7 for SEVEN

August is winding down and the FOCUS this month has on starting and moving forward…and not worrying about the destination. It has been about “taking the next little step” rather than where those steps are leading me. And I am proud to say that progress – though small – has been made in the directions of my dreams.

…every Monday, we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.~Key + Arrow

7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow and now let’s get into my 7 for this week:

I am thankful for life. I got into a bouncident over the weekend. I have had a stress headache since. The best advice I got was that we take a risk every time we get on the road. Things happen and you thank God that it wasn’t worse and you move on. So now I have a bill I totally did not expect but I am grateful that it wasn’t any worse.

Baby S continues to be the joy of my life. So he has learned to roll over. He hasn’t quite learned the logistics of it as yet, his trailing arm gets stuck under his little body and then his face gets all red concentrating on getting it out. When he discovers what his knees are for…there will be no stopping him. I cannot wait for his shenanigans.

I am grateful for finding this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” A poignant reminder to be thankful for the little things that make up this life, because in the end, that’s all that matters.

My family. My uncle celebrated his 75th birthday yesterday to much dancing and happiness. He is the most lighthearted person I know and I suspect that has something to do with his longevity in relative good health. He continues to inspire all of us, to be better and do better.

The book I’m reading – The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. This book had me nodding and reflecting on my own life. I totally recommend it.

Sticking with my fitness plan. June 2016 I was at my heaviest weight ever. I am happy to report that I got my shit together and I am down 12lbs and counting. There is no easy solution, it is all about your lifestyle – diet and exercise. And I’m not going to lie, I fell off the wagon and rolled down the hill, hence the weight gain but I’m back in the gym and planning my meals. Some days it is a bitch to work all day and then go work out but I’m sticking with it. I feel better when I do.

Coffee with friends. I consider a well-made cup of coffee a treat. It’s an extra special treat when shared with good friends. This week I was blessed to have a nice cuppa and catch-up. These are the moments that make for a good life and I am grateful that I am able to recognize them and appreciate them.

And finally, I am grateful to be living in the age of the G.O.A.T. Caribbean pride abounds for the achievement of Usain Bolt.  

I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today? How is 2016 shaping up for you? Feel free to share below!

Rabbit, Rabbit – 7 for SEVEN

7-for-1Aaaaannnd…we’re back!

I’ve been up to a lot in my time away from this space and I’m just so happy to have proven the little imp on my shoulder wrong and hit publish on this post.

Things have been silent here for two reasons: work – I have been on a new desk since May and it has been draining me, and I have been seriously questioning the value I am adding with this blog.

Those things coupled with a healthy dose of laziness resulted in many unpublished posts. But here we are in August! Freaking August ya’ll…the year is practically over! Here we are in August and the urge to blog finally overcame the fears that I have been letting consume me.

I don’t know about you, but nothing like a new month, new week, in my case new year (my birthday was last Saturday) to inspire a blog post. So I am going to harness the energy of new beginnings – first day of the work week, first day of a new month to share my first 7 for Seven in months – to get going once again and FOCUS.

…every Monday, we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.~Key + Arrow

7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow and now let’s get into my first 7 for August 2016:

Starting. It’s been a struggle to get going. 2016 started with so much promise and but a lot remained the same – sameshit stress, different day – so I spent the better part of the last couple months justifying to myself why it easier not to blog than to hit publish and worry about the value I was adding. But as I stated earlier it’s time to get back to the business of blogging and just start already. So here’s to starting small with joyful hope for great things ahead.

My nephew. Baby S is now five months old and every time I see him, he reminds me that love truly is awesome. Watching him learn and grow and discover the world around him has been an amazing experience thus far. I am awed and grateful.

Adulting. The struggle is real! I wish I could find a way to crawl back into my mother’s uterus and stay there. When you’re a child…nobody tells you how hard adulthood can be sometimes. There are no guide books on how to manoeuver this phase in life. You’re pretty much making it up as you go…mostly by making mistakes and learning from them. When you don’t learn the lesson…that shit comes back to bite you on the ass until you do. Here’s to learning my lessons well.

Which brings me to learning that Not Everything Is About Me. Everybody is fighting their own battle, their own demons. And most times, they are caught up in their own drama. While it might be tough at times, I’m learning not to take things personally.I’m learning this the hard way…but I am learning.

My Cohort of Awesome. The older I get, the more grateful I am for the people I chose to walk this journey with. I would not who I am or where I am without the love and support around me.

Learning to Let Go. Boy has 2016 been about me learning to let go and truly letting God. I had plans for my birthday that totally got turned upside down in the space of a few hours and I had to make a decision that not only cost me money but also a couple friendships as well. However, once the decision was made, I was okay. I was at peace and that was priceless. Then a series of events unfolded that underlined exactly why I need to trust my process and my progress and it reminded me that I am always exactly where I need to be.

And finally, I am grateful for another year of life. I am so full of gratitude for the blessing of another year of life. I have said too many goodbyes this year already not to be grateful when I wake up in the land of the living each day. I spent my entire birthday with family and it was a poignant reminder of who and what is important. I am excited for this new year of life. My intention for this new year of life is to be: Bolder. Braver. Better.

And I am living in joyful hope for another year filled with:
Gratitude.
Really good coffee.
Drinks with my sister.
Tiramisu with friends.
Sun on my skin.
Trust.
Slow mornings.
Rainy Sundays.
Avocado toast.
Red eye sunrises.
Writing my own permission slip.
Sauna on “me-days”.
Family dinners.
Belly-laughs.
Loving with my whole heart.

…and most of all
Abundance.
Adventure.
And Infinite Possibilities!

I’m ready. Let’s do this!

I hope that by paying attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today? Feel free to share below!

 

7 for SEVEN

Hellooo from Portland! What an incredible journey March has been thus far. From seeing my nephew to taking a leap of faith, I have been growing and loving and moving forward.

…every Monday, we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.~Key + Arrow

7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow and now let’s get into my 7 for this week:

Selfie Saturday. I have been prioritizing self care and while I try to do something positive for myself every day of the week…my weekends are for doing something extra. I’m grateful that I am learning to put on my oxygen mask first.  And there is nothing selfish about that.

Baby S is getting stronger every day. I cannot wait to hold him. So thankful that I can say those words…because this journey has not been easy.

Investing In Myself. I have taken a leap of faith. Made a decision to lose sight of the shore and row my boat in the direction that has been drawing me for some time now. I kid you not…I am scared shitless. But I am doing it anyway…big girl Jedi panties and all.

Whipped cream on top. Because life is short. Sometimes you just gotta go ahead and put that whipped cream on top. It makes everything a just little bit sweeter.

My fitbit. Thanks for keeping me on my toes…literally for months now. And because, I need to walk off all those “whipped cream on top” moments.

Quotes that make me laugh out loud.   “Life is too short for bad coffee, cheap wine and flat beer.” Get the good coffee.

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Dirty Charlie made with love from Cup & Bar, Portland

And finally, I am grateful for signs from the universe. 

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I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today? Feel free to share below!

 

 

7 for SEVEN

 As February began…so it ends…on a Monday!

20160228_120322HAPPY LEAP DAY EVERYONE! I hope you made the most of this “extra” day.

This has been the best February of my life! I’m going to share with you in photos some of the things that has been happening this month. All of which has lead to some amazing experiences, great connections and plenty plenty love.

The FOCUS this month was on starting and moving forward…and not worrying about the destination. I was more concerned about “taking the next little step” than where those steps are leading me. And I am proud to say that progress – though small – has been made in the directions of my dreams.

…every Monday, we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.~Key + Arrow

7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow and now let’s get into my 7 for this week [with some photos to add some perspective]:

The little light that is now shining for all the world to see. I AM OFFICIALLY AN AUNTY! I am one big ball of happy right now…because our family has been blessed with this pure light. It’s been 4 days of amazement and I am feeling aaaall the feels. Because I cannot share the photo I really want to share, I will share one that kinda says how I feel.

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Taking back all the bad things I ever thought about over-eager parents who over-share about their children on social media.  I.get.it.now. I want to show off our little treasure. I want the world to see and echo a collective “awww” when they see that cute little face that I just want to love up. I get it parents. I get it aunties. And I am officially sorry for all the bad things I ever thought about your kiddie pix.

This Love I feel. I have never felt this way before – excited, awed, protective, joyful, hopeful with a healthy dose of fear all bubbling together for this tiny human. The thing that amazes me about the depth of this feeling is that…I’m the aunt. Not the mother. So I can only imagine what THAT feeling must be like. And I am looking forward to it.

Learning to make peace with colouring outside the lines. Soooo one of sweetest people I know gave me a colouring book with crayons as a Christmas/New Year/Galentines Day present. By the end of the first weekend with the book…my thumbs were sore from colouring. I forgot how much fun that activity was. And just how much I enjoy bringing a page to life with colour. The downside with “adult” coloring books…is that the designs are intricate. Tiny lines and fat crayons can make for some frustrating moments. But…I’m learning to let go of the need to stay in the lines and I’m pretty happy with my result.

20160229_204404Still sticking with my fitness plan. So proud of that myself that two months into 2016, I’m still making good decisions when it comes to diet and exercise. I’m not going to lie…some days it is a bitch to work all day and then go work out but I’m sticking with it. I feel better when I do.

Which brings me to (because random and I deserve it for sticking with my sensible eating plan thus far) – Homemade Coconut Ice Cream. An extra special treat is homemade ice cream…but there is something heavenly about homemade coconut ice cream. When it is made well…it’s the perfect mix of coconut (real coconut) milk and sweetness. That’s a two-scoop cup below. I had all of it and I’m satisfied to report that it was fantastic.

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And finally, I am grateful for my very own blue bird of happiness. 20160229_193910

I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today? How is 2016 shaping up for you? Feel free to share below!

7 for SEVEN

7-for-1

Don’t you just love it when a month begins on a Monday?

So folks, we are in February. It’s Day 32 of 2016. There are 334 days left in the year. If you’re like me…then January was more of a waiting for the dust to settle, things are out of sync, I made all my lists but I still can’t seem to start kinda month. The struggle was too real.

That’s why I’m using the energy of firsts – first day of the work week, first day of a new month and first 7 for Seven for the year – to get going once again and FOCUS.

…every Monday, we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.~ Key + Arrow

7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow and now let’s get into my first 7 for 2016:

Starting. It’s been a struggle to get going. The year started with promise and but a lot remained the same – same shit stress, new year – so I spent the better part of January, trying to get my bearings and now that I’ve achieved a level of ‘normalcy’ it’s time to just start already. So here’s to starting small with joyful hope for great things ahead.

The little light that is glowing and growing. My family is witnessing our own little miracle and I am truly grateful that I can even type this today. Only God knows what the future holds but for now…today…in this moment we are awed and hopeful.

Adulting. The struggle is real! There are no guide books on how to manoeuver this phase in life. You’re pretty much making it up as you go…mostly by making mistakes and learning from them. When you don’t learn the lesson…that shit comes back to bite you on the ass until you do. Here’s to learning my lessons well.

Which brings me to learning that Not Everything Is About Me. Everybody is fighting their own battle, their own demons. And most times, they are caught up in their own drama. So don’t take things personally. Learning to let some things go will be the best skill you can develop. I’m learning this the hard way…but I am learning.

Sticking with my fitness plan. On my vision board for 2015, I put ‘hire Personal Trainer’ as one of my goals. While I didn’t exactly hire a ‘personal’ trainer, I have joined a group of fitness seekers like myself and our trainers are actually sadists in sweats. (Stay tuned for a full recap of my 16-week odyssey.)  Sadists they might be, but 10 weeks in, I am pleased to say that I’m seeing positive results.

Conquering mountains. 2016 started with me rekindling some old loves. This included my love for hiking. Our group explored Mt. Tabor and you can read all about it here. Climbing this mountain was more than just exploring a new place and getting the best photo op. It was about starting again. As I wrote in that post, “you have this one, short life. Sometimes, it’s going to be uphill and you might have obstacles in your path to crawl over. And sometimes it will be nice and shady and some moments will take your breath away. Sometimes you will need to ask for help. You will fall and you will get up. And yes, you can go it alone…but it is far more fun to travel with friends, people you love, people you can belly laugh with. Getting to the top is only part of the fun. And oh so worth it! But you will never know, unless you take the first step forward. You have to start.”

And finally, I am grateful for my brother because he listens.

I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today? How is 2016 shaping up for you? Feel free to share below!