Honor yourself . . . .

This coming year could be the start of something wonderful! Whether you realize it or not, your dreams are possible. If you believe in yourself, fresh starts, and new beginnings, you are already well on your way. Make a conscious choice to honor yourself this year. Honor your dreams. Honor your passions. Honor your heart. It is then that you will become aware of your own unique talents and begin to see your dreams come true. It is then that you will begin to live the life that is meant for you.

Happy New Year's Eve!

Here's To You . . . .

From the book "Here's To You"

Photo via Google Images

No plans needed . . . .

"Some of the most rewarding and beautiful moments of a friendship happen in the unforeseen open spaces between planned activities. It is important that you allow these spaces to exist."

-Christine Leefeldt

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

Pure pleasures of Christmas . . . .

Knowing it's the perfect gift.

Just enough snow.

Tradition.

Catching a glimpse of the big guy.

When it's over.

All photo's via Getty Images,

except "A Christmas Story" photo via Google Images

Here's To You . . . .

From the book "Here's To You"

Photo by Gandee Vasan

Overcoming adversity . . . .

"When you get into a tight place

and everything goes against you,

till it seems as though you could

not hold on a minute longer,

never give up then,

for that is just the place and time

that the tide will turn."

-Harriet Beecher Stowe

A product with a great message . . . .

I am so inspired by Philosophy skin care products and their approach to celebrating the human spirit. I love that they promise to bring its customers products that inspire them to live a better life by being better to themselves. They promote their products as caring not only for your skin, but your overall well-being, stating that they take care of the mind, body and spirit. They believe that only when you feel good can you truly look your best. Philosophy uses children's pictures as a way to highlight the simple pleasures in life and remember the genuine curiosity and wisdom that is the childhood consciousness in us all. They state that children encourage us to be creative, fun and live in the moment; they remind us to believe in magic and to color outside the lines. What is "in" Philosophy jars and bottles can give you better skin, but what is "on" Philosophy jars and bottles can inspire better days. The paragraph below is just one example of what you will find on the outside of the bottles. . . .

Just one . . . .

Here's To You . . . .

From the book Here's To You

Photo by Alexa Singer

Introducing . . . .

Nick Vorderman & Melissa Benoist

I am Manhattan bound, once again, and I must say, these two people are definitely my favorite reasons for visiting New York City, but they also know that I just can't get enough of Manhattan. I'll be doing some last minute Christmas shopping, and I'm very excited about taking in the festive atmosphere of the city. But the best thing that I will be bringing home with me, is my son, Nick, and his girlfriend, Melissa. I am using this space today to introduce them as actors. Nick is just getting started, having graduated in May with a BFA in Acting. He is working hard, auditioning, and was just cast in an Off-Broadway show that begins in late February. Melissa has been a working actress since she was 11, cast in many stage shows, has done film, and commercials. I'm so excited about having them here for Christmas! I hope you, too, have family coming to celebrate the holiday's with you.

"As we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

-Nelson Mandela

Three simple assumptions . . . .

We all have a tendency to make assumptions in our life at one time or another. The problem is that we believe they are true, and it often ends up creating a lot of emotional poison & misunderstandings. So it is typically not a good idea to assume. However, I have a different kind of assumption list for you today. By making the following three simple assumptions in our lives, we can immediately begin to lead a more balanced and powerful life. If you do them consistently, you will find strength & integrity to draw on when you need it most.

1) For the body -

assume you've had a heart attack;

now live accordingly.

2) For the mind -

assume your life will end in two years;

now prepare & live your life accordingly.

3) For the heart -

assume everything you say about another can be overheard;

now speak accordingly.

Leave the drama behind,

and choose to make assumptions

in your life that will make a

difference in how you spend your day.

More of what makes life good . . . .

Recently, a friend sent me a link to a website called GOOP. Have you heard of it? It's a lifestyle website launched by Gwyneth Paltrow. The 36-year-old actress describes the site as a collection of experiences of what makes life good. She says, "My life is good because I am not passive about it. I want to nourish what is real, and I want to do it without wasting time. I love to travel, to cook, to eat, to take care of my body and mind, to work hard. I love being a mother who has to overcome my bad qualities to be a good mother. I love being in spaces that are clean and nice." She continues, "Make your life good. Invest in what's real," Paltrow writes. "Cook a meal for someone you love. Pause before reacting. Clean out your space. Read something beautiful. Treat yourself to something. Go to a city you've never been to. Learn something new. Don't be lazy. Workout and stick with it. Make it great."

Sign up for the weekly newsletter today!

More than just words . . . .

Whether you know it or not, your words are powerful. They are thoughts that you have given additional energy to, so they will be at the forefront of your mind. Be aware of what you are saying. Watch your words. It is a spectacular moment when you catch your unwanted words midstream. Your choice of words can make a big difference in how you are perceived by the other person. It can be the difference between building a relationship or damaging it. But good communication is not only about words. It is about presentation as well, as studies have shown that only 7% of what is communicated between people is transmitted through the words themselves, 38% comes through the tone of the voice, and 55% of communication, the largest part, is the result of body language. Slow down. Think first. Think not only about your words, but about how you may be unconsciously presenting yourself.

"The problem with communication...

is the illusion that it has been accomplished."

-George Bernard Shaw

Pure pleasures . . . .

Whispers.

Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.

Wrapping up in a warm towel after a shower.

The moment at a concert when the crowd figures out

what song their playing.

Puppies.

Crawling into your own bed after a long trip.

All photo's via Getty Images

Here's To You . . . .

From the book Here's To You

Photo via .la douleur exquise.

Simple, affordable gift ideas . . . .

Fringe Cotton Fleece Throw $39

westelm.com

Apples to Apples board game $22.99

The Game of Hilarious Comparisons!

amazon.com

"Here's To You" book $14.95

Celebrate the people in your life with this

book of inspiring quotes.

CB2.com

Set of 12 Appetizer Plates $22.95

crateandbarrel.com

Wusthof Presentation Steak Knife Set $49.95

crateandbarrel.com

Ava Vase $24.95

crateandbarrel.com

(Hint....give this gift with a promise to fill with flowers

once a month until Spring!)

"Wisdom -

The Greatest Gift One Generation Can Give To Another"

book and DVD $50.00

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Andrew Zuckerman interviewed, photographed & filmed fifty of the world's most prominent artists, politicians, businesspeople, and religious leaders, all of whom are over the age of 65, to present an inspiring and insightful look at the common experiences that unite generations. Includes a companion DVD documentary.

anthropologie.com

Have you started your Christmas shopping?

or better yet,

Have you finished your Christmas shopping?

Enjoy the ride . . . .

Happy Friday!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Have I told you? . . . .

you Do!

...... I'm just sayin'!

Tell someone . . . .

We all want and need praise, recognition, and acceptance. Actually, we can never get enough of it! We all have a psychological need to be respected and appreciated. We need affection to satisfy the need to belong. We want praise so we can feel admired, and we want recognition to satisfy our need for personal worth. We should make it a habit to give genuine praise to someone every day. I believe we should tell people how we feel about them while they are alive! . . . not wait until they have died, and then have to deliver a beautiful eulogy. Why wait? A compliment truly is a gift, and offering one with sincerity will always be a welcome boost to someone's day. The right words at the right time can motivate, comfort, validate & inspire. Let someone know how much you appreciate them!

Have I told you today how awesome you are?

There are times . . . .

I am admiring TIFFANY & CO. for stepping away from the norm, and using their resources to place this type of message in the newspaper. Even though this was originally printed in 2005, I think it is a perfect time to have this one resurface. Enjoy.

THERE ARE TIMES

To hold open a door.

To surrender your seat.

To thank someone in writing.

To let bygones be gone.

To remember your parents.

To listen with care.

To surprise with a gift.

To mind your table manners.

To honor tradition.

To give voice to your heart.