VernetteOutLoud

7 for Seven

Exams are over. I already know I have one re-sit in June next year and that’s okay. I know now where the gaps are and I know what to do to fix them.

Quick update on the challenges I am taking part in this month:
On Instagram I’m doing #DecemberReflections and that’s been fun thus far. And I am also taking part in this month’s NaBloPoMo: Joy. Now that exams are over…I can focus on writing to wind down 2014.

…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:

Picking myself up and moving on. My first exam, first thing Monday morning was bad. Really, really bad. I left the room pretty down. And I knew that I still had two left and I needed to get my head together to ensure that I only had one re-sit and not three. So I did what needed to be done…I left everything in that exam in the room and focused only on the ones left. I’m kinda proud of my ability to do that. Really proud.

Knowing what I need to “pick myself up.” After that horrible first exam I needed a “pick-me-up”. I found this little dessert place that totally did the trick.

…and on that note Salmon burgers.

Brunch with my blogging friends. There is a ritual developing with these two totally awesome blogger chicks I know. It involves hippie market runs, brunch and really good conversations.

Team spirit Trinidad & Tobago’s national women’s football (soccer for some of you) team narrowly missed qualifying for the World Cup last Tuesday. Though we lost 1-0 to Ecuador, our girls fought hard and out-played their opponents. However, goals win matches and such is life. But they still have my 100% support going forward.

Local art. I love art. I love creating art. I especially love and have mad respect for people who find the thing that moves them creatively and do it with passion. This last week I was fortunate to attend two events which showcased local artists. Art harder people! The world needs you.

My brother. Because he listens.

And there you have it. My hope is that by turning my focus to all that I have to be grateful for at the start of my work week, by sowing my own seeds of faith and gratitude, I can carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

If you’re reading this, 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. What made you happy today? What are you grateful for? I would love to hear from you.

7 for Seven

Happy December!!!

2014 is truly on its way to being history and it has been quite a year thus far for me. I am back in exam mode this week. So today’s post will be short and sweet.

I am also taking part in a couple of challenges this month only now as I think about just how busy December gets I might have bitten off more than I can chew…but hopefully I wont choke half-way through.

On Instagram I am taking part in #DecemberReflections for the entire month. And I am also taking part in this month’s NaBloPoMo: Joy. Today I choose

My gratitude practice, this weekly 7 for Seven…this attention and witness I give to all that I have to be thankful for brings me so much Joy! It is hard to be anything but thankful. This is what I do when I am feeling down…I review my 7 for Seven and I get the whipped cream on my coffee!

So without further ado,

…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:

Getting my coffee just right. I have coffee pretty much everyday…but some days I might get the measurements wrong for some reason and it might not taste as good. But this week I was 7 for 7 on great coffee brews.

The start of Advent. Happy New Year to those observing the Advent calendar. This is a time for introspection as we prepare for the birth of Jesus.

Business stakeholder meetings that turn into a fruitful networking opportunity. I had the privilege of being seated at a table with some fantastically awesome people. It’s mind-blowing sometimes what some people are doing right here in Trinidad.

Quality time with my family. This week my sister celebrated her birthday and my aunt and uncle also celebrated 54 years of marriage. We have so much to be thankful for. Here’s more celebrations like these.

Faith. I thank my mother every day for introducing me to God because if not for her and the example of faith she set, I don’t know what my life would be like today.

Prayer. Again this week. I had somewhat of a little ‘miracle’ happen on Sunday. I usually attend Mass at a church that is not really a “community” church. Meaning, it’s not my community. So I just attend Mass and leave. There is no socializing after Mass or getting involved in church activities. Something I have been avoiding since my mother died for a number of reasons. I was late for Mass at the church I usually go to so decided to go to the one which is right around the corner from me. Now understand, the reason I don’t go to this church is because it is a community church…so I expect it to be filled with families and everybody knows everybody kinda parishioners. I got the Mass time wrong and was about half hour too early, I was about to leave but decided to sit in the car for a bit and pray Day 2 of The Immaculate Conception Novena. While praying I decided I wasn’t going to leave and I would just go back inside the church and stay for Mass. When I got inside, the first thing I saw was an Immaculate Conception Statue. This was after praying for a sign. So there you have it.

Community churches that move my soul. I sat at the back of the church and observed a family of four – mother, daughter and two small boys. I don’t know what it was about them, but watching the boys interact with their mother and the daughter who appeared to be in her teens displaying her teenage angst, reminded me of family and two women I love and miss dearly. It was moving and while my tears reminded me why I avoid “community” churches…they also reminded me of how much love I have had in my own life and how much love I have to give.

And there you have it. My hope is that by turning my focus to all that I have to be grateful for at the start of my work week, by sowing my own seeds of faith and gratitude, I can carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

If you’re reading this, 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. What made you happy today? What are you grateful for? I would love to hear from you.

Be grateful

Choose joy

 

“Joy does not simply happen to us.
We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
– Henri Nouwen

Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit and like with all fruits, it must be cultivated over time. I have found that my gratitude practice has gradually become a source of real joy since I started noting the things I am grateful for in my life. I’ve been doing this since November of last year and for me, happiness really is in the details. It is the little things I do or don’t do every day that fill me with love and joy.

Joy comes from within and it is the gift that comes from acceptance of who you are…right where you are, patience with yourself as you grow and evolve and being at peace with the world you live in.

You want more joy? It’s simple. Be grateful.

Be grateful for who you are, where you are, just as you are.
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Coffee-for-Your-Heart-150
Today I join the lovely Holley Gerth for her, “Coffee for Your Heart” link up.

You can read all about this lovely cup of goodness by clicking on the button to the right.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Joy

Last Day of School

I took this photo while on vacation in Bequia. It was the Last day of School and nothing says JOY like the smiles on the faces of children when school is out!

Auntie Up: Tears of joy!

I don’t know why this post didn’t shoot off when it was supposed to, but this is my entry for the Daily Prompt: Tears of Joy

I am a crier.

I cry for lots of things. If it’s the right time of the month, I will cry over an advertisement on TV even.

However, the only people who know this are those closest to me…and well now those of you reading this.

I have been called a bitch…the more politically correct among those who speak about me without truly knowing me would say I’m unapproachable or intimidating.

That said, I admit it: I have a hard exterior or rather I give the impression that I have a hard exterior.

I also have a very soft underbelly.

So imagine, the last day of the 2012, I’m already thinking about the promise of the New Year and my phone rings. It’s my brother.

Maurice: You’re going to be an Auntie next year.
Me: What??? *drops phone* *struggle ensues* *finally gets phone in hand*
Me: WHAT???
Maurice: Yea, we just came from the Doctor’s office and you’re going to be an Auntie next year.
Me: Oh my gosh *immediately starts blubbering* I’m so happy. I’m so happy for you. WOW!

These were my first truly happy tears.

When he told me they heard the heartbeat folks, the rush of love I felt for that little heartbeat is unlike any love I’ve felt before. I cannot wait to meet my little nephew (*fingers crossed* this will be confirmed next week and
I’ll say this here, my brother has been calling the bump “Cupcake” and I take umbrage on behalf of my unborn nephew.)

When I think about him even now…I get a lump in my throat for the blessing of his presence. He is truly a gift and one I will cherish. I have three godsons, I love them all. But this love I feel…oh my word! Makes me think about my own future son and I understand a little bit now the commitment of unconditional love. It just is. Imagine the rainstorm when I finally meet him…

When my nephew reads this someday, I want him to know that even before I knew him…I loved him.

It was the absolute best way to end 2012 and the perfect start to 2013.

Aunties to be!!!

Aunties to be!!!