it's time for a..

Grateful List!

this is my favorite activity ever!

okay, let's see...

i am GRATEFUL:

1. that i have the freedom to make choices

and then actually make those choices as opposed to becoming indecisive or stagnant.

2. that i'm living my dream every single day

and am in love with my "job".

3. that i have a healthy, strong, sexy body.

4. that i can communicate what i want and what i need.

5. that i will be able to grocery shop and cook in less than a week's time!

6. that i don't waste my time and i don't waste anyone else's time.

7. for my future dog(s) even though i haven't met them yet.

8. that i have the ability to learn whatever i decide i want to try.

9. that i have kind, strong, supportive women in my life.

10. that so many new adventures are on their way to me.

i swear making lists of things i'm grateful for makes my heart fill up and guarantees a great day. it's sort of impossible to focus on anything negative when you count your blessings.

try it <3

what are you grateful for?!

and, now

the calmness of my heart and mind clearing

(that i have to patiently wait for every time)

just happened this morning.

and now, i remember.

the only choice is love,

we are all so connected

and the little things that affect us

don't matter as much as we let them.

so i will let them go.

today is gonna be so good

i can hardly wait :o)

i say..

[*ahem. i suggest reading the post below this first if you haven't already.]

fuck what they say.

be yourself.

be needy when you need to be needy.

be independent when you need to be independent.

let whatever happens in between, happen in between.

he will either keep up

or he won't be able to handle it.

and wouldn't you rather know if he can't handle you

from the start instead of at the finish line?

or, even worse, after the reception line?

my girlfriends and i talked tonight about acting like a "girlfriend".

what does it entail?

do all of the "girlfriends" we know share the same traits? (yes)

should one act a certain way because that leads to being treated like a girlfriend

and that leads to being in a relationship? (maybe)

should you ever act like anyone you aren't? (no!)

i am who i am,

i can't help it.

i happen to think i'm particularly

awesome

and am in high hopes

that he will be able to handle the awesomeness

and if not, that someone else will.

they say..

be independent.

be strong on your own.

learn how to take care of yourself

so you never have to rely on anyone.

men love strong, confident women.

but who cares what they think, be confident for yourself

(that will definitely get you a guy).

do what makes you happy,

don't make time to fit them in,

don't look busy, actually be busy.

don't let men pay

or lift things

or help you.

show them you don't need them.

(then they'll really need you!)

then they say

but let him do things for you once in awhile,

after all, a man needs to feel needed!

let him build you something or fix something.

those are manly tasks!

let him think he's totally in control.

maybe even let him help you figure something out

even if you already figured it out!

men need to feel like men

so you need to be a woman.

a woman should

be smart but not too smart,

be available but not too available,

be skinny but not too skinny,

be pretty but not too pretty,

be perfect.

just whatever you do, don't be needy!

heavens, no.

unless, of course, he needs you to need him.

in that case, be needy but just enough

that he doesn't get nervous.

because God forbid he find out the truth:

you do actually need him

but only sometimes.

being independent can be exhausting

and even when you're wildly busy

you still think of him the whole day.

on the day he crawled into your heart

you knew you were screwed

and no matter what, you can't get him out.

that yes, women have guys that are strictly hook-ups

but no, he is not one of them.

God forbid he find out that your life is really amazing

and still, you are happiest when with him.

no, ladies, no.

don't let him know.

he'll have nothing to chase

and men love a good chase.

simple, right?

Think Happy Thoughts..

i rediscovered my love for Operation Nice tonight.

have you checked it out? if not, go do it! i'll wait.

a year and a half ago, i had the privilege of interviewing the woman who created and runs the blog and spreads kindness every single day. she was just as cool as i thought she would be and the interview was done through email. when you can tell someone is cool from email, you know you have met someone amazing.

i particularly love the posters she created (as seen above) because it reminds everyone who sees it that simple, everyday gestures like holding a door or sharing a smile or some kind words can do wonders for the people you encounter each day and for yourself. think about it: don't you feel so much better after giving someone else a compliment or keeping a smile on your face even when you're exhausted or frustrated? it really helps me to be kind when i'm in a grouchy mood. check out her blog when you need a pick me up!

spread that love -- xo