Mindful Month--Wrap Up

Well friends, we did it! We worked through the month of October mindfully, together! The goal of this mindful month journey was to help us slow down and live more of our moments than we would have if we were to just go through each day like we do every other month. To be able to say when we got here that we didn't just get to October 31st and miss everything that passed by since the 1st because life was moving by too fast. I sincerely hope that that's what you got out of it. Even if you thought some of the days were silly (which they were) and even if you didn't celebrate all of them (I didn't either), I hope you took the time to at least think about how you could slow your days down and live your moments in a way that would help you, personally, live better this month and, ultimately, on past this month as well. 

If you know me in real life, you know that I really like quotes. And, there's a quote that says something along the lines of: "be thankful for this moment for this moment is your life." I hope that this month you were able to be thankful for all of your moments. And I hope that going forward you are able to focus more on those moments. Because, even though it's easy to lose the little things--the little moments--in the shuffle, these moments are your life. And that's nothing to take for granted. 

Thank you, once again, for taking this mindful month journey with me. You helped me fill my moments this month, as well. And for that, I'm so grateful. 

Mindful Month--Day 32

So, contrary to my own opinion on the matter, I got quite a few pro-candy-corn comments on my post yesterday! If you were one of those people, I hope you celebrated and got your candy corn today! 

Tomorrow, October 31st, is Halloween! It's also National Caramel Apple Day and Increase Your Psychic Powers Day (apparently that's a thing), and National Knock Knock Jokes Day. 

So, be safe if you're celebrating Halloween! Enjoy your caramel apple if you're eating one, not sure what to say about the psychic powers one (?), and if you're celebrating knock knock jokes, here's one for you: 

Knock-knock.

Who's there? 

H.

H who?

Bless you!

And, on that extremely cheesy note, that ends our mindful month. Come back tomorrow for a wrap-up of the month! 

Mindful Month--Day 30

Tomorrow, October 30th, is National Candy Corn Day. I personally hate candy corn. But, if candy corn is your thing, then tomorrow is your kind of day! I also read something suggesting that you celebrate by throwing away everyone else's candy corn if candy corn isn't your thing...but I don't suggest that. Tomorrow is also Frankenstein Friday. (Not to be confused with Frankenstein Day, though, which is August 30th, to celebrate the author of the book.) I'm not really sure how one would go about celebrating Frankenstein, but if you can think of something, go for it! 

And, be sure to come back tomorrow for the last day of our mindful month! 

Mindful Month--Day 29

I found out in the middle of today that I missed a good day for us to celebrate! Today was apparently I Love You Day. I hope someone told you today that they love you. Actually, I hope someone tells you everyday that they love you, not just because it's I Love You Day. But, especially today. 

Tomorrow, October 29th, is National Cat Day and National Oatmeal Day. And also, the one that I am choosing to celebrate, Internet Day. Without the internet, I wouldn't be writing these words right now. Without the internet, you wouldn't be reading these words right now. Without the internet, I wouldn't be able to get my message about Lyme out. Without the internet I wouldn't have half of the support I have from my Lyme friends. Without the internet, things would be very different. I am thankful for the internet every day; I celebrate it every day. But tomorrow I will be extra thankful for everything the internet has brought to me. And tomorrow, I will be extra thankful that the internet has brought you to my words, to my message--to my blog. 

So, whatever day you choose to celebrate tomorrow--whether you choose to also celebrate the internet with me, whether you choose to celebrate oatmeal, or whether you choose to celebrate cats, do so mindfully and fully. We're down to the last few days this month. 

And I'm extra thankful for the internet, and for you. 

Mindful Month--Day 28

Tomorrow, October 28th, is National Chocolate Day. I have a feeling this is going to be a fan favorite! A whole day that tells you you're allowed to eat chocolate?! Sign me up! 

That's pretty much all tomorrow gives us to work with. But, I think that's a pretty good one! So, fill your moments with chocolate tomorrow and stay tuned for the last few days of our mindful month--and thanks again for coming on this journey with me! 

Mindful Month--Day 27

Hello there. I hope your pumpkin-y day was everything you hoped for and more! 

Tomorrow, October 27th, is National Black Cat Day. So, if you have a Black Cat, tomorrow is the day to celebrate him! I used to have a black cat. I've actually had a couple black cats in my life! Black cats are said to be bad luck. And, when I was reading about the history of this "holiday" it suggested we celebrate this holiday to get on the good side of black cats "just in case." So, I'm leaving that up to you...but, don't say I didn't warn ya!

Tomorrow is also Navy Day. If you are in the Navy, or have ever been in the Navy, thank you for your service! Tomorrow is for you! And if you have a black cat, even better--you can celebrate together! 

Mindful Month--Day 26

Tomorrow, October 26th, is National Pumpkin Day. I found that out a little too late; I carved my pumpkin today! But, if you haven't carved a pumpkin yet, tomorrow is your day! Or, you can eat something pumpkin-y. Or buy a pumpkin scented candle. Or drink pumpkin flavored coffee. There are so many pumpkin options out there for you to celebrate National Pumpkin Day with!

Tomorrow is also the beginning of the last week of our Mindful Month! I sincerely hope that at least one day this month you have slowed down and lived your moments a little differently. And I hope it's made you feel better. If you haven't tried it yet though, and if you are reading this right now, you have one more week to give it a shot! (You actually have the rest of your life to give it a shot, but you have one week left of our mindful month journey together.)

I know you can do it. Ready, go!

Mindful Month--Day 25

So, did you do it? Did you do something today to contribute to Make a Difference Day? If not, did you at least think about something you could plan to do in the future? Remember, it doesn't have to be something big. It doesn't have to be life changing for a group of people. It can be something that only makes a difference for one person in your world. Any little bit of difference will make you feel good because it will make someone else feel better. Trust me on that one. 

Tomorrow, October 25th, is National Pasta Day. It's also International Artist Day. So, it's giving us the opportunity to celebrate two really beautiful things in this world: pasta and art! 

So, fill your moments tomorrow with something beautiful. And, if you haven't done something to make a difference yet, you still have a chance. Lots of chances, actually. Everyday is a day to make a difference, not just when there is a day set aside for it. It's up to you though. Don't do it because I'm telling you to. Do it because you want to. 

And know, above all, that I believe in you. (And fully support all the pasta you may be eating tomorrow.)

Mindful Month--Day 24

Tomorrow, October 24th, is National Make a Difference Day. A lot of days this month have been about filling our moments specifically by doing something for ourselves. But tomorrow is about filling our moments by doing something for someone else, and through that doing something for ourselves. It always feels good to do something for someone else. And if that something can make even the smallest bit of difference, it feels even better!

So, today, think about something that you can do tomorrow to make a difference. The day was originally created by USA Today as a community service day, but it can be used as a day to make any kind of difference really, no matter how big or how small! It doesn't have to be a big thing. It can be making coffee for someone you live with so they don't have to do it. It can be leaving a simple note for someone, even just a smiley face on a sticky note on the mirror. It can be holding the door for someone, even if it means waiting a few extra seconds. It can be helping someone with a project that you know they need help with. It can be donating to something that means something to you--either time or money. Or it can be signing up for an actual community service project. It can be a one day thing or it can be something that you start tomorrow and continue on with. Anything that you know will help someone out, in any way. Anything that you know will make any kind of difference. If you think it would make you feel better--if it would make you smile--do it for someone 

Use your moments tomorrow to make a difference and watch how it helps your own moments feel even fuller. Pretty cool how it works! 

Mindful Month--Day 23

Yesterday when I was writing about National Color Day I didn't even think about coloring! But today I got an email from a store that was talking about using coloring books to celebrate National Color Day. And, if you haven't heard about, and tried, the adult coloring book trend you should give it a try! It's relaxing, it's fun, and the options are endless! Give it a shot! Extend National Color Day and try it. I think we can all use a little relaxing activity in our lives, am I right? 

Tomorrow doesn't give us much to work with, again. Tomorrow, October 23rd, is National TV Talk Show Host Day and Boston Cream Pie Day. I know the days that give us the opportunity to eat desserts are favorites though, so Boston Cream Pie day should be a hit! 

So grab a coloring book, some colored pencils and a Boston Cream Pie and fill up your moments! 

Mindful Month--Day 22

In counting my buttons/blessings today, something happened that I couldn't overlook. Remember the other day when I told you that I was really close to hitting my goal of blog views for this month, and I thanked you an unnatural amount of times for helping me get there? Well this morning I woke up and discovered that I--no, we--did it! We hit the number that I wanted to hit, and surpassed it! Before the month is even over. And that, is definitely a button I'm counting today! I hope you were able to find some buttons to count today too, be it real buttons or blessings! 

Tomorrow, October 22nd, is National Color Day. The day was apparently created to help us understand how color influences our mood and productivity in our day to day lives. 

I looked up what different colors are supposed to mean/stand for and this is what I found: 

Red:  Excitement, Love, Strength

Yellow:  Happiness

Green:  Envy, Relaxation

Blue:  Corporate, High Quality

Pink: Sophistication, Sincerity

Violet/Purple:  Authority, Power

Brown:  Ruggedness

Black:  Grief, Fear

White: Happiness, Purity

So, tomorrow, pay attention to the colors around you. Think about how they are affecting your life. It may sound crazy, but they may be making more of an impact than you realize! 

And, no matter what else is going on in your world, I'm sending a lot of yellow your way! 

Mindful Month--Day 21

After not finding anything except brandied fruit for us to celebrate today (and if you celebrated that, I hope it was great!) I found a few things for tomorrow! 

Tomorrow, October 21st, is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, National Reptile Awareness Day (just in case you weren't aware of reptiles? I'm not sure.) National Apple Day, and Count Your Buttons Day. 

I was reading about Count Your Buttons Day. And, apparently there is question about whether it means to literally count your buttons or whether it means to count your blessings. So, you can take it whichever way you want. If you have a collection of buttons that has just been sitting around waiting to be counted, here's your chance to count it! If you've always wondered how many buttons are on your coat, here's your opportunity to count those, too! But, if you want to take it a little less literally, look at it as a day to count your blessings--a day to look at the things that are good around you and know that you are lucky to have them. Whichever way you want to go about it, go for it! 

And, if buttons and blessings aren't your thing, celebrate pumpkin cheesecake, reptiles, or apples! Or any combination of the above. And above all, enjoy your moments! 

Having those moments is, a blessing (or a button) to count, in itself! 

Mindful Month--Day 20

So, how did your day of evaluating your life go? I hope it went well! I hope you got something out of it and feel like it will benefit you as you move forward! Like I said yesterday though, it's not a one day process and it's not a quick fix. But I hope if you've decided it's something that needs to be done in your life that you're off to a great start! 

I have looked long and hard for something for us to celebrate tomorrow. And all I've found is that tomorrow, October 20th, is National Brandied Fruit Day. Yes, that's apparently a thing. And, if it happens to be your thing, then hooray! Tomorrow is a day just for you! But, if you're like me and had to look up what brandied fruit is, then come back tomorrow and hopefully there's something more exciting for us to celebrate the next day! 

Til then, keep evaluating your life and keep mindfully filling your moments! And thanks again for taking this journey with me. I hope you're enjoying it! 

Mindful Month--Day 19

I saw a few posts on Facebook today about Chocolate Cupcake Day! If you were one of them, I hope it was everything you hoped for and more! If you didn't post about it, but still celebrated, I still hope it was great! And if you didn't celebrate but wanted to, you still have time! I celebrated this one. It was definitely one of the most delicious days we've had so far. 

Tomorrow, October 19th, is Evaluate Your Life Day. Take this opportunity to look at your life. Is it what you want it to be? If not, what can you do about it? If your answer is "nothing," think again. What can you do to change the things about your life that don't look the way you want them to? 

If there's a person in your life that you don't want in your life, what steps do you need to take to get them out of it? (Safely and legally, of course.)

If there's a person that isn't in your life that you want in your life, what can you do to get them in your life? (Only if they are going to be a positive, productive influence that lifts you higher)

If there's a goal that you want to reach, how can you reach it? (In a realistic manner)

You can't go into this wanting to fix all your problems. Don't take this as a time to dwell on things that need to be left in the past for good reason. And know that you can't expect to fix anything quickly. But, you can absolutely evaluate what you can do from this point forward to make your life look the way you want it to. Take tomorrow as a starting point, if you don't think this way already, and run with it. We are getting close to the end of our mindful month, but after that you have the rest of your life. And that's awesome! 

You are in control of you. What do you need to do to make things yours? How can you be the best you? And how can your world be the best place for you to live your best life? 

Think about it. 

Mindful Month--Day 18

Before I get into telling you about tomorrow's mindful month day, I want to say thank you. I touched on it last night, but I thought more about it throughout today. I told you last night that you make my life sweet just by being in it--just by reading my blog. And I've told you a few times before that I appreciate you reading my blog and helping me get the word out with my Lyme posts. And even though this month isn't about my Lyme, it's been especially sweet. 

When I started this month, I wrote down my monthly goals for myself and stuck them to my bathroom mirror on sticky notes. One of the big ones was about blog views. I was going back and forth between two different numbers. I was pretty close to reaching the lower of the two numbers. I knew I could write down that one and be sure to reach it. Or I could write down the bigger number and only reach it if I really put a lot of effort into it. I went back and forth for a long time before I decided to write down the bigger number. I wasn't sure if it was going to happen, but I sure knew I wanted it to. And, while it hasn't happened yet, it's very close. And we're only halfway-ish through the month. And I wouldn't be able to reach this goal without you. You. If you're reading this right now, you are the reason I'm reaching this goal. You're the reason my life is sweet this month. So, thank you. Thank you. Happy sweetest day to you! I'm sending you virtual candy and hugs. And like always, so much love and hope for whatever it is you're going through. Whatever goals you're trying to reach. Whatever your life needs in it right now. I'm sending that to you. 

And tomorrow, October 18th, is Chocolate Cupcake Day. So, if it's chocolate cupcakes that your life needs, I'm sending you lots of virtual chocolate cupcakes. 

Mindful Month--Day 17

I wasn't feeling like blogging today. I was considering just not doing it. Then I decided that I wouldn't be fully filling my own moments if I didn't do it. So, I was looking through the list of things that we could have celebrated tomorrow trying to find something easy to write about and I came across one I actually love. 

Tomorrow, October 17th, is National Sweetest Day. The point is to let the sweetest people in your life know that you appreciate them. Whether it's through a text, a phone call, a gift (the original intention of the holiday was to gift candy to the people you love--it was created by a candy maker, fun fact) whatever means something to the sweet person in your life--just let the person know that they mean something to you. I also think it can mean that we celebrate the sweetest things in our life. It doesn't have to be people. Celebrate the things that make your life sweet. 

And know that you make my life sweet, just by reading my blog. Just by being in my world. 

Mindful Month--Day 16

Today I was listening to the radio and apparently I missed telling you that today was also National Cheese Curd Day. So, if that was the day you would have rather celebrated today, sorry I missed it! 

Tomorrow, October 16th, is National Dictionary Day. When I was in college I used to challenge myself to learn one new word every day before I went to bed. I don't do it regularly anymore, but I definitely still appreciate words--our lives would be significantly less exciting without words. So, tomorrow, maybe challenge yourself to learn a new word too! It's a little thing, but it's fun. And sometimes a little fun thing is enough to make a positive difference in a day.

And, if you choose not to learn a new word, that is okay. If you choose not to do any of the things I mention on these days, that is okay. If you are reading these posts and you think that I am ridiculous, that is okay. If you aren't even reading these posts, that is okay. Your month is your month. Your moments are your moments. And whatever you choose to do with them is okay. 

Just know that whatever you are doing this month, however you are celebrating, however you are filling your moments, I believe in you. Whatever struggles you have along the way, you aren't alone. Whatever bad days you encounter, you will make it through. It's okay not to be okay. It's okay to want to be okay. It's okay to work to be better. 

Fill your moments mindfully, and it will all be okay. 

Mindful Month--Day 15

So, did you celebrate National Dessert Day? Are you reading this post with cake in your other hand? I celebrated by making 100 cookies for an event my dad has this weekend! (And I might even eat one after I write this post!)

Tomorrow has a couple options for us to celebrate. Tomorrow, October 15th, is National I Love Lucy Day, National Cake Decorating Day, and Chicken Cacciatore Day. So, pick whichever one of those is most up your alley, and go with it! (If you haven't had enough of National Dessert Day, maybe continue the celebration with National Cake Decorating Day!) 

Also, being honest with you again for a second, sometimes I feel like the days that I give you multiple options are kind of cheat days for my blogging. But then I realized that giving you choices is actually better. This mindful month is yours. The moments that we're filling are yours. And you need to decide how to fill them. So if you don't love Lucy, why should I tell you to love her for a day? So, choose your adventure tomorrow. Fill your moments the way you want to fill them. 

And, if that means filling them with lots of cake, more power to ya! 

Mindful Month--Day 14

The last few days have been more serious ones. And, like I said yesterday, I hope maybe you've taken the time to use those days and think about your life and your moments in a way that you wouldn't have otherwise. Sometimes having a little reminder to do that is nice. Like I said at the beginning of this mindful month journey, it's so easy to just let our days pass us by. But, I hope that those more serious days were the ones that you maybe took the time to stop and think about. For your own sake. For your own happiness. 

Tomorrow isn't a serious day. Actually, depending on who you ask, I guess it could be a very serious day! Tomorrow, October 14th, is National Dessert Day. If that's not one that's going to help you celebrate the little things, I don't know what is. A whole day just to celebrate dessert?! Yes please. 

So, go put your cookies in the oven. Or do whatever it is that will make your National Dessert Day a happy one tomorrow. If that means making dessert for someone else instead, do that! Whatever makes your cookie crumble! Get it? Cookie? Dessert day? ...Okay, bye.

Mindful Month--Day 13

So, today was National Kick Butt Day. Did you do it? Did you decide on something that you want to kick butt at, and are you doing it? If so, hooray! If not, that's okay too! There's always another chance--you can always start tomorrow! That's the cool thing about life. If all goes as planned, tomorrow is always another chance. So if today wasn't your day to start kicking butt, try again tomorrow!

And, if you're ready to move on to another day tomorrow...tomorrow, October 13th, is National Train Your Brain Day. That one, like a few of the days recently, can mean a lot of different things. You can either take that literally to mean training your brain with something like crossword puzzles or math problems, or you can take it to mean training your brain to think differently, to see something differently, or to live your  life differently. But, whatever you take it to mean, what's cool is that it's up to you! 

It's my sincere hope that even if you think that the random silly days this month are well, silly, you will at least take advantage of these few days that give you the opportunity to slow down and take the time to fill your moments exactly the way you want to fill them. Your life is your life. No one is better at being you but you. But, you have to make a conscious effort to make your life the way you want it. 

And, if training your brain will help on that, then tomorrow is for you! Ready, go! 

Mindful Month--Day 12

Hi there! We've gotten a little off on our mindful month schedule. But, I think going a little off course for yesterday's mental health post was well worth it. Not because I'm saying my post was so great, but simply because I'm hoping someone who needed to read it read it. But now we'll get back on track for the rest of the month and keep mindfully filling our days together. 

Today, October 11th, was National Coming Out Day (and if you took part in coming out today--congratulations! Know that your efforts in making your life the absolute best life for you do not go unnoticed!) National Clergy Appreciation Day, Southern Food Heritage Day, National Bassoon Day, and National Sausage Pizza Day. Wow on that long list! 

Tomorrow, October 12th, is National Kick Butt Day. Umm I love that. I think I might even love that one more than Ships-in-Bottles-Day! This one though, is another one that you can start tomorrow and continue forever. Whatever it is that you want to kick butt at, you can do it. Whatever you want to fill your moments with, you can do it. As cheesy as it sounds, if you can dream it, you really can do it. 

Slow down tomorrow, think about what it is that you want to kick butt at, and do it. I just know you can.  

World Mental Health Day

Before you read this post, please read this disclaimer. I am not a trained mental health professional. I am not writing this post as any kind of professional or anyone who is claiming to know everything. I am, however, a human being. I am a human being that wakes up in the morning and straps on a suit of armor and fights a mental health battle of my own. I am a human being with a heart, and that heart cares about your heart that might also be struggling. So I am writing this from my heart to yours. And if you read this and think of another heart that might need to read it, pass it on to that heart as well. So, with that said, let's talk...

Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day. The overall objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health "issues" (I put issues in quotes for a reason I will touch on later) and also to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. 

So, what is "mental health"? Mental health is anything involving how we think, feel, and act. It helps us interact with the world around us--that means how we interact with other people, how we deal with stress, how we make choices and decisions and how we go about our day-to-day activities. So basically, how we function as humans. Our mental health, when it's functioning as it is supposed to, allows us to have healthy relationships with other people, deal with stress productively, make choices that will benefit our lives, and get done what we need to get done during the day. 

However, the struggles start to occur when those things aren't going like they're supposed to. 

My objective in writing this post is to do my tiny part in helping to break the stigma. So many people are afraid to talk about mental health. It's something that's so easily brushed under the rug. It's a hush-hush subject. It's something that everyone knows exists, but no one knows how to talk about. It's such a broad subject, but so many people don't actually know anything about the little pieces. But, how is that supposed to get any better? How are we supposed to become any more comfortable with the subject if no one ever talks about it? (The answer is that it won't. It won't get better.) So, let's talk. Let's talk about it. 

I've thought long and hard about how to write this post. There are so many different ways I could go about it; there are so many things I want to say. But, when it comes down to it, if you are struggling with any sort of negative thoughts/feelings in your life right now--no matter what they may be, no matter what they stem from--I want you to know these five things: 

1. You are not alone. I guarantee you that someone else in your life right now is also struggling. It may not be from the exact same thing, but there is someone else in your world right now who is also having a hard time dealing with what is going on in their head. Take comfort in the fact that someone else is struggling (as bad as that may sound) because it means that you, my friend, are never the only one. 

2. It is okay to get help. No matter what it is that you're going through, there is someone out there that can help you. And it doesn't make you any less of a person to find that help! It's so easy to think that what you're going through is so specifically yours that no one can possibly understand you and help you. But, the cool thing about life is that there are millions of other people out there, and someone is bound to have had the training necessary to help you through specifically what you need help getting through. Isn't that great? It will take work on your part, and it will take time, but it's worth it. You're worth it. 

3. It is a process. And by it I mean life. Life is a process. Life with mental health struggles is even more of a process. You will have days when you feel like you're doing great. Whatever your specific struggle is may be may seem far far away...and then BAM, it hits you like a ton of bricks. And, that is okay. You haven't failed. You haven't lost the progress you were making. You haven't done anything wrong. If it were easy to kick something like mental health struggles from our lives, I wouldn't be sitting here writing this post because no one would have them. But it's not easy. It's not quick. It's a process. And there's beauty in a process because in a process we learn to appreciate progress. 

4. You don't have "issues." Even though they're called mental health "issues," you do not have anything wrong with you. You do not have a problem. You are not broken. You do not need to be fixed. You are struggling with a part of your life right now, and that's that. 

5. I believe in you. If you are reading this and I know you in real life, I believe in you. If you are reading this and you have no clue who I am, I believe in you. No matter who you are, where you are, what you are struggling through, I believe in you. If you can't believe in yourself right now, I believe in you. (Insert any situation here), I believe in you. 

If your heart needed to hear those five things today, I hope it heard them loud and clear. If you read them and thought of another heart that needed to hear them, please share them. You don't know the difference you could make. It's our job to continue the conversation year round--not just on World Mental Health Day, but everyday. 

Thank You.

Mindful Month--Day 10

Hi! I hope that today you found something to be proud of yourself for and filled your moments with that! I hope that you were able to have a day that was happy simply because of YOU--not because of something silly that I'm telling you to celebrate but because of something that YOU did/have/are/do that you're proud of. 

Tomorrow is important. Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day. And, because it's such an important day, I will be writing a separate post completely about it and posting that on its own tomorrow. 

Stay tuned for that! 

Mindful Month--Day 9

I'm taking a different approach for today's post. For two reasons. 1. I couldn't find anything for us to celebrate tomorrow. And 2. After I posted yesterday's post I realized that it was my 100th post on this blog  and that's something to celebrate in itself! So, tomorrow I'm challenging you to fill your moments with happiness about whatever makes you the most proud of yourself. 

I'm proud of my blog. I'm proud of the fact that I've written 100 posts. I'm proud of how many views I have and I'm proud of how those numbers are going up, because I know that means you're seeing my words. And that's what makes me the happiest. I'm proud every time I press publish. It makes me proud of my work every time someone tells me that they read it. I'm proud of the whole process. 

What are you proud of? What comes to mind first when you think about it? Celebrate that tomorrow. Fill your moments not with excitement or happiness about something else, but with excitement and happiness about yourself. 

Celebrate you. Be proud of YOU. 

Mindful Month--Day 8

Today I read a post on Instagram that was going on and on about why "national whatever days" were annoying. And the person made a few good points. They were saying that we shouldn't just take one day out of the year to celebrate something. That we shouldn't just focus on appreciating something for one day and then forget about it for the rest of the year. And I get that. Especially when it comes to things like awareness days and things like that. We shouldn't just be aware one day of the year. We shouldn't just have hope for those things one day of the year. I absolutely, 100%, support that. But when it comes to the things I'm telling you this month, I think it's a little different. Because, let's be real, are you really going to think about ships-in-bottles the other 364 days this year? Probably not. But did it make you smile to think about them the other day? Probably. 

So, maybe that person is right. Maybe "national whatever days" are annoying. But, if you choose to be light-hearted about it, and if you choose to look at it in a way that will add to your moments instead of putting a burden or some kind of annoyance on you, then you are choosing to make the most of something that can be fun and positive if you let it. And you are the only one that can make that choice.

And, after having a hard time finding a day for us to celebrate today, I have found quite the list for tomorrow! So instead of giving you just one option, I'm going to give you the whole list. I'm giving you a choice, too. 

Tomorrow, October 8th, is National Fluffernutter Day. (as in the sandwich with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. If you haven't had it, you're missing out. Use tomorrow as your excuse to try it!) It's also National Pierogi Day. If neither of those are your style, it's also Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day. And, it's National Poetry Day. (Fun fact: I discovered my love for writing through poetry. So, thanks poetry! If it weren't for that, I wouldn't be writing this blog right now.) 

Tomorrow is a "choose your own adventure" kind of day here on our mindful month journey. Pick whichever one is going to help you live your moments to their fullest, and run with it. 

And if you take nothing else from this post--if you don't eat a Pierogi tomorrow or take your teddy bear to work--I want you to walk away (and by walk away I mean click off of the post) realizing the importance of making your own choices. And putting your own positivity into those choices. Just because someone else says that "national whatever days" are annoying doesn't mean you have to think they are. You celebrate ships-in-bottles for just one day as hard as your little heart desires. And put that same positivity into anything else that will fill your moments. 

Here's to Fluffernutter sandwiches and happy hearts full of mindful moments! 

Mindful Month--Day 7

Alright, we're back! I gave myself a second to breathe and I'm ready to go again. If you needed to do the same thing, I hope you're back, as well! And if you need to take a break at any time along these days, know that it's okay. 

Remember, being mindful isn't forcing yourself to be positive every single second. Being mindful is celebrating and being aware of every aspect of your life--all the feelings--both good and bad. I am not telling you these positive things every day because I think they are all you need in order to live this month mindfully. I am giving you these fun, positive things as jumping points for the positive thoughts in your days. Things to think about. Things to slow you down. Things to help you live your moments. What you do with them after you read them is up to you. And yes, I know that you most likely read them and forget about them. But, if you read them and smile while you're thinking about them, then that's a step in the right direction. 

So, on that note, let's move on to tomorrow! 

Yesterday it was hard to write my post because I wasn't feeling it. Today has proven to be a tough post for a different reason--I couldn't find anything listed anywhere for us to celebrate tomorrow! Don't you worry though, I found something...

Tomorrow, October 7th, is National Bathtub Day. (Not to be confused with Bathtub Party Day though--that's in December, or National Read in the Bathtub Day--that's in February.) So, take that how you will. I know a lot of people in my life who really appreciate their bathtub. And I know a few people in my life who are thoroughly grossed out by the idea of a bath. So, whichever category you fall into, tomorrow is for you. 

Thanks for taking this mindful month journey with me. Like I said a few days ago, I am not writing these posts for views, but as I see the numbers going up as we go along, it makes me feel good to know that at least some people are living their moments a little differently. Or maybe my mom is just clicking on the same post over and over again to make me feel good about myself? It could go either way. So, Mom, if it's you, don't stop--it's working. And if you aren't my mom and you're reading this, thank you--not only for reading, but for taking the time to do this for yourself. I really think it's worth it. And I know that you're worth it. 

 

Mindful Month--Day 6

When I thought about this mindful month idea, I thought it would be easy. I thought I would just find a fun day to write about everyday. I thought it would be easy to be positive about something fun that would help us slow down and really think our way through our days. I thought it would be no big deal. 

Wrong. 

I mean, I'm not saying National-Ships-in-Bottles-Day didn't make me happy. Because it did. I'm not saying that the thought of people doing good things on Do Something Good Day didn't make my heart happy. Because it did. But, today the thought of sitting here and telling you that tomorrow you should celebrate National Noodle Day (yep, that's a thing!) didn't seem like a thing that I could do without lying to you. 

Lyme is hard. Sometimes life is hard. And whatever you may be going through right now is hard too. And that's okay. Me sitting here telling you that you aren't fully living if you having a tough time, and if you aren't being positive, isn't right and it isn't true. You are allowed to have a bad day every now and then, and you can still live mindfully for the rest of your month, and your month isn't ruined. Your moments aren't lost. You haven't messed everything up. Everything will be okay if you need to pick back up on your mindful month journey another day. Part of being mindful is realizing when you need to step back and breathe in order to move forward again. 

That's what I'm doing. And that is okay. 

But, if you do want to celebrate National Noodle Day tomorrow, go for it! Eat some noodles. And eat some noodles for me, too. 

And we'll pick back up together for day 7! 

Mindful Month--Day 5

Well, does your life feel different? Was National-Ships-In-Bottles-Day everything you hoped for and more? Is your world a better place after a day set aside to honor the art of tiny ship building? If National-Ships-In-Bottles-Day didn't rock your world, that's okay--tomorrow is promising. 

Tomorrow, October 5th, is Do Something Good Day. (Our other option was National Bird Day, but confession: I hate birds.) And, honestly, I'm pretty sure we can all find something good to do. The cool thing about this one is that your good is specific to you. My good will be different than yours and yours will mean something special to the person that you do it to/towards/for. And, if you don't want to do something good for someone else, you can do it for yourself--that's okay too! Or you can do multiple good things! Don't limit yourself--don't limit your good--don't limit your happy! This day is the first one that you can make specific to you (I mean, I guess you could have specifically built yourself a tiny ship in a bottle, I'm not judgin') and with that, I hope you are able to live your moments tomorrow in an extra special way. 

I also hope that these days aren't getting too repetitive and boring...especially because we're only on day 5! I kind of feel, as I'm writing them, like I'm telling you the same thing over and over again. But, I hope that maybe you will find that some of the days stand out to you and you will be able to focus on those even if you can't/don't want to think about them all. If you even slow down enough to think about a couple more days this month, then you're making a difference in the way you're living your moments and ultimately the way you're living your life. 

And every extra moment you get to fully live is worth it, if you ask me. 

Mindful Month--Day 4

Oh boy, I'm not even going to talk about today first because I'm so excited to talk about what tomorrow is--it's that cute! 

Tomorrow, October 4th, is National-Ships-in-Bottles-Day. I know, I know, so cute! And the description I read of the day is even cuter. It said "a day to honor the under-appreciated hobby of building really really small boats." Umm what?! Quite possibly the cutest. I don't own a ship in a bottle. I know nothing about ships in bottles. I don't know anyone who builds ships in bottles, that I know of. But wow. I read that one on the list and I couldn't help but share it with you. Because even though you're probably sitting there thinking "Leigh, you're crazy, national-ships-in-bottles-day is ridiculous" (and even though you're correct), when you think back on your days this mindful month, I bet you're going to remember this one. Even if it's for no other reason that for the fact that it was 1. adorable or 2. ridiculous. Whatever it takes, you'll remember it, positively! And that's what we're going for, right? 

If you can live even a few more of your moments this month in a positive way, then we're doing it right! 

Mindful Month--Day 3

So, did you do it? Did you smile today? I hope so! And I hope that you can truly say that you've lived the first two days of the month, mindfully. 

After I posted my post yesterday I started feeling a little guilty, if we're going to be honest here. I wasn't getting any views on my post. (Not that I write for the views, but I do normally get a couple views pretty quickly, and that tells me that people are at least clicking on my post and seeing what I'm writing.) And I thought maybe my positivity was too much on a day when there were very negative things going on in our country. I felt like maybe I was out of line telling people to smile when there were people across the country who were hurting. And, who am I to be telling people who may be hurting on any given day that they should be happy? But, there's got to be someone staying positive, right? Not that my little blog is going to make any kind of substantial difference. But it's a little piece in a big picture. And, when I woke up this morning to two messages from friends telling me that my blog was a happy way to start their morning, I decided that I didn't need to feel guilty for being positive. So, I pushed aside the little part of me that was considering stopping these posts, and we're moving on to day 3! 

Tomorrow, October 3rd, is Frugal Fun Day. (It's also National Virus Appreciation Day (what?) and World Card Making Day.) I like the ideal of frugal fun day. Remember when I talked about jumping in a puddle?! That counts! Do whatever makes you happy, and don't spend a lot of money (or any money) doing so. And, most importantly--since we're focusing on being mindful and living your moments in a way that you will remember them--do something that you will look back on and say "on October 3rd, I did (insert fun frugal activity here.)" 

And, as you move on to day 3 and beyond, don't forget day 2. Keep smiling. It's a lot easier to be mindful when you remember why you're doing so. It's a lot easier to remember why you're doing so when your head is in the right place. And it's a lot easier to keep your head in the right place when you make a conscious effort to smile. As hard as it may be some days, it's always at least worth it to try. 

Just smile. I know you can do it. 

We're in this mindful month together. 

Mindful Month--Day 2

Welcome back! You've officially made it through one day of our mindful month! It wasn't too bad, was it? It didn't take too much time out of your day to stop and think, did it? Even if the only time you slowed down enough to think about it was while you were reading this blog post, I'll consider that a success! Solid work. I'm proud of you! 

I found out in the middle of the day today, though, that we missed celebrating a very important day today! Besides being National Vegetarian Day, today was also National Black Dog Day! For those of you that don't know, I have a black lab puppy. So, obviously I am going to celebrate him! And, obviously I'm going to include a picture of him for you right now in case you didn't have anything else to make you smile today! See what I mean about these random holidays?! Don't tell me that the opportunity to celebrate a puppy doesn't make you just a tiny bit happier.

Even though I could go on about my puppy probably indefinitely, I will move on to tomorrow's day. Tomorrow, October 2nd, is World Smile Day. This one is, without a doubt, my favorite. There were a couple options for tomorrow; World Smile Day narrowly beat out Name Your Car Day! So, tomorrow, take a few seconds to smile. Smile at someone you pass by on the street. Smile at someone in your class or the person behind you in the lunch line. Smile at someone you work with that you normally would just walk by. Smile at the lady in the window in the bank drive-through even though she didn't smile at you. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Just smile. It takes two seconds, and you never know the difference it can make, as cheesy as that sounds. I don't even mean that in the sense that you don't know the difference it can make in someone else's life. I mean, you don't know the difference it can make in your own. 

Slow down. Take a moment. Live that moment. And just smile.