An Experiment in Gratitude

I have lost my way. I usually have a pretty sunny outlook on life, but lately I find myself floundering. It's difficult to even write because all my stories end the same way. In an effort to shock my system out of it's current emotional paralysis, I am going to do a gratitude experiemnt.
Usually every November I pick one thing a day that I am thankful for. I realize now that it doesn't have to be the month of Thanksgiving to have a grateful heart. I know that when I appreciate my loved ones and all the good things in my life that I am a happier person.
I usually spend my nights as I go to sleep thanking God for all the wonders that he has bestowed. Lately I haven't had much to say to Him. I am either too tired, too lost or just don't know where to start. So here is my experiment. I am starting here. For the next thirty days, I am going to blog about something that I am thankful for. Doesn't sound too hard, right? Here's the hitch though - it can't be the usual, "I'm thankful for my family, I'm thankful for my home" type of stuff. It has to be those small things that you really have to look for in life in order to be truly grateful for them.

Today I am thankful for dovelings. I don't know if that is what baby doves are called, but it is what we call them here in our house. Two years ago, a female dove was hurt nearby. She came, with her mate, to live in our flower garden. She spent the summer here resting and every day he would come with food and watched over her. She was hurt and could not fly. The spent the summer with us, much to the delight of both my children. As the weather got cooler, we wondered what would happen to them. Then, one day, she finally spread her wings and flew away. It was sad and wonderful all at the same time. Sad because we would miss our friends, but happy because, like all birds we knew that they would be happier in warmer climes than wintering here in CT.

As the harsh winter passed and spring came again, we were overjoyed to note that our friends had returned, and this time, something even more wonderful was about to happen. This time, the female had built a NEST. We knew it wouldn't be long before she became a Momma Dove and welcomed new little ones into the world. They say that it's a lucky thing to have doves - that it's a sign of happiness and contentment. Either way, I know that watching her, seeing her babies ( two years running now) and hearing her coo make me feel both happy and content.

I am thankful that she felt so safe and at ease here with us that she choose our yard and our home as a place to raise her own family. I watch for her babies with a vigilence second only to Momma Dove herself. The children know in spring that they can not play in the front flower beds and of course, our puppy is kept well in hand lest he accidentally harm one of the babies. I hope that Momma Dove and her mate will return with their children for many years to come.

Goals Not Resolutions

Every year, until last year, I started the year with a set of New Years Resolutions which went out with a whisper just like the old year. Last year, I set goals for myself - measurable goals and guess what? I actually changed my life. I lost 25 pounds and kept it off. I started eating healthier and exercising regularly. So, this year, I'm not making any more resolutions, but I am going to share some of my goals for the new year.
1. Continue to exercise at the gym at least 3 times a week and exercise everyday at home.
2. Make healthier choices with my eating, especially in the after dinner area.
3. Lose 35 pounds by next New Years Eve.
4.Enjoy more outdoor physical activities with my family.
5. Take a gratitude walk everyday where I focus on the things that I am thankful for in my life.
6. Pay off all my credit cards and STOP using them.
7.Enjoy every day with my family- take time to stop doing the things that need done and enjoy the moments that make life worth living.
8. Tell my family I love them every day.
9.Blog at least once a week.
10. Work on completing my stories and submit them to a publisher.
11.Work on maintaining friendships.
12.Ask for patience with those in my life who need it the most - especially my MIL.
13.Save a portion of my pay every month.
14.Read the following books:
The Brothers Karamozov by dostoevsky

The Castle by Kafka

Sons and Lovers by DH Lawrence

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by McCullers

The French Lieutenants Woman by Fowles

On the Road by Kerouac

From Here to Eternity by Jones

The Postman Always Rings Twice by Cain

Atonement by McEwan

Terrorist by Updike

Plus 82 more!

15. Blog at the end of each month on how I am doing to achieve these goals. Wish me luck!!

What are your plans for the new year??