Giving Thanks and Thanks Giving! Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving. It really is one of my favorite holidays. No actual gifts are expected and thankfully, we're not running around like lunatics beforehand shopping in retail stores for that perfect present. Instead we are present on being grateful. Which, in reality, should be a year-round "task." However, in the hectic realm of life, we often don't have time to sit and reflect on all the good that we have in our lives. Hence, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to get together with our dearest family and friends to celebrate each other and the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the holidays! So after we pig out, we prepare ourselves for the rush, rush, rush or holiday shopping. It's time to shop till you drop... May your blessings be many and thank you for being wonderful you!

Fireworks!

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays! I just love the magic of fireworks & the way the sky lights up with all these amazing colors. I also appreciate the fact that when you are watching fireworks, you are truly present. In other words, it's a mindful experience. Besides that, it's also a communal experience. Millions of people are watching the sky light up with fireworks at the same time you are. Every one is in the moment, intensely looking and enjoying the beauty of the color-filled sparks that light up the night sky. This year, I got to watch the New York City firework frenzy from my friend's apartment on 38th St. It was my first time going into the city to watch the fireworks. It was incredible! I felt like a kid watching fireworks for the first time. There's nothing quite like it! Besides the light show, it reminds us to be grateful for our individual and collective freedom. So many have fought for this country, and continue to do so. We are blessed to be able to live in the good 'ol USA. Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Hope

After much research, I finally discovered how to get back into my blogger account. Yes, it took me a year to find my way. Lol. I'm a snail when it comes to stuff like this. One of my favorite holidays is Easter. It's a feel good holiday that puts a smile on my face because everyone seems to be in a good mood and if they're not, they pretend they are. I love the idea of "resurrection" when it comes to this special faith-based holiday because it reminds us to have hope. Yes, a four letter word that means so much! Hope is so crucial to mental health. Despite whatever challenges you may face in life, you can always choose to hope for the best rather than feel hopeless. Having that kind of attitude changes your outlook instantly. Here's to keeping a positive outlook and staying hopeful! Happy Spring!