Attitude of gratitude

I'm three for three remembering/taking the time to write on here. Breaking all kinds of personal records hahaha  Well today was definitely a hard day. For many reasons, today was just a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. (Shout out to Alexander and that great children's book!) Days like this really help me to put into perspective how important it is to be doing this blog. First, it helps to ground me and make me stop to appreciate the little acts of kindness I have been shown on a day that isn't so grand. Second, it helps me to remember that my actions affect those around me. Just because my day is terrible doesn't mean I have to go around stomping my feet on the ground and making everyone else miserable too. It's in those moments that choosing to love others is even more important... which brings me to reasons three: bad days keep getting worse until your attitude starts getting better. After getting home around 6, I knew that I needed to decompress and channel my energy into something positive. I looked on my desk and saw a candle set that someone in my community group (bible study) gave me for my birthday. It was thoughtfully chosen and had three separate scents that you light together so they become one big, happy family. He chose the "Calming" bundle for me. What a sweet treat. I lit the candles, turned out the lights, hopped on my yoga mat, turned on that relaxing piano music, and did my deepest breathing and stretching. I focused on how kind it was for my friend to give me such a thoughtful gift. I reflected that I was so blessed to be living in a house that has such a big room that I can sprawl across my floor and have room to spare. I concentrated on channeling all the positive energy I could in with my breath, and breathing out the tension on my exhale. I prayed about my thankfulness to God for all He has blessed me with. After 20 minutes, the rice I had on the stove cooking for dinner was done so I ended my mediation session. I blew out each of the three candles, listing one person I was grateful for with each breath. Immediately, I felt better. That attitude of gratitude stuff is no joke! I highly encourage you all to try it. Filled with tranquility I thought about my day tomorrow. Off to the hospital at the crack of dawn! We have to pay to park at UCLA (kinda lame I know...), but there is always a parking attendant that greets me every morning to take my payment. Each morning he gives me a hearty hello and asks how I am. It's literally before the sun comes up, sometimes it's freezing, and once it was raining... but my jolly friend just stands out in this open parking lot working and offering his hellos. So I'm making that man some muffins tonight. He doesn't have to be as kind as he is in the morning, but he is. So hats off to you parking attendant man. You brighten my day. I hope you like lemon poppyseed muffins!