The author reflects on their journey of journaling and note-taking during PTSD treatment, rediscovering writings in a cherished purple notebook. They plan to compile these writings for personal revisitation, emphasizing self-discovery rather than seeking external validation. The content includes poetry and a personal mission statement centered on kindness and self-love.
A few months ago, while dinking around on Facebook, I came across a question. Readers were asked to name their favorite sound. A single sound. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t pick just one. So, off I went on a fun little project for myself, making a list of favorite sounds. Here’s what I came…
“If you want to plant roots in your own community, bless someone less fortunate than yourself with wings to soar.” (Maria Appleby) Time costs you nothing. Wave to your neighbors. Check on the elderly in your neighborhood. Become a mentor. Go to your local shelter and walk a dog, or pet the kitties in the…
Two Sundays ago (March 5, 2017) we lost our beloved little Sam. He was just barely six months old. He rapidly developed an unexplained, and terribly high fever. He had not been sick, nor did he display any other signs or symptoms. We took him to the University of Illinois Small Animal Clinic knowing what…
The Gratitude Project isn’t always about the easy things. Today, it’s about a friend I lost too soon, the unfairness of life, and the limitless possibilities he believed in. Holding onto a final, private message, I’m realizing how much weight a simple act of kindness can carry. Today, I am making lime curd, remembering a good man, and finding gratitude in the words people leave behind.
#ProjectZen #Day23 #GratitudeProject Yesterday we received food from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank pop-up pantry in Champaign, Illinois. We are so thrilled! Produce, frozen chicken, snacks, canned goods, and smiles. With me not being able to work right now and as of yet not eligible for aid of any kind, getting a little help and love…
#ProjectZen #Day22 #GratitudeProject 60 F. degree days amaze me in the middle of Winter. It’s February 22, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois and I have my front door open, and the screen door window is cracked open. The windows in my kitchen are open. Stale indoor air baked by our furnace is filtering out and fresh…
#ProjectZen #Day21 #GratitudeProject I am grateful for those who create Beauty. For every book I have read. For every song I have heard. For every dance, film, and play I have seen. For every painting and photograph I have studied. I am grateful to all who create Beauty. Without their creative expression, the voice given…
#ProjectZen #Day20 #GratitudeProject I was five years old when my mom presented me with my first official fancy china cup! I was thrilled! It’s such a small cup, festooned with happy creatures (a duck, a frog, and two mice) flowers, butterflies…..in cheerful colors. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy this cup made…
#ProjectZen #Day19 #GratitudeProject Day 19 is a good day. I am grateful for good days. Those of you that know me personally know I live with a chronic, incurable disease that has altered my life a great deal. Maintaining energy levels just to do normal, every day things can be challenging. Sometimes, like this morning,…