Revel in a Positive Outlook

I guess you could say I was a little cranky this morning on my way to work. I was annoyed by various types of morning commuters -- the slow walkers, the in-my-personal space bunch, and the smelly-needs-deodorant person I couldn't identify. 

Really, I had no reason to be moody but I was definitely indulging in the negativity. Some days that happens. As I was stuck making snide comments in my head and creating unnecessary drama for myself, I decided to actively give more attention to the good part of my morning. Sometimes this works, and luckily for me, thinking about how nice it was that the train conductor held the door open so I could dash in put a big smile on my face. Not that by dark mood ended there, but recognizing what was good throughout the day really helped keep my attitude in check. 

Today's goodies include reading a funny email that made me laugh out loud, receiving a gift for my friend (can't wait to send it out), and sharing a simply joyful photo. Make it a happy Friday just because you can. 

how fantastic to receive in the mail!

(Photo by Me)

Revel in a Break From Your Nagging Tasks

I'm having trouble with balance, which coincidentally, is the main theme of this blog. It's not always easy to know when to be in the moment or when to set my sights for more or even how to juggle the two. There are so many areas of my life I want to plan out but I can't always control the outcome of my efforts. A lot of life just happens. And many times worrying about what should happen takes away from what is or could happen.

It'd be nice to come home and not think about the same to-do list I don't feel like getting to every day. Whether I tackle these tasks or not, I'm stressing. If I get to them, they seem overwhelming and if I ignore them, I feel guilty. All of this wasted mental energy leaves no room for fun, creativity, or at the very least a stress-free day. Today, I decided why not give myself a break Who says I can't simplify my list and release myself from all these non-important tasks. That's actually something I can control and will dramatically reduce my stress level, leaving me to enjoy what free time I have.

Isn't that what balance is really about, anyway? I won't perform 100% everyday on every task. I'll burn out that way. Instead, it's working with my schedule, energy level, and mood. Today, I need a break. Tomorrow, I may have the resources to get stuff done. No need to beat myself up because I'm not following the plan the way I imagined. A plan has to be flexible. There has to be room for change and today I'm mixing it up. Happy Tuesday!

Revel in Today's Uniqueness

"He was sure that it made no difference to her on which day he appeared:
for her, everyday was the same, and when each day is the same
as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things
that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises."  

The Alchemist, Paolo Coehlo

street art i stumbled upon

(Photo by Me)

Dream Big: Bucket Lists

Don't we all have those mental bucket lists that we replay in our minds from time to time? For me, it's the places I'll travel to or the interesting things I'll do one day. To name a few, I want to visit Machu Picchu in Peru, drive on a race track, ride in a hot air balloon, preferably in Cappadocia, Turkey between the mountain ridges, and see an elephant up close.  It's important to dream big, exploring your interests without limits. You learn about parts of yourself that wouldn't be revealed during your everyday living. It's as if by imagining a future bigger than what's in front of you, the potential for your life grows too. Thinking about my one-day adventures brings a huge smile to my face. I think it's because I see these dreams as possibilities. Some and maybe, if I'm really lucky, all of these dreams will come true. I don't worry if or when they'll happen. I just enjoy the sweet possibility. Hope you're dreaming big today!

Photo

Decorating Project

I'm in the process of choosing photos to decorate my room. My first project is to fill two 11x14 frames with my very own photos. I don't want to drag out the decision (as I can do from time to time). I want the feel of the room to be calm, comfortable with some personality and chicness. More importantly, I want pictures that I enjoy looking at every day. I'm choosing between the photos above. They're from my travels and hometown city. By tonight, I will make the choice. I must! Revel in your creativity today!

(Photos By Me)

Revel in Summer BBQ's

Yesterday, I went to a friend's BBQ. They're always a great, laid-back, friendly kind of day. You're surrounded by new and old people that just want to have a fun time outdoors. A great combination! Hope your summer is BBQ-filled.

(Photo by Me)

Mini-Adventure: Off To Boston

Happy Friday! So excited that Friday is here and in a few hours I'll be on a bus to Boston to see my best friend. When you live far away from your best friend, it's wonderful catching up face to face. Phone, email, and letters (yes, they are awesome) just never quite give you the same experience. Different schedules, too many details to cover in a single conversation, and a bunch of other little things factor in. But when you do see each other, it's like picking up where you left off. It's the greatest feeling to hang out with someone who gets you and would do anything for you. It's a safe space where you can be yourself completely. They've seen you at your best and worst moments and still have nothing but love. Today, revel in your best friendship(s). Call them up or go out for drinks and let them know how special they are to you! Have a great weekend. 

Revel In A Moment To Rest

I'm always pleasantly surprised when I realize I'm early for work. I'm not paying attention to the time, rushing to get to my building when I check my cell and see that I have the gift of a few extra minutes. It's a moment to slow down and rest. I watch the world get ready for the day and I take it all in. My favorite spot is sitting by a fountain or at the park. Hearing the water running and looking at the trees has a great calming effect on me. Enjoy your moment of rest today!

What I Love About Summer...

Welcome to a collection of my daily inspirations, joys, creative projects, and mini-adventures. Starting today I'll share with you the balance between dreaming big and reveling small.  

What I LOVE about summer is that happy, all encompassing feeling I wake up with some mornings. It’s the optimistic feeling of having endless possibilities of exploring, experiencing, connecting, and just living. I woke up today wanting to conquer it all: take photos outside, apartment hunt online, set up a date, hang out with friends, and meet new people. Of all the seasons, summer makes me the most open. My need to connect, to be curious, to meet, to get out there is greater than it has been in a while. I’m excited to see what today and the rest of my summer brings.

Wishing you and myself a summer of mini-adventures. And, in the midst of living I hope we laugh so hard that it doesn’t matter whether our summer wishes come true or not.