list at least three things that inspired me/made me happy/made me grateful today

—a surprise visit from someone I really wanted to see.

—hearing a speech from this guy on MPR, and being especially delighted by his “Green Eggs and Ham” story:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_Canada

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/06/09/midday2/

—a job where I can listen to MPR all day and drink tea.

—moving into my new apartment in two weeks.

—my new desks, one for reading and one for my laptop. Love them love them love them!

—my workout gear.

—rediscovering my wonderful hemp summer wardrobe.

—“Greens n’ Things,” sprouted flax and hemp diet supplements on sale at the coop. I stocked up, since I’m so bad about eating fruits and veggies.

—found a good liquid calcium supplement.

—my morning shake and black tea= all day energy!

listening to Karen Armstrong on the Minnesota Public Radio live stream:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/31/midday2/

my new laptop desk is on the way.

Project Get Organized was a success! (Still more to do, but things are much better.

going on a long run last night, and suddenly stopping and really experiencing the beauty around me—the sunset, the ponds and small fields, the summer grass in twilight shadows. And deeply feeling and drawing a lot of inspiration from my surroundings. I felt the profound wonder of being in the world.

having to stop jogging to fix my shoes, and lingering on the bench to listen to the program on my radio, look out on the lake and sky through the trees and feel the summer air on my bare feet—and really experience summer.

my new big pillow and new pc monitor riser—the final touches in making my place nurturing and supportive.

jogging was HEAVEN: just me, my radio set on “Fresh Air” on NPR, my stainless steel water bottle, my rebound shoes, and the sunset. A fantastic escape.

got a good weeks’ worth of food for $40 at the co-op. It IS possible to get my food budget down and still eat well.

being beyond all the b.s. of the last 5+ years.

—for something I never thought would be possible: I’ve discovered I love jogging! I actually look forward to it and am disappointed when my schedule doesn’t allow me to do it on certain days. This is all thanks to:

—my excellent excellent rebound shoes (I didn’t think I’d be able to afford even one pair, and somehow I ended up with two for even less money than one pair!) which have made a previously painful and laborious task a lot of fun (and even social, as I’m constantly getting compliments and questions about my shoes!)

—feeling the huge difference exercise is making in my life.

—Got my healthy glow back!

—being dedicated to looking out for ME.

—making an informed decision to splurge on a lot of healthy things last month that have added a new degree of health to my life.

—all things considered, my life has so far turned out much better than it could have.

went beyond my allotted 15 minutes of exercise on the trampoline this morning. I was having too much fun to stop! Then I pushed myself further by taking a really cold shower. I’m feeling very good an energized.

two beautiful downloaded songs from Bat for Lashes.

got a couple things in order.

enjoying peace and tranquility in my apartment reading, with the sounds of my fountain in the background.

remembered to take time to meditate. It is still challenging to do, but I am proud of myself for taking the time and effort.

the group of guys who saw me walking home from my jog in the park, carrying my anti-gravity jogging boots. One of them looked at them and said “Hey, those are sweet!” to his buddies, then called out to me asking about them, and before I knew it I was surrounded by six or seven curious guys, all asking me about them. What a riot!!

After a really bad mood Thurs night after work (I’m VERY frustrated with my work/life situation right now, feel soulless, defeated and self-centered. I was at one of my lowest points Thursday; I really didn’t care about anything or anyone) feeling the immediate relief and sense of perspective going to my parents’. I almost canceled out on going, but I went, and it was the absolute best thing I could have done. I got to their place at 6:30 Thursday night, now it is 5:30 pm Saturday, and it feels like I’ve been on vacation for a week already. It was all through going on bike rides, having dinner with my family, being with my grandma and great aunt (which proved that I DO care about others) and my parents’ hilarious, fun-loving, energetic, hyper positive neighbor. If I’d stayed at home I’d still be grouchy and in a deep funk.

nice bike ride w/Dad on the neighborhood park trail with a beautiful sunset, and being reminded just how beautiful the world can be.

being inspired to get out a lot more often.

a glimpse of the life I want. Inspiration to at the very least try for it, no matter if I attain it or not.

feeling like I’m ready to apply myself and show up for life, I’m done with all the needless hassles/mental stuff.

Seeing just how supportive my family is, including my grandmother. Realizing I’ve always had just what I needed, even if i couldn’t recognize it.

waking up to the fact that I need people in my life.

I’m privileged to be from a healthy, vivacious, intelligent, witty family, and I intend to totally use whatever greatness I’ve inherited.

making little changes: drinking more water. remembering to smile. a new exercise regimen that is based on FUN.

seeing that i’ve made a lot of stupid mistakes in life, and yet I STILL have a chance. I still have my family. I still have my youth. Amazing.

seeing that I look a lot better than I’ve been thinking I do.

my chatty grandmother and great aunt Rose.

knowing that I don’t have to memorize all of the instructions for living a good life, whenever I’m stuck I can just get still and the answer/right way of dealing with things will appear to me.

my parents’ long time neighbor (and mine when growing up) being there for my family, making the extra effort to help whenever it’s needed. A former cancer patient, and a very strong-willed woman who takes care of everyone.

a few thoughts that came to me through meditation:

-At times I feel isolated, which makes me frustrated and go inward even more and not want to make any effort, or reach out. But if I just meet things half way, I can change what I want to change. The universe will usually cooperate with people who cooperate with it.

-I’ve gotten through a lot, though it may not seem like it when I’m discouraged. What would be the point in giving up after all of that?

-you can’t be insecure, you miss out on too much in life. It’s not about me so much; all that matters is continuing to learn and forge ahead, even if imperfectly. (Correction: it WILL be imperfectly, may as well get used to it.)

-having a strong sense of self will get you through anything with sanity intact, even a horrible job.

I’m not hoping for things to improve. I KNOW things will improve, simply because I want them to and I’m willing to put in the effort.

That I’ve had plenty of money to cover some fun treats this month as well as some things that will improve my life. (I know that sounds materialistic, but a mini trampoline and anti-gravity boots will greatly add to my sense of well-being and personal joy.)

supporting myself nutritionally this morning with antioxidant trail mix instead of doctored-up coffee.

making some real decisions instead of just going along.

getting up in the morning is easier now that I fully realize how great it is to ease into the day with meditation, tea and reading, all to the sounds of soothing music and my sound spa/water fountain.

peppermint foot scrub and lotion. having feet that feel great makes all the difference in the world.

my teak bathroom seat. it really adds to the spa atmosphere.

library books for the 3-day weekend.

a resolve to not do anything I don’t want to do this weekend, but to know how to bow out gracefully (instead of spitefully.)

My new wicker tray, which I went back and forth about getting. But it adds another level of coziness to my place.

I’ve unconsciously taken an overhaul on my life… bought some things to fight stress and get in shape: mini trampoline, ab exerciser, and running boots so I can jog!! I’m really excited about being able to get outside and run, rather than do all my workout in my apartment. And finally… a wristwatch, which I’ve needed for a long time. Life will be a little easier and more fun. Good investments and well worth busting the budget this month, even with financial worries.

my new spiritual practice. Meditation really is powerful.

a week of vacation to look forward to.

all the great inspiration to be found on the “Stay in Tune with my Star Player” goal.

After a trip to the co op I have (quality) food again.

The great time I had after work last night, doing something as humdrum as grocery shopping. The calm I felt when I brought my mind back from outer orbit and focused on the here and now.

This song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2GFGsFdURU&feature=related

Noticing the difference in mood when I am busy, connected and focused, even with ordinary tasks.

really being there for myself now, and not investing any more of myself in fruitless endeavors (and people.)