Earlier this year, I took on a challenge to express my gratitude
over the course of one hundred days.The fact that I
finished the challenge is no surprise to me because I knew I would complete it.
What surprised me was how this challenge impacted and changed me.
I think you'd agree that social platforms are flooded with
overwhelming negative information, drama, and not enough positive stories. We spend
more time on the Internet than any previous time, this information is bound to impact us . And it takes a concerted effort every day to see
the positive impact around us because we are bombarded with so much negativity.For example, if you read ten positive
comments on your newsfeeds and one negative comment, it is the negative comment,
which stands out and stays with you longer, right?
Well, this challenge made me more aware of how I was responding
to everyday situations. It provided an opportunity to challenge my thinking. Taking
on the challenge flipped my thinking around because
I found that the more I saw things is a positive light the more positive I
became. It is not about just seeing the good but seeing what is happening
through compassionate eyes. Moreover, I found myself creating more positive
moments if I saw the day being overburdened with negativity.I made a decision to see create the positive I wanted to see and to be grateful for the smallest thing.
However, I've experienced the darkest days of my life during
this challenge. The death of my mother
hit me especially hard. It is difficult to comprehend how someone so important in my life in no longer in my world. Then in May 2016, I watched my family and friends lose everything
to a wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta. My world was changing and not everything was
sunshine and roses. The occurrence in Fort McMurray cemented how different it was going to be without my mom. I am certain some family will be setting up home elsewhere in the Province. No more impromptu family gatherings.
Yet, I turned my mind and my heart to the brighter side of those
darker days. It is not about forcing myself to be delusional or to be an
optimist but more about seeing the good in spite of the bad. As I see it, we
have a choice in how we react to situations.You can either see the positive influences around you or you can be a
victim of your circumstances.
The power and strength are within each of us. Create those positive moments for yourself and
others around you.Be an architect of
your life, create the best life you can dream, and be thankful for each
day.
On January 15, 2016, I joined this challenged to write about being grateful for 100 days. My plan was to blog about it when I completed the
challenge. But instead I decided to post it as I go along. This first post is a bit long, so I promise next time it won't be as long. lol
These two weeks have been very interesting and I find myself actively looking
for the positive in everyday normal events. There are a number of
studies that reveal being grateful is beneficial in numerous ways. I am interested in seeing what this challenge will
reveal to me and about me.
Day 1
I have been inspired by my friend, Jean Cardinal, after reading her 100
days of gratitude posted on Facebook. So, she was the inspiration for taking up this challenge. What an amazing human being she is and
her words have really inspired me. Thus, on my first day, I am grateful for her
and her dedication to inspire others.
Day 2
Annie and Mary
I am grateful that these
two beautiful and lovely ladies, my big sisters, Annie
and Mary. They
never cease to make me feel totally and completely loved. They teach me
gratitude, compassion and acceptance. Thank you, sisters, for always being
there for me.
Day 3
I am thankful for my friend
Lou Corona, for teaching me how to make almond milk. . Ever since I've learned
to make it myself, I have not purchased it from the store. You get so many real
benefits from making it yourself like quality control and satisfaction of doing it yourself. It is fresh and delicious.
Day 4
I am grateful to authors who pour their heart and soul into their books that serve to entertain and
introduce me to powerful characters and compelling stories.
Day 5
My brother Rossi is still struggling with an assault that left him with
permanent damage on January 9th, 2015. He often talks about a our NYC
trip, which I think, is one of his treasured memories. Today, I am
grateful that he is still in my life. I wanted to do something special for him, so I created a memory of our
trip. I ordered the pictures of our trip to be made into a coffee table book for him.
Day 6
I was talking to a friend recently about how our childhood
relationships form our character and how we relate to one another as adults. It
might appear as unusual to be grateful for my experience at Holy Angels
Residence, in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, but I am.It was there that I formed a life long bond
with other students from my community. These years taught me sharing, caring and the meaning of true friendship.
Residential school harborer some really dark secrets that left so
many students broken, as I wrote in a letter that was published in the OttawaCitizen, but I am forever grateful for the life long friendships I have.We may not see each other for
years, but when we meet there is an instant recognition and connection because
of our shared experience.To all the women who were in little girl’s room, I
am so grateful we survived and continue to love and live life to the fullest. Thank you for being my life long friends.
Day 7
I am grateful for my home, which I acknowledge is situated in
Algonquin territory.And the fireplace
that is soothing and comforting while winter is swirling outside. As I look
outside my window I am reminded that I am also sharing the territory the
indigenous animals, the wolf, the deer, and the eagle among others.All I have to do is be aware of my
surrounding to see the natural balance of nature in play.
Just a short while ago the wolves downed a deer and shared their
feast with the crows and a lone eagle. Now, how many people get to see this
drama unfolding outside their window? I am grateful to be reminded of the cycle
of life.
Day 8
A few years ago, when I was volunteering at a Theravada Buddhist
temple, I asked the resident monk to bring me a Buddhist icon when he returned
to Canada from Thailand.I was thinking
a tiny jade Buddha.But instead he gave me a beautiful large bronze Buddha statue.
I am so grateful to have been given such an amazing gift, which
reminds me to be patient, compassionate and forgiving.And to being present in the moment
and living everyday with the choices I make and how I conduct myself with
others.It reminds me that our lives
are both infinitely challenging and infinitely rewarding.
Funny story:I used to drive
this monk around to pay his bills and run errands.One day we were running late and I had to
pick up my son from pre-school. (That is how long ago!)
Because I didn’t have time to drop him off before going to get my son he
came with me to the school.I went into
the school and met another mother, who asked if I wanted to go for tea.I told her I couldn’t because I had a monk in
my car. She said, really, I would like to see. I shrugged my shoulder and said why
not and we walked out to my car.
I
opened the back door so she could see him, and she almost died laughing on the
spot. She said, “when you said monk, I
thought you meant you had a Buddha in your car.” The monk, smiled and bowed his
head, but because he didn’t speak English he couldn't understand why we were
laughing so hard with tears running down our face.True story. J
Day 9
In the face of yesterday’s tragedy in La Loche, I find it difficult
to be grateful for myself when I know so many people are dealing with
unimaginable pain.
But I am grateful that I am able to meditate on loving kindness. It is occasions such as these that we need to breathe, focus and pray
for those directly affected by this horrific tragedy. Because whether we are directly involved or
not we have been affected by what happened. Two of my blogging friends have elegantly blogged about the incident. Here and here. I am grateful for their insights.
Day 10
Aunt Marie
I am grateful today and everyday for my one
and only aunty. My aunt Marie demonstrates her love for us through her cooking;
she is an excellent cook. Not only that but she has a wealth of knowledge on
traditional ceremony and our Dene language. She does not have email or go on Facebook,
so she is one of the few people where our communication is either in person or by
calling her landline.Yes, no texting
with that old chick because she does not have a cell phone.I try to ensure that not too much time goes
by between our chats. She is indeed an exquisite and precious gem. I
love her dearly. She is not perfect, but in
my eyes she is extraordinary. I am grateful that she is
part of my life journey.
Day 11
I am grateful for friends who
see something so phenomenal in their friends that they want to introduce them
to each other.Yesterday evening I had an amazing conversation with someone who
was introduced to me by my good friend, Vik.
During our conversation Tanyss asked me how I knew vik, which took me down memory lane. This line of introductions
started when I first moved to Ottawa, over 20 years ago. I moved to Ottawa to take a position with the Federal Government to establish the Indian Claims Commission. I
barely knew anyone in Ottawa at the time. I decided to try to find someone in
the transcendental community so that I can at least continue my meditation with
a group. I called the TM office. Incredibly, Moneca who answered my call was a
former resident of Edmonton. So we had that in common. Not only that she was
also a person who was active in establishing landmark education in Ottawa. I
had taken a number of courses by that time and was familiar with landmark. We
had many long and deep conversations.
Moneca is an extraordinary woman, who is currently in Africa taking
a Landmark course and making a difference to students there. A few years ago, she said, you need to meet Vik, he is
amazing! I called Vik, and we had the
most incredible conversation.He is not
only a graduate of Landmark Education but is a principle owner of UnstoppableConversations. We ended up doing business together. If you want to make a
difference in your life, your work, and in the world, this is the company to contact.
Vik, Introduced me to Tanyss. Tanyss’ intention is to transform a
school in northern Alberta into a place where students will discover their
extraordinary self and soar. After what happened in La Loche, we need to
envision a new reality for First Nations schools.
Thank you Moneca for introducing me to Vik, and thank you Vik for
introducing me to Tanyss.
Day 12
Matcha with gold flecks
At times, I find myself, so grateful for the little things in my
life. For example, to simply enjoy a perfect cup of matcha tea whilst listening to music.
Day 13
I am grateful for friends who remind me of music I've forgotten about, And at this moment for Tchaikovsky’s timeless and
beautiful music, which I listened to again, after reading the above link. Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique” op.74, was written during Tchaikovsky’s difficult period.I’ve heard somewhere that someone asked could
music save your mortal soul? Listen to this piece and you might have your
answer. Watch out for 11:11 Boom!
14 days
On January 27th, I received a gift in the mail. It was a beautiful pair of
naturally smoked moose hide moccasin. They fit perfectly, like my feet are
getting a warm snug hug. Nothing trumps
receiving an unexpected present.I don’t
usually get gifts out of the blue like this and this was a teaching moment for
me. It taught me to be humble and to accept the gift with graciousness but at
the same time, to allow myself to feel worthy.
I immediately called the person who sent it to me to thank her and I
got another gift.
The gift of laughter!Never
fails, she always makes me laugh. She has a quick wit that comes out of
nowhere. Sharing a laugh really does make you feel connected. It is good
medicine.According to an article from
the Mayo Clinic, a good laugh has great short and long-term effects. I
encourage you to call a friend and share a good laugh. I am grateful for these gifts.
However, I've experienced the darkest days of my life during
this challenge. The death of my mother
hit me especially hard. It is difficult to comprehend how someone so important in my life in no longer in my world. Then in May 2016, I watched my family and friends lose everything
to a wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta. 
