I think this says it all- no words necessary.
January 10, 2010
We Could All Use A Little More…
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January 1, 2010
Welcome 2010
The first day of 2010 has arrived and I’ve spend it doing exactly what I wanted to do. I didn’t sleep quite as late as I would have liked, but I did do a little cleaning around the house, plus did some laundry, enjoyed the gorgeous sunshine, and spend part of the afternoon and evening with Desere.
It has been a lovely day. This year I plan to spend more time focusing on positive, and eliminating the negative as much as humanly possible. The one major thing that I took away from 2009 is that negativity and toxic people can be toxic in our own lives if we allow it to be, and unfortunately I allowed that to happen in my life in a few circumstances last year.
2010 is the time for me to detoxify all that is negative out of my life. Does that mean negative things won’t happen in my life? Of course it doesn’t, but what it does mean is that I can be more aware of how I react to them, which can make all the difference.
My quest to lose the last 40 pounds is also beginning- If you’d like to join me on this journey- we can use this as a way to support and encourage each other. Who couldn’t use some of that?
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October 12, 2009
Nothing By Accident
I’m a firm believer that nothing happens by accident. When something happens, regardless of how great or how tragic, there is a reason behind it and a lesson to be learned. We may not see that lesson until much later, but the lesson is there just waiting to be discovered.
Today- I found the following quote in my ‘inbox’. It isn’t by accident that it’s there, and I know it. As I’ve been regaining momentum to continue my journey to being the best me, this is just the bit of ‘wiz’dom that I need to inspire and encourage.
I’m sharing it here for two reasons- one is so that maybe it can encourage and inspire you, and two because it will allow me easy access to revisit these words when I need them again, and trust me- I’ll need them time and time again.
There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There’s no such thing as life in-between. – Pat Riley, basketball coach
Thank you SparkPeople- I love you.
Are You Giving Your Goals Your Best Effort?
Your dreams deserve better than a half-hearted effort. Meet your goals with a weak handshake and they’ll soon be waving you goodbye. Since you probably don’t want to look back on a life full of “almost made it” memories, it’s time for total commitment. Leave it all on the field, don’t hold anything back. Is there anything more satisfying than pouring out your entire being, straddling the cliff, reaching your total limit, then looking up and realizing that oh-my-gosh-I-can’t-believe-I-really-did-it? And is there anything more tragic than failing and realizing you could have done more? If you feel “tuned out” of your current life, that’s okay. Make your first goal to build a life that you can get “in”-to. Then don’t look back. Make every day count and live purposefully, live energetically, live completely.
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September 10, 2009
Surprises
This morning I opened my gmail to find that I had an email from one of my diddy’s sisters. She said she just wanted me to know that she was thinking of me and to let me know that she loved me.
It was the first thing I read this morning, and while it isn’t a surprise to hear from her, because I haven’t heard from her in a while, it was a wonderful surprise to recieve.
There is no greater feeling than to love and to know y0u are loved. Go tell someone that you love them, or better yet, do something to SHOW them that you love them. Doesn’t have to cost anything, but come from your heart.
Remember the best way to receive love- is to first give it away, without expectation.
August 25, 2009
My Biggest Fan
You may think that this entry is going to be about Marcel or one of my True Blues, but in fact this is about none other than Me, Myself, and I. Over the years I’ve learned that I can’t depend on other people to always be on the sidelines cheering for and supporting me, and that while their approval and encouragement is great, it isn’t necessary for my success, because I have learned to be my own biggest fan, cheering for me when I know I need a boost.
That doesn’t say that those who are there for me are any less important, because I value their love, friendship and support, but loving yourself and learning to give to yourself as well as giving to others, is important.
It’s a lesson I’m glad I learned.
August 7, 2009
In My Shoes
I was sitting here a little while ago, writing what started off as an answer to a simple question in an email of someone asking my experience about a particular situation, and that response grew into me sharing personal pieces of my life journey that I haven’t really thought about in a while. It was in that moment, when I realized that in sharing that journey- that I have a story to tell.. one that may impact the life of another person.
Oddly, this came after my mother-in-law said to me, when I was expressing concern and compassion for someone who was struggling with a particular situation- “Don’t feel compassion and concern for them, they are the way they are based on their choices.” My response was that it may very well be the case, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve compassion or concern, and that I can’t be that uncaring. My mother-in-law may very well be correct in that person being how they are by their own choices, but that’s neither here-nor-there.
I believe we should walk a mile in a persons shoes before we stand in front of them passing judgement and making accusations. We never know what has brought a person to their current situation, and sometimes, a smile and maybe a bit of compassion makes ALL the difference.
Remember that- and I challenge you to BE that difference. Anyone can be ordinary. I challenge you to strive to be EXTRAORDINARY!
August 1, 2009
“Keepers”
My friend Samantha received this from a mutual friend of ours, and she shared it with me. It is one of those things that after reading it, with tears in my eyes, I read it again, and thought about the truth in each and every word- about what matters in this life, and what doesn’t.
Take the time to cultivate and nurture ALL that matters in your life, and don’t sweat the stuff that doesn’t.
“Some things we keep.”
One day a woman’s husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn’t “anymore”. No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more “just one minute.” Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say “I love you.”
So while we have it, its best we love it, care for it, fix it when it’s broken and heal it when it’s sick. This is true for marriage … And old cars … And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep — like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.
Life is important, like people we know who are special. And so, we keep them close!
July 29, 2009
A Picture’s Worth…
There are times when words cease to be necessary, when a moment, an object, or even a photograph tells the story-
Dare to be different- Dare to stand out in a croud and be yourself, even if standing up for yourself and what you believe it may not be the most popular thing. ANYONE can go along with the crowd and do what everyone else is doing.
July 28, 2009
On Understanding Happiness….
I remember there being a time when I was just like so many others in the world who felt that happiness hinged upon ‘something’. The perfect job, the perfect guy, the perfect home, the perfect (insert anything here)- but it seemed that that type of ‘happiness’ always seemed to be fleeting, leaving a feeling of longing, of disappointment, of wanting ‘more’ of the brass ring that always seemed just out of reach, and sometimes I’d grasp it for a moment, only for it to slip through my fingers.
I’d love to say that I remember the exact moment when I realized that happiness is none of those things- it’s not about a ‘destination’, but about the journey, and depending on someone else to create that happiness for you is nothing more than setting yourself up for hurt and disappointment. Happiness is a Do It YOURSELF Project.
This morning, when I opened my ‘inbox’, I found this great email from Sparkpeople on happiness. I loved it, and when I find little things along the road of life that reach out and grab me, I can’t help but want to share them with others. You never know when it’s ‘just what the doctor ordered’ so-to-speak.
“A great obstacle to happiness is expecting too much happiness.” – Bernard de Fontanelle
Happiness is a state of mind, not a way of life or a destination that you’ll reach one day. Bumps in the road of life are to be expected, and we cannot let them ruin our days. We often think that if a combination of factors would just fall into place THEN we would finally be happy. Satisfaction can only come from within, through truly accepting yourself, your life, and your circumstances. During this life you’ll have many hard days–long work days, sleepless nights, worrying about the future, etc. This week, think about the joys of your life. Find creative ways to enjoy the little bumps in the road.
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July 24, 2009
Friday “Food For Thought”
We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves. ~Henri Frederic Amiel
My friend Sally posted this on Facebook earlier, and being one that loves quotations, I swiped it from her. I also happen to like things that cause me to pause, and consider the words carefully and how they apply to my own life.
I took some time to think back on moments in my own life when I’ve been discontent with others in my surroundings, and true as this quotation, during those moments it was not others that I was ‘truely’ discontent with, but indeed myself.
There are often times that I find myself ‘prickly’ with Marcel, and later I find myself wondering what that was all about. I usually dismiss it, but thinking back, I realize that those are the times when I’m not satisfied with something in my life- either results of choices I’ve made, or feeling frustrated about various things- all of which have nothing at all to do with him or anyone else, but Me, Myself, and I.
After reading this, I’ve decided that I want to be more aware of WHY I’m reacting to certain things in regards to other people. Is it that I’m REALLY discontent with them, or is it ME?
I’m going to make a conscious effort for one week (I can do anything for a week), and see what happens. It can’t hurt- and I challenge you to do the same, and report your findings here.
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