Britt's November Challenge, Day 30: The GIFT of friends and Family.

Wow. What an amazing month it has been. When I think back over the past 30 days of gratefulness, one thing that sticks out to me is how fortunate I am for my family and friends. I have the most incredible support system any girl could ever ask for. 

This holiday season I have the opportunity to "adopt a family."   And, today I just received the description of my family, their needs, the life they live all on top of a child with a mental illness. I am so grateful to be able to provide for this family this Christmas.  Although monetarily, it might not be much, my presence with the family, my prayer and the little gifts and food that I can provide, I know will mean the world to them.  I often times find myself getting overwhelmed by all the "stuff" during the holidays, it's as if we get sucked into all the "bells and whistles", and forget about the true meaning of Christmas.  I am excited to step back from it all a bit this year and give. 

I hope you all enjoyed Britt's November Challenge! 

Stay tuned, Rach will be back in action VERY SOON!!

So much love to you all, 

Britt

Britt's November Challenge, Day 28: Path and Passion

Today I had an interaction with an employee who when I asked for her assistance, she was everything but helpful.  She snapped back at me as if my question was ridiculous and then proceeded to roll her eyes, raise her voice all the while, I am standing back looking at her, silently listening.  I thought to myself,  "I feel really bad for you lady.  It must be really terrible to have to work in a place that you absolutely hate and to assist customers in finding what they need, when you absolutely despise customer service.  Maybe I just caught you at a bad time? Who knows."    It makes me sad to see people working their day to day job because they have to and hating every moment of it.  These people are not living their best lives and have lost complete control over their emotions and happiness.  Unfortunately, on occasion, innocent bystanders have to witness these individuals frustrations and anger towards life, that can be easily set off my a simple question.

This interaction made me extremely grateful that I have whole heartedly found the best career path for me.  I feel extremely fortunate to have found my true passion in life and to be actively pursuing the path to get there, I recognize, after today, this path and passion is a gift.

Check out this quick 3 minute video, shared by my good friend Alex, that addresses the infamous question, "If money was no object, what would you do?" Take some time to think, money really is only an object, there are no limits, you can do anything you set your mind to. 

Britt's November Challenge, Day 27: Sunrises

This morning's remarkable sunrise really sucked me in--I often times find myself pinching my forearm, to make sure the beauty in the world is actually real and not just a dream. Today was one of those mornings where I stopped dead in my tracks, whipped out the IPhone and snapped a photo, that was barely able to capture it, but at least I took a good mental snapshot.  On mornings like this, when I am completely taken back and humbled by God's creation in a sunrise, I often start thinking about my life.  This morning, while gazing into the sunrise I thought about how I used to be so diligent about goal setting and holding myself accountable for specific things I wanted to attain.   I recognize that I have fallen short this year and in many areas failed in holding myself to a higher standard.  So today, with the help of a sunrise, I am recommitting myself to 1 year, 5 year and 10 year goals in personal, career, social and the spiritual areas of my life.  I am grateful for today's incredible sunrise and recommitting myself to goal setting.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 26: Me.

Mother Teresa said it best, be yourself, never stray from what you believe just to please other people, do good, be honest. Today I am grateful for me, the person that God created me to be, and the people in my life that challenge me to stick to my true self.

Britt's November challenge, Day 25: Cool weather=productivity.

I am grateful for cool, crisp days in Colorado.  Days like today are great for many reasons. First, I am really productive in my school work because this weather really forces me to stay inside.  Next, on days like today, I clean. This is a great thing for me, because I often find myself putting this fun activity off for as long as humanely possible. Finally, today in particular, this weather keeps me inside shopping all the CyberMonday deals and steals! (it's more just "window shopping" for me, buy hey, there are some great christmas ideas!)  One more thing, I cook! This weather makes me want to stay inside, bake cookies, prepare grilled cheese and tomato soup, and eat, eat, eat.

So here's to Colorado winter upon us (hopefully) and a day of productivity!

Britt's November Challenge, Day 24: Peace and Quiet

It's simple, but true, sometimes I really enjoy peace and quiet (but only sometimes :) ).  It's even more of miracle to find this place of serenity in a coffee shop. A booth to myself, a fresh mate latte, computer, and the sun gazing in through the window, now that is the perfect combination for a day of  productivity. I am grateful.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 23: My incredible grandparents

Austin, me and CJ and Grandpa George

I love you Grandpa!

Finishing off his soup, like a champ!

Last night, my grandfather turned 81 years old, the man doesn't look a day over 65 years old, nor does he act it! Today, I am so incredibly grateful to still be able spend quality time with my healthy grandparents who are able to travel to CO and visit every year, walk around the mall for 8 hours, go to movies, stay out late, dance, laugh, throw thanksgiving dinner parties, be silly in public and so much more.  My CJ and Grandpa are truly one of a kind and I am so grateful to call them my grandparents. I can only hope I am this awesome in 60+ years!

Britt's November Challenge, Day 22: Health

One of the many reasons I love being home during the holidays is the quality and quantity of food that is consumed.  My awesome mom is on this major "health kick" and has a new found love of "juicing."  Every morning she combines kale, chard, spinach, ginger, celery, apples and lemon into her Omega juicer and in no time, the little machine squeezes out all the nutrients from each leafy vegetable ready for consumption!

I was spoiled and this morning my mom prepared one of this amazing green drinks that left me feeling energized, healthy, cleansed and ready to take on the craziness of Black Friday at the mall!

On day 22, I am grateful for the access I have to such nutrient filled breakfast green blends, and a mom with such a passion of sharing her concoction that really, "does a body good!"

Britt's November Challenge, Day 21: God's Grace

Today I am thankful for God's grace. I would not be half the woman I am today without God's overwhelming love he exudes on me and all people who allow Him into their heart.

This Thanksgiving, while spending time with family and friends, I am reminded of how unbelievably blessed I am for the people in my life. Holidays are often a beautiful reminder of this, while everyone comes together, telling stories, showing photos, catching up on old times. It's refreshing to say the least, a chance for everyone to slow down from their busy lives and come together in love for one another.

"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." -Hebrew 7:25

Britt's November Challenge, Day 20: Art. Van Gogh.

Today my family and I had the privilege of going to the Denver Art Museum to see the Becoming of Van Gogh exhibit.  I am so appreciative of the different types of people in this world with talents that are beyond my level of understanding and creativity. The variance of traits and talents people bring to this world are incredible. Today, I was able to witness Van Gogh's ability to depict such stunning scenery, people and lifestyles in a picture. So, on day 20, I am grateful for people's artistic talent that I am able to appreciate. 

Britt's November Challenge, Day 19: Perspective

Day 19, I am grateful for perspective; specifically, my perspective on life. To be in the middle of what might seem like a dark cloud of your life and still see light is not an easy task.  I am grateful to have been raised and surrounded by people who are able to do this, practice and share this art.  It's a simple equation really, your perspective on the circumstances of your life is a direct reflection on the quality of your life. You are the only person in charge of making changes in your life. You are competent and capable. Everyone has "those days," I challenge you to practice changing your perspective on life the next time the dark cloud is overhead, shift your focus and "see the light" it is there for you, you are strong enough to get through it, so prove it.

Britt's November Challenge, Day 18: The United States

Last night I finally got the chance to watch the movie, Obama's America 2016. I won't go into too much detail, but it was eyeopening and disturbing to say the least. There is a lot that we, as Americans, don't know about Obama and much of it has been ignored by the American media that is of serious concern.  The most disturbing part of the film, was the talk of the past and future of the US economy and the interview with Obama's half brother who lives in Kenya. I highly suggest, Democrats and Republicans alike see this film, it is educational and brought some insight into political topics that are most of the time, way over my head.

Despite the unsettling nature this film left me and my stomach with last night, I am grateful to live in an amazing, innovative, free country that we call the United States of America.