3 Days

Today I am thankful for,

•  honest conversations with good friends.
• A reminder that confidence is key
• grilled cheese
• My morning coffee

Most importantly, I am thankful that when I accidently used my parking break (which for those who didn't read yesterdays post, I am not supposed to use it until I get my car fixed on Saturday) I was on my Dad's street so he could come and unstick it for me again.

Habits are really hard to break guys, I hope I make it until Saturday.

Ash

 



Let Go...

Earlier this week, I was attemping to pull out of my driveway. I put my car into reverse, let off the clutch and gave it some gas. It wouldn't budge. I kept trying, and stalled. I pulled back up into my driveway and had my Dad come and investigate the problem later that evening. 

He determined that my parking break was stuck due to a problem with my back breaks. He managed to unstick the break and I'll be taking my car in this weekend to get it fixed. However, until then I cannot use my parking break. I have been taught that the "proper" way to park a standard car is to put it in neutral and pull the parking break, and that is what I have been doing for the past 4 months that I have been driving it. 

Four months doesn't seem like a long time, and in the grand scheme of things its not. But, four months is definitely enough time to make a habit that is really hard to break. It's incredible how much conscious thought it takes to rememeber one simple thing, as I park my car, DO NOT pull the parking break. 

This week, I have really been reflecting on how hard habits are to break. My first wisdom wednesday post was on fresh starts and working on improving myself. I think I am stating the obvious when I say that humans cling to habits and we are not great at breaking them. Sure, its hard to quit smoking or stop biting your nails but I think the hardest habits to break are behavioural ones because we are often completely unaware of them. Plus, if it only took four months to make my "parking break" habit, imagine how hard it is to unstick a habit that took a lifetime to make.

I can see some of my worst behavioural habits come out to play in my love life. I guess, it makes sense seeing as it is such a vulnerable area. I know that the key to breaking these habits is to make a change, consciously DO something different. Nevertheless, all that is easier said than done. Sometimes, its hard to know what to do differently or how to completely identify the destructive habit. Other times it might just feel super comfy to stay in our habits no matter how destructive they are.

I certainly don't know the complete solution to this dilemma but I think I've found a good way to begin, and that is to let go. In order to move forward, break bad habits, and find the kind of happiness and love I deserve and desire, I have to let go of the past. While it is not as if I am completely clinging to my romantic past because there is a lot I have come to terms with and let go of, however I know that there are many things (or people) I still hang on to. I also know that holding on to the past doesn't serve me in the present and will not do so in any moment in the future. As well, hanging on to my past also enables me to repeat my patterns and act in accordance with my habits. For example, I tend to hold back in a lot of romantic encounters due to a lack of confidence. Hanging onto the past and remembering rejections and unreciprocated feelings will certainely fuel me to hold back and will certainely NOT build my confidence.

This is going to be my new task, break the habit by letting go of the past. I encourage you to do so too. Stop and think about what you may be hanging onto that is encouraging you to repeat a pattern or act in accordance with a destructive habit.

I'll let everyone know if I can make it until Saturday without using my parking break.

Ash

Turn that frown upside down

Because I am sure someone out there needs this just as much as I do.

10 Reason's to Smile Today

1. It is officially spring, which means, that in terms of weather things can only get better from here on out.
2. Have you seen all the mint green clothing that is on the racks this spring?  Love at first sight!
3. BBQ season is so close I can almost smell the hamburgers!
4. The days are getting longer and its filling me with all kinds of new energy
5. I'm going on vacation in two weeks! I couldn't be looking more forward to the chance to escape life for a week!
6. Pation season is right around the corner. Bring on the daquiri's, corona, mojitos, and ceasars! Pick your poison baby!
7. The sun was out all day today and even though it was cold we know it won't be long until we can feel that sun.
8. We've got a long weekend just around the corner!
9. Speaking of the easter long weekend, mini eggs anyone?
10. I am alive. And if you're reading this so are you!

Ash

 

Who I Am

T.G.I.M!!



Just Kidding... I can't lie, I'm sad to see my weekend go. On the bright side, there is another one just around the corner!

I would like to start the week with a quote shared by Tiny Buddha on twitter.

"It's not who you are that holds you back; it's who you think you're not." -Unknown

Lately, I have been trying to move forward in many areas of my life and when I struggle to do so or find roadblocks and obstacles in my path I keep coming to the same realization. I am the only person who is stopping me from realizing my goals and dreams. I have a lot of ideas of who I am not and I don't think they do me any good.

Here is to making a new start. Here is to moving forward and realizing who I am instead of what I think I am not.

-Ash

love for denim

Guys, I really love denim and I am not talking about just jeans. Denim shirts,

dresses, skirts, jackets, vests and even denim looking shoes.

Demin clothing is classic but it can be edgy if paired with the right items. I love to play around with different washes and see what goes best with darker and lighter shades. For example, I love pairing dark brown with a light wash denim. Denim clothing items are definitely on my "must have" list for spring. Here are some pieces I hope will inspire you to get into it as well!

Denim Jacket. $39.99 at H&M. Photo Source www.hm.com

Denim Dress. $98.00 at Levi's. Photo Source: www.levi.com

Very Denim-esque Toms $65. Photo Source: www.toms.com

Denim Blouse. $19.99 at H&M. Photo Source: www.hm.com

Mint Denim Vest. $23.80 at Forever 21. Photo Source: www.forever21.com

Pleated Denim Skirt. $19.90 at Forever 21. Photo Source: www.forever21.com

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!!

Ash

He ain't heavy...

Hey-ooo!

I apologize for skipping a post yesterday. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my act together and decided to enjoy the beautiful weather instead! That's also part of the reason I am posting so late today!

I want to express my gratitude today for someone in my family. Today I am thankful for my little brother, Johnny. Family is very important but its nice to consider people in your family your friend as well. Here's to my bro, who I am grateful for because:

*He always makes me laugh. Seriously, when we were kids he used to say "watermelon" and I would be in fits of laughter.

*He always tries to be there for everyone in my family. Somehow, he always sees the good in all of us.

*Although we share more of a friendship relationship his "serious" words to me this past new years meant a lot and ring in my head as I try and make this year my best one yet.

Really, this is just a test to see if he reads my blog like he said he would!

- Ash

Spring Beatz

Spring is here!!

And, I for one could not be happier. For once in my Canadian born life it actually feels like spring. I think everyone is buzzing with excitement for what is ahead and I, for one, am not sad to say good-bye to winter.

For today's top 10 list I thought it would be fun to list some of my favourite songs that remind me of spring. Whether you're hanging on a patio, drinking with friends, talking an evening walk with your ipod or drivin' with your windows down, these songs are sure to give you some

spring fever!

1. Give Me Everything - Pitbull ft. Ne-yo and afrojack. This song reminds me of last spring and all the great times I had with fun friends.
2. Young, Wild & Free - Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa ft. Bruno Mars. This song is definitely a little cheese and while I don't necessary endorse the lyrics there is something so fresh about the piano riff.
3. Crazy on You - Heart. If you can find a better song to cruise around town, windows down with, I'll eat my hat.
4. Home -Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. Anyone else want to prance through a field, holding hands with a cute boy while eating berries and granola??
5.  Houses of the Holy - Led Zeppelin. I just feel really cool when I walk around with my sunglasses to this song. I'm probably not though.
6.  Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen. I fully admit I can't get enough of this catchy new tune. It reminds me of being emersed in a crush before you can even blink. Spring is my favourite time to fall in like. 
7.  I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye. Pretty much any motown song makes me want to put on a short dress, sandals and slink my way up to the first cute guy I see
8.  Alright Now - Free. Reminds me of the movie Now and Then, making me feel carefree, a feeling that springtime naturally brings about
9.  Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles. Classic
10.  Strawberry Swing -Coldplay - "And its such a perfect day"

Enjoy this early spring while you can and turn up the volume!

Ash

hope for the future

It's a beautiful Monday out there and I can't help but smile after having had a really fun weekend! Today I would like to share the note from the universe I recieved and dedicate it to two of my best friends, who may be feeling a bit blue.

 How'd you like a little peek into the future, Ashley? Oh, I really shouldn't, but, well, you so rock, I figure this indulgence, just once, will be all right.

You're sitting around a warm and cozy fireplace surrounded by friends and boisterous laughter. Early-morning snow gently falling across the countryside is visible from the enormous, ceiling-high windows beside you. Everyone is sipping hot chocolate, and reminiscing about the fabulous circumstances that have brought you together, brimming with excitement for times ahead. And then you chime in, "If only we'd seen it, we never would have been so hard on ourselves. If only we'd had just the slightest inkling that the challenges, lacks, and issues we faced back then were of our own exacting design, and that they'd soon make possible the whirlwind of events that so swiftly followed, we'd have been, well, as proud then as we are now... and every bit as photogenic."

And then everyone starts clapping, smiling, and taking lots of pictures.

Not a word to anyone,
    The Universe


I want them both to know, that sitting together, all four of us in Starbucks yesterday, felt a lot like this. Maybe we didn't have the best things to discuss but just having each other, is a great feeling in and of itself. There was a time in my life where the kind of friendship we share felt like a distant dream. So keep believing, hoping and dreaming. 

Ash

instagram style

G'day all! It's been a great week and I'm excited for the weekend! To kick off your weekend I thought I would share some of my style that I have captured through the photo sharing app, instagram. Enjoy!

Beautiful Makeup done by my best friend, Justine

Night out on the town

Retro Beaver Canoe, Christmas present from my brother

Stepping into spring with my cranberry Keds

Red lips + ray bans + porcelain skin

Necklace from BFF

Red nails, white wine. Always flashin' a peace sign

BFF'S

My most favourite ladies and I. Summer Nights

The coolest way to wear a party hat

Body Art.

Have a faboulous weekend everyone and a super fun St. Patricks Day!

-Ash

hello sunshine

Although the sky looks ominous today, my gratitude on this thursday is all dedicated to mother nature. As my readers in the GTA know, we have had a beautiful week. Warm temperatures, sunny skies, and the air is buzzing with excitement for spring and summer. 

Last week I was feeling really bogged down with responsibilities and I had this exhausted feeling that I couldn't shake. As I whined my way through the week, I said to my dad at one point, "Why does life have to be so complicated?". He gently reminded me that 

"Life is only as complicated as you make it"

That is what this weather has been like for me. A gentle reminder that even when things are heavy, like the cold, windy day we had Saturday, it can be sunny and warm, and light, the very next day, as it was Sunday. It's easy to get wrapped up in a fog and forget that the sun will come out tomorrow. 

 I think thats enough weather metaphors for now.  

G'day! 

Ash

Borrowed Wisdom

For today's edition of wisdom wednesday I am going to recommend that everyone go and read someones elses wisdom. I know I am copping out on writing a bit here but I read this article on Monday and haven't been able to get it outta my head since. It deals with stuff I have been wrestling with recently and it was exactly what I needed to read at the right time. Head on over to Tiny Buddha and read:

How to Tackle Resistance to Make Meaningful Life Changes

I don't even want to dissect it or add anything because it is perfect as is.

Enjoy!

-Ash

bikinify your bod

Today marks only 4 weeks until my much anticipated spring vacation to Cuba! Unfortunately, my body hasn't been exactly where I would want it to be for a week at the beach. While I am normally a big fan of the post breakup "heartbreak diet" or the post Cuba, "sick-with-a-parasite diet". Neither of those options are available to me right now. Thus, I've had to get creative and develop some new ways to get my body bikini ready! Here we go!

1. Find an exercise you like! This probably seems obvious to many of you but I for one have never been a fan of the gym or any particular sport so it was a great place for me to start. In the name of fitness I have tried: pilates, yoga, kickboxing, personal training, jazzercise, aquafit, zumba, crossfit, running and spinning. Some I liked, some I hated (SPINNING) and some I liked enough to stick with. Right now I've been enjoying Body Pump and Zumba which I take at Good Life Fitness and Yoga which I practice at Power Yoga Canada
2. Make an awesome working out playlist. I'll be honest, usually the only thing that keeps me on the treadmill for longer than 10 minutes, is the flow of some good music on my ipod. Some of my favourites include: Cinema - Benny Benassi ft. Gary Go, Marry the Night - Lady Gaga, Danza Kuduro - Don Omar & Lucenzo, Dreamer - Livin' Joy, Take On Me - a-ha, Shout - Isley Brothers.
3. Treat yourself and shop for some new work-out clothes. For whatever reason, I still like to look semi presentable when I work out. Two of my favourite work-out pieces come from lululemon. I love the wunder under pants and the cool racer back tank.

Photo Source: Lululemon

4. Ponder over your favourite healthy foods. For me, healthy eating always seems like a bit of a chore. I'm not ashamed to admit that I love fatty foods, I'm very likely addicted to sugar and I very much enjoy salt. YUM! To make matters worse, I don't enjoying cooking and most healthy meals require a lot of preparation. However, I have to come to realize that there are quite a few healthy foods that I love to eat! Blueberries, tomatos, shrimp, rice crackers are just a couple of examples or healthy foods that I love and can feel excited about eating!
5. Prepare Food. Just to add to my healthy eating habits, I also love my fast food. I can fool myself by going to places like Subway and pretending I'm eating healthier but we all know fast food is not good for your body, or your wallet. I've gotten myself in the habit of bringing my lunch to work and that way I'm not easily swayed to go out.
6. Watch your liquid calories! I do a lot of drinking and most of it isn't water! I usually have 2 coffee's a day, I'm ashamed to admit I still drink pop and I would probably enjoy a glass of wine everyday if I could! However, I don't even think of beverages as calories but they are, and its amazing how much I can lower my daily caloric intake when I hold off on that second coffee, do away with the pop and save my wine for the weekend.
7. Step Away From the Scale. At first glance this one may seem counter-productive but I know in my experience, when I set out to lose some weight I only get side tracked when I get preoccupied with a silly number. It might be nice to weight yourself once in awhile but don't let yourself get obssessed with a weekly weigh in. Go by how you look, feel and how your clothes fit, those are usually better indicators.
8. Appreciate Your Body Here, Now, Today. Just be thankful that you have a healthy, functioning body to "obsess" over. It's easy to lose sight of.
9. Drink Water. When you're thirsty, drink water... when you're hungry, drink water... It always quenches, even when you think it won't.
10.Change your Thoughts. When trying to accomplish something, nothing can be more important than thinking positive empowing thoughts.

I will eat healthy.

I will exercise.

I will lose weight and tone my body.

and repeat...!

Good luck everyone!

Ash

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I spent a good portion of mine at work. Not the most fun way to spend a weekend but there is a time and a place for everything and now is the time to chase that paper!

Anyway, as promised, here is something for you to kickstart your week with:

"It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not" - James Gordon

I love this. I just love it. Let it inspire you. Open your arms to change and realize that a person does not need just willpower to change things or accomplish something. A person really only needs to be open to change. In my experience, any time I've opened my arms (or in most cases, had my arms pried open) to change, it has found me. Ain't that neat?

-Ash



teeny weeny bikini

With only 4.5 weeks lefts until my much anticipated vacation to Cuba there has been one thing on my mind.
I need new bikini's! Let me rephrase that... I desperately want new bikinis!! Naturally, the first place I looked was my favourite bikini stop, Victoria's Secret ! Let's check out some of my favourite looks shall we,

Push-up tops come in many colours and patterns for the less busty

My favourite bottoms of all time: The "side ruched low rise hipkini".
This beautiful neon coral colour is to die for

Also great for the smaller busted lady, bandeau tops! Floral prints are always a hit with me.

I'm loving this tie-dye beach cover up

These beautiful crochet suits are well, beautiful.





Even if you're not planning a getaway this winter or spring, summer is just around the corner. Check back on Top 10 Tuesday for a list of tips on how to get bikini ready!

Have a good weekend ya'll!

-Ash




None of the above photos are mine and are all taken from Victoria's Secret

The lovely Miss Jay

I love Thursdays. Mostly because they are so close to Friday. I also find myself looking forward to Thursdays now because I enjoy looking back on the past week and realizing what I feel thankful for.

Today I want to express my gratitude for one of my best friends Miss Alex Jaques.

I am thankful to have this lovely lady in my life because:

*She always makes me laugh and puts a smile on my face

*Her amazing dance moves slay me and her willingness to face anyone in a dance off is sheer brilliance.

*She is one of my only friends with whom I can share shoes.

*She makes my hair pretty.

*She is always willing to see the best in people in ways most people can't.

I am lucky to have Alex in my life and I hope she is reading, and feeling how much she is loved!

Also, you made one smokin' wedding date.

*Ash

Don't wanna be a player no more

Before I begin I feel I must make something clear. I feel as if this post has the potential to come off sounding like I think that I know better and therefore I act better. Unfortunately, while I do know better I don't often act better, I just wish I did. I'm still learning, growing, evolving and always striving to do better. So, the "wisdom" in this post is just as much for me as it is for anyone else.

Have you ever been played? You know, you like a guy and he's got a really good game of hot and cold that he's working to the max on you. It usually starts with an initial hookup/date/encounter that is full of spark and promise. But then he doesn't follow up... at least not for a couple of weeks. Another hookup/date/encounter that is full of sparks occurs... followed by, yes, another negligence to follow up. And so the cycle goes on.

I bet most women have had an experience like this and I'm sure we would all agree that they are quite frustrating. Knowing how frustrating it is, why do we always let these men play us? Even if we are not consciously tuned into the evidence of the man's disinterest thats right in front of us I'm willing to bet that our intuition is hollering at us on some level. As the word "play" suggests, this kind of behaviour is a game and a person can only play this game if they have someone else to play it with. I for one, don't want to play but I always seem to end up right in the thick of it.

While I could get into the deeper psychological and spiritual issues that would enable a woman to allow a man to play her I think there is one surface issue that seems to at least get me everytime. That is, I always want to give a man (and all people) the benefit of the doubt. As a young single woman, it is pretty much a given that I'm going to come across my share of jerks. Therefore, in order to keep my head above water in a sea full of d-bags, I have to begin by believing in the best. I have to start by giving a man the benefit of the doubt. If I don't I will likely wind up bitter, alone, and confiding in my 5 cats.

A friend once said to me,
"You should never be ashamed you gave someone the benefit of the doubt"

She's right, when you give someone the benefit of the doubt and he or she lets you down, you don't look silly, they do. However, if you're anything like me... well, I often feel really silly when I do so and later learn the person I gave it to is just exactly what I had feared them to be. Actually, if I am being completely honest... I often feel super embarrassed and pretty ashamed. Why? My thought is that it is because I, along with many others, continue to give a man second, third and even forth chances even after there is evidence glaring me in the face that I should not.

The point I am attempting to make here is that while it is absolutely necessary to forgive, and ok to give someone a fresh start its not ok to let a person back in who continually hurts you, blows you off or plays you hot and cold. I deserve better, you deserve better, we all deserve better. In fact, a little voice in my head tells me, that when I let a man continue to hurt me, by giving him those chances, I only serve to lower my self worth and love. If I can't see my own worth or love then I certainly cant stand up for myself and be clear about the standard I deserve and thus, the cycle continues.

I deserve to be with someone who plays me hot, and only hot. So do you.

I have this funny feeling. Maybe if I stand up for myself once, it will keep getting easier... and possibly, I'll get to the point where I won't even attract those kind of men to me, I'll just attract the ones who will give me the love, attention and respect I deserve.

Ash

Oh! and by the way, I have another funny feeling... Once you end up standing up to a man, he'll probably wish he had called you, or taken you on that date he promised, or shown you the affection you craved. too bad, so sad!

10 Things to Keep you Afloat this Winter.

Winter can be long, cold and dreary and without that vitamin D that our body craves we often start to feel stir crazy by, oh I don’t  know…  January 2? I always have a tough time trudging my way through and usually I hit a big wall by about mid January. I don’t enjoy any winter sport, I don’t enjoy waking up early to brush snow off my car, I don’t enjoy having my skin become translucent or itchy and dry. So, to fight those winter blues I’ve composed a list of ways to brighten your bleak winter day!

1.       Buy a new winter hat or scarf! Hat’s have to be my favourite winter accesory with scarves coming in a close second. I don’t think anyone really enjoys bundling up like a sausage just in an attempt to keep yourself slightly warm. However, there are ways to make this process less awful and I like to do so by adding a fun hat or scarf. Try Aldo Accessories for cheap but fashionable pieces, or for the more individualistic look try etsy . 

2.       Try a new tea. I am a big fan of my hot beverages. Coffee, tea, lattes, esspresso, I’m a fiend for it all! However, while usually I leave the coffee & latte making to starbucks I do love to experiment with new kinds of tea at home. I love to visit David's Tea and usually I can only decide to enter when I know I have money to burn. Some of my personal favs: Forever Nuts, Read My Lips, The Skinny.  

3.       Paint your nails. Always a fun activity but I especially like it in the winter. Although my skin may be pale, and I may be carrying around a couple extra pounds (for warmth, obviously) I can always brighten up my beauty routine with painted nails. Some of this seasons best, as well as tried and true favs: Mint Candy Apple by essie, Brazilliant by essie, Wocka Wocka! by OPI and Mod About You by OPI

Mint Candy Apple

4.       Put on a classic favourite movie. From Beauty and the Beast, to Superbad to Breakfast at Tiffanys,there’s I like more on a cold winter day than to curl up in bed and throw on a familiar movie.

5.       Buy yourself something pretty for spring. I feel seriously cheered up when I walk into the mall in January and see spring clothes. It’s like light at the end of a really dark tunnel. Check out H&M for some cheap, bright and slighlty edgy spring threads.

6.       Start a spiritual routine. Summer is for being outdoors and soaking in the obvious beauty that God created for us. This is a spiritual practice in and of itself but what better time than the dead of winter to start yourself on a new spiritual routine like meditation or chanting. This is usually the time of year when my soul is crying out for something the most.

7.       Write a card to someone you love. I love stationary and while I am a bit bashful when it come to telling people how I feel about them in person, I am more than happy to spill my guts in writing. Write Impressions and Chapters are some of my hotspots for choosing beautiful stationary. Or try http://www.papyrusonline.com/

8.       Dance. Just dance. In your kitchen. At a bar. In your car. In the shower. In the grocery store. Alone. With friends. With your significant other. With your mother, brother, sisters and lovers. Just shake it all off... even if you look like this:

9.       Do yoga. No matter how familiar you are with the practice of yoga, I can tell you one thing without a shadow of a doubt, it feels good to stretch. More often than not, I don’t realize how much I have been tensing until I release it all. Information for the studio I like to practice at can be found here

10.   Go for ice cream. Yes, it’ll probably make you shiver a little but I don’t care! Ice cream is a great pick me up all year round and it will undoubtely bring back a fond summer memory or two.

Whatever you do, don't forget... winter always ends and the sun always comes out!

Thanks for flying by,

Ash

Shake it baby

If Monday had a fan-club, it's members would likely be few and far between. As much as anyone likes his or her job, I think most of us prefer time where we are not being confined to someone else's schedule. I love me a good quotation and I figured Monday was the perfect day to share some inspiration. So here you have it. This quotation comes from Mike Dooley's Notes from the Universe a daily email I subscribe to.

"To be beautiful in the eyes of another, Ashley, simply forget they're watching.

Tallyho, The Universe" 

The English major in me, really wants to delve in and interpret this for everyone, but I would love my readers to munch on their own understanding of this. (Not that its extremely cryptic) However, I will say this:

Remember that kid in elementary school who fought for attention and was basically screaming "LOOK AT ME" with everything he or she said and did. How did you feel about that kid? Bottom line, no one needs to be that kid or feel like they need to scream for people to recognize their worth. Most often, we are recognized, liked, appreciated and praised when we least expect it, and thats really the best time. Right?

I think I've said too much. Anyway, check out and even sign up for Notes from the universe, they're too good not to.

Have a good week!!

I heart animal prints.

T.G.I.F !!

Welcome to Fashion Friday's...

As my title says, I quite enjoy some animal print in my wardrobe. And no, I'm not pulling a Snooki on you. I don't mean leopard or cheetah print or anything of the tacky sort. I'm talking about what is new and hot this spring which I'll call... pictured animal print! I'm in love...

Forever 21. (Photo source: www.canada.forever21.com)

Forever 21. (Photo Source: www.forever21.canada.com)

Zara. (Photo Source: www.zara.com)

By Zara. (Photo Source: www.zara.com)

By H&M. (Photo source: www.hm.com)

From birds, to horses to bunnies, I'm seeing animals everywhere! I am of course partial to the bird print. What is your favourite? How would you wear this trend? 

I hope everyone has a great weekend and dresses stylish for whatever fabulous plans you have!

Until next week!

-Ash

Be Grateful. Feel Abundant

At a young age I was introduced to the idea of a gratitude journal. At this point I cannot remember by whom, possibly my father or one of my sisters. I do remember being quite intrigued by the concept because I had always struggled with feeling like there was never enough. I'm sure that I'm stating the obvious but a gratitude journal is usually kept on a daily basis to write down things in one's life that he or she is thankful for. I have kept up with this practice on and off for a good chunk of my life. It's a great activity whenever you need a little dose of perspective. Personally, I all too often place myself on the "have-not" list and focus on things that are lacking in my life. I've also grown to grasp that the great thing about focusing on what I do have, puts me into a state of feeling abundant and I begin to attract more happy and positive things to me.

And that about brings me to what I will call,

Thankful Thursdays!

Awhile ago, an old friend began posting on facebook every so often, what she felt thankful for and I loved reading the little things that brought a smile to her face. Let's all follow in her spirit and remember to take time to reflect on the good, happy and positive in our lives.

Today I am thankful for...

my old friend, Alisa Currie, who has inspired thankful thursdays.

I am thankful for your positivity which has obviously reached people.

I am thankful for being a witness to your strength

I am thankful for forgiveness, understanding and the knowledge that while some relationships change, happy memories do not.



-Ash