Thank you

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. -Marcel Proust

I had another topic for this blog, but it is being put on the back burner for now. Tonight I feel very grateful- grateful for all the people in my life. I wanted to take this opportunity to say Thank You.

On my drive home from hanging out with friends I started to think about the people I have come across on my life's journey so far. I really have had a fantastic group of friends and mentors who helped me to grow and become the Keryn I am today.

I will always be eternally grateful to my family, my parents and siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents who have and continue to help me whenever I need.

In Massachusetts through my college career, I had my Rhapsody family as well. Margi believed in me and encouraged me to start teaching piano. Where would I be today without her love and support? I have now been a teacher for the past 10 years!

When I moved to NH I knew not a soul. It was a brand new experience for me. I moved out of my parents' house and was making a brand new start as an adult! My Crossroads Chiropractic family- Dr. Steph, Kathleen and Kay embraced me and became my support system. Dr. Steph especially because she supported me through massage school, encouraged me to do the Miss New Hampshire pageants (which paid for an entire school loan!) and even helped me set up shop in a suite above her office. What kindness and generosity!

While in New Hampshire I also created a relationship with Strings and Things. Mike Bilodeau and staff (including Brooks) welcomed me with open arms and even gave up their break room so I could have my own studio. By the time I left I was up to 40 students a week! Without their help, I never would have gotten there.

Moving again to RI was very scary for me. I knew how lucky I had gotten in NH and was not counting on finding it again. After having Oliver I delayed looking for a job because I knew the economy was horrible. One day I was perusing craigslist and saw an opening for an MT for a chiropractor in Coventry. I answered and was hired. Two years later I have my own RI equivalent for a dad in Dr. J and a fantastic sister in Beth Smith. Both who have bent over backwards and have helped me out so much over this past year of craziness. I have also made the most phenomenal group of friends since being in Rhode Island. Friends who I know are there whenever I need and have proven their love and support repeatedly. To them I owe so much. Thank you- Andrea, Beth, Brian, Andreas, Chasity, Jonny, Scott, Beth R and Aaron.

I feel like I'm giving a speech at the Grammy's or something!

I have a fantastic community of friends who I am luckily still able to keep in touch with via facebook. Thank you to my NH friends, my MA friends, and my RI people. My love stretches easily over these three states. =)

Thank you, Ira, for your love.

Peace out.

Positive People

"The language of friendship is not words but meanings" -Henry David Thoreau

Who are the positive people in your life? I want to take this opportunity to talk about the importance of having positive energy in the form of people in your life.

I believe we have certain people in our lives to give us the chi we need for balance. It is important to focus on building your inner strength and knowing your own true self, but I think it is equally as important to recognize the people in your life that make you who you are. We're not on this path alone. We stumble across and accumulate people along the way, much like Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz."

Unfortunately there are times when we need to take some time and introspect as to whether we are engaging in healthy give and take relationships. It's very easy to fall into a person's negative energy trap. We call these people "energy vampires." It takes some strength to realize it, and even more strength to rise and fight against it.

Questions to ask yourself:

Does this person make me feel good about myself?

Am I happy when I am around this person?

Does this person improve my life and does it seem like I am improving theirs?

How does this person make me feel? Energized? Tired? Angry? Frustrated? Inspired?

I'm not saying it is a good idea to abandon a friend if you truly care about them, but I think it is important to make sure you are not hurting yourself for the sake of "friendship." Any relationship that makes you feel bad about yourself is not a healthy one. That may be a bold statement, but I think it's a fair one.

This is becoming a much more personalized blog than my last posts, so I might as well keep going with it. I will give you some examples of positive people in my life:

Ira- who I not only share a loving, romantic relationship (and all the wonderful things that come along with that... best saved for another post), but can also engage in thoughtful conversation with especially about philosophy.

Andrea- who I bond with spiritually and whom I have a non-judgemental, all accepting friendship with

Beth S- who has opened brand new doors for a newly single girl, who is an unconditional friend, and lots of fun to hang around with

Chasity- who makes me feel calm and balanced whenever we hang out and can have a fun or just a peaceful night with.

Patrick, Beth, Aaron- all of whom I share my deep love of the theatre with, and when joined together along with Andrea we create magical things

Scott- who I share my love and passion for music with, a great friend I can truly rely on.

So I am a lucky girl. With all of these relationships I feel open, healthy, and loved. Time to be grateful. Who are on your positive people list? =)