how to or not spend ones' birthday

Hi all! Well today I am a year older. YAAY! I love my birthday. I think for some reason all the festivities that surround the day excite me. I confess, its the one day where it is ALL about ME! and that's probably the psychology behind it. I think we all deserve 1 day out of the year to be honored and spoiled.

The program I am a part of has taught me to honor others and provide service to others. Think less and less about yourself. That's major for me. I know that one of my character defects growing up and still has been very self-centered. I need to think less about Erin and more about everyone else. Whether it is during a conversation of its at Christmas giving.

Its not about me anymore; its about what can I do for others?

 I was thinking about it.. I have changed my cleaning day to Thursdays. And I need my Friday's off. I though this week- how shitty I have to clean the house on my birthday. But then I gave it more thought. It's really just another day. I'm not some primadonna princess that can't lift a finger. I have dinner with Dad to look forward to and some other things here and there. So quitcha bitchin and do it!  BTW skipping or switching a day wont fly. lol.

And finally I must say a huge THANK YOU to my Mom and Dad for creating me. You are the reason I am here on this Earth. Thank you and I love you sooo much!

being grateful/ grattitude

There is sooo much I have in this life that I am truly grateful for. Whether it be my family, friends or fellowship. I also have more material objects than I could ever imagine. I look at these things daily and think to myself, OMG why do you have so many belongings and further more why do you continue to obtain more? I have everything a girl could possibly need and more. Yet I go to the mall and find more things? WTF? Maybe when I go shopping if I feel the need to buy things it should be for other people?? Just to switch topics here.. I have a major addiction to shopping. Shopaholic here. I love browsing, searching, picking things out, buying, taking home, removing the tags and putting the things away. It is a true addiction I believe. But I never buy expensive stuff so hubby doesn't really have much to worry about. Its not like im buying jewelry that breaks the bank.  So back to the topic of gratitude. When you are thankful for what you have more comes your way. And it rubs off on others. I say my prayers and include everything I am thankful for in them. But now I am going to start a journal of all things I am grateful for. I encourage everyone to do the same. God carries me through the day and for that I am grateful and if that is the only thing on my list- that is all I need. God bless all. thanks for reading

spending money

Tis the season to shop until you drop. ugg. It's so nice to see a family member or friend's face when they open a gift from you.. but you end up spending a fortune on everybody. This year we have 13 people to shop for for Christmas gifts and 6 December babies for birthday gifts. All in total equals mega bucks. Now I'm not totally selfish but I always shop in the stores and think- hmmm that looks nice , or I want that. sometimes I buy the stuff I see for me.

Part of my illness is that when I am in a super good mood I tend to spend spend spend. And sometimes when I'm in a bad mood I spend to feel better. its like a vicious circle. I bought several things in November and December that I definitely DON'T need!!

Sure some say well Erin you deserve it. Do I? really? A designer brand wallet over 150? A set of shower gels for 75? and day planner for an amount im not even going to share. Some choices are poor. I returned clothes I bought online. They were nice but not worth the money. So that's how I rationalized the day planner. because I returned the clothes then I can afford the planner.

I really should donate more things. But a good friend of mine told me I deserve everything God blesses me with. So I will continue to do what I do daily and thank God for everything. all day I do this and it really helps!!

thanksgiving thanks

Happy Thanksgiving ! Today is a day to give thanks. I have a huge amount to be thankful for. Should I list it?? Of course my family and friends. I have made family with a large group of people and I really love every single one of them. I also have every blessed material object a girl could ask for. And for that I am not only thankful but I feel spoiled for it.
 God is so wonderful ya know?! He gives us all we need and then some. If only we listen to him and serve him.
I could use my time and volunteer at a shelter but eh.. I don't know.
I guess the best is to keep giving thanks to God and stay humble.

gratitude

So if anything else in this world its to be thankful. Although we have challenges aka problems we still need to put value on our life. In the worst or best of times one thing needs to stay consistent and that is gratitude.

grat·i·tude

ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun

noun: gratitude

1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

 

 

 

 

I pray every night- thank you God for all you have given me today. I want to get in the habit of praying and being thankful every morning too!

 

 

  Here's a great website all about gratitude:

http://www.unstuck.com/gratitude.html

 

Here's an example situation from that website

 

When you find yourself
in a bad situation ask:
What can I learn? When
I look back on this, without emotion, what will I be grateful for?

 

 

here is a site with 3 apps you can download

 

http://happytapper.com/

 

I keep a gratitude journal. It should be done daily if possible. I admit I forget to make an entry frequently. But if you can make a habit out of it you will realize there is more to life that we know it.

 

An entry could go something like this:

I am grateful for:

 

- getting out of bed

- this yummy white mocha drink

-the weather is practically perfect

- being able to sit outside and blog

-my family is healthy

-I have the freedom to do what I want daily

my furry daughters

 

OK I'm sure you get the idea.

 

lastly:

 

Today's drink: White Mocha Raspberry