drinking a big glass as soon as I wake up. I’m happy I started and am getting hooked on this healthy habit.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized the small act of drinking water in the morning can be symbolic of starting your day right — “glass full” with a clear, open mind, ready for opportunity. Try it! Make it a time to be grateful, to tell yourself what you’re going to accomplish for the day or remind yourself of your goals. It’s much deserved and worthwhile time for yourself.
What are some of your healthy, daily rituals?
What are some of your healthy, daily rituals that you’ve picked up from some one else?
Photo by kleinman.
Sweets!
December 12, 2010
I’ve never really been into baking. My mom doesn’t bake much, so I never really grew up around desserts and sweet treats.
One time, when Billy and I started dating, his mom was making a pudding-filled cake. I actually made a comment about how many Snak Paks she must have opened. (NO IDEA you could make pudding! … or whipped cream — which I would soon discover.)
Over the years, Billy’s mom taught me how to make a lot of great meals (like homemade pizza and shrimp parm) and desserts. We’ve had a lot of good times in the kitchen and around the table. One birthday, she made me a gigantic cupcake cake! Another time, she made Billy an ice cream cake; and she even made trays of cookies for my bridal shower. And, a few weeks ago, we made mini apple pies in a mini mold together. [Follow the link at the end of this blog post to see more pics of Marie's goodies/the treats I just described!]
Marie has definitely inspired me to get into baking, but so have some of my friends. Here are some really yummy and sweet recipes; Chinese Haystack Cookies (recipe from Ashley) and Pineapple Stuffing (recipe from Kathy). ENJOY!
Chinese Haystack Cookies
Thin, chow mein noodles – available in the ethnic/Asian section of the grocery store
Bag of butterscotch chips
Bag of chocolate chips
Melt the chips in either the microwave or on the stovetop, using equal parts of butterscotch and chocolate. Add noodles and use two forks to cover with melted mix. Move small bunches of covered noodles onto parchment or wax paper. Let them cool and dry on the counter or in the fridge. (This is an easy recipe that would be great to give away to co-workers and friends as holiday “gifts.”
Pineapple Stuffing
2 – 20 oz cans of crushed pineapple
8 eggs
2 sticks of butter softened
2 cups of sugar
10 slices of white bread
Blend everything, except bread, together with mixer. Fold in bread. Place in a greased 10”x17” baking dish, 350 degrees for one and a half hours.
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AllThingsGwen.com is my unofficial guide to health and happiness. It's a chronical of me finding my way.
I encourage you to think about “AllThings[YOUR NAME HERE]” and what’s really, truly important to you. Hope you enjoy my recipes, fitness tips, motivational posts and aha moments.
- Will work for sneakers. http://t.co/fyLwM3Ug
- RT @motivationlive: People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it. - Anonymous
- Oh man. Gotta teach 7 am and 9 am kbox after crazy Meise wedding.
- I was part of Facebook's IPO! Bought many a share. Hope it makes some bacon. I will tell my grandkids about this historical moment.
- Planning our First Annual Meise Summer Jam. There will be a big roasted pig.
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