On Saturday, I ran my first 5K…ever. Since I am running a half-marathon next month, I figured I might want some type of race/running event to preface my 13.1 mile run in June. Well, besides being amazed at the positivity of all the runners around me, and the cute people who came out of their homes (one little lady with a pastel pink sweater & billowy white hair particularly touched me) to cheer and wave at our group of runners, I was grateful for the dear police officers who stopped traffic so we could cross the streets safely. Even in my heavy breathing, I managed to offer a “thank you” to some of them, and I felt strengthened by shifting focus from myself to offer gratitude to those who helped me.

So–what will you do this week to be more grateful? Can you turn your heart into a grateful heart? Will you show gratitude to the women in your life who empower you?

How often does an inconvenience or negative experience help us in a positive way? Anthony J. D’Angelo said: “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

How do we do this you ask?
 

1. Focus on the good things in your life. I overheard a conversation recently between two people who were having difficult struggles. One said, “No matter what else is going on, we really have a good life.” As we look at the good things around us, we are able to remember to be happy.

2. Record your gratitude. Being grateful for the good things in life, helps us stay positive. Each day, record at least 5 things for which you are grateful that day. Keep the list in your journal or planner so you can refer to it often.
 

3. Spend time with those you love. Being with our family and friends helps us to stay focused on the good things in our life. Surrounding yourself with love just makes you feel good.

4. Make a list of your accomplishments and the good things about you. Looking realistically at who you are and what you have accomplished is a good thing. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a religious leader, said: “…It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations…” As you spend time with yourself, you can find peace.

So, back to cleaning the kitchen. The kitchen is the center of our home. We gather for meals together, we prepare those meals together and we clean up together. But, sometimes, usually early in the morning when the house is still quiet, I clean the kitchen and spend time with myself. Ahhh, the joy of cleaning the kitchen…

1.  Breathe.  When I was folding towels and doing various laundry/cleaning tasks, I found myself paying attention to my breath, much like when I am doing yoga.  I would inhale through my nose and exhale through my mouth, and I was amazed how folding towels could be so relaxing.

2.  Sing.  I find myself happier and calmer when I am singing around the house.  I often turn on Pandora or play my iPod when I am doing dishes or cooking dinner.  I love singing–and I probably enjoy it more because I am doing #1 (breathing) while I am singing.

3.  *Exercise.  I have been sedentary through periods of my life and active through others.  I find that I am calmer, more relaxed, and better equipped to deal with the stresses which do come up when I am expressing energy (and producing endorphins) through exercise.  The exercises I enjoy are yoga, swimming, running, and biking.  (I also have done some Zumba classes lately, which are tons of fun and a great work out through Latin dancing–but a little hard on my knees!)

4.  Laugh.  When my kiddos have made a huge mess, or if I’m feeling particularly stressed, if I can laugh about what is going on–or even sit down to watch a funny movie–or go out and laugh with my husband or a good friend–I find I am more relaxed and able to find joy in my day-to-day experiences.

5.  Count Your Blessings.  When I take a moment to look back on all my current blessings and ponder the multitude of tender mercies which are constantly present in my life, I feel relaxed.  As I focus on the positive aspects of my life, I am more apt to remember my current mantra:  “Everything always works out.” (Sorry for the dangling preposition, but that really is my mantra right now.)  And, if you look back on your life, I bet you will find the same is true.

Well, hopefully one of these suggestions will help you through your week.  I look forward to your feedback!  Happy Monday!!!!

*Disclaimer:  This blog post is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or constitute anything of the kind.  Please consult your physician or personal trainer before embarking on an exercise program.  mpowergen.com and mpowergen.com/blog hold no responsibility for any issues that happen to you from following the advice of this blog post.

One night, after my husband and I were up late dipping far past our children’s bedtimes, I looked up into his tender eyes.  I thought of the gifts we had packaged in little Christmas tree printed cellophane bags and of the neighbors and teachers who would receive them.  I thought of the hours of thought and work that had been placed in those little bags along with tokens of peppermint bark and popcorn balls.  And I wondered for a moment, Why?

Why did we spend a good amount of time on treats that could be consumed in a matter of minutes?  The answer came as a gentle thought:  because we love those around us.  I thought of the Master of Love, and how He grants innumerable gifts to us that we can share with those we love.  I felt my heart overflow with gratitude and my eyes well up with tears as I thought of gifts of love I can give and the many I have received over the years.  I wish I could deliver little bags of toasted almonds and chocolate-dipped pretzels to each one of you, place my arms around your necks, and simply whisper, Thank You.  Since I cannot physically do that, please except this small token of my gratitude for the sweetness you have brought into my life.  You empower me.

I invite you to share a favorite memory, a way you give, or a tradition you have in the comments section.  Doing so will enter you in a drawing to receive a sweet treat from MPower Generations!  Happy Holidays!!!!

In this episode, a Marine who had lost his leg in battle, died and was brought back to life twice on the way to the hospital.  He was a single parent who took care of his four young children. I loved watching the crew transform his house into something amazing for him and his family. He was so appreciative to them when really, they were at least as appreciative to him. The Marines who had been with him the day he lost his leg came to be there for him and to help with the makeover of the house. There were a lot of tears involved in such an emotional event, and I found myself choaking up too, overcome with the special sort of emotions one feels when watching such a presentation.

There is a special place in my heart for those who belong to the Armed Forces. All that they do to preserve our freedom and protect us always astonishes me. How thankful I am for those who wear uniforms and do what they do for us every single day.

So to everyone who serves our country, this blog is for you. The words “thank you” cannot even begin to express our gratitude for you.

Do we thank those in our lives between “hello” and “goodbye?”  Do we thank them for their smiles, their hugs, their words of wisdom and comfort to us in times of need?  Do we thank them for spending time with us, for sharing their lives with us, for loving us when we found loving ourselves to be difficult?

Recently, I had the opportunity to say “goodbye” to someone I loved and respected a great deal.  As I said, “goodbye,” I also had the gift and blessing to say “hello” to many of this person’s loved ones and friends, who are also beloved to me.  I got to sit near and sing with people I love for a short time.  Then, we all parted with more “goodbye” moments.

As I have pondered this experience, I am determined to raise my voice in appreciation for those I love, to spend a little more time on the more meaningful aspects of my life, to share gratitude openly with those I know and those I just meet.  I never know when my “hello” will turn out to be a final “goodbye.”

I hope that this blog will communicate my thanks to you–for reading, for being a part of a group of people who seek to MPower themselves and those around them.  “Hello” to you, and thanks for being you.  Happy Monday!  And now I will say, “goodbye” until Monday comes again…with all the love in my heart.

Sometimes, not often enough, we reflect upon the good things
And our thoughts always center around those we love.
And I think about the people who mean so much to me
And for so many years have made me so very happy.
And I count the times I have forgotten to say “thank you”
And just how much I love them.

I sing this song in my mind, and I think about how important it is to express my love and my gratitude to those I care for deeply. I feel the need to express myself in varying modes. Sometimes, I write a love note; sometimes I express my thanks by a telephone call. I use whatever vehicle strikes my mood and circumstances at the moment (though my father-in-law always preferred the written word so that he could read it again and again). Sometimes I share my love and thanks by a glance, a hug, or through singing to those I love. What about you?

I have found that when I decide to share love with others, I find myriad opportunities to do so! Will you join me? Will you decide to make a concerted effort to express love and thanks to each member of your family during each week? And, what will you do to share your love with others this week? Expressing love and gratitude increases our love for each other.

Recently in a Sunday School class I was really struck at how much a story in the Old Testament related to me–and it really got me pondering.  My background consists of moving a lot when growing up.  I have lived in many places within the continental United States.  The majority of my time has been spent in two states in particular–Florida and Washington State.  Both have great advantages and disadvantages.  While in high school, I lived in eastern Washington and only applied to one college–located in sunny Florida (because I wanted to be in more sun and less snow).  My years in college were great.  I met wonderful people, had great experiences, and a lot of sun.  The disadvantage surprised me:  I missed the mountains terribly.

After college and some random traveling, I found myself back in Washington State again.  Western Washington surprised me at how green it was and how pretty it could be despite being a VERY urban area.   The spring and summertime here can hardly be beat in beauty and the amount of activities that can be enjoyed here.  However, come winter the drizzly and dreariness that the Seattle area is famous for starts to grate on me and my memories of sunny Florida surface.   Seriously, Miami gets more annual rainfall(67”) than Seattle (36”).

Now back to that Sunday School lesson.  We were discussing the Israelites and their inability to be grateful for what the Lord had given them.  They had been given manna daily for their hunger.  Well, after having just manna for a rather long time, those memories of fish and other types of food surfaced.  They wanted something different, some meat.  (This story can be found in the Old Testament in Numbers chapter 11.)  The Lord had to remind them to be grateful–and in not a pretty manner.

I need to be more grateful for the things in my life, not what I think I am missing.  Running across this quote summed up what I need to do:  “The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to bring blessings to our Heavenly Father’s children. You are planted in your country, your community, your family to facilitate these blessings. I urge you to bloom where you are planted!”  (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Bright as the Sun,” New Era, Jun 2006, 2–6)

Among the most famous mothers in history was the mother of President Abraham Lincoln. He is know to have said, “All I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” He also said, “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” Now, I am not a president, nor ever wish to be, but I have appreciated the prayers of my mother.

As a child and as an adult, I would ask for my mother’s prayers because my mother’s prayers were “magic.” I believed that she had direct access to God, for when she prayed, things happened. I don’t remember the words she spoke in prayer, but I do remember finding her praying in her bedroom. I quietly closed the door and left because prayers are meant to be between you and Heavenly Father.

I remember when we needed extra help, gathering together in family prayer. Or when the car wouldn’t start, praying for it to start, or when something was lost, or when a big project was due, all these things were reasons in our home for extra prayers.

My mother was also a project manager. She would stay up late into the night typing papers which were due the next day or helping put together a model for a school project or numerous other things. She was my biggest helper. She spent time with us. She spent time with us. She spent time with us.

I think that the love of music my mother gave to us is a precious gift. She listened as each of us labored to learn the piano. She listened through voice-lesson practicing. She was our cheerleader. And even though I wanted to end piano lessons years earlier than she would let me, I am now grateful to sit at the piano (although my piano skills are not the best) and play. It brings peace to my life.

So, thank you, Mother, for all the things you did for me. I love mothers. I love being a mother. I love the mothers of my grandchildren, and I watch as their precious children grow and learn and one day can write a blog to thank their mother.

How will you thank a mother today?