This month flowed with gratitude.
And when I say flow
ed, I mean like Niagara Falls!
Sami’s awesome RAOKA leadership has resulted in something special for me—almost like a cosmic shift. I have noticed repeatedly in my world that if one looks for something, one will find it.
A tangential example: a close friend of mine recently had a baby, and while she was pregnant and I was helping her out, I noticed pregnant women all over the place! I wasn’t actively looking for them, but they were ALL OVER, crossing my path in the grocery store, in parks, and in restaurants.
I think that’s what is also happening with each month’s theme. I notice things I would not have noticed. I certainly didn’t spent time thinking about random acts of kick arse as much as I do now.
I have seen and felt so much gratitude this month!
For example, once instance comes from our very own Sami May.
I was feeling particularly awful one day because of Ms. MS and Sami happened to check in on me, so I was straight up with her. I felt rotten. Plus, I was feeling really emotionally low about how I often can be too bossy sometimes, controlling, and generally a Type-A personality (yeah, moi). I’ve always been a leader and quite enjoy managing groups of people, especially teaching about health, science, or (you guessed it) leadership. Oh, and if I’m not five minutes early, I’m LATE!
So, she sent me two videos to cheer me up!
One, just a funny (watch it below or follow this link). I was howling with laughter!
And, two, a music video…
…with an accompanying pep talk in the body of the email about how leadership and Type-A personalities mean a lot to her (check the bottom of this post to watch the music video or follow this link). The video below is a great message and I agree, we are ALL meant to lead! I firmly believe that. I asked her permission to print here what she said in that email. Enjoy!
“Even the aliens know I’m that way inclined! Bossy Boots is a term I’m rather familiar with.
“Actually, I love other Type A’s because they get me. Type A’s tend to be reliable, too. You can count on them for anything. They do what they say. Yes, we’re sometimes stressheads and control freaks but we know where sh*t is! And we get to places on time. So my dear friend, do not beat yourself up about being a Type A. The world wouldn’t have amazing inventions, organizations, charities, live aid events, music events, the Olympics, people landing on the moon, others summiting mountains, still others finding a cure for MS and god knows what else if it weren’t for us obsessive compulsive, control freak Type A’s!”
LOVE IT! This is me showing gratitude. Thanks, Sami!
On a final note, even if you choose not to join in and post your own moments of gratitude, take a moment today and see gratitude in your life. I promise you’ll find it! And, if you’re still having trouble, I’ll make it really easy:
I’m grateful for YOU today.
You are beautiful.
You visiting my site today means more than you’ll ever know.
Consider yourself hugged.
Now, get out there and lead something you’re passionate about—we need you out there! I need you out there!
Please share in the comments about your observations of gratitude.
The RAOKA mission seeks to remind us that Random Acts of Kick Arse happens all around us. Each month, a member of Sami’s RAOKA groupies picks a new theme to focus our attention on something positive and good in this world. Then on the first Wednesday of the month (or Thursday for you folks living on the other half of this world) we all post about what we’ve observed.
If you’re feeling the ‘gracious’ love and have a post to add to the collection, stop by Sami’s site where she’s uploaded a linking function— just fill in the box with your site link and your link will appear on her post for all to see! Or, simply join us in the comments.
A note from Sami, “We’ve had a couple of core RAOKA members exit the group due to other commitments (thanks so much guys for being founding members) and as such, have two regular and enthusiastic contributors to this movement taking their place; Gayze from Gayzehound’s Animal Communications and Zeenat from Positive Provocations.”
Take some time to visit these RAOKA posts:
Sami at Life, Laughs & Lemmings
Lance at Jungle of Life
Dani at Positively Present
Gayze at Gazehound’s Animal Communication
Zeenat at Positive Provocations
______________________________________________________________
February Theme: Passion (as chosen by Dani, author of Positively Present )
______________________________________________________________
Niagara falls photo by Tasslehoff Burrfoot via Creative Commons
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Very cool! Keep rockin the Universe, Lori. Ms.MS or no, you always kick arse, and the world needs more people like you…no matter what type you are!
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..My Dream Job…Really? =-.
Thanks for rooting me on, Jay! You’re my hero!
I’ll keep rocking the universe if you do the same. Wonder Twin Power – - – ACTIVATE!
Hope all is well on your side of the country. Great seeing you!
Hi Lori .. RAOKA .. I just see them here on our blogs – comments by our friends and they make me smile, give me much gratitude to read others and those I receive – I feel humbled by all around me .. particularly because I lead a relatively blinkered life for now. I’m not blinkered – just have one outside goal for now.
I love to laugh and it’s good when I read something that I can share with my mother .. life is for living, having fun, smiling for others .. it only takes 13 muscles to smile & that can spread to more exercise by laughing – perhaps belly laughing & that’s so good for those who are ill and the little ndorphins starting flowing around.
It’s such fun what everyone is doing .. I’d Jannie in to the fun and laughter game .. and Jan to calm our thoughts, Wilma for her understanding and Robin for that explosion of the wild calling .. and everyone else!! Love you all .. bye for now – Hilary
PS Comment Luv isn’t working for me .. I’ve done two since this one .. including a Jannie and Jan one .. (I’m trying to sort it – it must be here somehow .. not sure how?!)
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..The Wigmaker, “Cottonpolis” and the first factory =-.
Hi Hilary,
It’s wonderful to see your face here – love your Avatar!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I find it awe-inspiring that you share love and laughter with your mother. Laughter is the best comfort – in my humble opinion. It erases the bad and leave more room for good.
Oh, and about CommentLuv, I find from my perspective, that when I see troubles with CommentLuv, it is usually a symptom of your Host. I’m on a shared server with my host, and if there’s, what I call, a “server vampire” who is taking more than his or her fair share, it can slow my site down and hence cause errors with CommentLuv. Contact your host and make sure your site has access to it’s full server space.
Just a thought.
Take care and have a great day!
~xo
Hey Lori,
Gratitude just feels awesome, doesn’t it (whether we are on the giving or receiving end)!!
I loved both of the videos – funny and inspiring.
And I’m not surprised at all by Sami’s generous and caring heart – she is all sorts of awesome (just like YOU!).
I’m grateful today for coffee…it warms me up on a cold Wisconsin morning…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..RAOKA: Gratitude =-.
Hey Lance and fellow RAOKA crusader!
I loved your post today, btw.
Glad you could take the time to watch the videos. Aren’t they great???
Yeah, Sami is a gem. And, I actually found her via your site – when she guest posted there. How cool is that??
I hear you about the coffee. On a cold morning here on the coast, too, it really warms my heart (and mind!).
Take care!
Ya gotta love that Ellen. Hilarious…especially the woman who leaves her doors open. I’m guilty of the same. And love Bon Jovi’s song.
My daughter and hubby are Type A’s and I’m forwarding this to them. Hope you are feeling good today.
Grateful??? Oh my this is one of my strong areas. I have gratitude books from the last 7 years.
I’m grateful my son-in-law found a new job after 5 months of being unemployed. I’m grateful for life and everyone and everything in it…
Currently I’m writing down 10 things that went right in the last 24 hours.
And 10 ways I got it right in the last 24 hrs. That helps me put things in perspective in a world where there never seems to be enough of anything I’m still doing OK.
Hi Tess,
Hey, I’m glad you liked the videos. And, yeah, I laughed so hard at the woman who kept leaving her doors open and her climbing over the railing. Wow, that was a seriously funny episode!!! ha ha ha ha ha
I could see myself doing something like that!
Thanks for forwarding this post – I hope your daughter and hubby enjoys it! I think it took me getting really sick to start to let go of my Type A-ness, but I still have episodes of, as Sami terms, “Bossy Boots” so I guess I’m a work in progress. Aren’t we all?
Hey, great your son-in-law found work. That must be a huge relief for him and those close to him.
Tess, I love your view of the world. You ooze gratitude, I find myself feeling so much gratitude having met you. Thank you for teaching me by example! You’re awesome!
I just luv Bon Jovi.
And be truthful now … who else jumped when the Gorilla popped into the scene? LOL Come on, raise your hands!
LORI! We are all thankful for YOU!
::annoyingly smushy huggles::
.-= Gayze´s last blog ..RAOKA for January: Gratitude =-.
Hi Gayze – RAOKA extraordinaire,
Hmmm, I forgot to ask Sami what we could do to haze you before your entrance into the groupies. ha ha
Just joking. Isn’t it great to be an adult and past getting dumped head first into trash dumpsters?
No, really, I’m glad you’re with us, Gayze, and what a great month to come on board! I have a feeling you’re a professional when it comes to showing gratitude. I love your approach to seeing and acknowledging what matters to you.
OK, yeah, you *got* me, I jumped when I saw the gorilla, too. ha ha ha
Thanks for the huggles!
Lori, all I can say is wow! And thank you. My “cheer you up” emails seem such a small thing. It totally rocks that they help put a smile on your face.
You know, you receive what you give out. I give you nothing that you don’t always give me. You’re an inspiration to me girl. I love “hanging out” with you. One day I just know we’ll sit on a REAL front porch, sip champagne, laugh our arses off and talk into the wee hours.
By the way, I was introduced to the Bon Jovi vid by Nadia at Happy Lotus. I saw it on her blog and have since watched at least 100 times!! Thanks Nadia!
Big hugs Chicka. xxx
.-= Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Random Acts of Kick Arse – Gratitude =-.
Hey Sami,
Thanks for being my own personal cheerleading squad. No, really, you’re such a great friend to have. I just love you to pieces.
And, woman!, I can’t wait to meet you in person some day. And, this will come to pass. I swear! I can feel it deep down in my bones. I already have the champagne chilling!
Oh, yeah, that’s right!! I knew I had seen that video before, the Bon Jovi one. I remember recognizing it when you sent it, but I couldn’t remember where I had seen it! Thanks for the reminder, and a big shout out to Nadia for posting the Bon Jovi vid at Happy Lotus. I remember very well now and appreciate its message down to my core!
Big hugs back to you, Sami-of-the-Smiles brigade.
~xo
Hey Lori Love,
I would be honored…Big HUg!
Youve Kick arsed your way into gratitude my friend!
I know what you mean about this great raoka movement. You dont necessarily try to get into the theme…the theme just comes to you.
And that Sami is something..always full of love and zest. Its my pleasure to know her through raoka..and now all the other awesome members ….What fun to be with like minded people ..and what fun to see different thoughts on a similar theme.
The uniqueness of each just shines through…just like youre shining here!
I need YOU to shine…
Much Love,
Z~
p.s.if you ever need to talk or vent…just drop me a line
Hi Zeenat,
Your comment is bursting with love and graciousness. That is so YOU! Welcome aboard, sweets. I’m honored to know you and to have met you via that crazy Lisis. She’s such a trip, don’t you think?
And there’s so many awesome people here in this space, absolutely to be included is Sami. What a sweet heart!!!
Thanks so very much for your open-ended invitation to vent to you. I’m amazed how much better I feel when I unload some of this with someone else. If I think about it now, I am much less worried about ‘unloading’ these days. I used to think, why put my troubles onto someone else’s shoulders? But I’m a lot better now about asking for help when I need it. So don’t be surprised if you get a random email from me one day taking you up on your offer.
You’re such a sweet heart, Zeenat! Thank you!
~xo
Hi Lori! GREAT videos! And gratitude – wow – it is a life changing attitude! I’m so hooked on that as a daily recipe I think I’d crash dead without it!
I’m a huge Eckhart Tolle fan – and in his writing he came up with three mind sets to bring to everything in life – Acceptance, Enjoyment and Enthusiasm, chose one or a combo. I MUST throw in Gratitude – there now, it’s perfect! I chose one of those four to approach EVERYthing – but I start and end each day in a Gratitude mode – I’m so happy to just BE here!
Lori, your attitude of gratitude is an inspiration to everyone! Consider yourself massively hugged!
suZen
Hi Suzen,
Massive hugs taken! Mmm mmm good! Thanks, Suzen!
I really like that: acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm. What a great triplet. It was great to hear these words today. Thank you!
My attitude is an inspiration? Wow, that’s really humbling to hear. I literally feel that my main goal is to simply keep breathing, and every day I wake up and can still walk and see, I’m so thankful to be still on this side of the dirt.
Every day is a gift, really, don’t you think?
Thanks for being here, Suzen. I appreciate you!
Hi Lori,
Rockin’! Lots o’ gratitude for having you around with your awesome site!
Loved the video!
George
.-= George Angus´s last blog ..A Vandalous New Blog Of The Week =-.
Hi George,
Thanks for your compliments about my site. I remember when you shocked me with featuring JBN at your Blog of the Week series, you called out one of my RAOKA posts in the story. You’re soo sweet!
I really love your site, George. Your personality comes through in your posts and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to your site, feeling really rotten because of Ms. MS, and left your site smiling. You’ve made a difference in my life, and I feel gratitude having found you in this sea of humanity.
Big hugs!
~xo
Hi Lori:
Nice video…wow, that was funny! Thanks for sharing what you did…including Sami’s pep talk for you. Gratitude is such an important word…I am extremely grateful for all I have. And while I do have my moments where I think about the things I’m grateful for…I remembered the other day how I used to walk to work every day thinking of three things I was grateful for. I think its such an important mindset to have…thinking about the good things and not everything that bothers us.
Thanks again for an awesome RAOKA post and thanks for reminding me about gratitude..no matter who we are or what situation we’re in.
Hi Tim,
Glad you had a minute to watch the videos. Wasn’t that Ellen video a trip? I laughed so hard when I watched it! Soooo funny!
And, how cool is that? You used to think of three things you’re grateful for on your way to work. I love that idea!
I’m grateful for you, Tim. You’ve brought a lot of gratitude into my life and I’m very lucky to have met you.
Thank you!
Oh Lori.
You are an type A, good for you.
I am learning to be grateful for differences.
I used to call John bossy until I saw that his bossyness gets things done that would not have been done. Because it confronts me with what I am NOT doing is not a reason to wnat that out off my world, is it?
I also know that my difference contributes to his, if I was perfect my blog would not exist.
Ha, thus I am grateful for your types, and I’d say to you, it is not related to cupsize you know.
Hugs Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Ann-Marie on ‘I don’t know’ so I say STOP =-.
Hi Wilma,
I love seeing your smiling face here when you have the time. Thanks for being here.
I hear what you’re saying. I also think your comment about your blog, that if you were perfect it wouldn’t exist, is a really important point. Sometimes I’m so caught up in everything being as perfect as it can be, I’ll NOT do something. But, what a shame? I think 90% of the people out there don’t look for perfection, but just want to be present and be entertained, learn about something new, or connect (etc.).
I’m definitely trying to lighten up these days. What’s the point of being so Type A that one’s life is miserable? I’ve certainly been there, too.
I’m grateful for you, Wilma. I’m glad we’ve met!
~xo
Wow. I love this!
When I begin my day with gratitude (almost every day except the ones my body refuses to get out of bed on time!!!), that gratitude just expands and touches everything in my life. I try to catch the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening, I appreciate the splendid grandeur of both and that helps me to apprecaite everything in between.
Plus, gratitude is contagious:) As fun to share with others as my favorite treat. A smile and a sincere thank you can light up someone’s entire face:)
Hi Joy,
What a great statement!! I love it!!
“I try to catch the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening, I appreciate the splendid grandeur of both and that helps me to apprecaite everything in between.”
That really speaks to me in such a deep and humbling way. Thank you for saying that.
I also agree that gratitude is contagious. This past month, and reading all the gratitude RAOKA posts with comments from others, really nailed it. I feel overflowing with gratitude!
Here’s a smile to you, cool cat—->
Great to see you and thanks again for stopping by.
Great gratitude post!
.-= Positively Present´s last blog ..don’t wait for love: 10 ways to love yourself now =-.
Thanks, Dani! Same to you!
No, you Type A’s certainly were not born to follow. And your love is like bad medicine! Anyway, I hope you’re having a kick-arse day.
Ha ha ha!! You’re funny, Chris!
I think my love is like bad medicine, too. Ha ha ha. No, scratch that, I think I’ve definitely improved in that area.
Hope you’re having a kick-arse week!
Well someone’s got to boss everyone else around or else they wouldn’t do anything would they:) Thanks for making me smile and fessing up to being a bossy cow. I suppose I’ed better admit that I am too!
Hi Annabel,
That’s a great way to put it, great visual there: I AM a bossy cow sometimes! You have that spot on!
Cheers to bossy cows! Well, bossy & smiling cows, that is.
Have a great week, Annabel!
Bon Jovi – Cosmo’s first Fun, Fearless Male of the Year (2003).
You guys rock, you know that?
.-= Dave Doolin´s last blog ..Saturday Morning Surfing: Jerry the Plumber and His Bad Day =-.
No way, is that right? Bon Jovi was Fun, Fearless Male of the year? And, should I think it’s weird that you know that??? ha ha
It takes a rocker to spot a rocker in my book. Rock on, rock warrior!!
Have a great week, Dave!
I’ve never been hugged, told I’m beautiful and appreciated all in one day. Thanks for doing so. You are a delightful person!
Lindsey Petersen
http://5kidswdisabilities.wordpress.com
Thanks for your kind words, Lindsey.
You ARE beautiful; you ARE appreciated!
(P.S. Sorry your comment got nabbed by my spam software – it will kick out comments with links added to the comment. But, I rescued you! Thanks again for being here with us.)
Hi Lori,
I agree with you on how RAOKA is causing us to notice what we might not have noticed before. No matter what the theme is – or has been – I notice more love in the world around me. Maybe it’s just me getting older and wiser, but I’m really liking it. Stop by and see my February RAOKA!
.-= Cheryl from thatgirlisfunny´s last blog ..Your Power to Assist by Sending a Single Thought: Random Acts of Kick Arse =-.
[...] I’ve said in a previous post, what is on our mind makes us see “it” more often in our daily lives. That’s why [...]
[...] February’s theme post: Passion ♦ January’s theme post: Gratitude ♦ December’s theme post: Wacky! ♦ November’s theme post: Beauty ♦ October’s [...]
[...] theme post: Laughter ♦ February’s theme post: Passion ♦ January’s theme post: Gratitude ♦ December’s theme post: Wacky! ♦ November’s theme post: Beauty ♦ October’s [...]