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Friday, April 29, 2011

You're Alive!

You're alive.  
That means you have infinite potential, 
you can do anything, make anything, dream anything.  
If you change the world, the world will change.
Neil Gaiman

News Flash:  You're alive if you're reading this!  Woohoo!  Congratulations!  ;-)

Now I know you already knew that, but just take a second -- a split second to realize just how wonderful that truly is.  Ahhhhh!

As long as we are here, ANYTHING is possible!  It is not too late for anything.  Ok, well, maybe it IS too late for me to start bullriding, I don't think my chiropractor would approve.  However, it is not too late for most dreams!  So often we tell ourselves it is...we lay down excuses.  As long as you are living, there is still time -- and hope!

Life is an amazing thing.  We are so fortunate to be here.  But don't just be here, be involved!  Be creating your dreams.  Make the things you want, happen.  For as long as we are alive, anything AND everything IS possible!


Thought of the day:  You're alive!  You can do, make or dream anything.  You CAN change the world!  What will you do?

Have an AMAZING weekend!




Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Optimist Creed

I recently came across something called The Optimist Creed.  This little gem has been around for almost 100 years, and has been used everywhere to spread motivation -- from hospital rooms to locker rooms.  I thought you would enjoy.

I Promise Myself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity 
to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel 
that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything 
and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, 
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others 
as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on 
to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times 
and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
To give so much time to improving myself 
that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, 
too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud word, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side,
so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

--Christian D. Larson

 I hope you'll promise yourself to have a wonderful day!  :-)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Leaving a Trail

We are leaving a trail behind us wherever we go.  Not a physical trail, but a trail that will be felt even more deeply.

How we talk to everyone we encounter and how we treat them, will in turn affect them.  How they treat others as a result, will effect those they encounter.  So it continues on and on.

For the family that we live with and for the people we are with daily, this trail will be even more imprinted.  We are leaving a deep trail within the hearts of our spouses and children.  We are even leaving trails in our children's future children, without even realizing it.  How we treat them will determine what kind of parent they will become, and what type of trail they will leave.  So it continues on.

It is so important that we leave a trail that is positive, for there is enough negative already in the world.  We must be leaving trails of love.  Keeping hate out of the world is a responsibility we all must share, for if we don't take on the responsibility, who will? 

Thought of the Day:  What type of trail are you leaving?   Make sure it's in alignment with the life you want to lead and the way you want to be remembered.  Your trail is not just solely yours.  Others too, will travel in your path.


Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Cherish Today!

I was looking through some pictures yesterday.  It was like a time capsule of hilariousness.  My daughter with her chubby cheeks looking so young.  My son in his underwear and big red boots "helping" my daughter wait for the school bus.  LOL...My son in the stage where he would take markers and decorate his body and face.  Wow!

Where did the time go?  It really does go by fast.  Someone once said that the days are long, but the years are short.  That is SO true!

Each day is truly a gift from God.  Each day, a treasure.  How fortunate are we that we not only get to receive these gifts, but also record them, whether in memory or photo, to look back later and enjoy!

Today is a gift.  How will you cherish today?  In whatever way you choose, may it be something special!



Have a wonderful day!

Monday, April 25, 2011

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

They say that April showers bring May flowers.  I believe it's true - everything needs to be watered in order to grow.  Have you ever been to the woods after a rainstorm and notice how the colors are much more vibrant than before?

I believe the same is true for us.  Without the stormy times in life, we wouldn't really be able to value and appreciate the good times.  If we never experienced pain, sadness or grief, would we really be able to appreciate not only the absence thereof, but would we value health, happiness, and good times the way we are able to once we've experienced the bad?

I believe that normalcy is one of the seriously most underrated gifts we have.  So often we don't realize how special our everyday life is until something shifts and temporarily takes it away.  It is then that we realize - and long for that normalcy back.

If you're currently going through "stormy" times, please remember they serve their purpose.  They will pass.  You will get through it.  You may not understand it or agree with it while you are going through it, but you will get through it.

If you're going through "normal" times, please take a minute to realize just how lucky you are. Take a moment to see the gifts that are being overlooked because you are used to them.  Realize just how special they are.


No matter what you are going through, may you be able to find the beautiful moments in today! 





Friday, April 22, 2011

Reaching Upward

Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. 
I may not reach them, 
but I can look up and see their beauty, 
 believe in them, 
and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott

I love this quote.  It reminds us to have hopes...dreams...and goals.  This is not just a "one-time" process in life - It is an on-going process.  We must be always working towards something.

Daydreaming is not just for children.  Without dreams, what do you have?   Imaginations are the foundations of dreams.  We must be going somewhere, or we are going nowhere at all.

Thought of the day:  
What aspirations do you have?  Are you following where they lead?




Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Pie In The Face

It was one of "those" days...Actually, I think it had been one of those weekends.  I don't remember the exact details, maybe the kids had been sick, or we were having a stroke of bad luck.  I'd like to say everything was perfect -- but life isn't that way.

We were all getting in a funk and boredom was setting in.  There was a pie in the fridge.  We all needed to alleviate some frustration.  So I had an "out of the box" idea...

The kids were in disbelief as I told them of the plan.  My husband seemed stunned, convinced I'd lost my mind, and petrified of what the cleanup was going to entail.  They didn't believe I would do it.  After my 12-year old was the first recipient of the pie to the face, the other two were begging to be next.  It was actually a pretty amazing moment!

After ten minutes of pie smashing, begging for more turns, and barbaric pie eating, it was over and the massive showers and cleanup had begun.  But something had shifted -- frustration and boredom were gone, and in its place, exhilaration and happiness had arrived.

Sometimes when things aren't going our way, we may need to think outside the box.  Sometimes, we need to be more creative...or more spontaneous.  Sometimes we just need to be more playful.

The kids still talk about "pie in the face night," and it's one of their fondest memories. While I may have started a trend that can come back to haunt me at the next family event where someone brings a pie, it is a memory that they will remember forever.

Thought of the Day:   Life is what we make of it.  There are frustrating, boring, and stressful times.  It's what we do to make them extraordinary, that counts.



Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Simplify

I will admit it - I have a tendency to make things too complicated.  Because life is complicated...and well, sometimes it gets overwhelming.  I have a picture that hangs in my bedroom that says "Simplify" to serve as a reminder to keep things simple.

In the age we are living in, there is so much at our disposal.  So much information, so many choices.  We're running here and there, involved in more things than ever before.  We have cell phones, home phones and access to email on the go.  We are working longer hours than ever before.  Our closets are fuller than ever.  We have more possessions than ever.  Our schedules are overflowing.  Multitasking is encouraged, almost required.  Whew!  No wonder we are stressed!

All of that "stuff" comes at a price.  I truly believe that a lot of the time we create our own stress.  It's not good to have our calendars so booked up - we need our downtime.  Too many choices can make us feel overwhelmed.  We're too plugged in and on the go.  Sometimes less is actually more.  We need to SIMPLIFY.

Simplifying is not a one-day event, it's an ongoing process.  Simplifying can enhance your life in more ways imaginable.  It can be the catalyst for cleaner closets with less clothes to go through each day, or for keeping less paperwork in your house.  Getting rid of excess can be your friend, not your enemy.  Multitasking should be examined.  It does have its place, but sometimes it actually increases the stress in our lives instead of helping us.  We need to do it at the right times.  

Thought of the Day:  Is it time to Simplify?  Warning:  You may find it addictive...


Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Take Time to Enjoy the Little Things...

Sometimes we can be so "on the go," that we spend our days rushing from here to there.  We rush through our day without thoroughly enjoying it.  Without stopping to examine if the rushing is even necessary.  Without realizing all the things we are missing along the way.

This is not the way life is meant to be experienced.  You can't truly enjoy that kind of day.   You're not fully experiencing life's full gift to you. 

I am fully convinced that we need to slow down.  I truly believe that the impact of "the little things" is just as valuable as the impact of life's bigger gifts.  I believe that if you're missing out on the little things each day, then you are truly missing out.  

Thought of the Day:  Do you need to slow down and be more present?  Are you noticing all the little things that life is gifting you with daily?  If not, slow down and begin to notice:  the sound of a bird in the morning...the smile of a child...a butterflies flight.  The fact that you are alive.  The fact that you are here.  These things are not so little, after all...



May you have a beautiful day!  May you revel in the "little" things...

Monday, April 18, 2011

Lean on Me...

I know several people right now that are in pain.  It's hard to be positive when you are dealing with hardcore life situations.  What do you do if you are feeling that way?  Well, just take time.  Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling.  Work through it.  Baby yourself, take care of YOU.  Remember this WILL pass.  Feel the emotions.  Just don't linger too long...

We have to remember that when tough times strike, we don't have to go through them alone.  We must remember to ask for help.  There are people that want to be there for us, if we...just...ASK.

We must also remember the power of prayer.  It is more powerful than you might think. 

Hopefully, if you are living a positive lifestyle, then you are more equipped to handle these situations when they strike.  If you can't BE the sunshine, at least ALLOW the sunshine.  Let people help you.  You do not have to go it alone.  People want to help.

If you aren't going through bad times, BE the sunshine.  Help those who need it.  Spread the love!  We all need each other to lean on!



Have a VERY blessed Monday!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Bringing Your Own Sunshine


Wherever you go, 
no matter what the weather, 
always bring your own sunshine.
Anthony J. D’Angelo


 I love this quote.  It's so true.  It's reminding us to be cheerful.  To add joy.  To be radiant and brighten up the world.  Why not?

As you go about your wonderful Friday and the start of your weekend, may you keep this in mind.  May you go about things with a radiant attitude...May your entire weekend be sunny, and filled with light - no matter what the weather.  May your radiant heart light the way.  May you cheer others in your path.  May it grow in others too.  

Did you know:  That smiles are contagious?  That attitudes are catchy?  Did you know you have an amazing power to rub off on others?  

Use that power.  Make it catchy.  Pass on a smile.   

Bring Your Own Sunshine.


 

I hope you have an amazing weekend!










Thursday, April 14, 2011

Spring Cleaning!

Yes, it's that time of year again, but I'm not talking about cleaning house.  I'm talking about examining your life and clearing out the negative.

Let's face it -- friends can really add a lot of wonderful moments to our lives.  They are great to lean on.  Get togethers with them - whether it be for "pj coffee dates," happy hour, or an inpromtu Sunday dinner, add a lot of happiness to our lives.  If you have a friend like this, you are lucky.  If you have more than one friend like this, you are truly blessed!

Who we are exposed to on a daily basis has an awful lot to do with how we feel.  There are wonderful friends and there are some not-so-wonderful friends.  A friend of mine calls these "toxic friends."

A "toxic friend" by my definition would be a friend who is extremely negative.  A "friend" who never has anything nice to say and who just always seems to be miserable.  There are some toxic friends who seem like they never want you to succeed.  Toxic friends who seem like they don't want to see you happy.  Perhaps they see you as a threat to them.  You have to realize this is their problem, it has everything to do with them and nothing to do with you.

We can not be the positive person we are striving to be if we are exposed to negative people all the time.  There are already so many negative influences in the world (which is why I don't watch the news).  You want to be careful who your friends are.  You want to surround yourself with people who have similar paths and goals and who share similar outlooks.  People who support and uplift you.  Like attracts like.  You won't have any energy to live a positive life if your energy is getting depleted dealing with toxic friends.

Thought of the day:  Could you have some "toxic friends" that it's time to disengage from?  Remember, we can't be positive people if we are surrounded by negative people all the time.  Is it time to dust out the debris that's holding you back and keeping you from reaching your true potential?  Is a spring cleaning in order?




Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Take a Walk on the Sunny Side!

We all have our challenging moments - we wake up late for work, the laundry is piled up and it's hard to find our favorite clothes, and we're tripping over things to get out the door.  Or maybe someone said something that just rubbed us the wrong way.  For some, these can all be "deal-breakers."  If these occur, their day is automatically labeled as "bad."  I just don't think it needs to be that way.

If we are living positively, we are doing what we can to avoid these moments.  We are organizing our life and anticipating ahead, hopefully eliminating some of these challenges.  But it's inevitable and unavoidable.  Sometimes we get too busy to prepare ahead, and the challenges build up.  Here is where the difference lies.

When we are living positively, these minor irritations are just that -- minor.  They are not deal breakers, they do not mean our day is ruined, they simply mean "we are having a moment."  When we are living positively, we don't get struck on the dark side.  We have our moment and do what we can to fix it.  We make a mental note to improve what went wrong to prevent a recurrence.  We stay on the sunny side.  The day is still great and we are able to overlook these irritations.  We still see what good is surrounding us and enjoy a great day.

Happiness does not come for those who dwell on the irritations.  It comes to those who overlook life's imperfections.  We are all a work in progress.  Life is a work in progress.  I hope you'll take a walk with me on the sunny side!



Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I've Got The Power!

It started out as a normal shopping trip.  The kids promised to behave.  We only had to get two items..initially.  Then, somehow, it turned into one of "those" trips.  What I swear was an hour and 1/2 long trip with two hyped up, crazy kids.  It was actually sort of contagious.  They were so funny, it was hard not to contribute to their giggliness.

Then came the grand finale...upon exiting the store, my six-year old son catapulted up on one of those giant red Target balls in front of the store...without warning.  Upon which he proceeded to extend his arm as high as he could, and proclaim loudly and proudly for everyone to hear "I have the power!"  Wow. 

He didn't seem to mind the many people that were in very close proximity to him at the time.  He didn't care.  He had the power.  I however, was powerless over the eruption of laughter that erupted from myself, as well  as my daughter.  While everyone within range of the bright red Target ball seemed to be trying to hold in their laughter.  Probably to save me from embarrassment.  If they'd seen me inside the store, they would have known that that ship had long sailed.

My six-year old was right.  He does have the power.  I've also got the power, you have the power, we all have the power.  Not to jump on the bright red Target balls, but to do anything we want.  Anything we desire is within our reach.  Anything is possible...If you believe.

We are exactly what we believe.  If we believe we have limitations, then we do.  If we believe we are limitless, then it is so.  We become what we believe. 

Thought of the day:  Is it time to reset your belief system?  Are you truly believing in yourself so that anything is possible?

Without boundaries we can sail to great heights...


Namaste!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Monday, Monday...

Mondays get such a bad rap!  We do not rejoice at Mondays the same way we rejoice about Fridays - for obvious reasons!

Mondays don't have to be as bad as we make them out to be.  I mean, yes, we have to return to work and our "free" time is over for another five days, but we can do some things to actually make them pleasant (yes, pleasant!)

Think about your week ahead and plan some things to look forward to (Sunday evenings are a great time to do this).  Prepare for Monday so that Monday morning goes smoothly.  Maybe you can plan to have lunch with a friend on Monday, or a noon workout to get you started on the right track for the week.  To make Monday night fun, consider cooking your favorite meal, or having a "date-night."  Other ideas include a fun, family "game night," taking a family hike, time spent in nature, or watching your favorite shows.  It all depends on what YOU find rewarding. 

Whatever you do today, make it special.  Today is still a gift from God, even if it is a Monday.  Find the rainbow in the clouds.  Make today beautiful - because you are beautiful, and Mondays can be too!



"Happy" Monday!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Leaving Tracks

We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.
-Native American Proverb


We are all leaving tracks.  By our actions, our words, and by the way we treat others.  We are leaving mental tracks by the things we tell ourselves and the thoughts we keep.  If are telling yourself negative things, you will have obstacles to overcome to get to a positive result.

We are leaving our mark on the world, now.  We are leaving a lasting impression that will outlast us long after we are gone.  We are influencing others -- our children, our spouse, and even complete strangers!

What kind of tracks are you leaving?  Is it in line with the path that you want to go down?  The time to change that is now.  There is no greater time.  The one thing we all leave behind is our legacy, and our influence on others helps mold them to who they are becoming.

Thought of the day:  Make sure you are on the path you are choosing.  Make sure you are leaving the types of tracks you want to leave.  "We will be known forever by the tracks we leave."



Have a wonderful day!


Thursday, April 7, 2011

Practicing Gratitude

Gratitude - it's a seriously underestimated word with amazing super powers.

We all have so much to be thankful for!  There is no way I could count the things I am grateful for just in the past 24 hours -- for being alive and healthy and for having my children and wonderful husband in my life; and even the little things -- that I was able to get the last breakfast soufflĂ© at Panera Bread this morning, a kind gesture a friend did yesterday, or even the fact that it's a beautiful day outside.

I am thankful for the people that have come into my life in the past, even if it was only for a short while -- for the person who made one small comment that planted a seed that would grow to become a life altering change in my life, to the former coworker who offered an ear when I was going through a rough time, or to my mother for giving me the precious gift of life when she was only 18 and had hardly experienced life herself.

There is no way to ever fully express to everyone that has touched your life in some small or big way just how much you are thankful for them.   If I were to line everyone up that I am grateful to, there would be thousands of people!  It could take the rest of my life to properly give thanks and tell them what a difference they made.  What a sight that would be to see!  Sometimes, people don't even realize the enormity of their contribution and sometimes, that person remains anonymous or as a stranger that you didn't quite get to know.

The amazing thing is that when we practice gratitude and give thanks for all the things in our life that are right, we forget about the things that aren't.  Life is never perfect.  There will always be imperfections.  But a grateful heart makes a happy heart.


Namaste!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Take Time To Do The Things You Love!

Life has been trying to remind me about something lately.  It's been sending me subtle reminders.

Sometimes, it comes in the form of someone asking if I've been practicing yoga lately, or by the fact that my jeans are getting tight because I haven't made it to the gym.  Other times, it's a beautiful day when I'm on the right side of town by my favorite park, begging me to take a little time and visit.

So often we get busy and the things we enjoy doing for ourselves are the first we give up.  When the truth of the matter is, that's when we need our grounding -- our workouts, our yoga, or time spent in nature, the most.

I've decided to get back to the things I love because the housework and errands can wait.  They'll always be there, and there are many hands in my family that can help.  Those same hands can't help me workout, or do yoga though.  Only I can.

The time to get started is today.  Shuffle something unimportant, to make time for something that is.




Don't give up the things you love -- if tomorrow didn't come, wouldn't you regret it?  

Have a beautiful day!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

It's a Great Day To Be Alive!

Travis Tritt has it right -- it's a GREAT day to be alive!  How can anyone listen to that song and not feel good?  Even if you don't like country, it's still a "feel good" kind of song.

Well, you know what?  It's a great day to be alive!  Just the fact that you are here is a miracle.  Your waking up today is a precious gift!

We all have hard times, and we all have monotonous days, it doesn't matter who you are.  Even with your limitations of work and errands, today can still be about whatever you choose to create.  You can make it special.  You can celebrate just the fact that you are here and well in some small (or grand) way.

What will you do to enjoy the gift you've been given?


Monday, April 4, 2011

Take Time to Recharge!

We all lead hectic lives -- work, running kids off to practices and games, and the "to-dos" that can just keep you busy at home.  It's really never-ending!  Sometimes, we just need to be reminded -- "TAKE TIME TO RECHARGE!"

I was reminded of that this weekend.  I participated in a building a Community Garden that took up a major part of my weekend.  Only when I got home, I had to run my daughter off to a sleepover 30 minutes away, and then the housework was in my face reminding me that I hadn't been at home at all, and the laundry wasn't going to do itself!  (When technology can tackle that problem, someone please tell me! ;-)

My husband reminded me that the reason I was so exhausted was because we were doing so much.  I didn't want to appear lazy by just "doing nothing" when I got home, but that is exactly that my body was trying to tell me I needed to do.  Sometimes, it's not doing "nothing," but simply recharging.  Our bodies need it!  Our minds need it!  We can't keep going and going!

You charge your batteries when they need it, you charge your phone, your MP3 player...What about YOU?


Image: Boaz Yiftach / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hope you have an amazing Monday!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Happy Friday!

 
Someone asked me to post my favorite inspirational quote for today, and I thought that was a wonderful idea.  Here it is:


Life is not measured 
by the number of breaths we take, 
but by the moments 
that take our breath away.





I feel very fortunate to have had many of these "moments," and I hope you have too.   :-)

What is your favorite inspirational quote?  Please feel free to share!

Have a wonderful weekend!