Appreciation

Gratitude Journal – Prompt #2

/ Luanne Shernisky / Leave a comment

 

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Photo credit: Caio Resende/StockSnap.io

Day #2 – What technology are you grateful for?

30 Days of Gratitude

The second day of the 30 Days of Gratitude Prompts sounds like a trick question; you mean I have to narrow it down to only one? 

That’s quite a challenge when you consider what technology I’ve used so far today…

  • Alarm clock – to wake me up for a 9am new tires appointment
  • Keurig – where I made my morning cup(s) of coffee
  • Car – to get me to said appointment
  • iPhone – to keep me entertained during appointment (along with an actual book) – I left the Kindle at home
  • TV – in the waiting room at tire store, where I listened in on the news
  • Microwave – where I made my oatmeal once I got home again
  • iPhone – which I used to call my mother after oatmeal
  • Mac Air laptop – which I’m using to type this post
  • Logitech wireless mouse – because I prefer mice to trackpads

And that’s only today. Everyday I rely on the refrigerator, a/c, furnace, and lighting for basic comforts. Most days I use a laptop, Internet, camera, blow dryer, oven, and other assorted appliances that require electricity. Occasionally, I get on an airplane.

It’s been a long time since I thought about all the forms of technology that we use on a regular basis. Narrowing my choice down to only one is quite impossible…I really do appreciate them all. The alarm clock ensures that I’ll get up on time. The phone keeps me connected to family & friends. The microwave not only allows me to cook my oatmeal, but to cook it a bit faster. And the coffeemaker guarantees that I’ll be awake for all the other activities!

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It’s amazing when you consider how far we’ve advanced in the last several decades. I’m 55 and our idea of technology in the 60s was television sets in color (and they were big enough to be considered a piece of furniture.) Mainframe computers were the size of small dinosaurs and exclusive only to businesses. I remember when wireless remote phones and answering machines came out. In high school our typewriters didn’t even have a correction key.

Wow, we really have come a long way baby!

But, for the purpose of this Gratitude Journal, I’ll choose one and that is the laptop computer. Without it, I couldn’t be typing to you, dear Reader! I’ve been blogging since last November and truly enjoy it.

The computer was a real lifesaver throughout my college years, from 2009 to 2013. Some of you may remember when rough drafts had to be handwritten in pencil, because copy & paste hadn’t been invented yet. Research could only be done at the library. Typing final drafts and documents are now a breeze with autocorrect, word count, etc. 

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We all know how computers and the Internet (once called the Information Highway) keep us connected to the outside world. We have instant communication with people on the other side of the planet, as well as folks in our own neighborhoods.

Computers have transformed doing business, as well. Processes that once took days now take mere seconds. However, our reliance on them makes us vulnerable to crashes and hackers. Unfortunately, there’s always a downside.

Because the laptop is mobile, it offers a lot of freedom regarding where and when I can utilize it. Right now, I’m sitting on the patio enjoying the breeze and the bird songs. While I love all that technology offers, I still appreciate the natural world. It’s there for us to unplug and decompress.

Come to think of it, maybe I’ll take a little nap, now that I’ve finished this post!   

Carpe diem!

 

 

30 Reasons To Smile Again

/ Luanne Shernisky / 19 Comments

30 Days of Gratitude

30 Days of Gratitude

 Today I REALLY need a boost:

  • My job search in Florida is taking far longer than expected; therefore, my confidence has taken a hit. 
  • I’m back in Pennsylvania for a visit and our family plans for Labor Day have fallen through, due to illness.
  • My 85 year-old mother’s health is declining. 
  • I’m missing my dad, who passed away 17 months ago.
  • Other people in my inner circle are dealing with work & health issues.
  • I’m seriously questioning whether moving to Florida was the right decision.

We all have our issues and problems. And it’s so easy to get sucked into the black hole of negativity. Seriously, we all know what it feels like to wanna crawl back into bed and pull the blanket over our heads! That’s what I’m tempted to do right now…

That’s what depression does for us; it saps our strength and energy. It makes all the disappointments seem so much larger and the fears insurmountable. It robs us of the capacity to feel good. 

I do believe that mindfulness is the key to fighting the effects of these killjoy emotions. Simple awareness can be the springboard for the change from a negative to positive attitude.

So, let me do a REALITY check here:

  • It’s a beautiful day; the skies are blue and the sun is shining. It’s a comfortable 79 degrees with no humidity. Perfect for…well, just about anything! 
  • I’m healthy 
  • Job searches vary depending on industry & circumstances – I’m limiting the geographic area; I’ve been somewhat selective of what I’m applying to; I have no network in Florida (no wonder it’s taking longer than I expected!)
  • The weather is predicted to be beautiful for the remainder of the weekend – I’m free to make other plans to enjoy the day tomorrow.
  • My mom is 85 – declining health is a part of growing old; I’ve been blessed to have BOTH my parents into their eighties (some people lose their parents as children & young adults.)
  • I can’t control or change other people’s issues, so I have to step back and do the only thing I can, and that’s to be supportive.
  • Moving to Florida doesn’t have to be a permanent decision. If I decide later that I want or need to move back to PA, I can! I have to stop thinking that every decision I make is final. 

Whew…I’m starting to FEEL BETTER already!

When negativity hits, it’s good to use rational thinking instead of catastrophizing!

Catastrophizing is an irrational thought a lot of us have in believing that something is far worse than it actually is. 

Okay, so WHAT NEXT?

  • I’m meeting a friend from high school later. We’re going to a local “watering hole” to sit on the patio and enjoy appetizers and drinks (and I’m pretty sure lots of laughter!)
  • Right now, I’m going to get the endorphins flowing with a walk in our beautiful local park.
  • I’m also going to start that Gratitude Journal that I’ve planned for so long. The 30 prompts above, courtesy of Pinterest, can get me started!

They are great reminders of the countless things we have to be grateful for. Too often when we think of blessings, we limit ourselves to the big stuff:  homes, cars, jobs, money, etc. However, if we really break it down, there’s so many more!

Gratitude Journals are a great way to remind ourselves everyday of all the reasons to smile. Some days I might write more and other days just a short description. Maybe I’ll get creative and sketch or use photos to illustrate that day’s blessings. The important thing is to keep it current. Maybe a journal is something that could help you, too.

I’m grateful for many things, including my readers. What are you grateful for today? Let me know with a one word response and help inspire others! 

Carpe diem!

 

Kindness Challenge – The Final Week

/ Luanne Shernisky / 6 Comments

kindness 2 June 26

This week’s focus is to be kind and be silent about it.

 Being kind always makes me feel good about myself. Knowing that you’re bringing joy to someone’s day or a smile to their face is a reward, in and of itself. No acknowledgement needed.

Giving

This desire to please begins early in life. Think how happy children are when they do something special for their parents. Whether it’s a handmade card or a wildflower from the yard, they’re always delighted to present their gifts. I remember how excited my own children were when they would bring me breakfast in bed as a special birthday or Mother’s Day treat. Their toothless smiles and shining eyes spoke volumes as they struggled to balance the tray. While the breakfast was truly appreciated, the real gift was their happiness.

 But, what happens if we give only for the sake of getting something back? When we attach conditions to our acts of kindness, we are fooling ourselves as well as the other person. We are giving strictly for the sake of getting something in return and that’s downright dishonest. 

The Kindness Challenge illustrated how important mindfulness is in everything we do. Our busy, hectic lives leave us distracted and unable to focus for very long on anything! By setting aside time each day and establishing clear-cut goals, I was able to develop a more consistent awareness of my thoughts and actions, as they occurred.

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I saw myself as a kind person before the challenge, but I’m more conscious of how I react to people and situations around me. I’m responding better to people who act and speak with sarcasm, impatience, and anger. I’ve discovered the best response is to quietly acknowledge their feelings and ask them what I can do to help them feel better. People don’t expect that, are very surprised by it, and their negative emotions are quickly diffused.


It’s been a valuable learning experience and I’m grateful to Niki for sponsoring this challenge. I hope to continue growing in my abilities to live a kinder lifestyle. We lead best by example. Hopefully, our example will inspire those around us to strive for the same! 

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. ~  Lao Tzu