I was perusing through some of my favorite blogs today, and when I came across one in particular, I couldn't resist sharing. I hope Sue from What got me going today, doesn't mind!
Her latest post is about a "Gratitude Journal". I absolutely love this. Actually, I have tried to keep one myself over the last few years, but I'm not so great at keeping up with and writing in a journal everyday - which is why I was so impressed with her list of 50 things she is greatful for! And, because of this, I have a new-found excitement about starting my own journal again.
For me, this kind of journal is about much more that just being thankful or greatful. It's about staying on track, staying positive no matter what, staying in the "now". So often we get wrapped up in our daily busy-ness - our work, families, chores...not to mention the stress that comes with all of that...and then we worry, worry, worry! ("are those new wrinkles around my eyes?", "was that a grey hair!?!", "I hope my daughter/son did well on that test today", "times are hard right now - what will I/we do?") - you get the idea!
If, at the end of the day - ANY day, you can stop - let those worries subside for a moment - and just recall all of the things you are greatful for (in spite of those worries) - then you have brought yourself back into the "now" and your energy has returned to being Positive. Once you get there, you will notice that those worries all of a sudden seem "silly". You will also notice that since you feel good right here, right now, the future doesn't seem so scary afterall, and eventually you begin to see that nothing is impossible - no matter what the economy might be, what you're kids are doing, how many grey hairs you have, or what the rest of the world is telling you.
When you are appreciating what you have right here, right now, you are "Present" and you are in the "Now". That's when the good stuff starts to happen.
If anyone is interested in learning more about this subject, I know of some great resources - I'd be happy to share!
Nov 11, 2008
Rude!
I’ve noticed more and more lately how quick many people are to jump to conclusions. And those conclusions are always “the worst”. Many people these days seem to automatically assume “the worst” about everything. And they don’t hesitate to get in your face about it – without finding out the truth, first.
I’ve notice this is especially true with emails and posts. Maybe they somehow feel safe using the computer to confront and/or harass people, rather than face-to-face. It’s as if many people automatically assume others are trying to scam, cheat or steal from them. I realize that a lot of these things do happen, but I’m not so cynical yet, that I believe every single person/company out there is a criminal.
When I read these things, or see this kind of behavior, it automatically puts me on the defensive, whether it’s about me or not. Quite honestly, I don’t fully understand it. Is it really necessary to be just plain rude and mean? And, if your behavior causes others to have an “on-the-defense”, knee-jerk reaction, is it really worth it to cause that sort of animosity in others?
Maybe it’s just me – although I really don’t believe my life has been all that “sheltered”. My parents and grandparents always told me that you “can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar”…they also taught me the Golden Rule and to try to be polite and considerate of others – even if you don’t know them. (I have found this to be true when I have been the consumer, as well -- I always seem to get what I want/need as long as I am respectful and polite.)
Also, in my professional life, I learned how to deal with people in a polite and professional manner, even if it meant dealing with disgruntled employees or customers. There are ways to deal with people, without being mean, hateful or just plain rude.
I don’t know about you, but I hate to get all riled up about stuff. I personally think it takes way more energy to be mean, than it does to be nice!
Ok – so there’s my rant for today. I try not to complain much, but this has bothered me for a long time…and the next one that refuses to let me over on the freeway better watch out! (just kidding)
Anybody else notice this?
I’ve notice this is especially true with emails and posts. Maybe they somehow feel safe using the computer to confront and/or harass people, rather than face-to-face. It’s as if many people automatically assume others are trying to scam, cheat or steal from them. I realize that a lot of these things do happen, but I’m not so cynical yet, that I believe every single person/company out there is a criminal.
When I read these things, or see this kind of behavior, it automatically puts me on the defensive, whether it’s about me or not. Quite honestly, I don’t fully understand it. Is it really necessary to be just plain rude and mean? And, if your behavior causes others to have an “on-the-defense”, knee-jerk reaction, is it really worth it to cause that sort of animosity in others?
Maybe it’s just me – although I really don’t believe my life has been all that “sheltered”. My parents and grandparents always told me that you “can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar”…they also taught me the Golden Rule and to try to be polite and considerate of others – even if you don’t know them. (I have found this to be true when I have been the consumer, as well -- I always seem to get what I want/need as long as I am respectful and polite.)
Also, in my professional life, I learned how to deal with people in a polite and professional manner, even if it meant dealing with disgruntled employees or customers. There are ways to deal with people, without being mean, hateful or just plain rude.
I don’t know about you, but I hate to get all riled up about stuff. I personally think it takes way more energy to be mean, than it does to be nice!
Ok – so there’s my rant for today. I try not to complain much, but this has bothered me for a long time…and the next one that refuses to let me over on the freeway better watch out! (just kidding)
Anybody else notice this?
Nov 6, 2008
My First Meme
My new friend Anna Lefler from Life Just Keeps Getting Weirder tagged me to either:
1. List 7 weird or quirky things about myself,
Or
2. Post the 5th photo from my 5th album for the whole dang world to see…
Well, since I’m not sure what #2 means, I guess I will go with #1! Okay – so here goes:
7 Weird or Quirky Things about me:
1. The first thing that comes to mind is singing. Yes, I’m one of those that loves to sing while driving. The difference is, I do it with my left hand cupped over my left ear, elbow resting on the door. This is supposed to make people think I am talking on my cell phone, so they don’t stare and make me feel uncomfortable – but I do it mostly so that I can hear my voice more clearly and whether or not I am hitting the right notes. (I’ve had voice lessons, and been in a studio several times, so I am always trying to perfect my voice). Oh no – wait – now they’ve passed the no-talking-while-driving-on-hand-held-cell-phone law. What now? Oh yeah – the blue tooth! Yippee! I can still play it off! (I just won’t be able to hear what notes I’m hitting….
2. I love shoes. Okay maybe not so quirky to most of you, but I do favor one specific type of shoe – the wedge! Maybe it’s because I was a child in the 70’s – all I know is that when I look at the shoes I bring home, 85% of them are high wedge heels. And I haven’t been able to stop.
3. I can hardly find any pictures of me as an adult. There are only a select few. I guess I’ve never gotten over the “extra 10 pounds” the camera added when I was pregnant! I’m working on overcoming this, but it’s not easy.
4. I refuse to cut my hair short. When I was about 8 years old, my mom cut my almost-elbow-length long hair back up to my ears. Shortly after that we went to Disneyland. The only thing I remember from that trip is that when we ordered hamburgers at one of the food stands, the guy behind the counter said, “And what would you like, little boy?” I cried and cried. Oh so tragic!
5. When I’m stressed, I do my nails. (I used to do nails professionally, but haven’t in many years). There is something creative about it, and I love any outlet that lets me be creative.
6. Most of my house is decorated in the “island” theme (you know, sort of Tommy Bahama-ish). I don’t mean to brag, but I was decorating that way when things of that style were still hard to find – before WalMart, Target, Z-Gallery and the others started having entire sections dedicated to that style. I guess everyone copied me – right?
7. I love red lipstick – only not on me. Somehow, I’ve gotten stuck in the light pink, shimmery lipstick/gloss and I just don’t think I look right with darker/brighter lipstick anymore. I always think I look like I have clown make-up on when I try it. Oh well, maybe in a past life…
So there you have it. I wasn’t sure I would be able to actually come up with seven things, but there they are!
Now I need to tag some other bloggers and invite them to play along:
Martinis For Two
Your Girlfriend Is Ugly
Psycho Secretary
Clever Girl Goes Blog
American In Norway
I Kicked Cancer’s Ass
Lilly’s Life
Anna - thanks for the shout out! I apologize for taking so long - I was on the East coast visiting family and time just got away from me!
1. List 7 weird or quirky things about myself,
2. Post the 5th photo from my 5th album for the whole dang world to see…
Well, since I’m not sure what #2 means, I guess I will go with #1! Okay – so here goes:
1. The first thing that comes to mind is singing. Yes, I’m one of those that loves to sing while driving. The difference is, I do it with my left hand cupped over my left ear, elbow resting on the door. This is supposed to make people think I am talking on my cell phone, so they don’t stare and make me feel uncomfortable – but I do it mostly so that I can hear my voice more clearly and whether or not I am hitting the right notes. (I’ve had voice lessons, and been in a studio several times, so I am always trying to perfect my voice). Oh no – wait – now they’ve passed the no-talking-while-driving-on-hand-held-cell-phone law. What now? Oh yeah – the blue tooth! Yippee! I can still play it off! (I just won’t be able to hear what notes I’m hitting….
2. I love shoes. Okay maybe not so quirky to most of you, but I do favor one specific type of shoe – the wedge! Maybe it’s because I was a child in the 70’s – all I know is that when I look at the shoes I bring home, 85% of them are high wedge heels. And I haven’t been able to stop.
3. I can hardly find any pictures of me as an adult. There are only a select few. I guess I’ve never gotten over the “extra 10 pounds” the camera added when I was pregnant! I’m working on overcoming this, but it’s not easy.
4. I refuse to cut my hair short. When I was about 8 years old, my mom cut my almost-elbow-length long hair back up to my ears. Shortly after that we went to Disneyland. The only thing I remember from that trip is that when we ordered hamburgers at one of the food stands, the guy behind the counter said, “And what would you like, little boy?” I cried and cried. Oh so tragic!
5. When I’m stressed, I do my nails. (I used to do nails professionally, but haven’t in many years). There is something creative about it, and I love any outlet that lets me be creative.
6. Most of my house is decorated in the “island” theme (you know, sort of Tommy Bahama-ish). I don’t mean to brag, but I was decorating that way when things of that style were still hard to find – before WalMart, Target, Z-Gallery and the others started having entire sections dedicated to that style. I guess everyone copied me – right?
7. I love red lipstick – only not on me. Somehow, I’ve gotten stuck in the light pink, shimmery lipstick/gloss and I just don’t think I look right with darker/brighter lipstick anymore. I always think I look like I have clown make-up on when I try it. Oh well, maybe in a past life…
So there you have it. I wasn’t sure I would be able to actually come up with seven things, but there they are!
Now I need to tag some other bloggers and invite them to play along:
Anna - thanks for the shout out! I apologize for taking so long - I was on the East coast visiting family and time just got away from me!
Oct 14, 2008
The Secret Is In the Sauce Blogathon!
For those of you who don't know, "The Secret Is In the Sauce" (also known as SITS) is not only a blog, but a wonderful community. I happened to stumble upon this site one day while reading another blog and noticed the cutest little button:
I was amazed by the support and comradery incited by the writers of this blog. They introduce you to a new blog every day and each day, it's like making new friend. I'm new to blogging, and everyone who has visited my blog has been great!
Here are a few of the blogs I've discovered and new friends I've made through SITS:
Pennies In My Pocket
American In Norway
Mama's Losin' It
With Love Sincerely
Life Just Keeps Getting Wierder
All of the women who author these blogs are witty, entertaining, funny and just plain amazing. Their subjects and styles have given me more confidence in my writing. Finding SITS has made blogging so much more fun!
(You should really go check it out for yourself!)
I was amazed by the support and comradery incited by the writers of this blog. They introduce you to a new blog every day and each day, it's like making new friend. I'm new to blogging, and everyone who has visited my blog has been great!
Here are a few of the blogs I've discovered and new friends I've made through SITS:
Pennies In My Pocket
American In Norway
Mama's Losin' It
With Love Sincerely
Life Just Keeps Getting Wierder
All of the women who author these blogs are witty, entertaining, funny and just plain amazing. Their subjects and styles have given me more confidence in my writing. Finding SITS has made blogging so much more fun!
(You should really go check it out for yourself!)
Oct 12, 2008
Another Wedding?
While I do think being a guest at a wedding can be fun, if you don’t know anyone there, it can get pretty boring. So when I heard I would be attending another wedding this weekend, I wasn’t exactly excited about it.
On Saturday, while getting ready, I was having trouble finding the right outfit. Don’t you hate that? By the time you’re finished, you’re not only running late, but your entire closet is now on your bed, which means you will have to clean that up when you get home. And to top that off, you still don’t feel like a million bucks in the outfit you finally “settled” for, which leaves you in a not-so-great mood.
Little did I know, this would be a very different occasion.
Within 10 minutes of the end of the ceremony, I felt different. I actually felt happy to be there. I didn’t quite understand it yet, so I just did the usual, being introduced to different people and this large but amazing, wonderful family.
Eventually, though, I caught on. This family was fabulous! They didn’t just give you the usual smile, handshake, and “nice to meet you”…they embraced you! Not necessarily literally embraced you or hugged you (although some did)…but with that smile and handshake, you felt more than welcome. You felt they truly and genuinely loved meeting you and were happy to have you there. (I live in Los Angeles, and quite frankly, we don’t get a lot of that around here.)
Shortly after that, I noticed that I was in a really great mood! Hmmm…maybe a little positive energy being spread around here? Maybe a little love? When I tell you that I could “feel the love” at this reception – I really mean it. This family was so positive and had so much energy – most of them had me laughing hysterically! Not one of them was afraid to be goofy on the dance floor or to just be themselves and “let go”. And each one of them had big personalities – so bright and very funny. I was so impressed.
At one point, I remember thinking how I had just been through a couple of days that were fairly emotional. I wasn’t really thrilled about going to this wedding, but now I was having more fun than I’ve had in a very long time! Then I realized what was different…the energy – the positive energy, and the love this family has for each other – which comes through to other people, whether it be old friends or perfect strangers, like me.
For the first time in years, I didn’t care about my usual worries, or that I really didn’t like my outfit , or for that matter, what people thought about it. And I didn’t even care that my hair was starting to frizz!!! Nope! No self-conscious garbage last night! It was just too much fun to be there!
By the time I left, I honestly felt like a full-fledged member of this family. I only hope that I can remember to be that positive and loving to my own friends and family – and even people I don’t know. What an impact such a small change in attitude can make!
Oh, and by the way…today I was told that this wonderful family “loves” me…I guess I made a good impression! -- But really, what’s not to love?
Tip for the week: Pass It On!!! (it will feel great - I promise)
Oct 6, 2008
Free Designer Inspired Handbags! until 10/15/08
Handbag Planet will be giving away a free handbag every hour for 24 hours on the day of their launch. They are high fashion, trendy handbags - inspired by popular designer brands. No credit card required and there are no S/H fees!
Please click here to find out more: http://www.handbagplanet.com/
Please click here to find out more: http://www.handbagplanet.com/
Oct 5, 2008
It's All In Your Head - Literally
I can’t tell you how many times in my life I have heard that phrase. There have been those who have been in pain, have gone in for a Doctor’s Visit only to be told that there is nothing wrong with them, and that it was “all in their heads”. I have noticed that in recent years, more and more people are discovering that yes – it IS all in my head – Literally! By that I mean, it’s all a mind-set . Whatever you believe you can do – you CAN do.
If you believe you’re sick, you will be. If you believe you’re thin, you are. If you have a thought somewhere in your lifetime that you will always be in debt or struggle with saving money – even if you never dwelled on that thought or really gave much time to it – guess what? You WILL be in debt and you WILL have trouble saving money! If you believe you don’t deserve better, you will never have better.
After watching this past season of CBS’ Reality TV Show, Big Brother (Season 10), I realized that there were at least two people on the show that I could really resonate with. One of them happened to be the winner, Dan Gheesling, who is a Catholic School Teacher and Football Coach from Michigan.
During the show, sometimes difficult competitions would have some of the houseguests giving up on themselves. On more than one occasion, I heard Dan tell them, “It’s all mental”. Since the conclusion of the show, I read an article written by his sister, in which she writes that this phrase was something that Dan would frequently say to her. (http://detroit.metromix.com/tv/article/big-brother-10-detroits/636577/content)
I’m not sure if the others knew what Dan meant by that – but I did. I knew exactly what he meant.
Additionally, another article that I read stated that before Dan left for the show, he had no doubt whatsoever in his mind that he would win – that he was 100% confident. (http://www.pressandguide.com/stories/092108/loc_20080921003.shtml)
Have you ever heard the phrase, “what you think about, you bring about”? Basically, that means that whatever you dwell on, whatever thought you decide to put your energy into…will be. It will happen – whether you like it or not. Remember all of those times that you just “knew” something bad was going to happen, and after it really did happen, you said, “See, I just knew that was going to happen”? Well, you were right – it DID happen, and you KNEW it – because you held that in your mind, you put your energy to it and you had no doubt about it, whatsoever.
The benefits of thinking positively and believing in yourself are far more than just making your day a little brighter. That’s what I used to think. I always hated to hear people tell me to think positive when I was having a really crappy day or something bad was happening in my life. I used to think it was all BS. But now I know better.
So for now, just remember to believe in yourself – no matter what the situation is. Let all doubts fly out the window. You don’t need them anyway! And when you think you CAN’T – just remember The Little Engine That Could … “I think I can! I think I can!” It really IS that simple.
If you believe you’re sick, you will be. If you believe you’re thin, you are. If you have a thought somewhere in your lifetime that you will always be in debt or struggle with saving money – even if you never dwelled on that thought or really gave much time to it – guess what? You WILL be in debt and you WILL have trouble saving money! If you believe you don’t deserve better, you will never have better.
After watching this past season of CBS’ Reality TV Show, Big Brother (Season 10), I realized that there were at least two people on the show that I could really resonate with. One of them happened to be the winner, Dan Gheesling, who is a Catholic School Teacher and Football Coach from Michigan.
During the show, sometimes difficult competitions would have some of the houseguests giving up on themselves. On more than one occasion, I heard Dan tell them, “It’s all mental”. Since the conclusion of the show, I read an article written by his sister, in which she writes that this phrase was something that Dan would frequently say to her. (http://detroit.metromix.com/tv/article/big-brother-10-detroits/636577/content)
I’m not sure if the others knew what Dan meant by that – but I did. I knew exactly what he meant.
Additionally, another article that I read stated that before Dan left for the show, he had no doubt whatsoever in his mind that he would win – that he was 100% confident. (http://www.pressandguide.com/stories/092108/loc_20080921003.shtml)
Have you ever heard the phrase, “what you think about, you bring about”? Basically, that means that whatever you dwell on, whatever thought you decide to put your energy into…will be. It will happen – whether you like it or not. Remember all of those times that you just “knew” something bad was going to happen, and after it really did happen, you said, “See, I just knew that was going to happen”? Well, you were right – it DID happen, and you KNEW it – because you held that in your mind, you put your energy to it and you had no doubt about it, whatsoever.
The benefits of thinking positively and believing in yourself are far more than just making your day a little brighter. That’s what I used to think. I always hated to hear people tell me to think positive when I was having a really crappy day or something bad was happening in my life. I used to think it was all BS. But now I know better.
So for now, just remember to believe in yourself – no matter what the situation is. Let all doubts fly out the window. You don’t need them anyway! And when you think you CAN’T – just remember The Little Engine That Could … “I think I can! I think I can!” It really IS that simple.
**All of the views expressed in this blog are the Opinions of its author.**
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