Posts made in October, 2008

How I Changed My Life in 2 Months

Posted on Oct 28, 2008 in happiness | 1 comment

My first gratitude journal entry is dated May 29, 2008. Just a few months ago. Since then, my life has changed for the better in so many ways. And all I do is write down a few things at the end of the day that I thought were pretty cool.

Most of the time I repeat the same things such as “great yoga class, awesome dinner, an email from a friend…” Simply putting those thoughts down on paper my life has taken on a whole new dimension.

If you doubt the power of keeping a gratitude journal, just look at how my life has changed since June 2008:

• I sleep better. Its proven that keeping a gratitude journal helps you sleep.
• I‚Äôm an early riser. I used to struggle to get out of bed by 7:30. Now I wake up easy around 5:30 without an alarm clock.
• I lost 20 lbs. I‚Äôm much more conscience about what I eat and take vitamins every day.
• I seriously cut back on alcohol. This may not sound like much fun, but without it every night I get so much more done. I also think this is the reason I lost weight, sleep better and enjoy life more. Face it, alcohol is a depressant.
• I run more and do yoga a few times a week. For the first time ever I won a race. I also started doing yoga every day.
• My complexion glows. I attribute this to a better diet, sleep, and more exercise. Before I was struggling with bags, wrinkles and still getting zits.
• My job is going great. I‚Äôm on some cool projects that focus on what I love doing best – designing new things.
• My personal relationships are better than ever. By focusing on what I love most about people, this area of my life has seen the most improvement.
• I started all sorts of great side projects. From a women‚Äôs only investment club to some small business ideas. All efforts to increase wealth and travel time.

Keeping a gratitude journal cost nothing more than an old notebook and a couple minutes time at the end of the day. Try it for a couple months and see how much your life changes.

“The Loser” by Shel Silverstein

Posted on Oct 23, 2008 in happiness | 0 comments

I was first introduced to Shel Silverstein when my parents gave me one of his books for my 10th birthday. I still have it and read it all the time. He’s an amazing poet and a great artist. As well as one of my superheros.

The Loser

Mama said I’d lose my head
if it wasn’t fastened on.
Today I guess it wasn’t
’cause while playing with my cousin
it fell off and rolled away
and now it’s gone.

And I can’t look for it
’cause my eyes are in it,
and I can’t call to it
’cause my mouth is on it
(couldn’t hear me anyway
’cause my ears are on it),
can’t even think about it
’cause my brain is in it.
So I guess I’ll sit down
on this rock
and rest for just a minute…

from the book “Where the Sidewalk Ends” (1974)

A Wonderful Poem Called Slow Dance

Posted on Oct 13, 2008 in happiness | 1 comment

This is a wonderful poem from the book The 4-Hour Work Week which I’ll share with you in case you haven’t had a chance to read the book.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watch kids
On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading light?

You better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won’t last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?

When you ask: How are you ?
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You’d better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won’t last.

Ever told your child,
We’ll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time
To call and say, “Hi”?

You better slow down.
Don’t dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won’t last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower.

Hear the music
Before it’s over.