You have the power . . . .

Passion, excitement, and confidence are the important medicines that we need every day. At some time or another, all of us have encountered people who seemed to be larger than life somehow, people whose experience of life was filled with color and excitement. In short, they were excited about life and were having a ball. Through them we catch a glimpse of what the authentic life is like. Is it possible that you are an excitingly unique individual with the need to do and be all of who you are, yet you are denying that powerful individuality, and you remain bogged down and buried in a world of "responsibility traps" and "don't make waves" conformity? Think back to when your own life was the most interesting one you knew, and you couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Perhaps most important was the fact that you accepted your self for who and what you were. Whether you know it or not, you will always have a tremendous power to determine your life. You can make your life hum if you will link up your true self and your world. To do that you have to get intimately in touch with you. As you address the question of you, starting now, stop dealing in opinions or assumptions, and start dealing in facts. That fact is, it takes so much energy to be what you are not, and it takes so little to be what you truly are.

Compiled from a Self Matters calendar
Photo via Google Images

workisnotajob . . . .

I was blog surfing recently, perusing holzdesign, when I saw the graphic below that I thought was extremely clever. Turns out it's from a company called workisnotajob.....a design studio dedicated to creative inspiration, typography and visual communications. They tell us "we're pretty busy, splitting our time between our own art, independent projects, music, and well, cups of coffee."   

The more I read about this company, the more I was intrigued! Their charming attitude and appealing philosophy is what prompted me to continue reading. Here,  let them explain........

workisnotawhat?

Good question.

"Work" is the transfer of energy. We enjoy transferring our energy into something creative and inspiring. In fact, we'd like to think it's a wonderful opportunity. 

We go about this by following one basic rule: work

If you are active, it will lead to something, something you can work with. We creatively consider 'work' as pleasant activity that offers free development and individual contribution. 

We make little distinction between work and play and strongly believe in inspiration as the magical power to change the world. Your every day activity and commitment, talent and dedication that exceed business hours define your work. Now, what defines a job again?

For us, this is the pursuit of a dream. We feel that workisnotajob..........Oh and who are you not to live your dream? Whatever yours is, start now. 

We hope you feel it too.

Keep up the good work! (andthankyou).

Photo via Getty Images


Happy Friday!
Have a lovely weekend!

A little etsy ♥ . . . .

I am loving the work of this graphic designer that I discovered on etsy.com.  Please allow me to introduce Susana Parada, the artist behind Parada Creations. She states in her profile that she believes that every single person should have one piece of art in their home that makes them smile. I would say it is fairly easy to find one in her collection..........

And everybody needs a a little extra Love! 

(in 35 languages)..........................

Great work, Susana!

I am a big fan of  philosophy skin care products and their way of celebrating the human spirit. Their promise is to "bring its customers products that inspire them to live a better life by being better to themselves." Are you looking for a special gift? Look no further. These products make it easy to celebrate a friend, a family member,  or co-worker.   While out shopping the other day, I found myself in the philosophy section of the department store, and completely lost track of time while reading their labels (one example below). . . each bottle offers a different message that will truly inspire all who read them.

Happy Friday!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Choose to believe . . . .

Choose to believe in the originality of you.....

your willingness to stand out from the crowd.....

your unique perspective on what's happening in the world and in your life.

Choose to believe in the wisdom of you.....

the way you trust your intuition......

your unfailing commitment to doing the right thing.

And most of all,

Choose to believe in the heart of you.....

the genuine compassion, empathy, and friendship you offer to everyone you know.

Photo by Justin Cooper
at 2C 

Photo RF Getty Images

Photo via Google Images

Accepting the challenge . . . .

My schedule is ramping up with a few new commitments that I'm very excited about. One of which is that I have begun dance rehearsals for my local Dancing with the Stars fund raiser event that will take place in November. I was nominated to dance, accepted the challenge, and hope to raise lots of money for this great charity. As I have said before, I have chosen to live a 'no regret' life and dancing in front of 1,200 people at this event is something I might have walked away from just a few years ago. Walking into the unknown is scary (I'm dancing hip-hop!), but I am psyched about doing something new and looking forward to the challenge. Bernice Johnson Reagon once said, "Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you. They're supposed to help you discover who you are." Begin to look for your challenge and choose to make that discovery about yourself.

Photo via Google Images

From Brooklyn with love . . . .

I came across this sweet video clip via VSL (Very Short List), which is a collection of distinct, free, must-see, one gem-a-day e-mails. VSL writes.....watch Danny & Annie, an animated web video about an elderly couple from Brooklyn that will, in five minutes, show you true love (and possibly make you cry).

Photo via Google Images

Whether you realize it or not . . . .

Photo by  Petrina Tinslay

via 2C

An angel on earth . . . .

I am so inspired by this little girl, Jackie. I'm not a big opera fan, but it is hard to believe she is only 10 years old. Her voice is incredibly mature for her age. Not to mention....she is just so adorable!  Enjoy!

Photo via Google Images