When I got married I took on an unofficial cheerleader role. Celebrating his successes and cheering for him to "go for it" when he had doubts. Despite no background in cheer it was an easy role to step in to with love.

Now as a parent I find myself in that role many times a day. "Woohoo! You pooped on the potty!" "Wow! You drew such a great happy face!" "Thank you for saying thank you!" When there is a toddler/preschooler around there are no shortages of things to cheer about. Every day is something new as they grow and learn so fast. 

Even with my newborn daughter I find myself cheering. "Back up to birth weight! YEA!" "Slept nearly three hours!" Every little milestone is something to celebrate. Cheer, cheer, cheer!

I'm grateful to have fallen into this role. I'm grateful to celebrate my loved ones successes with them. I'm grateful to be able to stand by them when they fall short and remind them they will have success again. I'm grateful for my beautiful family that gives me reason to celebrate. I'm grateful to truly feel joy in their joys. I'm grateful for each milestone and each memory treasured.

Who do you cheer for? Who cheers for you? When was the last time you found yourself in the cheerleader role?

May today give us many things to celebrate. May we find joys even in the small "wins". May we celebrate with others and have others celebrate with us. Have a beautiful day!

Today is National Smile Day. There is nothing so simple and pure that you can give to anyone than a smile. It doesn't require knowing the person well or even at all. It is a gift that anyone can accept and everyone can enjoy.

We never know what is going on in the lives of the people we cross paths with during our day. The person that cuts us off in traffic or honks at us the second the light turns green could be in the middle of a personal crisis. The grouchy person in the checkout lane could have been up all night with their ailing parent. We don't know each person's story but we can give then grace no matter where they are coming from. 

The grace of a simple smile can make a difference. It can let them know there is no judgment coming from us on where they are and their current disposition. It may bring them a little cheer or a little comfort. If their day is going well then it may give it an added boost. But do you know what else a simple smile can do? It can boost our own day.

A smile can keep other people's negative energy from sticking to us. It can keep us in our own positive mindset and loving light. A smile is an act of love both for ourselves and those around us.

I'm grateful for National Smile Day. I'm grateful for the reminder of the power of a smile. I'm grateful to have seen it work on those around me. I'm grateful to have felt its effects myself when I receive a random smile on a rough day. I'm grateful to know that this gift is always within my power and my budget. I'm grateful to also recognize it as a gauge to my own mood and self-care. I'm grateful to strive to see the best in others whether I know their story or not.

How can you find a smile to give to someone in need today? Can you think of a time that someone's smile made a difference in your day? How many smiles can you share in one single day?

May today's challenge be accepted with love. May we share our smiles with all and may we receive some smiles in return. Have a beautiful day!

My favorite part of the State of the Union Address is always the guests they choose to bring. It is always inspiring and heart-warming to hear the brave and extraordinary stories of individuals. It touched my heart to hear about the girl who raised so much money for St. Jude and children in need only to then be diagnosed with childhood cancer herself and need their services too. 

It strikes the heart to see Holocaust survivors and the soldiers that liberated them. Brave people who were all part of a shimmer of light in a tragic chapter. It is inspiring to hear about the stories of those who work behind the scenes to keep us safe at home and abroad.

What makes a country great is the inspiring individual stories of people who help others, overcome challenge, and are a beacon of light and hope to others. The country is a shell and it is what, or rather who fills it that makes it what it what it becomes. 

I'm grateful for this inspiration. I'm grateful to hear just a few beautiful stories of amazing people. I'm grateful to know there are hundreds and thousands of more amazing people out there, helping and making a difference every day. I'm grateful for all those who spend their lives to serve and help others. I'm grateful for all those who step up in the heat of the moment and protect the innocent. I'm grateful for every pure hearted child and the parents and caregivers that help them grow into caring, giving adults. I'm grateful for all the beautiful people both here in the states and abroad.

The question is, how can we make our own positive impact? We aren't just background characters in this story. Every one of us can make a difference in some way. How will you make a difference today?

May today give us the strength and courage to stand up for what is right. May we make a positive impact in our community, country, and world today. May all of our efforts for positive change be done with love and respect. Have a beautiful day!

Where there is a label, the is a stereotype. The two just seem to go hand in hand. Sometimes those labels or even the stereotypes are positive, sometimes they are not. Sometimes the stereotypes are true in a specific case, that is usually how they start to begin with; yet often they are limited and inaccurate.

I live in Kansas. To answer questions that I have literally been asked before: No, we do not use horses and wagons to get around still. While there is a western side of the state geographically it is not "wild" and no there are not shooting duels in the streets. Yes, I have been in the same area as tornadoes, I have seen one in person, and no I have never been "carried away". And the most common; no, where I live it is not flat. 

Not only is it not flat, our neighborhood's hills are so severe that our driveway sits even with the neighbor across the street's roof. And the house distantly behind them looks as if it towers above us all. I could not even tell you how high the "top" of our street is from the entrance but I do know when I say I am driving "down the street" it is an accurate description.

I live in a large suburb outside a major city. While some houses have land, most of us are in neighborhoods more crowded than I would personally prefer. And yet we are not without our wildlife. From deer running through our backyard to fox, groundhog, rabbits, coyotes, and a plethora of winged friends, I have a beautiful connection to nature right at home. 

I am a blonde woman, though I will admit my hair has both darkened and gained noticeable amounts of grey in the last couple years. I am neither dumb nor ditzy though I will admit to not having the best memory sometimes. 

Stereotypes and labels are so limiting. They put blinders on us to how much more beautiful and complex each person and each place can be. When we let go of all the labels and open our hearts to the individual we gain so much.

I'm so grateful for my diverse group of friends. I'm grateful to not care about the labels other people use to describe them. I'm grateful to get to know people and view them through my heart's lens, not some predetermined and narrow view. I'm grateful for all those people who accept me as I am and get to know who I am as a unique person. I'm grateful to see how unique each one of us truly are. I'm grateful to embrace my quirks and release labels. And I'm grateful for every person in this world who strives to do the same.

What labels and stereotypes have you heard about yourself? Do any of them fit? We are so much more than any simplified stereotype, so how can we take that knowledge and apply it to others we don't yet know?

May today remind us that everyone is unique and deserving of love and respect. May we let go of stereotypes and labels and embrace ourselves and the people we meet. Have a beautiful day!

Martin Luther King Jr Day is all about hope and inspiration. The idea of a better world and that world being achievable steps away. The idea that each of us, as everyday people, can make a difference by standing up for what is right and just.

Some days the world around me looks like we've come so far from the days of bus seat protests. Other days I see how far we still have to go until everyone can be accepted as equal. And I will admit that part of the reason some days look so good is because I am a white, middle class, woman living heterosexually with husband and child. I fit the mold of expectation in those ways. I also like to see the best in people and sometimes those rose colored glasses overshadow how others see and treat that same person.

Ideally, moving this world forward to a more loving and accepting place is a daily goal. But this of all days is one to make a larger commitment. What can we do today to move our community toward true equality? What can we each do today to make everyone we meet feel loved and equal? What can we do to make this place feel and BE safe for each person to be who they are without risk of judgement or worse?

I don't have the best answers. It is a question I ask myself and my friends that are still suffering persecution frequently. What can I do that will truly make a difference? At the very minimum I can continue to honor people for who they are, giving love and respect no matter their beliefs, lifestyle, gender, race, sexual preference or any other thing that makes them whole. We all deserve this love and respect.

I'm grateful for all the ease I have had just by how I was born. I'm grateful to recognize this privilege and I'm grateful to believe that it should be the same for every person on Earth. I'm grateful to truly believe that we are one, that we are equal, and that no matter preference, birth, or lifestyle should change this basic right. I'm grateful to keep my eyes and ears open for larger ways to make a difference in this battle. I'm grateful to give love and respect. And I'm grateful for the hope and inspiration for which this day is a reminder and the action it spurs. 

Now, I need to take a moment on a side note. Last night the Chiefs played the Patriots for a spot at the Superbowl. This is huge for the Chiefs and while we lost it still ignited a hope and fire in Kansas City. I'm grateful for how well they held against the Patriots. I'm grateful for players that inspire hope. I'm grateful for the exhilaration and excitement of the game. And I'm grateful to have high hopes for next year as this season draws to a close. Is this as deep and meaningful and equality for all people, no. But it definitely lit a fire of hope and inspiration that carries over today into this important day. It got the fire started and now a bigger cause can stoke the flames. So let's get out there a make a difference!

What will you do today to make a difference? How can you get involved at a deeper level? Who do you know that still doesn't have the equality and respect they deserve? And dare I say, if you don't know anyone, expand your range of friends because knowing someone living it will be more inspiration than any blog on changing it.

May today open our eyes and hearts to those still suffering. May we take positive steps today and each day until true equality, love and respect are achieved for every person. May we see with our hearts that we are truly all one family. Have a beautiful day!

Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. It seems law enforcement has been under extra scrutiny over the last few years. Between heated racial issues, accusations of being trigger happy, and some mismanagement of protecting the people who need it most there is plenty of news stories to dim the average person's view of the people who are supposed to "serve and protect".

I have been on the unhelpful side plenty of times. I have heard the spiel of "there's nothing we can do" as I sat feeling afraid and alone. I have been stopped and grilled for walking at night in my own neighborhood rather than questioned for why I had no coat and was alone and crying. I have watched as my grandpa's property got ransacked time and again while his security footage of who had done it went ignored. I can understand where animosity comes from. 

But I have also met officers that go above and beyond their job. I have had my heart filled with gratitude as an officer stopped to help a young mother whose special needs son was running near traffic. I have had an officer, seeing my fear, reassure me that they would drive by each night and give me their personal number to help me feel some security as the constraints of the laws failed me. I have watched as officers join together on their own time to sit and learn about how they can better help the youth in their community and donate their own money to help fund services. I have seen officers, big and tough, gush and fall over themselves to make my two-year-old smile or find her a sticker simply because she is happy to see them. 

Law enforcement is made up of people. They are human. There will be some who are simply at work and some that will go the extra mile. They are going through their own struggles in life just like everyone else. There are plenty that have their own frustrations with where the laws fall short in protecting the innocent. And as with any job in a field designed to help, there will be cases when there is nothing you can do. 

Today is about appreciating a group of people who chose an occupation to try to make a difference. It is about recognizing that while the system may be imperfect there are good people doing their best to serve and protect. Today is about focusing on the fruit of the organization and knowing that the seeds still have a chance to grow better. Today is about saying thank you for all the men and women out their doing their best to keep the community its best.

I'm grateful for all the officers that have gone a step above and beyond. I'm grateful for all the good law enforcement does in our community. I'm grateful to know a couple law enforcement people personally and hear their side and see their struggle with being limited on their service. I'm grateful to know that each of the people serving and protecting are human. I'm grateful for the people brave enough to walk the more dangerous aspects of the job. I'm grateful for all the people safe and alive because of their efforts. I'm grateful for the people who have been brought to justice because of law enforcement's hard work. I'm grateful to see my daughter's eyes light up when she sees an officer or lighted vehicle.

What good stories have you heard about your local law enforcement? What positive interactions have you had? Many communities offer events like "Coffee with a Cop" to give the community opportunities for feedback and to get better acquainted with some of their local officers. Have you taken the time to get to know some of the people protecting your community?

May today remind us that while no one is perfect, most people are good. May we recognize all the good that is being done in our communities and the people who work every day to keep us safe. May we find gratitude for those who serve and protect. Have a beautiful day!

Communication goes a long way, whether it is bridging a gap or just sharing interests. I didn't say talking; I said communication. The difference is communication has listening built in. You can't hold a conversation effectively if you aren't listening.

My husband and I are very different. People say opposites attract and that may be true but communication is what distinguishes if they will make it passed the attraction. For my husband and I honestly and a good dose of humor help a lot.

​I have friends from all walks of life, all backgrounds, going through a wide range of challenges and successes. To me, friendship isn't about what I would do in their situation. It is about being there to listen and support what they are doing to get through their situation. It is about celebrating their successes, no matter what that looks like to them, because they want to celebrate.

I have a sweatshirt that says, "Humanity is my race, Love is my religion." I get asked a lot about what I believe. But my beliefs shouldn't really matter to anyone but me. Beliefs are they way we individually choose to interpret life and speak to whatever power comforts us. As long as those are not inflicting harm on others, I have no problem with any beliefs.

It is my belief that no religion was actually built for violence. It is the followers fear and the people in "charge" miscommunication and misinterpretations that lead to judgments and violence. So let's put all of that aside and just communicate. We are all people. We are all significant in our ability to impact this world and all so temporary in the time we have to do that. Why not make our time here worth it? Why not spread love?

I'm grateful to listen. I'm grateful to do my best to speak from love and not from fear. I'm grateful when I am corrected when I don't see the error of my mistakes so that I can apologize. I'm grateful for religions that give people hope and comfort. I'm grateful for communities that support. I'm grateful for people being authentically themselves no matter what gender, belief, or career that presents. I'm grateful to have a variety of friends from a variety of backgrounds, outlooks, and with a variety of goals. I'm grateful to love each of them. I'm grateful to try each day to do my part to make this world a supportive and loving place. I'm grateful for every person doing the same. I'm grateful to know we can make a difference.

On a personal note, I'm grateful for the things my husband and I have in common like Jeep camping. I'm grateful for all our differences that help make each of us more rounded. I'm grateful we do not hold the same religion because it makes our perspectives that much more love based. I'm grateful to give both perspectives and any others we can share with my daughter so that she can choose when she is older what works for her. I'm grateful to see all this as simple; it is not complicated to give love. 

How many perspectives do you allow in your life? How can you step passed yours to give love to the people around you who are different?

May we keep it simple. May we recognize we are all the same at our core. May we show love and respect for our fellow humans. And may we make this world a more loving, accepting place for future generations. Have a beautiful day!

Each month I set a goal for myself. By working on one thing each month and creating it into a habit over thirty days; the idea is that by the end of the year there will be twelve new, healthy practices that have become routine. I call it Project Joy. It is based off a great book called The Happiness Project.

My goal this month is focused on giving. I am challenging myself to give every day. And I'm finding that it isn't actually as challenging as I thought it would be. 

Yesterday I practiced giving my undivided attention rather than mutli-tasking. It was a challenge for me but a good one. But I want to be physically giving too. When this idea first crossed my mind my initial reaction was I don't have enough money. Right there is red alert because that's a limiting belief I don't want guiding my life. Yes, money is important to manage but giving doesn't always require money anyway. 

Some examples I have thought of are the usual, throwing money in the bucket outside a store or putting money toward the next person's purchase. There are tons of charities to give to and some of them you can support just by buying your regular things on Amazon if you have your Smile account set up. 

But there are ways to give that don't cost a cent. Volunteering your time is huge for projects around the city like food kitchens or care packaging. It is also possible to give through donation of the things you aren't using, like extra coats or household items.

I started this month thinking it would be a challenge to give every day. So far, it has not been at all. In fact, many days I find myself giving in more ways that one. And it feels great! At the end of each day I think about what I "gave" and if I feel I fell short, I find something in the house to set aside for donation. 

I'm grateful to recognize a limiting belief and toss it aside. I'm grateful to know I can be money conscious and still have plenty to give. I'm grateful for this month's challenge. I'm grateful to practice giving in a variety of ways and see how each feels in my heart. I'm grateful to give my undivided time and I'm grateful to see that skill still needs some practice. I'm grateful for all the stuff I have found around the house to take up for donation. I'm grateful to give genuine compliments as a bonus. I'm grateful for the way this goal has filled my heart with joy and my mind with inspiration in just a few days. I'm grateful to have full confidence I will meet my goal this month.

What goals do you have for yourself? Is there anything you could give today? 

May today remind us we are all one family. May we give in love and know that it is reciprocated by the love in our hearts. Have a beautiful day!

I find myself wide awake this morning even though the clock still says we're in the three o'clock hour. Perhaps it was being woken by my daughter's cries or perhaps it was the subsequent parade of thoughts marching through my head but no matter the cause, I am awake.

As I waited for my laptop to boot up I found myself absently tracing the lines of the landscape picture on my homepage. It was one I took many years ago while hiking the high point in Texas, the Guadalupe Mountains. I love mountain pictures because there is so much depth in such a clear view. There are ridges of other mountains and plains in the distance. At the bottom of the photo there is the grass and edge of where my own feet stood. On the picture I wrote, "Endless Possibilities."

When I used to tell people I did motivational photography I got a lot of questions of what that was as well as a lot of requests to photograph their family or children. But aside from my own family, if I am behind the lens of my camera it is nature that calls to me. All the beauty that is right there that we are usually too busy to notice. The infinite space of a landscape with all its texture and scope is full of promise. The bee or butterfly hovering over an imperfect flower, seeing only it's beauty and purpose, is full of hope and comfort. The deer that stares straight into my lens as it battles its internal dialog is my reflection. 

I spend most of my day with a two year old. I love the conversations that we find ourselves in as she interprets her world. And I cherish adult conversation that allows me complete thoughts and deeper context. But there is something deeply beautiful about the conversation with nature. It is a different kind of conversation and yet it is pure and fulfilling in its own way.

I'm grateful to see the world differently. I'm grateful for the way nature speaks to me. I'm grateful for the million pieces of beautiful symbolism it gives me that reflects inspiration on my own life. I'm grateful for the photo on my computer this morning. I'm grateful for the photos this week's snow has gifted. I'm grateful for all the conversations in my life. I'm grateful for the internal dialog that keeps me aware of underlying beliefs, showing me where I have grown and what else I may want to change. I'm grateful for the blessing of nature and the way my eye works with my heart and mind to see the messages it gives.

What are your favorite conversations? How do your internal conversations sound? What is your favorite scenery to converse with or gaze upon?

May today reconnect us to the beauty and symbolism all around us. May we take the beautiful messages nature offers and apply that wholeness and perfect imperfection to the image of ourselves as well. Have a beautiful day!