“Nothing in my life has changed this year with the exception of [one thing].” My friend told me as we caught up last week.

Even though I started the conversation, I deliberately did not share any or all my good news. I did not tell her I was the happiest I have ever been, that my birthday was one of the bests or that I see so many doors opening for me as a result of all the hard work I have done these past four years.

Instead I focused on areas of my life I noticed that I need to work on. I did not want my friend to feel bad or feel defeated.

When I usually offer a silver lining which such statements or perspectives; this time I chose silence. The only thing I felt I could offer was active listening and my presence.

I assumed she’d seen my facebook posts and was caught up on my life, so I didn’t need to repeat anything or fill in any gaps.

When you begin a mindfulness journey, you start to notice habits, your habits as well as others. Next, you start to work on our habits and notice how engrained a habit is in you life. When you trip up on your habits, overtime you become kinder to yourself and others. You no longer feel the need to gain others approval.

Even in a mindful space, the universe will show up and show you your growth or your blessings in the most humbling way.

Today’s tune called “Oh!” addresses the “grass is always greener” perspective, in a new way.

Please consider today and always that you struggle today may be easier then the day before. Or consider that your struggle is not as bad as someone else’s. Look for the blessings that come to you, even in the darkest moment of your struggle.

Love, Stephanie – XO

Oh! – Eric Hutchinson

Oh, oh oh oh oh

I got arrested in the dark of the night
The cop got restless as he read me my rights
He told me, “I’m always envious of those that I jail
If I got locked up nobody’d come to help me post bail.”
And I said oh oh oh oh
And I said oh oh oh oh

Went to a party on the side of a hill
Met three Latinas who had gotten their fill
They told me, “Nobody ever gets us down on our knees
Simply to help us take a load off our feet.”
And I said oh oh oh oh
And I said oh oh oh oh

And I’m never sure what I’m living for
But it’s always on my mind
Someone comes along, always proves me wrong
Think I’m gonna be fine

I picked a pocket just to give it all back
Took out the license, left the money intact
The man said, “I want to thank you.”
And I had to ask why
That was the old me, I was living a lie
And I said oh oh oh oh
And I said oh oh oh oh

Riding the subway with the scent of her hair
She took out a toothbrush, started using it there
She explained, “I’m always sure today’s the day I will die
I want to look good if I get to look God in the eye.”
And I said oh oh oh oh
And I said oh oh oh oh

And I’m never sure what I’m living for
But it’s always on my mind
Someone comes along, always proves me wrong
Think I’m gonna be fine

Get lost in the back of our minds
Got nothing to burn but time time time
Everybody’s got the look
But they keep it inside

We get lost in the back of our minds
Got nothing to burn but time time time
Everybody’s got the look
But they keep it inside

Met an acquaintance people reintroduce
With more in common than we had in our youth
She told me, “You look the same.”
I said, “I’m now a new man”
She asked, “How does that work?”
I started giving a damn

I said oh oh oh oh….