A Thankful Heart!!

One of the easiest things to do is to remember what you’re thankful for.  Funny how those things just pop up to the top of the stack of life’s issues without hesitation.  Give yourself 30 seconds to say out loud everything that comes to mind that you are blessed with or by.  Then, take 60 seconds to write them down.  Now, take that paper or computer page and consider the goodness each person, circumstance, and attribute has brought to you.  Imagine that your name is on the list of several other people, either directly or indirectly, because your life and your influence has brought goodness to so many others as well.  A thankful heart gives you a great advantage in dealing with everyday life!!

“The Natural”

 

 

What are your natural gifts and talents?  What do you like most to do above all else?  What involvement or expression brings you great fulfillment?  What do you find very easy to have a good attitude about…and get excited about?  Taking all of that into consideration…do you find yourself participating in whatever brings you that kind of joy on a regular basis?  Have you postponed pursuing your true love activities over the years?  Consider for a moment…that if we all contribute our giftedness to the world…we would  find personal fulfillment and impact the world with blessings.  I love to hear a great musician who chooses to demonstrate her passion…or watch an top athlete compete with others from around the globe.  I’m totally blown away by artists who paint canvases to look as if they come to life, or watch a teacher tell a story that spellbounds the class.  I am in awe of computer techies who can write programs for the average pc or mac user.  I have an insatiable appetite for reading incredibly written novels, the kind you wish would never end, with utter admiration for the author.  But, the story isn’t only written with the people who are the “best known” in their field…it is really about all of us…who attempt to utilize our creative talents in our corner of the world.  Whether anybody hears you sing, or see the words you’ve written, tasted your culinary delights, worn your designer clothing enjoyed a party you have hosted,  seen your artwork or photographs, watched you run or ride or speak…it’s about you allowing your natural talents to be lived out…and the blessings will come upon you and the rest of us as you do!!

Make It…Or Break It!!

The road may seem to twist a few more times than is convenient…but often those are the stretches of distance that are most necessary for your success in making your goal.  If you choose to follow the lead…the path laid out before you…remember you’re only taking one step at a time.  You’ll find the tools, people and opportunities you’ve been looking for will appear at just the right time.  But, if you choose to jump off the trail leading you to your goal…you’ll miss connecting with significant resources that are waiting for you.  Be brave in putting one foot forward…even when you feel like derailing because you can’t see the whole path stretched out before you.  If you only knew that the journey will be better than you ever expected when you look back from the goal line!!  You’ll make it…if you don’t break it!!

Having Said All That…!!

Listening to yourself  is quite a trip.  Getting the pulse of your persuasion is pretty easy when you tune into hearing the tone of your voice, choice of your words, and the timing of your delivery.  Becoming a master of your daily speech takes only a little bit of consideration. What do you want the listener to go away with after hearing you?  How do you want them to feel, what do you want them to know, and when is the best time to tell them your thoughts?  How much of our conversation is missing the mark…and how much is actually benefiting the receiver?    Our words are powerful change agents…what kind of impact do you want your words to have…having said all that??

A Viewpoint That Works!!

What if you were given an assignment that you really didn’t want…that involved sacrifice, inconvenience, and the unknown?  What if you found yourself in a place that required a transfer to another state, a career move, a lifestyle change?  You could bristle and dig your heels in, griping all the way.  Or, you could take the opportunity as an adventure of a life time and find your path twisting and turning and ultimately carrying you closer toward you goals.  Most often, the biggest risks and challenges are the very situations we need to help get us to the places necessary for our well-being…it just might not look like the picture in the brochure, “How to do Life the Easy Way.”   Our viewpoint is the access to optimizing a situation…to squeeze all the opportunity out of something…maximizing the effects of the transforming set of circumstances.  We can go kicking and screaming, or laugh in the face of change..knowning full well that this is God’s way of working all things out for our greater good!!  We can tilt our head and heart to gain a viewpoint that works!!

Energy Sources…Your Filling Stations!!

With so many filling stations ready to pour energy into our life at a moments notice…we have to be careful in choosing which ones we allow to fuel us.  Some filling stations adjust our attitudes with resources like books, inspirational speeches and movies.  Other energy sources contribute to our physical well-being in the type of foods we choose to eat and how much sleep we get, and getting our body exercising.  The most overlooked energy feeder is our quiet time…just getting away and disengaging from the normal hoopla of the day.  Emotionally impacting fueling sources are found in songs, colorful images and sunlight…which can rejuvenate us in minutes.  A great energy source is tapped into by just mingling with people…at work, in the neighborhood, at home, at a party, or out doing errands.   The most significant fueling station we have access to is found in our own self-talk…how we choose to internally speak to our self.  Choosing the best filling stations will assure a constant good energy fuel to motivate us to think well, speak well, act well…and take the great care of our total being!!

Only 8 Weeks Old!!

Puppy love, puppy smell, puppy soft!!  At just 8 weeks…their little personality is already beginning to shine.  Cute, curious, clumsy, irresistable.  What do you look like 8 weeks into something new in your life?  Whether it be a new relationship, new career, new focus, new hobby…you probably have some of the same developmental characteristics of an 8 week old puppy.  Lots of potential, lots of energy, lots of fun.  Then the real work begins.  Training, focus, discipline…hard work and investment of blood, sweat and tears.  And in the end…the investment pays off big time with a great companion, profitable business, fulfilling hobby, or sensational relationship.  At only 8 weeks…you can see and feel the future right in your hands!!

Rats in the Attic!!

What are you renting space to in the attic of your life?  Check to see what kind of renters you have in the recesses between your roof and ceiling?  A good indication of a sub-par element hanging around is to consider what you think about while you’re falling asleep at night.  The scurrying around in your attic is a good warning that there are some gaps that need to be shored up, because an undesirable rodent has crept in and is attempting to set up shop in your life.  What does the world look like when you wake in the morning?  Those unresolved issues have a way of snapping us in the face as a morning greeting until we deal with or eradicate them altogether.  Be bold…check your attic for whatever you need to escort out for only you get to choose who and what you rent space to in your attic!!

A Card in the Mail!!

Right there in the middle of the bills and junk mail…is a gem!  A wish for a happy holiday or birthday…or a greeting for no particular reason at all…just an “old fashioned” way to touch someone in a super special way.  Some people have a knack at choosing cards with words that perfectly zing their sentiments right into your heart…while others show their thoughtfulness in just getting a card delivered.  Either way…their touch is so appreciated when the card is discovered in the mailbox.  Maybe there’s a person out there somewhere who would love a card in the mail from you??

Pink Rose Petals!!

They are so cheery, so fun, and lighthearted.  The intoxicating soft smell of pink rose petals makes you close your eyes and picture something sweet and happy.  It’s a nice re-set button experience that you can have when a little vase of pink roses is right next to your computer, on your nightstand, or sitting on your bathroom sink.  Fresh, lovely, vibrant.  Draw the petal’s beauty into your life, pausing your pace for a moment, and allowing the delicate pink creation to bring goodness to you!!

In Less than A Second!!

Listen to your gut feeling…it’s always right on the mark.  Your natural instinct is rooted in chemistry, acting and reacting, within the first split second of encountering a new person or situation.  Your first impression may not be explainable…but it is trustworthy.  Revealed in time, you will find your initial perception bears out as more information becomes known regarding the new relationship or circumstance.  Go with your gut…the emotional thermometer is there to guide you in less than a second!!

An Opportunity to Forgive!!

 

 

What do you do when a situation leaves you greatly disappointed and hurt?  Even if the incident wasn’t premeditated…the mishap was due to a total oversight…or the event was legitimately forgotten?   A tantrum may be in order and justified, the silent treatment can conveniently put a concrete wall between you and the offender, and you can try to pretend it never happened, which usually causes you to implode with internal molten anger.   Or, you can allow to view the disappointing circumstance as an opportunity to forgive…with your action leading your feelings.  It’s not your natural inclination to initiate extending forgiveness, but it allows you to step out of the hurt with short and sweet communication.  “I forgive you,” are three powerfully small words…that will change your world.  And chances are…you’ll desperately want to hear those three words said to you should you ever find yourself to be the offender someday.  Rather than contribute to the poison…remember the shoe can easily be on the other foot…so take the opportunity and forgive!!

Aimed to Capture Attitude!!

 

 

Capture me on film…and 99 percent of the time I won’t like the picture.  It’s a reaction I had allowed to become ingrained in myself  since childhood to the point where I had avoided cameras whenever possible.  In fact, I’ve discarded most of the photos of myself over the years…just so I wouldn’t have to see them again.  Recently, my daughter expressed similar sentiments of detesting pictures of herself…and it dawned on me that we need to adjust what our camera is capturing.  If we focused on photographing our attitude…and not worry so much about the outward appearances…we would all enjoy looking at pictures of ourselves with more joy.  Professional photographers are experts at creating  and capturing “attitude” on film.  As we go about getting ready for our annual family holiday card…with six kids perched on a beach rock ledge…our camera will be aimed to capture “attitude” rather than our pose!!

Boundaries for Freedom!!

Her issues suddenly become yours…his situation slams you like a bomb exploded…you feel broadsided by your friend’s gripping sessions.  You find yourself consumed with challenges that are not your own…and wasting your valuable energy.  A great gift to yourself is to create boundaries to keep you from absorbing someone else’s troubles in a harmful way.  Develop a coping method which includes great listening, appropriate helping, and genuine caring… but not owning their issues, whether it’s with friends, co-workers, and even family members.   Value your time, resources and well-being enough to evaluate how far, wide, and deep you’ll invest the best of you into others.  Choose to replace the draining source of energy with an investment in yourself with something that brings you joy.  Boundaries truly bring freedom with more good energy, more intrigue, and more confidence!!

That Candle Light Feeling!!

Warmth…comfort…calm.  Candlelight exudes an enveloping feeling of belonging, of love, and of goodness.  There is no substitute for candle light flame which enhances an “all is well,”  nurturing, and romantic atmosphere to an evening.  It draws us, invites us, and bathes us with it’s gentle touch.  Rejuvinate your soul with candle light and bring the centuries old source of light to an every evening pleasure!!

A View From the End!!

 

Standing at the finish line does two things…it causes you to look back and see all you’ve accomplished…and it faces you forward to the new horizon, to the new goals.  Looking back…you’ll see obstacles and pathways, defeats and triumphs that you experienced on the way.  But, mostly your celebration will be short-lived and you’ll be anxious to get some water under the bridge on the way to a new goal.  With that in mind…place yourself at the new finish line and look backward to where you are right now.  You have no idea of the specific challenges and victories that you will encounter in the journey ahead.  People, resources, and opportunities will show up, plus the pain in the neck obstacles to overcome…and a host of side trips that will enrich your experience in unexpected ways.  Use the wisdom and tenacity gleaned from your recent accomplishment to fuel your enthusiasm for going forward with the view of the end!!

Your Strong Suit!!

Your strong suit…a 13 card strait of the same suit in the deck!

1-the best attitude you’ve got;  2- the colors that compliment your skin tone;  3- your perfect smile;  4- your favorite perfume;  5- your natural giftedness as you exercise it;  6- your most positive words;  7- your best effort in forgiving others;  8- the great way you go the extra mile;  9- your heart that believes against all odds;  10- the way you do good things for your body;  11- how you find inspiration in creation and the Creator;  12- your grateful spirit;  13- your growing confidence!

Maybe you need to add another suit to your hand…for there are endless qualities in your strong suit!!

Out of the Box!!

As we grow older…some people find more and more comfort living within their “box.”  Really what good does it do to close the shutters and call it a day, everyday, for the rest of our lives?  There is so much life to be discovered…held, tasted, heard, and sung.  There are dances to dance and relationships to be cherished…and lives to be touched in a million ways.  There are stories yet to be lived, to be told, and written.  Think of all the ways to help others with words of encouragement, monetary gifts, and helping someone in need. There are a thousand smiles and hugs to be given and received every year.  There are walks to be taken, sunsets to enjoy, and dawns to rise and drink coffee with.  I’m sure there are places to visit that you’ve never seen…even close to home.  And of course, there are always new friendships to be discovered…just as long as you’re looking out for them!  Living “out of the box” is a great place to be…everyday!!

Taylor’s 21st Birthday!!

His heart is bigger than the universe itself.  He is strong-willed, loyal, and passionate.  His goal in life is to conquer the world, without knowing how big it really is.  It doesn’t bother him though…because he knows he’ll figure it out on the fly.  Early in life…while sorting his fruit salad into little groupings on his highchair tray…his aptitude for organization was evident and was then dubbed, “CEO in Training.”  A natural athlete with baseball, basketball, and water polo teams behind him, he continues to keep good care of his body.   He’s taking college classes, has part-time work, dates a great girl…and has a deep love for his family.  Created with a ready smile and arms to wrap around people he doesn’t even know…he’s surely destined to reach his goals with his Arabian stallion determination fueling him.  You have us all cheering in your balcony!  Happy 21st birthday, Taylor!!

Give it Gas!!

 

Are you sputtering…on your last leg in some aspect of your life?  That’s often the circumstance and feeling just before you reach the goal line!  You think you might have missed the turn, misinterpreted the directions, or gotten lost…even as you’ve followed the map before you.  Keep your eyes on the target.  Allow your thoughts only to be expecting a successful arrival.  You very well could be close to your destination…you just need to give it a little more gas!!

Personal Consultation…by You!!

If you could step out of your skin for a short time…and look at the issues in your life that you wish would change or disappear…you might have better luck in coming up with a fresh resolve.  We’re all very clouded when it comes to looking at our own life issues with scrutiny because we’re so used to the autopilot our brain operates on.  To pull far enough away from yourself to have discernment may be done with two key elements…time and space.   First, you’ve got to get quiet physically…leaving no room for interruptions.  Give your thoughts enough time to settle down and not follow your regular thinking patterns.  Let all the chaos work itself out of your brain in the first moments of getting quiet…pray or whatever you do to align yourself  with God…and then you’ll be ready to deal.  Make space for your mind and your body to stretch just like in a gym class.  Loosen your physical and emotional concerns by hypothetically putting them on a table or floor next to you.  Look at them, like you were browsing through a store to find something you really want to buy.  Tell yourself what you are looking for just like you had a shopping list in your hand…to discover the source of the problem and to find the remedy.  Shoe off fear, the way you lived by default, and complacency regarding these issues.  Right away, you’ll notice two things about each issue…where the strain originates from, and where you will begin to remedy the rub.  Whatever first comes to your mind is most likely right on the money.  You will immediately feel relief and comfort that you’ve put your hand on your own pulse to bring exceeding goodness to your life.  Choose how you will arrest these issues should you start to feel overwhelmed by them in the future, because you have power over them!!

Cinnamon…blush and blood booster!!

Cinnamon, a most delicious spice, is an incredible anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal powerhouse.  Even though this spice, that is derived from the bark of a cinnamon tree, tastes so great…it packs beneficial boosters for your overall physical and emotional well-being.  It enhances cognitive brain function, and helps diabetics and those at risk of blood sugar imbalances experience greater stabilization with a daily dose of cinnamon.  Ulcers, upset stomachs, urinary tract and yeast infections are kept at bay or healed quicker with cinnamon.  Those suffering from fatigue due to colds and flus have found they bounce back much quicker when taking this fabulous and natural creation.  Sprinkle it on your toast, bagel, or cereal, and enjoy cinnamon in a comforting cup of tea, or on vanilla ice-cream.    Order a chai latte the next afternoon you wander into a coffee bar.  Make cinnamon sticks with the essence oil for an autumn treat.  Give yourself a cinnamon blush and blood booster…your body will thank you!!

Southern Hospitality!!

When a neighbor learned of a family that was moving onto our street, she immediately set a date to make the newcomers feel welcomed and cared for by their new community.  With her gracious Southern hospitality, she orchestrated a sweet, get-to-know-you luncheon, inviting several of the ladies from nearby houses to come to meet the newest neighbor.   Beautiful flowers, table cloths and china, delicious sandwiches and tea cakes were served with great delight. Introductions were made, conversations lasted for a few precious hours, and the foundation was layed for many years of friendships.  One person’s thoughtfulness, small investment, and obvious  Southern hospitality…brought the best of life and a more richer experience to that little corner of the world.

Pumpkin Seed’s Redeeming Qualities!!

Pumpkin seeds…so-called the “almost perfect food,” due to their far-reaching redeeming benefits!!  Cultures all over the world use pumpkin seeds’ essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, minerals, and vitamins B, C, D, E and K… to help remedy intestinal infections, kidney problems, treat depression, help with heart and liver well-being, prostate and cancer protection, and is a great source of magnesium.  Grab a handful and enjoy raw or lightly roasted pumpkin seeds for a snack, sprinkled on your favorite hot or cold cereal,  accent sauteed vegetables, and add to oatmeal cookies, bran muffins, and granola.  Isn’t it great to eat something fun while you’re doing something awesome for your body!!

Friday Night is Girl’s Night!!

 

 

It’s just the girls…the boys are out with their buddies…and it’s our night!!  We have more fun on Friday nights!!  Our best evenings are spent in…cooking one of our favorite dinners…chicken enchiladas, bean dip with guacamole and lime-ade or iced-tea.  Usually we chase it with homemade chocolate chip cookies or brownies for our chocolate fix.  Of course the music is on, and everyone dances like they’re on a music video.  We watch total girl movies…and love the happy ever after endings!  Nails are polished and the evening fades into night with conversations of friends and guys and life as we carry on until late.  We all fall into bed happy…the fun Friday night is just the beginning of a great weekend!!

24 Hours Later…How Do You Feel??

Ever have that burning feeling to write a nasty letter…give a condemning lecture…rip someone’s head off?  What would happen if you stepped back for 24 hours and let your emotions settle down, remove your thoughts from knee-jerk reaction, and your allow your common sense to resume control?  Don’t you loathe that feeling when you’ve reacted impulsively to someone else’s poor attitude or behavior?   Think of how it would be if we had a little control switch that could be activated to keep our poisonous reactions contained for 24 hours when we find ourselves in the middle of a yelling match or tantrum.  We would learn to hold ourselves accountable for our part in the less than desirable manner of relating to each other.  Amazingly, we would find ourselves handling and even sidestepping lots of depleting situations with grace and wisdom.  Then, we would find ourselves relating with others from a whole different platform…one of confidence and well-being.   Your power comes in relinquishing “your right” to blow up at people, even when you feel justified.  Whether it is your mate, your child, your mother, your friend, your co-worker or boss…give the 24 hour quarantine a try…and see how you feel then!!

It’s Your Prerogative!!

 

At that moment…the one where it seems time stands still for a split second…when you find you want to change your mind about something…and you hesitate because you start to analyze, rationalize and question your position…that in fact, is the very spot you’ll find your brilliance, your power, your viability.   For to change your mind…often will change your life.  And you have the inherent right to change it up…the option to switch your thought or situation…even if it means inconveniencing people or requires extra effort from yourself or others.  Be bold and listen to the intuitive messages that cause you to hold your breath and consider for a brief moment…the other side of the coin.  Don’t be afraid to step out of the box…to take a chance and see why your hesitation appeared…for it’s your prerogative to change your mind!!

Make 5 Lunch Dates!!

Make a lunch date…and make the lunch, too!  Get creative in how you treat yourself to your midday meal and make it a mini party.  Invite your friends or co-workers to share a fun break in the day with you.  Tuna salad with celery and sweet pickles on a bed of lettuce, kettle chips and a bottle of iced-tea with lemon is a great start.  A California Wrap is an easy and tasty treat with lettuce, ranch dressing, shaved turkey breast, tomato and avocado slices, with optional onion slivers, rolled up in your favorite tortilla.  Bagels, sliced and lightly toasted, slathered with cream cheese, thin slices of cucumber, sprinkles of dill, and finished with a shot of Italian dressing are great with a flavored coffee.  Diced and slightly crushed red ripe tomatoes drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegarette go well over crisped french bread slices making a delicious bruchetta.  Of course, the best compliment to that light lunch is chocolate…any which way you like it, like chocolate covered almonds!   A chunky guacamole made with 2 ripe avocados, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a dash of mild salsa is the perfect mate for a warm bean dip which includes, a can of refried beans, 2 large spoonfuls of sour cream and cream cheese, a tiny can of diced green chilis, a half package of taco seasoning, mixed and heated well…and served with really good tortilla chips.  The best way to enjoy your lunch is to make it a date!!

Prompted, Compelled…Go For It!!

 

When that undeniable feeling surges…and you’re compelled to do something or say something, you may ignore or engage the urge.  The nudge is there to prompt you to action, and it’s usually in regard to someone else’s life.  If it’s a letter, a phone call, a visit, a gift…get it delivered and right away.  The moment of opportunity is at hand and you’re the one called to get the job done.  You may never know all the ramifications of your gesture…but you can be sure your influence was meant to be.  Think about all the extra special words of encouragement you’ve received, time shared with people who’ve helped you, and tangible things given to you to bridge the gap when you needed it most.  This is the privilege you are presented with when that prompting comes with a compelling desire to touch someone’s life.  How incredible it is that one person can be so significant in another person’s life in such simple ways.  Take the inspirational urge as direction from God to do whatever it is you’ve been impressed to do!!

Flexing for Life!!

 

 

Life’s most distinguishing characteristic is change.  Children are synonymous with change as they naturally display evolution in each aspect of their being.  The earth’s essence is in constant flux as it is impacted by revolving seasons and weather patterns, human-generated influences from pollution and depletion of natural resources, as well as the benefits and sacrifices of forest fires, earthquakes, and erosion.  Somehow, as we grow older, we become resistant to change and adopt the attitude that change is a negative thing, and flexing becomes feared and loathed.  But, if we can see that change is inevitable, for our ultimate good, and that it is the way God designed us and our environment to operate…we should never stop embracing change.  Physically our bodies need to stay limber.  Cognitively, our minds need to be challenged to stay alert.  Spiritually, we do well to keep current and fresh.  Emotionally we need to have daily input and output for the well water of our soul to be clean.  We will experience a more fulfilling, happier and richer life from birth to the grave as we learn to be the change agent in our own life.  Flex with the inevitable and welcome the evolving events, passages and phases of life with a positive attitude.   It makes the ride so much more incredible!!

Just One Day…Changes Your Life!!

 

We’ve all heard the phrase, “the joy is in the journey,” but rarely think about how it plays out.  In the course of one day many experiences can and will change your life.   Have you ever taken a new book aboard a plane and finished it in the several hour flight?  Or, have you noticed how a moving story of someone you heard about on a show, read about in an article, or in a book, created a greater drive for you to apply more  steam to reaching your own pursuits?  Do you look for little side trips on the journey of the “big” trip to bring enrichment in unexpected ways?  Can you feel the impact of a serendipitous conversation that moves you closer to your goal?  Have you just enjoyed getting lost in some foreign place only to find the best little restaurant, some new friends, a beautiful town, a hidden jewel?   Remember the last time you did something for the first time, and you wished you had done that forever?  Getting news of something extraordinary or alarming often creates modification in our routine…because it changed our thinking.   Just as you begin to close your eyes tonight, think about what situation during the day enriched your life experience…there may be more than one!!