“What am I going to do with all my pennies?”

This thought crossed my mind while I was cleaning my room last weekend.  I have a cup full of pennies that I have been randomly collecting as spare change. The pennies just sit in a cup in my room occupying space.

I found out earlier today that my blog Arianna's Random Thoughts made the list (#14) of the Top 50 Personal Development Blogs of 2012.  I'm so humbled and thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You guys rock!  Here are some of the beautiful nominations that my blog received:

I really appreciate you all for taking the time to vote, read my blog, share your stories, and be a source of hope in this world. I couldn't have received this without you as 35% of your blog award score is based on reader participation and voting. This award goes to you as well. Thank you for believing in my message and adding your voices and/or random thoughts to the conversation! :)

Well, this year I feel like that is happening to me in terms of my true authentic voice.  It wants to speak and share with others.  My inner voice is trying hard to be heard; it keeps making noise so that I will listen to it.  Therefore, by writing and sharing; I am nourished and strengthened.

Strengthening our souls, using our voices, and nourishing our authentic selves are as essential to living a healthy life as eating is.

Since I love sharing with others, I am passing this knowledge on to you. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends!

Here are some inspiring words to start your week! My youngest sister got me this poster as a birthday present and I absolutely love it! I am so thankful for this beautiful present that I have it hanging in a position to see it while I am writing.

This poster's words help. Proof: I finished my very rough draft for my NaNoWriMo book. Wohoo!! 50,000+ words in a month = DONE.  I got my badge for finishing too ( see it in the sidebar).

Jessica Larsen is a word-wrangler, story-seeker and general lover of wonder + whimsy. She loves green smoothies, summer evenings, and motivational movie montages. She is actively pursuing a life of inspiration, adventure and truth. By day, you can find her giving legal and policy advice to the Government. By night, she is a cape-wearing online superhero who writes, pontificates and inspires over at www.sparrowandsea.com and Hello Wordsmith. Thanks, Jess, for sharing with us the lessons you have learned throughout your life! Keep writing, smiling, and sharing your story! 

I found out yesterday that I won Best Body Image Blogger for the 2012 Nourishing Body Image Awards.  I'm honoured and humbled as this award came from you my readers.  You all took the time to nominate me and continue to support the work that I'm doing.  This award is not just for me - it's for you!  I may write Arianna's Random Thoughts but the site would be NOTHING without my readers and supporters.  We are all in this together. 

Yesterday, I found this beautiful song by Tristan Prettyman and I have been playing it non-stop since I found it.  I first found out about Tristan after hearing her song "I Was Gonna Marry You." I love her voice and had to listen to other songs by her.   That is how I found the song "Say Anything."  Have a listen! I love how honest and vulnerable she is in her writing.   She has inspired me to write from my heart and not hold back.  Thank you Tristan!

Changing your thoughts can really impact your life.  I have been changing mine and recommend that you should try it! Get involved by clicking here and sharing why you are a star! I'm only on day 4 and LOVING it so far :)  Imagine what you will get to see and experience.

I have interviewed many people for my "Profiles of Perseverance" series about how they persevere through many types of obstacles.  I thought it would be fitting to ask someone who loves the water and coaching as much as I do. Mercedes Maidana is a Motivational Speaker, Abundance Coach, and Patagonia Surf Ambassador.  I love the work she is doing! I really respect her and think she has a powerful mission. Thanks, Mercedes, for sharing with us the lessons you have learned throughout your life! Keep up the awesome work!

It is a raining here, but I have some news that will brighten a gloomy day.  I'm putting together a fun and positive life experiment which will start on November 1st.  I'm not going to give you any more hints other than if you like my blog, YOU WILL WANT TO BE PART OF IT!!!!

I will be sending out an email giving you all the details a week before it starts. You should join my newsletter so you don't miss out!  The project is fun, inspiring, reflective, and positive. I hope it will make you shine brighter than you already do.  Don't worry; you won't be doing it alone - I'm going to do it too!

Today I'm honoured to  feature Claire Hutchinson (a former fellow University of Toronto Varsity Blues Rower) in my "Profiles of Perseverance" series.  Claire was on the Varsity team while I was a Novice.  I never had the chance to really get to know her, as I only saw her briefly at practices and competitions.  I have had the chance to connect with her electronically since my depature (due to graduation) from the team.  Claire is an incredibly strong athlete and person!  I really respect her, and  I am blessed that she took the time out of her busy training schedule to share.  Thanks Claire!  

Happy Thanksgiving to all those Canadians celebrating this weekend! I'm so excited to spend time with my wonderful family and friends.  I'm extremely blessed to have them in my life.  My family has this tradition during dinner that we all go around and say what we are thankful for.  I thought I would share the question with you.