THE CHALLENGE: DAY 2

Last night I attended a dinner party with my entire family to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday.  I would first like to say that if we can all be as spunky, and fashionable, as sweet Betty at 90 years old then we have a great life ahead of us.  But the most important moment, for me, of the whole night was at the very end as we were all saying good night.  Plenty of sentimental speeches had been made and laughs shared, but it was at the end of the night that I turned to my grandmother and said "It was a wonderful evening -- I hope you enjoyed it."  Her response, and this is coming from quite the sassy lady that I rarely see get sentimental, was a very genuine "It is because of all of you that my life and this party was so special. Thank you."  As her eyes started to water I could tell that she meant every word of it and, trust me, such moments are rare with this little lady.

This leads me into the theme for today's challenge post.  A Course in Miracles teaches that true happiness stems from knowing one's self and freedom from the influence of The Ego.  But, I would argue that it is also critical to recognize that life is a blend of such truth AND how others have brought color and texture into the pattern of your life.

If you were to host a dinner party tomorrow night and look around the table at each person that has provided support, loved unconditionally, made sacrifice, or simply provided moments of laughter when you needed it the most...who would you invite?  Do you know that last time that you made it known to them that they hold such a place in your life?

THE CHALLENGE:  DAY 2

Physical

Whatever exercise you chose to perform yesterday for 30 minutes, do it again today.  Part of the 30 day challenge is developing good habits -- and habits stem from repetition.

Spiritual

Give yourself a moment -- alone.  Take a deep breath.  Sit in a comfortable position.  Now take a deep breath again.  Set an intention for how you want to let this quote impact your thoughts and actions TODAY.   Gratitude can transform not only our lives, but those around us as well. 

“For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Personal

Who are the loved ones in your life that help make you a better, stronger, wiser person?  Take a moment to thank them with simply a prayer or perhaps a note.  It will go further than you can ever imagine.

"Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself-and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to-letting a person be what he really is."

- Jim Morrison 

Today's Tips and Reminders:  Drink lots of water (habits!) and throw back your shoulders and squeeze your core every time you feel yourself slumping over -- standing or sitting.