Woohoo! I’m done with my first semester of the Masters in Humane Education program I started this past fall! It’s been a while since I’ve taken classes in something I feel passionate about, and it makes all the difference. We had what we call our “Capstone” salons this weekend for each of my classes, where we meet with the professor and other students via zoom and share projects. In one of my capstones, I got some great ideas for how to develop my blog!! I really want this blog to also become an educational tool, not just me simply blathering on about my life. 🙂 (Although there will still be some of that, lol.) It was so cool to see people you’ve been in contact with on Blackboard but never seen their face!
So last night it was so relaxing – I sat there and was reading Dude Making a Difference, by Rob Greenfield. I love this book so much that I’ve already put it on my Helpful Books page. He has some great pearls of wisdom in it and he makes me desire to be a better person. One of my favorite quotes is on page.156:
“Life is a matter of perspective. Change your perspective today and you’ll be living in a whole new world tomorrow.”
His book has been published by New Society Publishers, and they specialize in publishing books that provide solutions for those who want to make a difference – I can’t wait to see what they have in their catalog!!
So, before I get into the meat of this blog post, I hope you will take a look at my newly revised About Me, Helpful Books, and NEW page on Animal Welfare and Rights Groups. Oh, and I even created a Hire Me page!There are more new pages in progress, including Inspiring Videos and Inspiring Stories, to come in the near future! The more I write, the more creative I feel!
So I thought I might suggest some little things that we can thing about anew, and feel more positive about our day, especially if it’s a crappy day for whatever reason – weather, people being grumpy, etc.
These are some of the little things that have helped my weekend to be a good one:
- that perfectly brewed cup of coffee first thing in the morning
- the cat that insists on sitting on your lap and putting his head on your laptop screen as you are trying to type (ahem, happening right now – I remind myself that it’s because Max loves me, as shown by his loud purring now taking place)
- waking up in the morning and realizing today is what you make of it. You might have to go to work, but only you can decide how to react to things, events, and people
- a good conversation with a good friend
- seeing your roommate start to flourish in this new town, meeting new friends and joining a community of like-minded souls
- joining in a free(!) webinar with other interested souls to learn about building your own tiny house from this guy, Ethan Waldman
- hearing from another writer whose work you really admire that your blog is one of her favorites (check out Sal’s blog at One Empty Shelf – her writing is so calming)
- sitting in silence enjoying the beauty of your first Christmas tree in a few years
- on a cold night, having a roof over your head, a comfy bed to sleep in, and a very cute dog named Snuggles, well, snuggling, at your side, knowing he is safe and loved
- realizing the notebook with the cover “My Brilliant Ideas” that you recently bought for $3 was a great use of your money
What are some little things that help to center you and ground you in a positive perspective on life? Please share them below – I’d love to hear them and get a good conversation started!
As always, thanks for reading. And please, do check out my newly revised and created pages and let me know what you think!
And thank you to those of you who have recently used my Amazon Affiliates link and Ebates Referral link! (Every little bit of income helps, so thank you!!)
Chasing Simple Dreams 
I like the blog changes and updates. I am inspired by the positivity in your words. Keep it flowing!
Thank you! Coming from you, that is a huge compliment in my mind. Miss you guys – sending you hugs and of course a huge hug for Zeb.
This is a great book and perspective recommendation, Terri — and I love the new tweaks to the blog. I look forward to keeping up with you here at “Chasing Simple Dreams” throughout 2018! Maybe you could do a solutionary skill share once you learn to build that tiny house?
Thank you! Believe it or not, but my capstone for Environmental Ethics was about tiny houses and how they are beneficial for the environment and to people of low or no income! That is a great idea about a skill share – a lot of people who have built their own have shared their experiences in doing so. Super helpful! I would also need to do it on a VERY low budget!
Love your list of little things that we take for granted.
Your writing is very encouraging Terri.
Keep it up!😃💓🙏
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Carmen!! I’m so glad my writing can have a positive effect on others. That is a huge part of my goal!
Great list! I think we all need to take a few minutes each day and think about what we have in this world. We are blessed in so many different ways, but sometimes we forget that. Thanks for the radiant positivity .
Thanks, Eddie! Reading this book by Rob Greenfield – his enthusiasm for life is completely contagious!