January 29, 2015- Compliment

Choose a color and fill the entire page with it, however you like. Paint, pencils, watercolours, paper or images. Then on top of the color in bold black or white, write a compliment you've been given.

January 28, 2015- Diet Coke

I have been really good about not drinking Diet Coke any place except if I happen go and eat at a fast food place/restaurant (which is rare). Today though, I was really craving it. I held strong though and did not give in. Instead, I watched a video about it. I thought it would make my craving worse, but it actually didn't. So enjoy the video.

January 27, 2015- Fictional Hero

Who is your favorite fictional hero and why? They could be from a novel, a film, your childhood or your imagination! You can add in an image of them or draw a picture…

Growing up there was one movie I saw more than any other movie out there. That movie was none other than The Goonies. Each week my mom would bring us to go rent movies. My brother could get one and I could get one. My brother and I would literally take turns on who rented The Goonies.  

The main character of that movie is a boy named Mikey. If you don't know what the movie is about, it revolves around a group of friends who go on a quest to find long lost pirate treasure. Their hope is if they find the treasure they can save theirs houses from being destroyed by a local investor who plans to build a golf course where their homes use to be. Their quest takes a turn when they get followed by criminals who want a piece of the treasure too.

Even when it looks like there is very little hope, Mikey is so hopeful. He won't give up until the very last minute. He is willing to do whatever he can for his family and friends. Even when things look scary, he braves on and pushes through. All these qualities are something to admire, enjoy, and strive for.

The Goonies core group:

Data, Mikey, Bran, Mouth, & Chunk

January 26, 2015- Mistakes

List three mistakes you've made in your life and what you've learnt from them. They could be small or large mistakes but make sure you find what you took from the experience. We all learn something from every challenge in life even if it seems meaningless...find what you've learnt and record it.

One of the biggest mistakes I made was taking my family for granted and not realizing was how much I need my family. Growing up we all have our moments where we can't stand to be around our family- our parents are stupid and our siblings are annoying. At some point, that changes. For me, I had started to really like my family in my early to mid twenties. I knew I  needed them since I had been in and out of the hospital the majority of my childhood, but I didn't really realize how much I NEEDED them until I started having my issues with anxiety and depression. If I did not have them there to listen to me, reassure me, keep me from spiraling out of control, take my mind off things, and simply support me I don't know where I would be. I have learned how important they are to me and how much I need to have them in my life.

One mistake I made was not learning exactly who I was sooner. I know that comes with growing up. I also know that we might not learn who we are until tested. For me, I felt like others seemed to know me better at times than I ever knew myself. I could always play the what if game when it comes to this- What if I knew myself would I have not done that? What if I knew myself better would that not have been so hard? Mostly I wish I learned who I was sooner because now that I have a pretty good handle on who I am and really like myself, I love the feeling.

A final mistake I have made in my life is using foul language. I hat that I have such a potty mouth. It's not classy and can be so offensive. Growing up I grew up and hangout with a lot of boys. They all cussed and wanting to be like the cool older kids, I started as well. Now though, I wish I didn't use those words as often. I am good about it and don't use it at work, around my nieces, or around company that I know will be offended by it. However, as much as I want to not use it at all, I have learned that it is truly a bad habit. As hard as I try, it still slips out. I feel like I can't help it. I have learned, bad habits are truly hard to break.

January 25, 2015- Feeling

Start a paragraph with 'I love the feeling...' Write until you reach the end of the page without stopping. Read over it afterwards. Is there a way you can incorporate that feeling into your life every day?

I love the feeling of sun in my face, a light breeze in my hair, the smell of salt, the soft sand below, and the sound of the ocean waves.

So that was a little longer then then end of the page, but I didn't know how else to end it. Basically, I was trying to explain that I love the feeling I get when I'm at the beach. All my senses love being at the beach. I wish I could go there every day. I feel so peaceful and rejuvenated every time I go. Unfortunately I don.'t. So instead, I make sure to at least hear the waves everyday. I need white noise to fall asleep each night. So each night, I go to sleep to the sound of the waves.

January 24, 2015- Flower

Stick in a photo or draw a picture of your favorite flower. 

Not only is this my favorite flower, but it is the name of the street I grew up on. 

January 22, 2015- Thinking Out Loud

Today I am full blown sick. My nose has not stopped running all day. My nose is so red and sore. My body aches and I'm exhausted. So instead of writing, I'm going to share the one of the few things that put a smile on my face today. This song.

Ed Sheeran, Thinking Out Loud

January 21, 2015- Bedroom Window

Write about or draw the view outside your bedroom window. You could even take a photo and stick that in too. What is unique about it? What do you love/hate?

Looking out my bedroom window you see the side of the house. It is a grass area where Tyson not only uses as the bathroom, but as a play area too. There is also a block wall that separates our house from our neighbors house. I can see the top of their house, but that is is. The neighbors also have a lot of pretty trees, so I can see those as well. My room is also on the side of the house where the sun rises, so I am always one of the first ones in my house to get the light in their room each morning.

I love that from my room I can spy on Tyson. Those moments in play when he thinks that no one is watching, I get to see those funny moments. I also love in the spring time getting to look out my window and see all the beautiful blooming trees from my neighbor. I also love that in the spring I can crack my window and here all the birds chirping in those trees of my neighbor. I also love that my window is in a private place of the house. What I love most is that I'm the only one with that view in my house. 

January 20, 2015- Free Day

Write a note about whatever you like. It can be a poem you've written or one that you love, a song, or just a few words from your heart. 

I have felt the need a lot lately to go back to church. Even though I'm still on the fence about my true beliefs, I am not on the fence about how much better I felt. There was a feeling of happiness, love, and hope that I got when I was more involved in faith. By going to church, listening to faith based music, and reading the Bible more often, I just felt better. I know for believers they would say there is a reason for it. I'm not 100% sure on that yet, but I'm willing to start again and find out.

This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham

This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You lay down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me

January 19, 2015- Stronger

Write about a person who has made you stronger. How have they helped you and in what way? What do you admire about them and why? Think about them and what it is that you value in them.

There are 2 people that come to mind when I think about who has made me stronger. The first is my mom. She has been there for me, always. Whether it was next to my bedside in the hospital or listening to me pour my heart out, she is always there. She is always there for everyone. This is what I admire most about her. She is so selfless. She is always willing to help others out and take care of everyone. If I can be half as caring as she is I will be happy with that.

The other person that has made me stronger is my older brother. When I was going through a tough time a few years ago, he gave me his wife. My sister-in-law was there for me more than I could ever asked for. Instead of getting upset that I would call her all the time to hangout with her and talk things over, he was actually very happy to do that. He doesn't have to be willing to do things like that. He didn't have the best childhood, and instead of being angry about it he has gone farther than he could have imagined growing up. I admire that he didn't let his past define who he became.

January 18, 2015- Photo I Love

Find a photo you love. What happened when the photo was taken. Where were you? Who were you with? Why were you there? How did you feel?

There is a picture of myself and 2 of my 3 nieces. It was 4th of July and we were over by one of the baseball fields in our town, which is where we go to watch fireworks. It was taken not this past 4th of July, but the previous year. I was here with my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, and all 3 of my nieces. I remember right before this myself and these two were riding scooters around. There is a bike path right by the baseball fields, so it provides entertainment before the fireworks start. I remember feeling very happy. The previous year was not my best year emotionally or mentally. I think that is why I like this picture so much. It reminds how far I have come, and how much my goofy nieces helped me by just being themselves.

January 17, 2015- Movies

Make a list of your 10 favorite movies.

1.) Almost Famous

2.) The Wizard of Oz

3.) The Harry Potter Series

4.) The Goonies

5.) The Mighty Ducks Series

6.) The Little Mermaid

7.) Hercules

8.) The Holiday

9.) Inception

10.) The Ninja Turtles: Secret of the Ooze

January 16, 2015- Not Tonight

Tonight I don't feel like writing. The prompt involved paint and drawing, and all kinds of things I can't do on my computer. Instead I'm going to watch the rest of the hockey game, pay some bills, and just browse the internet.

January 15, 2015- Different Subject

Create a collage from magazine clippings. Base it around a theme so all images are interconnected in some way. For example; My Dream Home, or My Favorite Color. Add in clippings of text and images to create a gorgeous, colourful and inspiring page.

It's a little hard to actually do this one, so instead please enjoy a video that made me smile today.

January 14, 2015- Fears

What is your biggest fear? Write it down and write down why you think you’re afraid of it. Take time to think about this. Writing down your fears is a great way to overcome them by understanding what it is you're really afraid of and why.

There are two things I am truly fearful of. The first is snakes. I have no idea why I am afraid of them, but I have been as long as I can remember. I even feel uncomfortable if I am in a reptile isle at the pet store of the reptile house at the zoo. Maybe it is because they are so slimy, slithery, and sneaky. It could also be it is so hard to know which ones are dangerous or not. I also have a good amount of dreams of snakes, and they always seem to be bad ones. I'm not sure what it is, but I don't think my fear of snakes will ever go away.

The second thing I am fearful of is not being in control. It took me awhile to realize that my fear of getting unfixable sick, death, and losing loved ones was not those fears specifically, but the fact that I can't control them. We never know when they will happen, and we never know what happens after they occur. This is a problem for me because I like being in control. I feel safe when I feel like I am in some sort of control of the outcome. I have become much better with this over the last year or so, but I could always get better. 

January 13, 2015- Photo

Stick in a photo or magazine clipping today of whatever you like. You can glue in more than one, or keep it simple with one image. If words come to mind or embellishments, add these too. The page is your frame, let your creativity work its magic.

Every time I see this photo it makes me smile and laugh. I could use some of that today.

January 12, 2015- Childhood Memory

Write about a childhood memory. Write everything you remember about it. When it was, where it was, how old you were. Write down who was there with you, how you felt, why you think you remember it…

One memory from childhood that stands out to me is when my family and I went to Arizona for the first time. My parents, younger brother, and I went to Scottsdale, Arizona. While there we met and stayed with my Mom's entire family, who flew in from Canada. All my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. It was during the summer so I remember it being so hot. I can't remember exactly how old I was, but I know I was still in elementary school. One night we went to a cowboy ranch. There were old covered wagons, a real train ride, donkey rides, and authentic BBQ. My grandpa is really into old western stuff, so I remember him loving it. I just remember it being so fun. I loved being with my entire family and having a good time. We went there a few more times after that on different trips. I'm not sure if it is still there, but it created a very good memory.

January 10, 2015- Park

Take your journal to the park. Sit down under a tree and write what you see, hear, smell and feel – both physically and emotionally.

Unfortunately I can't go to the park today because it is raining outside. I also can't go because plans changed a little bit this morning. My brother hasn't been feeling too great lately, which caused him to have to go to the ER last night. With it being cold and flu season, the hospital is very, very crowded. I have been helping my mom out today keeping my nieces occupied. It is looking like he will be going home tomorrow. They want to give him some more fluids and just watch him. Just goes to show you that you may have plans and expectations for the day, but God and the universe may have different ones.

January 9, 2015- Draw Something

Draw something today, anything you like. It doesn't matter if you don't think you're good at drawing. It can be a a self portrait, a stick figure, a mess of lines or a detailed masterpiece of your pet! Just draw whatever is on your mind.

Last week during New Years I went to a friend's house who has a 5 year-old daughter. She had asked me to color with her, and I was amazed at how relaxing it was. So, instead of drawing something tonight, I'm going to color. We have some old coloring books and crayons in our craft box. That way I'm still using the other part of my brain. I can see what creative part I can tap into.

January 8, 2015- Stream of Consciousness

Write a page in stream of consciousness. That means simply put your pen to paper, pick a word or a thought, and start writing. Don’t stop writing or take your pen off the page until you reach the end of the page.

Note: Instead of writing to the end of the page (which could go on forever) I am setting the timer on my phone for 5 minutes. After time is up, I'll stop. Ready….Go!

There is a song that has the lyric "Everybody's working for the weekend" in it. I didn't necessarily relate to that cause working in retail for so long, my weekends were usually Wednesdays and some other random day. Now that I work the normal Monday through Friday I totally get what it means. What I look forward to the most on the weekends though, is getting to sleep in. Maybe it could just be because I'm extremely tired tonight, but I CANNOT wait to sleep in on Saturday. I already know Friday will not go quick enough, just so I can sleep in. the crazy thing is though, with having to wake up at 6AM every week day, sleep in is now 8 or 9AM. I know for a lot of people that is still early, but if I wake up after 9AM I've slept in too late.

January 7, 2015- Anywhere

Finish this sentence: If I could be anywhere in the world right now…

If I could be anywhere in the world right now I would be in the exact spot below. I would be at some treehouse, in some woods, listening to the sounds of nature (maybe rain), and just relax and be in the moment.

January 6, 2015- N-A-M-E

Write your name down the left-hand side of the page, like you would for an acrostic poem. Next to each letter write a positive attribute that describes you beginning with that letter.

Joyful

Empathetic

Nice

Neat

Imaginative

Forgiving

Educated

Responsible

January 5, 2015- Inspirational Quote

Record your favorite inspirational quote. You can refer to this at any point during the year when you feel you need a little extra encouragement. 

Last night I didn't write because I was busy crossing off an item on my bucket list. Last night my brother and I sat behind the bench at a professional hockey game, and it was our favorite team- the Anaheim Ducks. The best part was all of our favorite players were playing, the game went all the way to a shoot out, and WE WON!! It definitely was a night I will remember for the rest of my life.

Now, my favorite quote comes from my favorite book series, Harry Potter. In fact this quote is the background on my computer. I just love. It reminds me to always find the positive in any situation.

January 3, 2015- New Year

Write in big, bold, bright letters on your page...THIS YEAR I WILL DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY.

THIS YEAR I WILL DO MORE OF WHAT 

MAKES ME HAPPY.

January 1, 2015- Resolutions

Write down three New Year's Resolutions.

1.) To give up Diet Coke (everywhere except fast food restaurants-which I don't go to very often)

2.) To floss more. I got better last year, but there is always room for improvement.

3.) To cross off more things on my bucket list.