Give

ThanksGIVING.

Give thanks. Give love. Give happiness.

Holidays are great to gather, have fun and create memories, but I think they're also a great time to reflect on life. And as Socrates once said, "A unexamined life is not worth living". Learned that once in 9th grade English (Go Langley!).

Each Thanksgiving meal, my family gathers and we go around the table and say what we're thankful for. Basically, we say what have we RECEIVED in the past year that we're thankful for. It's a nice few minutes of sharing and it gets conversations flowing. This year, my mindset is a little different.

What about thinking of ways I can give? Giving to others is way more rewarding than receiving. Isn't it? At least for me it is. Whether it's to donate to a charitable organization or give your time to loved ones, I believe giving warms the heart and soul.

I went through a Chick-Fil-A phase. I loved eating there. Literally. I loved going in, ordering, sitting down and enjoying my meal there. Why? It's fast food. It's just like McDonald's, Wendy's or Burger King. WRONG! Every visit, I was continually impressed by the warm welcome, happy order-taking and homey customer service. Every visit, I sat back, ate my chicken nuggets and waffle fries with Polynesian sauce and just observed the details. Fresh carnation in a vase. Disposable table mats for babies and toddlers. Ketchup packet neatly organized. Being greeted and checked in on by at least 1 manager and 3 employees.

Needless to say, Chick-Fil-A is a well-oiled machine with a great system. I wanted to know more. I was curious. I love a good read when it comes to successful businesses or people. One fine day, I noticed books on the counter. Books that were written by the Chick-Fil-A CEO himself, Truett Cathy. In true Truett Cathy form, he charged a measly $5 for books purchased in-store. "Wealth: Is it Worth it" was the title. I read it in two hours. He attributes his entire success and wealth to...you've got it...GIVING.

My idea of wealth, attaining success and being happy changed. While I am all about becoming wealthy to buy whatever I want and go on fabulous, exotic vacations, I changed my mindset and heart to give more. Doesn't have to be money, but time, energy, thoughts, prayers...those can all be given.

So, as this year comes to an end and I start writing down my 2016 goals (something I do every year), I think I'm going to do things a little differently. I'm going to write a list of what I'd like to give and see where that takes me.

Happy Thanksgiving :)

Power of the Mind

Wedding Speech to Rina

One of my besties, Rina, married the love of her life, Joon, on May 1. I was honored to stand by her side as co-matron of honor. This post is dedicated to Rina and Joon.

My name is Julia and I am Rina's co-matron of honor. I have known Rina since middle school. We attended the same middle school, high school and college. We've journeyed throughout life together. I could not be happier for Rina and Joon. They are a perfect match made in heaven.

When a man looks for a woman to call his wife, he looks for several qualities. He wants a woman who is smart, beautiful, fun, loving and caring. Rina is all those qualities. I've been trying to think of a story that exemplifies all these characteristics and though there are many stories I could tell, there's one that happened rather recently that sticks out in my mind.

Awhile back, we were chatting on the phone and I mentioned to Rina how I wish I had a workout buddy because working out would be so much easier. Her reply? I've an idea. How about I come up right now, sleep over and we'll workout in the morning. For those of you who don't know, I live in a faraway land called Bel Air. It's an hour and a half away. Not a short drive.

Rina came, slept over and sure enough, we worked out in the morning and she went home. She spent a total of 12 hours with me.

I know it's not a big story, but it exudes her best qualities.

Joon, please take care of Rina. If you don't, I know where you live. Oh, and my husband and I both know Taekwondo. I wish you too all the best.

Please raise a glass with me. Cheers! I love you both!

10 Minutes of Sun

With the weather slowly warming and the sun brightly shining, I've been heading outdoors. Since it's still chilly, I stay out for about 10 minutes. It's those 10 minutes that I leave the social media/email/text/worldwideweb world and focus on the simple things in life - fresh air and warm sun. Whether it's taking a walk with Christopher or hanging in our driveway blowing bubbles, basking in the sun seems to be a very happy time.

There are numerous benefits from hanging in the sun, but I'll name my top 3 faves:

1) The sun helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which is needed for bone health and supporting our immune system.

2) Being in the sun makes us HAPPY! Rainy weather makes us feel blah and sunny weather improves our mood.

3) Sun = sleep. I'll vouch for that. Ever recall basking in the sun at the beach and feeling really sleepy? Getting the proper amount of sunlight every day helps us snooze.

Resources: 

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2008/06/23/time-in-the-sun-how-much-is-needed-for-vitamin-d

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-little-known-benefits-of-sunlight.html

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5999/10-Healing-Benefits-of-the-Sun.html

Where to find happiness

Life is Too Short

Music is for the Soul

Motherhood is a blessing and I thank God for providing me with this miracle of a son, Christopher. I am surprised and amazed daily by the things he can do.

Current amazement: dancing! Christopher is about 14 months now and he only recently started dancing. Let me tell you, he can't stop!

Dancing babies has always amazed me. No one teaches a baby how to dance. They just move to music that makes them feel good. Turn on slow music and they move slow. Turn on a fast track, and they're shaking their little booty.

This one song has me and Christopher moving because we're all about that bass ;)

Audrey Hepburn on Happiness

Audrey Hepburn...the epitome of timeless elegance. Oh, Audrey, how I love thee and this quote!