Hunker Down

The essential question is not, "How busy are you?" 

but "What are you busy at?"  

~Oprah Winfrey

Hunker Down
Sometimes we need to just stop and hunker down.  Maybe it's because you're tired and need a rest or maybe because a hurricane is approaching, but either way you are being stopped for a little while.  Take this time to reflect on where you are, connect with those you live with and get back to the basics of life!  Play a board game, read a new book, have a long conversation or just catch up on some much needed sleep.  When the weather clears or when you're energy is back, make the conscious effort to move your life forward in the direction of your dreams.

Shaken

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.  

"So it is."  "And freezing."  "Is it?"  

"Yes," said Eeyore.  

"However," he said, brightening up a little, 

"we haven't had an earthquake lately."  

~A.A. Milne

Shaken
Life is unpredictable and those on the east coast attested to that yesterday!  After life shakes you up, sometimes literally, the question becomes what did that awaken inside of you?  Did it make you assess the quality of your life?  The state of your relationships?  Your current situation in general?  We get shaken up when we need to pay more attention.  So let this be an awakening for us all.  Don't wait to tell someone you love them.  Don't wait to go for that new opportunity.  Don't wait to grab your brass ring.   Realize that when life shakes you up, it's time to refocus and move forward fearlessly.

Clearing

Shipping is a terrible thing to do to vegetables.  

They probably get jet-lagged, just like people.  

~Elizabeth Berry

Clearing
Have you been feeling a little bit 'stuck' lately?  Do you feel like your life was on a forward moving track and all of the sudden it came to a screeching halt?  Well it's about that time to that you need to clear your body and soul of toxins.  Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating the right foods, drinking enough water and staying away from those individuals who are nothing but negative.  Take the time you need to clear your mind, focus back on your body and listen to what your soul is trying to tell you.  You will be able to move forward again once you stop, clear and re-energize yourself.

Heaven on Earth

Some pursue happiness, others create it. 

~Author Unknown

Heaven on Earth
Deep down inside, when we lift our masks to the world and put down our baggage, we are pure love and joy.  That is our core.  That is who we are supposed to be.  Yet we learn to layer ourselves up to "protect" us from life, from others and sometimes even ourselves.  But by doing this, we also tuck far away the love and the light we see inside of our souls as well as each other.  Today choose to unmask yourself.  See everything and everyone through the eyes of love, hope and joy.  Silence the false messages you create about yourself, what you can accomplish and about all of those who you interact with today.  Every time you look at someone today, instead of seeing them, see a mirror.  They are a reflection of you in some shape or form.  See them beyond their own mask of insecurity and self hate.  Show compassion to them and to yourself.  That's how you create a space of love and joy.  That's how you create Heaven right here on Earth.

Defying Gravity

It's time to trust my instincts,

close my eyes and leap.

~Elphaba, Wicked the Musical

Defying Gravity
It's time to get out of your own way.  Go ahead.  Plan big, think even bigger and just go for it!  Life wants you to push beyond your limits and live the best life you can.  So what are you waiting for?  It's time to defy gravity and just see what wonders unfold before you when you do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g4ekwTd6Ig

Tired

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, 

there'd be a shortage of fishing poles.  

~Doug Larson

Tired

You have gone through so much emotional upheaval lately that you feel like there is nothing left to give!  So guess what?  Take a much needed timeout.  Whether you can give yourself 5 minutes or 5 hours, it's time to rest your mind and body.  Emotions take a toll on us and if we don't take a breather to calm your system down, it will eventually break.  That is not something you want so take some time and take care of your tired self!

The Future

I know not what the future holds, 

but I know who holds the future.  

~Author Unknown

The Future
Noone really knows what the future holds.  We may want to know to have that sense of security but what real fun would that be!  Life is about us finding the miracles in everything; our sense of purpose in every day; a feeling of accomplishment when we reach a goal. The future is a blank canvas and as we choose different paths, we paint all different kinds of strokes on it.  We may not see the bigger picture just yet but there is one.  So keep creating your masterpiece.  Don't stop building upon your life and never be afraid of your future.  Embrace it and all that it brings!

Influence

Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, 

I used to think that what I said and did to him 

could have an influence not only on him but 

on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, 

but for all eternity - a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother.  

~Rose Kennedy

Influence
Whether we like it or not, we have influence over other people and especially the littlest people in our lives.  They look up to us for guidance, mentoring and they watch every move we make and hear every word that comes out of our mouths.  Sometimes we wish they didn't watch us so intently!  But the truth is they do and so do a lot of other people.  So if we know this to be true, are we living our lives the way we should be?  Are we watching our words (since we know they have power), especially the bad ones?  Are we being kind, thoughtful and emulating how we feel people should be treated?  Or are we telling them to be nice, yet we curse out everyone around us (including our family members)?  Are we trying to teach them to share yet we are always looking for what's in it for us?  Are we volunteering to take on projects yet we complain to others about all the things that are on our plates?  Are we telling everyone else how they should be raising their kids yet ours are going around being hurtful and behaving badly?  Before we "try" and be someone that exemplifies leadership and compassion, we need to "be" that person first.  We need to walk the walk and talk the talk.  Understand that we have influence over everyone in our lives.  Hopefully we will choose to be a positive influence rather than the opposite.

Speak

To speak and to speak well are two things.  

A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.  ~Ben Jonson

Speak
Don't let your voice every be stifled.  You have thoughts and opinions and deserve to share them just as much as any other individual.  If you know something is wrong, speak up.  If you know how to fix a situation, speak up.  If you see someone that needs an advocate, speak up.  If someone is questioning your character, speak up.  Your voice is powerful.  Don't ever silence it.  It can be your greatest asset if used with great care.

Excuses

Sometimes I wish I had a terrible childhood, 

so that at least I'd have an excuse.  

~Jimmy Fallon

Excuses
We've all been guilty of using excuses more than we should.  We use them to get out of doing things we really just don't care or want to do.  Why do we feel a need to make up reasons to "cushion" why we are choosing not to go somewhere or do something?  Would it be so detrimental to just say, "I'm not interested but thank you" or "I appreciate you thinking of me but I really would like to do something else with my time".  It might sound a little harsh but how many times do we get ourselves into worse trouble because our excuses are made up and not based on our reality.  It's about time we get truthful with ourselves and with other people.  The more we can take away the excuse and speak the truth, the more we clear away the negative energy.  When we can walk around "excuse free", we walk around without chains weighing us down.  So if you don't want to go out to lunch with a co-worker because all they do is complain, don't go!  If a friend calls you up to help them move on your only day off this month, pass!  If someone asks you to help them with a project and it's going to put you behind on yours, just say no!  For today, try and be as excuse free as you can.  You just might be the breath of fresh air that others will appreciate!  


Note: In speaking the truth, I caution you all to still be kind and compassionate. 

Pause

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, 

it is time to pause and reflect.  

~Mark Twain

Pause
Your life can feel like it's on autopilot.  You get up, get ready for the day, make lists, do work, take care of family obligations, pick up essential items from the store, eat meals in between and go to bed at a decent hour just to do it all again the next day.  A few days can go by and you're not even sure what happened because nothing seems to be standing out or meant anything significant.  This is about the time that you need to pause and take stock of your life.  Why is it the same?  Why is it not challenging anymore in a good way?  What is it that has you feeling like you are on repeat?  By taking the time to stop and assess your situation, you can change it.  If you keep going at the same pace, doing the same thing how can anything change in your life?  Take a few moments today before you do what you "usually do" and see how you can either do it differently or change it up altogether!  Being able to reflect gives you freedom to make new choices.   Here is where you pause...

Being Grateful

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, 

For love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Being Grateful

Today is a day to be grateful.  Whether you can be grateful for the big things in your life or the smaller things, there is no better way to brighten your mood than being grateful for the miracles in each and every day.  Maybe it was being woken up to kisses from your pet, a phone call from someone you haven't spoken to in a while, someone paying for your lunch, the possibility of a new job, or starting a new journey, there is always something to be positive about.  And you know what?  What you can find those small things to be grateful for, they add up to a really big thing and nothing beats that!  Your life is full of beautiful moments, choose to see them!

Adjust

(at the panda exhibit at the National Zoo in DC)

Our only security is our ability to change.  ~John Lilly

Adjust
Life throws us curve balls.  It's our job to know how to hit them out of the park or duck out of the way!  We are constantly are adjusting to life, or we should be.  When things get uncomfortable, it's time to change.  When life feels like it's not working in your favor, it's time to make different decisions.  When your path seems to be dive bombed with problems, it's time to change directions.  Adjusting our sails and the direction of our dreams is what life is about.  We are meant to learn and grow.  We are constantly reinventing ourselves, our lifestyles and the people we surround ourselves with and that's a good thing!  Life is a reflection of who we are, what we think and what we believe.  Keep adjusting accordingly and you will create an amazing life.

Courage

Courage is not the absence of fear,

but rather the judgement that something else 

is more important than fear.  

~Ambrose Redmoon

Courage
We all have an unbreakable strength that lies deep within us. It's that strength we turn to when we feel at our most vulnerable.  It never fails us.  It's always there making sure we keep pushing through so that we become better and stronger individuals.  We are courageous human beings.  We've been through so much yet we still seek a better tomorrow, more justice in the world and we won't stop until we've achieved our goals.  It takes a lot of determination but we have that inside of us as well.  It's our drive that makes us better.  It's our vision that keeps us on our journey.  It's the belief that we can accomplish anything if we just set our minds to it.  It's our courage that gives us that extra push when we feel like we have nothing left to give.  For today, let's be brave in everything we do.  Let's give ourselves that extra energy to push through any fear or doubt and go for our dreams.

Worry

Fear can keep us up all night long, but faith makes one fine pillow.  

~Philip Gulley

Worry
That nasty little word that keeps you up at night, that gives you anxiety throughout your day and makes your heart palpitate.  You tend to worry about everything!  You worry about what occurred in the past and you worry about what could possibly happen in the future.  You spend most of the day in a state of worry, panic or fear that you miss out on all that's peaceful, serene and happy.  Just stop for a moment.  Silence your mind and get present in this moment, don't let your mind wander to the past or the present.  Stay in the here and now.  In this moment, are you safe?  Can you feel the sunshine on your face or hear the birds singing outside?  Can you feel the wind blow through your hair?  Is the air conditioner keeping you nice and cool?  Are you connected to friends or loved ones through the computer?  Did you pack a yummy lunch or even better, going out to lunch with people that make you smile?  Are you truly enjoying that cup of tea or coffee to help you get going for the day?  Are you headed on vacation?  Did you get to kiss or hug someone already?  There is plenty in this life to feel fearful about but most of the time your worry is for nothing.  You've spend so much in a state of panic in your mind that you are missing out on the life that is surrounding you.  Take the time to acknowledge your fears, put them in a bubble, and walk forward leaving the anxiety and worry behind.

How Do I love Thee

How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

Working Together

Life is a compromise of what your ego wants to do, 

what experience tells you to do, 

and what your nerves let you do.  

~Bruce Crampton

Working Together
You are not isolated on an island which means you are going to have to work with people, sometimes lots of them, during your day.  Some people you may get along with great while others not so much because their opinions, beliefs or the way the go about something doesn't sit right with you.  Your ideals may be challenged and your emotions may get set off.  How do you handle this when it happens?  Do you dig your heels in the sand and remain unmovable or do you give a little to see where you can find some common ground?  Working together, finding commonality, and accomplishing a goal is a part of learning how to traverse through life.  If you get so stuck in your opinions just for the sake of being stubborn, it can have dire consequences.  Understand why you are feeling the way that you do and walk forward in a way that allows you to not give up your ideals but maybe changing the look of them for the betterment of the whole situation.  On the flip side, also understand when you are asking others to give up something too.  Working together takes compromise, on both ends, and everyone should be giving a little, not just one side of the situation.  You never know what you can learn from someone if your eyes and ears are shut and your arms are crossed.


Somewhere a lot of people disregarded the value of truly working together.  Somewhere it became okay to call each other names, disrespect each other and not listen to everyone's opinions.  We are currently watching that unfold in front of us at our highest level of government.  Maybe all of us need to model the way for those making these decisions.  Maybe it's time we start working on the art of compromise in our own lives to mirror what should be happening all around. Let's not forget the simple lessons we learned in the sandbox, the art of sharing and compromise, and hold ourselves and others up to a higher standard.  


Please check out the link to Gabrielle Giffords powerful return to congress:

http://news.yahoo.com/giffords-bipartisan-message-063300572.html

Passion

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.  And then go and do that.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.  ~Attributed to Howard Thurman

Passion
We get so bogged down by our work, responsibilities and commitments that it's easy to push aside the passion we once felt for life.   Everything used to feel so new and exciting.  Our relationships gave us butterflies in our stomachs.  We were thrilled about the possibilities of our new jobs.  We were excited about where life was taking us.  Somewhere along the line though, we traded in that passion for complacency.  The more we took those special things in our lives for granted, the more the spark seemed to fizzle.  All that is left is the memory of the thrill and we feel stuck on how to change our lives for the better.   But this doesn't have to be.  It's a choice you are making every day and maybe today you will choose differently.  Maybe today you will choose to once again feel that passion that drove you in the past.  It's easy to remember and it's just as easy to bring those feelings back to the forefront of your heart and soul.  It's time we infused the spark back into our lives so that we are fully engaged with everyone and everything that is around us.  If you want a more exciting job, well create it!  If you want to feel that spark back in your relationship, grab the matches!  It's our responsibility to make sure we remain passionate about everything life has to offer.  That's what makes it so exciting and new ~ always.  Don't ever lose your spark for life!