More on gratitude

The leftovers are tucked away. We have all eaten our fill. Whether we are snuggling close to our loved ones, friends, or with ourselves, may we hold on to what matters most. If there's anything that we've gathered from this year, it's what's important. Hopefully, we've all arrived at the place where love matters; people matter, and toilet tissue matters, for real. This year, I hope that we are intentional with our purchases and gather ourselves, directing our consumer dollars toward small businesses, who need it most! This year, may we hold gratitude within our hearts, minds, and spirits. Every day, when we awake, may we give thanks for the sunlight that has gifted us with yet another moment with its rays kissing our cheek. May we show gratitude for the air softly dancing through our lungs… Every day, may we rise and accept our purpose as if it is our life's rent for receiving another day upon this earth.

For what are you grateful? How do you show it? This week, my meditative question for you is, What does gratitude feel like?

Lastly, if you are a Recess Room newsletter subscriber, check your inbox. There, you will find some pretty sweet Black Friday deals and promo codes offered from some of my favorite brands and small businesses! If you can, make sure to support!

Practicing Gratitude and Celebration

For our family, the first week of November is a full one, immersed in celebration and love. During November 8-14, we celebrate two birthdays and an anniversary. No, we didn't plan it this way, if that's what you're going to ask. It just is what it is. This year was a bit different. Between our sons' milestone birthdays (Jax age 14 and Jupiter age 2) and our 15th anniversary, we felt a bit of pressure. Considering how 2020 started and the celebration and gratitude that we both wanted to share, we subconsciously felt immense pressure to do the most. For the boys' birthdays, we didn't feel comfortable doing a birthday party due to COVID-19 cases rising again here in Los Angeles. We also couldn't figure out where we wanted to go for our anniversary. We both felt the pressure. Where did we land? I'm glad you asked. Here are a few takeaways on embracing gratitude and letting go of the pressure to do the most.

1. Our therapist applauded us on our grit and commitment to each other during our most recent therapy session. She shared that this week's goal would be to release the pressure of performing some grand gesture of celebrating 15 years. The celebration is simply the showing up with intention and that our anniversary was not confined to one day, and that we make the rules. So, we both decided to plan a getaway in January.

2. The boys' birthdays were the sweetest this year. Jax got his long-coveted jazz bass guitar and amp. Jupiter received more wooden building blocks to knock over. Yes, I am sure that both boys (and us too) would have loved to hang out with our friends, cutting a birthday cake, and celebrating our boys. However, this year we had something even more special. Jon and Jax stayed up all night watching The Matrix movies and eating vegan cobbler. In Jax's eyes, that was better than any birthday party (well, sort of; he's still a teenager).

3. This morning, I woke up to an online conversation between Alicia Keys and Deepak Chopra. They were discussing gratitude. Chopra shared the practice of living in gratitude and how it's different from merely thinking "happy thoughts" or ignoring reality. He shared that living in gratitude is taking an intentional moment, thinking of all the things you are grateful for, and basking yourself within the celebration of it all.

Lastly, I know that times can feel heavy. The way 2020 started for our family felt like nothing short of a dumpster fire. However, I have been in constant awe of how hard times never last always + how joy cometh in the morning. Keep going. Keep pressing. Keep doing the work. It's going to be ok. 

Gratitude

This week marked my 34th year around the sun. I had a blast celebrating my birthday surrounded by some of my closest friends...women whom I admire greatly. My husband, although abroad, organized a relaxing day at the spa for myself and what I like to call my "girl gang".  We had an amazing time getting pampered, talking, and belly laughing. It was a day of "moments" that reminded me of how truly blessed I truly am. I have so much gratitude for the fact that I have wonderful women who surround me. I have to say that there is a reason why I refer to these women as my "girl gang". We support each other and build each other up. For this I am grateful.

I am grateful for my family. I say often that there wouldn't be a #NotSoPrivateParts if it weren't for the support of my husband, Jon. He supports me in a way that goes beyond. He allows me to run content ideas by him, constantly giving his honest opinion. He is truly the best husband, partner, and friend that I could ask for.  I am grateful for our boys. They are the reason why I do what I do. Jaxon has such a gift of encouragement. He is constantly saying, "Mom, you can do it!"... "Mom, you're the best!" (even when I feel like I could do or be better)...I am grateful for my Jedi, my rainbow baby... My children are such a gift. 

I am grateful for the roof over our head, the food in our bellies, and the ability to create. I realize that creativity looks different for everyone. It ebbs and flows like waves pulling us deeper into an ocean of boundless opportunities. For this I am grateful. I am grateful for the courage to step out of the boat and seize these oceans of opportunities... 

With that being said, we all have something to be grateful for. However, is it enough to JUST be grateful? How do we show our gratitude? We say thank you by returning the favor... perhaps by being generous with others. We can even show our gratitude through the products that we choose to purchase on a day to day basis... The companies that we support... With that being said, Cheeky, is one of my favorite "gratitude Products".

"Cheeky® creates modern tableware with a witty spirit to help end hunger. We believe that access to nutritious food is a right, not a privilege. So, for every item you buy, we give a meal through our partnership with Feeding America.*" - Cheeky Team

Cheeky's motto is, "Make mealtime matter"... Its quite simple...You buy one item, Cheeky gives one meal through their partnership with FEEDING AMERICA. Every time that you purchase their plate sets, napkins, or cups, YOU are providing a meal for someone in need. 

CHEEKY was created by Social Entrepreneur, PJ Brice. While strolling through Target's paper goods aisle, he asked himself, “Why are paper plates so plain? Why are the designs so boring? Why don’t they serve a higher purpose?” (cue Aha moment and CHEEKY was birthed.) PJ, along with this Co-Founders, Ido and Lance then created super dope tableware purposed to serve not just food, but hungry people in need.  

Here are the facts:

-According to recent studies, 1 in 7 people right here in the US face hunger everyday. (approx 48 million)

-1 in 5 Kids do not know when they will see their next meal.

-To date, CHEEKY has provided over 8 million meals to those in need. 

"Our paper plates and bowls are made from responsibly forested material and compostable in commercial composting facilities.  All Cheeky products are BPA free." -Cheeky Team

Friendly toward the environment? Check. Non-Toxic? Double Check. Socially conscious? Triple Check. Giving is how we truly show our gratitude. We have the beautiful ability to make our dollars mean something by demonstrating our thankfulness through supporting companies whose core is centered around giving... I truly believe that where your treasure is, your heart will be also... How do you show your gratitude?