There are many ways to show and share gratitude. This trait of character is such a means for enriching our lives and bringing us joy, yet it's often hard to come by in an over-scheduled world. In our month of celebrating gratitude, we share a story about a human who lives the very meaning of it, so simply. She isn't a war hero, or survivor of cancer, or a celebrity. Just someone spectacular who lives and works in Manhattan Beach, CA with a somewhat ordinary career (Kristen is a master hair stylist and color EXPERT) and an extraordinary perspective on life, we admire. We share her story and hope to inspire the sharing of yours...

WHO IS YOUR KRISTEN?

We all have them, these special marbles in our pocket of life---they make the world happier, better, maybe just for us, or maybe for so many others too.  Do we show them gratitude with a simple gesture in return? Do we share with them, what they mean to us, and what they bring to our life? Too often these people's everyday contributions go without acknowledgement, yet they impact so many lives surrounding their own.

We have a special person in our lives. Someone we have great gratitude for, and we know others in her community likely share the sentiment. In little ways, every day, she impacts so many people with her positive perspective, her joy & her love of life.

Her energy is palpable, a light so infectious I sometimes wonder what she does to radiate such a glow, with hugs that come from her soul and a presence in the moment that makes you feel so calm.

Her qualities are admirable in a world so hurried, so fast... you never feel rushed when you are with her, it's like time stops and you get to put everything on simmer for just a true moment, because being with her, just does that.

When I'm going to see her, I look forward to it EVERY TIME. We reflect on all the years she’s known my husband and I, together. A friend who knows us so closely because she’s been there all the way through and made the effort to make this fact, significant. The conversations we share are so real for these conscious efforts that have been made over time.

Our friend and a beautiful person that undoubtedly brightens the day of every person who sits down in her chair before she cuts or colors their hair. While her job brings her fulfillment, as her art, her craft. It is her purpose, something she does so effortlessly, that enriches her community every day as she sends us back out into the world with a renewed sense of being, after having spent time sharing and connecting with HER.

Kristen makes her small, simple contribution to humanity with her kind, beautiful soul and we love her and have gratitude for the gift that her friendship and connection bring us. She is truly a beautiful human. She is an animal rights activist and loyal vegan in support of the devotion she carries for the animal kingdom we share our planet with. She is a special marble in our pocket of gratitude and we treasure her.

Q & A With Kristen Anthony

We had the opportunity recently to share how we feel about Kristen and to chat with her about her secrets to live life with JOY, her perspective on GRATITUDE and a trick of her trade! Here we share the beauty of our friend!

What do you do regularly to PRACTICE GRATITUDE in your life?

100%… PRAY! I am constantly in my head giving thanks for many moments that happen throughout my day. I’m always grateful for many things that happen in the day and I am always talking with God. Another practice is to simply move my body. The older I get, the more I realize that my healthy limbs, organs, body… is a gift and the fact that I am able to move—to run, dance, stand while working…. is all a gift. A good friend of mine taught me this lesson of gratitude when he and I became very close for a chapter in my life. He was in a surfing accident when he was a teen, dove off of a wave, his head hitting a shallow sandbar, paralyzing him. His life changed in a single second. I used to go on long runs, think of him, and cry…not from sadness, but with eyes wide open with gratitude that my body is fully able to run. To do what I love. I would share these moments with him and thank him for being that light in my life, someone who has taught me to be grateful.

What is your philosophy on FINDING JOY?

My philosophy on finding joy is simple: make time to spend with your family. When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to be on my own, learning once I got out in the world, that family are really all you have and time passes so quickly. I am an incredibly nostalgic being, creating memories are the gifts I make for myself. I get so much joy in nature, being a witness to all that this universe has to share. I find joy in music & dancing, in the way music can make me feel so deeply sad or so incredibly joyful and dancing allowing me to be utterly free in expression. I find so much joy when connecting with others— those I’m close with and total strangers… I try and hug everyone and anyone, anytime I can.

How is Gratitude a part of your daily work day?

My trade, the Beauty Industry can generally seem vain to many, but that’s just the perspective from which you view it, like anything else. True beauty is from within, and when I lay my head down at the end of the day and recount the human connections I've had the opportunity to make, the work I’ve done… I am happy. I see in everyone who sits in my chair as someone worthy. So it is a pleasure to spend time enhancing their outer beauty to match that. And, out of this time, I get a big smile and a warm, thankful hug that will last much longer than the hour and half’s time I spent on their hair— it’s about the connection, and I’m thankful for these.

And a TIP of your TRADE?

A Tip of the Trade….. Leave in conditioner is amazing and just about as important as moisturizer for your face. USE IT! It’s awesome!!

-Thanks for listening and allowing me to share my thoughts. Kristen-

Do you have a special Marble in Your Pocket of Gratitude?

Someone who makes a simple contribution that makes OUR world, or YOUR community a better place?

Please SHARE your story with US!

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@AddyPresLFStyle #AddyPresInspires

Photo Credits: Chad Cole