Thank you for lettin' me be myself again

Ahoy hoy! I won't even say how long it's been since I have written because it is too depressing and makes me feel a whole series of shame, guilt and needless justification, so let's just skip that and celebrate the fact that I felt the need to write a blog again! Woot!

This year has been a pretty remarkable one for me for many reasons. I am changing my views, my habits, and also accepting the parts of myself that will never change. Through this process I have developed many tools, and the main one I have come to see as necessary is the gratitude list.

I was watching "America's Sweethearts" on netflix. Yes, I watch a lot of cheesy chick flicks (or romantic comedies for those of you who prefer I would not segregate based on gender.) I find them an amazing relaxation technique/mood lifter, so I have no shame! Anyway, I was watching "America's Sweethearts" the other week and giggled as John Cusack's character (who is coming out of some form of a treatment centre) continues to repeat a mantra of what he is thankful for throughout the film. It is such a stereptypical treatment solution, but there is a darn good reason why: because it works.

The first time someone told me to write a gratitude list I literally rolled my eyes, like an eight grade valley girl, and thought to myself "my problems are big, and important, and no little list is going to make me feel better." However, I indulged, and within minutes I actually calmed down. The key is to actually do it.

So here is a public gratitude list for today (in case anyone needs a model for ideas)
I am grateful for:
-having a place to live
-having a job
-making enough money to eat
-having found acting: something that gives me complete joy
-my family
-my friends
-my healing community
-jelly beans
-tea
-fluffy comforters
-gluten free vegan chocolate cake
- the internet
-ziploc bags
- the beautiful fall weather
-comfy socks
- organic rootbeer
- the subway
- running water
- once upon a time and netflix in general
- tv sitcom bloopers
- love. My ability to give it and receive it.
-My higher Power, whatever that may be.

And I feel calm. I also really want to crawl into bed with some chocolate cake and watch netflix. Anyway, I can't say enough how much this simple thing has made a difference in my life. In case you are still a skeptic, here is a link with a guy in a lab coat talking about how gratitude increases happiness. How can you argue with that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg

Love and Kindness all.