Things That Make A Difference

Love, generosity, gratitude, joy, peace, family, friendship, good times, memorable moments, faith, hope, honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, inspiration, laughter, music, being there, follow through, forgiveness, understanding, sense of self, belief in oneself, a smile...

Why Is It?

Why is it that as soon as we set our minds to do something, obstacles seemingly pop up over and over again. Worst case scenarios go through your head and you start wavering and doubting yourself. I don't know the answer to that but I do know that the worst that can really happen is that you remain in your comfort zone and miss out on a chance to better yourself. Be it you've put your dreams aside, you're not where you want to be in life, for health reasons, a peace of mind or just because you're worth it, choose to face those obstacles and address the worst case scenarios. I'm sure you'll find that the pros outweigh the cons.

Pride In Oneself

Today I went to see one of my babies graduate. The ceremony led me to today's post. I looked around at the family and friends in attendance. Posters, balloons and flowers were everywhere. Anticipation and restlessness was evident. Then, the ceremony began. We stood up to welcome the Kaplan class of 2014. From the time they walked in to hearing their names called, their smiles said so much. Pride was in the air as they crossed the stage one by one. Students of different ages from different backgrounds had their own reasons for going to college. They walked tall. They didn't let life, life issues, hardships or obstacles stop them. They hung in there and accomplished their goals. They are now graduates ready for the next chapter of their lives (what a way to start the new year). The best part of it all is in addition to their family and friends being proud of them, they are proud of themselves. They did what they set out to do. By example, they showed everyone in attendance it could be done and it's never to late to be what you might've been or simply, who or what you want to be.

Congratulations Courtney Benson!!! I am so happy for and proud of you!!!

Your Truths

You are the only one that knows what you wrestle with, cherish, hope for, fear. Your nevers aren't mine and your tolerance level differs as well. Your hurts, wants, needs and beliefs may mirror mine but your truths are yours. To be honest with oneself and face the hidden facets of your being is a big but necessary step. So often we wear a mask and pretend that all is well. After a while, we find ourselves hiding our feelings to protect others, to get along, to keep from facing what we should face. We reason with ourselves and justify doing what we have to do to keep the peace, fit in and get along.  Our mask becomes our face and our reflection becomes a resemblance of someone we thought we were while hiding who we would like to be. Until our hidden truths are faced, we can never truly grow, progress, be. Living up to others keeps us from living up to ourselves. As a result, suffering in silence begins. You function and do what you have to do. You reside in survival mode and make the best of it. You get so good at it that you come to believe that things are as they should be but they aren't. You take care of everyone but yourself. Find a balance, treat yourself as you treat others.You deserve to be the best you that you want to be / that you're destined to be. As long as your desires are legal and moral, express them, live for them, make them a reality. Be true to yourself. Know that your uniqueness, quirks, sense of self matters. No one can live their life through you no matter how hard they try and you can't live your life through someone else either. Embrace your truths and dare to be you. In the process, your garden will be weeded but, you will definitely grow!

A Simple Thought

Know why you do what you do. Make sure your reasoning is beneficial not detrimental. When you fail to consider the outcome or consider it and ignore the warning signs, you contribute to your own demise.

Happy New Year!!!

Whatever your resolutions/goals are as the new year begins, keep one thing in mind, life is what happens while you're making plans. Strive to do better/be better!  As you make necessary and\ or desired changes, don't get so caught up in what you think should be that you forget what is. Do what you have to do but make time for the little things that are really big things in disguise. Make sure that growing, learning, trying,living, loving, laughing, expressing, giving, forgiving, forgetting, smiling, inspiring, believing...are part of whatever goals/plans you make. Your journey to self fulfillment is a long continuous one. Make it fun, memorable and rewarding. Happy 2014!!! Let the one for the memory book experiences worth while.

What I Learned

I pride myself in being an optimistic person that tries to find the good in everything I face. However, I allowed that optimism to waiver mid December. It started from not being called to work and not knowing why. Knowing vacation was approaching, I let doubt get the best of me. As a result my faith began to waiver. The funny thing is that little gap allowed an all out downward spiral. Obligations kept popping up, bills kept coming in and my work days were limited. I've never been faced with not being called before so it really caught me off guard and that is what led me to this end of 2013 beginning of 2014 post. If I had a back up plan, it wouldn't matter if I didn't get called to work. As I dwelled on this my smile hid, my outlook was grim, I got a pimple (mind you, that's a big thing because I've never had acne in my life), I cried, wrestled with my emotions, prayed and worried (even though I believe if you pray about it, you aren't supposed to worry about it) and I questioned why? The more I questioned, the further down I went. I still don't know why but I can honestly say the why doesn't matter anymore. What does matter like I said before is having a back up plan an alternative solution. This actually holds true in all areas of our lives. There's actually an old saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." With that said, as you welcome 2014 strengthen your resolve and don't allow doubt to alter your faith. Things are going to happen so, evaluate where you are and prepare yourself for the possibilities / potential obstacles and when you face them, face them with a smile and the firm belief that this to shall pass and things will work out.

Acceptance

Sometimes you're dealt a hand that you don't even know how to play. Things change and you don't know why. You try to make the best of it and act like it doesn't matter but it does. If you allow it to, it wreaks havoc on your day to day existence. You think about it, give it to much power and question what you did all while knowing you did what you were expected to do (sometimes more) when given the chance. The hard part is your livelihood can be affected by it. That's when it becomes a real problem. At that point, all you can do is hold on, have faith and accept that sometimes there's no explanation for what you're going through, you just have to accept that things happen and be active in finding a solution. Wherever you are; whatever you face, hang in there. Hold on to your faith, hope for the best and believe that things will work out. 

Happy Veteran's Day!!!

"A hero / (she -roe) is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. ~ Christopher Reeve

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she -roes!" ~ Maya Angelou
First, let me start with ~To all the veterans that have served,  continue to serve and given their life for our country and our freedom: I'm free to dream, believe, inspire, pursue, to live, love and laugh... because of YOU and I THANK YOU for that! Happy Veteran's Day to all of you!!!

Because of our Veterans and others that have made a difference in my life and the life of others, these two quotes really stand out today. We are fortunate that so many individuals serve /have served our country. Their capacity in our lives as well as our everyday heroes and "she-roes" that we  look up to and admire leave us grateful for what they have done for us, shown us and taught us.  Each of us choose our heroes and she - roes for reasons only we know.  The common thread is that they touch our lives and make a difference in it that is immeasurable to anything else.  Today as we honor the men and women that chose to serve our country for whatever reason, take a moment to truly thank them as well as any one else that has made a lasting impact on your life.

Mistakes

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." ~ Albert Einstein ... 

We are all imperfect beings, trying to find our way / our place. We make decisions and choices on a daily basis and in doing so, we also make mistakes and that's a good thing because it means we're trying something new / learning new things. As you go through life, don't dwell on the mistakes you've made / have yet to make, instead focus on the possibilities. Take a chance, do your best and learn from your mistakes. In doing this, you will continue to grow and experience new things. You won't just be existing, you'll be living. As for your mistakes, make adjustments and corrections along the way so you don't continue to make the same ones.