This is My Day...

This is my day.  

I will shape my day the way I want it to be.  

I will react less and plan more.  

I will not let outside influences negatively affect me.  

As a sentinel safeguards a treasure, I will protect my day.  

I choose to see the phenomenal beauty in today.

Positive Living Chic

Our days are a phenomenal gift.  We realize the magnitude...but some days get the best of us.  So when that happens, just pick yourself up again and recite your intentions about how you WANT your day to go.

You see, we all fall off track.  We all have bad days.  I am not immune to disasters, chaos, feeling overwhelmed, challenges, etc.  When this happens, I just chalk it up as a lesson learned and apply my new lessons to the next day... and move on.  

Life's lessons are sometimes a gift.  They may not feel like it, but they are there to teach us how to do things differently.  If we are hearing the lessons, we are growing.  Sometimes we don't hear and we need to repeat the lesson.

Thought of the Day:  This is YOUR day.  Don't spend it reacting to events; plan how you will spend your time.  Safeguard your day like it is the most valuable treasure.  It is.  Plan to see the beauty in today!

Have a fantastic day!

Ripples of Kindness

Influence

By:  Joseph Norris

Drop a pebble in the water,

And its ripples reach out far;

And the sunbeams dancing on them

May reflect them to a star.

Give a smile to someone passing,

Thereby making his morning glad;

It may greet you in the evening

When your own heart may be sad.

Do a deed of simple kindness;

Though its end you may not see,

It may reach, like widening ripples,

Down a long eternity!

Have a great weekend!

The True Miracle

‎"People usually consider walking on water 
or in thin air a miracle.  
But I think the real miracle is not to walk 
either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth.  
Every day we are engaged in a miracle 
which we don't even recognize:

 a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, 
the black, curious eyes of a child - 
our own two eyes. 

All is a miracle." 

Thich Nhat Hanh

When you woke up today did it occur to you that it - in itself, was a miracle?

We get so used to being here, that seldom do we stop and realize just how big and miraculous it all really is.  

All of the things that had to occur to make a world here with life is an amazing miracle.  The human body in and of itself, is a working miracle.  Look at all living creatures -- everything was created for a distinct reason  and purpose.  When you think of all the events that led to bringing your parents together -- and in turn their ancestors -- so you could be a part of this amazing creation, it is really astonishing.  If you have children, you are also aware of how phenomenal their existence is.    

Thought of the Day:  It's hard to realize just how miraculous life is when you are desensitized due to daily exposure.  Today, take a step back and realize just how amazing everything is.  Look at things with fresh eyes -- and express thanks for the amazing miracle it truly is!

Have a wonderful day!   

The Key To Happiness

There is only one person 

who could ever make you happy, 

and that person is you.

David Burns

I could not agree any more with this quote.  Happiness has to come from within, not from external circumstances.  Other people can not make us happy.  Materialistic things do not make us happy.  While all of these can have some type of influence, they do not determine our happiness.  If we rely on external circumstances to make us happy, then we are at other people's wills, moods, and whims.  We are weak, leaving an awful lot to chance.  Other people can of course contribute to our happiness, but we deserve a more stable foundation on which we build our life.  We need to look within.  We need to be the source of our own happiness, so our life is built on a steadier foundation.

We must rise above life's imperfections and annoyances, it's disappointments and struggles.  Life is never perfect, but if we are at peace with ourselves and know we can look within ourselves for happiness, we can connect with it.  There is an endless supply inside of us.

Thought of the Day:  The only person who can make you happy is you.  The key to being happy to is be happy with yourself.  If you're not happy with yourself, what changes do you need to make to get there? 

Have a wonderful day!

 

Making Time for Humor

My six-year old son is without a doubt the funniest person I know.  His sense of humor seems to be unusually evolved for his age and always has been.  He never seems to run out of material and is always at it.  Unfortunately, because he's always in his mode, many of his antics can be very ill-timed.

I know all too well how difficult it can be to appreciate a face full of permanent marker the day before school pictures.  I've learned to be wary of a 3-year old who smirks when he offers you a cup of "water" and to question its contents if you don't want to drink urine.  I've learned that it's ok to laugh at a naked 4-year old who is covered with stickers, even if it is going to be an ordeal pulling them all off such delicate skin.  I've learned that underwear on heads IS funny, taking pictures will usually not come out as I intend, and to be warned when allowing said individual to wander off alone with a camcorder or camera.  I've also learned from daily experience that when the school bus is about to arrive and there are ten other things to do, he will not focus but will instead be shaking his booty, rambling loudly, showing his bottom, or anything else -- because we are in a rush.

The fact of the matter is, is that while all this is funny, there's a time and place.  The time is not when everyone is stressing to get out of the door.  It's not the day before school portraits for permanent markers on the face (or any day).  Life is busy, there's no time to pull stickers off of delicate parts...right?

Thought of the Day:  We are never too busy to take time to laugh.  Humor at stressful times is a gift, it's a delivery of reality when we need it the most. Portraits will be fine with permanent marker, stickers are ok, booty shaking is ok.  Without the urine story, what would we tell all his future dates to embarrass him when he's older?  Take time to appreciate the humor that is before you.  Always make time for laughter.  Lighten up!  Life is too short to take so seriously!

Have a great day!

9,000 Shots

"I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. 

I have lost almost 300 games. 

On 26 occassions I have been entrusted 
to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. 

And I have failed over and over and over 
again in my life. 

And that is why . . . I succeed."

Michael Jordan

Failure and success.  It's a winning combination.  Those who are successful are the ones who stick through their trials and failures in order to succeed.  Those who fail are those who didn't stick it out and did not pursue on to success.

If you are carrying on through failures, you will meet success.  With each failure, get back up and keep on trying.  You will get there.  Those who end up as a failure are simply those who gave up.

Thought of the Day:  You can and will succeed, if you keep carrying on.  Success isn't always easy and the road to it can sometimes get tiring.  Take a rest if you need to, but keep on trying.  You will get there with hard work and determination.  Success is attainable to any of us who simply refuse to give up.

Have a great day!

Happy Friday!

Great words of advice...

Have a beautiful weekend!

Influences

People influence us -- for better or worse.  Just like our activities and habits, we need to be careful of the type of people we surround ourselves with.  If we are around people that create drama, we will be sucked into their drama.  If we are around negative people, we will feel their negative energy. Conversely, if we are around positive and uplifting people, we will become better people and more positive ourselves.

Jim Rohn puts it this way:  "You must constantly ask yourself these questions: 

Who am I around? 

What are they doing to me? 

What have they got me reading? 

What have they got me saying? 

Where do they have me going? 

What do they have me thinking? 

And most important, what do they have me becoming? 

Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay?"

Thought of the Day:  Is it ok?  It is time to evaluate who you are allowing in your life.  We don't have a lot of spare time, so choose wisely those who you really want to make time for.  Don't feel bad about cutting ties with those who are holding you back or those who do not support your goals.  We all need to be on the right road that aligns with our aspirations. 

Have a fantastic day!

Life's Imperfections

We all know that life isn't perfect, but have you ever stopped to think about how life's imperfections add to your life?

I've noticed that often an unwanted change in my day can provide something even better than my original plan.  I can appreciate that my daughter still calls the back yard the "backetyard"; I will miss it when she pronounces it correctly.  The scar on my husbands cheek from his dogbite when he was a child adds character to his face.  The shelves and towel racks that hang slightly lopsided because of my husband's or my inability to line them up correctly make me laugh.  If life were perfect, it might just be a little dull.

Thought of the Day:  Life isn't perfect, there are imperfections everywhere.  See if you can just appreciate some.  Laugh at them.  Imperfections can be a gift in disguise.

Have a beautiful day!

The Attitude You Bring to Life

"Your living is determined not so 
much by what life brings to you 
as by the attitude you bring to life; 
not so much by what happens to you 
as by the way your mind looks 
at what happens. 

Kahlil Gibran

We can not always be completely in control over what happens to us.  While we can take many steps to prevent undesirable things from occurring (by being proactive, organized, and living with intention to name just a few), undesirable things can and will still happen.  They are a part of life.

However we are in control of how we choose to view what happens to us and how we respond to it.  Our responses pave the way for our future -- our future moods, feelings, days, experiences.  Our future happiness is affected by how we respond to these events.  

Thought of the Day:  It's time to examine how are you are looking at and responding to things.  What kind of attitude do you bring to life?  The biggest change one can make is how they respond to the things that occur.  Changing our reactions can grant us an unlimited amount of freedom that can allow us to be happy in life, even when situations aren't perfect.  It can help us look beyond these imperfections.  

Have a great day!

Today You Can

Something beautiful as you begin your new week.

Today You Can 

by Catherine Pulsifer 

Today you can choose to count your blessings or you can count your troubles. 

Today you can live each moment or you can put in time.

Today you can take action towards your goals or you can procrastinate. 

Today you can plan for the future or you can regret the past.

Today you can learn one new thing or you can stay the same. 

Today you can seek possibilities or you can overwhelm yourself with the impossible.

Today you can continue to move forward or you can quit. 

Today you can take steps towards resolving your challenges or you can procrastinate.

You see today the choices are up to you in deciding what you do today.

Have a beautiful day!

The Night Sky

“For my part I know nothing with any 

certainty, but the sight of the stars 

makes me dream.”

Vincent van Gogh

There is no other time nature shows off quite as much as when it displays its ever-changing masterpiece in the night sky.  While so many of us are rushing home from work, cooking dinner and preparing for the next day, the night sky is undergoing several transformations.

It begins as an artist's palette of beautiful sunset colors, and continues as the sky darkens and the constellations begin to appear.  Beautiful tree tops line its background.  Its beauty is captivating throughout all of its scenic transitions.

The night sky reminds us of enormity of life, the bigger picture.  It helps us to remember that our presence here is intentional and orchestrated by a higher power.

Thought of the Day:  Take time to appreciate the beauty the night sky has to offer this weekend.  Lay out some blankets or lie on a trampoline and gaze at the night sky with your kids or significant other.  Watch as the sky begins its transformation and really appreciate the show.  Count as the stars arrive; you will be amazed at how many more appear minute-by-minute.  Make a bonfire, roast up some s'mores, or pitch a tent in the backyard or the woods.  It never hurts to wish on a star, I can tell you that wishes do come true!  The night sky is out there waiting to show you it's magnificence -- don't miss the show!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Priorities

I thought this would be perfect for today since we touched on attention yesterday and the cause and effect of where we place our attention.  I hope you enjoy.

Thought of the Day:  We all need to be reminded to have our priorities in order, and this is it.  Health before anything else.  Make time to work out and eat healthy.  Take time each day to do something meditative -- whether it be yoga, mediation, or just taking time to just be and enjoy nature.

Our health and peace of mind will enable us to do many great things -- but we can not do many great things without them.  I hope you'll take a minute today to put your health at the top of your priority list -- the quality of your life and the lives of everyone who loves you depends on it!

Have a beautiful day!

Attention

"Whatever you put your attention 

on will grow stronger in your life.  

Whatever you take your attention away 

from will wither, disintegrate, 

and disappear."

Deepak Chopra

From time to time, we need to check our focus to make sure it's on the important things in life.  We need to prioritize, placing the most important things at the top of the list and the lesser things at the bottom.  We need to evaluate and make sure the list is in proper order.

Just like a garden that's untended, the things in our life that are being neglected will become withered, broken, and die.  We need to be certain that we're not neglecting the things that really matter.  

Thought of the Day:  It's time to take a look at your list.  It's time to evaluate and prioritize where you will spend your focus, attention and time.  What you place your attention on in your life will become stronger.  It's time to choose what that will become.

Have a beautiful day! 

The Greatest Gift

I have often said that the greatest gift we can give is the gift of our time to another.  If you don't believe this to be true, ask a lonely elderly person, or look at the face of a young child -- more greater than any toy is the time and attention of his/her parents.

This weekend my daughter was in a play that she had been practicing for several months.  She was ecstatic to have gotten a part on her very first audition, and had an enjoyable time performing.  However, what she talked about all weekend was the fact that her teacher showed up on opening night to watch her perform.  It truly made not only her day, but her entire weekend.  Not only did she watch my daughter perform, but she also brought her flowers.  The next day when my daughter walked into her classroom, the playbill was hanging up with a note from her teacher that said: "Great job, Rosie." Her teacher also announced to the students in class that she saw Rosie's play, and that she did a great job performing.  This made my daughter feel radiant and special. 

So often the little things we do for another can have the greatest impact.  They can encourage others, help restore confidence, motivate, and make them feel loved.  They can impact them in ways we may never realize.

Thought of the Day:  The greatest gift is the gift of your time.  You are loved and wanted by others, and your presence in their day is a gift to them.  Who can you bless with this gift today?

Have a beautiful day!

Magnification

We seldom walk around with a magnifying glass in our hands, but unknowingly, we often do in our mind.  What do you think about?  How do you process the events of your day, experiences, and life?  Is your mental magnifying glass enlarging your joyful experiences, or your undesirable ones?

The magnification you are seeing can either be holding you back or propelling you forward.  You can not be happy and positive if your negative experiences and feelings are under the glass.  Most drama is created not by true events, but by the minds magnification of them.

Thought of the Day:  Are you a magnifier?  If so, what is your mental magnifying glass focusing on and enlarging for you?  Make sure it is working FOR you, enlarging your positive experiences only.  We are what we think about.

Have a great day!

Positive Thoughts

‎"Once you replace negative 
thoughts with positive ones, 

you'll start having positive results." 

Willie Nelson

I love Willie Nelson!  He has a way of putting things that is truly simplified!

Willie is right.  We all can get negative thoughts from time to time.  It's a matter of retraining ourselves and replacing them with positive thoughts.  Once we start thinking positive, we will start having positive results.  It's all about what we think about.  Our thoughts carry much more weight than you might think.

Thought of the Day:  Is it time to retrain your brain?  We are what we think about. Don't make the mistake of underestimating the value and strength of your thoughts.  It really is as easy as Willie suggests.  

Have a great weekend!

Live

Live with intention.

Walk to the edge.

Listen hard.

Practice wellness.

Play with abandon.

Laugh.

Choose with no regret.

Appreciate your friends.

Continue to learn.

Do what you love.

Live as if this is all there is.

Mary Anne Radmacher

Have a great day!

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!