TDOT: My BFF

In case you were wondering what TDOT stands for, allow me to translate.  TDOT = Thirty Days of Thankful.

Day 2: I am thankful for my BFF

I have the best friend imaginable.  I've written about him before here and here.   He makes me laugh.  He calls me out on my bullshit and helps pull me out of the darkness.  The two of us can communicate across a room without talking.  We have an entire jar full of jokes and one word can make us fall on the floor laughing.  It feels like we have known each other our entire lives.

I am extraordinarily lucky to have a friend like him.  Which reminds me of this song from Aladdin.

November is for being Thankful

Those that know me know that I try to be thankful everyday and to share gratitude regularly.  It isn't always easy but I think it is important.  I believe in thank you notes and thankful lists and that life is better when we are able to pause and take in the amazing things in our lives.

So November 1st, not only marks the beginning of the Holiday season and holiday decorations and holiday music (I love Christmas Carols!!), but marks the beginning of my 30 days of thankful posts.

Day 1: I am thankful for  
The Student Leadership Training Program (SLTP).

SLTP has been a part of my life since the summer of 1994.  This summer will mark the 20th year that I have been involved with and impacted by this incredible program.  SLTP was started 25 years ago.  Jim's dream of empowering student leadership continues to thrive today and every day is more and more important.  When I was 13, participating in SLTP was vital to my self-esteem and my development.  This program helped me to realize that I could do more than I ever thought I was capable of doing.  SLTP taught me skills that I use every single day in my life to this day.

My continued involvement in SLTP is an anchor in my life.  It brings me deep satisfaction and I am able to make a difference.  I have been surrounded by people that care deeply about the world and about make this place a better one.  We believe deeply in the power of students to change the world.





I am so thankful for having SLTP in my life. 

The heart is resilient

The heart is a remarkably resilient thing.  This image speaks volumes to me about love, heart, healing, and being willing to continue to put your heart on the line regardless of how much pain comes along.  Our heart can heal and love is what helps us heal.  If we lock away our broken heart then we can't be healed through the love of others.  Not letting previous pain create such intense fear that it keeps you from moving forward is such a deep challenge.  Love leaves of vulnerable, its true, but it also makes us strong. 

Pitch Perfect

How in the world did I wait so long to see Pitch Perfect?! I don't understand how it is possible.  It reminds of the a capella scene here at Dartmouth.  I had the pleasure of advising our groups for a few years.  They are so committed to making music and to their group.  This movie made me laugh and had great music.  I can't believe that I have not watched it sooner.  More importantly, I can't believe that my BFF and I have not watched this movie together.  I just sent him a message letting him know that we have been missing out. 

I mean, how can I not love a movie that does a "Riff-Off" and uses the song No Diggity.  No Diggity was a very popular song in 1997, my senior year of high school.  The senior girls did an entire choreography to song at a pep rally - hilarious memories.  

Last Saturday in September

It was a beautiful fall day. The weather was perfect during the day. The leaves are starting to change and the colors are spectacular. First home football game of the season. Outdoor concert with great attendance by students and incredible work by colleagues.

Gratitude brings happiness

I just saw this video by SoulPancake about how expressing gratitude leads to increased happiness. I could not agree more!

StoryPeople

I discovered StoryPeople from my BFF and I have fallen in love with each creation.  Each print that Brian Andreas creates speaks to the everyday truth, wonder, joy, and beauty of our lives.  I signed up for the daily story and this was today's print.  I laughed out loud at how much the print spoke to my life and my behavior - especially lately.