Lightening Online

We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia which makes sense given the origins of the celebration. However, I think the concept of Thanksgiving is fabulous and see it as a great way to get in the right mindset for the Christmas season. So I thought I’d have my own small “I’m thankful for….. ” session for Smiley Saturday today.

I am thankful:

* for my wonderful husband who makes me feel cherished and safe

* for my beautiful children who often make me laugh

* for my bed which is sooooo comfy and warm

* that I have the freedom to openly follow my spiritual beliefs without fear of retribution

* that I never have to go without a meal or sleep out in the elements

* that we can grow a garden and eat tasty wholesome homegrown vegies

* that I enjoyed an hour of pampering at the hairdressers this week (it’s been a looonnngggg time between visits)

* that we are working toward living our dream with our 3 month trip next year

* that I can see, hear, smell, touch, breathe, walk and cherish so many of lifes rich experiences

* for the feeling of little arms as they wrap around my neck and bid me good night

* for the opportunity to blog and share my thoughts and experiences and make many new online friends

* for the treasured friend who sent me a gift in the mail this week and the many treasured memories I have of times together (thanks Stuffy)

* that I have so many things to be thankful for. More than could possibly be listed in one blog post.

* for those who participate in Smiley Saturday.

What are you thankful for right now?

Wanna hear about my day? You’re all nodding right? RIGHT????

Last night I actually slept through the night. No nightmares (well, nothing that woke me up anyway). AND I slept in this morning.

A good night’s sleep is a good start to a great day.

Then this morning I make the decision I’m going to have a totally self indulgent day. Go me!!! Good decision.

Some blogging over cuppa and breakfast.

Then onto a lovely soak in our huge tub. Accompanied by a cup of tea, half a packet of Tim Tams (Double Coated ones at that!!!) and one of my favourite magazines “Australian Natural Health”.

Few more online bits and pieces.

Lunch with my lovely husband (yes, he turned up. He always does eventually).

Did some relaxation and meditation exercises from my “On the Go Meditations” CD. Listened for the first time to the track “Your Perfect Day” which was fabulous and positive and is something I’m going to try and listen to more often.

Changed the sheets on our bed to BRAND NEW, soft and snuggly, flannelette sheets. Did that so I can look forward to hopping in to bed tonight. I LOVE fresh sheets but even better are NEW sheets and even better still is that first night in flannelette sheets after having cotton over the warmer months.

Ate the most delicious Pink Lady Apple.

Did the Gratitude Dance for:

• new sheets
• healthy food
• my wonderful family
• my fabulous friends both online and off
• abundance

Walked down to the bus stop to meet the kids. They have to cross the road this term and Trailer Boy is a bit young to do that by himself. Had a lovely conversation on the way back to the house including Trailer Boy pointing out all the wheel tracks in our driveway.

Out to netball training. I’m still unfit!!!! Played Goal Defense for a bit this week. Had to remember NOT to stop at the goal ring. LOL. Really enjoyed myself and starting to feel like the “old me” more than I have for a long time. I’m hoping that’s the old me coming back and a result of reducing the medications and not just a temporary thing.

Just helped Trailer Boy get into his pj’s and he pointed out “pants tracks” on his skin. LOL. A mark his jocks have left.

Now I’m looking forward to snuggling down in my NEW sheets.

I think I should have a “me day” more often.

LOVE the suggestions for a “ME” weekend!!!!!

This week I am flogging some material from Suzie at The Abundance Highway. I hope she doesn’t mind. Suzie has some FABULOUS material on her website so if you haven’t already visited, I would highly recommend you do.

I LOVE this quote she included in a recent post on Gratitude.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” –Melody Beattie

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is something I think we’re often lacking in our Western culture. How often do we think “if I just had X, THEN I would be happy”? When in reality, we already HAVE an abundance.

So this week for Smiley Saturday, I’m challenging each and every one of you to:

1. Write down what you are grateful for (this can be a private thing - it doesn’t have to BE what your Smiley Saturday post is about - just a general challenge to all of my readers to try this)

2. Play the following video clip

3. Join in the Gratitude Dance

Just watching this video full of happy people is SURE to make you smile. But don’t just WATCH. Get involved!!!!

Wishing you all the BEST Smiley Saturday you’ve had yet!