Recently I wrote about a book I've been reading, Life is a Verb, written by Patti Digh. Within the covers of this book are challenges, they are either"action" which is a quick writing assignment, or "movement" which is something to do every day for the next 37 days. It's such a busy time of year, but still wanting to do something to keep on track with this book through the holidays, I chose the section the talks about how we should celebrate big events as well as the small everyday events, and do it up right by celebrating with birthday candles. Now this I can handle! So I'm challenging myself to find something everyday to celebrate, and light up a birthday candle (or 2 or 10) and have some fun with it. If anyone cares to join me, post your celebrations on your blog and come back here & leave a link with your comment so not only myself, but anyone reading can go see what we're all celebrating about. If that's too much, just leave me a quick comment & tell me what you want to celebrate-I really do want to hear! I'll start-for the past week I've been doing battle with our insurance company & the doctor's office since they've decided this gigantic bill I've been creating at the pain management clinic should be our responsibility to pay, even though we pay nearly $1000/month for coverage. BUT, the anger was making me crazy, so instead I'll choose to celebrate that we have insurance to begin with, I know too many that don't, and I'm also celebrating that the treatment is working and I feel sooooo much better! Easy enough, right? There's 2 right off the bat:) And if that's not enough to convince you, go on over & read this post that was made today by my friend, Tammy Vitale. Sometimes we seem to think on the same wavelength, and today was one of those days. So, go find something to celebrate and come on back & tell me about it-pretty please:)
Celebration is a great philosophy!
Posted by: Maija Lepore | November 18, 2008 at 12:21 AM
WOW TIMINGI am draftigna psot on myblog abotu the past summer fall and howit's brought emto have a mcuh more grateful heart. I began a gratitude journal. That has kept me thinking in thanksgiving stopping me from becoming bitter and sad. Hugs to you & thank you or linking to me. You have a very nice blog!
Posted by: Teemie | November 18, 2008 at 07:46 AM
OK!!! I read the book but didn't practice any of the suggestions - which I hardly ever do with these books and thus I miss much of what I might gain. So I will join you, birthday candles in hand, for 37 days of gratitude. And I'll start by lighting a candle for you! and our friendship. (you get to see the picture tomorrow).
Posted by: Tammy Vitale | November 18, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Wow...what a great way to "celebrate" every day...like a birthday of "simple events in everyday life"! LOVE IT! I will start with also a candle for "us" being friends, and the other candle for being able to wake up today and then curl up tonight next to my Texan hubby! How's that for being thankful? :) xo..deb
Posted by: Debi | November 18, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Well you can celebrate influencing others (in a positive way) since you got me to go out and get the book! I started reading but admittedly haven't gotten that far just yet. I wouldn't mind the candle, especially if it came complete with a cupcake under it! I decided once to keep a journal, if you will, to jot down at least one good thing that happened during my day...even if the day was generally crummy... I always found things to be grateful for... and during that time my mother passed away but I still found good things amidst the pain... we can all do it if we try! We just need to remind ourselves and others to keep trying! Bravo to you!
Posted by: Dieverdog | November 19, 2008 at 07:45 AM
speaking of tammy, I got this award the other day and am passing it on to you...
http://ascenderrisesabove.com/?p=4884
Feel free to play along or not, just wanted to drive some traffic your direction.
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | November 19, 2008 at 11:24 AM
so are you still celebrating? you've definitely got me going over here!
Posted by: Tammy Vitale | November 22, 2008 at 04:49 PM
I Love this idea! I've been home alone with my little girl for the past week, so we've been "celebrating" by having picnics at a small table in the kitchen, etc. She'd love having a candle thrown into the mix, I know... So maybe we can celebrate things like when she matches her picture cards together, or puts stuff in the trash for me, etc.
Posted by: Mozi Esmes Mommy | November 23, 2008 at 11:44 AM