which seems like it should be an obvious choice for us as we interact with those we love. After all, whether we realize it or not, WE MAKE A CHOICE EVERYDAY to have them in our life. Quite frankly there are many days it is a pure struggle  to stay in the game of family, of love, and in running a good race. So in an attempt to find the good, in those I love - my plight is appreciation. And so begins my 100 Days of Gratitude. 

Day 1: I Am Grateful for Exceptional Sleep 
I realized just today that I often take for granted the amount of sleep I am able to get. I stayed up until 1 am finishing laundry last night and got up at 4 am this morning to help get my significant other ready for his trip. This means I got 3 hours of sleep. My body suffers terribly today. I could barely keep my eyes open after he left around 6 AM, 

My point is, is that it made me think of how many hours my significant other works. And how his tired hours are spent using as much mental capacity as he can muster for as long as possible. I could barely function. I need sleep. And it reminded me that with the exception of last night, I am usually able to get a good nights rest. While days can be filled with conflicts and our lives lie far outside of perfection, he has helped me build a life that allows me much rest, And I am so grateful for that. 

TWO HIGH STRESS PROJECTS just went down in history as you saving the company from a major P.O. deadline, and you'd love for a moment to just breathe in a breath of celebration - but an email reading "URGENT" just caught your eye and instead of leaving to meet your friends for drinks, you open it. YOU'RE LATE FOR A "MOMMY DATE" for the fourth time in a row but ONE of your children hasn't brushed their teeth and the rank makes you physically nauseous from three feet away, plus the whimpering dog really needs to go out before you close her away in the kennel. YOU'VE AGREED TO HEAD UP THE CHURCH CHRISTMAS PROGRAM for this year, yet you find your heart constantly depleted because everything about Christmas is a fierce reminder of the broken relationship existing between you and one of your adult children. Getting stuck in traffic, hopelessly failing at the Blue Zone Venn diagram for our family, and inevitable relationships with broken people are what happen to us while we're busy making "plans" for our life. 

From day one, "school is the answer to a better future." But is that really it? School taught us to count and organize numbers, we've come to understand the components that create a suitable paragraph, and hopefully we've learned a little bit about our nation's history and navigating through the US. However, how do these educational skills serve us if we are unable to navigate our own lives? What happens when there's an unexpected breakdown in structure and we feel ourselves slowly losing our footing? I'm not suggesting that education is not important, but of equal importance is TAKING CARE OF YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT.

Google defines NURTURE as "the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone." Replace the word someone with "oneself" and you've got yourself the meaning of self nurture - "to care for and to encourage the growth/development of oneself." Self nourishment can be as extravagant as a much needed vacation away from work and kids, yet it can be as simple as picked flowers in a vase moved from room to room while you clean your home. Nurturing ourselves causes us to pay attention to the present moment and allows us to begin a process of healing and self identity. Fifteen minutes spent writing in a journal frees you from pent up frustration and may even lead to a breakthrough in a tumultuous relationship, laying out a beautiful chevron place-mat for your pop tart causes you to focus on the beauty of colors, and locking your bathroom door for an uninterrupted ten minutes while you listen to a TEDTalk and get ready for the day braces you for a day focus and accomplishment.  

Self-nurture differentiates itself from selfishness in the fact that we nurture ourselves so that we can more effectively serve others. When we've had a good night's sleep, we're naturally more patient. When we've exercised, we find ourselves with the ability to keep up with our kids.  And when we've taken time to mediate, to pray, or do yoga; we find ourselves in a place less likely to be catapulted by the world's demands. So for the sake of yourself and everyone you come in contact with, give yourself the gift of time. Even if it's just 10 minutes! When we begin our day in love, we are able to love those around us. When we are patient with ourselves, we extend that to others through our day. When we breathe in a kiss from a partner or child, when we re-read an encouraging text, or laugh like crazy at an SNL monologue - we capture that joy and infuse it into our day. So take a walk ALONE around the block, allow yourself one piece of chocolate a day, or commit ten minutes a day to learning about a hobby of interest After all, YOU AS MUCH AS ANYONE ELSE, DESERVE YOUR OWN TIME AND SELF LOVE. 

Be light and Find the Good today, 
Myranda 

Below are a few examples by category of some simple techniques that can be easily integrated into your busy life. 

SELF-NURTURE FOR THE OVERWORKED:
Eat lunch outside if you can, but make "away from email" a must.
Listen to an uplifting or hobby specific audio podcast on your way to work.
Take the stairs, bring your iPod/headphones, and listen to your favorite song while doing so. Don't be afraid to dance up those stair!
Send an "I love you" text to your mom, dad, or partner - they response will surly enhance your day in a way that no one else can. 

SELF-NURTURE FOR THE DEPLETED MOM:
Make your kids aware of your intent first, then lock your bathroom door each morning for ten minutes while you attend to your hair, put on  makeup, and listen to something encouraging. 
Buy yourself an exotically colorful place-mat and use it when you eat breakfast. Let it just be YOURS.
Allow yourself one day per week that you sleep when your little ones sleep. Your children don't need a sparkling clean kitchen every second of their life. They are better served by a rested mommy. 

SELF-NURTURE FOR THE RETIRED GRANDMA:
Allow yourself to heal by surrendering past regrets. Use a journal and write through one area a day that you want to see growth in. 
Buy yourself a five dollar bouquet each week from Walmart in your favorite color and let it always be in the room you are in while at home. 
Walk each morning, even if just for a little bit. This starts you in the light and will infuse more light throughout your day.