TGIF...Birthday Week

It's been a really long time since I have done a TGIF.  And what good timing to pick it back up again after celebrating my 27th birthday yesterday!

How Am I Trusting?

This one is always hard for me, I'm not sure why.  In the end I feel like I always say the same thing.  But maybe I'll dive into something I tend to, or try not to talk about so much - my relationship status.  I have been tired of being single.  It's hard being around many people who are in a relationship.  I'm getting to the age now where my closest friends are couples.  There's nothing wrong with being single, but it's like, "Geesh, when will it be my turn?"  So I have just been trusting that right now I'm not suppose to be in a relationship.  And I'm continuing to live my life they way I can because I'm the only one who I have to answer too.  

How Am I Practicing Faith?

I have been horrible at meditating the last few months.  But I have been very good about exercising, which for me has been a form of meditation.  For example, today I ran 5 miles.  I felt a little out of body - like I was watching myself run.  I know this may sound a little weird.  But knowing I can do something like that, that my body can do something like that, helps me to build faith in the human body especially when I have been thinking a lot about health and wellness in our culture.

How Am I Inspired?

I have been inspired lately by people who grow food, especially in places where good, quality food is scarce and education takes place.  It has gotten me thinking more about my present and future and what I want to do and could do.

How Am I Grateful?

This week I turned 27.  I can't believe all the messages I got wishing me well.  Even from a man who I grew up with but haven't talked to in 100 years.  His Facebook status was wishing my sister and I a Happy Birthday, and talked about  how we have grown into "beautiful, respectable young women" who he is "happy to call friends."  What a wonderful feeling.  And even though I have only been at the Ranch for a month, yesterday I felt that I have been there for years - EVERYONE was so sweet, and came together for me to celebrate.  It's funny, they people I really hardly know.  A year ago I was celebrating my birthday in a place where I thought I needed to be, with people I thought I needed to be with, yet had feelings of loneliness.  Near and far it feels great to feel loved.  It's also a important reminder to me to tell not only the people I'm closest too, but everyone what I appreciate about them.  It's nice to feel loved not only on your birthday.


Look at these happy cows, finally out on pasture after having to wait until spring vaccinations were completed.  How can you not think about your TGIF after looking at this photo?