Dear Oprah,

At the end of each day, I write her five things I have been grateful for.

At the beginning of each day, she writes me five things she is grateful for.

It keeps us accountable to do this list.

It keeps us grateful.

And it keeps us connected.

After setting the intention at the beginning of the day and sending my gratitude at the end of the day, no matter what happens in between, I have those decisions to make that puts everything in perspective and balance.

Perhaps you do this with your best friend, Gayle King. Perhaps its something you'd like to try.

There are times I get stumped and I really have to reach, especially if stress is high or my mood is low. But it's important, even if you have to reach, to find the purpose behind each action in the day and to find the gratitude you have for that action. Even if your actions are rote or banal. Reaching to find the goodness in it, how your actions benefit others in some way, can help off set the things that can get you down.

Just a thought. A good one I think. And one that I am grateful for.

Be brilliant,

Laurie

I'm such a Virgo. I live in my car. And by that, I mean, I'm in my car more than my expensive Santa Monica apartment, but I live in my car so that I can afford my expensive Santa Monica apartment. And by that, I mean, I drive a whole freekin' lot to get to my clients all around this great city. I love teaching. Loooooove it. The driving...not so much. Ok, and it's not THAT expensive. But bein' a single chica in LA is just plain expensive.

But, I digress.

I'm always prepared for when hunger hits. If you are hungry, come to me as I always have a snack handy. And they are always healthy. I know. I'm like a mom, without the kid.

But, I digress. Where is she going with this? Stay with me.

I was driving up Highland in Hollywood, crossing Melrose and I was at the light. I saw a homeless man. It was hot. He had a cardboard sign. He was sweating. So was the homeless man. Ba dum bum. Homeless humor. It gets worse. He looked tired and hungry. I rolled down my window and tossed him two of my tasty, well packaged store bought goods. My cash wasn't handy and I thought fast. I was in a good mood and thought I could be of service.

He kicked one of the snacks into the street and picked up the other one and threw it back at me saying words I wouldn't even say to someone I felt disgust for. What a waste.

It made me feel bad.

And I was hungry.

Really Oprah, I just had to vent this one out.

Still hungry,

Laurie

The moment I wake up,

before I put on my make up,

I set a little intention.

I know, you thought I was going to sing again.

No more songs. But I do set an intention. Just before I sprint out of bed and start my day, I savor a moment or two, not to set a goal, but to set the tone for the day.

I want to feel calm today.

I don't want little things to bother me today.

I want to see my dad in the details today.

I want to do everything for others today.

I want to smile at everyone I see today.

Just to use examples.

It's a small thing, but really powerful, because when the day gets ahead of me, I get frustrated or sad, I remember my intention, and everything gets put back in perspective.

As long as I can align myself with what I set out for in the day, I can reign myself in when the urge to road rage hits, again, for example only.

Today, my intention is to move slowly through the day. I know it's a busy one, so instead of running here and there, I will move a little slower. I will still go the speed limit and then some, but I won't let the 'rush' take over.

Writing down your intention is good. It puts it out there.

Maybe even having a little intention journal at the side of your bed so you can write it down first thing and reflect on it last thing before going to bed.

Just sayin'.

Hey, even the great Oprah needs advice some time, right.

Have a beautiful day.

-Laurie