attitude of gratitude | All Things Gwen

Posts Tagged ‘attitude of gratitude’

Let Go, Live Loud, Have No Fear

April 4, 2010

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.

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See the World With Young Eyes

April 1, 2010

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.

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Do “You”

March 31, 2010

Years ago, someone told me — DO YOU. I can’t remember exactly who said it, but I’m pretty sure it was a guy I met, of course, at the gym. I must have been telling him about some things I had planned or what I had up my sleeve, and he just said — DO YOU.

I’m sure you’re reading this wondering … what the heck does that mean? Is it a question — like, DO YOU … want to blah, blah, blah? It’s not a question at all. It’s a statement!

It means: Be yourself. Be happy. Do your thing. Don’t hold back.

When you say it to someone, it also means that you encourage them to do follow their passions. You’re not telling them a million reasons why they shouldn’t … or question where their ideas and dreams come from … plain, simple, easy — you support and respect what they want.

My advice
Make “DO YOU” part of your vocabulary. Say it to yourself whenever you’re in a moment of self-doubt, making a decision or setting a goal. Think about what really makes you happy, and keep going with it.
Say “DO YOU” to your friends, family and colleagues and respect the path that they are on, even if it differs from your own.

In the end, Do YOU means you believe in yourself and others. You’re moving forward and you’re getting where you want to be — and encouraging others to do the same. The world would be a more loving, supportive and happy place with a little more “DO YOU!”

Photo by Rayani Melo.

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