I think we are all somewhat intimidated by fear to an extent, even those who seem to hit it head on. This is their way to deal with fear. Some of us fear being alone, some of us fear dying, some of us fear those around us dying, some of us fear losing our job or fear failure, some of us fear bad health, or other obstacles. These are all real fears and no one can tell us that it is right or wrong to feel fear.
They can however turn into larger issues when we act out of pure anxiety and worry until we can't think of anything else and it can affect our day to day activities. Most often times the things we worry about, the things that consume us in fret, never ever happen. We paint pictures in our mind, we get worked up, we go over "what if" scenarios until we are exhausted, and the event, the occurrence, the situation never rears its ugly head. So we have just wasted moments, hours, days, weeks, years and lifetimes that we will never get back by allowing fear to overcome us. We should be living in the here and now, grateful for what is before us this day, enjoying what we do have and leaving the unknown out there, pushing that fear aside and not letting it get the best of us. We can chose to be a worrier who can only focus on what could happen or we can chose to place our fears in the hands of God our Creator, enjoy every moment of today and have faith that we enjoyed and made every moment count until if and when that fearful moment happens. And if and when that fearful moment happens, we can chose to be a victim, or we can chose to make the most of the unavoidable, unfavorable situation, but that is a topic for another day.
If you cannot help worrying, remember that worrying cannot help you either. Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. If you worry you die, if you don't worry you die, so why worry? -taken from 100 quotes that make you think by Wolfgang Riebe
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
NOW
Do you ever feel the need to rejuvenate, that if you could just turn one little switch, make a slight adjustment or wave your magic wand you could go back to a time in your life where you were the most happy, where things seemed easier and a lot more fun, where there was less struggle and it didn't seem that you had to put in so much effort to get the same results and maintain the same relationships?
I am sure we have all felt this at one point or another. I got to thinking the other day that we can't go back, we can't fix something, all we can really do is go from this point forward, we can be thankful for what we have in front of us and look forward to what is before us in the future. We can chose to change with the changes or keep looking back and see how to get what we had at one point, but then we are really wasting time wishing rather than working with what we have now. I am so excited to open up the next page in my book of life and see what it has to offer me, to savor it and enjoy the moment that I am in with the people that are around me. This is what I really am looking forward to.
I am sure we have all felt this at one point or another. I got to thinking the other day that we can't go back, we can't fix something, all we can really do is go from this point forward, we can be thankful for what we have in front of us and look forward to what is before us in the future. We can chose to change with the changes or keep looking back and see how to get what we had at one point, but then we are really wasting time wishing rather than working with what we have now. I am so excited to open up the next page in my book of life and see what it has to offer me, to savor it and enjoy the moment that I am in with the people that are around me. This is what I really am looking forward to.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
What is genuine?
So sometimes no matter what you do it is still not good enough to anyone. Your life can some how seem like it is headed in the right direction, that things are once again on their way to being on track- whether a financial state, relationship or career angle, it is all the same. Ups and downs and sideways tracks, one step forward one step back.
Positivity they say can spread and lift a person up and negativity and doubt can spread like wildfire and set you back twice as fast as positivity builds you up! I think that we spend a little too much time analysing what it is we should do instead of doing it. The things we write down, the things we visualize and the things that we say can all turn out to come true if we put them out there enough, so why the heck are we repeatedly putting out all the negative stuff, all of our fears, our doubts? Is it easier to think that we will fail than to believe we can succeed? I think so. I think that we don't have enough confidence, we don't believe that we deserve the good sometimes. It is easier to just come down hard on our self or to say that it is impossible, rather than to believe, to try- because sometimes we would rather not try and not risk failing rather than try and perhaps succeed. No one WANTS to fail, no one wants to think that they are not good at something or cannot follow through, but you know what, no one becomes successful, no one even fails with out trying, and at least you can say you tried, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again. I am repeatedly motivating others to believe in themselves, to try and accomplish their goals, to have confidence and to show others that their hard work and dedication is making a difference. Sometimes a little recognition for our hard work is all we are asking for to keep on doing what we are doing, to know we are making a difference and to positively reinforce that what we do matters to someone, that someone is proud of our accomplishments and wants us to continue to be the person we are and to do the things that we do best, even if we should already know we are good at something, it is nice to be reminded about it from time to time to keep our sanity. How do we know that we are worthy if once and a while we aren't told so? I had a conversation with a co-worker today after listening in on a call he made to a student, his sincerity for the student's success struck me as very honest, genuine and believable, no sales gimmicks, no false sense that all he was looking to do was collect a paycheck. After he hung up I asked him where he learned how to be such a caring genuine person? He attributed this to his parents, especially his mom and the way he was raised. I asked him if he thanked her often, I think he was kind of surprised by my question, but he chuckled and said, probably not enough. Wow, that is powerful. Sometimes we are grateful to others for something that they have done, for something that we were taught, for something that they contributed to our life, but yet they are the last people we thank on a regular basis. Why you ask? Most of the time I think we believe that they ought to know this already and don't feel the urge or the need to repeat our gratefulness. I do believe though that positive reinforcement no matter whether you have been told already 100 times, it is still good to hear the gratitude that someone has toward you, or the ways they believe in you and are really proud of you, or really thankful for something that you have done for them or showed them. Sometimes we are quick to pick out all the things they have done wrong or the way that we wouldn't have done them. But usually the good outweighs the bad in MOST situations, so why are we so quick to emphasize the wrong instead of right? Is it easier? Does it make us feel more adequate if we can pick out someone else's flaw?
I think if we can develop an "attitude of gratitude" as they say, on a more regular basis, the world would be a lot happier place with a little less conflict and a little less guilt. But that is just my opinion. This next week I am going to try harder to thank the people who mean the most to me, to be grateful for the things I have been shown, for the gifts and talents that I have been given.I will easily let go of irritations, the negatives and the wrongs and to concentrate only on the stuff that others are doing right. When someone else says something negative about a person or situation, I am going to try hard to turn it into something more positive. I am going to ask for direction on how to use my talents and strengths to help others and consistently try to make a difference for others and be a better me. I know it takes time and effort and is a constant uphill battle as they say, but I never want to give up hope, and I never want to stop trying! I want be me, to be genuine, to care about everyone and to love UNCONDITIONALLY.
Positivity they say can spread and lift a person up and negativity and doubt can spread like wildfire and set you back twice as fast as positivity builds you up! I think that we spend a little too much time analysing what it is we should do instead of doing it. The things we write down, the things we visualize and the things that we say can all turn out to come true if we put them out there enough, so why the heck are we repeatedly putting out all the negative stuff, all of our fears, our doubts? Is it easier to think that we will fail than to believe we can succeed? I think so. I think that we don't have enough confidence, we don't believe that we deserve the good sometimes. It is easier to just come down hard on our self or to say that it is impossible, rather than to believe, to try- because sometimes we would rather not try and not risk failing rather than try and perhaps succeed. No one WANTS to fail, no one wants to think that they are not good at something or cannot follow through, but you know what, no one becomes successful, no one even fails with out trying, and at least you can say you tried, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again. I am repeatedly motivating others to believe in themselves, to try and accomplish their goals, to have confidence and to show others that their hard work and dedication is making a difference. Sometimes a little recognition for our hard work is all we are asking for to keep on doing what we are doing, to know we are making a difference and to positively reinforce that what we do matters to someone, that someone is proud of our accomplishments and wants us to continue to be the person we are and to do the things that we do best, even if we should already know we are good at something, it is nice to be reminded about it from time to time to keep our sanity. How do we know that we are worthy if once and a while we aren't told so? I had a conversation with a co-worker today after listening in on a call he made to a student, his sincerity for the student's success struck me as very honest, genuine and believable, no sales gimmicks, no false sense that all he was looking to do was collect a paycheck. After he hung up I asked him where he learned how to be such a caring genuine person? He attributed this to his parents, especially his mom and the way he was raised. I asked him if he thanked her often, I think he was kind of surprised by my question, but he chuckled and said, probably not enough. Wow, that is powerful. Sometimes we are grateful to others for something that they have done, for something that we were taught, for something that they contributed to our life, but yet they are the last people we thank on a regular basis. Why you ask? Most of the time I think we believe that they ought to know this already and don't feel the urge or the need to repeat our gratefulness. I do believe though that positive reinforcement no matter whether you have been told already 100 times, it is still good to hear the gratitude that someone has toward you, or the ways they believe in you and are really proud of you, or really thankful for something that you have done for them or showed them. Sometimes we are quick to pick out all the things they have done wrong or the way that we wouldn't have done them. But usually the good outweighs the bad in MOST situations, so why are we so quick to emphasize the wrong instead of right? Is it easier? Does it make us feel more adequate if we can pick out someone else's flaw?
I think if we can develop an "attitude of gratitude" as they say, on a more regular basis, the world would be a lot happier place with a little less conflict and a little less guilt. But that is just my opinion. This next week I am going to try harder to thank the people who mean the most to me, to be grateful for the things I have been shown, for the gifts and talents that I have been given.I will easily let go of irritations, the negatives and the wrongs and to concentrate only on the stuff that others are doing right. When someone else says something negative about a person or situation, I am going to try hard to turn it into something more positive. I am going to ask for direction on how to use my talents and strengths to help others and consistently try to make a difference for others and be a better me. I know it takes time and effort and is a constant uphill battle as they say, but I never want to give up hope, and I never want to stop trying! I want be me, to be genuine, to care about everyone and to love UNCONDITIONALLY.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Moving Forward
Today I will not put my doubts in front of my dreams. I will move forward to a place where I chose happiness. I look forward to resolving my issues and frustrations and accomplish the goals I set for myself this day. I will not let my circumstances control my thoughts, ideas or attitude and if they do I will squash them right there and then. I can chose to be a upbeat, hope filled woman. I can chose how to react to my circumstances. I will take this day to control my circumstances and find the best solutions to resolve the current conflicts in my life. I can chose to be the best person that I can be, to set an example for others and that is all I can expect of myself.
Today I take control, it is my control to take, to do with it what God has intended me to do. To guide me in the right direction. Failure is inevitable, but we can try our best to succeed. We cannot always control our circumstances, no matter how hard we try, but we can make the most of them, learn from them. Fear should not be my enemy, fear should not defeat me. I can stand up to fear and obstacles and face them head on. Today I can do this.
I must remember that I am truly blessed to be where I am in my life at this moment and time, make peace with this and do all the things I can to strive for my future, however remain satisfied with NOW.
Whatever you are going through in your life right now, I wish you peace, I wish you joy, I wish you happiness and content with where you are at now and what you are looking forward to changing for your future.
Today I take control, it is my control to take, to do with it what God has intended me to do. To guide me in the right direction. Failure is inevitable, but we can try our best to succeed. We cannot always control our circumstances, no matter how hard we try, but we can make the most of them, learn from them. Fear should not be my enemy, fear should not defeat me. I can stand up to fear and obstacles and face them head on. Today I can do this.
I must remember that I am truly blessed to be where I am in my life at this moment and time, make peace with this and do all the things I can to strive for my future, however remain satisfied with NOW.
Whatever you are going through in your life right now, I wish you peace, I wish you joy, I wish you happiness and content with where you are at now and what you are looking forward to changing for your future.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Passion
What is your passion, what drives you to do the things you do? to keep you going every day? I can say that my family is my passion. That I love the time I spend with them, the memories I create. It doesn't matter what we do just that we are together. The more time I have to spend with them the more I appreciate what I do have. I am blessed with many things in my life that I do take for granted.
When I have a passion for something, I think it makes a lot of difference not only in my attitude but in my approach to any given situation. I may not have the ideal dream job that I am wanting, but the minute that I realized that I could find a passion for what I am doing, which in actuality is helping others, I took it and ran with the notion, the buy in that I am in some small way making a difference in other people's lives. Today I had a student tell me that if it wasn't for my encouragement, my belief in her success, she would have probably given up and failed two classes, she thanked me for my kind words and making a difference in her life, from saving her money and the repeat of two courses, and her time. I was genuinely tickled at her reaction and her kind words. When people are appreciative of what I do every day it reminds me that I do make a difference, no matter how small, and that is what drives me to be passionate about what I do every day, whether it is where I want to be at this moment in time or not, it is where I am and I should make the most of it. The buy in, the positive attitude, the confidence no matter how small are driving me to be successful and good at what I do, that may make all the difference in where I go.
In every single moment, we have the choice to be happy or not. No matter what is going on, we can choose to focus on what is right, what is good and whole in ourselves and our lives, and what options we have in any given situation. In other words, we can choose to be happy no matter what.” ~MJ Ryan
When I have a passion for something, I think it makes a lot of difference not only in my attitude but in my approach to any given situation. I may not have the ideal dream job that I am wanting, but the minute that I realized that I could find a passion for what I am doing, which in actuality is helping others, I took it and ran with the notion, the buy in that I am in some small way making a difference in other people's lives. Today I had a student tell me that if it wasn't for my encouragement, my belief in her success, she would have probably given up and failed two classes, she thanked me for my kind words and making a difference in her life, from saving her money and the repeat of two courses, and her time. I was genuinely tickled at her reaction and her kind words. When people are appreciative of what I do every day it reminds me that I do make a difference, no matter how small, and that is what drives me to be passionate about what I do every day, whether it is where I want to be at this moment in time or not, it is where I am and I should make the most of it. The buy in, the positive attitude, the confidence no matter how small are driving me to be successful and good at what I do, that may make all the difference in where I go.
In every single moment, we have the choice to be happy or not. No matter what is going on, we can choose to focus on what is right, what is good and whole in ourselves and our lives, and what options we have in any given situation. In other words, we can choose to be happy no matter what.” ~MJ Ryan
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wish I knew HIS plan
So God has a plan for us, it may not be our plan, it may not be what we are hoping for, looking for or even dreaming of, but wouldn't it be nice if we knew what the plan was? Don't get me wrong, if God has a plan for me I sure intend to follow it, I just wish I knew where to start and what to follow, I'd stop chasing the things I think I want to do or need to be and jump right on board with what I am suppose to be doing. I think I pray for the right thing to come along, for some sign that I am heading in the right direction and sometimes it seems I still come up empty handed. Well, I guess I will keep praying, searching and looking for the right thing until it is the right thing. I will look for the smart choices in the stillness of my day, I will learn to be happy with what is before me each day. To have an Attitude of Gratitude as some say. To be grateful each morning for the 24 hours before me to do what it is that is needed of me, to go through each step of every day as if it is a blessing a stepping stone for what my talents are calling me to do, I will accept that I am who I am in this moment in time and be happy about my life and my health. I will continue to strive to better myself and hopefully good will happen along the way.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
MOMS
I just want to start out by saying that I am learning how to be a mom because I had the best example that I could have had. She is the greatest match for me. Her contribution to my life and my success and helped shape me to be the adult that I have grown to be. She has taught me compassion, love, forgiveness and so much more. I am blessed with a Mother who is there for me no matter what, no matter how rude or mean I can be sometimes, no matter my mood; she continues to give me her constant unfailing and unconditional love. She will never stray nor walk away from me. She is my biggest fan. I am who I am because of her amazing contributions to my life.
I want to be that for my child. I want to be his biggest fan. I want to make decisions to raise him to not only be a great kid, but to be a loving, kind and respectful adult who can contribute to society and make his mark upon the world. I want to be the best role model, the greatest example and I want to challenge myself to put my best foot forward every day to accomplish this. I need to give 100% of myself EVERY DAY and show him that he is truly loved, that no matter what I am there for him and I will guide him through. As his greatest example, I hope that he becomes the best person he can by watching me love and support him.
For all you Mothers out there. I challenge you to be the best MOM you can be EVERY DAY, but know that even when we don't know the answers, make the right decisions and sometimes we screw up, just as we are our child's BIGGEST FAN, they in turn our OURS.
I want to be that for my child. I want to be his biggest fan. I want to make decisions to raise him to not only be a great kid, but to be a loving, kind and respectful adult who can contribute to society and make his mark upon the world. I want to be the best role model, the greatest example and I want to challenge myself to put my best foot forward every day to accomplish this. I need to give 100% of myself EVERY DAY and show him that he is truly loved, that no matter what I am there for him and I will guide him through. As his greatest example, I hope that he becomes the best person he can by watching me love and support him.
For all you Mothers out there. I challenge you to be the best MOM you can be EVERY DAY, but know that even when we don't know the answers, make the right decisions and sometimes we screw up, just as we are our child's BIGGEST FAN, they in turn our OURS.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
do you want to scream
Do you ever just really want to scream "why me, Lord" or any variation there of! Can the little frustrations of the day spiral you into that grumpy, leave me alone, can I wake up and start all over mood? A friend and I were talking yesterday and it seems that often times these little things don't seem so bad when they are dispensed over time, dropping here and there periodically. However when you have a multitude of otherwise minimal things happen to you in the course of a day or even spread over a week, sometimes you get a tad bit overwhelmed and can't help but feel that frustration explode through you, not letting anything stand in its way. Sometimes your attitude can really affect how you treat other people. Even if it isn't in your slightest intention to cause someone else to hurt. Sometimes however I think we get so overwhelmed by the laundry list of little frustrations in a week/day etc, that we often don't even see what is going to happen in our path along the way.
I am not proud of any harsh words or lashing out that I may do, none of us I am sure are. However, none of us are perfect, all of us could use a little, maybe even a lot of improving, and we hope that those who get bumped along on our rampage, are forgiving, loving understanding and know that the way we act sometimes happens to the best of us.
Remember often and remind yourself, that it is best to treat people the way they want to be treated, not the way you want to be treated sometimes.
I am not proud of any harsh words or lashing out that I may do, none of us I am sure are. However, none of us are perfect, all of us could use a little, maybe even a lot of improving, and we hope that those who get bumped along on our rampage, are forgiving, loving understanding and know that the way we act sometimes happens to the best of us.
Remember often and remind yourself, that it is best to treat people the way they want to be treated, not the way you want to be treated sometimes.
Monday, April 25, 2011
This was my daily devotional today:
We should learn to trust God’s timing, but we are sorely tempted to do otherwise. Why? Because we humans are usually anxious for things to happen sooner rather than later, but God knows better. God has created a world that unfolds according to His own timetable, not ours- thank goodness! We mortals would make a terrible mess of things. God does not. His plan does not always happen in the way we would like or at the time of our choosing. But our task is to wait patiently and never lose hope. In the words of Elisabeth Elliot, “We must learn to move according to the timetable of the Timeless One, and to be at peace.” That’s the advice worth following today, tomorrow, and every day.
God’s delays and His ways can be confusing because the process God uses to accomplish His will can go against human logic and common sense. – Anne Graham Lotz
I have decided that I am going to do my part and then put it in someone else's hands. If it is meant for me it will happen. I will not be disappointed if I try my best, give it my all and 100% dedication.
We should learn to trust God’s timing, but we are sorely tempted to do otherwise. Why? Because we humans are usually anxious for things to happen sooner rather than later, but God knows better. God has created a world that unfolds according to His own timetable, not ours- thank goodness! We mortals would make a terrible mess of things. God does not. His plan does not always happen in the way we would like or at the time of our choosing. But our task is to wait patiently and never lose hope. In the words of Elisabeth Elliot, “We must learn to move according to the timetable of the Timeless One, and to be at peace.” That’s the advice worth following today, tomorrow, and every day.
God’s delays and His ways can be confusing because the process God uses to accomplish His will can go against human logic and common sense. – Anne Graham Lotz
I have decided that I am going to do my part and then put it in someone else's hands. If it is meant for me it will happen. I will not be disappointed if I try my best, give it my all and 100% dedication.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
opportunity
Have you ever been searching for an opportunity to do something that you have always wanted? A door to open and someone to say "hey this is what you've been searching for." "Come and get it." I think many of us on a day-to-day basis are looking for that sign, that opportunity to knock us over the head and say "look at me, look at me." Your future destiny knocking at your door.
Often times I think as we are searching for that something we often fail to see the something that is searching for us because we are too busy looking behind or ahead to see what is right in front of us. Helen Keller put it best, "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."We are so busy living in the past or searching for the future that the present moment passes us by and we lose out on now.
As I continue to develop my competencies at my current job and in my life, I am finding ways and seeing how paying attention to the now instead of how I react to the past or worry about the future is really starting to help me be conscience of the present and give my commitment to the task or situation at hand. In turn this allows me to have more control over the situation and better equip to handle it. Relieving me just a little bit from my stress and anxieties caused by living in the past or the future.
An excerpt from one of my favorite books Mr. Everett's Secret, reads: Before you climb the ladder of success, be sure you have it set against the right wall.
This is amazingly true, you may be good at a lot of things, you may not sure what you are searching for and therefore you will stumble upon a lot of false hopes trying to find the thing that is suited for you. Stick to what you are good at, be confident in what you know, don't be afraid to take a leap or make a change but be sure it is what you want first.
Often times I think as we are searching for that something we often fail to see the something that is searching for us because we are too busy looking behind or ahead to see what is right in front of us. Helen Keller put it best, "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."We are so busy living in the past or searching for the future that the present moment passes us by and we lose out on now.
As I continue to develop my competencies at my current job and in my life, I am finding ways and seeing how paying attention to the now instead of how I react to the past or worry about the future is really starting to help me be conscience of the present and give my commitment to the task or situation at hand. In turn this allows me to have more control over the situation and better equip to handle it. Relieving me just a little bit from my stress and anxieties caused by living in the past or the future.
An excerpt from one of my favorite books Mr. Everett's Secret, reads: Before you climb the ladder of success, be sure you have it set against the right wall.
This is amazingly true, you may be good at a lot of things, you may not sure what you are searching for and therefore you will stumble upon a lot of false hopes trying to find the thing that is suited for you. Stick to what you are good at, be confident in what you know, don't be afraid to take a leap or make a change but be sure it is what you want first.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
believe in yourself
How often do we let ourselves think that we can't do something, that we aren't good enough or we don't deserve it. This is truly an every day occurrence in a lot of situations we come across. How quick we are to get defensive when someone criticizes what we are doing, or makes a suggestion for a better way. In our own way we believe what we are doing is right, we are doing what we have always done, or working for the better. Is it really that shocking that we tend to close up, to shut down to feel we are a lesser being, we someone makes us feel smaller than we think of our self? Whether it be at home, at work, with a friend, somehow, someway, each day we experience some sort of criticism from ourselves or someone else, that draws us a little further away from that dream, that hope that we had of our own form of success. When instances like these happen repeatedly we often lose faith in our own ability to accomplish something. It is hard to defeat someone who has taken up residence inside your head.
We often give up that hope that faith that we do not see yet somehow at some point thought we could reach. No matter your dream, if you think it possible you can make it possible. Successful people pay more attention to their own goals and visions than the opinions of others around them.
"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success."
~ Norman Vincent Peale ~
Tonight I am thankful for my inner cheerleader, my will for success, my drive, my ambition, my family, their support, my desire to help others, my faith and my spirit. May tomorrow bring many blessings and may I prosper and grow into the person I knew I could always be.
We often give up that hope that faith that we do not see yet somehow at some point thought we could reach. No matter your dream, if you think it possible you can make it possible. Successful people pay more attention to their own goals and visions than the opinions of others around them.
"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success."
~ Norman Vincent Peale ~
Tonight I am thankful for my inner cheerleader, my will for success, my drive, my ambition, my family, their support, my desire to help others, my faith and my spirit. May tomorrow bring many blessings and may I prosper and grow into the person I knew I could always be.
Monday, April 11, 2011
ME
I think I am back, I think that I am here to stay. I have gotten some great advise over the past few weeks on how to rediscover myself, be myself and go with the flow. I am now more prepared to live my dreams, don't let my obstacles get in the way, enjoy what I am doing while I am doing it, still dream big, know that I am destined to do great things, be a positive spirit for others, share my sunshine and give back and pay forward. I am not sure that I will always stay here, but I am certainly going to try. I am ME, I believe in ME, there is no one out there exactly like ME, I need to accept ME, embrace ME and be ME.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
Harriet Tubman
1822-1913, Abolitionist
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
Harriet Tubman
1822-1913, Abolitionist
Thursday, March 31, 2011
what does success mean to you
I think that often times we measure our success not by what we think it means to be successful but what we think others think it means to be successful. The very first definition of success in the dictionary states: the favourable outcome of something attempted- many of us often link success to money and how much money it takes to be successful can be different to every one, just like how is success defined can vary. But do we really need money to be successful? Does it have to be associated with each other, can it be? Yes of course, but does it have to define us? No. We can be successful at many attempts of anything in our life. From finding our keys in the morning before we walk out the door to finishing the dishes at night before we go to bed, to getting a better job, spending time with our loved ones after a hard day all the way to becoming a millionaire and every where in between. You can often times be more successful yearning for something then how much you can earn at it. Success does not equal money. As Zig Ziglar said- Success is not measured by what you do compared to what others do, it is measured by what you do with the ability God gave you. He also said- you can always earn money but can never get back time wasted. I love this and it is so true. Time is gone in a blink of an eye, an unkind word, a missed chance, an opportunity gone by.. pay attention to your calling, listen for it, find it embrace it, you never know what you may be missing.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Time
There is definitely something to be said for time. Time can allow a lot of potential in your life. Today was a day that I felt that time and patience allowed me to accomplish a lot of the necessary things that I had been needing to do. Things that the weekend did not allow for due to being to busy working every day.
I finished my book edits, wrote some contracts, played with my son, made dinner, paid some bills, and some other unmentioned items of paperwork. I wish every day allowed for me to have this sense of calm in my life. I think the hurried attitude that I constantly feel the need to have really isn't all that healthy but sometimes unpreventable. This time that I experienced today will prove positive results in my near future I am almost certain of it. I will keep my chin up, smile and carry the confident attitude that I need to produce the results I am looking for. If I can visualize it, I receive the instructions on how to make it happen. Positive thoughts prove positive results.
Here is to patience and taking my time, to hear what my opportunities may be.
I finished my book edits, wrote some contracts, played with my son, made dinner, paid some bills, and some other unmentioned items of paperwork. I wish every day allowed for me to have this sense of calm in my life. I think the hurried attitude that I constantly feel the need to have really isn't all that healthy but sometimes unpreventable. This time that I experienced today will prove positive results in my near future I am almost certain of it. I will keep my chin up, smile and carry the confident attitude that I need to produce the results I am looking for. If I can visualize it, I receive the instructions on how to make it happen. Positive thoughts prove positive results.
Here is to patience and taking my time, to hear what my opportunities may be.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Wow, what a day! I could have totally had it be a crappy one for the start that I had. Apparently something is wrong with my alarm, my husband didn't set his and I planned to wake up at 4 to do a little cardio workout before work. Paxton fussed a few times in the middle of the night and the dog had to go out so my sleep pattern was interrupted more than a few times. I guess the odds were against me, or maybe in my favor when I woke up startled to face the clock that said 5:28 AM, someone must have thought I needed a little more sleep time! Granted my alarm clock is about 10 minutes fast but I usually leave the house at 5:35 AM so 5:18 doesn't allow for much time to get ready. I somehow was able to get dressed, pull my hair in a ponytail, shove some lunch in my lunch bag and get out the door by 5:45 only 10 minutes later than normal. I made it to work makeup-less but somehow only 8 minutes late. I had to be grateful that I wasn't too late, I got there safely and in a pretty decent mood. I am trying to begin to realize that there are certain things that we can't fix, re-do or change. It is what it is and we have to accept it and look forward. I was proud of myself for remaining calm and not letting it ruin my day. My husband made it to work exactly on time for him, YAY!
I had a great day at work. I started my day off with my friend who loves to keep me in check of my attitude and emotions and I of hers. We have been doing daily worksheets and lists to keep us in check of our lives and our emotions and allow us to focus on our daily tasks rather than outside circumstances, not only to be productive employees but also personally grateful for the things we do have.
Once a week we do a Questions to ask myself daily worksheet, this helps to focus on what we are doing in our life to bring about the things we want the most. Other days we just make lists like why we have enough or why we deserve more. Today our list was: The things we liked most about our self? It is really hard to answer this question at times I think. Sometimes we are too modest, sometimes to conservative and sometimes feel to embarrassed to share with others how we truly feel about ourselves not wanting to look egotistical or self centered. I think we don't boost ourselves up enough. Frankly sometimes I think I am awesome and I should! I work hard and I need to remember to believe in myself, believe in my abilities, believe that God has planned for me to do great things with my life and be grateful that I am here to do these things. As I said last night on my face book page, it is never to late to be what you might have been.
I had a great day at work. I started my day off with my friend who loves to keep me in check of my attitude and emotions and I of hers. We have been doing daily worksheets and lists to keep us in check of our lives and our emotions and allow us to focus on our daily tasks rather than outside circumstances, not only to be productive employees but also personally grateful for the things we do have.
Once a week we do a Questions to ask myself daily worksheet, this helps to focus on what we are doing in our life to bring about the things we want the most. Other days we just make lists like why we have enough or why we deserve more. Today our list was: The things we liked most about our self? It is really hard to answer this question at times I think. Sometimes we are too modest, sometimes to conservative and sometimes feel to embarrassed to share with others how we truly feel about ourselves not wanting to look egotistical or self centered. I think we don't boost ourselves up enough. Frankly sometimes I think I am awesome and I should! I work hard and I need to remember to believe in myself, believe in my abilities, believe that God has planned for me to do great things with my life and be grateful that I am here to do these things. As I said last night on my face book page, it is never to late to be what you might have been.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Random Acts of Kindness
Have you ever had someone do something for you that was kind but unexpected? Have you ever done something for someone and they didn't even know it was you? How about for a complete stranger?
On my way to the zoo this morning I decided that since I had given up coffee for lent I deserved a yummy Soy Chai Latte from Starbucks; A Venti nonetheless. I went through the drive thru, when I approached the window the lady smiled really big and said, here you go have a nice day the lady in the vehicle in front of you paid for your drink... I looked at her and said " you are kidding right? Did she know me?" She said no, she just paid for it. Wow, I was speechless. I was on the phone with my husband at the time that couldn't believe it either. I silently said a prayer and blessed the lady for having such a kind heart. I truly felt blessed. It really amazes me in this day and time that someone would be so nice as to do this for me. Why was I the lucky one? I decided that it was not for me to question, just to add to my list of things to be grateful for and to pay it forward someday.
Og Mandino's Rule Ten of a Better Way to Live states:
Beginning today, treat everyone you meet, friend or foe, loved one or stranger, as if they were going to die at midnight. Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.
On my way to the zoo this morning I decided that since I had given up coffee for lent I deserved a yummy Soy Chai Latte from Starbucks; A Venti nonetheless. I went through the drive thru, when I approached the window the lady smiled really big and said, here you go have a nice day the lady in the vehicle in front of you paid for your drink... I looked at her and said " you are kidding right? Did she know me?" She said no, she just paid for it. Wow, I was speechless. I was on the phone with my husband at the time that couldn't believe it either. I silently said a prayer and blessed the lady for having such a kind heart. I truly felt blessed. It really amazes me in this day and time that someone would be so nice as to do this for me. Why was I the lucky one? I decided that it was not for me to question, just to add to my list of things to be grateful for and to pay it forward someday.
Og Mandino's Rule Ten of a Better Way to Live states:
Beginning today, treat everyone you meet, friend or foe, loved one or stranger, as if they were going to die at midnight. Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
5 simple questions
I never thought that 5 simple questions on a written interview would be such a huge deal to me or make me think deeper about myself, who I am and where I want to be. I never thought it would take me 5 days to approach them with gusto. It is amazing to me how little we can have confidence in our self when we think it may be of the utmost importance. I guess sometimes it is hard to praise our self and not in some little way seem cocky about it. I am a pretty modest person, but I think I am good at the things I do and I am proud of myself for my accomplishments, yet I don't want to seem like one of those people that everyone deems stuck up, stuck on themselves or too good for others. I want my abilities to be natural, I want to maintain approachability and trust of others, I want to remain free of judgement but still motivate others to reach a place where they too have confidence and give 100% of themselves to whatever their cause or passion may be. I want to worry less and enjoy more, I want to fear less and do more. I want to approach things with ease not struggle. I want to be passionate in the things I do, give my best to every situation that I encounter, I may not be able to choose my situation, but I can definitely handle and control how I deal with it. I need to remember to always walk in my own shoes, never someone else's.
Monday, March 14, 2011
who am I
Sometimes I think that I contemplate too many things and it is hard to make a decision. I second guess myself as I think we all do at times. My latest dilemma deals with my books and how I want the world to see me as an author.
I have contemplated how I should sign my books and it really took a lot of thinking and a good friend to help me see what the right thing would be, even though it might not be what she originally intended.
I remember as far back as 5th or 6th grade writing poetry, then short stories. I have always signed them Dani Rae. Growing up Danielle Rae Jen, only a few people referred to me in this way. I guess I felt maybe it distinguished me no maybe defined me as a writer? Nonetheless, I didn't want to hurt anyones feelings or have someone take it the wrong way now that I am now Dani Miller, I have not always been Dani Miller and that is not what defines me.
I asked a close friend who has known me as both. In a way I think she was trying to get me to see that it was okay to be Dani Rae, even if I struggled with it being too personal for a children's book. She said the books are inspired by your beautiful bay boy, so yes it is personal in a way, the artist in me wrote the book and my artist is danirae. Then it hit me, it was my beautiful baby boy that inspired me to write my children's series and I highly doubt I would be the mother of my beautiful baby boy, if I hadn't become Dani Miller and for that, that is who I am now.
I have contemplated how I should sign my books and it really took a lot of thinking and a good friend to help me see what the right thing would be, even though it might not be what she originally intended.
I remember as far back as 5th or 6th grade writing poetry, then short stories. I have always signed them Dani Rae. Growing up Danielle Rae Jen, only a few people referred to me in this way. I guess I felt maybe it distinguished me no maybe defined me as a writer? Nonetheless, I didn't want to hurt anyones feelings or have someone take it the wrong way now that I am now Dani Miller, I have not always been Dani Miller and that is not what defines me.
I asked a close friend who has known me as both. In a way I think she was trying to get me to see that it was okay to be Dani Rae, even if I struggled with it being too personal for a children's book. She said the books are inspired by your beautiful bay boy, so yes it is personal in a way, the artist in me wrote the book and my artist is danirae. Then it hit me, it was my beautiful baby boy that inspired me to write my children's series and I highly doubt I would be the mother of my beautiful baby boy, if I hadn't become Dani Miller and for that, that is who I am now.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Lent
There are plenty of things I have given up in the past that weren't really huge, things that I knew I could have again eventually or things that maybe I didn't have on a daily basis, like sweets. I really agree about the meaning and reason behind why a lot of Christian faith's "give up" something during this time, many people give there word and don't last 1 week, 1/2 way let alone all the way to the end of Lent, even when I was a kid growing up, we could have whatever we gave up on Sundays. As I was sitting in church on Sunday listening to the priest talk about Lent and sacrifice and keeping your word in a society that is easy to give into peer pressure and go with the crowd it dawned on me that sometimes I think we give up things that we know we can or that we have before, otherwise we have a fear of failing or not sticking to our word. Why it is that we do this I am not certain. Are we really easy to give in to pressure and our own mind somehow telling us it is okay to cheat or go back on our original promise whether it be to our self or someone else? I often times think that it is easy to make up excuses in our head as to why it is okay to slip up, make that mistake, lots of people mess up you just start over again. It goes back to the same principles that I have talked about before. You can promise yourself you will diet starting Monday, you will start exercising for sure, you will read more, spend more time with the ones you love, do something once a month for yourself, call your loved ones more, quit smoking, give up alcohol, candy, sweets, carbs, caffeine or some other crutch you have... and when it doesn't work out, heck no worries you will just do it again... starting Monday.
I think this habit of allowing ourselves to do it again has led us to go against our original word. Take marriage for example, it is such a norm for divorce nowadays. If it isn't working out, no biggie we can get out of it, move on to the next person and try again. This is really sad. I hope that my marriage continues to grow and I am never faced with such a situation. It takes effort and sometimes I think we are too tired in this fast paced world to put much effort into a lot of things that we do.
I have let the priest sermon sink in, it really makes me feel that whatever it is that I give my word on I should definitely strive to stick to it, hold myself accountable, not be picky/choosy when it comes to what I can make myself stick to and eh, what is okay to take back. My word should be my word whether to myself or someone else.
So today I give my word that I will take this Lenten Season to renew my commitment to myself and God.
I will give up coffee (this is going to be a hard one, not only because I wake up for work at 4:30 AM but because I have grown accustom to the taste and the pleasure of drinking my flavored creamer coffee on my hour drive to work.)
I am also throwing in a do, on top of my sacrifice, I will be more patient with myself and not allow things to get to me, things happen beyond my control and the more upset I get about a situation the more negative energy I release.
Hopefully with the combination of both of these things plus my dedication to going to the gym 3-4 days a week will give me a much needed boost in energy to climb from any slumps that may have appeared over the course of the past couple years.
"Everyone who got to where they are had to begin where they were." - Richard Paul Evans
I think this habit of allowing ourselves to do it again has led us to go against our original word. Take marriage for example, it is such a norm for divorce nowadays. If it isn't working out, no biggie we can get out of it, move on to the next person and try again. This is really sad. I hope that my marriage continues to grow and I am never faced with such a situation. It takes effort and sometimes I think we are too tired in this fast paced world to put much effort into a lot of things that we do.
I have let the priest sermon sink in, it really makes me feel that whatever it is that I give my word on I should definitely strive to stick to it, hold myself accountable, not be picky/choosy when it comes to what I can make myself stick to and eh, what is okay to take back. My word should be my word whether to myself or someone else.
So today I give my word that I will take this Lenten Season to renew my commitment to myself and God.
I will give up coffee (this is going to be a hard one, not only because I wake up for work at 4:30 AM but because I have grown accustom to the taste and the pleasure of drinking my flavored creamer coffee on my hour drive to work.)
I am also throwing in a do, on top of my sacrifice, I will be more patient with myself and not allow things to get to me, things happen beyond my control and the more upset I get about a situation the more negative energy I release.
Hopefully with the combination of both of these things plus my dedication to going to the gym 3-4 days a week will give me a much needed boost in energy to climb from any slumps that may have appeared over the course of the past couple years.
"Everyone who got to where they are had to begin where they were." - Richard Paul Evans
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
why let it get to me
Oh how I wish that things didn't get me so upset. I hate it when you try to explain something to someone over and over and truly feel that you may as well be talking to a brick wall. There are certain situations that I wish I could just make go away, medical bills that I don't agree with (granted some of what is owed I understand) but the hidden fees and non explained items up front don't settle right in my book. When you offer a service to someone and make it sound great but don't say there is a fee attached it kind of rubs me the wrong way. When I provide a service for someone I am going to say what they are getting involved in up front, I am going to be honest, I am going to treat the customer with respect and I am going to fully explain everything. I am not going to use lingo they don't understand without explaining it, I am going to make sure that the customer is satisfied and if they are not I am going to correct it or figure out a plan. Too many businesses these days are so big that one or a few dissatisfied people are really not going to hurt the business as a whole and therefore they feel they have the power to treat others with disrespect and negligence. It is quite absurd.
Now that I just vented I am going to let this go, think positive that I will get it straightened out this week (after 15 months of argument) before I stress my self out even more, and just list all the little things today that I am thankful for. To concentrate on the good, the positive and allow my attitude to reflect those things and not the frustrations that I apparently cannot control no matter how hard I try.
I am grateful for my husband who helped out this morning.
For my adorable little kid.
My in laws for watching my son so I could go to a meeting for Real Estate after work.
For my husband for cooking dinner and putting our son to bed.
For my mom who supports me in everything I do.
For the sunshine, blue skies and beautiful weather.
For co-workers who believe in my abilities.
For friends.
Going to the gym and getting a great workout.
Sticking to my eating and workout plan.
Getting an accepted contract.
Learning about new marketing tools that will help increase my RE business.
For talking with a student who brightened my day.
For understanding people.
I am grateful for much much more.
Today this entry may be a little random, but the venting helped.
This quote of the day sums me up in a nutshell a lot of the time.
"Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should, they never get around to do what they want to do."
Kathleen Winsor
1919-2003, Author
Now that I just vented I am going to let this go, think positive that I will get it straightened out this week (after 15 months of argument) before I stress my self out even more, and just list all the little things today that I am thankful for. To concentrate on the good, the positive and allow my attitude to reflect those things and not the frustrations that I apparently cannot control no matter how hard I try.
I am grateful for my husband who helped out this morning.
For my adorable little kid.
My in laws for watching my son so I could go to a meeting for Real Estate after work.
For my husband for cooking dinner and putting our son to bed.
For my mom who supports me in everything I do.
For the sunshine, blue skies and beautiful weather.
For co-workers who believe in my abilities.
For friends.
Going to the gym and getting a great workout.
Sticking to my eating and workout plan.
Getting an accepted contract.
Learning about new marketing tools that will help increase my RE business.
For talking with a student who brightened my day.
For understanding people.
I am grateful for much much more.
Today this entry may be a little random, but the venting helped.
This quote of the day sums me up in a nutshell a lot of the time.
"Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should, they never get around to do what they want to do."
Kathleen Winsor
1919-2003, Author
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