Write it out

Today I’m happy about: writing it out. Maybe one day when I’m brave enough I’ll share a totally free write diary entry like one I wrote today, but until then, I am still so grateful for the power of writing.
Earlier today I was feeling insecure and getting very anxious and stuck in my own head, but I didn’t want that to happen so I decided to journal and get out all the negative thoughts I was having, on paper. After I finished writing for maybe 10 minutes, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders and I could breathe again. The rest of the day I was extremely productive in doing a massive project I have due soon, and I know it’s because I freed up my mind to focus in what I needed to.

Happy Small Business Saturday!
I didn’t do any shopping today since I had my nose stuck in the books, but did you support any small businesses today? I’ll probably hit up my favorite local coffee shop tomorrow afternoon to celebrate. 🙂

Love,
Happiness Starts here

Leftovah Lovah

Today I’m happy about: eating some awesome leftovers from Thanksgiving! My framily (friend-family) cooked so much for our feast yesterday that we were all sent home with plates of food to get us through the weekend. I am obsessed with putting leftover roasted turkey in veggie sautées or scrambles and this year was no exception.

And cranberry sauce on anything?
YES.

Happy Black Friday! I didn’t venture out of the house because I have a ton of studying to catch up on, but I felt pretty productive today despite frequent Vampire Diaries breaks. Yes. I’ve admitted I’m addicted and I’m not ashamed.

Did you score any great deals at the shops? Anyone go at midnight? The times I’ve gone in the past I usually stop by at a couple places in the late afternoon since I really can’t stand shopping in huge crowds- takes the fun out of browsing!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here

Thankful

Today I’m happy about: having the wonderful opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with my newly found Boston family! This was my first year being away from home for the holiday but it could not have been more perfect. We all brought dishes from our own backgrounds and shared amazing food and stories, and even had a treacherous game of Spoons going after dessert!

I am so thankful for my family and friends, and to have a healthy body that allows me to enjoy all the beautiful things about this life, whether it’s singing, eating, traveling, spending time with loved ones, reading a book, or laughing. I feel so blessed to have so many things to be happy about.

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday with people who make you feel loved and happy. Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here

Cambridge exploration

Today I’m happy about: receiving an adorable Thanksgiving card from my parents. They are so sweet and thoughtful and their words and little care package were perfect on this rainy day.

I also managed to get in my last-minute grocery shopping for Turkey Day- I’ll be cooking up some roasted butternut squash and brussel sprouts that I found at the Harvest Co-Op in Cambridge. Where I also managed to find super cheap oat bran and cereal that I had lost hope of buying in bulk!

After a great appointment with my therapist I stopped by the incredible Life Alive cafe and grabbed an Explorer salad to go. Holy yum!! That salad was a taste explosion in my mouth and I so did not want it to end. I’ll be having dreams about that salad.

Hope you’re off to a wonderful start for the short holiday break! Be safe if you or your loved ones are traveling!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here

Pushing past what’s comfortable

Today I’m happy about: pushing myself.

Pushing myself to go to the gym even though it was freezing outside, and having a bomb.com workout to boot!

Pushing myself to write about the uncomfortable things I felt over the weekend before going to bed last night so I could wake up refreshed.

Pushing myself to use my optimism for myself and not just for others.

Pushing myself out of my strict food rules and savoring a delicious hot apple cider this afternoon before my doctor’s appointment, and eating carbs at EACH meal today because this morning I worked out legs. HARD.

I am thankful for all these opportunities to look at things with a different perspective because I want to grow and live my most fulfilled life, every day!

How did you push yourself today? What are you proud of yourself for accomplishing today?

Happy Tuesday, and official Thanksgiving break for me!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here

Double-Checking isn’t just for 2nd graders

Today I’m happy about: being a double-checking student- I submitted the wrong assignment to my online class yesterday, and had worked on it for hours before turning it in. Luckily this morning, I was going through my past assignments and realized it in time to correspond with my professor to get an extension to turn in the correct assignment! Oof what a stressful few emails that was, but I am SO happy I keep my work so I was able to re-do it correctly!
It seems like such a small thing, but when you’ve worked hard on something you feel proud of the product, and realizing I had completely screwed up I wanted to make sure my work wasn’t for nothing.

I’ve had a pretty great Monday so far regardless, complete with a truly fabulous voice lesson earlier.

I hope your Monday is going wonderfully! Only one more day of class and then this girl’s on break!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here

Baby it’s seriously cold outside

Today I’m happy about: putting on my five layers of clothing this morning and going to the gym! What a way to get my day going! Although it is literally below freezing here in Boston, the crisp air feels wonderful and rejuvenating. I’m not sure I’ll still feel that way in a couple months when it’s below zero every day, but for now I’m savoring it.

Last night my room mates and I celebrated one’s belated birthday with the best combination: a couple bottles of Prosecco, gourmet Neapolitan pizza and a screening of Love Actually. It was the perfect ending to a busy week and we all agreed that the holiday season can not come soon enough! I am such a Christmas lover, I am giddy with excitement and anticipation!!

What did you treat yourself to this weekend? It’s so important to honor our smaller accomplishments on a regular basis to keep ourselves motivated and feeling fulfilled.

Happy Sunday!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here

November Scenes

Today I’m happy about: having a successful performance of our department’s scenes this afternoon. It was wonderful to see what everyone came up with in their specific scenes, and to be able to see how everyone made each character their own and created a lovely production. Congratulations to everyone for a fun run!

What are you doing this weekend? I’m celebrating a friend’s birthday tomorrow!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here

Chia seeds

Today I’m happy about: chia seeds! These little grains are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as fiber to help keep me full from breakfast to lunch. I’ve been tossing a spoonful of them into my morning oats as they’re cooking on the stove top and the chia seeds add a wonderful pudding-y consistency to my creamy oats and I don’t get hungry immediately after finishing my bowl of oatmeal! Now THAT is a power breakfast!

What is your go-to breakfast when you’ve got a busy morning ahead?

Happy Thursday!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here

Homemade is better

Today I’m happy about: having time to come and eat lunch during my school day and enjoying a lovely (and short!) recital by fellow singers at the university. I managed to pack so much into this day because one of my appointments across town was cancelled, and it just allowed me the time to accomplish everything I needed to.

Happy hump day!

Love,
Happiness Starts Here