Super Grateful Sunday, 2.18.2011

This meme was created with the belief that good things come to us when we are thankful. Reflect on the past 7 days, and every Sunday, list at least 7 things for which you are grateful.

"In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy." - BROTHER DAVID STEINDL-RAST

1. My mom and dad are coming home from their very long vacation. They are sorely missed.
2. A great weekend that consisted of a jam session that the Little One was invited to (the only kid out of a group of adults, but she was too shy to play!) followed by a visit to her other set of grandparents. 
3. A visit from a beautiful cat named Pepper.
4. A successful site launch two nights ago.
5. The company my best friend works for was named one of the top 10 in its category along with a handful of big names. He said, "You belong here." Although I don't see it right now as a possibility, it felt good to hear that.

Single on Valentines Day—What's a Single Mom to Do?

Image Credit: Ian Britton, FreeFoto.com

So, it's Valentine's Day, and you're single. Tell you what—this year, you're not allowed to feel down.  Who says Valentine's Day, the day of Love, is for lovers only? Here are a few things you can do to give yourself a happy valentine.

1. Celebrate Love with your kids. If you really want to go out on a date, have one—with your kids. Wear red, go to the candy store, go somewhere fun where you've never taken them before.
2. Celebrate Love with your family. Go out with your extended family to dinner or host one at your place.
3. Celebrate Love with your girlfriends. Get your hair done, get a mani-pedi, and go on a girl's night out with your single friends. No man-bashing, though—that's no fun. ;)
4. Celebrate your love for yourself. Take yourself out on a date! Think of what makes you feel good, and and do it:
• Go to the movies or pick one out on Netflix.
• Go to the park.
• Go to the zoo.
• Paint
• Write
• Soak in the tub with a luxurious bubble bath after the kids are in bed.
• Flirt with someone.
• Book an appointment at the spa.
5. Practice saying So What to the inner voice that makes you feel bad. "She has a date, and you don't." So what? "She got roses sent to her desk from someone!" So what? "It's Valentine's Day, and you're single." So. What. You get the picture. No matter what everyone around you is doing today or who or how many boyfriends they have in their lives, it doesn't take away from who you are, or who you are becoming—unless you allow it. 

So which ones are you doing? I'm doing items 1 and 4, and I'm actually really excited. How can I not look forward to all this fun and pampering? :)

At the end of the day, single or not, the first person who should be giving you love is you. So do it. Care for yourself, make yourself feel good and loved, acknowledge your strengths, celebrate your successes as a mom who does it all herself—you deserve it. You really, really do.

Happy Early Valentine, Mama, and here's to you.

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Super Grateful Sunday, 2.6.2011

This meme was created with the belief that good things come to us when we are thankful. Reflect on the past 7 days, and every Sunday, list at least 7 things for which you are grateful.

"There's a self-expansive aspect of gratitude. Very possibly it's a little known law of nature: the more gratitude you have, the more you have to be grateful for." - ELAINE ST. JAMES, author, leader of the simplicity movement

1. My little girl's birthday
2. Our recent trip to NYC
3. Reconnecting with my best friend and my "adopted" sister (my ex-sister-in-law)
4. My family overseas calling from Skype and singing my little girl the birthday song
5. Freelance work!
6. Skype!
7. Getting by
8. God always providing for me in my times of need
9. Being able to fix my car
10. The bright, beautiful sunshine...so good to see it again!