This weekend is Easter, a great time to think about not just sacrifice but ways of showing our love to the people we hold in our hearts. I always say family is everything but more than just saying the words I try to put it in practice. Those who know me know my friends are a close second or sometimes the same as family.

Tonight I am struggling to sleep. I have two friends going through stressful times and my heart wants to help. My mind is spinning on how best to do that, how best to support them. Perhaps it is my large heart  or perhaps it is my empathic nature that keeps me awake. Perhaps it is the drama that pulls me in, for no matter how much I try to deny it I tend to have a certain flair for drama.

No matter the reason, here I sit at two thirty in the morning with my mind trying to "fix" things that do not have easy answers. The best way to support is to be present and listen. The rest, or restlessness, is my own issues. 

I'm grateful to have a big heart. I'm grateful for the amazing friends I have, both the ones who have been by my side through my own trials and the new ones who have just entered during this new chapter. I'm grateful for their sharing their hearts and stories with me. I'm grateful to believe that love is an action; it is something we can choose to do each day. I'm grateful for the weekend ahead with family. And I'm grateful to know that I can be here for my friends in support, however they end up needing it.

Are there things that keep you up at night? What are your biggest strengths and what is a well-meaning weakness? While I consider my dramatization a weakness I try not to judge. It is a reminder of my heart and one reason I am a great storyteller. But sleepless nights are a good reminder for me to keep it in check.

May today bring solutions to idle hands. May our hearts find an outlet to show our love in constructive and supportive ways. Have a beautiful day!

You know those mornings where you have a nice plan of how the day is going to lay out? Those days when you have sixteen things to do so you have it all mapped out on how to get it done... and then it goes south. That's where I am.

From oversleeping when I needed to get up early to my elderly dog pooping on the floor; things got off to a rough start. The dog's face is still swollen from a mystery bite or sting. And the baby is stirring before I have any tasks crossed off my list. The frustration is built and my mind is trying desperately to filter the words into PG, toddler friendly sentences.

It is time to switch gears. It is not how I want my day to continue and though it may not feel like it, I do have a choice. Even more so, it is not how I want my daughter's day to start. So I pause and watch the familiar Cardinal hop around in my backyard. I listen to the hum of the refrigerator. I take a deep breath and then another. Laughter would help and I know the benefits of laughing, even if it is fake, but I am not there quite yet. 

So I will focus on gratitude. And today I want to focus on ridiculous gratitude. What am I grateful for that I have never ever thought about before? 

I'm grateful for the grip pattern on the bottom of my tennis shoes so I have traction on the wet deck. I'm grateful for those little bubbles on the lids of to go cups that are supposed to mark what drink you have...I push them all even though it's just water. I'm grateful for little pranks like a rubber band around the sink sprayer; pranks I haven't thought of since youth and yet will someday have to be prepared to experience again. I'm grateful to feel my mood lightening and the laughter getting closer. I'm grateful to just sit and make goofy, exaggerated laughing faces to help get the laughter flowing. And I'm grateful this is not the Truman Show and you have to use your own imagination of what that must look like as I sit here looking crazy. I'm grateful for choosing to shift gears and to be ready to start the day fresh.

How do you shift gears when things aren't going as planned? How do you cheer yourself back up?

​May today remind us to laugh a little. May things go as smoothly as they can and we find humor to get us around the bumps. Have a beautiful day!

One of my favorite things about the area I live in is its diversity. My friends and clients come from a wide variety of backgrounds and hold an array of beliefs. From parenting to finances to the religion and even gods they choose to celebrate; some of the people I am closest to have seemingly little in common with myself.

Some people may assume that by seeing me at the Jewish Center I must be Jewish. Another person may find me enjoying myself at a Pagan celebration and assume that is where my beliefs lie. Or perhaps hear the church I plan to send my daughter to for preschool and label me by those beliefs. All of these would be inaccurate but I don't mind at all because each one has a beautiful piece of love to share and as long as the message is positive and respectful I am listening.

People may see a friend I hang around and think I must be vegan or a hippie. The next time they see me I may be eating steak in boots or even be standing up before a company in dress pants. I love that about this world, this area, and myself. There are so many ways to explore the world and the differences in opinions, why contain myself in my own personal beliefs so narrowly that I cannot enjoy everyone else's'? It does not mean I agree with all the people I surround myself but I enjoy hearing another perspective. I respect their thoughts and view points and I appreciate the same in return. 

Sometimes religion is made out as if it is a big divider but I have found that is rarely true. I think more people are more openly divided by parenting style. As a parent there tends to be a lot of judgement from what you feed your kid to discipline and everything in between. And while I do struggle sometimes when a parent is choosing a way I would not choose I remind myself that, not only is it their child, but the diversity in parenting styles is one way we get a diversity of adults. Barring any abuse and with the hopes children are taught to respect others the rest is of little consequence. 

I'm grateful for the diversity I come across every day. I'm grateful for my friends that share a variety of beliefs and help me look at things in ways I wouldn't have thought. I'm grateful for having friends that are parents. I'm grateful for the advice and suggestions that I receive even if I choose not to use them. I'm grateful for the ability to listen and respect other opinions even if I don't agree. And I'm grateful for the ability of each of us to make up our own minds and choose our own paths while still living together peacefully. 

What diversity do you find around you? What helps you feel respected when sharing what you believe?

May today remind us that differences are a blessing. May we find love and respect for every person we meet and feel the same in return. Have a beautiful day!

This morning as I looked at my "National Holidays" Calendar I saw one I don't remember seeing before. It is National Joe Day. And while the creator of this holiday probably had something else in mind, my mind went straight to my Uncle Joe.

Every kid should be lucky enough to have an Uncle Joe. An uncle that is not afraid to be goofy, take you camping, and joke with you while he takes the leach off your finger so you know it's no big deal. An uncle that can bust out a guitar and sing an amazing ballad he just wrote or get everyone rolling with an inappropriate song. An uncle that will stand outside on Easter, no matter how cold it ends up being that year to grill hotdogs and hamburgers for his wife's entire side of the family. An uncle that knows the balance of being an adult but still taking the time to play.

I'm grateful to have grown up lucky enough to have my Uncle Joe. I'm grateful for all the trips I got to take with him and my cousins. I'm grateful that leaches come off with just a little salt. I'm grateful for his playful spirit and his inappropriate songs. I'm grateful for the laugh he is so good at giving. I'm grateful for the hours he spent in his studio moving old homemade kids song cassettes to cds so my daughter can enjoy the songs I enjoyed growing up. And I'm grateful for the amazing talent he has for writing his own songs and that he shares them with us. 

Who is your"Uncle Joe"? Who do you know that has balanced the art of being an adult with playfulness? Who helped create some of your best childhood memories?

May today remind us the importance of play. May we allow our gifts to be shared with the world. And may we find gratitude for all the amazing people in our lives. Have a beautiful day!

Last night when I went tp bed I thought maybe I would write about today being National Spinach Day. I love spinach, both it's taste over lettuce and the benefits of it balancing my hormones and giving me nutrients I need. I am grateful for spinach and the ease of walking into the store and picking some up.

I also thought about writing about traditions. My husband and I colored Easter eggs with my daughter this year, letting her roll the eggs around in a bag of dyes and watching the colors mix. I love traditions and making family memories. I'm grateful for my family and to build beautiful memories like these. I'm grateful to continue some of the traditions from my youth and to build new ones unique to our family.

When I woke this morning I was a little disoriented. I slept hard last night. I don't think I woke up at all and I was in control of the long dreams I had. My eyes had watered but seem to have stayed shut as I slept which has been a struggle I've had recently. And I'm so grateful to wake rested and with moistened eyes. I'm grateful to have had a better night's sleep for sure!

As I lay in bed, breathing in the morning for a few minutes I heard what had most likely woke me. The rumble of thunder and pitter patter of rain outside my window is so soothing. I love sunny, warm days. But I also love thundering, rainy days that make for a relaxing day inside.

I'm grateful we are getting some more rain. I'm grateful for the thunder. I'm grateful Spring is here and the trees are budding and flowers blooming. I'm grateful to have planned to be home today anyway. I'm grateful for the beginning of a new week and wonderful people to share it. I'm grateful for the upcoming holiday. I'm grateful for this day, this moment where my thoughts may be a little scattered but they are full of gratitude.

What beauty do you see in this moment? What are five things you are grateful for right now?

May today remind us that gratitude doesn't have to be found or contained. May we cherish all the beauty around us. Have a beautiful day!

March Madness is underway and despite knowing little about the actual statistics of the teams, I filled out a bracket. It's a fun way to bond with my husband and get excited about the games between teams I wouldn't normally watch.

When UMBC broke my bracket right from the start I thought, "what an awesome reason to be wrong!" I loved the idea of a cinderella story except that the next team they played was my team. Obviously I was excited to see my team prevail and break my bracket some more. 

Last night's game against Kentucky was one of few reasons worthy of me staying up so late. These days my sleep is more important than ever, but how could I walk away from that game? Kansas State beating Kentucky for the first time was worth watching!

I'm grateful for the fun my husband and I are having watching these games. I'm grateful to be laughing and cheering together for the teams we chose. I'm grateful to be learning more about some of the basketball rules that I hadn't realized. I'm grateful to be wrong in my bracket for such good reasons. I'm grateful for feeling rested despite a late night and a child determined to rise early.

How is your bracket? What are some fun ways you have found to spend with friends?

May today remind us that sometimes it is better to be wrong. May we laugh and enjoy the people we share our time with today. Have a beautiful day!

In the wee hours of morning I was yanked from a dream as I woke gasping for air. By the way I sucked in the air I could tell that I had stopped breathing. 

In my dream I had been underwater. While I still need time to fully understand the messages of the dream the emotion was clear. And waking with a gasp was a little alarming.

As far as I know I have never stopped breathing in my sleep before. A couple hours later as I get up my lungs are still sore. 

Breathing is a basic need and I'm grateful I generally do not have to think about it. I'm grateful to consciously make my breaths deeper and to use techniques with my breath to help me relax. I'm grateful my body recognized the need for air and woke me last night. I'm grateful to have all my basic needs met and then some. I'm grateful for all the blessings in my life. And I'm grateful to take a deep breath and see clearly how abundant those blessings are.

What simple things have you been taking for granted? When was the last time you consciously took a slow, deep breath?

May today open our eyes to all the blessings we may be taking for granted. May we cherish each day. Have a beautiful day! 

Things are not always what they seem. There are plenty of things in this world that are scary or seem scary. But there are also ways to help us feel safe.

On of the ways to feel safe is mindset. I don't watch the news. It is not that I am hiding from what is happening in the world; I will inevitably hear what's happening from clients, family, and the radio. But the news tends to dramatize and focus on the bad, leaving my mind with the impression that the world is "going to hell in a handbasket". 

The truth is that good things are happening every day. People are showing love and doing good deeds for each other all the time. Yes, there are horrible events that happen. Yes, we get the news faster and over a wider front so we are able to be aware of the events quicker and more thoroughly. 

Someone told me that the kidnapping rate today is actually lower than when I was kid (in the 80's). The difference in perspective comes from the wide news coverage and the amber alerts that let us know quickly when there is a child in trouble. When I looked it up I found that the crime rate is actually about the same as it was then. Once again, we just have wider coverage and outlets to hear the bad news. 

I am not saying you should stroll down a rough neighborhood with money sticking out of your pockets or even that you shouldn't lock your doors. All I am saying is that perception plays a big role in our feelings of safety so we may want to look at the facts. 

When I went on a month-long solo journey a few years ago I wanted to prove that most people are good. I wanted to erase the fears left from attempted kidnappings and attempted rape and see that not every person was out to harm me. I walked with confidence rather than fear. I kept aware and alert but not frantic. And the people I met were wonderful, nurturing, generous people that were also just out enjoying and exploring the world. 

I'm grateful to know perception is a huge part of the world I live in. I'm grateful to et my news in blurbs from family and clients or snippets from the radio. I'm grateful to not fill my subconscious with images I cannot erase. I'm grateful to know that most people are kind and loving people. I'm grateful to read that the crime rate is actually the same as when I grew up fairly worry-free. I'm grateful to feel safe and know that being aware is more helpful that being afraid. 

What helps you feel safe? What can you do to help yourself feel more confident in the security of your world?

May today show us the good in the people we meet. May we have loving interactions with the people we encounter and may we work together to increase the positive stories worth reporting. Have a beautiful day!

Yesterday's rain has brought my daffodils to bud just in time for the first day of Spring. Today marks the Spring, or Vernal Equinox. It is one of my favorite days of the year as it marks the end of hibernation. Though the weather does not always fully cooperate, this year the temperatures seem to have warmed enough to feel like Spring is here.

I'm grateful for Spring! I'm grateful for the balance of day and night as we gain more sunlight each day. I'm grateful for the flowers coming up in my garden. I'm grateful for a good night's sleep. I'm grateful for the rain that came and nourished the soil yesterday. I'm grateful for warmer temperatures. I'm grateful for the seasons and for the symbolism it holds. I'm grateful for this day of possibilities.

What is your favorite thing about Spring? How will you celebrate the equinox?

May we enjoy the changing of the seasons. May we find balance in our day. Have a beautiful day!

As I crawled out of bed, still tired, this morning I thought I would come down and type a quick blog on laughter since it is National Let's Laugh day. Creeping quietly through the dark house to get my laptop I then erased the quiet as I picked up my laptop and my charger fell to the desk. Still the house slept so I shrugged it off. 

I started my computer and halfway through the boot up it stalled. I watched and waited expectantly feeling a fear begin to creep in. Reminding myself to stay positive and keep the positive outcome I wanted in my thoughts I decided to follow my own directions and try laughing (quietly so as not to wake anyone). 

The computer responded and started up in "safe mode" but the screen kept refreshing leaving it impossible to type. I debated if it was safe to attempt a restart and decided to give it a try with laughter and a positive mindset. Here I am sitting in front of my computer that is restarted and working well! And best of all I am in a good mood from all the laughter time I got!

I'm grateful when the universe makes me pause and follow my own directions. I'm grateful to have chosen to laugh instead of get stressed. I'm grateful for holidays that remind us the power of laughter and staying positive. I'm grateful for Laughter Yoga and the people that introduced me to the power of laughter. I'm grateful my computer is up and running well. I'm grateful to kick off the day with laughter and roll with what is in store today.

What area is needing some positive energy and laughter in your life today? When was the last time you had a good, long laugh?

May today remind us to loosen up. May we see the power of laughter and positive thoughts in our lives today. Have a beautiful day!