Trust

We're all born brave, trusting, and greedy, and most of us remain greedy.

~Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

Trust

For most of us, it's very hard to trust. Whether it's putting your trust in another individual, a situation or even a higher power. Most of us feel that trust needs to be earned. But does all trust work this way? Does everything need to be laid out in front of us before we believe in the validity of it? Not really and definitely not all the time. Putting your trust in something you cannot see or grasp can be scary but it also can be liberating. See, when you start to trust something bigger than you, you realize that there are reasons to everything, even if you cannot see it just yet. You have every right to be upset, disappointed and even angry at your situation but if you stay in this place, you are not trusting in life nor the next step you need to take. One of the most difficult things we can do is to let go. But as you start to understand, embrace, and trust that there are reasons for theses tough situations you face, your life will start to open up and blossom in directions you could have never imagined. Trust comes from that deep place in knowing that someone else is looking out for you and knows what you need better than yourself. It's when we start to not trust that we get stuck in these situations and no one wants to get stuck! So as hard as it is, start trusting in life (and in people), start trusting in yourself and start listening to that gut feeling deep down inside on what to do next.

Decisions

The inability to make a decision has often been passed off as patience.

~Author Unknown

Decisions

Life is full of tough decisions. We are often faced with different paths to go down and we never know which ones will be the best outcome for us. So we choose and hope that we find the answers we ware looking for. The good news is sometimes we choose and the outcome is a happy one. Unfortunately our choices can sometimes lead us further away from our goals but even then it's just one giant lesson for us to learn more about ourselves and what we are made of. The beauty about having choices is that we can always change our direction in any given day, at any given time. No decision is every truly wrong, it just may be a longer path to get to where you want to be. Making these decisions, especially about your job, relationships, education or even living situation, are not easy but they are necessary in order for growth to occur in your life. Know that you are headed in the right direction as long as you stay true to yourself, your goals and keep the focus on building a solid foundation for your future.

Friendship

Friends are relatives you make for yourself.

~Eustache Deschamps

Friendship

We are not meant to walk through life alone. We are not meant to shut out people. We get our energy from others, creativity from others, inspiration from others and most of all we get amazing friendships from others. Friendships can be defined in many different ways. Your family members, partner, co-workers, those you grew up with or those you met along the way can all be considered your friends. Friendships are important for our own personal growth. They teach us patience, compassion, listening, love, sacrifice but most of all they teach us more about ourselves. Friendships are one of the most important relationships we can have. The support, encouragement, kick in the butt and love that friendships provide make us who we are. Be grateful for your friends, those true friends, who understand you, encourage you and just make your life extra special because they are in it. Make sure you are also that kind of friend in return.

Back on Track

Watch the little things;

a small leak will sink a great ship.

~Benjamin Franklin

Back on Track

Today is a great day to get back on track. Maybe you have been eating out of control lately, not sleeping enough hours, not drinking enough water, not exercising like you were or just not making positive choices in your daily life. Today is the day to take back the reigns and steer your life back in the right direction. You always have the choice to change something that isn't going quite right. It can be quite difficult at times to muster up the motivation but you know that in the end you will be much happier because you did it. Stop sabotaging yourself and start living the best life you can imagine. Remember, nothing is stopping you. Not that cookie, not the couch, not the job and certainly not your situation. Remove the barrier (your negative thoughts) and get your life back on track.

Push Through

(this pearl is dedicated to all my family members who are taking on the 10K Cow Harbor Race this weekend - pic by my mom, Sue)

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.

~Walter Elliott, The Spiritual Life

Push Through

Every single day we take on life with all of its obstacles and challenges. Some we choose to take on, others are thrown in our path but one of the greatest strengths we have is our resolve to push through. When life gets rough, when we start to feel like giving up, when our bodies feel like they can't take anymore, somewhere deep down inside we feel the roar of our spirit and this keeps us fighting through the pain to get through to the other side. This is what makes us great, not taking on the challenges of life but being able to bust through the finish line. With your focus planted firmly on the future, you will achieve greatness!

Shine

Only as high as I reach can I grow,

Only as far as I seek can I go,

Only as deep as I look can I see,

Only as much as I dream can I be.

~Karen Ravn

Shine

What in life is holding you back? Is it the belief that you are no smart enough? Is it the belief that you are not good enough? Do you have it in your mind that you don't deserve great things to happen in your life?

It could be one major reason or even several small ones that are stopping you from embracing your journey. Well it's time to stop placing the blame outside of yourself and start realizing that you are the only one capable of squashing your own beautiful spirit and really, for what? Why treat yourself like someone or something that is less than? Don't run your life at 50%, run it at full speed. Take opportunities when they come knocking or better yet, create them if the don't exist. Believe in your knowledge and know that you are more than capable of handling these new ventures. Let yourself shine to the brightest of your own personal truth and watch how the universe embraces your new found light.

Mirrors

If I make the lashes dark

And the eyes more bright

And the lips more scarlet,

Or ask if all be right

From mirror after mirror,

No vanity's displayed:

I'm looking for the face I had

Before the world was made.

~W.B. Yeats

(my little cousin Zachary getting a kick out of many Zachary's)

Mirrors

Have you ever just stopped for a moment to look into a mirror? Have you taken the opportunity to look into your own eyes to see who you really are as a person and get to the know the you beneath the surface? It's pretty ironic that getting to know ourselves can be one of the most difficult things we can do but if you want growth, if you crave peace and if you truly want balance in your life then the only way to achieve this is to get to know who you are. Mirrors reflect more than just our outward appearance, they give us an opportunity to look deep into our own soul. It's time to stop running past the mirror and going through your day without connecting to who you are at the core. You are more than just your reflection. You are more than just a body walking this earth. Start getting to know the real you inside and let that person shine through.

Enthusiasm

Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left.

~Hubert Humphrey

(my baby cousin Everett who loves to smile!)

Enthusiasm

We make a choice every single day whether we are going to be enthusiastic about what this day might bring or by raging against it and getting up with the world already on your back. It's all a choice. Today choose to be full of excitement. There are so many new things happening around you and in your own life not to take a step back and realize that there is so much joy in all of these situations. They might be a little scary because of the unknown but that doesn't mean you can't be enthusiastic about the changes and hope for the best for everyone involved. Stop being self defeating and stop with the old record playing in your head. Wash away the negative thoughts and realize that only you have the power to choose to be excited about each day. Find that enthusiasm and let it shine through!

Living

In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.

~Charlie Brown

Living

Do you feel as though you are going through the "motions" of life but not really living? Do you feel disconnected to yourself, your actions and your decisions as you go about your day? Do you yearn to feel more alive, more present in each moment? Well it's time to start truly living instead of just existing. You deserve to be more than just an actor in your life story. You must get back in touch with who you are in order to start appreciating the life that is right in front of you. It's easy, so easy, for us all to throw our hands up and just go through each day numb and unaware. But by not truly living, feeling your life energy inside of you and having that guide you from day to day, you are not honoring the soul you are meant to be. It's time to rip off the blinders, take a few deep breaths in, straighten up your stance and open your eyes as wide as you can today. Feel every step underneath your feet, taste every morsel of food that you put in your mouth, connect to another soul on a deeper level other than just saying "hi" and feel the life force that's roaring inside. Today is the day to change your perspective on your own life and start creating the life you have always wanted but have been too afraid to reach for. Start living today!

Journey

I may not have gone where I intended to go,

but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.

~Douglas Adams

Journey

We are all on a journey. Sometimes our paths over sect and sometimes they go in opposite direction of what we had planned. These detours are not roadblocks though, they are purposely put there to take us in a new direction; a better path for us in the long run. Our journey is our story full of our life history and experiences. Enriched with the people we have met and the excitement of what is to come. A journey is not about the destination necessarily, it's about what happens to you along the way and what you have learned. Embrace your own personal path. Know that at times you may be traversing a tough terrain but that there are also beautiful rivers and valleys to help you along the way. The more you can look at your past, present and future as a doorway to your soul, the more you will understand that there is more to this life than just "being". Take the time to look around and enjoy the next chapter of your life. Many blessings to you as you walk on your own yellow brick road.

Accumulating

(my little cousin Lucas loving his slip n slide. It's all about the simple things)

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

~William Morris

Accumulating

Stuff, stuff and more stuff! That's what we all seem to have an abundance of. We accumulate "things" waiting for the perfect time to use them. Usually the perfect time still hasn't come and our precious "stuff" has been boxed away for a year or even longer. Now is the time to survey what you have and start to let it go. If things are boxed away and not used within a year, the chances are they are not going to ever be used and that box is now creating clutter in your life, even if it is stashed away in a closet. Clutter, whether seen or not, is still clutter. The things in our life that we surround ourselves with should have a use and a purpose, if not, they should be given away to someone or someplace that will use them. Take the necessary time to assess all of the items that you have been accumulating throughout the years (t-shirts, socks, DVD's, blankets, books, dishes, papers, etc.) and finally purge it from you space. You will find such peace and happiness once it has been removed.

Paradise

Sometimes it's just a short swim from the shipwreck of your life to the island paradise of your dreams - assuming you don't drown in the metaphor.

~Robert Brault

Paradise

Most of the time we are struggling, scrapping, working ourselves to the bone in order to achieve our "dream" of paradise. Whether it's what you envision after you retire or hopefully even before it, you are usually picturing yourself at rest, at peace, exploring hobbies and just being so free and centered. Well why are you waiting to achieve this dream? Who says you can't live in paradise now? Living in such a way that you feel fulfillment and joy is something that can happen to you right now if you just let it. If you spend all of your time "working towards" relaxing and having fun, you just might miss it all together. Paradise can be found in many different places, especially in your current home if you can just see the beauty that already surrounds you or the beauty than you can start to create today. It's your mindset that has to change, not necessarily your environment. You deserve to be living in paradise now, not 10 years down the road. So go on, find your utopia today!

Resentment

I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.

~Author Unknown

Resentment

Why do we always have a need to be right? Why do we seem to get into arguments although we really just want peace? Why do we insist on proving someone else wrong at any cost to them or even ourselves? Because we let our egos run free and it's time to take control back. Our true nature is that of wanting harmony and balance. When someone has a difference of opinion or is challenging our own beliefs, we right away forget about peace and attack right back with guns blazing! But what if we all just took a step back and realized that no one is actually winning when an argument ensues. Two people are bound to leave hurt and frustrated and really, what for? Why is "winning" so important and what does that really do for you in the long run? If you truly desire more calm in your life, it's time to practice letting go, infusing love into arguments and practice active listening rather than active talking. Who cares if you are right or the other person is right? What matters is that you remain respectful to yourself and respectful to that other person because we are all humans having a human experience, we are just on different paths.

Desires

If you want to make your dreams come true,

the first thing you have to do is wake up.

~J.M. Power

Desires

We all have wants, desires if you will, that we would like to see come to fruition. We all know that we can do better, be better and contribute greatly to this world if we really just put in the time, energy and focus into our goals. But something seems to be holding us back. Something seems to be tugging at our heart telling us that we are not good enough, not worthy enough, not strong enough. Well it's time to stop this negative voice in your head and start listening to the one that knows better! You know what you desire from life. You know your talents and skills. You know that you are an unstoppable force for good if you truly let yourself free from those thoughts that have been keeping you down. Well today is the day to free yourself. Today is the day to realize that you are the only thing stopping yourself from reaching your goals, obtaining your desires and living a fantastic life! It's time to step aside and let your truth shine through for the whole world to see. It's time to believe in yourself and reach for the stars.

Importance

(picture taken by my sister Colleen)

I used to believe that anything was better than nothing.

Now I know that sometimes nothing is better.

~Glenda Jackson

Importance

What is really important in life? Is it your job? Your title? Your status? Where you live? How you live? Your education? Who your friends are? Or is there much more to it than that?

Well if there is one thing I am certain about, it's none of the above. What is important in life is how you feel towards yourself and others, how you spend your time and who you let into your life. The most important one of all is having your health and overall wellness. That's what truly matters. Putting your time and energy into the things that really matter will give you a fulfilling life. If you are putting your energy into only the above list, then you are putting your effort in the wrong direction. Always start with yourself on the inside to make a happier existence on the outside.

This too Shall Pass

Two rules to follow:

1) Don't sweat the small stuff.

2) It's all small stuff.

~Robert Elliot

This too Shall Pass

What ever is going on in your life right now that is giving your grief, an upset stomach, stress, worry or anxiety, please know that this too shall pass. This word are not to be taken lightly and they are not meant to dismiss the feelings you are having. Quite the contrary; they are to help you maintain focus on the larger picture. There are so many things that can drive us crazy but most of the situations you feel are out of control are just that ~ out of your control! Knowing that in time, these situations will have and ending will make you feel that you will come out on the other side! When you are feeling overwhelmed, take some deep breaths and say to yourself, this is not permanent, nothing really is and this too shall pass...

Unpredictability

The course of life is unpredictable... no one can write his autobiography in advance.

~Abraham Joshua Heschel

Unpredictability

I bet there are so many things happening in your life that were unpredictable! You were headed in one direction and all of the sudden you were spun in another. Maybe you were planning on something and then the plans fell through or maybe you were getting ready for a big change and it happened in a much different way. When life gets unpredictable, we get anxious and scared. But maybe these unpredictable moments are meant to teach us how to be flexible. Maybe they are even to put us on the "right" path even though we thought we were! No matter the reason or how it happens, know that life is unpredictable and the more you embrace this and try to go with the flow of life, the happier you will be.

Stillness

Honk if you hate noise pollution.

~Author unknown, as seen on a bumper sticker.

Stillness

The noise that surrounds us can be deafening at times. If we are not careful, we can get swept up into the chaos of it all. We wish for some peace and quiet yet it seems that it is just beyond our grasp. But stillness can happen if you let it. Just like you carve out time in your day to eat, drive, get ready, meet with friends, you can also find time to just be still. Quieting your mind also quiets your spirit. A quiet spirit connects you back to yourself and gives you focus. So when the chaos hits or even before you start your day, give yourself even if only 5 minutes get back to you center, back to your natural state of calm. This will help you gain clarity and peace throughout your day every day!

Labor

Many people quit looking for work

when they find a job.

~Author Unknown

Labor

Today is a day that we stop and just unwind. Whether it's through a BBQ with friends and family or just doing something that you have not had time to take care of, today is a day off! Did you know that Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1882 in NYC? It was a day that was started to honor those laborers that worked so hard to make this country and our economy strong and prosperous. Well the tradition continues today! Be proud of your hard work and contribution to this country. Be proud of what you do for a living, and if you're not, assess what other opportunities are out there so you can start enjoying going to work everyday. Today is a day to pat yourself on the back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Fresh Start

When written in Chinese the word "crisis" is composed of two characters - one represents danger and the other represents opportunity.

~John F. Kennedy, address, 12 April 1959

Fresh Start

Who doesn't need a fresh start from time to time? Maybe you need a change of scenery. Maybe you need a change of career. Maybe you just need an overall change! There is no time like the present to start anew. It's okay to jump off the hamster wheel and go in another direction. You are the master of your own destiny. So if you are ready to change directions and start again, then it's time to just go for it! Remember that by starting over, really start over. Leave the past behind, negative behaviors in the dust and start to create the life you have always envisioned.

Favors

A machine has value only as it produces more than it consumes - so check your value to the community.

~Martin H. Fischer

Favors

Today is a day to acknowledge those in your life who have helped you along the way. At some point you may have needed some emotional support, financial support or even physical support and there was someone or a few people who helped you make it through. Is it easy asking people for favors? Not really but you know how good you feel when you can do something for someone else and they also feel the same way when they know they can help you out as well. Favor are reciprocal. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help and certainly don't be hesitant to lend a helping hand. You never know whose life you can change by accomplishing a simple favor!

Luck

(picture taken by my sister Colleen)

Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will,

but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.

~R.E. Shay

Luck

Why does it seem that some people just fall into luck and you, well not so much? Is luck something that just happens to someone randomly or does a person's attitude and thoughts attract luck? It probably has something to do with the latter part of that statement. Luck happens to us all in many different ways at many different times. You just need to acknowledge that luck has many different definitions but the common denominator is the belief that you deserve to be lucky! When you change your thoughts into more positive one's your luck will follow in the same footsteps. Don't ever underestimate the power you have to make you the luckiest person on this planet. So go ahead and make some lucky things happen to you today. Heck, make them happen for the next few months!