(diva)logues

Choices...

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"The day ahead offers us choices of many kinds - some big ones, many that will affect other persons close to us, a few that will have profound effects on our destiny.  But no choice, no decision we make, will be wrong.  A particular decision we make may lead us slightly astray.  Down a dead-end path perhaps - but we can always turn back and choose again.

We are seldom aware of the gravity of a particular choice at the time of making it.  Only hindsight reveals the wisdom of an important  choice.  Nevertheless, no choice is without importance in the overall picture of our lives.  And at the same time, no choice is all-powerful regarding our destiny.  We are offered chances again and again for making the right choices, the ones that will most contribute to the bigger plan for our lives.

I need not worry about today's opportunities for decision-making.  I will listen to those around me.  I will seek guidance in the messages coming to me.  I will make the choices I need to, today."

 

-author unknown

The power of enthusiasm...

Your life is a great and wonderful experience, so don't be
afraid to show some genuine, infectious enthusiasm for it.
The world is filled with outstanding opportunities, and you
can make the most of those opportunities by being
enthusiastic about them.

Yes, sometimes you might look a little bit silly. However,
it's much better to be laughed at for being enthusiastic
than to be pitied and avoided for being dull.

Enthusiasm keeps you young, energizes your days, and
attracts positive people to your efforts. Enthusiasm keeps
you focused on moving forward, even when there are obstacles
and distractions working against you.

To be enthusiastic, you must do what you truly care about,
and genuinely care about what you're doing. To be
enthusiastic, be honest with yourself about what your
passions are, and follow those passions without holding
back.

Feel how good it feels to let enthusiasm freely flow. Feel
how powerful it is when your actions are continually
energized by your enthusiasm.

Find those things about which you can be authentically
enthusiastic. And then, let the power of your enthusiasm
flow.

Ralph Marston

Work it, baby...

Happy Martin Luther King Day...

I'm busy working-out & working.  It's a mad dash to finish up my projects for Winter 2012 CHA & get them mailed off in time for my deadline, while Bryn is busy playing with a neighbor friend today.  And speaking of my new CHA projects... have you seen the one that just got posted on the Nikki Sivils' blog?  You can check it out here, along with a detailed look at all the new papers, cut-outs & stickers included in the new "Exit Here" collection.  I adore that new collection... it's just too darn CUTE. 

As for the Nike ad... I tore it out of a magazine. 

It just spoke to me...

Your world is a mirror...

Your judgments about other people say more about you than
they do about the people you're judging. The reason you can
detect the weaknesses and insecurities of others is because
you have experienced those same weaknesses and insecurities.

Similarly, the reason you're able to see beauty in others is
because that beauty lives in you as well. The positive
possibilities you see for others are, in many ways, your
possibilities too.

It's very helpful to think of the world outside of you as a
mirror. Whatever you see beyond you in some way reflects
what is inside you.

The most powerful and effective way to improve the world
around you, is to improve yourself. The best way to bring
real value into your life, is to create real value for
others.

What you admire and appreciate and support in others, grows
stronger within you as well. When you seek to understand,
you will be understood, and when you listen thoughtfully,
you will be heard.

Your world is a mirror, so choose each day to show it your
best, most loving and supportive face. And you'll be
delighted with the face you see looking back at you.

Ralph Marston

If you change nothing... nothing will change...

 

HEALTH:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
• Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
• Live with the 3 E’s - energy, enthusiasm and empathy
• Play more games.
• Read more books than you did in 2010.
• Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
• Sleep for 7 hours.
• Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

PERSONALITY:

• Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
• Don’t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
• Don’t over do. Keep your limits.
• Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
• Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.
• Dream more while you are awake.
• Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
• Forget issues of the past.
• Don’t remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
• Don't hate others.  Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 
• Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
• Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
• Smile and laugh more.
• You don’t have to win every argument.
• Agree to disagree.

SOCIETY:

• Call your family often.
• Each day give something good to others.
• Forgive everyone for everything.
• Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
• Try to make at least three people smile each day.
• What other people think of you is none of your business.
• Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

LIFE:

• Do the right thing!
• Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
• However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
• No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
• The best is yet to come.
• Your inner most is always happy.  So, be happy. 

Found this on Pinterest today & wanted to share.  When I tried to find the link to the original post (krisatan.tumblr.com) it came up "page not found."

It's not destiny...

 

 

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"I like to move it, move it..."

 

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"C'mon let's sweat... let the music take control... let the rhythm move you... sweat... sweat..."

 

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Off to Spin class this morning... one of my many favorite ways to sweat every day.   

Then... I may be sweating a bit with nerves this afternoon during the video shoot. 

And just to continue the sweating, we'll be off to see the Journey, Foreigner & Night Ranger concert tonight.  Which will be outside.  And it's like 97 degrees today.  NOT my favorite way to sweat.

May need some electrolytes today.  Just sayin'... 

Strong is the new skinny...

 

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Just do it...

 
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It's quite simple...

 

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Think good thoughts...

 

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Word to your mutha...

 

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Yep...

 

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Life is too short...

 

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Word to your mutha...

 

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Coming to life...

THE DAILY MOTIVATOR

Coming to life
+++++++++++++++++++

In this moment, a new world is being created. It may look
similar to the world of a few hours ago, or even a few days
ago, and yet in at least one important way it is different.

The new world that's coming to life right now is a world you
can make into anything you choose. By the way you choose to
think, to feel, to perceive and to act, you shape the world
that is now arriving in your experience.

There is always hope, for there is always something positive
you can do with the moment you're helping to bring to life.
Nothing is a foregone conclusion because every assumption is
based on a past that is quickly receding.

Breathe in the fresh, empowering air of opportunity. Know
that wherever you may have come from, your direction right
now is completely up to you.

There are beautiful dreams and heartfelt desires that have
been living patiently and hopefully within you. This day is
the best opportunity you've known so far, to bring them more
fully to life.

Feel the possibilities in the new world that is being born
in front of your eyes right now. And lovingly, carefully
fill it with your own special goodness.

Ralph Marston

The odds are in your favor...

 

Your own odds
+++++++++++++++++++

In many of the things you attempt, the odds will be against
you. Fortunately, the odds don't really matter.

After all, the odds were very much against you ever being
born in the first place. And yet here you are.

Whether it is with your health, your wealth, your
relationships, or anything else, the odds don't determine
your results. Your thoughts, actions, words, focus,
commitment and persistence are what create the results you
get.

You can control those things, no matter what the odds might
be. Pay no attention to the odds, and direct your focus
toward doing whatever is necessary to get where you wish to
go.

The odds do not take your level of determination into
consideration. So when it comes to what you intend to do,
those odds really don't have much meaning.

Step forward, take action, and keep going until you reach
the goal you've chosen to reach. Make your own odds, and put
them one hundred percent in your favor.

Ralph Marston

Follow your heart...

THE DAILY MOTIVATOR :  Your heart knows

Listen to your heart when it asks you to act with kindness. Your heart knows what truly fulfills you. Listen to your heart when it suggests that you be patient. Your heart knows how real and lasting value is created. Listen to your heart when it calls you to live this moment with joy. Your heart knows what makes you the most effective. Listen to your heart when it urges you to see profound beauty in the most ordinary things. Your heart knows where your real strength comes from. Listen to your heart when it reminds you to feel hopeful. Your heart knows about possibilities that your mind has not yet considered.

Whether you're up or you're down, whether you're confident or unsure, listen to your heart. For your heart knows why you're here.

Ralph Marston

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥   ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥   ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥   ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Last night, Bob came home from work & went downstairs to run on our treadmill.  He was too busy at work & couldn't get to it earlier in the day.  I was making dinner, so Bryn went down there with him and turned on the TV.  She must've been coloring while she was down there  because when they came upstairs to eat, she handed this to me...

 

 

I get love notes and beautiful pictures like this all the time.  I often wonder... how did I get SO lucky?  I have the best daughter & husband I could've ever asked for, the best family, a lot of great friends who make me laugh on a daily basis whether it's in person or on Facebook, the opportunity to create to my heart's content for 2 manufacturers that are the BEST companies EVER with owners that are the SWEETEST women EVER, and we're all healthy and able to get out & enjoy life.  I told Bob last night that I'm almost afraid to feel as happy as I do right now.  I think it's because of losing my sister & always wondering in the back of my mind when another tragedy might strike.  Terrible, I know. 

Yes, I have my moments of temporary insanity, but all in all I'm happy.  Really, really happy.  And really, really grateful that things are so good right now.   

I'm looking forward to a FUN night tomorrow night!  We're celebrating my friend Jodi's birthday with one crazy fun group of friends, while Bryn is at home with our babysitter.  Can't wait! 

Have a GREAT weekend! 

How to really love a child...

 

• Be there
• Say yes as often as possible
• Let them bang on pots & pans
• If they're crabby, put them in water
• If they're unlovable, love yourself
• Realize how important it is to be a child
• Go to a movie theater in your pajamas
• Read books out loud with joy
• Invent pleasures together
• Remember how really small they are
• Giggle a lot
• Surprise them
• Say no when necessary
• Teach feelings
• Heal your own inner child
• Learn about parenting
• Hug trees together
• Make loving safe
• Bake a cake & eat it with no hands
• Go find elephants & kiss them
• Plan to build a rocketship
• Imagine yourself magic
• Make lots of forts with blankets
• Let your angel fly
• Reveal your own dreams
• Search out the positive
• Keep the gleam in your eye
• Mail letters to God
• Encourage silly
• Plant licorice in your garden
• Open up
• Stop yelling
• Express your love... a lot
• Speak kindly
• Paint their tennis shoes
• Handle with caring 

I'm not sure who wrote this or where I got it, but I've had it for quite some time.  It helps to reread it every so often, when I'm lacking in patience or have my attention elsewhere.  In the grand scheme of things though, I'd like to think I'm doing most things right... or at least, getting it close enough.  With any luck, Bryn won't need therapy anyway.  LOL 

{Photo taken by Bob in a London hotel room about 5 years ago.  Bryn & I both have the same laugh.  If we're really laughing hard, no sound is coming out... just mouths open, whole body shaking.  She's one of just a handful of people that can make me laugh that hard.  It's one of my favorite pictures ever...}

Perfection is SO overrated...

 

THE DAILY MOTIVATOR
Monday, November 8, 2010

Getting it perfect
+++++++++++++++++++

There is often great beauty to be found in imperfection. No
tree is perfectly straight, no mountain peak perfectly
symmetrical, and yet the world is filled with beautiful
mountains, trees and other magnificently imperfect things.

When a friend is hurting, you don't have to put together the
perfect combination of words to let that person know you
care. All you must do is speak from the heart.

When there is a challenge facing you, it's not necessary to
come up with a perfect solution. Effective, focused,
appropriate action will do just as well.

It's fine for perfection to be your goal. Just don't let the
lack of perfection be an excuse for doing nothing.

There are countless good and valuable things in life that
are far short of perfect. In fact, if everything were always
perfect, life would not be nearly so interesting.

Certainly you always want to do your best. Just make sure
that getting it done takes priority over getting it perfect.

Ralph Marston

{Stay tuned for my October HIP 2B SQUARE projects!  Have a GREAT week!}

How about a little fancy editing today?

We're talking some serious laziness creativity here people, so take some notes!  I decided, why use Photoshop when I can just take the leftover back of my SRM Stickers to cover up my daughter's school on all the t-shirts?  For some strange reason, it takes me forever to blur things out with Photoshop, so I thought I'd save myself a little time with some leftover trash scraps.  So many reasons to use SRM Stickers, my friends, so many reasons!  Heehee!

 

And speaking of SRM Stickers, I used the cheerleading stickers for this page along with some We Are Memory Keepers, Echo Park, Imaginisce & Bella Blvd.  The photos are from May 2009.  I think I kept putting this page off because I didn't want to advertise Bryn's school name & it was in all the photos.  And actually when I started on it yesterday, I was just going to put it straight into the scrapbook, but some fancy editing to the rescue & I changed my mind. 

And one more thing.... my dad shared this quote with me today & I loved it. 

"To be challenged in life is inevitable, to be defeated is optional." 

Deliver yourself...

THE DAILY MOTIVATOR
Thursday, September 2, 2010

Deliver yourself
+++++++++++++++++++

You will succeed not because you're allowed to, but because
you decide to. You will prosper not because of the hand
you've been dealt, but because of what you do with it.

You can allow yourself to be held back by what is, or you
can choose to create what can be. Whatever comes your way is
insignificant when compared to what you make of it.

Though others may have impressive wealth and other
advantages going for them, remember this. You have you going
for you.

You have a solid, authentic purpose, and the determination
to fulfill that purpose. You have a unique perspective, and
the ability to leverage that perspective into real, lasting
value.

That's more than enough to take you wherever you choose to
go, no matter what your starting point may be. Whether
circumstances favor you or not, your commitment and your
actions can always be working in your favor.

Don't waste your time obsessing over what's unfair or
unfortunate about your situation. Put all your energy into
what you can do, into the positive steps you can take, and
deliver yourself to wherever you wish to be.

Ralph Marston

One of the many Zumba songs that start my day off with a major smile & a LOT of sweating...

Ima party... and party... and party... and par and par... and party... Enjoy your weekend!

Now hit the dance floor... it's gonna make you sweat 'til you bleed...

I purchased this reusable water bottle here.

Did you know that sweating has multiple health & beauty related benefits? The skin is the body’s largest organ, and through perspiration, it plays a big part in helping the body detox and renew itself.

In addition to benefits like improving sleep, relieving symptoms of depression, immune function, and stress level, in most situations exercise also promotes perspiration, which softens skin and helps keep pores clear.

Source: divavillage

Changing the way you think...

Worry and confidence
+++++++++++++++++++

If you're able to worry, you're also able to be confident.
Because from a functional standpoint, worry and confidence
are pretty much the same thing.

Worry is the expectation that something negative will
happen. Confidence is the expectation that something
positive will happen.

How do you create confidence about something that hasn't
happened yet? You use the exact same process you would use
to create worry.

The big difference between worry and confidence is the
expected outcome. And the powerful fact is, you can expect
whatever outcome you choose.

There's another way that worry and confidence are quite
similar. They both tend to be self-fulfilling prophecies.

So instead of destroying your effectiveness with worry, you
can vastly enhance your effectiveness with confidence. It
takes nothing more than a simple yet powerful change in your
expectations.

Ralph Marston

Stressed?

51 WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS

1. Get up 15 minutes earlier.
2. Prepare for the morning the night before.
3. Watch a sunrise.
4. Watch a sunset.
5. Avoid tight fitting clothes.
6. Set priorities in your life.
7. Avoid negative people.
8. Tell someone to have a good day in pig latin.
9. Throw a paper airplane.
10. Clean out one closet.
11. Take a walk.
12. Try yoga.
13. Get enough sleep.
14. Freely praise others.
15. Get to work early.
16. Clean your car.
17. Strive for excellence not perfection.
18. Be cheerful and optimistic.
19. Smile... it’s contagious.
20. Look at a work of art.
21. Go watch the monkeys at the zoo.
22. Teach a child to fly a kite.
23. Look at problems as challenges.
24. Be prepared for rain.
25. Tickle a baby.
26. Pet a friendly dog/cat.
27. Look for the silver lining.
28. Always have a plan “B.”
29. Quit trying to fix other people.
30. Talk less and listen more.
31. Watch a movie and eat popcorn.
32. Plant a tree.
33. Feed the birds.
34. Don’t know all the answers.
35. Don’t rely on your memory... make a list.
36. Read a poem.
37. Stop a bad habit.
38. Buy flowers.
39. Do it today.
40. Stand up and stretch.
41. Take a different route to work.
42. Go on a picnic.
43. Be a tourist in your own town.
44. Keep a journal.
45. Believe in you.
46. Visualize yourself winning.
47. Dance a jig.
48. Watch a ballet.
49. Listen to a symphony.
50. Go to a comedy club.
51. Relax and take each day as it comes…you have the rest of your life.

Lifestyle changes...

One of the many things I ♥ about Spring... rainbows!  And not just ONE rainbow, but a DOUBLE rainbow last night! 

Bob asked Bryn if she could see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, so then she kept asking me, "Mommy... did you see the pot of gold?!"  Oddly enough, at the end of the rainbow, there was a very bright golden glow above those houses.  I'm just sure her imagination was running wild the rest of the evening over that.   

I had some questions last week after my post where I listed 5 pieces of trivia about me.  One of the questions was WHAT IS ZUMBA?  Zumba is basically a Latin dance/fitness class.  Their slogan is "Join the party!" because it really is like being at a party, having fun, only you're getting a work out at the same time.  I swear I smile for the entire hour I'm there & I've said before, "A week without Zumba is like a week without sunshine."  Tomorrow I'm participating in a Zumba demonstration at a local mall as part of the Healthy Kids weekend sponsored by the YMCA.  IF, and that's a big IF, I can figure out how to upload video to You Tube, I'll post video of the demo on my blog because Bob's going to tape it for me.  Just so you know, though, my instructor has a more flavorful mix of dance in her classes...  involving Latin stuff, Hip Hop & Indian/belly dancing.  Google it though.  There's tons of You Tube videos out there showing examples of Zumba.  You HAVE to try it!   

The other question I was asked was about what I've done with regard to "lifestyle change."  First of all you have to think of your health & the way you eat as lifestyle changes & NOT a diet.  Diets are temporary.  You want this to become a new way of life for you.  I've been as big as 4 sizes larger in my pants than I am now... and I'm not including the time when I was pregnant either.  You have to put yourself as the first thing on your daily TO-DO list though.  Let's face it... this hobby is a very sedentary activity.  If all you do is sit all day long, you're going to feel like crap.  Period.  You have to get your body moving.  No one is too busy that they can't find 30 minutes a day to devote to their health, sanity & happiness.  If it means you have to wake up 30 minutes earlier every day, then that's what you have to do.  Here's the changes I've made over the past 10 years.  I did NOT wake up 1 day 10 years ago & make all these changes at once.  It just won't work if you try to do everything at once.  Give yourself time... be patient... you are worth it!

1. Stop drinking soda.  There's ZERO things good about it.  I had to give up my BIG GULP's of Diet Coke because I had to stop with the caffeine for my heart.  So, if it's caffeine you need, try Green Tea or even coffee.  And I don't mean the foofoo drinks from Starbucks.  That's not coffee... that's dessert.  Anyway, you'll have headaches for a couple days after quitting, but you'll feel so much better once you give it up. 
2. Water, water & more water.  When you're eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains (which I'll get to next) you have to have something to push it through.  Milk, soda, etc... won't do it.  Just water. 
3. Eat every 3-4 hours (5 small meals a day).  This keeps your blood sugar in check & believe it or not increases your metabolism.  NO skipping meals... especially breakfast... that's your most important meal of the day!   
4. Physical activity every day.  For the first year after giving birth, all I did was walk on the treadmill every day.  I'd put Bryn in her baby carrier & bring her downstairs with me so I could see her while I was on it.  After she was about 18 mos. old I added doing a class at the Y twice a week when Bob was home from work.  It was my 1 hour of "me" time to escape from all my to-do's, listen to music & have fun.  Find something you enjoy doing & it will seem like less of burden.  Dr. Oz tells people almost every episode to get a cheap little pedometer & walk no less than 10,000 steps per day.  I guarantee if that is the only change you make today... you will see results.   
5. No salt shakers.  There's more than enough flavor in food that you do NOT need to salt it again... especially in a restaurant.  Sheesh... they way over-salt as it is.  All you're going to do is add bloat... and who wants that?  Please don't all shout at once. 
6. No red meat.  I gave it up about 20 years ago.  I have since heard that it's very difficult for your body to digest red meat.  It literally has to rot in your body over the course of 2-3 days.  Gross.  I still eat chicken, turkey & fish.  I make sure to have protein at every meal & snack.  It's also what helps to build lean muscle in your body. 
7. I eat TONS of veggies, fruit, whole grains.  They say that 80% of your plate should be colorful veggies, the rest protein & whole grains.  I've stopped eating all the "white" stuff.... bread, pasta, rice, pizza.  The white stuff turns to sugar immediately.  If I'm going to eat sugar... it darn well better be chocolate!  I do eat brown rice.  I thought I'd miss pizza & pasta because it was once a main staple in my diet.  I don't miss it at all.
8. No more dairy (other than the occasional ice cream...;-).  Bryn is allergic to cow's milk, so about 5 years ago Bob & I decided, "Why are we buying 2 kinds of milk when soy is supposed to be good for you anyway?"  So, it's soy milk on my cereal now.  I don't eat cheese anymore.  I have less headaches than I once had.  I swear it's due to the dairy. 
9. Weights.  I didn't really notice a huge change in my body until I started doing classes at the Y that involved cardio + weights (interval training).  Typically it's 5 lbs or less, with a lot of reps.  Low weights + a lot of repetitions = long, lean muscles.  You're NOT going to look like a body builder.  You WANT to have muscle though because muscle burns fat.  And muscle keeps working for you even when you're at rest.  This is a good thing!
10. With regard to exercise, I do something different every day of the week.  This keeps your body guessing & keeps it from having muscle memory.  My weekly routine is this... Monday: Zumba; Tuesday: run 3-4 miles; Wednesday: Spin class;  Thursday:  run 3-4 miles;  Friday:  cardio/interval class;  Saturday: Zumba + run 2miles;  Sunday:  run 3-4 miles.  My running, up until a couple years ago, was strictly WALKING (fast walking!).  Walking is one of the BEST things for you.  It's less impact on your knees & every bit as good for you as running, if not better.  I'm still running on the off chance that I do my 3rd half-marathon.  I don't want to have to start from scratch, so I've just kept it up since my last one. 
11. Everything in moderation.  I have a little dessert once a day... usually dark chocolate.  I have wine sometimes.  My favorite snack is popcorn.  Buy a popcorn popper!  It's a great low-fat snack that's high in fiber.  The point is, if you tell yourself you have to give up everything you think you LOVE, you're just going to crave it that much more & then give up & over-eat.  Moderation is key.  Just because you're having some ice cream doesn't mean you have to eat the whole gallon.  
12. When ordering at a restaurant, make changes to the way they prepare your order.  For example, if a salad has cheese on it... I tell them no cheese.  I've also become accustomed to vinegar & oil.  Give up the creamy stuff.  Ranch is the worst.  Might as well order a burger & fries... seriously, you'll end up with less calories than a salad coated with Ranch dressing. 
13. Daily vitamins.  I take a multi-vitamin, vitamin D, vitamin E & potassium.

I'm sure there's lots of other things, but we don't need the world's longest blog post here.  I swear to you that when you start making some of these changes, you will feel better, have more energy and sleep better at night.  The bottom line is that YOU have to put YOU first in your day.  Is it easy?  No, not at first, but it gets easier as you start gaining more energy & noticing the changes in your body.  I almost never get sick anymore.  Who has time to be laying in bed wasting their day away?  Put YOU on your To-Do list every day.  You are worth it and the quality of your life is depending on it. 

Making plans for the weekend...

...here in blog land AND in my own personal life! 

Just a reminder about this weekend's BLOG CRAWL!  3 HUGE prize packages will be given away by Nikki Sivils, Jillibean Soup & Bella Blvd PLUS more than 50 hand-made items will be given away by their designers (ME included!)

 

I watched a recent Oprah show on the DVR last night... I think it may have been yesterday's show?  Anyway, Roger Ebert was on.  He can no longer speak, due to a long battle with thyroid cancer, & now does so with a computer-generated voice that speaks from his own typing.  At one point during his appearance, his wife read something he'd recently said.  I loved it so much, I went to Oprah's website & looked through his appearance notes, hoping that the quote might be there.  It's definitely wise words by which to live...

"I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and I am happy that I lived long enough to find it out."

-Roger Ebert

Feel encouraged...

Feel encouraged
+++++++++++++++++++

The world will not always offer you encouragement. Often you
must supply your own.

Many times you'll have good reason to feel sorry for
yourself. Yet you can just as easily choose to feel
encouraged about yourself.

Reach deep inside and find the goodness that is always
there, the goodness you may have forgotten about. Feel the
positive purpose that nothing can take away from you.

You are worthy and relevant, effective and capable of the
very best. Remind yourself often.

Keep in mind that every disappointment is temporary. Every
frustration can be overcome.

There is every reason to persist, to endure and to move
forward with the most positive of expectations. Because deep
within, you know you can.

Ralph Marston 

Just a quick pull-out card made with the new WILLOW BEE line from Nikki Sivils.  The pocket is actually the packaging for one of Nikki's new Pocket of Stickers lines.  She wanted the packaging to be reusable & I think it works perfectly for a card or money holder! 

Feel encouraged & BEE happy!