Okay, wow, it is 10:35 and I am still up because... not quite sure... lots to do, lots to think about... tried my friends tip... it worked so far. Thanks again.
Helped my mom out tonight the least I could do for all she does for me. I wish her much good fortune at her boutique this weekend. She has a lot of nice stuff. I just hope people have the money to spend on it.
I am grateful today for everything that I have accomplished. For good friends and family and the opportunity to enjoy my time at work tomorrow and spend time with my family, a great combo and a great employer who knows how to appreciate their employees truly goes a long way.
I think I could go on, however, it is late and I need to get up in the AM to start it all over again.
Do it big, do it right do it with style... Fred Astaire
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Day 77
Thank you my friend for holding me accountable today, for being my new accountability partner and I yours. I really need to stay in check, to rejoice in the day and all its many blessings.
Today did start out a little rough from the minute I walked in the door at work to someone else's bad mood... it kind of set the tone and little things tumbled from there, I really tried to pull myself from the gloom and not allow my attitude to be set by someone else, as you know we can chose our attitude, but it happened and sometimes it is hard to chose the right attitude... I slowly but surely grew out of my slump and was pretty much okay by 1 pm, however, wanted to get out of the office as fast as I could and leave the negative attitude at the door, of which I did.
I had a great evening with my family and friends, a 1st haircut for the little boy and dinner with some great people.
Thanks also to another friend who put something in perspective for me, that I may not have otherwise acknowledged... for that little pointer, I am truly grateful and I really hope it works.
So today I would say... here is to my friends who love me dear... know that I am here for you as well and hope that I too from time to time can lift your spirits and give you the strength to push forward blessed by the day.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. -Mother Teresa
Today did start out a little rough from the minute I walked in the door at work to someone else's bad mood... it kind of set the tone and little things tumbled from there, I really tried to pull myself from the gloom and not allow my attitude to be set by someone else, as you know we can chose our attitude, but it happened and sometimes it is hard to chose the right attitude... I slowly but surely grew out of my slump and was pretty much okay by 1 pm, however, wanted to get out of the office as fast as I could and leave the negative attitude at the door, of which I did.
I had a great evening with my family and friends, a 1st haircut for the little boy and dinner with some great people.
Thanks also to another friend who put something in perspective for me, that I may not have otherwise acknowledged... for that little pointer, I am truly grateful and I really hope it works.
So today I would say... here is to my friends who love me dear... know that I am here for you as well and hope that I too from time to time can lift your spirits and give you the strength to push forward blessed by the day.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. -Mother Teresa
Monday, October 25, 2010
day 76
So I think I am slacking on this gratefulness in writing and it is starting to show. I think just like anything when things start to get better you sometimes neglect what you did to get there, and then all goes chaotic again. It isn't that I am not thankful, it isn't that I am not thanking God every morning and night and sometimes during the day for the blessings he bestows upon me, I just think that when I actually put it in writing I am truly acknowledging the presence of God and my gratefulness for the blessings before me.
So here I go again on this feat to try and jot down my thoughts during the day and to put it into words at night to make me accountable for my actions, for my reflection of the day.
Today was sort of a hard day, it had many ups and downs and I think my mood was really established by what went on throughout the day and the interrupted sleep I experienced again last night. I think that instead of shaking off something I held on to the bitterness of many things from the last couple days, even though I promised myself I wouldn't do this. I really can blame female hormones or pills or my cycle..... sometimes I think it is this evil thing that plots against you just enough to make others(especially boys) think you are just nuts enough to be committed. (to an institution, lol)
It really shows that I am human and need to remind myself from time to time of my promises to improve my quality of life and my outlook on situations, my ability to let go, my ability to not let things weigh on me and to do my best to display and feel a positive outlook on life, to show my family a good example and to not let things upset me so much. It really is hard sometimes and my feelings are hurt and I am sure I hurt others from time to time and for that I am truly sorry. Like I have said before I don't really think it is anyones intention to hurt someone else, most people are not vindictive that way.
And I need to remind myself that as much as I don't intend on hurting others, they probably don't intentionally hurt me either.
Most people do the things they do and make the decisions they make out of love and genuine caring. Not everyone agrees to the same things or ways that things should be done, should we respect others thoughts feelings and ways? You betcha, but that doesn't mean we always have to agree with them. No matter what the relationship, mother/daughter; son/mother; father/son; daughter/mother-in-law; parent/child; husband/wife; teacher/student; boss/employee... but it is important that we share with that other person how we feel, what we want and where to go from the point of disagreement. If we are all on the same page, if we can make a compromise or listen to what the other person feels the reason for their decision or choice is, I think it would make us a lot more open in communication and less scared of sharing our true feelings. We need to put it out there, to express our feelings and to understand that feelings are not right or wrong, they are just feelings, we may not agree with the way someone feels, but we can't change that they feel that way. We can only be more responsible for our own self and know that the only person we can truly change is our self and we need to respect the feelings of others, even if we don't agree that they should feel that way.
I need to recognize that I cannot be all things to all people and no one should expect me to be, God doesn't and I shouldn't. I shouldn't get so mad at myself or feel guilty because I can't always be the one to help out, the one to say yes, the one to say and do the right thing at the right time for everyone, no matter how badly I want to accomplish this, it isn't truly realistic. I can only do my best and know that my best should be good enough, because if I continue to get wrapped up in doing it all and doing it all right, it will just turn out to be more of a mess than I ever truly intended and for that I need to recognize when to slow down, when to say no, how to be respectful of others and how to teach others that I am a loving and gentle person who only wants what is best for those around her and loves everyone and should love them unconditionally, all of the time, and teach them to be the same way with me... now that is the hard part, because like I said I can only really change me, I can lead by example or let others know how I want to be treated, but that doesn't mean they will respect me or go along with my request, but it is worth a shot.
It is our calling to treat every human being with grace and dignity, to treat every person, whether encountered in a palace or a gas station, as a life made in the image of God. -Sheila Walsh
So here I go again on this feat to try and jot down my thoughts during the day and to put it into words at night to make me accountable for my actions, for my reflection of the day.
Today was sort of a hard day, it had many ups and downs and I think my mood was really established by what went on throughout the day and the interrupted sleep I experienced again last night. I think that instead of shaking off something I held on to the bitterness of many things from the last couple days, even though I promised myself I wouldn't do this. I really can blame female hormones or pills or my cycle..... sometimes I think it is this evil thing that plots against you just enough to make others(especially boys) think you are just nuts enough to be committed. (to an institution, lol)
It really shows that I am human and need to remind myself from time to time of my promises to improve my quality of life and my outlook on situations, my ability to let go, my ability to not let things weigh on me and to do my best to display and feel a positive outlook on life, to show my family a good example and to not let things upset me so much. It really is hard sometimes and my feelings are hurt and I am sure I hurt others from time to time and for that I am truly sorry. Like I have said before I don't really think it is anyones intention to hurt someone else, most people are not vindictive that way.
And I need to remind myself that as much as I don't intend on hurting others, they probably don't intentionally hurt me either.
Most people do the things they do and make the decisions they make out of love and genuine caring. Not everyone agrees to the same things or ways that things should be done, should we respect others thoughts feelings and ways? You betcha, but that doesn't mean we always have to agree with them. No matter what the relationship, mother/daughter; son/mother; father/son; daughter/mother-in-law; parent/child; husband/wife; teacher/student; boss/employee... but it is important that we share with that other person how we feel, what we want and where to go from the point of disagreement. If we are all on the same page, if we can make a compromise or listen to what the other person feels the reason for their decision or choice is, I think it would make us a lot more open in communication and less scared of sharing our true feelings. We need to put it out there, to express our feelings and to understand that feelings are not right or wrong, they are just feelings, we may not agree with the way someone feels, but we can't change that they feel that way. We can only be more responsible for our own self and know that the only person we can truly change is our self and we need to respect the feelings of others, even if we don't agree that they should feel that way.
I need to recognize that I cannot be all things to all people and no one should expect me to be, God doesn't and I shouldn't. I shouldn't get so mad at myself or feel guilty because I can't always be the one to help out, the one to say yes, the one to say and do the right thing at the right time for everyone, no matter how badly I want to accomplish this, it isn't truly realistic. I can only do my best and know that my best should be good enough, because if I continue to get wrapped up in doing it all and doing it all right, it will just turn out to be more of a mess than I ever truly intended and for that I need to recognize when to slow down, when to say no, how to be respectful of others and how to teach others that I am a loving and gentle person who only wants what is best for those around her and loves everyone and should love them unconditionally, all of the time, and teach them to be the same way with me... now that is the hard part, because like I said I can only really change me, I can lead by example or let others know how I want to be treated, but that doesn't mean they will respect me or go along with my request, but it is worth a shot.
It is our calling to treat every human being with grace and dignity, to treat every person, whether encountered in a palace or a gas station, as a life made in the image of God. -Sheila Walsh
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
lost count
So I am grateful tonight for many things. For opportunities to think outside the box, for friends who care enough and believe you can do something great, that I am able to do great things and they are eager to help me accomplish them, I am grateful for the difference I make in others lives and for the kind words that were spoken to me at work, not only by a co-worker but a student today, I am grateful that a dear friend was able to share her thoughts with me and that I was receptive to her feelings, I am grateful that my husband loves and supports me the best way he knows how, I am grateful for family and their giving nature, for the job that I have and the ability to constantly learn new things, for a son who gives me strength and courage, and definitely inspiration. I recently got the idea on how to make something a success, to truly reach out there and see a dream come true, I will follow through with my hope and be persistent to avoid failure, I will live as though it were already mine and be thankful for each new day in which to present my idea to others.....
If you doubt you can accomplish something, you can't accomplish it. Instead, you have to be confident in yourself and you need to be tough enough to follow through. - Rosalynn Carter
If you doubt you can accomplish something, you can't accomplish it. Instead, you have to be confident in yourself and you need to be tough enough to follow through. - Rosalynn Carter
Thursday, October 14, 2010
day 64 of 365
Today I am grateful for many things as I am every day. I am grateful that my Thursday ran smoothly, that I was productive at work, that I helped another student realize their dreams and potential, that my mother took care of my son yet another day, that my husband made me breakfast for dinner(my favorite) and that my son made me laugh, that my brother got his new phone, a friend enjoyed her birthday, my car drove me too and from work, I was able to get new contacts, the sun shined down upon this earth, for my co-workers who smiled and those I was able to help make their day better, for the promise of tomorrow as a new day in which to realize my dreams, take charge of my life and do something that I will remember, because I will make a difference.
When you look for the good in others you discover the best in yourself. -martin walsh
So I challenge myself that whenever I want to find someone else at fault I must stop and say the thing as to why I like or admire the person, one thing that that person excels at or believes in that makes them good, if I concentrate on that rather than the fault, the person will become more a product of their asset than their fault.
When you look for the good in others you discover the best in yourself. -martin walsh
So I challenge myself that whenever I want to find someone else at fault I must stop and say the thing as to why I like or admire the person, one thing that that person excels at or believes in that makes them good, if I concentrate on that rather than the fault, the person will become more a product of their asset than their fault.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Day 62 of 365
What a Fantastic weekend! I had nothing pressing and was able to do a lot of little things that made a difference, to me at least. I love it when there are no commitments(which doesn't happen very often) and you can really decide what to do and enjoy it.
Today really started out a a pretty slow day, the usual things at work and then this afternoon I was gratefully busy and the day seemed to go faster despite the yawning every 5 minutes,, (I swear a co-worker and I were having a yawning contest, not certain why I am so tired, maybe that crazy dream that seemed to last all night.... one of those that really didn't make sense but you felt exhausted when you woke up.)and the day seemed to go faster and next thing I know it was time to go home, to my cute little boy and loving family.
Tonight I am grateful for the good nights sleep I am looking forward to. Heck, if I put it out there, in the universe.... it is bound to come true!
Talking to a close friend of mine on the way home from work who is experiencing some personal struggles It was reiterated to me that often times life is short, if it is lived at all, and things often happen beyond our control. We will not always be able explain the why but we can make the most of the experience, we can choose what we will learn and we can chose what we take away as the opportunity for the future. The outlook that she shared on her situation was a positive and encouraging one and I know that God has special things planned for their future, I can't tell you what they are just like I cannot predict my future, I can only hope and wish and dream and have faith in those things I hope for but do not see.
We are so used to living in an instant world that is difficult to wait for anything. - Kay Arthur
But as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. and I might add BELIEVE!
I think if I ever got another tattoo that is what it would say BELIEVE! Believe that good things will come, believe that you are destined to do great things, believe that God is watching over you and will provide for you, Believe in the good, Believe in the opportunities hidden in bad things, Believe in Yourself... and so on... it really is a powerful word.
Today really started out a a pretty slow day, the usual things at work and then this afternoon I was gratefully busy and the day seemed to go faster despite the yawning every 5 minutes,, (I swear a co-worker and I were having a yawning contest, not certain why I am so tired, maybe that crazy dream that seemed to last all night.... one of those that really didn't make sense but you felt exhausted when you woke up.)and the day seemed to go faster and next thing I know it was time to go home, to my cute little boy and loving family.
Tonight I am grateful for the good nights sleep I am looking forward to. Heck, if I put it out there, in the universe.... it is bound to come true!
Talking to a close friend of mine on the way home from work who is experiencing some personal struggles It was reiterated to me that often times life is short, if it is lived at all, and things often happen beyond our control. We will not always be able explain the why but we can make the most of the experience, we can choose what we will learn and we can chose what we take away as the opportunity for the future. The outlook that she shared on her situation was a positive and encouraging one and I know that God has special things planned for their future, I can't tell you what they are just like I cannot predict my future, I can only hope and wish and dream and have faith in those things I hope for but do not see.
We are so used to living in an instant world that is difficult to wait for anything. - Kay Arthur
But as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. and I might add BELIEVE!
I think if I ever got another tattoo that is what it would say BELIEVE! Believe that good things will come, believe that you are destined to do great things, believe that God is watching over you and will provide for you, Believe in the good, Believe in the opportunities hidden in bad things, Believe in Yourself... and so on... it really is a powerful word.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
day 56 of 365
Today I am grateful for patience, I am grateful for not flipping out (well too much) when I couldn't find the receipt I needed to make a return (found it). I am grateful for my family and friends, my co-workers and the encouragement and support that I receive. I am grateful for the opportunities I took to encourage others and make the most of my day. I am grateful that someone who stated they would take my advice, does and it works out best for her. I am grateful that God will lovingly wrap his gentle arms around a friend who received some bad news. I am grateful that I will continue to embrace life and what it has to offer me, to turn my struggles into triumphs, to find the positive amidst the negative things. I want to inspire others to be the best they can and to give the most they can. Let me shed myself of all that is burdening me and I will live and love life to the fullest.
There is no joy in life like the joy of sharing. - Billy Graham
There is no joy in life like the joy of sharing. - Billy Graham
Monday, October 4, 2010
Day 54 of 365
"When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter five years from now? If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go."
Catherine Pulsifer
So this was my thought of the day... and after I reflected on some news I heard today... I thought wow how ironic it is sometimes that I can relate a thought of the day to a particular situation for that day.
and then my bible verse of the day was this.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
~ Romans 5:3, NLT
And it all brings me back to being grateful for what I have. Life is a precious commodity and it can be with us one day and gone the next, in expected and unexpected ways. We need to really treasure those that we have in our lives in the moment in which we are and we cannot take it for granted that they will be here in the next moment, the next day, the next year.
It is important to be kind to all those we encounter, because we never know when it may make a difference to that person. For we never truly know what another person is feeling or thinking. And taking the time may just mean something to that person we could have never imagined.
Just as I think and feel things that I would never disclose to anyone, so do most if not all people out there. So I will take the advice of Author Max Lucado who says we must make a difference, if we don't make a difference in the lives of others.... who will?
I will challenge myself to hold my tongue when I want to speak badly of another person,(you just never know what they may be going through- that makes them that way), to take the time to have a conversation with someone new in the break room, to smile at the person walking toward me down the hall that I don't even know, to wave to the stranger outside in their yard as I drive by in my car, to be pleasant to all the clerks who help me in a store, to compliment my co-workers for a job well done, to thank my husband and mother for the simple things that they do to make my job as a mother and wife and daughter easier that I may already take for granted or expect them to do, to kiss my son and thank him for being such an intricate part of my life.
I will make a difference to that one person who may need me in the moment, because the moment is what truly matters, and how we relate to the moment we have makes all the difference, because once that moment has passed we will never have that same chance again.
Catherine Pulsifer
So this was my thought of the day... and after I reflected on some news I heard today... I thought wow how ironic it is sometimes that I can relate a thought of the day to a particular situation for that day.
and then my bible verse of the day was this.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
~ Romans 5:3, NLT
And it all brings me back to being grateful for what I have. Life is a precious commodity and it can be with us one day and gone the next, in expected and unexpected ways. We need to really treasure those that we have in our lives in the moment in which we are and we cannot take it for granted that they will be here in the next moment, the next day, the next year.
It is important to be kind to all those we encounter, because we never know when it may make a difference to that person. For we never truly know what another person is feeling or thinking. And taking the time may just mean something to that person we could have never imagined.
Just as I think and feel things that I would never disclose to anyone, so do most if not all people out there. So I will take the advice of Author Max Lucado who says we must make a difference, if we don't make a difference in the lives of others.... who will?
I will challenge myself to hold my tongue when I want to speak badly of another person,(you just never know what they may be going through- that makes them that way), to take the time to have a conversation with someone new in the break room, to smile at the person walking toward me down the hall that I don't even know, to wave to the stranger outside in their yard as I drive by in my car, to be pleasant to all the clerks who help me in a store, to compliment my co-workers for a job well done, to thank my husband and mother for the simple things that they do to make my job as a mother and wife and daughter easier that I may already take for granted or expect them to do, to kiss my son and thank him for being such an intricate part of my life.
I will make a difference to that one person who may need me in the moment, because the moment is what truly matters, and how we relate to the moment we have makes all the difference, because once that moment has passed we will never have that same chance again.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Day 53 of 365
So I am so super excited... One of my ultimate dreams is going to come true.....the goal I set for myself(although my original goal was by the time I was 30)...hey, I'm only 31 so I am on the right track.... patience, persistence, dedication, hard work, timing, confidence, it all plays a role in our dreams and goals. Seldom does something profound happen to the person who sits and waits for it to fall into their lap... rare cases yes, lottery winners, perhaps, people born into riches, maybe, but I think that there is something to say about success from hard work verses born into success or money.
How often do we see or have we heard or know those who have had it easy, those who can buy whatever they want when they want? I don't think that money necessarily produces happy people. Take some celebrities for example, they can buy what they want, have what they want but you can see all over the news that that doesn't necessarily make them happy, jumping from mate to mate, drugs, illegal activity and so on. Then there are others that have the money and are happy and do with it great things.
I see myself that if I truly make a success of my talents and work hard for what I earn, I will be satisfied with my abilities and know that my talents will show me my true self-worth.
I look forward to the next step in my journey, because as I have said before and I will continue to say, life is a journey, not a destination. It has its ups and downs, life's trials are not all based on successes or failures- they are based on growth and experience... a journey... not a destination.
A good thought... Rule number 7 according to Author:Og Mandino
Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be FAIR, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself or your future. You can never win when you wear the ugly cloak of self-pity, and the sour sound of whining will certainly frighten away any opportunity for success. Never again. There is a better way.
Remember that life isn't fair and it probably never will be. We must learn to live with the ups and downs and give it the best that we got and make the most of each of our individual circumstances to find true happiness.
How often do we see or have we heard or know those who have had it easy, those who can buy whatever they want when they want? I don't think that money necessarily produces happy people. Take some celebrities for example, they can buy what they want, have what they want but you can see all over the news that that doesn't necessarily make them happy, jumping from mate to mate, drugs, illegal activity and so on. Then there are others that have the money and are happy and do with it great things.
I see myself that if I truly make a success of my talents and work hard for what I earn, I will be satisfied with my abilities and know that my talents will show me my true self-worth.
I look forward to the next step in my journey, because as I have said before and I will continue to say, life is a journey, not a destination. It has its ups and downs, life's trials are not all based on successes or failures- they are based on growth and experience... a journey... not a destination.
A good thought... Rule number 7 according to Author:Og Mandino
Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be FAIR, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself or your future. You can never win when you wear the ugly cloak of self-pity, and the sour sound of whining will certainly frighten away any opportunity for success. Never again. There is a better way.
Remember that life isn't fair and it probably never will be. We must learn to live with the ups and downs and give it the best that we got and make the most of each of our individual circumstances to find true happiness.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Day 49 of 365
Today is short and sweet...
I am grateful... for many things..... for my job... for my house... for my car that gets me to my job and back to my house.... I am grateful for my son... even though he was very crabby tonight, but at least I have a son to be crabby, and all that. I a grateful for the sunshine, despite the heat. I am grateful for my husband who made dinner and helped clean up after dinner, for my mom who dedicates so much time to my family, for her health and happiness, for the friends I have and the people who I love and cherish... I am grateful for those who fight for my freedom and those who make sacrifices for me.... I am grateful for my nice comfy bed that I am about to fall into and for the ability to be grateful!
I am grateful... for many things..... for my job... for my house... for my car that gets me to my job and back to my house.... I am grateful for my son... even though he was very crabby tonight, but at least I have a son to be crabby, and all that. I a grateful for the sunshine, despite the heat. I am grateful for my husband who made dinner and helped clean up after dinner, for my mom who dedicates so much time to my family, for her health and happiness, for the friends I have and the people who I love and cherish... I am grateful for those who fight for my freedom and those who make sacrifices for me.... I am grateful for my nice comfy bed that I am about to fall into and for the ability to be grateful!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Day 48 of 365
I came across a quote this morning while I was researching some stuff about change for my office meeting.. it is a rendition of a famous quote I am sure we have all heard in some form or another...
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
So today quote surfing I read this rendetion by an unknown author
-God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it is me.
I never heard that before, but I realy like it. The only person we can really change is ourself. We can surely be a good example to others and pray for them, but we cannot truly change others, they change because they want to change, not because we change them.
It is truly amazing to me how many of us get into a relationship accepting of the person going in but the minute they won't change, or they change in a way that isn't aligned with our thoughts and ideas, we are looking for some sort of out.
Celebrate diversity, learn to embrace it, make change a part of you, accept the change of others. I am not suggesting that if someone changes for the worst that you shouldn't remove yourself from harm or negativity, I am just saying don't go in thinking that everything will be fine when you "change" that person, because that person may not want to change in the way that you need or expect them to to align with your wants and needs.
It is the same in a business, people have to want to change and align themselves with the ever changing day and age and industry, embrace the changes. Are changes always good, no, but those who refuse to change will be left in the dust when those others embrace it and bigger and often better things begin to unfold.
I read this article posted regarding 100 years ago....
http://storiesfortrainers.com/100yearsago.aspx
check it out... some thing from 100 years ago, you can't imagine still "being" unless there was change... With change brought good and bad, mistakes were made, things were discovered, however.... without change, whether a failure or success, we would not be the world we are today.
Is it a better world? or just more advanced? Healthier? Or more troubled?
It just depends on how you look at it.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
So today quote surfing I read this rendetion by an unknown author
-God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it is me.
I never heard that before, but I realy like it. The only person we can really change is ourself. We can surely be a good example to others and pray for them, but we cannot truly change others, they change because they want to change, not because we change them.
It is truly amazing to me how many of us get into a relationship accepting of the person going in but the minute they won't change, or they change in a way that isn't aligned with our thoughts and ideas, we are looking for some sort of out.
Celebrate diversity, learn to embrace it, make change a part of you, accept the change of others. I am not suggesting that if someone changes for the worst that you shouldn't remove yourself from harm or negativity, I am just saying don't go in thinking that everything will be fine when you "change" that person, because that person may not want to change in the way that you need or expect them to to align with your wants and needs.
It is the same in a business, people have to want to change and align themselves with the ever changing day and age and industry, embrace the changes. Are changes always good, no, but those who refuse to change will be left in the dust when those others embrace it and bigger and often better things begin to unfold.
I read this article posted regarding 100 years ago....
http://storiesfortrainers.com/100yearsago.aspx
check it out... some thing from 100 years ago, you can't imagine still "being" unless there was change... With change brought good and bad, mistakes were made, things were discovered, however.... without change, whether a failure or success, we would not be the world we are today.
Is it a better world? or just more advanced? Healthier? Or more troubled?
It just depends on how you look at it.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day 42 of 365
Have you ever wanted to put your foot in your mouth.... so to speak, I have done this a few times in the last couple days... causing more havoc then necessary but not intending to hurt anyone. It was a long process and more than one type of situation. I guess it is called jumping the gun. I tend to get defensive when feeling attacked or picked on and then apparently say and do the wrong things to react.
My solution: to STOP, breath, assess the situation, think before I speak and then if I still feel the need to vent or release my tension, do so quietly or wait to address the situation at a time that is better suited to a more positive outcome...
This is a hard task I think, because as humans we react to something that hurts us or makes us feel lesser than we are, it is natural, we are defensive human beings and don't like to be thought of as doing something lesser than we are. And when a situation that is either perceived in a way that was not intended or makes us feel that we didn't somehow do a good job, we react. Maybe with good intentions but not in the most suitable way for a particular situation.
So my goal is to begin to STOP when I thinking someone is acting in a compromising situation, or if I perceive something to be one way, when it fact it may not, it may have just been said or written in a way that I would not have said or written it and therefore I feel like the person is intending to hurt or throw me or someone else under the bus. I need to STOP, assess the situation, and then speak with the person after not before assessing the situation.
I am thankful for the understanding people in each of my "situations" , though every situation was different, every outcome was different and nothing was related to one another, if I would have STOPPED, assessed and thought first, maybe even walked away, the outcomes would have been more positive.
I feel that I have definitely learned from each and that I will be able to use these experiences to my advantage in the future regarding how to handle different types of situations.
Today I am grateful for my family, my job, my friends, my co-workers and all of the people who contribute to helping me become a better me.
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results.
unknown
You cannot raise a man up by calling him down.
-William Boetcker
My solution: to STOP, breath, assess the situation, think before I speak and then if I still feel the need to vent or release my tension, do so quietly or wait to address the situation at a time that is better suited to a more positive outcome...
This is a hard task I think, because as humans we react to something that hurts us or makes us feel lesser than we are, it is natural, we are defensive human beings and don't like to be thought of as doing something lesser than we are. And when a situation that is either perceived in a way that was not intended or makes us feel that we didn't somehow do a good job, we react. Maybe with good intentions but not in the most suitable way for a particular situation.
So my goal is to begin to STOP when I thinking someone is acting in a compromising situation, or if I perceive something to be one way, when it fact it may not, it may have just been said or written in a way that I would not have said or written it and therefore I feel like the person is intending to hurt or throw me or someone else under the bus. I need to STOP, assess the situation, and then speak with the person after not before assessing the situation.
I am thankful for the understanding people in each of my "situations" , though every situation was different, every outcome was different and nothing was related to one another, if I would have STOPPED, assessed and thought first, maybe even walked away, the outcomes would have been more positive.
I feel that I have definitely learned from each and that I will be able to use these experiences to my advantage in the future regarding how to handle different types of situations.
Today I am grateful for my family, my job, my friends, my co-workers and all of the people who contribute to helping me become a better me.
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results.
unknown
You cannot raise a man up by calling him down.
-William Boetcker
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
day 41 of 365
I missed being grateful yesterday! I had so many amazing things to tell and reflect on, but after 2 days of getting ready for a party, having a party, recouping from a party and then being hit with the baby having a stomach flu (on his birthday nonetheless)..... it has been quite hectic. Well the party was definitely worth it and we had a great time, my son received many nice things, had a great time and enjoyed his company and I did too.
Yesterday I would have said how grateful I was for so many blessings. For having my baby a year ago, for his health, his happiness and our health and happiness. My precious little one has brought joy to my life. Selfishly even though he was sick and not feeling well, I enjoyed his clingy cuddly personality yesterday. He lay with his head on my chest moaning for his aching belly and I was brought back to day one where his naked skin lay against mine and I felt the warmth of his being against me. Motherhood is an amazing thing. As much pain and aching I went through 1 year ago to bring the little one into the world, I can't help(like they say) forget what it was like. I guess that is God's way of wanting you to have experienced the birth but not dwelling on all the negative aspects of it. That baby that you bring into the world is 100 times more important then what you went through to get it here.
I am amazed at how 1 year ago my little 6lb 5oz bundle was laying against my chest and my 20lb 10 oz little man lay against my chest yesterday still needing his mama. I know that he will not always need me as much as he did then or does now. But I will be there to protect him the best I can and raise him to be the best adult he can be. That is really what we are raising kids to be, not to be the best kids that they can be but to be the best adults that they can be with the knowledge we have, the love we show and the commitment to showing them how to be the best they can be. I am proud of my son and all of his accomplishments thus far in life. I will continue to set a good example for him. To love and respect his decisions and teach him to respect and love others.
I am grateful for this challenge, this opportunity and I hope that I will make myself proud to be a mother, and my son proud to call me his mother.
Yesterday I would have said how grateful I was for so many blessings. For having my baby a year ago, for his health, his happiness and our health and happiness. My precious little one has brought joy to my life. Selfishly even though he was sick and not feeling well, I enjoyed his clingy cuddly personality yesterday. He lay with his head on my chest moaning for his aching belly and I was brought back to day one where his naked skin lay against mine and I felt the warmth of his being against me. Motherhood is an amazing thing. As much pain and aching I went through 1 year ago to bring the little one into the world, I can't help(like they say) forget what it was like. I guess that is God's way of wanting you to have experienced the birth but not dwelling on all the negative aspects of it. That baby that you bring into the world is 100 times more important then what you went through to get it here.
I am amazed at how 1 year ago my little 6lb 5oz bundle was laying against my chest and my 20lb 10 oz little man lay against my chest yesterday still needing his mama. I know that he will not always need me as much as he did then or does now. But I will be there to protect him the best I can and raise him to be the best adult he can be. That is really what we are raising kids to be, not to be the best kids that they can be but to be the best adults that they can be with the knowledge we have, the love we show and the commitment to showing them how to be the best they can be. I am proud of my son and all of his accomplishments thus far in life. I will continue to set a good example for him. To love and respect his decisions and teach him to respect and love others.
I am grateful for this challenge, this opportunity and I hope that I will make myself proud to be a mother, and my son proud to call me his mother.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
day 38 of 365
Wow! I am so super excited. Even though it is midnight, I will probably fall in bed and crash and I really could use some Tylenol, my feet and back ache from standing cooking and baking since about 3 pm and I have been up since 4 am... I feel great! Why? Because I did something I wanted to do. I had the best day today and I am so happy that I accomplished what I set my mind to. I had a great day at work, finished everything I set out to do. I left early got all my errands done come home to a wonderful surprise. I have a fantastic sister-in-law and I am really grateful for her suggestion and efforts to allow me to get all the things done I had set my heart to do. I was able to have the house to myself for awhile and cook and bake and prepare for the birthday party with only a few minor distraction(phone, dogs). It was a good day! I hope the birthday party is great tomorrow as well. As for now I will cut it short and just state how grateful I am for the whole day and the many blessings that I received today(yesterday, lol)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
day 37 of 365
I decided that today I am not "giving up" anything.... I have decided to call it simplifying. This will make it a lot easier to handle.
Dictionary.com states that to simplify means: to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: This is what we are trying to do when we give something up right- I don't necessarily get that giving something up necessarily means it is less complex or easier... plainer... maybe....I can definitely see that.
The item in question is Sirius- so maybe it isn't an necessity.... but it sure is nice. I have had it for about 4 maybe 5 years, love it to say the least.... but it expired today (I thought it wouldn't expire until next year, bummer) and I decided that it wasn't a necessity to pay the money to renew right now. I can listen to the regular radio or a cd on my way to and from work, and be okay, right? I can get books on tape from the library(now that I have access to get library books, long story), and oh yes, like I mentioned on Tuesday about the 3 things I would contemplate every morning on my way to work(by the way I have done this the last two days and it sure doesn't take up an hour) but it definitely is a good reflection and I have walked in the door at work with a positive outlook on my day for sure.
At this stage in my life I am reminded of that book I read in school, I can't remember if I was in elementary or jr. high, the one called "Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. It has been a long time since I have read this book(that I still have by the way) but I remember how desperate the little girl was to talk to someone about her troubles and expectations, that she hoped was listening.
I have felt that at different periods of my life and I sure know that is where I need to go back to now. I don't want to burden others with my troubles, my hopes my fears, but I should know, like Margaret, that God is there for this purpose. It is so easy for us to scale back on our commitment to God or forget that he is on our side, when things are all peachy keen, and our worries are minimal.
I do consider myself one to pray every day, however, I know at times when things are busy I am less committed and perhaps more rushed in my thoughts and devotions.
I promise myself today that I will spend those extra minutes if not on the way to then on the way home from work 30 solid minutes (the least I can do with a 2 hour total commute for the day)talking to and listening to God, to feel his presence, his grace and his love and to focus on my spiritual growth. I think this will bring more balance to my job, my life and my marriage and other relationships.
I want to be a good example for my son, I want him to grow up to be proud to call me his mom.
Today I am grateful for my job, for recognizing what I need to do better at, for getting some of the things done today for the birthday party Saturday so that I am not so rushed tomorrow and Saturday, for my mom's dedication and help with my little "projects", for my husband making dinner so I could make cookie dough, for the lady at Fry's selling me a cake box, even though I didn't want to purchase a cake, for being able to work out at work and save the time before and after, for a healthy kid who hopefully falls asleep soon so that mommy can go to bed.....
"If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence."
Richard DeVos
Dictionary.com states that to simplify means: to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: This is what we are trying to do when we give something up right- I don't necessarily get that giving something up necessarily means it is less complex or easier... plainer... maybe....I can definitely see that.
The item in question is Sirius- so maybe it isn't an necessity.... but it sure is nice. I have had it for about 4 maybe 5 years, love it to say the least.... but it expired today (I thought it wouldn't expire until next year, bummer) and I decided that it wasn't a necessity to pay the money to renew right now. I can listen to the regular radio or a cd on my way to and from work, and be okay, right? I can get books on tape from the library(now that I have access to get library books, long story), and oh yes, like I mentioned on Tuesday about the 3 things I would contemplate every morning on my way to work(by the way I have done this the last two days and it sure doesn't take up an hour) but it definitely is a good reflection and I have walked in the door at work with a positive outlook on my day for sure.
At this stage in my life I am reminded of that book I read in school, I can't remember if I was in elementary or jr. high, the one called "Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. It has been a long time since I have read this book(that I still have by the way) but I remember how desperate the little girl was to talk to someone about her troubles and expectations, that she hoped was listening.
I have felt that at different periods of my life and I sure know that is where I need to go back to now. I don't want to burden others with my troubles, my hopes my fears, but I should know, like Margaret, that God is there for this purpose. It is so easy for us to scale back on our commitment to God or forget that he is on our side, when things are all peachy keen, and our worries are minimal.
I do consider myself one to pray every day, however, I know at times when things are busy I am less committed and perhaps more rushed in my thoughts and devotions.
I promise myself today that I will spend those extra minutes if not on the way to then on the way home from work 30 solid minutes (the least I can do with a 2 hour total commute for the day)talking to and listening to God, to feel his presence, his grace and his love and to focus on my spiritual growth. I think this will bring more balance to my job, my life and my marriage and other relationships.
I want to be a good example for my son, I want him to grow up to be proud to call me his mom.
Today I am grateful for my job, for recognizing what I need to do better at, for getting some of the things done today for the birthday party Saturday so that I am not so rushed tomorrow and Saturday, for my mom's dedication and help with my little "projects", for my husband making dinner so I could make cookie dough, for the lady at Fry's selling me a cake box, even though I didn't want to purchase a cake, for being able to work out at work and save the time before and after, for a healthy kid who hopefully falls asleep soon so that mommy can go to bed.....
"If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence."
Richard DeVos
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
day 35 of 365
So what do you do when you are faced with a dilemma that you are not sure how to handle. When you feel stuck. There are so many things that I could tell you I am stuck on. I wish my magic wand would just get fixed already.... lol!
Wouldn't it make life easier if we could just all have that wand to waive when things went wrong or were hard to figure out what to do next.... you know what, I believe we still wouldn't be happy... isn't that the case, we usually want more, and the more we get we want more...don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with wanting more and better for yourself, you should, but I think we all can get carried away sometimes.
This wanting more really makes us less appreciative of what is already.
So every morning on my way to work I will concentrate on one thing from the previous day that I did right, one thing I am appreciative of and one thing that I will learn from. Heck I have an hour drive, I might as well make the most of it. You can only sing the same songs over and over so many times.
If I was going to start tomorrow, I would pick from today my ability to reach out to a student to understand what challenges they were faced with and talk them through some resolutions which made me feel that I did my job right.
I am appreciative of the opportunity to learn from others who have done things before me.
I will learn from any mistakes I make, ask questions and do better the next time. With these 3 things in mind I can reflect on what my strengths and weaknesses are and go from there, hopefully developing my skills and talents a little more each day. After all life is a journey not a destination and we constantly have the ability to learn and develop ourselves.
Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot from a winning touchdown. - H Ross Perot
I don't want to be that person, I don't want to know that I may have been able to do it if I just went the extra mile, the extra step, if i would have only hung in a little longer. So I will be patient and know that it will not always (if ever) be as easy as waiving that magic wand, saying those magic words or twitching my nose. The universe will test my commitment to my goal and I will not give up what I am trying to pursue and give in to defeat and petty obstacles, no matter how big they may seem at the time.
Tonight I am grateful that I found a Cat in the Hat mylar balloon for 99 cents for Saturdays party, I am grateful for the gift my best friend sent my son for his birthday, I am grateful for my friend who is helping me be creative and save money but make the birthday party a success, I am grateful for a loving family and caring friends, I am grateful for the weather slowly starting to cool, I am grateful good fortune for others who build my self confidence and esteem and for the opportunity to have tomorrow as a new day to try try again.
"For every failure, there's an alternative course of action, you just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock take a detour" -Mary Kay Ash
Wouldn't it make life easier if we could just all have that wand to waive when things went wrong or were hard to figure out what to do next.... you know what, I believe we still wouldn't be happy... isn't that the case, we usually want more, and the more we get we want more...don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with wanting more and better for yourself, you should, but I think we all can get carried away sometimes.
This wanting more really makes us less appreciative of what is already.
So every morning on my way to work I will concentrate on one thing from the previous day that I did right, one thing I am appreciative of and one thing that I will learn from. Heck I have an hour drive, I might as well make the most of it. You can only sing the same songs over and over so many times.
If I was going to start tomorrow, I would pick from today my ability to reach out to a student to understand what challenges they were faced with and talk them through some resolutions which made me feel that I did my job right.
I am appreciative of the opportunity to learn from others who have done things before me.
I will learn from any mistakes I make, ask questions and do better the next time. With these 3 things in mind I can reflect on what my strengths and weaknesses are and go from there, hopefully developing my skills and talents a little more each day. After all life is a journey not a destination and we constantly have the ability to learn and develop ourselves.
Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot from a winning touchdown. - H Ross Perot
I don't want to be that person, I don't want to know that I may have been able to do it if I just went the extra mile, the extra step, if i would have only hung in a little longer. So I will be patient and know that it will not always (if ever) be as easy as waiving that magic wand, saying those magic words or twitching my nose. The universe will test my commitment to my goal and I will not give up what I am trying to pursue and give in to defeat and petty obstacles, no matter how big they may seem at the time.
Tonight I am grateful that I found a Cat in the Hat mylar balloon for 99 cents for Saturdays party, I am grateful for the gift my best friend sent my son for his birthday, I am grateful for my friend who is helping me be creative and save money but make the birthday party a success, I am grateful for a loving family and caring friends, I am grateful for the weather slowly starting to cool, I am grateful good fortune for others who build my self confidence and esteem and for the opportunity to have tomorrow as a new day to try try again.
"For every failure, there's an alternative course of action, you just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock take a detour" -Mary Kay Ash
Monday, September 13, 2010
day 34 of 365
Well today was sort of a weird day... again some not so bloggable info. I was able to work out my schedule to fit in work, some house showing, a trip to party city and still be home by 8:18 pm. Also I squeezed Friday off by 12:30 to work on the 1st birthday party festivities. A great start to my week.
Today I am grateful that my mom cooked dinner for us, that my husband attended to my son when he got home and put him to bed so I could work later. I am sad that I wasn't able to see him all day since he was asleep in my husbands arms and laid in bed before I got home, but I am grateful for the bond they are forming that I am able to relax and know he is being well cared for in my absence by both my mom and husband. I am grateful for the 2 awesome calls I had at work that I was being listened in on and that I was able to shine and receive high compliments. I am grateful that the mornings and evenings are starting to cool off. I am grateful for my sometimes creativity that comes out when I need it the most and for those around me who support my decisions.
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
Melodie Beattie
Writer
Today I am grateful that my mom cooked dinner for us, that my husband attended to my son when he got home and put him to bed so I could work later. I am sad that I wasn't able to see him all day since he was asleep in my husbands arms and laid in bed before I got home, but I am grateful for the bond they are forming that I am able to relax and know he is being well cared for in my absence by both my mom and husband. I am grateful for the 2 awesome calls I had at work that I was being listened in on and that I was able to shine and receive high compliments. I am grateful that the mornings and evenings are starting to cool off. I am grateful for my sometimes creativity that comes out when I need it the most and for those around me who support my decisions.
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
Melodie Beattie
Writer
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day 29 of 365
I received a great quote today in a email at work and it seems to go along with the reoccurring theme of my blog.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to
me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the
education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than
what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance,
giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The
remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will
embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact
that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only
thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am
convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And
so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”- Charles R. Swindoll
I think that if every day we strive to improve our attitude just a smudge we can be a better person for it. We can not change other people, but we can surely improve ourselves and set good examples for others. I strive to maintain a positive attitude to be pleasant and uplifting to those around me and to not let things bother me that are beyond my control. I chose to show my son this amazing person that I am and will become and to help him grow up to be a amazing adult. I may not be able to make him the best 2 year old or 10 year old, but I can coach him and love him and set an example so that he grows into a caring and wholesome adult.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to
me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the
education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than
what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance,
giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The
remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will
embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact
that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only
thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am
convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And
so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”- Charles R. Swindoll
I think that if every day we strive to improve our attitude just a smudge we can be a better person for it. We can not change other people, but we can surely improve ourselves and set good examples for others. I strive to maintain a positive attitude to be pleasant and uplifting to those around me and to not let things bother me that are beyond my control. I chose to show my son this amazing person that I am and will become and to help him grow up to be a amazing adult. I may not be able to make him the best 2 year old or 10 year old, but I can coach him and love him and set an example so that he grows into a caring and wholesome adult.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
day 28 of 365
Today was a great day! I went to work with a great attitude. Last night after listening to Robin McGraw on the way home talk about the empowerment of women, I was psyched to begin a new day. I really enjoyed her book on cd whatever it was called. We can enable ourselves to create our own destiny. We can chose what legacy we will take from our parents and what we will filter out. We can be proud of who we are and where we came from.
As a woman I know that men and women are different. I have read many books on this subject and sometimes I need to be reminded that men are men and women are women and we are different creatures for a reason. We should not expect or even hope our mate would think, talk, act or understand the way that we do. We should value their differences and celebrate them. How boring would it be if we were so alike, or they always knew what we were thinking or said and did the right thing constantly... they may as well be us. We can respect one another and compromise, but we should never give up our true feelings, ideas or beliefs for them, we should recognize and respect their wants and needs and they should respect ours.
I think that I decided this morning that I am not going to let things pull me down..
What is the chumbawamba song, "I get knocked down, and I get up again, your never gonna bring me down.... "
I took an awesome class called Financial Fitness at work today, it was 3.5 hours and very worth my time. I think that I will start putting some of the ideas I have learned into practice and see if it makes any difference in my life.
Challenge #1- keep every receipt for every purchase for 1 month and categorize purchases to acknowledge where your money is spent and how many incidentals that you are not accounting for. Starbucks fans? Red Bull or other energy drinks? Dining Out? Eating Out lunch? Entertainment? Vending Machines? Convenience store snacks? If any of you purchase any of these things, I challenge you to figure out how much per month and then how much per year and see what bill you could have paid off if you cut your impulse buys out totally or even in half.
I know that I use to spend over $900 a year to get my nails done. I haven't done this in over a year and I am sure it has helped us pay for something else we need more than want. Do I miss having nails, sure... is it a necessity.. NO....
It is okay to like the finer things but it is better to live within your means and save for a rainy day fund. It is so easy to go over the top with all the things we want verses what we need. If you get a raise and make more money and can afford these things great, but always live within your means. If you pay goes up, your expenses tend to as well.
I have always been a good manager of money, I feel that I know how to live within my means, even when I was making over 2/3 more than I am currently making, I tried to invest or save and never squander my money away. As I have learned over the years, if your expenses go up when your pay increases and then your pay goes away or is significantly lowered, even if you were living within your means at the time, it is hard to reduce expenses for things you cannot easily cut out (like cars you already have or other bills that are fixed) and it is harder to live without the things you got used to having or doing on a regular basis.
My challenge for myself- even though I have already cut out a lot of what we used to purchase is to find another way to save a little money every month to put away for my rainy day fund. I am going to save my receipts for a month. If we are spending $200 a month dining out we will scale back to $150 and put that $50 away. In a month I will write a reflection of where I determined the savings could be had and post my first step to savings success.
Take the first step in faith, you don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. - Martin Luther King Jr.
As a woman I know that men and women are different. I have read many books on this subject and sometimes I need to be reminded that men are men and women are women and we are different creatures for a reason. We should not expect or even hope our mate would think, talk, act or understand the way that we do. We should value their differences and celebrate them. How boring would it be if we were so alike, or they always knew what we were thinking or said and did the right thing constantly... they may as well be us. We can respect one another and compromise, but we should never give up our true feelings, ideas or beliefs for them, we should recognize and respect their wants and needs and they should respect ours.
I think that I decided this morning that I am not going to let things pull me down..
What is the chumbawamba song, "I get knocked down, and I get up again, your never gonna bring me down.... "
I took an awesome class called Financial Fitness at work today, it was 3.5 hours and very worth my time. I think that I will start putting some of the ideas I have learned into practice and see if it makes any difference in my life.
Challenge #1- keep every receipt for every purchase for 1 month and categorize purchases to acknowledge where your money is spent and how many incidentals that you are not accounting for. Starbucks fans? Red Bull or other energy drinks? Dining Out? Eating Out lunch? Entertainment? Vending Machines? Convenience store snacks? If any of you purchase any of these things, I challenge you to figure out how much per month and then how much per year and see what bill you could have paid off if you cut your impulse buys out totally or even in half.
I know that I use to spend over $900 a year to get my nails done. I haven't done this in over a year and I am sure it has helped us pay for something else we need more than want. Do I miss having nails, sure... is it a necessity.. NO....
It is okay to like the finer things but it is better to live within your means and save for a rainy day fund. It is so easy to go over the top with all the things we want verses what we need. If you get a raise and make more money and can afford these things great, but always live within your means. If you pay goes up, your expenses tend to as well.
I have always been a good manager of money, I feel that I know how to live within my means, even when I was making over 2/3 more than I am currently making, I tried to invest or save and never squander my money away. As I have learned over the years, if your expenses go up when your pay increases and then your pay goes away or is significantly lowered, even if you were living within your means at the time, it is hard to reduce expenses for things you cannot easily cut out (like cars you already have or other bills that are fixed) and it is harder to live without the things you got used to having or doing on a regular basis.
My challenge for myself- even though I have already cut out a lot of what we used to purchase is to find another way to save a little money every month to put away for my rainy day fund. I am going to save my receipts for a month. If we are spending $200 a month dining out we will scale back to $150 and put that $50 away. In a month I will write a reflection of where I determined the savings could be had and post my first step to savings success.
Take the first step in faith, you don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. - Martin Luther King Jr.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day 25 of 365
On vacation.... what a trip.... I have been trying to use the computer as little as possible. Who wants to use the computer on vacation, I use the computer every day of my life. But today I decided that my mood needed a blogging... to get back on track to my thoughts and actions, again my purpose was to hold myself accountable.
No one should be stressed on vacation. It should be a time to relax and reflect, to enjoy your family and be happy.
But the thought of losing our land and then owing the bank the difference is scary enough, the first night no electricity we unloaded in the dark, a son who seems to be having a cranky spurt on top of his stubborn streak of refusing to sit content in a car seat for even 5 minutes who screamed about the whole 3 our trip, going on a trip to the river with the dogs and being unable to even get out of the car due to the nonstop rain, not so yummy fry bread experience, a dog who we finally got his daily throwing up to stop by switching food, that now he seems to not want to eat it, a frustrated impatient husband who tries to help out but gets this way when he isn't sure what to do, a frying pan that everything sticks to... wow... everything I just mentioned seems rather silly after it is really typed out.
The fact that I can even enjoy a vacation, the beauty of the rain, the gorgeous weather compared to the heat of the valley, the nice breeze, the cabin to come to, my son's health, the fact that my son has a voice to even scream, the fact that I am not a single mom doing it all by myself and I have a husband to help, food on the table whether it sticks to my pan or not, the joy the dogs bring, the ability to spend time with family...... when you start to type or think of the things that are AWESOME... you tend to believe the bad things are not so harsh.
BELIEVE... in what you have... BELIEVE in yourself, BELIEVE in others abilities, With patience and commitment we come closer to obtaining what we strive for.
No one should be stressed on vacation. It should be a time to relax and reflect, to enjoy your family and be happy.
But the thought of losing our land and then owing the bank the difference is scary enough, the first night no electricity we unloaded in the dark, a son who seems to be having a cranky spurt on top of his stubborn streak of refusing to sit content in a car seat for even 5 minutes who screamed about the whole 3 our trip, going on a trip to the river with the dogs and being unable to even get out of the car due to the nonstop rain, not so yummy fry bread experience, a dog who we finally got his daily throwing up to stop by switching food, that now he seems to not want to eat it, a frustrated impatient husband who tries to help out but gets this way when he isn't sure what to do, a frying pan that everything sticks to... wow... everything I just mentioned seems rather silly after it is really typed out.
The fact that I can even enjoy a vacation, the beauty of the rain, the gorgeous weather compared to the heat of the valley, the nice breeze, the cabin to come to, my son's health, the fact that my son has a voice to even scream, the fact that I am not a single mom doing it all by myself and I have a husband to help, food on the table whether it sticks to my pan or not, the joy the dogs bring, the ability to spend time with family...... when you start to type or think of the things that are AWESOME... you tend to believe the bad things are not so harsh.
BELIEVE... in what you have... BELIEVE in yourself, BELIEVE in others abilities, With patience and commitment we come closer to obtaining what we strive for.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)