With Christmas around the corner, I have started purchasing and collecting gifts for our family and extended family. I do not thrive waiting last minute, and I really love to enjoy the month of December. Not only do we celebrate Christmas, but our son turns TWO a few days after! My husband and I like to do stockings for each other and one bigger gift (I will share items in another post). I personally enjoy spacing the spending out and not doing everything all at once.

I thought it would be fun to share a gift series of what I am purchasing for different people this year. I highly recommend creating an Amazon wish list for family members! We keep a family one for the three of us that we can share at any time. Our siblings have one which is extremely helpful and makes things easy!

 

Today I wanted to share what my toddler will be receiving, since I am completely done with his shopping. I spend around $100 total for him since he is young and he receives “bigger” items from both grandparents. He also receives a few smaller items throughout the month with our family advent calendar. You can check out our month of activities here: Bridwell Advent 2019. I personally love anything Melissa & Doug! Target recently had 15 % off any item, and discount stores carry a lot it!

Fishing Game, Train Track, Vet Pet, Puzzle (main gifts)

Books, Hot Wheels, Squeeze Packs (stocking)

Advent Items 

Book, PJs, Crafts, Ornamets

 

What are some things you are purchasing for your children? I would love to know what they are asking for or interested in!

 

Blessings,

Jac

 

I recently shared ways that have helped me maintain a joyful and positive mindset. You can check out the last post here: Joyful Living: Part 1. Today I wanted to share the last five ways that have personally helped me. Let me know if you do try some or plan to implement them!

6. Remember Like Attracts Like

You attract the type of energy you give out into the world. If you want good, positive, and happy things to happen you have to make an effort to live that way.

7. Stay Connected/ Grounded

Once again this can look different for everyone (prayer, meditation, quiet time…). For me, I have to stay consistent in my prayer and closeness with God. It constantly gives me perspective, increases gratitude, and helps ease any worry/anxiety I may be experiencing. It is also a time to lift up other people and reflect on their needs.

8. Continuously Increase Your Vibration 

Take care of yourself! Do the things that make you happy and bring peace to your personal life. This is completely different for everyone! You will be your best version when you feel full!

9. Think Of Others

You will continuously gain perspective when you think of others. Give to give, love to love.

10. It Is A Choice

At the end of the day, you choose how you want to live. None of us can choose what life throws our way. The only thing we can decide is HOW we respond and deal with it. Life is way more enjoyable when we choose to approach it with a good attitude!

Hope you have a JOY filled day!

Blessings,

Jac

This past year I have really made it an intention to focus on my mind and the power it holds over my every day life and experiences. I have always been a happy and positive person ever since I could remember. I think a lot of that came from being a military kid and constantly changing and uprooting every couple of years. I learned I had the choice to respond to change in a positive or negative way, but it was going to happen regardless. Looking back I am so thankful for a valuable lesson at such a young age.

If you are a parent, you probably have had the realization that becoming one changes everything. Your world is completely different once your precious child arrives. For me personally, I had to really re-visit my mindset and way of thinking, especially leaving my career and staying home. Don’t get me wrong, having a child and becoming a mom is the BEST thing that has ever happened to me. I am now in a place where I really want to be intentional with my mind and energy, so I can be the best version of myself in the normal day to day. I want my son to see what a joyful life looks like and realize that it is a choice he has the power to make.

I thought I would share 10 ways I stay happy, joyful, and positive. Of course, I have my “off” days or times just like anyone else. Below are the first five. I will share the remainder later this week. Hopefully some of these can inspire or motivate you. As always, I would love to know anything you do!

1. Practice Daily Gratitude 

This can look different for everyone. For me, I journal every morning as well as thank/praise at the start of prayer. It is simply a way to acknowledge and appreciate all the gifts you have been given. If you want to start feeling gratitude write or think why you are grateful for each thing.

2. Say Thank You

Take the time to show appreciation to others and let them know they are valuable and important.

3. Positive Affirmations

Once again this can look different for everyone. I have around 5-6 that I say every morning out loud that speak joy into my life. One example I personally say is, “Love, happiness, and God’s spirit flow and radiate through me”. Think of the things you want in your life or are important to you and speak them into your reality.

4. Morning & Night Routine

Create a positive routine to start and end your day. Are you being intentional with how you wake up and go to bed? What is the first thing you do and the last? What are your thoughts and how do they shape your day? I am very structured with our son and his routines, but can easily put myself on the back burner. I have to continuously remind myself how important mornings and evenings are for my own health and well-being.

What if you started each day appreciating every small thing you are able to do? For example…I am so thankful to wake up in a warm bed and roof over my head. I am so thankful my body moves and supports me throughout the day. I am so thankful for plumbing and clean water. I am so thankful for electricity and being able to control the temperature of my home so we are comfortable. I am so thankful to have a loving husband and wonderful child. I am so thankful to get ready for a job that provides for our family…..

What if you ended each day focusing on the BEST part of the day and really feeling the joy and gratitude from that moment before you went to sleep?

5. Address Negative Thoughts

I think it is so important to address any negative thoughts or feelings that enter your mind so you can acknowledge them and work through them. Decide what you are going to do to change those thoughts/feelings and take action to redirect or change them. You are in control!

Blessings,

Jac