Archive for the ‘attitude of gratitude’ Category

A few months ago, I met Matthew Rich. Although we’ve only hung out two times, I consider him a good friend. In fact, I’d call him my inspiration. He’s taught me so much about life.

How we met
It was interesting how we came to know each other. See, I have this Fit Friends fan page on Facebook and one of my friends suggested that Matthew fan the page. Right away, I noticed him. He was really enthusiastic about the health and fitness information I was posting, and was adding a lot of interesting comments. He really loved the purpose of the fan page — to motivate others to be happy and healthy.

We decided to chat on the phone — we were both interested in creating a video with workout moves and other fun stuff. After a little while, I had to go, but we made plans to keep in touch and get together to do more brainstorming. I’ll never forget what Matthew said before we hung up … he told me that there was a lot more he still had to tell me. Matthew told me he has cerebral palsy and is in wheelchair. That really caught me off guard because I knew he was a personal trainer, loved karate and just started dance classes. He uses his crutches whenever possible.

The key here is that I didn’t know he had any physical challenges. With his attitude, his accomplishments and his goals — you’d never know it. That’s how he lives his life. He doesn’t let things hold him back or feel saddened by what he can’t do. Matthew pushes ahead and does the things that people wouldn’t expect. He does it for himself, but he does it for other people too. He’s an example of how with hard work and determination, anything is possible. He says his place in life is to inspire others. I LOVE IT.

Appreciating the small things
After we hung up the phone, I got emotional immediately. I never told Matt this, but I called our mutual friend right away and cried. “Meeting” Matthew really put things into perspective. At the time, I was really stressed out with work, managing my time and meeting my personal and professional goals. I’m often really hard on myself … looking ahead to the next big thing … but Matthew’s influence has helped remember the little things.

It’s easy to forget how fast and easy it is to tie my shoes, go out for groceries or make myself a meal. For him, it’s more challenging. It takes more time, or maybe he needs help. Read the rest of this entry »

Today, I woke up with a need to be creative and express myself. I’ve been having so much fun with my nieces — they help me reflect on the simple things. They inspire me, and I love it. So this morning, I just wanted to be free … alone with an open mind, chalk and some sidewalk.

I wasn’t sure what to write or draw, or really want I wanted to say. But that’s the great thing — sidewalk and chalk is like life — you have a whole big open space to do whatever you want. If you mess up, you can start over or move on to the next big thing/space. You can “be” big, small, simple, loud — whatever you want!

I love that I just got out there this morning. I didn’t care that it was 8 am and the neighbors were out walking their dogs and that they might think I was a lunatic … and it’s Easter Sunday. Sometimes you just need to go do what makes you happy — short or long term — and be ok with being alone with your thoughts.

Next time you get the urge to do something, don’t hold back! Let Go, Live Loud, Have No Fear.

As a kid everything was AMAZING. Amusement rides, an Easter basket, a new toy, chocolate pancakes, camping … those were the days.

I’ve been thinking about these things a lot because I’ve been spending more time with my nieces. (Gabby is five and Sofia is two.) I’ve been taking Gabby to swimming and cooking lessons and it really reminds me of all the things I enjoyed as a kid. My aunt took me to swimming lessons once — afterwards, I totally made her to take me to McDonald®’s and to 7-Eleven for a slurpee and Nerds.

When I think back to my favorite memories, I remember the people who were there and what we did. (Oh man, I remember hanging out at my mom’s friend’s house while they gave each other perms!) Anyway, I really feel like I’m making memories with my nieces whenever we’re together, and I love it.

They get so happy and excited about the little things, and being around them reminds me to look at the world with young, fresh eyes. When you’re young, you don’t know how to hold grudges or live with regret, uncertainty and disappointment. And, everyday there’s something new to learn.

It’s kinda ironic … I remember wanting so bad to grow up and be a big girl. I was always impatient about wanting the next big thing. Kindergarten, high school, college … I wanted more and more. Now that I’ve finished the schooling, gotten job and life experience, I’m trying to be conscious of and thankful for all the things that made me who I am today. This includes all the people and memories that have shaped me.

My advice
Enjoy time with people of all ages — young and old. You’ll surely find something to take away, and you’re sharing a bit of yourself. Maybe it’s a memory that will last long after the moment has passed.

Make every interaction count. Be patient and be in the moment, wherever you are.

John Miller is a sweet, articulate and friendly person. I met him on twitter, and we hit it off immediately. I’d say we have similar values and we both care about others — and we’re kinda quirky in a fun way! In fact, when I asked him to send me a picture, he sent one where he’s dressed as a sheep for Halloween. I love it! John says the picture “expresses his oddness.”

Read about some of his life experiences and how they’ve made him who he is today. He’s an ambitious and caring blind individual with a passion for life that’s sure to inspire you!

ATG: What do you do “for a living?”
John: Currently, I torture myself by attending graduate school for rehab counseling and psychology. My ultimate goal is to find a way to bring people with disabilities and travel together.

ATG: What’s your favorite childhood memory?
John: My first airplane trip, which was from Charlotte to Los Angeles. We were headed out there to compete in an event called the Braille Institute Olympics. We trained for months, but were still slower runners than most of the other athletes there. I didn’t care though, as I got to meet some celebrities and visit Magic Mountain amusement park.

ATG: Have you ever been discriminated against or treated poorly for being who you are?
John: I was once denied a chance at employment when the hiring person heard that I was blind. She told me and my job placement specialist to turn around and leave because “he can’t even see the screen!” This was before we even pulled into the parking lot.

I know it’s something I should have fought, but I lacked the advocacy skills to do so at the time. It gave me a taste of how cold and cruel some people can really be.

ATG: What do you believe in?
John: I believe there’s ultimate goodness in people. Despite me mentioning how cold and cruel some people are, I have actually had many more positive experiences.

ATG: What are your life goals?
John: To gain a real sense of independence for myself. Then, I’ll reach out to help others do the same.

ATG: What do you do to “de-stress?”
John: Turn the volume way up and bounce around! You’d be surprised at how getting your blood flowing can change things. I admit that if things are looking particularly bad, I might crawl into bed either for a short nap or an early crash. I think the first method is actually more effective.
Read the rest of this entry »

Since I’m 30 now … here’s a list of 30 things what I’m thankful for:
1. My fiancée, Sweet William! He loves me for my craziness, randomness, dreams and goals.
2. Gabby and Sofia — my beautiful and fun nieces.
3. My brother, Mike, and his wife, Kim. They give so much to the community …
4. Hardworking parents. They’ve given me so much!
5. Front-row friends.
6. Cousins by the truck-load.
7. Loving and supportive “in-laws.” They are so generous!
8. My SUV. I can drive in the snow!
9. A set of new, sharp knives. I love cutting stuff now.
10. Inspirational books.
11. People that challenge me.
12. My Fit Friends, my workout partners and students.
13. Writing mentors — Holly and Greta, who really helped develop me and encourage me as a writer.
14. My Twitter friends.
15. People who give me blog love.
16. My favorite aunts — Auntie Evelyn, Auntie Alice and Aunt Diane.
17. Danielle — my maid of honor/BFF.
18. My education. No one can take that away.
19. My job at Amerikick. I’ve been teaching there for almost nine years.
20. Private jokes that make me laugh, even when I’m by myself.
Read the rest of this entry »

Handwritten thank-you notes are thoughtful and appreciated. To some people, they may even be considered a lost art. To others, they may be a horrible chore. But, no matter how you feel about them, they must be done at some point. Use these top tips to get your thank-you note skills up to par:

Send thank-you notes — not emails. To really make your message stand out, take the time to write a hand-written note instead of an email. For example, send a thank-you note if you receive a gift — especially wedding gifts; after you’ve been a houseguest in someone’s home; and after someone has done a particular favor for you. In the workplace, write a thank-you note after a job interview; after a promotion or pay raise; after a business lunch, dinner or party; after someone has offered you their time and advice; and after someone has written you a reference letter.

Write from the heart. First, make sure you spell the recipient’s name right in the salutation. Then, thank them for the gift, hospitality or kindness and include something about how you’ve used or enjoyed the gift. You may want to incorporate additional information, but be sure to include a strong closing sentence or paragraph. For example, reference when you’ll talk to him/her: “Looking forward to seeing you this summer. Thanks again for your generosity!” Depending on the recipient, finish your note with something fun and information such as “Love,” Love from,” or “Best wishes.”

In a more formal thank-you letter or note — start by saying thank you and reference the interview, pay rise, promotion, event, or other occasion that you’re writing about. Include something specific about how they have helped you, and be sincere. Depending on the recipient, end your note with something such as “Sincerely.”

Be prompt. Send your thank-you note as soon as possible. Generally, notes should be sent within a week of receipt of the gift or gesture. However, there are exceptions. For example, notes for hospital gifts should be sent as soon as the patient is well enough to send them. Wedding thank-you notes should be sent within three months of receiving the gift. Since this can be a lot for a newly married couple, it makes sense to send notes out as soon as gifts are received — often wedding gifts are sent prior to the wedding.

Be prepared. You never know when you’ll need to say thank-you. And, since they should be sent promptly, be sure you have a package of blank cards handy for when you need them. Keep a pack at the office and at home so you’ll always be ready. And, you may want to consider having monogrammed cards made with your initials or full name.

If all else fails, just write! Don’t let excuses stop you from getting them done. Good luck … and “THANK YOU!”

A version of this article was published in South Jersey Mom Magazine. Photo by See-ming Lee.