http://people.tribe.net/2beb11ab-047c-4bab-8360-f99bbe26e86e/blog Tribe.net. Local Connections http://people.tribe.net/2beb11ab-047c-4bab-8360-f99bbe26e86e/blog/b2fb0dfe-4e7a-4a4e-94f1-29c0c3370ee3 <div> Today is yet another day in the chapter of this amazing thing we call life. But, everyday is something more substantial than "yet another day". I find myself now in the embraces of a life that I had only imagined for myself in youthful dreams on hot summer days. As the sun breaks high over the mountain peaks, I stop to think of all the things, people, places, and days that I am thankful for. All of the moments and experiences whether good or bad that have led me to this point, this space in my life, to this person that I am. And I AM grateful. Its amazing how the little things that make our lives so grand can slip by us unnoticed in the fast paced world we live in. The hustle and bustle of work, life, and sometimes even play that doesn't allow us time to really stop and notice the world around us. In reality, however, it is only us that stop ourselves from leading the life we choose, and appreciating the life we lead. I have been fortunate to find a place, a family, a home where this is not only not the case, but we manage the complete opposite. When was the last time you got up with the sunrise? When was the last time you noticed the mountains with more than a passing glance? When was the last time you had an adventure only because its good for the soul? When was the last time you told the world how much you loved life simply with a smile? Are you too busy to stop and appreciate all the things you love? Because if this is the case... stop... breathe... sit down for five minutes and actually take it all in. We are all leading the most amazing lives that the Universe can imagine for us, or that we can imagine for ourselves. Don't let yourself be lost in the things you don't have, or the things you can't do... Lose yourself in the things that bring you joy, the things you want to learn, all of the possibilities of an endless world where you decide to be the person you choose. Why not choose to be Happy? This is where all the dreams of my subconscious mind and all the ideas of my waking wants and needs have landed me. I choose this life, this space, this HAPPINESS. And I refuse to settle for anything less than exactly what I love, which is easy because I choose to love every moment of every day. Thank you to the day, for dawning once again. Thank you to the night, for bringing me the stars. Thank you to my family for loving me unconditionally. Thank you to my friends for understanding and appreciating me. Thank you to the world for being everything I could have hoped. And thank you to everyone who stopped today, and took just one moment to be thankful.</div> Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:23:07 GMT http://people.tribe.net/2beb11ab-047c-4bab-8360-f99bbe26e86e/blog/b2fb0dfe-4e7a-4a4e-94f1-29c0c3370ee3 Shawna 2009-02-20T20:23:07Z