-Ellen Burstyn

Happy Friday!

Have a lovely weekend!


Photo by MAT NEIDHARDT via One League Artists

Try to focus . . . .

Photo via  .la douleur exquise.

Words can destroy . . . .

Once you have spoken,

even the swiftest horse 

cannot retract your words.

-Chinese proverb

When speaking, speak with vision, clarity, and kindness. Be positive. Instead of concentrating on the problem, look for the solution. Focus on the good, the true, the beautiful. Look for possibilities and see the potential in each person, each situation. Focused for good, your positive energy has great power. Tell the truth. Say what you mean instead of making easy promises that mean nothing. Keep your word. Be kind and generous. Let your language be filled with loving words instead of critical judgement.

What we call each other

ultimately becomes what we think

of each other,

and it matters.

-Jeanne J. Kirkpatrick

Once again,....

From the book

the Art of Encouragement

by Candy Paull

Good book!!

The gift of silence . . . .

Graphic from the book Be

by Kobi Yamada

Bon voyage . . . .

Swimsuit - check.  Flip-flops - check.  Camera - check. I'm packed and ready to go! It is time to take my own advice, enjoy my family, laugh, listen to my heart, find clarity, and live each moment. By this time tomorrow, I'll have my toes in the sand, taking in the sea air, relaxing, and finally getting to those books that I've been meaning to read. I wish you all a wonderful 12 days, and wanted you to know that I will try my best to post some good stuff while I'm gone, but if I miss a day or two ...... just so you know, it means that I didn't wake up from my nap in time, I had one too many cocktails, or I just couldn't get off the beach.  Ciao, for now!

"A vacation is having 
nothing to do, 

and all day to do it."

-Robert Orben


Happy Friday!
Have a lovely weekend!

Just breathe . . . .

Are you feeling like there are too many pressures and demands on you? As you know, those pressures can cause stress. As a matter of fact, stress can be caused by a number of life factors that are quite common, and if you don't know how to deal with it, it can wreak havoc on your well-being....both physically & mentally. The negative consequences on your health can be substantial. Your health is your responsibility and you owe it to yourself to learn to relax. There are so many relaxation techniques that will help you slow it down, get clarity, and begin again. Try doing what you can to be more positive. I know....it's hard sometimes, but you will reap so many benefits from it; probably more than you realize. Spend less time with people who try to guilt you in to doing things, or tell you that you're not good enough. And the same goes for those people who are constantly complaining or miserable. Stop feeling guilty. Guilt is a potent source of stress. Take care of yourself. Make healthy food choices and exercise regularly. Laugh! Laughter is the best medicine, so go ahead and rent that hilarious movie that you've been wanting to see.  Spend some time alone doing what you love, whether it's reading a good book, taking a hot bath or listening to your favorite music. And last but not least....breathe. Close your eyes, and just breathe.

"Smile, breathe, and go slowly."

-Thich Nhat Hanh

Photo via Being Brazen

It's all a matter of perspective . . .

Photo via Getty Images

Finding balance in you life . . .

I don't believe that 'having balance in your life' means that everything in your world is perfect. In my opinion, it simply means that you are giving enough attention to the things that are important to you. . . . consistently, regardless of what your circumstances are. We all know that life gets hectic. It just does! We are all trying to figure out how to balance our work life, our personal lives, raising kids, taking care of our aging parents AND ourselves. It's a lot to manage, but finding balance in the midst of our daily responsibilities can be done. It takes focus, and the willingness to set priorities. First, try letting go of the need to be in constant control. It is a sure-fire deterrent to managing stress and having balance. Also, we can rest assured that things in our life will change, no doubt.....life is ever-changing! Try being more open to inevitable changes and it will greatly reduce your daily stress.

If you are doing too much, or saying yes when asked to take on yet another project, understand that it is okay to say no. Otherwise, it WILL take a toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually. One of my favorite coffee mugs has a saying on it that makes me laugh every time I read it. It says ...."No, I cannot make 4 dozen cookies. Next question." Believe me, when my boys were in school, I made my share of cookies, but I realized that I didn't have to say yes every time I was approached. If you really want to help, make it easy on yourself and buy them instead. The kids will love them just the same. Saying no more often will make room in your life for the things that are more meaningful to you. Invite simplicity into your life, and realize that it will present you with a chance to have balance, a sense of peace, certainly less stress, and much more joy. And by the way, having a sense of humor can't hurt either, so lighten up!

"A well-developed sense of humor

is the pole that adds balance to your steps

as you walk the tightrope of life."

-William Arthur Ward

Just listen . . . .

"There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you'd better learn the sound of it. Otherwise you'll never understand what it's saying."

-Sarah Dessen

Photo by Sanni Salminen via One Eyeland

Look forward . . . .

Let the countdown begin! With only 4 days remaining in the year, have you begun to think about what choices you will make in the New Year to enhance your life? Will you dwell on the past, or will you choose to look forward to a new day; a new year full of amazing possibilities? Visualize yourself succeeding in whatever it is you choose, and never lose site of that image. Choose to step out of the cycle of repetitious habits and step into a life of clearer vision, healthier choices and peace in your heart.

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

-C.S. Lewis

Quiet time . . . .

I love to be alone. It's so good for my well-being. Even though I'm a very social person, I crave alone time, and when I don't have enough of it, I begin to feel over stimulated. For me it's all about regaining clarity. It means it's time to decompress, to organize my thoughts, and to remove myself from the influences of others. There is no negotiating when you're alone.....you get to indulge yourself in your own thoughts without having to compromise. It literally fuels my life and nurtures my soul.

"We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly. Spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order."

- Susan Taylor

Photo via Getty Images