Gratitude List #9: More of Free and Freedom

Sci-fi book cover: Kéthani by Eric Brown

Today's gratitude list predominantly continues on the theme of free and freedom from last week (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2015/06/gratitude-list-8-free-and-freedom.html) as well as the outdoors, in no particular order as follows:

* Reading an interesting sci-fi book: didn't think I was a fan of science fiction!
* Relaxing and reading in a nearby park with lots of trees, including tall pine trees
* Creating colourful and tasty salads with organic vegetables and fruit
* Free samples including that of food
* Fridays Shipyards Night Market in North Van
* Gelato! Especially on a warm summer evening - oh, spring!
* Free music outdoors and great bands
* Free vocal session (introductory)
* Free coffee after so many stars/points collected
* Free/donation luncheon
* Being able to air dry laundry again outside on a sunny weekend
* Walking the neighbourhood nightly, usually around sunset (before/after) sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend
* Beauty whether homes, gardens, neighbourhoods, and vistas

* Living in North Vancouver: I love it here!
* A walk by the ocean in picturesque West Vancouver
* Eyesight: being able to read and see lovely vistas

P.S. I changed my photo on last week's gratitude of the side of this Bavarian Alps home.

And now your turn, what are you grateful for? Today and/or this past week and/or in general?

Gratitude List #8: Free and Freedom

Bavarian Alps style home

Today's gratitude list is on the theme of free and freedom, neighbourhood and mice as follows:

* Free training for public speaking via my work
* Free exercise class focusing on legs, bum, and tum
* Sunny hot weather this weekend to air dry my laundry :)
* About an hour nap due to a few early mornings, late nights, and allergies
* Making time to read (and enjoy) a book
* Spending some time outdoors: farmers markets, reading, walks
* Going for walks in my new neighbourhood
* Farmer's markets on the North Shore, including a few in North Vancouver
* Having an abundance of food in my fridge including lettuce/salad & fruit
* Meeting the owner of a Bavarian Alps style home: love that look!
* Meeting a neighbourhood cat just down the street where I live
* Scenic views from up on high (on the streets in Upper Lonsdale)
* Two mice caught in the hall/storage area between the outer and inner doors
* A dog upstairs with a keen sense of smell: he found the second dead mouse - I had heard the snap of one mousetrap ...hmm, wish I had a cat or dog! ;)
* Found a loonie (a one-dollar coin)

Mouse traps: old and new styles

Though I had SO wished for the mouse to escape outdoors to freedom - thought I had only one mouse (unless another came in in the meantime) - to go back outside harm-free, my landlord had tried various means including mouse-friendly traps where they would be caught alive.

Nothing seemed to work and thus she resorted to old, traditional mouse traps which I did not wish in my home. Thus, they were placed in the corridor between the outside door and my apartment door.


What are you grateful for today and/or this week?

Don't Worry, Be Happy

When I was growing up and even at times 'today' - these days - happiness seemed so elusive. It seemed like everyone else was happy, happier than me.

Years ago when I had my spiritual awakening (see blog posting, http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2012/12/well-i-did-it-again-i-cant-believe-it.html), I had a strong inner knowing (i.e., intuitively) that I could have written a book on the key to happiness as I realized why during that experience. It was so simple, yet we - yes, myself very much included - tend to complicate things, including life. (Hmmm, if I had written that book, would I have been as successful as Eckhart Tolle? ;))

I am not giving the key away, not so fast! However, I will tell you that oftentimes, I look externally outside myself for happiness. When I do this, happiness is elusive. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. This may be not the best analogy, but the only one I can think of right now.

Most of you, perhaps all of you, can relate to this at one point or another in your life. This can be hard to admit, after all who wants to admit that they're wrong?!

As a result and in my search for happiness, I have come to learn that it is simply a matter of choice. (This is not the key I am referring to above, though one of them.)

We can choose, despite the weather or our current mood, what will it be today: a smile or a frown? being loving and caring or cold and callous? being generous or stingy? You get the idea.

Hint: For Vancouverites, Londoners, and the like, rain is much preferred than a flood or tidal wave, right? It's a matter of perspective. So, be happy with what you've got/been given.

Though the "grass is always greener on the other side", it's not always that way though it may appear to be. For example, though you may admire someone, you probably wouldn't want the problems he/she deals with (which may be hidden under the surface or not at all). Everyone has their own unique challenges to cope with, including you. What you have is perfect for you whether you like it or not. Best to make the most of it: "suck it up princess!" (Not sure what they say for guys.)

When life gives you lemons, how can you make lemonade? Or phrased another way, what choice can you make no matter what life hands you? How can you make your world, your life, and that of others a better and happier place?

*NB: I prefer to use the word 'happiness' rather than joy as the latter denotes supreme or ecstatic happiness whereas this blog posting is about everyday-kind-of happiness. :) And I'm not perfect: I'm still a work in progress! ;)