Giving Thanks

Saying grace before a meal, appreciating some one's action or being glad that the weather turned more comfortable are some ways to be grateful for. But if one writes them down on a regular basis, its therapeutic value magnifies exponentially.

Having a Gratitude Journal is one of the "tools for the healing journey" I started using since I learned about it through Hope Spring, a cancer support center in Waterloo, ON. It is also advocated in the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. This is an activity that one can start anytime- today or tomorrow with the minimal equipment: a writing tool and paper. Start by writing 5 things you are grateful for...everyday.

There are so many things for which I am grateful for: family, friends, situations, things. But I did not realize how much until I started writing them down. I remember the time when I went back to work in ER after my surgery, there were some rough days when I was both mentally and physically exhausted. But as I wrote down the things to be thankful for that day, I immediately started to feel much better.

When I do this daily exercise, my awareness to my surroundings heightens. I notice people who do the most inconspicuous random acts of kindness or situations that make my day a little easier. We take a lot for granted that we sometimes forget the value that something or someone holds.

It's been a year since I started this blog as a means of sharing my life's journey with family and friends. For those who have chosen to accept this open invitation, I am grateful.

Feeding the Spirit

January just rolls along insignificantly for most people as one recuperates from the Christmas holiday binging to get back to one's routine. Not for me: the month unfolded with a series of opportunities to feed my spirit.

I just had a milestone birthday. First, Michael took me (and Bob) out for lunch at Sushi Jack's to satisfy my craving for a Japanese cuisine. It did. I drool just thinking about it. Later, I had a nice long chat with my daughter Valerie who is in Halifax. I must have done something right when my kids remember my birthday!

Then, I attended my very first Gardening conference in Cambridge: "Dream Garden". This was my birthday treat from Bob. Despite the previous night's snow storm warnings (15 cm accumulation) , a group of us from the Garden Club attended. Besides several speakers, there were vendor booths tempting the attendee gardeners with gardening books(what else?), potted plants, crafts, garden tools and "must have" accessories. There was a continuous supply of coffee, tea or juice and the highly acclaimed luncheon spread did not disappoint us. A number of door prizes were handed out and my name was picked first! I received a beautiful Gardener's Journal which I've already put into use. It was a very enjoyable day indeed.

But it didn't end there; I was invited by my sister Mayette so I drove straight to London. The next day, a trip to the local farmer's market, the Covent Gardens, was another feast to feed the spirit: I had a back massage followed by a Thai cuisine lunch as a birthday treat. (thanks, Mayette). I think that market shopping/strolling is a totally mesmerizing experience as one's senses get overwhelmed; I loved looking at fresh produce, flowers, coffee beans, tea products, etc.

Back at home, I made a cup of Matcha tea and found a comfortable spot; I finally had the chance to look through the "stuff" I got in my conference grab bag. By the time I finished my tea, the seed catalogues were already dog-eared. I have drawn a list and ordered the seeds from Richter's online today. Aahhh. This exercise never fails to uplift my spirit. And it brings Spring that much closer.

Reflections

New Year's Resolution. Here's Wikipedia's definition:

A New Year's resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned. More socio-centric examples include resolutions to donate to the poor more often, to become more assertive, or to become more economically or environmentally responsible.

I have never heard of New Year's resolution until I came to live in North America. When I was at school in Michigan (High school & school of Nursing), I "went with the flow" as my friends, teachers, etc. made their list of resolutions. The annual habit did not stay with me but lately my lifestyle has changed significantly; I call it living the good life.

Here are some of my reflections on living the good life:

• Feeding my spirit. A lot of self-nurturing activities (without guilt) like drinking a cup of the latest green tea flavor while reading a book or having lunch with a friend.
  
• Giving thanks. I have a "Gratitude Journal" where I write at least 5 things I'm grateful for per day. It has increased my awareness of the good things in my life. God is generous.
  
• Getting creative. This is not about arts & crafts. It's doing something...something that allows me to have a 'quiet time'...to turn down the 'head noise':Like gardening.
• Getting more energy. Yes, I love my ZZZZZs- no alarm clocks- just letting the circadian rhythm do its thing. I'm eating more foods that give the least amount of allergy-induced symptoms. An afternoon meditation or a nap to decrease the cortisol (stress hormone) level.
  
• Expanding my horizons. So, I thought I'd just jump right into learning something new such as taking an online course, creating this blog and organizing photos for my bicycle group in an internet website called Flickr.
  
• Making fitness fun. Gardening, bicycling, hiking, besides my rebounder, lateral stepper, aerobics, Pilates, Qi Gong and the latest-an anti aging workout system by Judith Sherman Wolin's Muscle Your Way Through Menopause and Beyond. I love it. Slight OCD in this department because I can get bored easily.
  
• Minimizing my environmental impact. Well, there's plenty of organic gardening activities around here. I have let go of a lot of clutter when we downsized but this is a lifetime project; one cannot be creative without any clutter. I am discovering places to get organic and sustainably made products. I'm trying to increase my awareness & involvement. Check out Environmental Defence. Another lifetime project.

Another year, another opportunity to improve myself to be the best that I can be; my lifetime journey.