It’s time again for my monthly celebration, just another opportunity to look back with gratitude and remember the little gifts of life. Sometimes, I can easily get caught up in what I haven’t done yet and forget to celebrate what I actually accomplished, so this is my way of training my brain to look for the positive. It is the time to review and celebrate my accomplishments, and to identify the gifts in my life in the simple, fleeting moments.
I am grateful for a beautiful month of July – for days at the beach filled with sunshine and laughter, for having my son at home for his vacation, for good friends, for spectacular thunderstorms, for eating fresh mangos and tomatoes straight from my backyard, for delicious breakfasts, for the scent of freshly trimmed grass, and for cooling and flavorful mojitos.
Now let’s get into my monthly highlights:
1. My wedding anniversary
July is my anniversary month. My hubby and I spent a nice, romantic weekend – a great opportunity to go back and remember the way we started and everything we’ve been through, mostly good stuff. I feel blessed and so thankful for everything we’ve walked, laughed, accomplished, loved and lived together.
2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
It is such a joy to re-read this book, because every time I read it I discover new meanings. This book shows me more than how to win friends. It shows me that we can find happiness by being charming and appreciative, and by learning the ability to understand the different views of the people we meet. It challenges me to grow and be better, and eventually to become a happier person.
“Everybody in the world is seeking happiness—and there is one sure way to find it. That is by controlling your thoughts. Happiness doesn’t depend on outward conditions. It depends on inner conditions.”
“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”
3. Blogs I’ve enjoyed reading this month
Elgin Avenue
Simple Adventure
No Sidebar
4. 7 Minute Workout App
I’m so happy I found this app – it’s the easiest and most convenient way to exercise at home twice or even three times a week. It’s a free app for iPhone, a 7 minute high intensity workout that involves 12 exercises you can do in the comfort of your home and only requires a chair. Each exercise is performed in 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest in between. It may not seem like a big deal, but it’s hard. When I first tried this routine I was sweaty and I could barely catch my breath, but as soon as I get used to it, I intend to repeat the whole routine twice. The best part of it is that I don’t have to leave my house and that the whole routine lasts only seven minutes.
[Tweet “Whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy!”]
5. On the blog in July:
What You Need to Know About the Mediterranean Diet
How to Bring More Mindfulness Into Your Everyday Life
However, I have to confess that I’ve skipped some meditation and yoga sessions, and I haven’t been able to entirely follow my routine. I guess I need to manage my time better and try to be more efficient. But overall, July has been a great month for me, with sunny days, celebrations and goals accomplished.
Look back at the month of July. What are some of your highlights? What made you smile and what brought you joy?
I hope you all have a beautiful month of August filled with happiness and sunshine! Whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy!
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Let’s share the love at Let’s Get Real Friday Party.
Love this so much Ana. You inspired my blog post today girlfriend. Feels so nice to have an attitude of gratitude! 🙂
Thank you so much, Lisa! Gratitude never goes out of style. 🙂
Happy anniversary. I just heard of the 7 Minute workout app today. Dr. Kharrazian recommended it. Can’t wait to try it.
Thank you, Karen. Let me know what you think about the app. I could do only four push-ups. 🙂
Happy anniversary, Ana! I’m so glad you and your husband got to get away. Thanks for the heads up about the 7 minute workout app. I think I am going to check it out. I am thankful for a very relaxing July where I was able to spend time catching up on things after a busy spring. I am also grateful for the time I have gotten to spend with my daughter while she was home for the summer, and that my dad is feeling better after surgery. Also, thank you for the book recommendation. I would like to read it. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
I’m so glad your father feels better; we tend to take out health for granted, when in fact it is our most precious asset. Lately, I’ve been grateful for time – just time to do whatever I love. Thanks for stopping by, Shari.
Another awesome month Ana! I’m going to have to check out that exercise app!
Thank you, Julie. That workout routine is short, but intense. Good luck! 🙂
Sounds like a lovely month! Both my children are born in July so it is always a month filled with parties, get togethers and lots of fun! It is winter in Australia but I love the cool, crisp, sunny days. I like the idea of that exercise app. I am always looking for ways to mix my weekly exercise up rather than just running all the time, plus my hips don’t cope with just running anymore!
Yaaay – celebration month! I kind of envy you for the cooler weather – it’s 32 Celsius here (feeling like 37C) and very humid. I hope you like the exercise app. Have a great weekend!
Happy Anniversary! Ours is July 22. I love this idea of sharing accomplishments!
Heeey, happy anniversary to you too, Rachel. I hope you have an amazing weekend!
Love this monthly celebration series you share Ana! It’s such a great way to reflect. Congratulations on you and your husband’s anniversary. It’s always so good to get away once in a while, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing these personal moments with us on #shinebloghop this week!
Thank you for your kind words and for for hosting this linkup, Maria. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
It sounds like you’ve had a great July! I need to read that book & try that app!!
I’m sure you are going to like them both. Have a lovely weekend! 🙂
Thanks for the 7 Minute Workout app– looks like a great suggestions– along with remembering to Celebrate! Happy August, xxoo
Happy August to you too! 🙂