Sunday Service - Gratitude

I have always been far removed from the idea of a Sunday service or spirituality practice -- going to church, going to youth group, volunteering, etc. It seems as though many people, mostly those with a strong family dynamic, make an effort to participate in these types of activities one day a week -- Sunday. This was never part of my upbringing. I never went to church. I never belonged to youth group. I was always encouraged to develop my own morals and ideas. To see things differently. Individualism was highly encouraged.

Although it has not always come easy to me, I'm glad that I have had an opportunity to explore my own beliefs and develop my own spirituality practices. It has helped me better understand myself as an individual as well as my contribution to this beautiful world. The independence has allowed me to explore things stronger and deeper than myself. For that I'm grateful.

Sunday Service: Gratitude

"In daily life, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy."

32 things I love (credit to the lovely Tiffany Josephs for the gratitude chart):

Body:
1. My skin. I take pride in having good skin and always stick to a thorough skin-care regimen.
2. My hair. I thank mama for this one. I got some good locks!
3. My figure. It's kind of sexy. But I put in effort to take care of my body! Eating healthy and exercising is SO important.
4. Hazel eyes. My eyes have changed color a bit over the years, but their color is so unique and beautiful.
5. Dat ass dough. Haha. Trishy will get this.
6. My birthmark on my leg. It looks like a buffalo. I believe in signs - I always knew I belonged in Colorado ;)
7. My feet -- they support me EVERY single DAY.
8. My nose. It's a little Jewish - but I still love it.

Service:
1. I love teaching yoga. It is a service to others. I'm so happy to share this with others.
2. Compassion. Showing compassion and love for others is a service to the world. And in today's world, there's definitely not enough. Share the love!
3. Empowerment. Challenging students in yoga class is so rewarding to me. I love empowering people to feel strong - both mentally and physically.
4. Taking care of myself. Self-care and self love is so important. You must take care of yourself in order to show up with intention and take care of others. Do the world a favor and give yourself a little love.
5. Volunteering. I don't do near enough of it. What a great way to give back what I have been given. I way to provide for the less fortunate. I'm grateful for this opportunity and want to get more involved.
6. Gratitude. Just what this post is all about. I'm grateful for the feeling and service of gratitude.
7. Kindness. Small acts of kindness will change the world. Be kind today. tomorrow. and every day.
8. Connection. We are all in it together on this planet. Whether you realize it or not, we are all one and the sum of our parts is MUCH stronger than any individual human being. Make powerful connections that will change the world. Be intentional and the rest will follow.

Home: 
1. Lets start with the basics. I have a warm shelter to go home to every night. So many people go their entire lives without that.
2. I get to call Breckenridge my home. One of the most beautiful places on Earth.
3. My mattress. My bed in general. It's so cushy and comfy.
4. My vitamix and my juicer. Love making yummy nutritious beverages in those things!
5. My massive TVs that I barely watch - haha - tv has never really been my thing. But love me some HGTV :)
6. My warm shower. Another thing many people go without. Nothing like that post-shower freshy fresh feeling.
7. The community hot tub. I have met so many great people in that tub. Great place to meet and greet people to my favorite place on Earth.
8. The pace and mentality of the surrounding people. It takes a certain type of person to live in the mountains and I have so much respect for people who chase happiness instead of money.

Relationships:
1. My pops. He's my biggest fan. I'm not sure where I would be without him.
2. My friends. Each and every one of them. Whether close or just an acquaintance, I have some amazing people in my life.
3. My ability to cultivate connection and friendship. It has always come easy to me. I love people. And I LOVE spending time with good people.
4. Inspiration. So many of my relationships in my life provide me inspiration. My people make me a better person. That is so important.
5. Connection. I have a knack for connecting people. Being resourceful.
6. Emotional connection. I am learning so much about emotions lately. They are such a strong force. Share the good ones!
7. Mom's presence. She really knows how to light up a home!
8. My relationship with myself. We all have our days. The days that nothing is enough - we focus too much on what is not rather than what is. But the powerful days - the days when my mind, body, and heart are all in alignment - watch out!!

So that's my Sunday service. My spiritual practice. Gratitude is the key to happiness. Be grateful!
Be bold. Be brilliant. Be beautiful.

XO
J

Learning to Fly

Writing helps me collect my thoughts when I am struggling to form cohesive intentions. It's like a form of expression that helps me understand me. Similar to yoga, it helps me free my soul. The mind is one of the most powerful things in the world. I often sit with thoughts and wonder "am I the only person in the universe feeling this way." I recognize how powerful the mind is, and most days my mind gets me closer to my dreams, but some days there's just no hope. It's the hopeless days that help me grow. They make me slow down. Slow down to speed up. They force me to be raw and show gratitude. They force me to be the best version of myself.

So I'm slowing it down. Soaking it in. Learning to fly.