So I’ve decided to start a new trend; a weekly gratitude blog entry or journal. I think it’ll keep me grounded and cognizant of how amazing my life really is, and how all the little silly things I complain about don’t mean much.
These past couple of weeks have been rather complicated and the last few days were exhausting, to say the least. Grandma is all better, and it all worked out in the end. I am so very thankful that my little sister is all moved in to her new apartment without any major issues. My back is killing me, I broke a couple of nails, and I’m still tired… but I digress… ;-p
I’ve had 1,049 visitors to my page! Thanks!!!! I decided to make my page counter record only those individual hits and not multiple page hits from the same person/IP address. That way, I have an accurate idea of how many people stop by Cindiland. I’m excited when one person stops by, let alone a thousand. I guess it’s just a great feeling to connect with others through our stories. I love writing my blog and I absolutely love reading all of yours!
I got this message a few days ago:
Hi Cindy,This really made my day; heck, it made my week!
Just wanted to drop a note to you to let you know I love your blog. I just started researching about beginning my own blog & on About.com:weblogs they suggested I look at other blogs before designing one. So....I did & yours was the first I checked out & I became very excited & inspired by your blog...love the design, but even more I love your content....your creative expression! If I get a blog off the ground, just wanted you to know yours has been a creative inspiration. Thanks for blogging! Becky
I also met with Prof. Marcus today for a very yummy Italian lunch. He really re-energizes me and puts me back on track. Life just got in the way of my grad school applications and essay writing, and it took a short while with him to remind me how monumentally important this is for me, how much I really want to further my knowledge, and how I need to get it together because deadlines are creeping up!
On a rather interesting note, I quit my brand ambassador gig today to re-join another marketing company as a contractor. I felt awful calling the folks that gave me this amazing opportunity to travel the country and perfect my public speaking skills, only to disappoint them now and tell them I’m leaving. However, when you feel idle in anything you do, it’s time to rethink your strategy and not sit there for months or even years hoping things get better. That goes for work, relationships, friendships, you name it! I’m all for following your bliss, shaking things up, and taking a leap of faith.
I just bought the collected works of Oscar Wilde and I’ll leave you with this:
Pleasure is the only thing one should live for. Nothing ages like happiness.
Thanks for reminding me that there is good in everyone's life. I think sometimes I get so bogged down by the bad that I forget there is some good. I'm glad to hear all is well and your back on track. Hope you have an awesome rest of the week! :)
Hey Shane! Why don't you try it? I can only imagine how convoluted life is for you right now, but I'm thinking this might be a really good thing for you to do:) Sending peace of mind.... Xoxo
Hello from Dubai
Seems like and interesting blog with a-thousand-and-something visitors, so why the heck wasn't I on that list? Ha! Not anymore.
Thou shalt be followed.
Hi Abood! You're my first blogging friend from Dubai:) Thank you for the compliment and for following me. I'm always excited to make new friends!!!
Cindy-watch out for Oscar. He's potent medicine. Love your enthusiasm for all things big and small. Life, family, writing certainly seem to keep you busy.
Thanks NP:) I'm still reading D.H.L's Sons & Lovers so I'll get more into Oscar in a week or so!
I enjoyed your last paragraph quite a bit. There is much knowledge there for the average Westerner (as in the Western world).
Mariano! Thanks for stopping by:) I think after spending years living in my own personal version of mediocrity, I have a complete aversion for insipidness!
I love gratitude posts! Yours is awesome! Becky's note to you is so inspiring. Keep up the good work. :)
Hi Miss Sizzling Publications:) I think this weekly check will keep me grounded!
What a great post and great attitude. You've said some smart things. Congrats on the acknowledgement and visitors!
Hey Debbie! I think we're both going through some changes at the moment and I'm excited to see how our back-to-school adventure unfolds! And yeah... that message I received was really great:))))
Hi Cindy,
Just noticed your site this afternoon. I'll try to keep my first contribution relatively short. I say 'relatively', because I love to write.
I think I may have found your blog at the perfect time, because earlier today I was really feeling down about a friendship that started off beautiful but died before it ever got a chance. I'm still pretty upset about it now but what I've read here so far has really lifted my spirits.
A car accident last year changed my life. Since then I've returned to writing, and started to study piano (which I've always wanted to do). I realized that life is too short and precious to waste. I think you do too.
I haven't had a lot of time to read your writing, but your outlook is very positive and passionate and that inspires me greatly. It seems to me you eat life up.
I'll read more, but I just want to say thank you because you gave me that little extra pick-me-up today, particularly through your words,
"..when you feel idle in anything you do, it’s time to rethink your strategy and not sit there for months or even years hoping things get better. That goes for work, relationships, friendships, you name it!"
I found some solace in that. :)
Barry
Hi Barry! I can't even tell you how excited I was to read your message:)))) It always amazes to no end when people connect to my thoughts and my writing. It's the most gratifying thing in the whole world.
I'm glad I lifted your spirit somewhat. It's so good to know you're back to your passion. What else is there but the pursuit of infinite happiness, right?
And you're right... I do eat life up. I like the sound of that!
Hi Cindy,
Thanks. For me one of life's greatest pleasures is to stumble upon someone, whether by design or pure chance, to whom you can relate through words and personal philosophy.
No doubt our experiences are very different, but I think the commonality is seeing the value of life and those around us. This was never more evident to me than after the events that were set in motion last year. I realized how important it is to give back, whether through words or deeds.
And yes, it is great to return to doing what I love most. As I wrote a couple months ago, "Passion is the soul's child, forever needing, forever hungry."
It's that passion which spurs us on to discover life's greatest rewards. I think it's there for all of us if we choose to look for it.
Barry
I like that quote! I need to add it to my list of faves:)))
It's always a great feeling to connect with others who either share your views, learn from them, or teach you a better way.
I don't quite believe in chance... I think it all happens the way it's supposed to albeit not on our preferred time line. That's the frustrating part sometimes;-p
I'm not sure I'm here for anything other than to learn and pass on the knowledge. And so I will!
this is awesome cindy! I just might steal this bleeding idea! So be careful.
Nah Being soggy I can only whine about stuff... :( I need help!
Soggy, for every one thing you whine about you have to be thankful for another! I demand it. And I'm older so... do it.