Focus on the good . . . .

To change our lives, at some point we have to decide that, rather than suffer anymore, we are going to live in happiness. And the only way we can do that is to make the decision to look for things to appreciate, no matter what. As we begin to focus on the good and the brighter side of things, the law of attraction responds by sending back to us the exact photocopy of our new thoughts. And good things begin to appear. And then more good things, and then more . . . . . . .

The Secret Daily Teachings

-Rhonda Byrne

That's the way it is . . . .

"When you want it the most there's no easy way out. When you're ready to go and your hearts left in doubt, don't give up on your faith....love comes to those who believe it, and that's the way it is!"

-Celine Dion

Sharing a 'feel good video' with you today.

Happy Monday!!

How 'bout a hug? . . . .

The New York Times has reported that in the United States "the hug has become the favorite social greeting when teenagers meet or part these days." I'm smiling just thinking about that! I'm a hugger, so that just warms my heart to know that hugs are on the rise. Most humans enjoy contact, although I do know that it is very uncomfortable for some. A hug can be the ultimate sign of trust, so some like to reserve hugging for family, friends or lovers. By hugging someone, you remind them that you care about them and support them. Personally, I think it is a wonderful way to express affection. I do, however, pay close attention to the receiver's responsiveness. It only takes a second to determine if they are receptive to hugging or not. I believe you don't have to smother them, but giving someone a meaningful squeeze shows that you appreciate them, and can help foster closer relationships.

"A hug is a handshake from the heart."

-Author unknown

"Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future."

-Audrey Hepburn

Making connections . . . .

My biggest joy over the past several months has been making connections with new people. I understand that it can be difficult for some to do that, for whatever reason. Call it lack of social confidence, fear of rejection, or worse...fear of being judged. How can you ever make an honest, genuine connection if you are judging another person while they are talking? To begin with, there is no way you can truly hear what they are saying if you are in the midst of judging them. If you are picking them apart in your mind while they are speaking, you are sabotaging the possibility of a new friendship. Take the time to listen to others, and I mean REALLY listen. Give them the benefit of the doubt for a change. Learn to put your own thoughts aside for a moment, and be attentive to their words and emotions. When you make it a habit to stand up for people's positive qualities, you strengthen your own capabilities. We can begin to develop lasting, gratifying relationships if we listen with an open heart and a genuine interest. Granted, it may not always work out, but you can at least walk away knowing you gave it your best shot.

"Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer."

-Author Unknown

The book that asks the questions . . .

I pulled an older book off of my shelf the other day that made me smile. This book encourages you to ask yourself soul-searching questions, in a light-hearted way. The author states in the beginning of the book that there is no right way to answer these questions. They are not meant to be another "should" on your to-do list. It's not about life-sweeping changes, mission statements or finally getting it all together. It's about modestly listening and following the guidance you receive from your inner voice, and to take your time doing it.

Example...

Question #1 What is the one thing I need more of in my life right now?

Silence

Time with my children

Moving by body

Energy

Time alone

Peaceful work environment

Rest

Creativity

Relaxed daily routine

Money

Healthy food

Time with my partner or close friend

Health

Fresh air

Fill in the blank______________

"Openhearted wisdom for every woman who wants to live and love and laugh more fully."

National Day of Encouragement . . .

If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.

-Loretta Girzartis

Step away from the calendar . . . .

What happened to spontaneity? At what point did you lose the right to do something in your day just because you feel like it at the moment? I have a group of girlfriends who have tried over the past several years to schedule get-togethers such as lunch, a girls night out, a little shopping, or just hang out together so we can reconnect. We pull out our calendars, and inevitably someone has something that prevents us from setting a date. Sometimes it's painful trying to find a date that works for all 4 of us. Recently, we have found that some of our best times together have been when it was spontaneous. It may not always work out, but when it does, the rewards are so great. It's freeing! Because of our routines we sometimes forget that life is an ongoing adventure, just waiting for us to enjoy the ride!

Put time to good use . . . .

Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.

-Earl Nightingale

A love affair . . . .

I am smack dab in the middle of a love affair! . . . with music! I have often told my husband - if I get lost in the music, please don't come looking for me! It's my own little piece of heaven, and it is so good for my well-being. It's such an easy way to carve out a moment of private respite, especially if you share your space with others. To me, it is the ultimate way to pamper myself. My playlist's take me from a relaxing Sunday morning music mix, to ready-to-party music - from power walking, to the perfect mix for a dinner party. Enjoying music makes us feel good! And it promotes health! I credit my walking music for motivating me to keep going, doubling my distance, and is helping me drop those few extra pesky pounds. Compile a list of your favorites, and make it work to your advantage. If you are not in a relationship, and find it too difficult to listen to the love songs, choose to believe that LIFE is serenading you, and begin your love affair today!

(Once I decided on a post about music, I contacted my son, Nick, and asked him to help me out with a photo. He is an actor, loves photography, and has a beautiful girlfriend who is an actress, singer, and dancer. They are both music lovers. I told him what I was looking for in a photograph, and within a few hours he sent me these beautiful photographs of Melissa. It captures the exact image of how I feel when I listen to music. Thank you Nick & Melissa for accommodating me! I love these beautiful images!!)

photo's by Nick Vorderman

Nick Vorderman Photography

See more photo's at Nick's blog. . . Nick Vorderman Photography

Also, please visit Melissa's blog. . . endless city

Crazybusy . . . .

Are you too busy? Always running behind? Is your calendar loaded with more than you can possibly accomplish? Is it driving you crazy? Crazybusy - the modern phenomenon of brain overload - is a national epidemic. Without intending for it to happen, we've plunged ourselves into a mad rush of activity, expecting our brains to keep track of more than they comfortably or effectively can. In fact, brain overload has reached the point where our entire society is suffering from culterally induced ADD. Blackberries, cell phones, and email 24/7 - longer workdays, escalating demands, and higher expectations at home. It all adds us to a state of constant frenzy that is sapping us of creativity, humanity, mental well-being, and the ability to focus on what truly matters.

The best reason to take your time is that this is the only time you'll ever have. You must take it or it will be taken from you. It is telling that the phrase 'taking your time' is synonymous with slowing down. If we want to live life fully and get the most out of the short lives we have, we would do best to slow down. To make the most out of this new world, to avoid feeling overbooked, overstretched, and about to snap, to make modern life become better than life has ever been, a person must learn how to do what matters most first, and to make the most out of each minute that matters. Otherwise, you will bulldoze over life's best moments. You won't notice the little charms that adorn each day, nor will you ever transform the mundane into the extraordinary. The only way to do that is to take your time.

From the book "Crazybusy"

by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.

Make the most of each moment this weekend!

Happy Labor Day!

The blackboard doesn't exist . . . .

There is no blackboard in the sky on which your purpose is written - your mission in life. So your purpose is what you say it is. Your mission is the mission you give yourself. Your life will be what you create it as, and no one will stand in judgment of it, now or ever. You get to fill the blackboard of your life with whatever you want. If you have filled it in with baggage from the past, wipe it clean. Erase everything from the past that does not serve you, and be grateful it brought you to this place now, and to a new beginning. You have a clean slate, and you can start over - right here, right now.

Find your joy and live it!

-Neale Donald Walsch

The Secret

Decisions, decisions . . . .

We have to make them on a daily basis. Big ones, that could change our life such as moving, changing careers, marriage, divorce, or having children. And easier ones, like whether or not you should take the highway or the scenic route. Ultimately we want to make the right decisions from the beginning. But so often, we end up second-guessing ourselves and either regret our decision, or fret over it - questioning ourselves over & over again. The easy answer is to say "follow your heart", but frankly, the best decisions are made with the heart AND the head. Think it through. Talk to someone you trust, consider all your options, weigh out the pro's and con's by actually writing them down, pray about it, and once you feel you have made a decision, sleep on it. I find it helps to ask myself the question, then answer it as if I was speaking to my best friend - after all, I would want to give her the best advice possible. If you realize that you made a wrong decision, immediately begin working toward making it work to your advantage, or begin to change it. The best part about tomorrow is that it presents you with a clean slate, and an opportunity to begin again.