a happy heart

So. Monday night I had an appointment with my therapist* and as usual, she gave me homework. I failed my first homework assignment because I didn't do it, but I was game for another challenge...because well, why not. If I fail, I'm in therapy and we can have something else to talk about for the next week. Anyway, my first assignment was to meditate for 4 minutes, 3 days a week. I must say, I actually suggested the damn thing because I meditated the latter part of spring for an ACTUAL homework assignment/project (don't ask) and I loved the effects it had. Long story short, I didn't do 1 damn day. So, as I try to do, I forgave myself and focused on the next challenge. And, as Jay Z said: on to the next one. 

Her: "Have you thought about a gratitude journal? The research benef....."

Me: "HAVE I? Oprah is like, my hero, and she always writes about it on my Facebook News Feed."

Her: "...Oh. Ok. Why don't we try it for the next week. Just write three things a day that you are grateful for. Do you have a journal?"

Me: "Yup. I still have one from the journaling I attempted to get obsessed with about 2 years ago. I think I only wrote for three days, though, so I know there's plenty of space. If not, I threw it away. Yeah, I probably threw it away. My bad."

Now, what better way to be accountable for my homework than HERE, with my virtual friends. If I was nerdy enough to know the emoticon for a virtual high-five, I would do it but I don't, so suck it. Anyway, she suggested that I write down three things that I am grateful for that day or week or in general. Ever the eager beaver, read it and weep my friends: here is what I'm grateful for the week of Monday to Wednesday...or whatever.

1. Good Grades
I try hard in class....and I actually LOVE what I'm learning about...and I always got the "Best Effort" award in grammar school (maybe once in high school water polo) so pardon me while I boast. Also, my refrigerator at home is dedicated to millions of magnets and old Save the Date cards and this won't stay on.....or my mom took it down. Either way, boom: awesome.

First major assignment for my Clear Credential classes.
Side-note: I didn't just write the 60/60....just sayin'

2. Heaven's Gift Candle Scent; Febreze something something

These books are to remind me that reading is nice.
I have only read 2 of these. 

Tonight I will try to meditate with the help of this candle's sweet scent. mmmmmm. seriously it smells like you wish Heaven does and it makes my eyelids heavy, not because I accidentally inhale serious smoke every time I first light the match, but because it is a mix of lavender and vanilla and sweet sweet sleepy medicine stuff. And I bought it at Target....he-yo bargain.

3.  Karla From the Block's Playlist


FYI I do have iTunes playlists and a pandora account, but there are some songs that I am too lazy (or cheap) to buy - enter internet playlist. Also, I like that I can call it, Karla From the Block's Playlist. Hard-core.

Besides Oprah, I know we have been taught from magazine articles or books or whatever, about the importance of gratitude....of saying 'thank you' and meaning it. Shit, there's even a Veggie Tales song that sings, a thankful heart is a happy heart. I'm the first to admit that it has been more of a pavlovian response than something that I actually think about and really mean; like saying 'i love you' to someone I really love. I guess I am really accepting the challenge of awareness...of being aware of all the kick-ass things that happen every day in life. Well, whatever challenge it is, I just say: bring it on.

That's all for now, my friends. I hope you all have a good day where everything just goes so right that you have nothing left to do at the end of the day but just be thankful.


*Yes. I see a therapist. Yes. I will probably start sentences with, "well my therapist said...." Yes. It's OK to smack me when I do.

P.s. Don't be alarmed. I will probably change my background every other week due to boredom.