Category: Mindful

January 28th: Try a New Meditation

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When I made this list I feel I was living a very different life. It has been four years since I made the original list and as I mark things off but didn’t finish the whole list I would add more items to make it full for the next year. Often as I go through the list I come across things that were important to me 4 years ago that I might have forgotten about. Strangely, meditation is one of those things. I had a point in my life where daily meditation was important and for some reason it fell away.

As I searched through the list recently I came across “Try a New Meditation” and it struck a chord with me, that I don’t meditate (at all) enough anymore.

So on my nightly walk with my pup Bella, I found this spot at a park near my house, very little city lights, clear blue, starry skies and very quiet. I sat down and just breathed. In and out. Clearing my mind. I glanced up at the sky and felt a moment of clarity. Now that I have found this spot, I feel I will return to it often.

I found this article that discusses the 12 Benefits of Meditation and I can’t see why a person wouldn’t want to have a meditation routine.

January 21st: Read “The Art Spirit”

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Well, my book reading is off to a great start. I finished “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” and have to say, it was a GREAT, easy and thrilling read.

As I browse through my list of other things to do this year I came upon, “Read ‘The Art Spirit’”. It was actually a book introduced to me by my art teacher back in high school… that I have to admit was 20 years ago 😮 oh how time flies!

I remember being assigned to read certain passages or sections of the book and always felt inspired. But it was high school and I had a seven class work load, so I didn’t often read for pleasure.

The book has been sitting on my bookshelf, untouched, since then!

I often see if and try to remind myself to read it. Many times I think, that book could build some inspiration to be more artistic on a regular basis. Maybe it is just what I need to inspire myself, artistically.

January 2nd: Drink 64oz of Water Everyday for a Week

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I think a huge part of everyone’s new year’s resolutions is always to be healthier. A lot of the time I think we make these outlandish, impossible to reach goals and then feel like a failure when we don’t reach them.

So instead of putting out there I am going to lose 50 lbs or exercise EVERYDAY, I’m just going to say I am going to strive to be healthier.

I think this task, drinking 64 oz of water everyday is a great way to kick that off. To help me, I am going to go buy some new water bottles and some strawberries, lemon and mint. I’m going to chop up the fruits and put it in the water bottle and let it rest. It adds great flavor to the water without making it bad for you, and will make it easier to drink!

I am resolving to do this for one week, but hopefully I can make it a habit!

March 10th: Eat Vegetarian for a Month

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This is going to be hard! But let’s see how it goes!

I found this article that outlines some pros and cons of eating vegetarian: Pros and Cons of Vegetarianism. For the most part, it seems important to replace meat with high protein foods and lots of fruits and vegetables, rather than sugary, fatty and sweet foods.

I also found this graph of a good serving size of items to eat.

Source: https://nutrition.org/can-vegetarian-diet-healthy/

Hopefully, it will help me eat healthier! I think mostly I will need to make sure I get enough protein. Wish me luck, I’ll keep posting as the month goes on and I complete other things as well.

March 9th: Write Handwritten Messages to my Nieces and Nephews

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Today is my last day in Maui. I know, how depressing. 😬

I hope to carry the positivity and excitement that this trip has brought me through to daily life in Denver and that I can continue on with my list. Sometimes vacations can make it even harder to return back to normal life. Only time will tell.

Today I crossed off a great one on my list. A couple years ago when I added this item to my list, as with many items, I didn’t really know what it would actually be.

But today that question was answered. I wrote postcards to each of my nieces and nephews.

I hope they enjoy a little tidbit from my trip and know that I was thinking about them!

March 8th: Have a Really Good Solo Moment

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This is one of those things that happens and I check off but I don’t realize it’s happening or going to happen. I had something else to check off today, but I think this one is more appropriate.

Today is my 7th full day on Maui, and sadly my last. After a long day of beaches, food and napping (I know, sounds awful) I kind of wanted a moment to myself just to breath and take in the week.

The sun had already set but I thought it would be nice to go take in a few moments on the beach.

I won’t go into great detail, because I think a great solo moment, should remain just that, but I will say… it is important that we take moments for ourselves. I think this vacation reminded me that I don’t do that enough for myself and I need to remember to do so. ESPECIALLY when I am not on vacation.

February 5th: Bring Breakfast for Morning Crew

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Sometimes I get overwhelmed when I fall behind on my 365 things. It can be hard working full time, taking care of the pups, trying to have a life… blah, blah, excuses excuses. When this happens though I tend to not want to do anything the next day or the next because I feel like I have to catch up for all the days I missed. But I need to get over that.

Today I am doing something for today and I will worry about catching up on the missed days as I can.

So anyway, today I’m on my way to work and buying breakfast for everyone I work with. Hopefully a nice surprise. Plus, it keeps me in my routine of eating breakfast.

January 27th: Have a Conversation with a Stranger

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You would think being a bartender I have a knack for small talk and random conversation with strangers. When I am working that is definitely the case. But when I am not working I often have trouble making small talk. Maybe I am so exhausted from the day in/day out of doing for work that I don’t want to force it in other situations.

The dog park, however, often makes it easy. So today at the park I struck up a conversation with a stranger.

It was actually pretty great. He has a puppy the same age as Bella (my new pup) and an older dog around Mia’s age (my older pup).

I have been having some challenges with them getting along 100% of the time and so does he. So we shared experiences, what has been working and was hasn’t. It was nice and random.

If anyone else out there has advice on helping a new puppy and an older dog get along I would love the input! And a new random conversation with a stranger will be welcomed as well.

January 19th: No Soda for a Month

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Here we go. I’ve been eating breakfast regularly, drinking apple cider vinegar every morning, taking vitamins! I lasted the week long that I challenged myself to for those challenges and even still continuing them the best I can. But now I am adding another- no soda for a month (I will still drink soda water) but no sugary colas.

January 9th: Shoot Apple Cider Vinegar Every Morning for a Month

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Let’s see. I already have a few extended challenges going on.

Starting on the 5th I stated I would come home every day after work directly to spend time with the pups. I have had one hiccup but it was because Bella was a work with me and everyone wanted to meet her. But no more excuses. Directly home!

On the 6th I said I would eat breakfast everyday for a week. So far, so good! I have been eating breakfast everyday. Even woke up to make those delicious pumpkin muffins yesterday. I notice I am more hungry around noon than I normally would be. Everyone keeps telling me it is because my metabolism has been kick started.

So today, the 9th. I am starting to do a shot of apple cider vinegar every morning.

I have always heard there are many benefits to doing this and found this informative chart on Very Well Health.

So for the next month I will be shooting some of this every morning. I have tried it in shot form and adding it to a glass of water. I feel it is easier to just shoot it than drink a whole glasses of it diluted.

Here’s to keeping up!

January 7th: Teach Bella to Sit

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Having a new puppy in the house in no cake walk. It has been trying. Especially with an older dog already in the house who expects all the love and attention.

But Bella is great! And so smart.

Today (and over the past few days) I taught her to sit! She learned it so quickly that I feel she must have been in a decent home to begin with.

Her and Mia are still having some hiccups but I hope to train them both out of it quickly.

Any pointers for helping an old dog transition into having a puppy around that wants to play all the time are greatly appreciated!

Wikihow.com always comes through with great advice- 4 Easy Ways to Teach Your Dog How to Sit!