The Day Six Exercise of Magic has to do with being thankful for the job you have. Well, because I am currently unemployed, I decided to switch it up to being thankful for the jobs I've had in the past.
I am so thankful for my retail job during college. I really needed some cash -- and I'd never held a job before so I walked into the first store that popped into my head and filled out an application. Luckily, I got an interview scheduled that day, and within two weeks, I found out I got the job! I am SO thankful for that because that job really helped me grow up. It was the first time I had to take responsibility and be accountable for anything in my life. Later, the store became like a second home to me. I made some great friends, met some very interesting people, and made some unforgettable memories. I am ever so thankful for that opportunity.
My next job was a summer internship. It was the very first one I applied to, and I got an interview right away, and within two weeks (again), I found out I had gotten it! It payed amazingly well, and I was able to learn SO much! It was my very first office job, so I learned a lot about corporate culture. It was the first time I felt what it was like in the "real world." I am so very thankful for that opportunity as well!
As for counting my blessings, I've just taken some NyQuil because I'm still sick from last week. So, I'll just list the things I'm grateful for with short descriptions:
1. Microwave. I am so thankful for the microwave because it saves me so much time throughout the day.
2. My very keen sense of hearing. I have terrible eyesight, so I'm glad that my hearing is very sharp. I can hear so many things that my friends and family can't, and that makes me feel special. Thank you for that, God.
3. Modern medicine. Everyday I marvel at how much progress we have made in terms of medicine and health care. Finding out that doctors may have "cured" HIV in a toddler makes me feel so glad to be living in an era where I can start ruling out diseases to be afraid of. I'm not saying I'll never get HIV, but I'm thankful that the hard work of researchers and dedicated professionals is paying off. Thank you, God.
4. Target. I am thankful for stores like Target, because they make so many things available for such an affordable price. I love that everything is so clean and nice when I shop. It enhances my shopping experience and brightens my whole day! I'm so thankful!
5. Cleopatra. She was such an intelligent and dedicated person. I'm so thankful for people like her in history. Especially women, wo give me an ideal to look up to -- a role model. I am thankful!
6. My big comfy bed. I am so thankful for having such a comfortable place to sleep. I know I am blessed and that I am lucky because there are so many who won't be as comfortable tonight. I must remember to donate somethings to red cross and good will, and maybe help out at a homeless shelter. I am very thankful for my blessing of a bed.
7. Nail polish. It's my favorite accessory. It makes me so happy to have well manicured, beautiful nails. I am so thankful for nail polish and the happiness it brings me.
8. Pentel Ener-Gel Liquid Ink Gel Pens. After searching for the perfect pen for so long, I finally found it. I am SO thankful for these wonderful pens that write so smoothly, in flawless fine lines of clear sharp ink which doesn't show on the other side of the paper, AND doesn't leak!
9. Kleenex. Especially when I am sick, I appreciate the disposable tissues which give me so much relief! Thank you, God.
10. Scrapbooks. I know they are becoming old-fashioned, but I love scrapbooks. Even if they do become obsolete someday, I will still be thankful that they existed at some point. I love collections of photos and memorabilia so immersed in one another that they tell a story about the owner, and his/her experiences.
Thank you, God, for all of my blessings. I am so very thankful!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Magic Day 5: Magic Money
Reflections: Why I turned to the Law of Attraction
Staying positive is such a difficult thing for me to maintain. I've been cynical, sarcastic, and skeptical for as long as I can remember. I keep my feelings bottled up. I keep secrets to myself, and tell no one. I can hold a grudge for decades. I get angry very quickly and very easily. I can be selfish, vengeful, and unforgiving. And I'm also a pessimist.
I expect the worst so that when it happens I won't be taken by surprise. I've always figured that by preparing myself for the worst case scenario, it'll hurt less if it happens. I figured I could save myself from disappointment. Lately, I've learned that disappointment is a necessary and inescapable part of life. How can we appreciate satisfaction if we have never known disappointment?
I've realized that by shielding myself from disappointment, I may have missed many opportunities. My longest relationship lasted two months. I've always said I'm picky, but the truth is that I am scared. I'm scared of getting hurt, so I never open up. I'm scared of feeling like an outsider, so I don't go to parties. I'm scared of looking like a fool, so I never go dancing. I'm scared that people will really see me and think I am weird, or strange, or stupid. I'm scared that they'll see my insecurities, and judge me. And I deal with those fears by doing everything in my power to prevent them from happening. I keep secrets about my personal life from my friends and family. I lie about my failures. I keep my distance from people so no one gets close enough to ask questions. I avoid situations that are new to me. I hide from my problems. I run from my fears.
I hate living like this. I hate feeling like a coward. I hate myself for not living up to my ideal of a courageous, graceful, dignified, accomplished person. This is why I turned to the law of attraction.
When I first heard about it, I realized that my method of "expecting the worst" usually resulted in the worst-case-scenario coming to pass. I got kicked out of school, I lost bets, I ended up in credit card debt. I lost relationships. I've lost so much already. But I refused to lose myself. I started reading The Magic, and I have been making a real effort to stay positive. It's difficult for me to maintain because this attitude really goes against the grain. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to fight the pessimism and cynicism that has become second nature to me. But I am determined to do it. I know I can change and be the person I was meant to be. I'm going to do it!
Magical Exercise Number Five: Magical Money.
Today's exercise revolved around material wealth. It involved being thankful for the money that I have right now, and being thankful for all the gifts I have received in the past. I had to take a dollar bill, and stick a post it note that read "Thank you for all the money I've been given throughout my life." on it. I'm to keep it with me to remind myself to continue to be thankful.
And now, to count my blessings:
1. Financial Security. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with financial security during my life. I know that I have been much luckier than SO many others in the world. I am very grateful!
2. Money. Thank you, God, for all the money I have been blessed with. Thank you for the degree of independence it provides, and the security it brings. Thank you.
3. Opportunities. Thank you for all the opportunities I've been given in life: an education, college, a dual heritage, a loving family, etc... Thank you.
4. My long eyelashes. Rather vain, I know. But I love my long, thick, naturally curled eyelashes. It's one of the few things I get complimented on, and I am ever so thankful to have them!
5. Privacy. I am thankful for having a trusting family. None of my lies would be possible if I had very nosy parents. I guess, I am thankful for having such trusting parents. I sincerely hope that someday soon, I will be able to live up to deserve that trust. I want more than anything for them to be proud of me.
6. Ella Enchanted. Somehow, this book acts as my security blanket. I always feel so much better after reading it. It gives me courage and hope that if I persevere, someday, things will get better.
7. My grandparents. My grandparents raised me until I was about two years old. Although I only have one left now, I am so thankful to have met most of them, and for having them in my life. Even in death, the stories of their lives, their trials, and their achievements bring me comfort. Their legacies remind me where I come from, and what I am capable of.
8. Public Libraries. I love reading! But I cannot always afford all the books I want. I am so thankful for public libraries , which not only provide numerous books for me to borrow, but provide a productive environment for me to study and learn.
9. Internships. I am thankful for all the internships I have had. I know that I am lucky to have been given these opportunities, and that most of them came down to sheer luck rather than qualifications. I am so thankful for them. Thank you.
10. My blue coat. My blue coat is one of my most prized possessions. It is fashionable, warm, and it was very affordable. On top of that, it makes me feel happy, and content whenever I wear it... like good things are meant to happen. I am so thankful for this coat and how it makes me feel.
Thank you, God, for all my blessings in life. I am ever so grateful!
Staying positive is such a difficult thing for me to maintain. I've been cynical, sarcastic, and skeptical for as long as I can remember. I keep my feelings bottled up. I keep secrets to myself, and tell no one. I can hold a grudge for decades. I get angry very quickly and very easily. I can be selfish, vengeful, and unforgiving. And I'm also a pessimist.
I expect the worst so that when it happens I won't be taken by surprise. I've always figured that by preparing myself for the worst case scenario, it'll hurt less if it happens. I figured I could save myself from disappointment. Lately, I've learned that disappointment is a necessary and inescapable part of life. How can we appreciate satisfaction if we have never known disappointment?
I've realized that by shielding myself from disappointment, I may have missed many opportunities. My longest relationship lasted two months. I've always said I'm picky, but the truth is that I am scared. I'm scared of getting hurt, so I never open up. I'm scared of feeling like an outsider, so I don't go to parties. I'm scared of looking like a fool, so I never go dancing. I'm scared that people will really see me and think I am weird, or strange, or stupid. I'm scared that they'll see my insecurities, and judge me. And I deal with those fears by doing everything in my power to prevent them from happening. I keep secrets about my personal life from my friends and family. I lie about my failures. I keep my distance from people so no one gets close enough to ask questions. I avoid situations that are new to me. I hide from my problems. I run from my fears.
I hate living like this. I hate feeling like a coward. I hate myself for not living up to my ideal of a courageous, graceful, dignified, accomplished person. This is why I turned to the law of attraction.
When I first heard about it, I realized that my method of "expecting the worst" usually resulted in the worst-case-scenario coming to pass. I got kicked out of school, I lost bets, I ended up in credit card debt. I lost relationships. I've lost so much already. But I refused to lose myself. I started reading The Magic, and I have been making a real effort to stay positive. It's difficult for me to maintain because this attitude really goes against the grain. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to fight the pessimism and cynicism that has become second nature to me. But I am determined to do it. I know I can change and be the person I was meant to be. I'm going to do it!
Magical Exercise Number Five: Magical Money.
Today's exercise revolved around material wealth. It involved being thankful for the money that I have right now, and being thankful for all the gifts I have received in the past. I had to take a dollar bill, and stick a post it note that read "Thank you for all the money I've been given throughout my life." on it. I'm to keep it with me to remind myself to continue to be thankful.
And now, to count my blessings:
1. Financial Security. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with financial security during my life. I know that I have been much luckier than SO many others in the world. I am very grateful!
2. Money. Thank you, God, for all the money I have been blessed with. Thank you for the degree of independence it provides, and the security it brings. Thank you.
3. Opportunities. Thank you for all the opportunities I've been given in life: an education, college, a dual heritage, a loving family, etc... Thank you.
4. My long eyelashes. Rather vain, I know. But I love my long, thick, naturally curled eyelashes. It's one of the few things I get complimented on, and I am ever so thankful to have them!
5. Privacy. I am thankful for having a trusting family. None of my lies would be possible if I had very nosy parents. I guess, I am thankful for having such trusting parents. I sincerely hope that someday soon, I will be able to live up to deserve that trust. I want more than anything for them to be proud of me.
6. Ella Enchanted. Somehow, this book acts as my security blanket. I always feel so much better after reading it. It gives me courage and hope that if I persevere, someday, things will get better.
7. My grandparents. My grandparents raised me until I was about two years old. Although I only have one left now, I am so thankful to have met most of them, and for having them in my life. Even in death, the stories of their lives, their trials, and their achievements bring me comfort. Their legacies remind me where I come from, and what I am capable of.
8. Public Libraries. I love reading! But I cannot always afford all the books I want. I am so thankful for public libraries , which not only provide numerous books for me to borrow, but provide a productive environment for me to study and learn.
9. Internships. I am thankful for all the internships I have had. I know that I am lucky to have been given these opportunities, and that most of them came down to sheer luck rather than qualifications. I am so thankful for them. Thank you.
10. My blue coat. My blue coat is one of my most prized possessions. It is fashionable, warm, and it was very affordable. On top of that, it makes me feel happy, and content whenever I wear it... like good things are meant to happen. I am so thankful for this coat and how it makes me feel.
Thank you, God, for all my blessings in life. I am ever so grateful!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Magic Day 4: Magical Health
Hello everyone!
So, the fourth chapter of The Magic is about Magical Health. The chapter opens with a quotation by Virgil: "the greatest wealth is health." That was something I could relate to because I've been feeling under the weather lately. But the chapter four exercise had me thank God for all my health related blessings: my five senses, my working body, mind, and everything in between. My task was to write "The Gift of Health is Keeping Me Alive" on an index card and keep it someplace I would be likely to notice often. It served as a reminder for me to be thankful throughout the day.
Here is a picture of my index card:
In addition to the Magical Health exercise, I'm still required to count my blessings daily. So, here goes.
1. My home. I am so thankful for my beautiful, comfortable, and spacious home. It gives me and my family shelter, warmth, and security, and for that I am so very thankful!
2. My parents jobs. This is something that I've often overlooked, but my parents provide for me financially, and pay for this house, our cars, our food, water, and everything else. None of that would be possible without their jobs. I am so thankful that my parents have good jobs, especially when the economy is in the state that it is in. Thank you, God.
3. My family's health. My family's health is just as important to me as my own health. I am so thankful that they are healthy and happy!
4. Twitter. I am thankful for twitter because of the amounts of celebrities, businessmen/women, social leaders, etc.. that use it. It allows me to connect with people that I look up to in a much more direct way. I love that, and I am so thankful!
5. RedBox. I'm thankful to redbox and it's revolutionary way of giving me access to new films for such an affordable price. It's because of such innovation that we are all able to have more exposure to culture :)
6. MOOC's. After being academically dismissed, I discovered MOOC's (massive open online courses), which allow me to continue learning at my own pace -- FOR FREE! I am so thankful for this chance to continue my education. Of course, I intend to go back to school to complete my formal education, but in the mean time, MOOC's let me develop skills which help me get jobs to help pay for my formal education.
7. My financial aid for school. I am so thankful for my financial aid which allowed me to attend school in the first place. With the skyrocketing prices of education, financial aid allowed me to experience college, and learn (as much as I did). For that chance, I am ever so grateful.
8. My keyboard. I've wanted to learn to play the piano since middle school, but we could never afford a real one... and my parents never bought me a keyboard piano. But last summer, I finally saved up enough to buy my own. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with the opportunity as it is one of my favorite possessions. I'm not very experienced on it, yet, but one day I hope I will be. I am so thankful!
9. My poetry workshop instructor. He was the first teacher that really believed in me, made me feel special. Unique. Poetry used to seem like a foreign language to me, until that class. I am so thankful for such teachers, who motivate you.
10. My HTML and CSS book. This book is the most useful tool I have in learning about web development. It has so many pictures and such detailed explanations that it makes learning simple. I am so thankful for such a useful book.
Well, that's my Day 4 exercise. I hope everyone else is having a great weekend, and staying positive :)
Silver
So, the fourth chapter of The Magic is about Magical Health. The chapter opens with a quotation by Virgil: "the greatest wealth is health." That was something I could relate to because I've been feeling under the weather lately. But the chapter four exercise had me thank God for all my health related blessings: my five senses, my working body, mind, and everything in between. My task was to write "The Gift of Health is Keeping Me Alive" on an index card and keep it someplace I would be likely to notice often. It served as a reminder for me to be thankful throughout the day.
Here is a picture of my index card:
In addition to the Magical Health exercise, I'm still required to count my blessings daily. So, here goes.
1. My home. I am so thankful for my beautiful, comfortable, and spacious home. It gives me and my family shelter, warmth, and security, and for that I am so very thankful!
2. My parents jobs. This is something that I've often overlooked, but my parents provide for me financially, and pay for this house, our cars, our food, water, and everything else. None of that would be possible without their jobs. I am so thankful that my parents have good jobs, especially when the economy is in the state that it is in. Thank you, God.
3. My family's health. My family's health is just as important to me as my own health. I am so thankful that they are healthy and happy!
4. Twitter. I am thankful for twitter because of the amounts of celebrities, businessmen/women, social leaders, etc.. that use it. It allows me to connect with people that I look up to in a much more direct way. I love that, and I am so thankful!
5. RedBox. I'm thankful to redbox and it's revolutionary way of giving me access to new films for such an affordable price. It's because of such innovation that we are all able to have more exposure to culture :)
6. MOOC's. After being academically dismissed, I discovered MOOC's (massive open online courses), which allow me to continue learning at my own pace -- FOR FREE! I am so thankful for this chance to continue my education. Of course, I intend to go back to school to complete my formal education, but in the mean time, MOOC's let me develop skills which help me get jobs to help pay for my formal education.
7. My financial aid for school. I am so thankful for my financial aid which allowed me to attend school in the first place. With the skyrocketing prices of education, financial aid allowed me to experience college, and learn (as much as I did). For that chance, I am ever so grateful.
8. My keyboard. I've wanted to learn to play the piano since middle school, but we could never afford a real one... and my parents never bought me a keyboard piano. But last summer, I finally saved up enough to buy my own. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with the opportunity as it is one of my favorite possessions. I'm not very experienced on it, yet, but one day I hope I will be. I am so thankful!
9. My poetry workshop instructor. He was the first teacher that really believed in me, made me feel special. Unique. Poetry used to seem like a foreign language to me, until that class. I am so thankful for such teachers, who motivate you.
10. My HTML and CSS book. This book is the most useful tool I have in learning about web development. It has so many pictures and such detailed explanations that it makes learning simple. I am so thankful for such a useful book.
Well, that's my Day 4 exercise. I hope everyone else is having a great weekend, and staying positive :)
Silver
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