Spirit

The more I experience life, the more I am reminded of the ways in which I am blessed.  One of my favorite mantras, I repeat often, is “what we focus on, expands”.  I believe how we think dictates how we feel, and how we feel influences how we choose to behave.  When I am choosing to see what is good, I find myself creating more to be grateful for in life. 

Being grateful isn’t always easy for me.  I am a realist and I like to go to the tough place first.  I am someone who is all up or all down, all in or all out.  I want to end somewhere, where I can influence, improve and make better—a place where forward motion and change can occur.

While this can be a gift, it can also be an obstacle for me.  I sometimes wonder what I’m missing out on when I find myself at the end side of a problem so quickly; are there blessings I’ve failed to recognize along the way?

I find comfort and gratitude in writing.  It’s the only thing I’ve found to slow me down.  It’s my reflective pause, my space to separate things.  Thankfully, writing has been a means of expressing gratitude and focusing on what is good.

Reading

Aside from the necessary reading at work and in life with emails and blogs, I spend most of my time reading novels.  Most of my books for recreational reading come from the bookstore or Amazon.  I prefer, when I have time, to browse the aisles looking for a book that intrigues me.  The best reads are usually referrals from friends.  I enjoy sharing books with others because I don’t typically read a book more than once. 

Novels: My favorite.

My love for reading books is a fairly recent discovery.  About 10 years ago, when I felt like my grown up life began, I started reading fiction more frequently.  I’ve always been a fan of self-help, non-fiction, but when my appreciation for a crafted story took hold, it never let go.  I read many types of books—romance, mystery, drama--as long as the author can tell a good story, I can enjoy it.   

If I’m not reading a book, I feel like something is missing.  Currently I’m reading “The Innocent”, by Harlan Coben (a referral from a friend at work), and I’m also reading “Staying Close” by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. It’s not uncommon for me to be reading a self-help book alongside of a good novel. 

I’ve never understood the electronic book craze.  I once tried to read a book on our ipad, and while the book was a great story, I felt ripped off because I never got to touch the cover and fold the pages.  My books travel everywhere with me because I never know when I’m going to sneak in a few pages of reading.  As familiar and comfortable as a cup of coffee in a mug, I long for the book in my hands.  I will always buy books. 

When life slows down for me, I will read much more.  It’s one of my most favorite quiet activities.  Although I can usually sneak in reading at night or early morning, it’s never enough.  I usually read at least a few times a week and it’s always an escape for me, I think this is why I love it so much.

Labels: Necessary reading.

I do a lot of reading labels.  With Ava’s allergies, I spend a good amount of time researching food, ingredients and recipes, in order to learn more about cooking safe for our family.  I’ve been amazed with how much I’ve learned over the past five years, which I wouldn’t have otherwise known, regarding vegan and nut-free cooking and baking. 

Tabloids and Magazines: Guilty Pleasure.

During moments in between the busyness of life, I find small windows to pick up a magazine and skim through it for quick reading.  These tabloids are a vacation staple and always travel with me.  I enjoy the mindless effort it takes to get through a magazine that leaves you with nothing but unnecessary information.