Love Token 73 - Amore La Musique

To be quite honest, after being so absorbed with putting together the wedding music playlists down to an exact sequential science, for the first time I was acks sick of music! I was bored --- heard the same songs too many times, that silence was golden...but then like a breath of fresh air, in a two week window time span, music wooed me back into the love affiar I have always had with it and I have fallen in love with two new artists.

That is the great thing about music, it is always changing the game, the dynamic, if you do a little digging and really throw yourself out there to experience it all.

Whether it is Kanye West reminding us of the good life or David Grey proclaiming about the One he Love's or the always wonderful feeling that John Mayer provides when he explains the moment of free falling and when Priscilla Ahn tells us about a dream she had... it all is magical, fun, different and striking to the emotions.

A couple weeks ago I was at the John Mayer concert and was lucky enough to stay for the after party. The artist that was playing at the after party a la rooftop was the most beautiful voice I have ever heard in quite sometime....hello JUSTIN NOZUKA - this guy was amazing live and he literally put me into a trance. So this is a love token that I was able to give myself but really it is also a must do for you to check out. He has a combination of Justin Timberlake swag with the melodic beauty of Jason Mraz. High 5!

The following week I was provided the opportunity to go see a band at Dakota Tavern (great west-end T.O bar). The band was described to me as 3 swedish sisters who have a Dixie Chicks vibe that are a self-proclaimed "kill-billy" "mad-country" genre. As an avid fan of the Dixie Chicks I was very intrigued and to see them in such an intimate setting and I was really looking forward to it.

These girls KILLED it - their vocal range, enthusiasm, energy and raw musical talent on their instruments was efffing astounding. They are called Baskery and if you ever hear they are in town - check them out. Their album is not yet released in Canada so keep your eyes and ears peeled. Another love token that is a must do for you!

So thank you Justin Nozuka and Baskery for re-igniting my music love flame and providing me with a fresh breath of melodic lyrical air.

xo

M

Love Token 72 - I DID

Well I am back, but almost 2 months later!

This summer has been a whirlwind of occasions... but oh so amazing.

The wedding went great, the best love token is being surrounded by friends, family and pure genuine love and the rest is just background noise... so the wedding was a great success and very moving experience.

Matt and I then hopped on a plane to pay a visit to the beautiful country of Greece.

Greece was incredible. To visit a land with so much history is such a valued experience. The beauty of Greece is something I am glad we were able to conquer. Minus the current government state, the essence, the culture and the pace of Greece is something I truly respect. Our honeymoon was a blissful 2 weeks, that did not go too fast or too slow ...but juuust right.

As if all this wasn't enough on our plate, Matt and I have decided to uproot and trek out to Victoria, BC. You only go around once so sometimes you need to just jump in and explore.

We are looking forward to the drive out across Canada and seeing what this country looks like beyond the border of Ontario.

So that is the update, I wed, I mooned and I am now uprooting - all 3 great and exciting things to add a wonderful element to my life.

xo

M

Update Update! Tokens of Love

Yikes!

It has been almost a month since my last post - where did June go?

I have been a busy little worker bee in the last month or so - so many big "moments" coming up in my life where a page is turned, heck a new chapter will start.

Rest assured, the pursuit of receiving and spreading the love has not ceased... I have just been a little slackish on my documenting.

So here is a snapshot of what has been going on in the last month or so.

1. Dum Dum De Dum..... As the wedding nears, the planning builds, and the days become busier and my whole schedule and normal routine has changed (for now) - but I am embracing the planning and knowing that I will be stone cold bored after the wedding due to the habit of always having something to do prior.

2. Trying to squeeze in as many zZzZ's as possible during this busy time!

3. Giving my lovely pets lots of love and snuggles and they are so snuggly and lovable back - it really is the best kind of comfort.

4. Visiting cottages and having great times with friends out of the smoggy city

5. Paying homage to my one and only sunshine that has peaked it's head out in early March and refuses to leave - and I do not want it to -- EVER!

6. Hanging out with great friends having amazing chats and excellent quality time

Hope all of you are having an amazing summer and post July 17th - my blogging will get back to normal

xo

M

THNX THNX THNX

Such a great blog to view. Great concept. Simple yet effective. Thanks goes a long way.

http://thxthxthx.com/

xo

M

Love Token 71 - In Beauty Spa

Yesterday I took advantage of a spa deal where you go get a facial for $50. I jumped on that band wagon and had my first time experience at In Beauty Spa.
The staff was great the facial was amazing and they gave me 40% of my next appt .... ammaaaaazing.

Check it out if you are in the Yorkville area, they also have a location in Richmond Hill and Scarborough.

http://www.inbeautyspa.com/

xo

M

Once again - All you Need is Love

It is true.

Love - what a powerful word that has rocked the human condition in all directions.

I am a strong believer that all a person needs is love. (Yes a hippie mentality - but so what?)

When I say that, I mean love in all forms

Romantic, Platonic, Pet Love, Spiritual Love, Mother Earth Love, and so on....

One does not have to only feel complete with romantic love as love takes all forms and shapes, and I feel lately there is this strange perception/slant on how to be in a romantic relationship and live happily ever after is the only sign of true happiness and real love.

Fear has been instilled via romantic comedies, online dating portals, etc. that you NEED a romantic relationship to find real love.

I strongly disagree, being in a long-term relationship is not for everyone and without it does not deny the love factor.

Romantic love should just be a want, a desire, a series of events that unfold - it should not be the end goal - for it takes the beauty out of the means to get there.

I know some of you are reading and thinking "says the girl who is in love and getting married", but seriously, think about it...

For myself, I found romantic love and found joy in being in a long-term relationship but I would never assume that is what everyone should aim to have or that I am more complete than a friend of mine who is not in a relationship.

Love should be admired and appreciated at all levels, no?

I hope everyone out there finds what they love most and want they want most and goes for it because of their own true desires.

Life is long so really take time to think about what you want and what you love.

Do not let societal labels put you in that pressure box of "all you need is romantic love"

xo

M

Love Token 70 - Hello Sunshine!

Taking away the fear of global warming - us Ontario folks sure had an easy breezy winter and a very early start to spring and summer.

The weather this week is reminding me of the weather in Australia and I just love it!

The sun is forcing itself into my pores and it feels much closer to the earth than it should be for this time of year.

I cannot remember it being so bright in the city for a long time - *sigh* the sun is a magical force, the way it can alter moods, put a skip in people's step, get people to lighten up and take it easy (that maybe it isn't all that bad).

My mind, body and soul is super content with the weather - and I wish the same for all of you.

So today, wave to the almighty sun and let it shine into your spirit.

xo

M

Love Token 69 - Brain Game

Lately, my mind has been spinning with ideas, thoughts, concepts etc. Not just for the blog but in general - maybe it is the Spring that has intertwined with the whole aspect of fresh new beginning - but whatever it is I feel my creative juices flowing and I cannot keep up with wheel spinning in my head.

I think a lot of it has to do with creating ideas/concepts for the upcoming wedding that has kick started this energy...but whatever it is --- I like it and I am just going to enjoy the ride.

So here is to my love token of embracing the magestic mysterious workings of the brain and more specifically my brain.

xo

M

Love Token 68 - TGIF Pedicures

Today at lunch I scheduled myself to get a pedicure - what a great way to use an hr break from work. 

Loving my ready for spring fuschia pink toes!

xo

M

Love Token 67 - Canine Kisses

A dog is a human's best friend. 

It is sooo true

The amount of happiness that has come into our lives since getting our dog Louis is indescribable

He is the best

My love token today is the kisses he gives me every day, the snuggles, the nudges - just all around unconditional love. 

Right back at ya Lou!

xo

M

Love Token 66 - Cookie Monster

Hello my name is Melissa and I am a cookie monster.

I really love cookies...and it might even be my top sweet tooth craving.

There is nothing better than a perfectly baked cookie

My treat today after lunch was a cookie - and even though it is not the best cookie I have ever had - it is still delicious.

So if you are having a bad day - treat yourself to a cookie - it is uplifting... really!

xo

M

Love Token 65: Tutti Frutti - Adding a stroke of colour to the day

www.keepcalmgallery.com

In a state of mind - where black white and gray aren't cutting it today - so colouring up my bored mind.

xo

M

Your Choice

http://datavis.tumblr.com/page/13#421852593

Love Token 64 - Music Bubble

Image by Fruity Oblivion via FFFFound

I have been in a music bubble the last week or so, I have neglected my love for music in the last little while. During my project of putting together my wedding playlist - I realized how much I miss finding new artists and combining different playlists (this was all I used to do back in the day).

So here is to putting in some QT with one of my all time loves - music.

xo 

M

Love Token 63 - Johnson's Baby Shampoo

It is a guilty pleasure.

Once a week I will wash my hair with Johnson's Baby Shampoo because I love the smell.

No more than one day per week because my 'adult' hair is thick and it really does not do much in terms of washing - but I cannot help it - I love the smell

So why not right?!

The correlation between smell and memories is a powerful thing - and for some reason it brings back good memories.

So here is to my Johnson's Baby Shampoo smelling hair for the week.

xo

M

Love Token 62 - Forest Hill Village Was In My Blind Spot?

This October I will have lived on the border of Forest Hill for 3 years.
Two weeks ago I just stumbled across Forest Hill Village
5 minutes from my house is this wonderful little side street that looks like a small town was cut and pasted right in mid-town Toronto and I was oblivious.
It has a great breakfast spot, cute local stores, a Starbucks, some great dining out restaurants and a yoga studio plus much more.

Two weeks ago I just found this place, better late than never I suppose!

xo

M

Good Taste

Fashion and me have a longstanding relationship, I have loved clothes and style since my mom started letting me put together my own outfits as a wee tot. 

When I was a little girl I loved combining colours, textures and accessories. 

My fashion motto is, you only live once, so you may as well look good... photo's are eternal. 

In the last decade or so, the term 'label whore' has developed in the fashion world. 

To me a label whore is someone who is lost in the world of fashion so goes directly to the labels all the time to serve as an easy guide of what works and what doesn't. However, I wouldn't call them 'label whore' as they depend on these labels to help boost their fashion confidence, maybe a more positive spin would be 'fashionista in training'?

Note to readers

Label whores do not equal style. 

Why I like a balance of great fashion designers (they got well liked for a reason...) I stand on the side of the fence where good taste doesn't mean expensive or marked with a label. 

Fashion to me is like a form of art, except instead of hanging this piece of art on the wall, you love it soooo much that you take the ultimate stance and wear it. 

I have never been a fan of labels like Louis Vuitton or Coach, as I do not understand why a beautiful purse needs to have acronyms scribbled all across it. 

To me it is just like buying a Picasso piece of art where he decided to scribble his name all over it to remind the art lover who painted it...strange....but that is just my opinion. 

It is not about  the letters on a shirt, purse, belt... it is about the structure, the combination of fabrics that make a fashion item amazing, not always the name behind it. 

That is why it is important to always remember that good taste doesn't mean expensive (yes I said it again). Good taste means having an eye for great pieces of clothing, shoes, accessories and combining them. 

Support local designers

Support commercial designers

Support thrift shops

Support the whole aspect of it

Support what works best for you - you are after all the one wearing it. 

Now I am not saying I have the best taste out there, but I do have fun with it and I know what works for me. 

Fashion is fun, just do not put yourself in that 'label whore' box. 

xo

M

Love Token 61 - Insert Body Here

http://thebeautyfile.blogspot.com/

This is my chosen love token today - to imagine myself in this picture - because it rocks and it includes *sigh* yellow!

Do it as well, why not?

Happy Friday!

xo

M

Love Token 60 - Mars Bars Rice Krispie Squares

 I kid you not!

My (new favourite) co-worker brought in home-made Mars Bars Rice Krispie Squares.
To be honest, I am not even a huge fan of Mars Bars - but combined with Rice Krispie's ----- oooh boy.
Delicious - and apparently this male had no trouble whipping them up in 10 minutes.
I enjoyed it so much, I was even able to sneak a few home to Matt.

So take this as a love token/must do for you, if you haven't experienced this gloriousness already!

www.recipezaar.com

Ingredients

• 4 regular-size Mars bars
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups Rice Krispies
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Melt butter and Mars bars over med-low heat in a large saucepan until smooth.

2. 2

   Remove from heat; stir in Rice Krispies cereal, and nuts, (if using).

3. 3

   Press into a greased 8x8 pan.

4. 4

   Top with chocolate chips, and place under broiler for 30 seconds Remove from oven and spread chocolate evenly over squares.

5. 5

   Store in fridge.

6. 6

   Cut into squares, and serve.

xo

M

Escape to Your Place of Serenity

We all deserve a "time-out" to catch our breath. So whatever your place of escape is, go for it and enjoy!

xo

M

Love Token 59 - Cleaning Out My Closet

It is a must this weekend and I kind of enjoy it. Hold on to your hats ladies, I am cleaning out my closet.

xo

M

KATE SPADE NY

I have always been a fan of Kate Spade New York- but her latest line is just so fun and chic.

The perfect combination of "playful sophistication"

If my pocket book allowed it - I would buy everything on this website, no doubt about it.

xo

M

Love Token 58 - Take a HINT

Last weekend I stumbled across this refreshing new water drink. I was never a fan of flavoured water, it always had a weird sweet taste to me. But this new line called HINT is the perfect "natural combination".

I was pleasantly surprised.

xo

M

Love Token 57 - Loving me some Java Joe on Ice

Had some really delicious iced coffee this morning

xo

M

Love Token 56 - I "Pink" I love You

On Saturday I went to get my hair trimmed and re-coloured, the wait ended up being half n hour past my appt time, so I was offered a free manicure, from one of my all time favourite girls to give manicures (she does an amazing job!).

I was in a pastel/neutral mood... I have been rocking the brights and wine colours for a couple years now and by golly I wanted to change it up.

The final selection....

I Pink I Love You from the OPI collection

This colour is an amazing pink neutral and I still cannot stop looking at my hands, I even made a detour yesterday to go and buy this colour.

For those who know me, I have always been obsessed with doing my nails - so finding a new nailpolish colour that I really love is quite the statement.

This little purchase was my love token for the day and I love it!!!

If you haven't had the chance to check out the pastel collection of OPI - go to their website http://www.opi.com/ and have some fun with the colour options.

xo

M

On Top of the World

What a great picture - hopefully everyone is having a wonderful day and is on top of their own world's

xo

M

Love Token 55 - Nono's embrace

I have a confession...

I love carnations...

Somewhere down the line there became this mentality that carnations are the lesser flower, the "cheap" flower, the funeral parlor flower - but to me they are quite the opposite. 

I love their smell, I love how they can fill up a vase quite beautifully and give a full rounded look and I love the memories they give me...

When I was a child, every weekend I would go stay with my maternal grandparents (otherwise known as Nono & Nana). 

My Nono was hilarious, even though we were separated by language, the essence of love and the vast capacity that gestures and expression can bring is what created our relationship. 

My relationship with my Nono was laughter - we would sit at his kitchen table for hours and just giggle, to me it was amazing. 

My Nono was an amazing gentleman who came from Italy and was the most charming sweet man (with a prankster side to him) that came out in a pure and genuine manner. 

No matter what, before I left my grandparents house, my Nono would be sure to break off a carnation from his garden (usually red ones) and give me one as a parting gift. 

It was a gesture I took for granted as a child but now every time I walk by carnations, I think of him - his spirit lives through that flower and those memories. 

Today the weather was pretty good for March, on my way home I wanted to check out what flowers were on sale at Loblaws. 

I had quite the choice from gerber daisies to roses that were on sale 3 for $25, but I was drawn to the carnations, I bought 3 bundles in cream, white and yellow. 

I came home and covered my house in carnations and I was overflowed with happy memories and emotion. 

Today I am embraced by the love my Nono gave to me during his lifetime and I have surrounded myself in his weekly love token to me throughout my childhood once again.

xo

M

Just Cuz...

Love Token 54 - Be Present

O

M

G

It has been 17 days since my last post - that is just plain awful. This blog is supposed to embrace self-awareness - and I got lost in the fast paced lane of life.

I have been a busy bee, with work, social life and hobbies - that in the last 2 weeks I have been kinda running on auto-pilot where the days and the details of them become a blur.

So my love token today - Be Present - embrace "mindfulness"

Mindfulness plays a central role in the teaching of Buddist meditation - described as "calm awareness of one's body functions, feelings, content of consciousness, or consciousness itself"

While I do not have the patience "yet" to practice daily meditation, I can appreciate this concept - and get back into this moment, today...

So here is to mindfulness, to being present to embracing "now"

xo

M

All that really should matter...

Cute!

xo

M

Love Token 53 - Family Love

This past weekend was a lot of family quality time. 

I went to visit my dad's sister/aunt at her cottage in Haliburton, to give winter one last shot as my aunt was convinced I could possible have a change of heart. While my heart did not necessarily thaw for the love of winter I did have a great time in the "great outdoors" with a huge bonfire all day, turkey stew, mussels and beer with the background of quality music and great company.

On Sunday, we went to my cousin's to celebrate a birthday (February always is a hot month for birthdays huh?) and we had a huge family dinner, and it was just a nice feeling of "togetherness" which can be hard to do sometimes in the ever so fast paced world we live in.

So thank you everyone for family love and catching up....as busy as the weekend was, I would not trade it for anything.

xo

M

Quality Life Mantra

To Put It Simply

Love Token 52 - A letter of thanks

Now this love token wasn't to me or even from me, but it put a smile on my face and made my day.
This token of appreciation shows why it is important to do what you love in your career choice.
I am so proud of Matt and I know he is on the right path, because of cute and funny reminders such as this.

XO

M

Love Token 51 - Coral is "my" new Black

I have been noticing that the colour Coral has been slowly inflitrating my closet, make-up, nail polish colours etc.

I love it though!

It gives such a fresh punch of colour with the Winter Blahs

See here is to Coral "for now" and our time together

xo

M

Love Token 50 - Leo La La Land?

My crush with Leonardo DiCaprio first started when I was about 14. I remember wallpapering my locker with countless magazine pictures of him. After the over-saturation of Titanic - the love affair died and in came Mr. Justin Timberlake at age 15 -which has never stopped btw - and the space in my guy-crush heart had no more room for Mr. DiCaprio.

Fastforward about 10 years later - and right about the time when Leo and Martin Scorsese started making movies together - the flame that I once thought was put out - was slowing gaining some heat.

The peak of this flame grew - when I realized my actions at lunch today.

I went to a convenience store to grab a pack of spearmint gum, just as I was receiving my change, my gf Vicky asked " Hey Mel, have you seen Leo on the cover of Esquire"? (I had - two days earlier - and remembered a slight flutter of my heart).

I said " OH YES I have - he is looking sooooo goood - aging like a fine wine"

Vicky and I then got lost in our fantasy of Leo for a solid two minutes in the store, and then happily left while still flying high on our Leo train.

However, I was sans gum. I got so wrapped up in Leo - that I literally dropped it out of my hand and left it on the counter to be swept away by his handsomness and fabulousness.

If this does not confirm - re-love for the man- I am not sure what does.

1 hr later - I did the walk of shame back to the store - to retrieve my gum from the lady - who witnessed this whole scenario.

If you have not checked out the Esquire cover and would love to maintain, heighten or reignite your love for Leo, then this is a must do for you - which in turn, ended up being my Love Token for the day.

xo

M

When I grow up....

www.daydreamlily.com

It's really your perception

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,

or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."

~ Abraham Lincoln

Wind in my hair

My alter universe for today is this picture.

I love road tripping with the sun beating in - no traffic - windows down...favourite tune on...

Where do you want to go today with your imagination?

Enjoy!

www.bluebirdluxe.com

xo

M

Love Token 49 - Bigger than his Body

This was a GREAT love token.

On Sunday night the girls and I treated ourselves to a great Valentine's Day gift, John Mayer.

As always he was incredible, he played amazing, was super funny and just all around charming and enjoyable.

Yes John Mayer has made some mistakes, but really who hasn't...as long as we admit our faults and take responsibility for them - then that is all anyone can do.

I find it is so easy for people to cast judgment and point the finger when it's pointing in the direction opposite of themselves.

Ah but that is a whole other rant.

John Mayer did a great job, he is a remarkable musician, singer and all around artist.

If you have not embraced yourself in his music and he is a genre you would consider listening to - I would highly reccomend him!!

xo

M

Love Token 48 - Dinner on the Danforth

I love him

For who he is, not who I think he needs to be.

I love him

Because no matter what - he is there for me.

I love him

Because every single day he shows he loves me.

I love him

Because he is one of a kind - a real gem.

I love him

So Matt and I like to celebrate Valentine's Day, yes we know it is a Hallmark holiday, but so what!?

On any other date night of the year - we are still giving our money to someone - so Hallmark or Starbucks or Carlton Cards or Sivercity or whoever can have it for this one night.

It gives an excuse to have a date night (on top of other date nights) and it is fun - to treat ourselves.

Matt took me out to Danforth (we lovvvve Greek Food) - and we ended up at a nice restaurant - and had good eats and great chats.

We always have our best chats going out to eat, which is why it is one of my favourite outings to do with him.

We are nearing on 9 years coming this November, which is amazing because I try to think what it would have been like if we never met, and I would not be the person I am today or the person I would want to be - without him by my side.

It's nights like these that remind me to savour every moment, don't take anything for granted and appreciate that all you really need is love and rest will fall into place.

xo
M

Love Token 47 - Party like it's 1999

It's a Friday night, I am on the GO Train heading to Whitby. In tow with me:
1. Facemask
2. Hot Rollers
3. Rice Krispie Square Mix
4. A baby mickey of Tequila + lemon
5. 20 CD's that I purchased during the years of 1990-1999

What I decided to have is a slumber party with my best friend. I was going to make the time to GO Train it out to see her, to ensure a night of fun filled activities that would remind us of how we partied together from ages 12-19.

I met her when I was 12 years old, we were neighbouring homerooms in our junior highschool.
We both had the similar likes, dislikes, and enjoyed being silly in the same way. That is really all you need at the age of 12.

Countless sleepovers, countless dance parties, countless and priceless memories.

As I am nearing my 29th birthday in a few short months, I reflect on our 17 years of friendship and am amazed by it.

We have been separated by distance, time and distractions in the past - however we are eachothers home base.
We have grown up and experienced life in different ways - yet we embraced the growing pains together.
Time apart is never a factor, when someone just "gets you".

So as an homage to our youth, to where it all started, we shared a great love token of partying like we were 12, 15, 17 or 19 - and had a Friday night in, just the two of us, doing girly things and listening to the music that shaped our adolescence.

Love like that is hard to come by - true friends are a gift, they are the witness to your life willingly - and I am lucky to have her be part of that circle of trust.

xo

M

Love Token 46 - Read My Lips

If you have not experienced David's Tea and are a tea lover - please go.

I am enjoying "Read My Lips" tea and the smell that is coming off this cup of tea is insane - and quite frankly it is keeping me VERY content at my cubicle as we speak.

XO

M

Authentic Perfection

Perfection.

I have always had beef with the concept of perfection and the methods used to acheive it.

Perfection as we all know is an unatainable goal. In fact, it is our imperfectations (ahem differences) that make us unique and give us character.

Which brings me to my next point.

Authenticity.

This is an obtainable goal - this is ensuring you are being a true reflection of yourself always - being 'you', flaws and all.

Inauthentic people are all too common in the world, and they coincide with the desire to be perfect, when really it should be just the opposite.

So I will always be a happy imperfect yet authentic version of myself.

This is a concept I that I have always had lingering in my mind - I was actually planning on getting a tattoo to represent this concept during my stay in Australia - but it wasn't my time to do it then.

What resurfaced this, was "The Happiness Project".

So I will take the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and remind myself daily that all I can be is me, and as long as I am staying true to myself and not inflicting harm on others...then I am content.

I wish nothing but the same for you.

xo

M

Be You.

Currently I am enjoying the read of "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin, that I picked up about 1 month ago. I am about 100 pages in and so far, it has sparked my interest and really opened/refreshed my mind to the old/new concepts, perspectives and view points of the human condition on happiness.

The ideas that spiral out of my head from this book are overwhelming.

The author and I overlap similar themes in our visions of self-fulfillment.

Alas, this post is not about the book - but an idea stemmed from it.

Be Melissa

All you can be in this world is the best possible version of yourself intrinsically and extrinsically.

Lots of people tend to have some sort of idea of who they wish they were, which can obscure the understanding of who they actually are. (Gretchen Rubin)

We are bombarded via media, social networks, traditional practices, etc. that sometimes I think we forget to really look at ourselves, our true wants and desires, rather than what we should be and should want etc.

I have always been fairly strong about who I am and what I want to be, but I know that this can always be worked on, as I am not completely unimpressionable (whether I am consciously aware of it or not) nor is anyone else.

That is not to say to completely disregard factors that influence your decisions because that would be dismissing the concept of learning - but stay with me here....

It is just an acceptance that things can always be worked on and improved.

Self-improvement is not black and white - it isn't as simple as saying a person is confident or not-confident, happy or not happy, there are layers, levels and continual growth, hence the purpose of the journery of life.

i.e. I am happy but I am sure I could work on elevating that happiness to another level
i.e. I take good care of myself but I am sure I could take time out of my day to ensure that more (i.e. Love Me Do's)
i.e I spend quality time with my friends - but I am sure I could re-define what quality time means to our friendship

and so on...

Just because you want to be happier does not mean you were not happy to being with...it is a page turned in a book.

Instead of always chasing the dream, or thinking about what could make you happy...live it, be present, do not fall into the "arrival fallacy", because most of the time we are so worked up about arriving at the destination of our dreams, we forget to enjoy the journey in getting there.

Recognize that if you are already happy - seeking the want to be happier is not dismissing the knowledge of your existing happiness. Then when you seek new forms of happiness - it will be more gratifying - because you are not relying on a particular variable to complete you but rather, to enhance an already amazing version of yourself.

"Take pleasure in the atmosphere of growth, in the gradual progress made toward a goal, in the present" - Gretchen Rubin

Therefore - this current book I am reading and the message I initially conveyed at the inception of Love Me Do's both are from similar beliefs.

I am enjoying the growth process of this blog and the self-reflection that it is providing, and it reminds me everyday to enjoy me for the sake of just being me, and everything else and the contributing factors, is a part of the journey.

So don't forget, as crazy as this world can get and as hectic as life can seem....

Be You.

xo

M

Love Token 45 - Manicure Monday's

Gave my nails a little love - a manicured them up last night.

The winter season can really dry out the hands - so make sure you take good care of them!

xo

M

The pursuit of happiness

We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it.

-Epicurus

Love Token 44 - Laughter

My love token today is to laugh, giggle, and smile as much as possible today.

Hey it is a Friday - so really....why not?

xo

M