Hope

"Never let go of hope. One day you will see 

that it all has finally come together. 

What you have always wished for 

has finally come to be. 

You will look back and laugh at what 

has passed and you will ask yourself... 

"How did I get through all of that?"

Author Unknown

I love this quote.  Life is challenging.  There are beautiful times, and there are difficult times we all must go through.  We must realize that time is temporary.  Although it often feels like it, the difficult times will NOT last forever.  When going through difficult times, we must do what is needed to help ourselves.  We must maintain and increase our strength.  We must have hope.

Thich Nhat Hanh once said:  “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear.  If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.”  I could not agree more.  Tomorrow WILL be better.  If not the immediate tomorrow, then a tomorrow in the not too distant future.  

Thought of the Day:  Time is temporary, difficult times will not last forever.  Get through your difficult times the best way you can, so you can get to the beautiful times again.  Hope is a friend.  Keep it by your side.

Have a beautiful day!

Instructions for Life

I came across this recently and thought it was very wise and very beautiful. There are so many great words of wisdom here, I find it impossible to pick which ones I like the most.  I hope it is of some benefit to you as well.  

(NOTE:  As I was preparing this for posting, I came across some controversary stating this is not the words of The Dalai Lama, but rather the work of Jackson Brown and H. Jackson Brown, Jr., authors of "Life's Little Instruction Book."  It's interesting because there are many posters made up  that credit The Dalai Lama to this work.  Regardless of the author and the mystery surrounding it, I still find it valuable.  Hope you enjoy!)

Instructions for Life

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:  Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation.  Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge.  It's a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Have an amazing day!

Just Be

Sometimes, we just need a break.  We're working too hard.  We're multitasking too much.  We've given all we can as a caregiver to others, and our needs aren't getting fulfilled.  Or, we're tired and just need to rest.   Sometimes, we need to "just be."

We're not benefiting any one if we are moving too fast, working too much and stressing out.  We can't properly take care of ourselves during those times, much less be of service to others.

Taking time for ourselves MUST be a priority.  We must nourish our bodies and eat properly.  We must get enough sleep and enough downtime.  We must make time for relaxation and rejuvenation.  We must MAKE time -- to "just be."

Thought of the Day:  Are you getting enough time to "just be?"  We all need time to relax and take care of ourselves.  Only when we're taking care of ourselves properly, can we be a positive light for others!

Have a wonderful day!

The Silence of the Forest 

By:  Eunice Powe

The silence of the forest, the echo of the trees,
The whispers as the wind blows, just as you please!
I swirl around and around and look to the sky,
Through the tall branches, I see the clouds float by.

Can I be dreaming or am I just in a spin?
The peace that is before me, a chill upon my skin;
As I walk, the leaves rustle beneath my feet
Sending little notes of joy, a melody to beat.

I can only stop and stare and keep the memory mine,
The forest has it's mystery and I must keep in line;
I will sit beneath the tree and listen to the sound,
So many different messages are scattered all around.

The whistle of the wind rushing past my face,
Looking for the exit so it can leave this place;
The branches sway and the leaves begin to fall,
I can hear the birds now, sending me their call.

I must now follow and leave the forest too,
Day is nearly ended, the dark will spoil my view;
Tomorrow I can come again, enjoy the peace I seek,
The silence of the forest are whispers I can keep.

Have a beautiful day!

Gratitude...

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. 

It turns what we have into enough, and more. 

It turns denial into acceptance, 

chaos to order, confusion to clarity. 

It can turn a meal into a feast, 

a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. 

Gratitude makes sense of our past, 

brings peace for today, 

and creates a vision for tomorrow." 

Melody Beattie

Gratitude may be -- in my opinion, one of the biggest stepping stones to living a positive lifestyle.  So many people focus on what is wrong, instead of what is right.  So many focus on what they do not have, instead of what they do have. When your focus is on those things, you are prevented from achieving true happiness.

Happiness comes when you can make the best of what you have -- when you can give thanks for all that is right and focus on the positive, while trying to improve the cards you've been dealt.  Once you find a few things to focus on that you are thankful for, you will be amazed at just how many more come to mind. Gratitude and happiness both have a tendency to multiply.

Thought of the Day:  Are you focusing on the right things?  A grateful heart makes a happy heart!

Have a wonderful day!

The Mayonnaise Jar...

A fictional but touching reminder of how we must prioritize in our lives.  I hope you enjoy:

The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.  He then asked the students if the jar was full.  They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.  He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full.  They agreed it was.

Next the professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.  Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full.  The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.  The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.   The golf balls are the important things -- your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions -- and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.  "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life.  If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play with your children.  Take time to get medical checkups.  Take your spouse out to dinner.  Play another 18.  There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.  Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter.  Set your priorities.   The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.  The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked.  It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend." 

 
Thought of the Day:  Are you priorities in proper alignment?  Do they represent who you are and who you are striving to become?  We should periodically check to make sure we are headed in the right direction.

Have a wonderful day!

Creating Our Future

"The future is not some place we are going, 

but one we are creating.  

The paths to it are not found but made, 

and the activity of making them 

changes both the maker and the destination."

John Schaar

Are you creating your future?  What will it look like?  How does that path you are making feel?  Does it feel alive and aligned with you?

As we head towards our goal, we are not the same person that we were at the start of our journey.  We are wiser.  We are more experienced.  Hopefully, we are a better version of ourselves.

Thought of the Day:  What type of future are you creating?  We have to create our future, not wait for it to happen to us.  Make sure the future you are creating is aligned with the person you wish to become!

Have a wonderful day!

Chapters and Seasons

"Life is like a book with many chapters we call seasons.  Some chapters tell the story of love, drama, comedy, mystery, loss, adversity, growth, disappointment, triumph, etc.  

Some chapters are dull and ordinary, others intense and exciting.  The key to enduring, persevering and being hopeful is to never stop on a difficult page, to never quit on a book or a chapter that seems too long.  Some chapters may be sweet but too short.  Your words, thoughts, actions, non-action and choices are the pens that write the pages in your book.  

Have the courage and faith to keep turning the pages believing better chapters lie ahead.  God is the author and finisher of your life.  Trust.  Listen.  Believe.  Grow in God’s word.  Activate your gifts and talents.  Be creative.  Be kind.  Be patient.  Be faithful.  Be grateful.  Be fruitful."

Diamond Taylor

Have a beautiful day!

A Single Candle

Thousands of candles can be lit from 

a single candle, 

and the life of the candle will 

not be shortened. 

Happiness never decreases by being shared. 

Buddha

You are a light in this world.  Your light is visible to everyone you come in contact with.  If you shine, you help their light shine a little brighter.  If they shine, they help someone else's light shine a little brighter.  And so it continues.  All due to one flame.

Happiness does not decrease by being shared, but it does increase.  The best way to make yourself happy is by doing something for someone else.  It feels good to give.  It feels great to help people.  It makes their light shine.  It makes yours shine even brighter.  

You never know what the person sitting next to you is going through.  Everyone is usually going through something.  They just may not tell you about it.  So you may not realize the enormous impact your light may have on them.

Thought of the Day:  Be the light that lights up someone's darkness.  Be the light that makes other's light shine brighter.  In return, you light will shine brightly for all to see.

Have a great weekend!

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 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.  Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Have a beautiful day!

Don't Wait!

“Don’t wait until everything is just right.
It will never be perfect.
There will always be challenges,
obstacles and less than perfect conditions.
So what. Get started now.
With each step you take, you will grow stronger
and stronger, more and more skilled,
more and more self-confident
and more and more successful.”

Mark Victor Hansen

Mark Victor Hansen is right.  If we wait for perfect conditions, we may never get the opportunity to start our task.  We risk missing our chance altogether.

Don't wait.  Get started now.  With each step you take, things will get easier.  The task at hand will come easier once you take the first steps towards completing it. The universe will step in and meet you part way.  There is no time to waste.

Thought of the Day:  If you're waiting for the "perfect moment," don't!  Stop putting off your dreams in hopes that the perfect day will come along.  The "best" day is today.  Get started and the universe will step in and help provide you with what you need.

Have a great day!  

Banana Nut Bread

I said I didn't have an article for you all today.  My 9-year old daughter had a rough Sunday.  She wasn't feeling very well and it carried over into her Monday. Since she had went to bed with a tummy ache and awoke in the middle of the night having an asthma attack and then woke up with a headache, and through it all still has a her primary arm broken, I decided to keep her home.

The truth is she could have gone to school.  But she really needed the rest.  She needed a break.  She was overwhelmed.  Instead of writing my article in the morning, I juiced us a big healthy breakfast to help get her immune system up. Instead of writing my article at noon, we had a "girls brunch" together with fancy glasses and had a lot of laughs.  Instead of writing my article in the afternoon, we baked together and made our grandmother's banana nut bread recipe with added figs and chocolate chips.  It was DELICIOUS!  Then we had some snuggle time, while the fall breeze blew through her window and she fell asleep, which was what she desperately needed.

Really, it was the perfect imperfect day.  It wasn't the day either one of us imagined - but we chose to see it and receive it as the gift it truly was.  Really, I didn't get a thing done.  But yet I did so much more.  Really, I didn't think I had an article for you today.  But since there is a lesson to be learned in all of lives moments -- whether perfect or imperfect, really, I did.  Really, I had the perfect day after all.

Thought of the Day:  Some days are not as we imagine they will be.  Go with the flow.  There are gifts to be had if you do.

Have a great day!

Believing is Seeing

Believing is Seeing

Dan Coppersmith

(Reprinted with Permission)

Though your eyes and mine

Work the same way
More than just vision

Comes into play

The viewpoints we take

The judgements we hold

Greatly determine

How life will unfold

Beliefs we hold dear

Be they helpful or not

Attract what is needed

To fill in the plot

Bending and shifting

What you perceive

Your world will conform

To what you believe.

Have a beautiful day!

You!

You are a unique and magnificent human being. 

Of all the billions of people on the planet, 

there is not another you, and your very 

existence is vital to the functioning of our universe, 

because you are one part of the whole universe. 

All that you see, and all that there is, 

could not exist without you!

Michelle Leonard

This is a fascinating reminder.  So often we forget our true uniqueness.  There is no other you.  You are an original and you are here for a reason.  You were created to be just the way you are.  Your presence here is  important to not just the universe, but to everyone that knows and loves you.  You are a work of art.

Thought of the Day:  This is such an easy thing to forget.  Think about it and realize the magnitude of what you bring into the world.  We are all connected.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Treat Yourself

My daughter has been telling me since last week: "treat yourself today." Honestly, I keep forgetting.  But my daughter is wise beyond her years.  She has a point.

We're often so on the go that we forget to stop and do something nice for ourselves.  These are the precious days of our lives, we have to treasure them. We don't get to repeat them.  So today I shall treat myself.  I plan to treat myself with snuggles with my children this morning as they are just awaking.  I plan to treat myself with a nice big pot of jasmine green tea and a stay-home day (mostly) to watch the rain coming down.  I plan to treat myself by opening the neglected book that has been sitting on my night table for five weeks.  I plan to treat myself and my family to a nice, homemade pot of spaghetti sauce because we've done such a good job of juicing our dinners for the past 10 days.  I'll also make my children's favorite garlic bread.  I may even treat myself and my husband to a Starbucks coffee for dessert.

Am I going overboard?  Well, maybe.  But all work and no play does not make for a Positive Living Chic.  We all need to stop and treat ourselves occasionally. It is in doing so that we can give to others after our needs are fulfilled.  And after all, I've been ordered to by my daughter!  ;-)  Who am I to set a bad example?

Thought of the Day:  You have been ordered too!  It's time to treat yourself. Take a few minutes out of the day (or the whole day, I won't tell!) and do something nice for yourself.  You are always doing for others, today it's your turn.  Don't feel selfish -- when we care for our own needs, we will feel reinvigorated to care for others.  What will you do to treat yourself today?

Have a wonderful day!

Blowing wishes...

This is my wish for you: 

Comfort on difficult days, 

smiles when sadness intrudes, 

rainbows to follow the clouds, 

laughter to kiss your lips, 

sunsets to warm your heart, 

hugs when spirits sag, 

beauty for your eyes to see, 

friendships to brighten your being, 

faith so that you can believe, 

confidence for when you doubt, 

courage to know yourself, 

patience to accept the truth, 

Love to complete your life.

 Author Unknown

Here's wishing each and every one of you this today and always.  Have a wonderful day!

It's never too late...

It is never too late to be what you might have been.

George Eliot

Great news -- if you are reading this, then are you alive.  If you are alive, then there is still time to change "what could have been" into what can still be.  As long as you are alive, then almost everything is possible!  

Our life is a journey, and too often we put limitations on ourselves without reason.  Anything is possible with determination and drive.  Oftentimes the limitations we place on ourselves can be removed and replaced with a dose of confidence to help us achieve our goal.  

Thought of the Day:  Are you living up to your expectations?  If you are moving towards your goal, then you are well on your way.  If you think it's too late to become what you might have been, revisit that to make absolutely certain that it's true.  Replace your limitations with the confidence you need to help you achieve your goal.  Move forward at once and don't procrastinate.  It's never too late!

Have a wonderful day!

Your Journey

I saw this recently and it really struck a chord.  So many of us have fought many battles in our life -- so many of us are still fighting battles.  Oftentimes, people feel as though these battles have delayed them in life.  They feel that they are behind in life because of them -- that they have held them back from achieving things according to their perceived schedule.

I do not believe this is true.  Without our battles, we would not be the person that we are today.  These battles have made us stronger.  They have given us a finer appreciation of the goodness that we do have in our lives or will have in our lives.  These battles have shaped us and continue to shape us -- into the magnificent being that we are becoming.  We are not behind, but simply where we need to be.  These battles have given us a unique perspective, a wealth of knowledge, and a deep appreciation of the things in life that others who have not weathered such battles are unable to appreciate.  We need to trust that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

Thought of the Day:  You are not behind because of your battles, but rather, they have helped mold you into the dynamic person that you have become or are becoming.  See the gifts they have given to you.  Perspective, appreciation, knowledge and insight are just a few.  Our battles have made us who we are today.  I accept all my battles in life and I am now thankful for them.

Have a wonderful day!

Success

What Constitutes Success

by Bessi Stanley, 1905

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction."

Thought of the Day:  Success.  A tricky little word, whose definition may vary from person to person.  What's your definition of success?  Whatever it may be, to be "successful," one must ensure that their priorities and allocation of time align with their vision.  It is by so doing that we will achieve success!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Realize

Realize

by Positive Living Chic

That today is a gift,

tomorrow a promise

and yesterday a beautiful memory.

That the only way to live

is by being present in the moment.

That if there's something about your life

that you don't like,

it's up to YOU to change it.

That there's no greater gift than love

and no better way to give love,

than the gift of your time.

That everything happens for a reason

and although we may not understand or agree,

there are larger forces at work.

That you are part of a bigger picture

and your life here means something.

You are irreplaceable to those who love you.

That each and every one of us

is capable of changing the world we live in.

There are no limits to your success.

Realize that anything is possible 

-- because everything is!

Have a wonderful day!

You Are Stronger Than You Think

"We are like the little branch that quivers during a storm, 

doubting our strength and forgetting we are the tree -- 

deeply rooted to withstand all of life's upheavals." 

Dodinsky

We all undergo challenging moments.  Moments that feel like they can make or break us.  They may not always actually BE that powerful, but the fact that they FEEL that powerful is enough to make us doubt ourselves.

It is so much easier to feel strong during the good times.  But the fact of the matter is, it's who we are during the challenging times that really matters the most.  We have to remember we are stronger than we think.

It's easy to feel like a tree branch that's about to break during stormy times.  But that isn't who we have to be.  We are much more rooted than that.  We have weathered many storms before.  This is not our first.  We have survived those in our past; we will survive this one too.

Thought of the Day:  When going through challenging times, remember you are stronger than you think.  Remember that you are the tree, not the branch that quivers in a storm.  You have the power to withstand anything!

Have a great day!

The Right Direction

If we are facing in the right direction, 

all we have to do is keep on walking.

Zen Proverb

I absolutely love this quote.  It really is that simple.  If we are headed in the right direction in life, we just need to keep taking it step-by-step until we reach our destination.

We all have an inner compass that tells us whether we're headed in the right direction; we just need to refer to it.  With large goals that seem complicated, we just need to take it step-by-step.  By doing so, our goal will be met.  We will arrive.  But, we must ensure we are making progress.  We can never meet our goals if we are standing still, or worse, going in the opposite direction.

Thought of the Day:  Are you headed in the right direction?  Check your compass to be sure.  If your journey seems long, don't feel overwhelmed.  Taking it step-by-step will ensure that you WILL arrive at your destination.

Have a wonderful day!

Cheerful and Contented

"How true it is that, 
if we are cheerful and contented,
all nature smiles,
the air seems more balmy,
the sky clearer,
the earth has a brighter green...
the flowers are more fragrant...
and the sun, moon, and stars 
all appear more beautiful,
and seem to rejoice with us."

Orison Swett Marden

Thought of the Day:  I love it when nature follows suit.  When we project happiness, it seems like nature is in full agreement celebrating with us.  Here's hoping that you experience this today!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Power of Belief

We are what we believe.  Our beliefs can encourage or dissuade us.

If we believe we have the power to do or become something, we do.  If we believe we have been beaten, then we have.

Someone once said:   "It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not."   I could not agree more.  So often what really holds us back is us.  So often we believe we're not good enough when we truly are.  In reality, if we are not believing in ourselves, who else will believe in us?

Thought of the Day:  Are your beliefs working FOR or AGAINST you?  You MUST believe in yourself or no one else will.  You can do anything you set your mind to if you believe you have the power -- because you do.  Today, reset your belief system if you need to.  Make sure it's working for you!

Have a powerful day!

Cup of Coffee

Thought you might enjoy this today.  Life is like a cup of coffee!  What?  How?  The video explains!

Have a beautiful day!

Remembering

We will all be remembered.  One day we will leave this world, but our legacy will remain here.

When I think of my loved ones that have gone, I remember certain things.  My grandmother was the sweetest person I knew.  My grandfather was a hard worker who sacrificed for and served his country in World War II.  My other grandfather -- also a World War II veteran who was at Iwo Jima, was an amazing cook who hardly ever took a sip of wine, but when he did, he'd act quite silly.  While these are things I remember with fondness, what impacts me the most is the gift of unconditional love I received from them.  This is their legacy to me.

When you hear of Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa or Neil Armstrong, what comes to mind is their legacy.  Whether we realize it or not, we are currently creating ours now by the way we live our lives and what we are displaying to others.

Thought of the Day:  If we are creating our legacy now, what will you be remembered for?

Have a great day!

Cherish...Dream...Live!

Cherish Yesterday - Hold your memories close to your heart.  Display photos and mementos of special people and special moments gone by.  Enjoy looking back at the good times, but keep things in perspective by remembering them as they were  -- don't put the past on a pedestal.  Enjoy your memories, but realize today and tomorrow hold great promise as well!

Dream Tomorrow - What are your hopes and dreams?  What do you inspire to do?  To be?  Think about these things and plan ahead with goals and milestones along the way to help you get to where you dream to go, and dream to become.

Live Today - Live today!  All is well when there is balance.  Do not become so obsessed with the past, and so involved in planning your future, that you forget to live in the moment each and every day.  John Lennon once said "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." -- I couldn't agree more!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Your Greatest Power

"Your greatest power is the power to be.

To be more loving. 

To be more courageous.

To be more joyous.

To be more friendly.

To be more sensitive.

To be more aware.

To be more forgiving.

To be more tolerant.

To be more humble.

To be more patient.

To be more helpful.

To be a greater human being."

(Wilfred A. Peterson)

Have a wonderful day!

Dare Mighty Things!

Far better is it to dare mighty things, 

to win glorious triumphs, 

even though checkered by failure... 

than to rank with those poor spirits who 

neither enjoy nor suffer much, 

because they live in a gray twilight 

that knows not victory nor defeat. 
Theodore Roosevelt

Failure -- it gets a bad rap.  What is your definition of failure?  If you tried something and did not succeed, would you consider that having failed?  

If you are trying new things and taking risks, then there will occasionally be results that do not meet the expected outcome.  There will be times you do fall short.  If you are learning from these experiences, it is not a failure.  It is a life-lesson, designed to make you more prepared for the next time you try.

I would have to agree with Theodore Roosevelt on this one that failure then is the absence of trying anything new or taking risks.  To grow as an individual will always require some change, some risk, some venturing into the unknown.  We should always be evolving.  To not be doing so results in stagnant living -- which in my definition, is not truly living!

Thought of the Day:  Is it time to reset your definition of failure?  Is there something you've been meaning to do that you've been putting off out of fear of not succeeding?  It's time to put yourself out there.  Failure is the absence of trying!

Have an amazing day!

Today is the Beginning...

I came across this beautiful and uplifting video and thought it was too powerful not to share.  Here's wishing you a beautiful day for the beginning of your new life!



Have a WONDERFUL day!

Wash Your Spirit Clean!

"Keep close to Nature's heart...

and break clear away, once in awhile, 

and climb a mountain 
or spend a week in the woods. 

Wash your spirit clean."

John Muir

Nature.  One of the most unrealized resources for wholeness and well-being.  I can not possibly emphasize just how important it is.  Connecting to nature is instrumental to recharging, rejuvenating, and washing your spirit clean.

Today's society is nature "deficient."  When we are stuck indoors, we miss out on the therapeutic effects that the outside world can provide.  Get outside and experience all that it has to offer:  calmness... serenity... healing, and love!

It doesn't have to take rearranging your schedule; it can be as simple as having your morning coffee on the back porch, taking the kids for a walk around a neighborhood pond, or enjoying lunch at a park.  Perhaps it's a good day to skip the gym and instead go for a nice walk outside.  No matter how you fit it into your day, you can be sure that nature has a gift of serenity -- that's just there for the taking.

Thought of the Day:  Does your spirit need to be "washed clean"?  Are you taking advantage of all that nature has to offer?  Just as we need to eat properly and exercise, we also need to be out in nature so that we may receive it's calming and rejuvenating benefits.  Make sure you take time to rejuvenate your spirit today.

Have a wonderful day!