Gratitude Journal Entries

Sometimes we aren't aware of all the little but great things that happen to us day by day. We expect magnificent incidents to be worthy of gratefulness. But all of the little things are just equally important and deserving of recognition.

I keep meaning to start a gratitude journal and just never get around to it. Since I haven't started one I tell myself that in the meantime I will make mental notes but then I slip. In the day to day events, I forget to take notice of all of the things that I should be grateful for. That is, until something makes me take notice again. I believe in the journal because it makes you more conscious, as it forces you to reflect.

I thought that I would make a quick entry on my blog of a few things that I am grateful about. Of course, I could have easily made a longer list but for readers' sake, I will only post some.

- had an extra charge (partial) on my internet bill because I switched to a bundle package, I called my provider, the charge was reversed.

- not having to pay my electric bill for a couple of months because I overpaid.

- made 2 phone calls and the outcome was positive, I obtained the information needed.

- both incidences above, the representatives were very pleasant and helpful

(It is always a nice experience to deal with people who are helpful and polite.)

- Cely (daughter) texting me: "luv u".

- getting a hug from Cely when I arrived home yesterday.

- Tara (dog) always being happy when I arrive home.

- getting a clean bill of health from the vet for Alaima (other cat).

- getting a discount on Linthia's (cat) medication and once again, the pharmacist was very nice.

- being able to afford Linthia's medication.

- a moment of sitting down and enjoying a warm cup of coffee.

- Dad thinking about me and making a quick visit to bring me food.

Are you grateful for the little things?

Our Temples

It is perplexing to see how we strive to decorate ourselves. How about striving to maintain the system that keeps us going.

Sometimes we are willing to spend top dollars to look good in top brand name fashions, or get the fabulous haircut, or maintain the manicure every few weeks. When it comes to paying top dollars to see a doctor or dentist, we yell.

I am not saying that we shouldn't look good, it is perfectly reasonable. I am saying that we should also take care of ourselves and do the necessary to do so.

Why can't we take a moment and envision what our temples might look like inside because of neglect. We might engage in drinking excess alcohol, taking recreational drugs, smoking, not exercising, eating junk food, not seeing a doctor on a regular basis, not getting enough sleep.

We need to realize that we are beautiful creatures inside and out, and inside and out we must take care of ourselves.

Let's be kind to ourselves.

The Need for Water in Our Bodies

Water-The substance whose chemical composition is made up of 2 molecules of hydrogen and 1 of oxygen. It covers about 70% of the earth. Our bodies are made of about 70% of it (depending on sex, age, etc.) not to mention how much animals and plants contain. It is so vital that life would not exist without it.

In our bodies, water helps to carry nutrients and oxygen in the bloodstream, it lubricates joints, regulates the body's temperature, and assists in removal of wastes. It also maintains our skin supple. It is present in every part of our bodies; brain, skin, muscles, internal organs, bloodstream, cells...

It is lost through perspiration, urination, bowel movements and even breathing! The lungs expel 2-4 cups per day. It is important to replenish this precious substance. The body can survive for about 3 months without food but only for about 3 weeks without water.

A depletion of water in the body can affect our physical performance and thinking ability. Some symptoms are headaches, constipation, fatigue, and lightheadedness. Lack of water can aggravate colds if you have one. Urine should be odorless and pale yellow. We should not rely on the feeling of thirst to gauge the need for water. We can be dehydrated already by the time we feel thirsty and the elderly lose some ability to gauge the need for water.

How much water we need varies. If we have healthy diets that includes an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables (6-9 servings per day) and limit intake of coffee and soda, we need less than the person who doesn't practice a healthy lifestyle. Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water and coffee and soda act as diuretics. The 6-9 servings might seem like a large amount of fruits and vegetables but it is really easy to include in our diets. If you make a smoothie that contains 3 servings of fruits, or add fruits to your cereal or oatmeal or juice vegetables and fruits, you will easily achieve these recommended servings.

The best rule of thumb is for men to drink to have an intake of about 12 cups, women 8 cups and children about 4 cups (depending on age). Men need more water because they have more lean muscle and lean muscle contains more water than fat.

It is possible to drink to much where the natural sodium in the bloodstream gets diluted but this is rare.

So I'll drink to my health and yours.

Making a Difference

I received the following story in an email. I thought I should share it with my readers. It signifies how making a difference one small step at a time is all that is needed. If we wait to make a big difference we might just never get started.

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself as he thought of someone who would dance to the day. So, he began to walk faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"

The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."

"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"

"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."

"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."

Transmit Friendliness and Kindness

It is so easy to see fault in others, but so difficult to see our own shortcomings. We walk around gossiping, complaining, and criticizing others. I often wonder if we think that we are so perfect that we subconsciously believe that we are above others. I have seen people criticize others, yet they engage in the same exact behavior that they complained about. Is it true that they are unaware that they do the same thing or is it that they feel that they are justified for whatever reason?

It is sometimes easy to gossip about others and find fault especially when we find those souls who feed into that negative energy. It is difficult to take a moment and try to understand the individual's actions or beliefs. Sometimes we can’t even explain why we don’t like a certain individual. It usually arises from some impression that we formed and then construed an idea around it.

When we gossip about others or take the passive behavior of just listening, it oftentimes hurts the party who is the subject. That party may become angry and engage in the same behavior and we have now created a cycle (and not a good one)!

True that we can’t like everyone, especially when that person is mean or even hostile to us. In that case, it is best to attempt a neutral stand and let it go. Oftentimes, if we sow the seed of friendliness, friendliness is what will grow. And, as we engage in some form of empathy with those that irk us, we will find that it becomes easier until it becomes habitual. In this manner, there won’t be a desire to gossip, criticize, or even dislike others.

We can transmit kindness to the world around us, so lets do it!

I Will Escort You To School For Now

I see children walking and traveling by public transportation on their way to school. They are alone and sometimes they could be as young as 9 years. I think to myself, is it really necessary for them to travel alone?

I could never imagine my daughter, who is now 12 traveling alone. Just to think of not being able to accompany her or to not have an adult do it, would be enough to leave me out of breath.

I know that in today's era where moms work outside of the home, it isn't always possible for them to escort their kids. But I have also seen moms standing in their pajamas in the doorways, waving goodbye and sending the kids off to school.

My daughter started traveling alone this past year. We had different schedules so I didn't have much of a choice. Of course, being a preteen she loved this idea but it made me sick with worry. I then moved on, allowing her to travel alone at times because she had already done it on her own. And yes, it was convenient for me, but I was still always uneasy. I then started walking with her when our schedules allowed it, boy was she upset at that! She didn't want to be seen with mom because it wasn't cool. She felt that she was a big girl now and of course many of her friends go to school alone. Happily, her annoyance and distress ended quickly. You see, I enjoy walking with her. I'll admit that my feelings were hurt when she didn't want to walk with me or want to be seen being kissed by mommy. I also worried because it seemed to me that she might easily be influenced by her friends. If it started by being embarrassed by her mom walking her to school, what would be next? But, I fully explained to her why I thought it to be important for her not to travel alone, if it wasn't necessary.

Yes, she eventually has to learn and I have to let go, but not yet right? There isn't a set age for these milestones leading to independence. The milestones arise from need, perception, or convenience of children gaining independence.

I know that I can't hold on too tight, but for now at her ripe age of 12, I'll hold on to protect one of my precious gifts for as long as I can.

Will It Be A White Lie Or A Big Lie?

A little lie, a white lie, a fib, whatever we may want to call it, a lie is a lie. Whether the lie is small or big, whether it is to not hurt someone's feelings or protect ourselves from a consequence, a lie is a lie.

It is so easily done that we don't even realize when we lie. From covering an act such as being disloyal to our partner to telling someone that what they are wearing looks good when it really doesn't, or to try to impress others by portraying what we aren't, in the end it is dishonesty. Of course, that a white lie and a larger lie might not compare and it isn't just black or white, there is middle ground. Sometimes when relaying the truth some tact has to be used.

What repercussions do lies have in our daily lives is hard to say. Who do we hurt? Is someone always hurt? Probably not, but it is an act of taking an easy path where we don't think that there might indeed be a hurtful outcome.

Honesty is the best choice of all. When you have a reputation for honesty everyone knows where you stand. And you don't have to remember the lie!

Body Art

Tattoos are a skin modification done by inserting ink in the layers of the skin (beneath the epidermis) to change its pigment or appearance. The practice of tattooing has been around since primitive man but in today's culture have become a very popular, fashionable trend. They have been performed for fashion, spiritual, branding, and identification purposes.

Although they can be attractive they are not without dangers. Industrial inks instead of cosmetically approved inks have been used. The transmission of diseases from improper sanitazation of tools is very real, not to mention skin infections, allergic reactions and, scars.

Tattoos should be performed on skin which is clean of moles, scars, moles, or any bumps. It is imperative to seek a professional artist which uses sanitary techniques. Many have training in fine arts and use high quality tools.

Though it isn't as common as obtaining the tattoo, there is the procedure of their removal which can be expensive and painful. The procedures vary from laser treatments to skin grafts on large and colorful tatoos.

The objective of this post isn't to discourage anyone from obtaining a tattoo but to seek qualified professionals who perform this art.

Happy Tattooing.

Nutritional Value of Eggs

If you are one of many who is conscious in maintaining a healthy diet, you might be cautious in the consumption of eggs. Eggs have a bad reputation because of their fat content in relation to cholesterol. But unless you are a vegan or have food allergies, eggs are a great addition to our diets.

They are inexpensive and full of protein along with some vitamins and minerals. And, they just are not for breakfast; they can be served as an entree, an addition in a sauce or baked dish or as a main dish.

Eggs are actually low in saturated fat and high in protein. The protein is present in both the yolk and albumin. The albumin, in fact contains more of the protein even though it is concentrated around the yolk-providing all of the essential amino acids. Protein is necessary in many bodily functions from maintaining healthy cell function to building muscle. They are high in the vitamin B-complex, another virtuous vitamin, which plays its role from preventing strokes to keeping mood disorders in check. What about its high vitamin A content? Vitamin A plays a role in keeping a healthy immune system and maintaining good vision. They have a moderate amount of vitamin D-aids in proper bone health and the absorption of calcium and vitamin E which keeps cell function, skin, and vision functioning at healthy levels.

They are an excellent source of the trace mineral iodine-necessary in thyroid function which regulates metabolic rates and brain function. They also have a high content of phosphorous which aids in maintenance and repair of cell health by synthesizing fats, carbs and protein. Even though phosphorous is mainly present in bones and teeth, it is present in every cell in the body.

Eggs contain a moderate amounts of zinc-necessary in cell metabolism, selenium-necessary in cell protection and thyroid hormone synthesis, and calcium-necessary in muscle, blood vessel, and nervous system health.

Iron is also present which aids in oxygen transport and cell growth but the availability of iron in eggs is questionable.

I will admit that I love eggs but never quite thought of them as having them for dinner. Well what about quiches (which I've never gotten around to making); if that could be dinner then there should be some other dinner dishes out there. So, I started looking for recipes and found that there are indeed many ideas. NO, I won't be making eggs for dinner every night. But for now, how about that frittata?

Small Accomplishments

I will admit that I am one who fails to recognize the small, simple accomplishments. It is as if they are so small that they never existed. I was reminded by the following passage that I must learn to recognize them. It isn't necessary to accomplish a great deal. But small steps lead to a big leap. It is not necessary to be recognized. But oneself must give the value merited. By learning to live in the now (as my significant partner instructs me) I could become more aware and thus learn to value those accomplishments weather small or large.

It is said by the masters that even a little poison can cause death, and even a tiny seed can
become a huge tree. And as Buddha said: "Do not overlook negative actions merely because
they are small; however small a spark may be, it can burn down a haystack as big as a
mountain." Similarly he said, Do not overlook tiny good actions, thinking they are of no
benefit; even tiny drops of water in the end will fill a huge vessel."
By Sogyal Rinpoche
in the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

I will review my actions during the past day!