Friday, January 18, 2013

Celebrate the Small Things

I just found about this Friday Meme and I totally loved the idea. My recent studies have proved people usually remember bad things faster than good things and keep them longer in their mind. It is highly recommendable, therefore, to make a list of all those things one enjoys or are grateful for. It helps the mood, the self-esteem and the memory. It also helps to manage stress as you become more aware of all those little things you do or enjoy, or have but that you might have taken for granted or just have not acknowledged them.

VikLit's Writing Blog hosts it. Click the link for more information. Basically you sign up, post your list every Friday and visit other sites to congratulate them, virtual-hug them, cheer them, etc., for their achievements.

My list:

1. I kept my promise to do something for someone. (I really didn't want to and was seeking for a way out but in the end I did the right thing.)

2. I have read two books in two weeks. I'm breaking my own record by far. The fastest I read a book was a month.

3. I think I have lowered my stressometer a couple notches. Mental work and great reading.

4. I found a way to multi-task with two muses demanding my attention. I hope I can keep it without blowing a fuse or have them get into a cat fight. hahaha!

5. Last minute one. I am also grateful for this one Thank You note.

(I still insist I am not the "ajonjoli de todos los moles". I just couldn't resist this one.)

In any case, I invite you to join us. It won't take much of your time and whatever time it takes you, it is worthy if it makes you think on the wonderful Small Things for which you can celebrate!

35 comments:

  1. Good for you for keeping your promise. And two books a month is speed reading for me as well.
    And I was celebrating something - I didn't have to mow! It's more of a big thing though, because I really hate to mow.

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    1. Hahahaha. And that's the reason why minions are useful, you see? To get them do what you don't want to do.

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  2. These are all great!!! Two books in Two weeks is lots and I am glad your stressometer has lowered. I also love the word stressometer!

    Thank you for joining in.

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    1. Nice to meet you VikLit. This is a great idea. :)

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  3. It's hard to function while stressed long-term. Happy you have that under control.

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    1. A lot of "cocowash" I tell you, hahaha. (Cocowash: Mexican slang for brainwash. Combination of coconut and brainwash.)

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  4. What were your two books?! Glad your stress levels are down.

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    1. Jewels of the Sky and Storm Dancer. Very different type of stories but the ride has been awesome.

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  5. It sounds like you had a productive week!

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    1. Thanks, I think it's the most productive in the last two months. I even feel with energy for more! :)

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  6. That is a great idea. It is so easy to dwell on the bad. But I have to say, keeping your word isn't a small thing. It's a big thing. Being trustworthy is a major deal.

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    1. I agree. But sometimes, it's very difficult. Lesson learned: Never give your word when you are not sure of EVERYTHING this involves for you.

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  7. Wonderful post! I agree that celebrating the small things gives a far more positive outlook on life than noticing the bad stuff.
    Contrats on all your successes - especially the keeping your word one!

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    1. Thank you, Tyrean. Yes a very good exercise for both mind and heart. :)

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  8. My favorite on your list? Multi-tasking even with two muses fighting for attention. Love it! and congrats to the small things. It makes me happy just thinking about it!

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    1. Thank you! It has given me renewed energy to read all the others as well. It's becoming inspiring.

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  9. I know I remember criticisms and mistakes far longer than I remember praise or accomplishments -- that's why I'm excited by this blog-hop, too! You have a longer list than mine, and I'm especially impressed with the book-reading you did. My TBR list keeps getting longer. Yay for you, and I'll try to follow your good example. :-)

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    1. The secret for this book achievement is that I could not let those books out of my hands. I didn't bath with them because it would be a dangerous thing to do, hahaha. Welcome to the Dragon Cave!

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  10. Hooray for lowering stress! Hope you can maintain the balance you've found this week. [g]

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    1. That's what they say, right? Getting there is not as difficult as keeping there. :) We shall make our best. :)

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  11. Congrats on your accomplishments! Sometimes keeping promises we don't want to do are annoying but in the end I always feel good about doing them :)

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    1. Yes, that's right. Like we won a little battle in the path to be better. :) Thanks, J.A.

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  12. look at all your stuff! reading more, writing more, less stress! thats great! keep it up!

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    1. Thank you, Tara! Welcome to the Dragon Cave. :)

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  13. Great job on everything, Al! And I went and looked at the card, it was really sweet. :) I wasn't going to join in this bloghop, cause I don't post Fridays, and I didn't want to start...but I've changed my mind. I agree that it's smart to have a reason to look at the good stuff!!

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  14. Such a great list! It's definitely important to celebrate the small things and try to let go of the bad (even if it can be hard to do).

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  15. It is important to remember all those little things. It is easy to get bogged down with stress. This is an excellent way for us to share some of our little success. I am glad to hear your stressometer has gone down too.

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    1. Thank you Suzanne. Welcome to the Dragon Cave!

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  16. I like to dig in the earth, especially when I'm bogged down in what might possibly be gloom-producing. Somehow turning the soil, raking it to smooth, patting tiny seeds just beneath the surface is gratifying--I might say spiritual in nature. After I do all of that, I can go back to my desk and work at being the creative writer I'm really striving to be.


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    1. Mother Dragon says there is a healing power in the earth. Her usual recommendation when I have a headache or migrain is to lie on the grass or hug myself to a tree. As odd as it sounds, it often works. Good thing I have my own trees. I wouldn't want people see me hugged to one.

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  17. Little things mean a lot! If we remember to be grateful for the little things, the bigger things take on so much more value!

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    1. I agree with you. Thanks for visiting! Hopefully you had your much needed rest. :)

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  18. enjoy the little things ;) congrats on your nomination from mfb

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