The Gratitude Challenge – Day 30
Every day during the month of January we took the time to set an intentional attitude of gratitude by writing about something to be grateful for.
This has been a lesson in discipline for me.
Thank you to all shared their gratitude publicly. Your words inspired me.
Day 30
As I write this last post about gratitude I look at the date and remember where my life was at this time last year. I was laid off from my job, and every step forward from that moment felt as though I was barefoot and stepping on broken glass. Every step forward was a lesson in discipline, with my time, with my finances, the list goes on.
We look at discipline as a chore, a burden. I don’t think we see how self-discipline creates space for us to focus and dedicated time for us to practice whatever needs that attention. It was the discipline of constantly saying that “something spectacular is just around the bend” that brought “spectacular” into being after I was laid off.
Today I’m grateful for discipline, for the space and focus it creates to pursue all of the juiciness that life has to offer.
- Aunt B
The Gratitude Challenge – Day 29
I’d like to invite you to take the Gratitude Challenge with me. Every day during the month of January join me in setting an intentional attitude of gratitude by writing about one thing you are grateful for. Hopefully our new attitude will last beyond January and carry us throughout the year. Email your gratitude to me at AuntB@MamasHealth.com or write below in the comments.
Day 29
We screened “Leimert Park” at work tonight, it’s a documentary about an area in Los Angeles that is home to poets, writers, artists and dancers. The World Stage, founded by jazz drummer Billy Higgins and poet/performance artist Kamau Daood and Kaos Network, founded by Ben Caldwell.
When I was just cutting my teeth as a writer I found the World Stage and the Anansi Writer’s Workshop or better yet, they found me at another poetry venue and folded me in. Kamau was a tough mentor who challenged us to be honest on the page, and whenever we stood in front of the mic. He constantly admonished us to read, stretch, love, grow, write, and listen. We were young, talented, honest and hungry. We loved and laughed hard, listened to pure jazz at 5th Street Dick’s on All Night Jazz Friday nights, drinking espresso and riffing with the hip hop heads from Kaos. It was the Renaissance all over again, and we wore the burden and blessing of our creativity like capes and crowns.
Today I am grateful for the elders, those who encouraged our talent, reminded us that the goal is authenticity and when we do our art we connect with others when we tell the truth.Life lessons.
Light and love to my mentors who have transcended, Billy Higgins, Horace Tapscott and Richard Fulton.
- Aunt B
The Gratitude Challenge – Day 28
I’d like to invite you to take the Gratitude Challenge with me. Every day during the month of January join me in setting an intentional attitude of gratitude by writing about one thing you are grateful for. Hopefully our new attitude will last beyond January and carry us throughout the year. Email your gratitude to me at AuntB@MamasHealth.com or write below in the comments.
Day 28
Sometimes I’m afraid. Meeting new people throws me into a shoulder pinched panic. Reading my writing out loud to anyone makes the butterflies in my stomach do back-flips.
What I’m grateful for today, are the awkward conversations that begin new friendships, the soft applause at the end of a reading.
I’m grateful for beginnings and all the nervous energy they bring.
- Aunt B
Win a package of Removeez
There are still a few days left to enter to win a package of Removeez.
A special thank you to Brand Soul for setting this contest up.
REMOVEEZ EASILY TAKES OFF:
* Temporary tattoos
* Bandages
* Tape of all kinds
* Tar
* Sap
* Ink/Ballpoint pen
* Permanent markers
* Residue adhesive
* Wax used by beauticians
* Auto grease
* Door grease
* Shoe polish
* Shoe glue
* Color copy ink/Personal printer ink
* Paint
* Spray adhesive
* Tile and carpet adhesive
* Oil based paints
* Industrial adhesives
… and the list keeps growing.
Removeez is easy and convenient.
Pick a favorite scent,
rub problem area with a fingertip massage,
and then wipe away with a paper towel
- Mama
The Gratitude Challenge – Day 27
I’d like to invite you to take the Gratitude Challenge with me. Every day during the month of January join me in setting an intentional attitude of gratitude by writing about one thing you are grateful for. Hopefully our new attitude will last beyond January and carry us throughout the year. Email your gratitude to me at AuntB@MamasHealth.com or write below in the comments.
Day 27
Mama asked me not to show her the “Full Monty,” so I’m searching for a graceful way to say this.
There is something wonderful and magic that happens when two people love each other. The energy between them becomes magnetic, velvet, anxious and lyrical. We orbit those we love, circling them, drawing them closer with music, a soft heart, flowers, sweet things to eat, an open ear.
It is the physical connection we desire and that propels us forward through time. The expression of love between two people is what I am grateful for today.
How’s that for not showing the “Full Monty” Mama?
- Aunt B
The Gratitude Challenge – Day 26
I’d like to invite you to take the Gratitude Challenge with me. Every day during the month of January join me in setting an intentional attitude of gratitude by writing about one thing you are grateful for. Hopefully our new attitude will last beyond January and carry us throughout the year. Email your gratitude to me at AuntB@MamasHealth.com or write below in the comments.
Day 26
I found this site that talks about the last meals of famous and infamous people. It made me think about just how pleasurable food can be, and of course, what my last meal would be if I had to choose.
What the heck Aunt B! What’s all this last meal stuff got to do with gratitude?
By the way, you sure do talk about food a lot!
I thought first about éclairs and tiramisu, sweet potato pie, fudgy brownies, pistachio ice cream, yeah, I’d have desert first, I mean on my way out right? What does it matter? Then I thought about the pastrami from Oinkster’s in Eagle Rock, the grits with sausage and tomatoes from Auntie Em’s, the curried chicken from The Good Girl Dinette in Highland Park, my mom’s gumbo.
This is all nice and nostalgic Aunt B, but can you get to the part where you talk about what you would have as your last meal.
And for the love of all things good, what does this have to do with gratitude?
My last meal though and the food I’m most grateful for is:
Finally!
Brown rice with almond milk, butter and honey
Seedless grapes
Raspberries
Watermelon
Home fried potatoes with peppers and onions
Hot buttered sourdough toast
Pretty simple eh? Yep.
- Aunt B
25 superfoods to help you lose weight and be more healthy
- Avocados: contain the “good” monounsaturated fat and helps your body block the absorption of “bad” fat. Avocados are also high in lutein (good for eyesight) and in potassium and folate. Folate may reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.
- Beets: contains the disease-fighting phytonutrient betacyanin. Beets are a good source for folate, and are high in fiber and beta-carotene. Folate guards against birth defects, colon cancer, and osteoporosis. — Mama is a self-proclaimed fresh beet juice addict
- Horseradish: rich in glucosinolate for fighting cancer and killing bacteria. Horseradish is also a good source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.
- Sweet Potatoes: contain phytonutrients that promote heart and eye health and boost immunity. Sweet potatoes are also full of beta-carotene and vitamin A.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: such as cabbages, cauliflower, and broccoli rabe contain powerful disease fighters that lower the incidence of colon and lung cancers.
- Blueberries: rich in antioxidants (combat the damage of inflammation). Blueberries may also have antidiabetic effects and new research indicates blueberries might protect the heart against damage as well.
- Dark Leafy Greens: such as spinach, kale, and swiss chard are an excellent source of iron, vitamin A, and lutein.
- Alliums: the botanical family that includes leeks, onions, and garlic, share many remarkable traits. Alliums can aid in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Research indicates alliums inhibit the growth of prostate, stomach, and colon cancer cells. Alliums also have antibiotic properties and can ward off germs.
- Whole Grains: high in magnesium, B vitamins, fiber, and manganese. Whole grains, such as buckwheat, have shown to help in NOT overeating by making you feel fuller.
- Spelt: like whole wheat, spelt is sweeter, nuttier, and higher in protein than its processed relatives. Both are also good sources of manganese and copper.
- Turmeric: used in holistic medicine as a digestive aid and wound healer, can also serve as an anti-inflamatory. Add turmeric to your diet by adding curry into recipes (turmeric is the primary ingredient in curry).
- Oregano: has extremely high levels of antioxidants. A half teaspoon of dried oregano has similar benefits of a whole spinach salad. Oregano can also clear congestion and improve digestion.
- Cinnamon: has one of the highest antioxidant levels of all herbs and spices. It also has a positive effect on blood glucose levels and digestion. Cinnamon is also used in some cosmetics, such as our Chocolate Cinnamon Soap, for its astringent, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. Want to freshen up the smell of yoru house. Add cinnamon to boiling water and enjoy the soothing aroma!
- Ginger, Cayenne, Black Pepper: the heat you experience when eating these spices is evidence of gingerols, capsaicin, and piperine, compounds that boost metabolism.
- Miso: is a flavorful, fermented soybean paste which is a great source of low-calorie protein. Miso contains B12 and zinc.
- Yogurt: is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Unlike milk, real yogurt also contains probiotics, the good bacteria in your digestive system.
- Sardines: wild-caught sardines are low in mercury and high in vitamin D. A three-ounce serving of wild-caught sardines have as much calcium as 8 oz. of milk. Sardines can be eaten several ways, try grilling, adding to salad, or eating right from the can!
- Canned Salmon: King, sockeye, and coho salmon have more DHA plus EPA omega-3 fatty acids than almost any other seafood, as well as some of the lowest mercury levels. Canned salmon is nutritionally as good as fresh but costs less!
- Sesame Seeds: contain sesamin and sesamolin which can help lower cholesterol. Sesame seeds are also a good source of calcium, phosphorous, and zinc. Sesame seeds can easily be added to baked goods, such as breads and muffins, or simply sprinkled on salads.
- Walnuts: Of all nuts, walnuts have the most alpha-linolenic omega-3 fatty acids, which lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and may reduce inflammation in arteries. Walnuts are also a great source of antioxidants, vitamin E, Selenium, and magnesium. Add walnuts to salads or just eat them by the handful!
- Green Tea: has protective antioxidants (along with black and white). Green tea is full of a metabolis-boosting compound called EGCG, which prevents damage to the heart muscles.
- Dark Chocolate: high in flavonoids which have shown to improve blood flow, suppress coughs, improve memory, and give you hydrated smooth skin.
- Flaxseed: rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which speed up cell metabolism and reduce inflammation in the body, reduce triglyceride levels, and lower blood pressure. Ground flaxseed can be added to baked dishes, smoothies, cereal, or just about anything! If you don’t like the gritty taste of flaxseed, flaxseed oil is a good alternative.
- Figs: an excellent source of dietary fiber and a good source of calcium and potassium.
- Seaweed: (hijiki, wakame, kelp, nori) contain nutrients commonly found in green, leafy vegetables, along with most minerals found in the ocean. Seaweed is full of magnesium, which may prevent migraines and asthma attacks.
- Mama
The Gratitude Challenge – Day 25
I’d like to invite you to take the Gratitude Challenge with me. Every day during the month of January join me in setting an intentional attitude of gratitude by writing about one thing you are grateful for. Hopefully our new attitude will last beyond January and carry us throughout the year. Email your gratitude to me at AuntB@MamasHealth.com or write below in the comments.
Day 25
I have a friend who documents everything. He takes pictures, saves menus, and every “first” anything for his son.
One day I was over his house and saw the collection of notebooks he has, there’s one for every year of his son’s life.
He pulled a book from the shelf and placed it in my hands, “Open it,” he said. I slid my fingers between the pages and the notebook opened to a birthday dinner. And there I was, holding what was then a squirmy toddler, as we all looked into the camera. Written underneath was “ J’s first dinner at a French restaurant, Bistro de la Gare, Aunt B was there along with….” You get the picture.
Today I’m grateful for the photogs, the folks that capture us at our best and worst moments and sometimes the moments in between. I’m grateful for the people with the cameras who remind us to witness our own lives.
- Aunt B
