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Celebrate Even When I Don't Feel Like It


Today is supposed to be a post about celebrating. I'm not in a celebrating mood. Why? You can read about it here, if you like. I think the beauty of this challenge is days like today. Rising to celebrate when you don't want to, so here goes...

 I celebrate all things peppermint!  Peppermint cookies, peppermint coffee, peppermint bath gel, peppermint lip balm...it's one of my favorite flavors and scents! 

 I celebrate Bella. I boarded Bella for six days. She was a bit stand-offish when I first picked her up, but that didn't last. Now, she can usually be found right by my side...except when she's sleeping in her new favorite spot: in front of the front door. (Is that a message to me?)

I celebrate RISK, my OLW for 2014. I've done things I was scared to do because of this word. I've put myself out there and said, "Yes!" when I might have said no. Risk has been a terrific OLW. 

 I celebrate painting. It's been awhile since I painted. Yesterday I spent some time getting back into it and it makes me feel alive and joy-filled. 

 See...it works. Searching for reasons to celebrate brings me joy and helps me see all I have. Thank you Ruth for this weekly link-up. 
What are you celebrating today?

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  1. Ruth AyresNovember 29, 2014 at 6:59 AM

    Michelle,
    Your celebrations are beautiful, especially in the face of hard. Thanks for still celebrating in the midst of the hard.
    Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amy RuddNovember 29, 2014 at 7:42 AM

    Michelle, I read your post linked above. I left a comment there. I love how your writing and honoring your little celebrations seemed to cheer you as you wrote. I bet Bella is glad you are back!

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  3. MariaNovember 29, 2014 at 8:23 AM

    Michelle, I love that you continue to celebrate and that you had to search for them. My OLW: choice has played a huge part of my life for 2014. I am thankful that you shared your story this week even when it wasn't easy.

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  4. KendraNovember 29, 2014 at 8:42 AM

    Michelle, you are so wise and honest! (Why I keep reading your blog...) I was just listening to a podcast about choosing joy and celebration and how it results in gratitude and an outpouring of joy. It biologically shifts the brain. (Do you know of Ann Voskamp? I'm really starting to dig her stuff.) I'm honoring your celebrations by adding another spoon of peppermint mocha creamer to my coffee this morning. And I love Bella pictures. Thank you for sharing this week.

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  5. Margaret SimonNovember 29, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    Your friendship and strong attitude of gratitude are special to me. I'm so glad we met and spent some time together. Yes, when you live in gratitude, you always find a way to celebrate.

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  6. Holly MuellerNovember 29, 2014 at 10:22 AM

    I'm glad you celebrated even when you didn't want to - that was me last week! I went to your link and commented there, too. Peppermint and painting - sounds like a title to something. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Amanda VillagómezNovember 29, 2014 at 11:12 AM

    Before my OLW was gratitude and it helped me to focus on the celebrations regardless of how I was feeling, and it really prompted a shift in the way I perceive things and the choices I make with the different events in my life. Of course, sometimes panic and stress and strong emotions still set in and it takes a bit to remember that. I am glad that you decided to celebrate. I enjoyed reading your reflections on your OLW. I am thinking about my OLW for 2015.

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  8. TaraNovember 29, 2014 at 1:41 PM

    You find celebrations everywhere, Michelle - it's a gift, my friend.

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  9. JulieanneNovember 29, 2014 at 1:47 PM

    I always leave your posts feeling a strong sense of gratitude. Not just radiating off of you but influencing my own sense of gratitude. . I'm grateful to know you through your blog's words. And so grateful we got to spend time together last week.

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  10. Terje November 29, 2014 at 2:25 PM

    I just finished a cup of peppermint tea (made from frozen leaves that I picked this summer.) We have so much power over how we choose to see the world, don't we? The small gratitudes contribute to the sunny outlook. I am glad you join the writing communities on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Gigi McAllisterNovember 29, 2014 at 7:23 PM

    You did it! You celebrated anyway! Peppermint is way too overshadowed by pumpkin in my opinion. Here's to peppermint! Hope you are feeling better soon!

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  12. Julie JohnsonNovember 29, 2014 at 10:43 PM

    Focusing on the positive and finding the celebrations is so important, just like your post shows. I think it's always hard to come back from jam-packed events like NCTE too. Your post reminded me of Seth Godin's blog post the other day...the problem with problems. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2014/11/the-problem-with-problems.html You have found a way to celebrate the opportunities. (And no way are you a fraud). :)

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  13. Carrie GelsonNovember 30, 2014 at 1:06 AM

    You are brave to dig deep and celebrate. Brave to name your feelings. Brave to feel out of sorts and take the time to figure out why.

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  14. Linda BNovember 30, 2014 at 10:13 AM

    I've seen you take risks all through the year, Michelle, an inspiration to me! I love that you celebrated peppermint. Those little things mean a lot. Since Christmas is coming, peppermint is going to be around quite a bit-enjoy!

    ReplyDelete

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