Day #127 project Grateful365:

Day #127 project Grateful365:

The Phoenix: For many years I had a very strong association with Gryphons. Something about them mirrored who I was on the inside. Then about 5 or so years ago I started to gravitate towards the Phoenix. Not so surprising considering all that has happened since then. But I have never really liked Phoenix’s, something about the way they had to be consumed really bothered me. Now I know that sometimes it all has to go; the only way to more on is to leave nothing but ash behind. But as I stare at my life, I feel as if that golden egg that has been smoldering in the fires of the past is about to hatch. And some new, as yet unseen symbol will arise for the next era of my life.

Day #126 project Grateful365:

Day #126 project Grateful365:

Let it be: I swear I keep waiting for things to settle a bit but not yet. Every time I turn around its like I’m being asked to decide something and none of these things seem small. From work to my personal life it has been interesting working on prioritizing in lots of areas at once. What things can wait, what should be delt with, what is truly important and what is just me over thinking. But it has yielded some interesting fruit. I’m getting bolder, more decisive and clear about things. In the past I was so muddled and frozen by the fear of outcomes/expectations that I often did nothing but not any more. And though these have not been the most fun learning experiences at times, I can say that I would not go back. Each step has brought me close to awake, closer to alive, closer to the me I am yet to be.

Day #125 project Grateful365:

Day #125 project Grateful365:

Testing the waters: You could rightly say that I am the “odd” one in my family. Not married, no kids and other various differences. Often these differences are the thing the bring new people and relationships into my life (which I love). But there is inevitably that moment when these new connections either grow or stay as they are pleasant, though shallow, acquaintanceces. I was recently able to test this on one such potential person. I needed one of those “only a girlfriend will do” convos but all my besties were out about having lives…how dare they! So I called someone who I like more and more each time I spend time with her on the off-chance that 1-we might talk about something else and distract me or 2-get the chance to build some trust. Not that I was surprised, but she turned out to be just the person I needed to talk to. So here’s to reaching out and the beautiful people to meet you half way. Love you Megan Slator.

Day #124 project Grateful365:

Day #124 project Grateful365:

Starting new: I’m always a little hesitant to start something new, the unknown messes with my need to balance things. It’s even harder for me to want to tell people when something new is in my life because I or it might fail. But I am starting to see how foolish that is. If I am drawn to something there is a reason. I am not a rash or irrational person, so the chances of it being “oh so dangerous” are very low. But I often do not believe enough in my own abilities and it makes me second guess if I am capable in everything from work to relationships. So here’s to being brave in big and small things, taking steps towards something new.

Day #123 project Grateful365:

Day #123 project Grateful365:

Sunshine: after weeks of off and on moderate to nasty rain its nice to see the sun and not wear sweaters to work

Day #122 project Grateful365

Adventures

 

 

Day #122 project Grateful365:

Adventures.

Day #121 project Grateful365:

Day #121 project Grateful365:

Sandy the cat: He snores when he sleeps, he’s a chubby hunk of kitty love, super sweet, big eyed shy guy. He was a stray when he camped out on my porch in TX for three weeks and them won the battle to get in the house. Since then he has never tried to run away. He doesn’t tear stuff up, he’s a good boy. If there’s a lap available he’s in it. Truly a lover and not a fighter. The sweet, sweet Sandman.

 

Day #120 project Grateful365:

Day #120 project Grateful365:
Silliness: I am often perceived as younger than I am. It’s not because I dress young or act immature but I do laugh and smile a lot. I also happen to have a very cheesy sense of humor. Add anyone who will play along with me and the silliness will ensue. Anything from making faces at people (people I know), to singing songs in public just because. Fortunately I have surrounded myself with wonderful people who will play with me or at the very least shake their heads in a loving but knowing fashion and say “yep, that’s Manda.” Here’s to the silly and the sweet, it keeps the heart young.

Day #119 project Grateful365:

Day #119 project Grateful365:
Turning corners: Man this past month has been a merry-go-round of interesting choices and possibilities that have been offered, taken or let pass by. I have learned a lot about just going for things and putting myself out there. Some worked out in my favor and others taught me to look at things from a different perspective, at perhaps what I was missing. Every time I think I hit a road block I turn another corner and there are a whole new set of possibilities again. Here’s to not getting stuck in the “things will never change” mind set and instead thinking “they are just about to.” Because life always changes.

http://youtu.be/l0K5T0AqVlY

Day #118 project Grateful365:

Day #118 project Grateful365:
Adventures with animals: This past weekend I chased and hopefully saved a chicken from the jaws of two very interested pups. Who I then locked out of their house…all while sunbathing…only me