I've always wanted to be a morning person. I, however, also adore sleep. You can see the dilemma.

I must say, though, in my old age (I am in my late twenties now...) I've gotten a lot better. But there's still room for improvement. Lots of room. So, when I saw this article on Bustle on how to have a positive morning I thought - genius! Thanks, Bustle :)

http://www.bustle.com/articles/102899-7-ways-to-start-your-day-positively-so-you-feel-happier-healthier-and-more-productive?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=bustle

My favourites from the list include taking a moment for personal gratitude and nurturing yourself. I love waking up (after a good sleep) and taking a moment to lie in bed before getting up to work out. Of course I don't do this every day, I'm not superwoman. The gratitude idea is a nice way to transition from dreamland to reality, allowing me to really wake up before subjecting my body to an immediate sweat session. Cuddling is another nice way to start the day :)

In an ideal world I would always wake up after a nice 7-8 hour deep sleep, cuddle and think of all I'm grateful for, work out, have a delicious and nutritious breakfast before hopping in the shower. A face or eye mask thrown in wouldn't hurt either. I think this is very doable - but how nice would it be to also have time to light a candle, do some reading, go for walk to get some fresh air or even do some writing? THAT would be a positive morning. I plan on working my way up to that point as right now I'm only somewhat successful at getting up early enough to allow for a short workout before the workday. 

I find morning "routines" fascinating. I love learning how people start their days - including you! Please leave some comments or suggestions below  :)

Apparently the biggest determiner of happiness is gratitude. 

Over Christmas, my childhood girlfriends and I got together for our annual holiday potluck and this topic came up. One of my dear friends said she had read that writing down three things you are grateful for each day has a significant impact on one's level of contentment and fulfillment. I find this both interesting and incredibly accurate. If you can look at your life in terms of what you do have versus what you lack, how could you not feel more fulfilled? 

The truth is, we all get caught up in the "more mentality." The more we have, the more we want. I'm just as guilty as anyone else. But one thing is for sure: It's important to appreciate the little things. A nice hot bath, a glass of wine, a sweet text message... some of life's simplest pleasures pack the most punch. 

I challenge you to list (either in your head or on paper or screen) three things you are grateful for right now, at this very moment. It can be the fact that you have air in your lungs, that those you love are safe, that today is Friday. Whatever you want or feel! When you think about it, there really is so much to be grateful for. And you know what? I bet you'll have an even better weekend.

If you are having some trouble finding gratitude, Oprah has started her free 21-day meditation challenge once again and this time it is all about gratitude. Enjoy! 

I'm an introvert. In fact, I'm an INFP (but that's for another post ;). I'm also a journalist by trade, so I like news you can use. If any of these posts give you inspiration or tips I'm all for it. 

Today was a day I had completely to myself. Chris had plans to golf with his friends and my girlfriends were going for a hike. [Confession: I dislike hikes. When I was a teenager my dad would take me on hikes and I'd always come home and break up with my boyfriend; the open air gave me too much time to think and contemplate (I was a dramatic teen...but then again, who wasn't?). Now I just find them long and boring. You want me to walk for 2-3 hours along the streets of Manhattan? No problem! Let's make it six. You want me to walk for 2-3 hours in the forest? No thanks.] 

Not only were Chris and the girls unavailable, but both of my parents were out of town. So, the people I usually spend my weekend days with were out for the count; I had the whole day to myself, to do with whatever I pleased. As an introvert I relish in these moments. I had a very busy and stressful work week and I needed the alone time to recharge. 

To start my day I went for my second outdoor run of the year. The sun was shining, I had music in my ears and I love starting my day with exercise and fresh air. After I came home I made one of my favourite breakfasts (an over easy egg on toast with pepper and a green juice) and realized I could do whatever I wanted with my day. So, what does one do on a solo spring Saturday? Well, I decided to pack up my new backpack and enjoy the sun and the ocean. I went to Starbucks and brought my coffee to the beach. I listened to music, people watched, journaled...it was lovely. The time alone in the sun was so good for my soul. I even saw my first iceberg of the season! 

Today was a good day <3

This time last year my girlfriends and I participated (some more successfully than others ;) in a social media challenge called 100 Happy Days. The idea was to post one moment of happiness, however big or small, every day for 100 straight days. You can see the challenge's website here: http://100happydays.com.

Although it was a year ago, I still think about it and often catch myself thinking 'this would be my happy moment of the day.' I keep a 5 Year Journal and some days I write down a happy moment as my line for the day (some days it's events, thoughts, feelings...etc.), I think it's important to appreciate the little things in life. Catching the sunrise, a beautifully made coffee, a surprise flower delivery from your mama because spring is on its way.

I've heard gratitude is the number 1 thing you can do to live a happy life. When you take the time to appreciate moments of happiness, even in a hectic day, the day turns around — it's no longer just about the stress or the chaos, it's about acknowledging the positive things you've got going on. A gentle reminder that there is good in every day.

I don't think you need a social media challenge to recognize the good in every day, but it was a fun experience and I was proud of myself for completing it (the website claims 70 per cent of people don't finish). 

What do you think? Would you ever give the 100 Happy Days a shot?