Say I Am Wonderful! . . . .

Today, I am so inspired by this song by singer songwriter London-born Gary Go, and wanted to share it with you. It truly is a "Wonderful" (click to watch) song . . very inspirational.

The person that you were has died

You've lost the sparkle in your eyes

You fell for life - into it's traps

Now you wanna bridge the gaps

Now you wanna bridge the gaps

Now you want that person back

And all your ammunition's gone

Run out of fuel to carry on

You don't know what you wanna do

Cause what you want does not want you

If what you want does not want you

And you've got no pull to pull you through

Say "I am"

Say "I am"

Say "I am wonderful"

Oh you are

Say "I am"

Say "I am"

Say "I am wonderful"

If what you've lost cannot be found

And the weight of the world weighs you down

No longer with the will to fly

You stop to let it pass you by

Don't stop to let it pass you by

You've gotta look yourself in the eye

Say "I am"

Say "I am"

Say "I am wonderful"

Oh you are

Say "I am"

Say "I am"

Say "I am wonderful"

You're wonderful, oh

Cause we are all miracles

wrapped up in chemicals

We are incredible, oh we are

Don't take it for granted, no

We are all miracles

Oh we are

Say "I am"

Say "I am"

Say "I am wonderful"

Oh you are

Say "I am"

Say "I am"

Say "I am wonderful"

You're wonderful, oh

Cause we are all miracles

wrapped up in chemicals

We are incredible, oh we are

Don't take it for granted, no

We are all miracles wrapped up,

yeah we're wrapped up

Oh we are wonderful.

What are your habits? . . . .

I am using this space today to remind those of you who have been saying......."I'll start my exercise program on Monday."

Today is Monday!

"We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."

-Aristotle

Who inspires you? . . . .

I could list so many people who inspire me for a number of reasons. There are the obvious ones who create music and art. The ones who take my breath away with design. The ones who speak so eloquently in front of a crowd. Writers who form words in such a compelling way that it causes me to close the book just so I can sit with the beauty of the words. I could go on and on. But today's post is on more of a personal level of appreciation in regards to those who inspire me.

I have made it a priority in my life to surround myself with people who have chosen to live their life with passion, lift others up. . . are encouraging, and who speak well of others. The people who truly inspire me have an inner beauty. They are people who motivate me. People who make me want to be a better person. People who make me laugh. People who are true to themselves. I love people who live their life with grace. Oh my goodness, I'm surrounded by these people, and I'm so grateful!

To those of you who live with passion...you inspire me. You make me want to listen.

To those of you who motivate me...I can't get enough of you!

To those of you who encourage...you will be rewarded many times over.

To those of you who have grace...I will always have room in my heart for you.

To those of you with inner beauty...never change.

To those of you who make me laugh...never leave!

To those of you who make a difference in the lives of others...you make me think about how I will be remembered, and what I can do to enhance that.

To those of you who have faced major obstacles...you have made a significant difference in my life as I watch you accomplish meaningful change.

Thank you.

I am so grateful for all the people in my life.

I love you!

Create a more positive you . . . .

Unfortunately, many people have a continuous reel of negative words, thoughts and statements running through their minds. It is no wonder that they live their lives unenthusiastically. Words and statements can build you up or destroy you, but you have the power to make them work to your advantage. It is up to you how you use them. When you repeat positive statements, they become your convictions, and in turn, become your reality. Even a lifetime of negative programming can be changed when you hold on to, and repeat affirmations enough. If you are putting yourself down, you are your own worst enemy. Clean your 'mental' house by making the decision to stop the whining, playing the victim, and begin to respect yourself. At this point you will begin to gain control over your actions. You'll create a stronger, more positive version of yourself, and it will automatically create more success in your life.

You have to refuse to think negative thoughts,

if you wish to attain positive results.

Your inner voice . . . .

There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will, all your life, spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls."

-Howard Thurman

Let your mind lead . . . .

My yoga instructor said something this morning that I know is very powerful. She said, "Let your mind lead, and your body will follow." I've known for quite some time how powerful the mind is, and I have even used mental techniques that have helped me go further than I ever could have imagined. For many of us, it is so easy to convince ourselves that something is too difficult, and give up much too soon. If we allow ourselves to use the power of the brain, it is astonishing at what we can achieve.

Kurt Lee Hurley

The Whole Body, Whole Mind, Whole Health Solution

writes:

The body can only achieve what the mind can conceive. The mind is designed to perform as a command center and the body serves as the production department. When the mind is strong and integral, the body will obey. If the mind is convinced otherwise, inability sets in, and the body begins to command the mind. Consequently, at the slightest hint of difficulty and pain, the body wants to give up and so it communicates to the mind that it can do no more, and indeed gives up.

Once the mind decides the body is unwilling to do something, a tug-of-war starts. It is in such conflict that the body must be disciplined to succumb to the mind. If this is accomplished, the mind is strengthened and given authority over the body, which is trained to respond positively. As this goes on, the mind is promoted to heights never before imagined, and is encouraged to go beyond its limits. The body does what it is told to do. So the body begins to outdo itself. It is at this point where limitless potentials break out of hiding and release the champion in all of us.

It is wonderful what the body can do,

if you've got the mind to let it.

Shifting seasonal gears . . . .

Last week I allowed myself to shift gears seasonally, spent time reading my favorite blogs, gathered new music for my ipod, and freshened my mind with new inspiration. I found some great ideas online for holiday decorations. I took the time to immerse myself in projects around my house that needed attention, and in turn, ignored my own blog after I had just mentioned in my last post that I was so excited to be back! Well, I'm always excited to return home after vacation, but I did exactly what I needed to do. I love the 'essence of knowing' when I need to do something. . . . . getting it done, and moving on. Seasonal change does it to me every time.

What's your story? . . . .

All humans are storytellers with their own unique point of view. When we understand this, we no longer feel the need to impose our story on others or to defend what we believe. Instead, we see all of us as artists with the right to create our own art.

-Don Miguel Ruiz

So good to be back . . . .

Going away on vacation is always so great, but coming home is heaven! I am so happy to be back, return to my daily routine, (the above photo is my motivation to get back at it, girl), and of course, to be blogging again! I've missed it all.

I'm hoping this short motivational video 
will get your week off to a great start!

Happy Monday!

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.

Still missing this beautiful lady . . . .

July 1, 1961 - August 31, 1997

"I want my boys to have an understanding of people's emotions, their insecurities, people's distress, and their hopes and dreams."

-Princess Diana

Beauty at any age . . . .

Hang on to your sanity . . . .

If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane.

-Jimmy Buffet

A simple thank you will do . . . .

Mark Twain once said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." Isn't that the truth? Compliments are HUGE. They can make such a difference in someone's life. However, it is amazing how many of us are not very good at accepting them. If you think about it, the person giving the compliment saw something wonderful in you that they wanted to convey. If we respond with a dismissive remark, it can be insulting, not only to the giver, but it indicates that we don't value what we've been complimented on. At the very least, we need to acknowledge our own self-worth by accepting the compliment confidently. Simply saying thank you is enough. I'm holding on to the one I received a week ago. According to Mr. Twain, I have another 7 weeks to enjoy that one!

Here are a few good ones..............

"God was just showing off when he created you."

-from the movie Keeping the Faith

"Baby, you're the greatest."

-from The Honeymooners

"You're the best friends anybody ever had."

-Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

"You have muscles in places most people don't have places."

-Bucky Waters

Becoming real . . . .

Becoming real is a point in your life when you stop listening to what others believe you should be, and start listening to your heart. Your heart has been speaking to you for years! The process of 'becoming real' begins when you decide to listen - when you learn to accept and appreciate what it is that makes you different from all the others. As you learn to trust the wisdom of your heart and begin to make creative choices based on what you know is right for you, it is at this point, we grow into ourselves. This is when becoming real, becomes reality.

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

-Judy Garland

Believe in yourself . . . .

"You are powerful and influential when you believe in yourself! Life is a gift and its challenges are a chance to grow and develop further as a human being."

-Christina Waltner - yoga instructor

What's in it for me? . . . .

If we ask ourself that question every time we give something, it ceases to be a gift. At that point it becomes an exchange, or a trade for some kind of reward. Mind you, our intentions are likely genuine, but we can unintentionally spoil the lovely experience of giving, by focusing on what we will eventually receive in return. Giving without expectation is the ultimate joy. I personally feel that whatever you give will come back to you many times over, often in completely unpredictable ways. Enjoy the wonderful surprises that present themselves to you when you have given with full intention of receiving nothing in return.

I promise, the ultimate rewards are the warm feelings that come from the act of giving!

The Invitation . . . .

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.

I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare

to dream of meeting your heart's longing. . . . .

From the book The Invitation

In a world of endless small talk, constant traffic jams, and overburdened schedules, "The Invitation" opens the door to a new way of life - a way of intimacy, honesty, and peace with ourselves, others, and the world around us. The author invites us to embrace the varieties of human experience, from desire and commitment to sorrow and betrayal, and to open ourselves to all that is possible. The Invitation is an invaluable guide to overcoming the obstacles that stand in our way and to discovering the true beauty that life has to offer.

The best part of the day . . . .

When my kids were young, we used to go around the dinner table and each take turns sharing our highlight of the day. It was a way to focus on what was positive about our day, instead of all the negativity, setbacks or challenges that we may have faced that day. (We could deal with that later.) I was thinking about my day yesterday that consisted of an 11 hour travel day, and trying to find something that I could call my greatest moment. My highlight of yesterday was the way my husband and I travel together. We sit on the plane with our arms locked, leaning on each other, sharing a set of ear phones so we can listen to the same music, and smile at each other as our favorite songs play. After 25 years of marriage that is definitely a highlight that I can be grateful for.

What was your highlight for today?

Take a look at yourself . . . .

We make judgements about others all the time, and we often don't even realize it. We judge others because it's a lot easier than looking at our own faults. Unfortunately, it's also completely unproductive and, in many cases, harmful. It causes ill-feelings in relationships, and even worse, it prevents us from trying to improve ourselves. Recognizing our own faults gives us the opportunity to grow. Try to catch yourself in the act of judging, turn it around, and judge yourself instead! Consider how you could improve!

"Woman Looking In Mirror"

by artist

Linda Naiman