Day 71: Positive Facts + Rainy Day

Today I learned...

...that positive thinking can improve your life expectancy. This morning someone mentioned that regular negative thinking can take 16 years off your life and cited a local news station as the source. I'm thinking I'll live a very long time. :-)

Today I am thankful for...

...hospice home visits that allow for Starbucks stops, refuge from torrential rain, and long in-transit discussions (including Vampire Diaries chats) with a pleasant social worker. :-)

Day 35: Recognition + Important Words

Today I learned...
...that my hard work does not go unnoticed. I was recognized THREE times today and it felt almost magical and connected. The first was my small bit on the news. The other two recognition instances were total surprises and really made me blush. I won't elaborate just yet...but to be nominated for something special by people I respect means a lot to me.

Today I am thankful for...
...Channel 69 News airing the NUMBER ONE thing I would want aired. Of all the footage they took of me speaking at my home, they could only show a brief clip and what they chose was me saying, "If someone out there is struggling or they know someone who is struggling, there is hope. Recovery can be achieved." Yes, yes, and yes! THANK YOU.

Day 29: Little Things + Opportunities

Today I learned...
...that the simplest things can be the most meaningful to people. When Channel 69 News came to my home to interview me today, they took footage of me with my delightful cat, Tumbler. They also took footage of specific quotes on my bulletin board ("Each new day is another chance to change your life," "Inspire," etc.) and me making food to eat in my kitchen! ;-)

Today I am thankful for...
...the amazing opportunity of being interviewed by Nancy Werteen of Channel 69 News (WFMZ). Though she warned me that my portion of the segment will be cut to about a minute and a half, she was so respectful and kind. She asked such good questions and talked to me for quite a while. She even told me that editing the footage to the time frame will be difficult. It was a great meeting. And honestly, even if it never aired on TV, I feel like it was a success.

Day 27: Beliefs + Lunch

Today I learned...

...that the bulletin board in my writing room is a true reflection of myself and my beliefs. I was cleaning the room today in preparation for an interview that may take place in it, since it's where I do most of my work. With fresh eyes, I took in everything in the room, in the event that any of it might be on TV. I noticed so many sayings, like, "Let your past make you better, not bitter," and "Stop judging. Start loving," and "Each new day is another chance to change your life." These sayings are colorfully placed on my cork board along with many others...and I'm proud to say I can stand by them. 

Today I am thankful for...

...lunch with my dad. It was just us, something that never happens. Unfortunately, my mom is sick...but I am grateful that the chance to be alone with my dad was the opportunity that resulted.

Day 21: Surprises + Followers

Today I learned...
...that unexpected phone calls don't have to be bad. While I was writing a paper for grad school today, my cell phone rang - a blocked number - and I checked my annoyance and welcomed the interruption by changing my thinking. Instead of a) not answering it as I usually do when I don't know the caller or b) anticipating bad news or something that would bother me, I held my phone for a few seconds as it continued to ring and said, "Thank you for the magnificent outcome of this phone call." This is something I learned from The Magic. (By applying gratitude to something before it happens, an unexpected occurrence can be magical.) Then I answered the phone. What transpired was, in a nutshell, an opportunity to be interviewed by Nancy Werteen for Channel 69 News about eating disorder recovery.

Today I am thankful for...
...the opportunity I listed above...but really so much more: for all the positive feedback from my video viewers and blog readers, for all the Thank You emails and messages from men and women, parents, and professionals, for all the support from people who love me, and for all my followers across the globe - it's AMAZING! I love everyone and it's my honor to help when and where I can.