Go!

Go After Your  Dreams

Collin McCarty 

You're good, but you're going to be great.

You're the best, but you're going to get better.

Sometimes the paths we take are long and hard, but remember:  those are always the ones that lead to the most beautiful views.

Challenges come along inevitably: how you respond to them determines who you are - deep down inside - and everything you're going to be.

Increase the chances of reaching your goals by working at them gradually. The very best you can do is all that is asked of you.

Realize that you are capable of working miracles of your own making.  Remember that opportunities have a reason for knocking on your door, and the right ones are there for the taking.

You don't always have to win, but you do need to know what it takes to be a winner.

It's up to you to find the key that unlocks the door to a more fulfilling life.

Understand that increased difficulty brings you nearer to the truth of how to survive it - and get beyond it.

Cross your bridges.

Meet your challenges.

Reach out for your dreams, and bring them closer and closer to your heart.

Get rid of the "if only's" and get on with whatever you need to do to get things right.

Go after what you want in life, with all the blessings of all the people who care about you.  And find out what making your wishes come true really feels like.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sweet Moments

My daughter just recently returned from the trip of a lifetime -- she got to travel to Yellowstone National Park for ten days with her grandparents and her cousin. I've never been to Yellowstone.  My husband's never been to Yellowstone.  Not to mention that at the time of their departure, we'd been stuck in triple digits for over five weeks.  If you don't know about Yellowstone's weather this time of year, the lows are in the 30's, and the highs are barely touching 70.  A welcome relief!

My daughter got to see many beautiful states along the way and many different terrains, from deserts to mountains.  She experienced many different temperatures from summer to winter, and saw animals that she typically doesn't get to see -- elk, deer, bison, eagles, and lizards.  She saw hotsprings, geysers, mudpots and the biggest mountains she's ever seen in her lifetime.

However, the thing she was most excited to tell us about when she arrived home had nothing to do with any of those things.  In fact, the highlight of her trip could have even happened in her own neighborhood.  What impressed her so much was a small conversation.  A few words.  That were actually larger and more impressionable than any of the amazing sights she saw on her trip.

While in Silverton, CO visiting an ice cream shop, she thanked the lady working behind the counter and told her to have a nice day.  A normal, every day occurence for my daughter, nothing out of the ordinary.  However, after my daughter exited the store, the lady ran out of the building to tell her that she had worked in that shop for four years, and that was the nicest comment she had ever gotten from anyone!

It is often easy to lose sight of just how much weight our words can have.  For bad or good, our words can be bigger than mountains, warmer than hot springs, and sweeter than ice cream.  A small good deed or kind word can go more than a long way -- it can shape a person's entire existence.  I can still remember a kind anonymous note that I got at a softball banquet when I was 10 years old (it said "always stay as sweet as you are.") That note impacted me for life -- the same way this lady's interaction impacted my daughter.

Thought of the Day:  Words can heal, uplift, inspire, and spread love.  Words not chosen carefully can break someone down.  Choose carefully.  Always make time to sweeten someones day.  You never know just how much it may impact someone!

Have a great day!

Prayers of Gratitude

Continue to let gratitude be the pillow upon which 

you kneel to say your nightly prayer.

Maya Angelou

Gratitude -- it's the secret to happiness.  When gratitude is a part of your life, all things are possible.  

The key to becoming a positive person is recognizing things to be thankful for in your life.  It's ok if life isn't perfect and you don't instantly recognize many things to be grateful for,  just find what you can and give thanks.  As you start to do this, you will identify more and more things you have to be grateful for. You'll begin to feel more happy -- and positive.

The more we express thanks, the more we have in our life to be thankful for. Begin each day with a prayer of gratitude.  End each day with a prayer of gratitude...and see what happens!

Have a great day!

Looking Ahead

Life is wonderful.  Each day is a gift.  Hopefully we are living in the present, having accepted and made peace with our past.  We should be enjoying today fully -- while also looking forward to the possibility of joyful times ahead.

It occurred to me recently that if we are not looking forward, then we are not living life to the fullest.  We need to have hopes, dreams, goals and upcoming plans that we are excited about.  Looking forward to these upcoming moments helps us to avoid monotony in life.  It helps to prepare us and fill us with joyous anticipation.  This excitement for life can also be what keeps us going on the tough days.

Thought of the Day:  Do you have "upcoming moments" that you're looking forward to?  Is it time to dream?  Is it time to make some goals and plans?  It is wonderful to live in the present, but you also need to be looking ahead with excitement towards the future!

Have a great day!

Climb 'Til Your Dream Comes True

Climb 'Til Your Dream Comes True

Helen Steiner Rice

Often your tasks will be many,

And more than you think you can do.

Often the road will be rugged

And the hills insurmountable, too.

But always remember the hills ahead

Are never as steep as they seem,

And with Faith in your heart start upward

and climb 'til you reach your dream.

For nothing in life that is worthy

is ever too hard to achieve

If you have the courage to try it,

And you have the faith to believe.

For faith is a force that is greater

than knowledge or power or skill

And many defeats turn to triumph

If you trust in God's wisdom and will.

For faith is a mover of mountains,

There's nothing that God cannot do.

So, start out today with faith in your heart,

And climb 'til your dream comes true!

Have a great day!

Double Rainbow!

I just love this video!  So in the spirit of Fridays and fun, I felt it to be a festive piece to share with you today.  May we all love and enjoy life as much as this gentleman does.  May we never overlook the beautiful things that are before us. May we get excited about the big things and the little things -- and fully appreciate life's gifts.    

I hope this puts a smile on your face and warms your heart!

 

Have a beautiful weekend!

Restarting your day

We all have challenging days.  We had one recently at our house where nothing was going as planned.  It seemed as though the morning was spent fighting problems.  When this happens, you just need to take a step back and reevaluate things.  That's exactly what we did.

I gathered all three kids and we sat in stillness for a few minutes.  We talked about how things weren't going the way we wanted them to.  We pondered what we could do to fix the direction our day was going in.  Then my 6-year old suggested something I have often said.  He said, "Let's just re-start our day" and so we did.

We agreed to all go to our rooms for 10 minutes and when it was time to come out, we would pretend it was the morning of a new day.  We each took our ten minutes to realign.  When our ten minutes was up, we all exited our rooms one-by-one acting as ridiculously sleepy as possible -- as if we'd just awoke.  We all asked each other (while trying to fight back smiles) if we had a good nights sleep.  I suggested they put on a cartoon just like they do every morning, and started my "morning" tea.  We had eggs and toast afterwards for "breakfast" (lunch) afterwards.  It made everyone laugh profusely.  The day was renewed.

We don't always have to go to these extremes, but each and every one of us has a chance to restart our day at any time if it's not going right for us.  Sometimes retreating for a few minutes of alone time is enough to restart with a fresh perspective.

Thought of the Day:  Next time you are having a bad day, you don't have to wait until tomorrow for a new one -- just try to salvage the one you've been gifted with!  Start where you are and find a few minutes to slip away and realign.  Oftentimes that is enough to get you back on track.

Have a great day!

Be Thankful

Be Thankful 

Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.  If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.  During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.  They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.  A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.  Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.  Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Have a wonderful day!

Establishing Boundaries

Boundaries are an essential part of life -- we all need them.  Think of them as a healthy barrier of "mental protection."  We can't live a healthy and positive lifestyle without putting some boundaries in place.

There are many types of boundaries.  The kind we need to implement will depend on our own sensitivities or vulnerabilities.  Determining what type we need to set requires some introspection and identification of any areas of our life that are not running smoothly.

Establishing a boundary can be as simple as keeping phone calls to a minimum, downsizing Facebook friends to immediate friends and family only, or responding to emails only when it is convenient.  Or it can be more developed such as avoiding people who drain you of your positive energy, saying no to events that clutter up your calendar, or not letting people take advantage of your time, energy or talents.

A person without boundaries often feels stressed, frustrated, and overworked -- or even taken advantage of.  This does not make for a positive person, but one that is on his or her way to resentment and negativity.  Don't let that be you!  Just applying small boundaries (i.e. time management, energy management, or people management) can produce drastic results!

Thought of the Day:  Has your life gotten too complex?  Could establishing some healthy boundaries help?  Perhaps it's time to evaluate where you may need to set them and proceed accordingly.  We are not being selfish by setting  boundaries -- rather, we are managing our time and energies more effectively.  By doing so, we are able to be more productive which will allow us to do more good in the world!

Have a great day!

Sunshine Givers

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others 

cannot keep it from themselves.

James M. Barrie

I love this quote.  Have you ever tried to help someone who was needing help? If you have, you know it doesn't matter if it was planned or spontaneous -- nor exactly what you did to help.  All that matters is that you were able to bring sunshine into the life of someone who needed it.  Can anyone walk away after helping another and not feel uplifted for doing so?

Helping others is rewarding and can also be an effective prescription for many things that ail you.  There is no better way to help put things into perspective. Helping others helps us realize that our problems aren't as big as they seem.   If you are spreading sunshine into the universe, you can't help but to receive sunshine from the universe in return.  

Thought of the Day:  Are you a "sunshine giver" or are you needing more "sunshine?"  The best way to receive sunshine is to give some.  By giving to others and spreading cheer, we can't help but to be receiving sunshine in the process.  What will you do today to spread some cheer?

Have a wonderful day!

Allow Yourself

Allow your self to dream

and when you do dream big.

Allow yourself to learn

and when you do learn all you can.

Allow yourself to laugh

and when you do share your laughter.

Allow yourself to set goals

and when you do reward yourself as you move forward.

Allow yourself to be determined

and when you do you will find you will succeed.

Allow yourself to believe in yourself

and when you do you will find self confidence.

Allow yourself to lend a helping hand

and when you do a helping hand will help you.

Allow yourself relaxation

and when you do you will find new ideas.

Allow yourself love

And when you do you will find love in return.

Allow yourself to be happy

and when you do you will influence others around you.

Allow yourself to be positive

and when you do life will get easier!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Taking Risks

Taking risks is a part of life -- we all need to take risks occasionally in order to improve our life.  One can not continue to grow without reaching or branching out into the unknown.  To improve a situation or to become what you want to be, sometimes there are risks.

To live a life without taking risks is stagnant.  We must be improving ourselves and trying new things.  So often the rewards of taking those risks that can surprise us.  Sometimes, it can truly alter our lives.

We can not wait until we are 100% certain of everything falling into place.  We have to have faith.  We must know that the time is never perfect, but to be aware of and take the opportunity when it presents itself.  Life is never perfect.  The timing sometimes never becomes perfect.  Those who are successful know this and seize moments when they appear before us.  Those who are successful know that taking risks is imperative!

Andre Malraux once said "Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one's ideas, to take a calculated risk - and to act."  I couldn't agree more!

Thought of the Day:  Make sure you do not let opportunities pass you by.  Life is never perfect.  You can't always wait for everything to align.  Take your chances and make things happen!

 Have a wonderful day!

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...

My Wish For You

This post is dedicated to each and every one of you - thanks for being here!

These may very well be the most beautiful song lyrics ever written.  If that wasn't enough, someone put together an amazing video montage to this song.  If you are able to, please enjoy it!


My Wish
By:  Rascal Flatts

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
and each road leads you where you wanna go
and if you're faced with a choice and you have to choose -
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window.
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.
But more than anything, more than anything –

(Chorus) 
My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to. 
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
you never need to carry more than you can hold.
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you and wants the same things too.
Yeah this - is my wish.

I hope you never look back but ya never forget
all the ones who love you in the place you left.
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
and you help somebody every chance you get.
Oh, you find God's grace in every mistake
and always give more than you take.
But more than anything, yeah, more than anything –

(Chorus)
My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
you never need to carry more than you can hold.
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you and wants the same things too.
Yeah, this - is my wish.  Yeahhhhhh.

My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to.
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small.
You never need to carry more than you can hold.
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to
I hope you know somebody loves you and wants the same things too.
Yeah this - is my wish!

(My wish for you)
This is my wish
My wish for you
I hope you know somebody loves you
(My wish for you)
May all your dreams stay big!
(My wish for you)

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Happiness

"Happiness depends more 

on the inward disposition of mind

than on outward circumstances."

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was an amazing individual.  Inventor, author, activist, politician, founding father and scientist, were just a few of the titles he was awarded.  He had an interesting way of looking at things and possessed an incredible wealth of knowledge.

His stance on happiness is so true -- Happiness does depend more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.  We can not be happy if we have a negative way of looking at and perceiving things.  We must be mentally fit.

It is often not the actual event, but the way we perceive it that determines our reaction.  If we can change the way we look at things using a more healthier outlook, then we can be closer to happiness.

Thought of the Day:  How do YOU perceive things?  Do you have a tendency to over react or under react?  Is your "inward disposition of mind" a positive one?

Have a wonderful week!

May you...

I came across the piece by John O'Donohue and thought it perfect for today.  I hope you enjoy!

May you listen to your longing to be free.

May the frames of your belonging be large enough for the dreams of your soul.

May you arise each day with a voice of blessing whispering in your heart…

something good is going to happen to you.

May you find harmony between your soul and your life.

May the mansion of your soul never become a haunted place.

May you know the eternal longing that lies at the heart of time.

May there be kindness in your gaze when you look within.

May you never place walls between the light and yourself.

May you be set free from the prisons of guilt, fear, 

disappointment and despair.

May you allow the wild beauty of the invisible world to gather you, 

mind you, and embrace you in belonging.

Have a great weekend!

Seasons of Life...

There are many seasons of life.  There are times when we feel on top of the world.  Then, there are the "other times."  What we must remember when we have those other times, is that nothing is permanent.  Time does not stand still, but rather, it is always moving.

Thich Nhat Hanh once said "If you suffer, it is not because things are impermanent.  It is because you believe things are permanent."  I could not agree more.

Suffering is sometimes unavoidable -- but what if we were to remember next time we are suffering, that time is not standing still?  That this too, will pass. Would that help us maintain perspective and minimize our suffering?  I have the upmost confidence that it will.   

Thought of the Day:  Sometimes we just need a little perspective to keep things in line.  When we're suffering, it feels eternal, but it's not.  Let's remember that times stands still for no one, and will always keep moving.  Whatever you are going through -- although it feels permanent -- will pass!

Have a wonderful day!

Designing Your Day

Make each day...your masterpiece!

John Wooden

Each day is a gift  -- to be enjoyed, savored, and cherished!  We are not receiving this gift fully if we are just trying to get through the day, instead of enjoying it. Yes there are exceptions, but overall, we must be savoring them.  If we are not, then something is wrong.

Each morning before we even get out of bed, we should take a few minutes to "design" our day.  We should start our day with thanks and gratitude for all that is right in our lives -- that we woke up healthy to see another beautiful day, for all our family members, etc.  Each morning before I get up, I also take a few minutes to design my day.  I think about what I want to get accomplished, and what types of things I can do to make the best of the gift I've been given.  I do this not only for myself, but for my kids who are out of school for the summer. 

Setting your intentions for the day helps you shape the kind of day you want to have.  If you are not intentionally designing your day, you end up having a day in which you are responding to things.  This makes a world of difference!  

Thought of the Day:  Do you need to start taking a few minutes each morning to "shape" your day?  Remember, great days always start with thanks and gratitude.  We can design our days the same way an artist would design any great work of art.  Our days -- each and every one, should never be anything less!

Have a great day!

Coming Alive

Thought of the Day:  What makes YOU come alive?  It would be safe to say that which makes you come alive is your passion.  Whatever that may be, you need to be making time in your life to do it.  By doing so, you will be feeding your soul and sending your positive energy into the universe.  By doing that which we truly love, we are truly living!

Have a great day!

Achieving Balance

Balance.  It's something we usually don't give much thought to until we realize we're lacking it.  It's easy to get out of balance with today's busy lifestyle.  With a little thought, we can usually pinpoint what went wrong though and easily fix it.

The culprits are many.  Perhaps work has been too demanding, or we have simply gotten into the habit of working too much or too often.  Sometimes taking care of and doing for the kids takes its toll and we realize we haven't gotten adequate time for ourselves.  Sometimes it is our "to-do" list, and we are spending too much time focused on trying to get things done.  Whatever the source, the symptoms are not pleasant:  moodiness, stress, feeling emotional, being cranky, feeling depressed -- those are just a few.  It doesn't feel good, but these are the warning signs that it's time to get back on track.  

Life is demanding, but we have to keep making time for ourselves.  Oftentimes we can get more done in smaller chunks of time when we are making time for the other enjoyable things in life.  We must be getting enough sleep.  Eating healthy gives us energy.  Drinking water ensures that we are properly hydrated which also provides us with energy and clear thinking.  Working out is always immensely rejuvenating - whether it be cardio, meditative, or sports related activities.  Carving time out of our schedule to enjoy our activities - whatever they may be, is critical.

Thought of the Day:  Are you balanced?  If you are feeling great, then you are!  If you are feeling out of balance, don't worry!  It's just time to regroup. Examine how you are spending your days.  Take a look at what you're not getting and modify your upcoming schedule.  All things are possible when your life is in balance.

Have a wonderful day!

Believe in Yourself

I believe strongly in the power of belief.  So yesterday when my daughter announced that she wanted to contribute to today's article, I told her I believed she could do it.  Truth be told, it was a really busy day, and she wanted to help out.  What she produced impressed me.  So, without further ado, I am proud to introduce "Positive Living Girl's" work to you today.  I hope you enjoy!

Believe in Yourself

By:  Rosie (Age 9)

Believe in yourself,

you can do it.

You have the power to change the world.

Believe in yourself,

it's the least you can do.

It's the best choice for you.

Believe in yourself,

stand your ground.

Believe in yourself all year round.

Think:  this is me

and there's no one else I'd rather be -

because God made me, me...

and that's who I want to be - ME!

Thought of the Day:   Believing is paramount to becoming.  We can not become what we desire without first having a strong foundation of believing.   If a 9-year old can do her writing debut without fear because of the belief that she has in herself, what might be possible for each and every one of us?  

Have a wonderful day!  

Dancing in the Rain

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass,

it's about learning to dance in the rain."
(Author Unknown)

Life isn't perfect.  It never has been, and never will be.  But that doesn't mean we should waste one single second waiting for it become perfect.  We need to accept where we are now and try to improve upon that.

We will always have minor obstacles, changes, and things that get in our way.  Unfortunately, there will be times where we will also have major ones.  What we do with and how we handle the minor ones can also determine how we handle the major ones when they strike.

We must not waste our precious time by waiting for life to become "perfect."  Life can be enjoyable even though everything isn't as you think it should or could be.  We must make the best of any situation or circumstance.  It prepares us for when it's really stormy.

Thought of the Day:  Don't wait any longer to start living the life you want!  START NOW, with what you have, and where you are!  Make the best of the circumstances you've been given.  Dancing in the rain CAN be fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Beginning of a New Day

This is the beginning of a new day.

God has given me this day to use as I will.

I can waste it or use if for good.

What I do today is important, because

I'm exchanging a day of my life for it.

When tomorrow comes,

this day will be gone forever,

leaving something I have traded for it.

 I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil;

success, not failure; in order that I

shall not regret the price I paid for it.

Author unknown

Thought of the Day:  Our days - however beautiful, are limited.  We are here for a short while.  Each day, once over, will be able to be visited in memory.  How will you make yours a day you'll want to remember?

Have a beautiful day!

Love Comes in all Different Shapes and Sizes

My husband is a sweetheart.  Once in a while, as a special treat, he will go out and get us a Starbucks coffee as the kids are getting tucked into bed.  He'll order my peppermint mocha (decaf, you don't want to see me with too much caffeine). He'll even have them put in the green stopper thing, knowing that if he didn't, it would be cold by the time the kids were done with me.  This is just one of the hundreds of ways he shows me he loves me.

My daughter is the sweetest person I know.  She leaves love notes and pictures for me all over the house.  It's rare that I go shopping without a love note written from her at the top of my grocery list.  There are also love notes in the bathroom waiting for me.  This is how I know she loves me.

My oldest son is always helping out with chores.  He seldom walks by without giving anyone a hug.  He's never cranky, and always has good intentions.  This is his way of showing that he loves me.

My youngest son reminds me of those mixed nuts you can buy at the store -- you know the kind, labeled "Sweet and Spicy?"  That's him!  He's always keeping things interesting to say the least, and always makes me laugh.  But he also is very sweet and tender and loving.  These are the ways he shows me he loves me.

Love doesn't always come in a standard shape or size, but rather in different shapes and sizes.  Sometimes, it's a Starbucks coffee just as you are winding down after a busy day.  Or a sandwich that was made with love by someone who knew you were hungry.  Sometimes it is a note waiting for you on your grocery list or night table, or a phone call or email from someone you haven't heard from in awhile.  Sometimes its the donation of an organ to someone eagerly waiting for a transplant.  Always, no matter what shape or size, it is love for both the sender AND the recipient.

Thought of the Day:   With love coming in all different shapes and sizes, it can sometimes be easy to overlook.  Take time today to think about all the shapes and sizes that you convey and are conveyed love.  You don't want to be missing out of them!

Have a wonderful day!

Stillness

There is beauty in stillness.  Just take a calm moment outside, and you may be surprised at what you might find.  The trees gently blowing in the wind, all in rhythm.  The sound of the crickets and cicadas, along with songbirds, making a beautiful symphony.  The shadows of a willow tree's leaves dancing along on the ground with the sunlight.  A toad parked under the tree, trying to escape the hot weather.  All pure and simple beauty!

There is beauty in the "inner" stillness.  When you go inside yourself to think and reflect.  Equally as beautiful, and equally as important.  You don't even have to travel outside to achieve it, but rather to a quiet part of your home where you can be comfortable and alone with your thoughts or daydreams.  Going to either of these places of stillness is always a peaceful part of my day!

The art of stillness is very undervalued in our society today.  I call it an art, because I believe it to be one.  Just like an art, stillness takes time to practice and develop.  Just like art, stillness can be a beautiful craft.  Today's society seems to be obsessed with being busy, and impressed with busy people -- it seems almost a "status symbol" to be as busy as possible, as if being successful is tied into how busy you are.  This does not impress me.

We can not always be on the go.  We must take time daily to be still (without having The Wild Things tame us into doing so).  We must have time to reflect.  It is only by being still that we can properly listen to the messages our body, mind, and heart are trying to send to us.

I try to plan my days with care so they will not be overwhelming.  I plan my life accordingly, so my family and I have a good balance of fun, work and obligations, but also have plenty of time to appreciate life's beauty.  I don't want to be rushing through our days as a way of life, missing the beautiful things on the way.  I want to be able to sit under a tree and watch a butterfly's flight.  I want to marvel with my children at the bee's progress on the hive they are building in our backyard.  I want time each day to "check-in" with myself and see how I am doing, what I want to do, and what I will inspire to do.  I am an active participant in creating my life -- not just responding to it.  Stillness helps me achieve that.

One of my many spots to achieve "stillness."

Thought of the Day:  Everyone needs time to be still, but it will not come unless you get into the habit of planning it.  You have to make time to create it. Will you choose to plan some stillness into your day?  If you do, you might just be able to create your day instead of reacting to it!

The Waste in Worry

I came across this neat story recently and thought it was fitting to share today.  There is always something to worry about - the question is, do we really need to?  

The Waste in Worry

by Brad Stevens

If we were to keep a record of all the things we worried about during a given period of time, we would discover, in reviewing them, that the great majority of our anticipated problems or troubles never come to pass.  This means that most of the time we devote to worrying, even the constructive kind that prompts us to try to come up with a solution to what is troubling us, is wasted.  Thus, we not only caused ourself unnecessary mental anguish, but also took up valuable minutes and hours that could have been spent elsewhere.

To avoid this, it is often necessary to subject potential sources of worry to the coldly objective and analytical light of reason.  Once, shortly before a major concert before a standing-room-only audience, a member of Arturo Toscanini's orchestra approached the great Italian conductor with an expression of sheer terror on his face.  "Maestro," the musician fretted, "my instrument is not working properly.  I cannot reach the note of E-flat.  Whatever will I do?  We are to begin in a few moments."

Toscanini looked at the man with utter amazement.  Then he smiled kindly and placed an arm around his shoulders. "My friend," the maestro replied, "Do not worry about it.  The note E-flat does not appear anywhere in the music that you will be playing this evening."

The next time we find ourselves in the middle of worrying about some matter, we might be wise to stop and ask ourselves what the odds are of the problem really coming to pass.  We may be able to go on to something more constructive.

Thought of the Day:  Worrying is like a giant storm cloud that obstructs the positive light in your life.  It offers no healthy benefits.  I have found it to be much more constructive to give your concerns to God and the universe, in the form of prayer.  By shedding those unnecessary concerns, you will allow yourself to bask in the sunshine!

Have a great day!

Rejoice!

"Life is huge!  

Rejoice about the sun, moon, flowers, and sky.  

Rejoice about the food you have to eat.  

Rejoice about the body that houses your spirit. 

Rejoice about the fact that you can be a positive force 

in the world around you. 

Rejoice about the love that is around you.  

If you want to be happy, 

commit to making your life one of rejoicing."

-  Author Unknown  

Life IS huge!  Just the fact that we are here, that we were purposefully created by our loving God, is worthy of rejoicing!

Thought of the Day:  Are you rejoicing?  You should be!  Rejoice that you are here and that you are loved.   Rejoice for all the loved ones that God has placed into your life.  These are all gifts -- life's treasures to be celebrated!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love Letters

Our time here is limited.  Every day is precious and needs to be treasured.  Even if it's a bad day, there are still good moments that deserve to be recognized.

Our children are only young for a short while, and looking back, it seems our older relatives are only with us a short time also.  We must treasure the people who are most important to us.

Today, stop wasting time.  Stop waiting for things.  Today, begin to treasure each and every moment.  Build those legos with your child.  Make that phone call to your elderly relative.  Let those who are loved by you feel your love.  We are only here for a short time  -- we need to let our loved ones know we care.

We may never know the true impact of our words to another.  Notes left for a loved one are precious and a treasure.  They have the ability to turn a bad day into a good one.  They have the ability to convey that that someone is loved...is cared for...is treasured!

Thought of the Day:  Do your loved ones know how important they are to you?  Take time to do this today.  There is nothing more pressing on your "to-do" list.  Create time to make a call or leave a note.  Today is the day we let others know we care!

Have a great day!

Being "Rich"

"I'm rich - I'm rich in memories

- like the time I jumped off the swing rope into the lake...

or the night I won the basketball championship...
or the time I was the only one that caught the sunfish, 
even though I was a girl and the youngest...

or the times we went to the zoo and I climbed the rock climbing wall."
Rosie, age 9

This was a conversation that my daughter initiated on the way to our "emergency evacuation" to the woods last week, in our (successful) attempt to turn our "lemons" into "lemonade."  Truth be told, times have been a little challenging lately.  This house "flood" was the second we have had in eight months.  Our home just got back in order a few months ago from the first water leak.  This one ruined more than half of our new living room floor.  Our house is ripped up, with three kids at home on "summer vacation."  But you know what?  None of that matters in the grand scheme of things!

Understandably, there has been some talk of finances.  Talks that the kids aren't supposed to hear, but have sometimes ended up hearing, due to the fact that parts of the house are closed up due to the construction.  We are much more confined in the smaller space.

My daughter understands that it will take a while to recover from this flood, that we will need to watch our spending more carefully than before.  So this is where she was coming from when she stated that she was rich - she was focusing on the things she does have, like being "rich in memories."

She couldn't be more right!  We are ALL rich!  I'm very rich in memories too -- like the day I gave birth to that beautiful girl!  Or, the day I first laid eyes on my mom at the age of 22.  Then, there was that fun night when my husband and I "crashed" a Texas wedding and had the time of our lives, meeting the most wonderful people!  Or, the day I realized my dreams of bull riding would never come to fruition by the fact that I couldn't stay on a mechanical bull for more than 3 seconds at a time, while my family roared with laughter as they watched this embarrassing display!

There are also the memories I have of my grandparents, who are no longer here in their physical form, but  who have enriched my life by the beautiful memories and their spirit, which I hold close.  Those memories are truly a gift to me!

When it comes down to it, all that truly matters is that you are rich in memories.  To be so means you have truly lived!

Rosie creating more memories during our stay in the woods.

Thought of the Day:  What memories are you "rich" in?  Please feel free to share!

Have a wonderful day!

Don't Quit

This is an oldie, but goodie.  It's a little outdated, however I remember it making an impression on me as a high schooler and I still feel its powerful message today.

I know there are quite a few people out there going through tough times.  So, if you are one of them, this post today goes out to you with love and hope.  If you aren't going through tough times right now, then please be thankful and send a prayer of hope to those that are.  Together, we can lift each other up!

Don't Quit

Author Unknown

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

Wishing each and every one of you a beautiful day!

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!