30 Days of Gratitude: Writing (Day 30)

Today is the last day in my 30 Days of Gratitude series here at Certainly Candid. It's been a fun 30 days of writing, but I will be glad to return to writing book reviews and cultural posts. That being said, I will continue to be grateful for the things life has given me.

Writing (Day 30)

I am grateful for these 30 Days of Gratitude and the writing it has allowed me. Sure, there were days when I hit a writer's block, but daily writing has helped me. It has also shown me that even in my busy life, I can make the time for writing.

I am grateful for writing and my blog here at Certainly Candid, as well as the writing I do for GenTwenty. As I continue to work on my side novel projects, I am happy that I have the opportunity to do something I love everyday (and hope for the day that I can be published!).

Finally, I am grateful for all of you lovely readers who continue to read the writing I do online. You are the best.

Even though November is now over, stay grateful.

30 Days of Gratitude: What's in a name? (Day 29)

Have you ever thought about your name? If it has family significance, or if your parents chose it because they liked it for various reasons? Is it a name that has been in your family for generations, or something more modern?

What's in a name? (Day 29)

I love my name. Olivia. It's simple, yet elegant. It dates back many centuries. Being the nerd that I am, I love that I can read Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (one of my favorites!) and see that Olivia was a name in Shakespearean times. As a result (and again, nerd speaking here), I think I was destined to be an English teacher.

I am grateful for my name. Growing up, I was the only Olivia in my class. Not kidding. The only time I ever had another Olivia in class with me was junior year of college (when I was twenty). The name is rising in popularity to be sure, but in my day and age, it was a rare name.

I am grateful for the interactions that have occurred as a result of my name. I've had many people, when I'm first introduced, say, "Oh I love the name Olivia! It's so pretty!" I also like that there are a few nicknames associated with it. Liv. Livi. My little cousins used to call me Livi because Olivia, being the 4-syllables it is, can be a mouthful for a kid. I've never minded Liv or Livi, even though most people simply call me Olivia.

Finally, I am grateful that my name is easily spelled (I feel bad for the people who have to go to coffee shops and spell their name 3+ times before the barista gets it right) and that there are some famous Olivias out there. Olivia de Havilland, the famous actress. Olivia Newton-John, the singer (Grease, anyone?). Olivia Langdon Clemens, wife of famous writer Mark Twain. And the more modern figures: Olivia Wilde, Olivia Munn, Olivia Palermo.

Good work, parents. I'm grateful for my name. 

30 Days of Gratitude: The Lazy Mornings (Day 28)

I can't remember the last time where I woke up past 9AM, sat around in my PJs sipping coffee, and watched "Kelly and Michael" on TV. My life is so busy most days (and I love it!) but I also love the rare lazy mornings.

The Lazy Mornings (Day 28)

I'm a very motivated individual most of the time. My life revolves around the personal motto of: If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself.

But some days, it is nice to be lazy (for lack of a better term). Sure, I have a million other things I could be doing this morning, but for the sake of my well-being I'm going to take the next 1-2 hours to just do something I love. Read. Play the piano. Decorate. Whatever it may be.

I am grateful for the lazy mornings off. They are rare, and because of that, I savor them. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of my teenage years (or even college years!) when these days were more frequent, but then I think of the life I live now and wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Finally, I am grateful for the lazy mornings because they allow me to relax before the hectic busy days begin again. I have more energy to tackle the early mornings, the meetings, the days of never-sitting-down, the early evening rehearsals, only to go home and grade papers, cook supper, and clean the apartment. It's a never-ending process, but deep down, I love every minute of it.

Do you have lazy mornings in your life?

30 Days of Gratitude: Happy Thanksgiving! (Day 27)

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers and friends! I hope today finds you happy, blessed, and safe if you are traveling. Enjoy the day with your family and friends, and remember to give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving! (Day 27)

While yes, today is Thanksgiving (which for some, would logically mark the end of this series), I will still be continuing the final 3 days in the 30 Days of Gratitude series here at Certainly Candid. There is always more we can be thankful for.

I am grateful for Thanksgiving itself. It is a reminder for me to slow down and enjoy life, if only for the day. I'm a very busy person, and the holidays remind me to take joy in the everyday things.

Finally, I am grateful for Thanksgiving because it lets me enjoy the anticipation of my favorite holiday: Christmas! Even though one holiday will be over today, another is soon on its way.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your blessings be endless.

30 Days of Gratitude: Memories (Day 26)

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. - Dr. Seuss

I'm only a twenty-something, but I have so many memories of so many pivotal moments in my life. Reading my first book. Learning how to ride a bike. Moving away from one city to a new one. Family gatherings. Fireworks on Independence Day. I valued those moments, just as I now value the memories they have left in their place.

Memories (Day 26)

I am grateful for the memories. They make me recall a moment in time when I was happy, sad, joyful, or any other myriad of emotions. I love the memory of my students welcoming me back with hugs, cards, and loud voices after a 3-week hospital ordeal my first year of teaching. I recall the exhilarating memory of riding my bike down gravel hills with no hands on the handlebars. I savor the memory of endless laughs with my family from game nights of Quelf, or Guesstures, or Clue.

I am grateful for the memories because they help me during hard times. They remind me that life has ups and downs, and to cherish the good times so I can look back with a smile. I am grateful for the memories showing me the power of friendship, of love, and of freedom.

Finally, I am grateful for the memories because they provide awesome stories to connect with people. We aren't so different, and sharing our memories helps us interact with others on a daily basis.

Be grateful for the memories.

30 Days of Gratitude: The Conversations (Day 25)

I talk. A lot. Shout-out to my freshman year college roomie (you know who you are!) who I am still friends with almost 8 years later: I recall her saying she was nervous about meeting me before classes started in the fall of 2007 because she didn't know what to expect. But years later, she confided in me that I set her at ease and was "talkative and bubbly."

I'm a firm believer in open-ended conversations, and I think it is a trait I get from one side of the family. I once had a lovely conversation with an elderly lady at Target about the best types of artificial Christmas trees (she asked for an opinion on something, and being the only other person in the aisle, we had a lovely chat!). But I also try really hard to be a good listener. After all, conversations are a two-way street of talking and listening.

The Conversations (Day 25)

I am grateful for the conversations that I have every day in life. I love that I have people to talk to - and listen to - every day. Whether it be the silly conversations I have with my students, the meaningful conversations with friends, or the serious conversations with coworkers, I learn so much from these daily interactions.

I am grateful for the conversations because they teach me about people's dreams and wishes, backgrounds and fears. You'd be surprised how much you can learn about people, and starting by sharing something that is happening in your life is a great way to connect with others. I'd bet they'll share something with you too.

Finally, I am grateful for the conversations because it reminds me that we really aren't so different as people. Sure, we don't always agree, but we also have a lot of commonalities.

Have the important, the silly, the helpful, and the meaningful conversations.

30 Days of Gratitude: The Chords (Day 24)

I wrote about music and my piano in a few other posts during this 30 Days of Gratitude series here at Certainly Candid. Today focuses on one of my other instruments: guitar.

The Chords (Day 24)

Some days I find it strange that I stuck with flute, a woodwind instrument, instead of violin, a string instrument. I enjoyed my time in orchestra, and if I have a musical regret, it is that I didn't continue with violin (perhaps this can be a resolution for 2015, to start playing again).

In college, I picked up the guitar as a fun "teach myself the basics" instrument. Having an extensive musical background already, I figured I'd enjoy it. I was right. I am grateful for my guitar. It's a fun instrument that travels easily (unlike a piano, which is my favorite instrument!).

I am grateful for my parents for giving me a beautiful acoustic guitar. Instruments are expensive, and I am blessed to own four different instruments thanks to many kind individuals.

I am grateful for my guitar because it reminds me that all things take work and perseverance. Even with years of extensive piano instruction, building up calluses and learning the chords for guitar took time. I'm still working on it!

Do you play an instrument you are grateful for?