Day 241: Making Clear + Good Talk

Today I learned...
...that sometimes we have to make our thoughts and intentions clear so that we will be taken seriously.

Today I am thankful for...
a good talk with Rick.

Day 240: Expectations + Validation

Today I learned...
...that I cannot expect mean people to act nice or expect sanity from insanity. Sometimes everything good I can do will still be perceived incorrectly.

Today I am thankful for...
...friends who let me vent after a really, really rough day at work. Worst phone call from a client I've ever had in the 7 years of my profession. I was really upset and people validated me.

Day 239: Brother + Discussions

Today I learned...
...that my brother and I really have some profound talks. Even via email.

Today I am thankful for...
...a husband who wants to engage my brother in discussion they way I do.

Day 238: Busy + Pool Day

Today I learned...
...that this week is going to be really, really busy at work.

Today I am thankful for...
...the pool day I had yesterday with a friend. Was a good start to a crazy week!

Day 237: Dementia + CD Reaction

Today I learned...
...that my mother-in-law is not doing well with her dementia. Makes me sad.

Today I am thankful for...
...my friend's reaction to a CD I really love and had shared with her.

Day 236: Second-guessing + Practice Exam

Today I learned...
...that second-guessing myself is not the best idea.

Today I am thankful for...
...passing the fairly difficult simulated practice exam for licensure. Hallelujah!

Day 235: Mind + Safety

Today I learned...
...that we make things so big and powerful in our own heads, when really we don't have to. We have a choice.

Today I am thankful for...
...the knowledge that a friend is okay after a hard night.

Day 234: Cancellation + Helping a Friend

Today I learned...
...that I had to cancel something I had planned on because of something unforeseen. And it really annoyed me. And I was angry.

But...

Today I am thankful for...
...that incident causing me to text a friend, which created a conversation, which led to me helping to convince her to do something she really needed to do. So what had me angry in the morning DID have a purpose I couldn't see at the time. And I am grateful.

Day 233: Dreams + Video

Today I learned...
...that dreams hold interesting concepts and sometimes, keys.

Today I am thankful for...
...a short video from a friend about a whisper from an angel. ;-)

Day 232: Confidence + Opportunity

Today I learned...
...that I am much more confident at 28-almost-29 than I was doing the same things at 21-almost-22.

Today I am thankful for...
...an opportunity that will hopefully turn into something great.

Day 231: Harsh Critic + Rick Video

Today I learned...
...that Rick is a really, really harsh critic of himself.

Today I am thankful for...
...all the love and appreciation that poured in for the Q + A with Rick video we did together. :-)

Day 230: Versatile Talent + Magical Phone

Today I learned...
...that my friend Jenn is not only an amazingly talented musical artist, but a versatile one.

Today I am thankful for...
...the magic that led her missing phone to me to hand over to her!

Day 229: Rainy Day + Confidence

Today I learned...
...that rainy days postpone things, but sometimes it's for the best.

Today I am thankful for...
...the confidence I got yesterday driving on the highway...again and again and again. Haha.

Day 228: Universe + Friend

Today I learned...
...yet again, that things work out the way they are meant to work out.

Today I am thankful for...
...the promise of seeing a friend this weekend.

Day 227: In the Zone + iMovie

Today I learned...
...that sometimes I can really get in the zone when talking about mental health in videos, because I am very passionate about it.

Today I am thankful for...
...the amazing program called iMovie.

Day 226: Directions + Web Series

Today I learned...
...that I can troubleshoot my own directions while driving. I don't have to rely on a GPS... I can actually use my mind.

Today I am thankful for...
...discussions for a new Web Series with a good friend. Stay tuned! ;-)

Day 225: Positive Thinking + Test Success

Today I learned...
...that positive thinking influences others A LOT even when they don't realize it.

Today I am thankful for...
...my friend passing the licensure exam for MSW.

Day 224: Not Caring + Lidocaine Gel Cream

Today I learned…

…that some people really don’t care.

Today I am thankful for…

…the Lidocaine gel cream that is helping Rick’s pain.

Day 223: Studying + Kitties

Today I learned…

…that I am better at studying for the licensure exam than I thought!

Today I am thankful for…

…time to snuggle and talk to my kitties.

Day 222: Understanding Death + Niece Friend

Today I learned…

…that very small children can understand death as a happy thing.

Today I am thankful for…

…the adorable conversation I had with my 2 year old niece about how Jenn Friedman is HER friend and not MINE. Hahahaha.

Day 221: Plan + End to Stressful Week

Today I learned…

…that having a plan for the following day makes sleep so much easier.

Today I am thankful for…

…the end of a very, very stressful work week!

Day 220: Cloud Atlas + Grammy

Today I learned…

…that Cloud Atlas is my new favorite movie.

Today I am thankful for…

…my Grammy reaching 85 years of age!

Day 219: Email + Deep Thoughts

Today I learned…

…that connecting my email accounts to my Mac Apple Mail application makes life SO much easier!

Today I am thankful for…

…a husband who appreciate the deep, inner thoughts of the world.

Day 218: Pain Empathy + Support

Today I learned...
...that people in pain can be kinder and more personable than the professionals helping people in pain.

Today I am thankful for...
...the opportunity to be there for my husband.

Day 217: Writing + Responses

Today I learned...

...that writing about Rick's pain is really helpful to me.

Today I am thankful for...

...the beautiful and loving responses I receive in regards to Rick and his chronic pain. 

Day 216: Coffee with Jenn + Momma-ness

Today I learned...

...that coffee with Jenn is good in any state, in any setting - whether it be Port Authority, NYC...coffee shops near and far...Starbucks...or at my own kitchen table. 

Today I am thankful for...

...my momma being so momma-y to everyone I love. :-)

Day 215: Dreams + Recording

Today I learned...

...that my friend Jenn is even more talented than I realized. Her voice is so powerful. Her words are so creative. Her gift is so pure. She is reaching for her dreams and they are happening!

Today I am thankful for...

...being present while Jenn recorded a beautiful song for her project Eating Disorders on the Wire. I felt so proud and so touched and so honored! What a special experience!

Day 214: Parents + Reiki Gifts

Today I learned...
...that parents are always parents.

Today I am thankful for...
...my beautiful friend Jenn who gave the gift of Reiki to Rick. I watched the whole process and it was amazing and heartfelt. I am also thankful for my time with her making goofy videos and playing with twin MacBook Pros.

Day 213: Aunt Stories + Office

Today I learned...
...that my aunt is always good for a funny story.

Today I am thankful for...
...an office to myself so when I blow my nose 1,000 times a day no one has to see.