Lunch

Things that make me happy... Yesterday for lunch I had an arancinni (riceball) from L'Appetitto (an Italian deli downtown) and an iced caramel mocha from Starbucks. What foods make you happy? Have an extra treat today.

Horoscopes

My Gratitude Journal list needs a bit of an explanation... and has some pretty interesting things incorporated into this first one, especially since I haven't explained the backstory yet.

We'll start with the horoscope. I Loove reading my horoscope from ELLE Magazine online. It seems to always hit home for me, and I love the tone of the text as well. My horoscope May 1st read as follows:

"Still not over an ex, Pisces? (Yes! Riding the struggle bus here!) Consider that it's less about the person you were with and more about who you were in that relationship. (aaah... hmmm, interesting) Do you feel as though there are parts of yourself that haven't been able to come out to play since that relationship departed from your life? (Yes-totally) Today, focus on falling back in love with yourself: do activities that you're passionate about, spend time with people who make you laugh (and think!), and listen to music with which you feel a close connection (you know, the stuff that's so good it makes you cry). You don't need this person in your life to feel alive... promise."

Great advice Elle! It really got me thinking about my feelings and previous relationships. I feel like I've lost a part of myself by losing the relationship... and miss how I felt and was with that person. But I need to learn to come alive by myself. Okay-new project here I come!

The Universe was really in my favor that day, as I received The Ultimate Bearhug's debut album in the mail that day! 

What was your horoscope today? What are you doing to reconnect with yourself? What music are you really connecting with right now?

Gratitude

I recently joined/started being active on Twitter... as part of my starting new things/putting myself out there dealio... So, of course I'm following Oprah, cuz how can you not be. She mentioned people starting a "gratitude journal" after watching one of her Life Class episodes (which are really inspiring - I would suggest watching them if you ever get the opportunity). I didn't see the episode, but I was intrigued and googled "gratitude journal," thought it sounded like something that would be good for me right now, and downloaded an App for my phone. The App is called "My Gratitude Journal" by Happy Tapper. The slogan is "Write down 5 things each day & change your life forever." Each journal entry gives you a new little inspiring quote. My first quote was...

"Know what's weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon... everything's different." - Calvin from Calvin & Hobbes

How fitting for this journey I am embarking on. 

So here is my first Gratitude Journal Entry. Feel free to share yours as well and join me through this process!

Hey May!

With the beginning of a new month, I have a feeling of renewal and rejuvenation... which is why I was inspired to begin this blog right away at the beginning of May.

This fabulous link was spread through facebook on May 1st, and it really brought me joy, laughter, and encouraged me to... well... you'll see...

23 Reasons Why May is Going to be the Best Month Ever

Affirmation

Don't worry Grandma, I didn't really get a tattoo... I just wrote this on my arm today as a reminder for myself. I first heard this affirmation on Oprah. I've suggested it to friends at their difficult times in life, and it really helps. Say it when you're feeling down, need to be uplifted, gain confidence, and and bring good energy to you.

"I am open and receptive to all the love, goodness and abundance of the universe - and I deserve it."

Welcome to the Real World

It is two weeks short of a year since I graduated from college and boy has it been a year.  I could not have expected or prepared for any of the changes that have occurred since then. Unlike starting college, graduation did not come with a welcome party and thousands of peers looking to be your friend. I will give a recap of this past year later, but this blog will mainly be about how I’m moving forward. In short, since graduation I moved to Texas, moved to Illinois, and got my heart broken. The main purpose of this blog is to document my actions, inspirations, and hopeful growth through this ‘growing up process’ with small hopes that it may help someone else as well.