on being true to yourself...

Along the lines of listening to your inner voice, is the thought or the committment, of being true to yourself. Being true to yourself is honoring YOUR thoughts, values, morals, and beliefs. It means not going along with what everyone else things, when you know deep in your heart, you feel otherwise. Being true to yourself is knowing what you stand for, and standing up for it. Being true to yourself is being able to get a good nights sleep, because of the good choices you've made throughout your day. Being true to yourself is recognizing that what you think or may believe is different from your family and friends thoughts, but still being okay with it. Being true to yourself is eliminiating negativity or negative people in your life, because having them in your life makes your inner body crumble! Being true to yourself is PEACE OF MIND. It is knowing that you are doing your best, being yourself, living through love, and feeling good, really good about the life you live!

Today's activity: be true to yourself

Today I encourage you to be true to yourself. Again, this does not mean that it is ok to hurt others, or be uncivil to the world around you, but rather, honor the person who YOU are. Honor the person who you have worked so hard to become. Honor your morals and values. Be true to what you believe, because at night, you will sleep soundly and peacefully. While you may not believe it what everyone around you thinks, it is okay to respect their inner being, and them being true to themselves. Today, dive inside of you, be true to your beating heart, and watch the incredible person who will reveal himself/herself to the world. Be at peace....it is one of the most incredibly rewarding feelings in the world!

on writing, part 2...

Ive recently read numerous books that have talked about how the art of writing is going away, and when I say writing, I mean hand writing. The days of hand written thank you notes, and hand written poems or short stories seem to be a thing of the past. With texting, emailing, voice recording, and pc's in general, people are opting to put down the pen, and pick up the keyboard. Personally, I think this is very sad. For starters, I love paper! I truly do. I can get lost in a paper store for hours, selecting the perfect greeting card, or thank you note. In addition, it has taken me many years to find a writing instrument, in my case, the perfect felt tip pen, to write with. In addition, we have talked a bit about the importance and personal value and appreciation behind a hand written thank you note. Today, I am talking a bit more, like how about a short story? Something quick and fun. Words, let's say 500 of them right off the top of your head. Fun or not funny, serious or silly, what would your short story look like. Right off the bat you might think that you hand/wrist will hurt if you had to write a 500 word short story, not to mention, the amount of brain juice you might have to use to compile a story line, but think about what an accomplishment you will have made as you HAND WRITE the words...."the end"!

Today's activity: write a short story

Today I encourage you to write a short story, no more, no fewer than 500 words. Subject matter is your choice, and if you long for a subject matter, you're probably thinking too hard! You must hand write this story, paper and pencil, in case you've forgotten. Feel free to take a break if your hand begins to hurt, but set a deadline, or a time frame for you to have your story complete. I will help you out with the first line, and then the rest is up to you. And, by all means, don't forget to conclude with, "the end".

Here you go, have fun....

"Once upon a time.........."

on YOUR book cover...

Seeing that we all are kind of like a book, we all have a cover, and several hundred pages inside! I am wondering, if your life was a book, what would the cover look like? Would your cover be in black or white or in color? Would it be a hard cover or a paper back? Would it be in glossy or matte finish? Would there be text, photos, or both? Would you be the author, or would it be a biography? If color, what colors would be represented on the cover? What time of photos? What type font? Remember, this book, or this book cover is a representation of you, so you want it to speak volumes, or at least umbrella the hundreds of pages that follow on the inside. This is your book, the facade to your life, and your life story!

Today's activity: design your book cover

Today I encourage you to design the book cover to your life story. How do you want your life to be represented via a book cover. This is an activity you can create in your mind, or even one you can put on paper. I want you to think long and hard about what would be represented about you on the cover of the book. Im assuming you'd want to highlight the very best things about you, but that may not be the case. Think about photos, color, black & white, text, font, etc. Really think this through. This should be a really fun project that will get you excited about he person you are, and how you would like yourself to be represented to others. Remember, this book cover is much like a first impression, so in any case, you'll want it to be your best work. Think about it, visualize it, and who knows, before long, your book may be on the New York Times Best Seller list! Enjoy!!!

on the outside cover...

I am sure we have all heard the saying..."don't judge a book by its cover", and I am here to tell you...this is an absolutely true statement that we all need to live by! A couple of weeks ago a dear friend of mine was having a couple of bad days. She was remembering her dad, who had passed away a few years ago. With that being said, it is obvious that she was a little sad and depressed, not to mention, that the Thanksgiving holiday was upon us. While my friend went about her day with a smile on her face, she was truly sad and suffering inside. I know this to be true because she even went to the extent of talking to me about it, when she is typically a very strong person who does not let her sadness show. A couple of her co-workers were really giving her a rough time, thinking all along that they were playfully teasing her, when in reality, she was taking the unkind gestures to heart. Although the two pranksters were not aware of her sadness, they really did not know when to lighten up on her. While my friend carried a smile on her face the entire day, she left work feeling beat up, and more sad than ever before. Because I deeply care about my friend, I was really disturbed by these happenings. Yes, my friend has a very happy go lucky attitude, and typically the life of any party, but that is not to say that she doesn't have feelings of her own. Like any other person, my friend feels pain, cries, gets sad, and depressed. On the flip side her highs or joys of life are very large, and perhaps this is why people who surround her, often take her for always being happy, and never suffering inside. This is just one example of how we are all real, and we all feel a realm of different emotions in life. While we may walk with a smile on our faces, we may actually be suffering inside. While at work, or out to play, we may have a "game" face on, but when at home, or by ourselves we may actually be very sad or depressed. This goes back to each of us having a story, a personal story. We never really know what pain or suffering one may be going through, so the bottom line...."Never judge a book by its cover"!

Today's activity: never judge

Today I encourage you to be kind to everyone, and avoid being judgmental. If someone appears to be sad, or full of joy, this may just be a cover for what really may be going on inside of them, in their personal life. Someone may appear to be very poor, but may be a millionaire, or someone who may seem very pulled together, may be filled with turmoil. Our job in life is to go about, minding our own business, and to not be judgmental to or about others. We all have a story, and we are all human beings. At the end of the day, I have the same inner workings as my neighbors, my friends, and my enemies. I truly believe it is how we go about using our inner gifts that makes the real difference in life. After all, a book that may be seemingly unattractive on the outside, may be the VERY BEST read you have ever stumbled across! 

on inner voice...

Just like the inner power, we all have an inner voice. Our voice never really speaks "out loud", however, he or she speaks to each and every one of us. Our inner voice may also be known as...our intuition, or listening to our hearts, or our gut feeling. All of these words or sayings refer to our inner voice. This is the voice inside of us that tells us what is right or wrong for us. Our inner voice kind of silently leads us, or points in the right direction when we need to make decision, or are in a quandry about life. Our inner voice often gives us the gumption to take risks, speak up and out, and to overcome personal obstacles with ease. Often times people say they do not have an inner voice, truth be told...you do! If you don't think you have an inner voice, then you probably aren't listening close enough. While the inner voice speaks softly, he/she is powerful. So often, when we don't listen to our inner vocalist, we find ourselves making mistakes, and then saying to ourselves..."I should have listened to my gut feeling", or "I should have followed my heart". Sometimes is may be difficult to listen to our heart, because we may find that we will disappoint other people. The bottom line is....you must listen to our own personal inner voice. He/she is always correct. Even if, in the moment, you may fear that you will hurt or disappoint someone else, your inner voice truly knows the way, and that knowledge will help you to overcome any obstacle that comes into your path. I firmly believe, you must listen to your heart to follow YOUR personal dreams, which will lead you to having a full, complete, and joyously loving life!

Today's activity: listen to your inner voice

Today I encourage you to listen to your inner voice. Listen quietly and carefully to the strong, loud, yet subtle person or voice inside of you. You may think that he or she is not in there, but she is! Just quiet yourself, bring peace around you, and be intune to the voice inside. Your inner voice will guide you through difficult times, or times when you find it hard to make a decision. Often times, your inner voice acts like a guardian angel, helping you to make split second decisions that can save your life, or guide you down the right path. Once you've tuned into your inner angel, you will wonder how life ever existed without being in touch with the inner being. Truth be told, your inner voice has always been there, guiding you, and protecting you, even when you may not have been listening. So much like your favorite song, tune into the voice inside of you, and listen to her sing her heart out for you!

on the journey...

Life, in itself, is a journey. We go about our days doing our thing; working, tending to family, perhaps school, or other activities. Throughout our days, or at least mine, I often find myself thinking..."I can't wait until my work day is over" or, "I can hardly wait until I'm finished reading this book", or "I can't wait until Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter arrives". I always seem to be waiting for something to end, but in reality, I am wishing my journey of life away. A while back I was living in a state of constant renovation in my living space. Wherever I turned, there seemed to be construction going on. I felt like I was living out of boxes, and complete disorder. I remember saying "I am so tired of living under renovation, I can hardly wait until the work is complete". It was then that a very wise man said to me..."what's your hurry? what's left in life if you finish all of your projects...death?" And yet another time in my life, I was wishing a long car ride away, when the driver said to me..."relax, part of the fun is in the journey"! Both of these individuals were so right. Part of the fun is in the renovation process, or the long car ride. Part of the fun is in the uncertainty or the unknown of life, so why wish it away? Even during the worst times of my life I was able to experience some of the best, most memorable, times of my life. So what would have happened if I had not rode the waves of pain? Welp, I would not have been able to enjoy the waves of joy! As I grow up, and grow wise, I am desperately trying to enjoy each and every moment of the journey of life. On days like today, when it's 20 degrees and blistery cold outside, it is hard to not wish for Spring, but on the flip side, the day is filled with beautiful snowflakes falling from the sky. The journey of life is amazing, all of the little details of life that we pass along the way. Rather than wish the journey away, I vote for becoming more aware, or wide eye'd, at the excitement, and wonder of life, and hope and wish that the journey will never end!

Today's activity: enjoy the journey

Today I encourage you to enjoy the journey or ride of life. Rather than wish the time away; when the kids grow up, when I get my degree and high paying job, when I get married and settle down, ENJOY TODAY. Enjoy the moment, enjoy the environment, enjoy the kids, enjoy your messy house. Rather than wish it away, look for ways to celebrate your current place and state of life. Enjoy the mess of the renovation, this time is enabling you to be more laid back about house chores! Enjoy your home full of screaming, crying kids, because one day your home will be so quiet, you will be wishing for screaming, quiet kids. Enjoy the traffic jam,  perhaps your favorite song will come along on the radio! The bottom line is...enjoy the journey, the amazing journey of LIFE! Don't wish the time away, because one day, you may find yourself wishing for that time back! Life will pass you in the blink of an eye, if you are not wide eye'd and aware of the amazement that surrounds you!

on never giving your power up...

Yesterday I blogged about finding your inner power, and today I am going to chat about....NEVER GIVING THAT POWER UP! One of my favorite sayings to my friends, family, and co-workers is: "don't give your power up", and I mean it! It is sad that we work so hard to locate our inner power, and then we find it so easy to give up that power when someone upsets us, gets angry with us, or pushes our sensitive buttons. Remember the blogs about lightening up, and the one about life is too short...yup, that's it! Personal inner power is something only we can control. There are many, many times throughout our daily lives when people rub us the wrong way, or perhaps say something that is not very kind, or something is said that is taken out of context. It is so easy to let the smallest, most insignificant thing set us off, and then ruin the remainder of our day. It's not worth it! Perhaps the person who spoke negatively towards you is the person having the bad day, and he or she wants to take their anger out on you. Perhaps your boss woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and now plans to be grumpy towards you. Perhaps the person who cut you off in the drive thru just lost a family member or friend, and is not focused on the moment, therefore, he/she cut you off. The bottom line is, we all have a story in life, and none of us really know what may or may not be going on in someone else's life, allowing them to act they way they are. The key to success is: don't ever give up your personal power, and allow others actions or words to take away from your personal happiness. If someone angers or upsets you, deal with it in the moment, acknowledge the anger or hurt, and then do your best to move on. It is not worth carrying the weight of this anger or hurt around with you, in the end, it is only going to bring you down. So the next time someone grabs the last cookie out of the cookie jar, don't get angry and give up your power, on the contrary, thank them for saving you the 120 calories!

Today's activity: maintaining your personal power

Today I encourage you to not only find, but hang onto that personal power you worked so hard to cultivate. Don't let loved one's or random people hurt you, or anger you. Stay strong, and stay focused on your personal happiness. Acknowledge the fact that you may have been hurt or angered, but then move on, and move on quickly. The more time you spend being angry, the less time you have to be happy. In the scheme of life, it is crazy to sweat the small stuff, and I am a firm believer that we are not given more than we can handle. Little obstacles that we may encounter through are paths of life, are merely character building experiences. Mean hearted and evil people are no counts, so by all means: never, never, never give up your power!  Hang onto that personal inner power like it is a fragile, invaluable piece of art that has been handed down for generations...not easy to come by, but once you own, you'll never give it up!

on finding your inner power...

Inner power, think you don't have it, well, you do! Think you can't find it, well, you can! Yes, I am here to tell you that YOU have an inner power, and if you have yet to discover it....NOW IS THE TIME! Inner power is the small, yet mighty and powerful force inside of you. Each of us have it, many of us choose not to tap into it. Inner power is the force of gumption that we all possess. Inner power does not make us a mean or evil hearted person, on the contrary, inner power gives us the wisdom and strength to deal with tough times, and face bumps in the road of life with ease. It's a power or force that is often quiet itself, until you take the time to be quiet and listen to the power inside of you. Inner power is the voice that enables you to speak up for what you believe in, to face your fears, to handle life with grace and ease. I, personally, never thought I had an inner power. I grew up being very shy, often times clinging to my mother's leg, even around family members and friends I knew. It was not until I was about 30 or 31 years old, did I allow my inner power to be heard. For me, it took a horrible divorce, and a fight for my child, to speak up, to be heard. I can remember this particular day like it was yesterday. I was in a courtroom, with a judge, 2 attorney's, and my ex-husband. For every attack that my ex made on me, I was able to speak up and defend myself and my beliefs. I was prepared with facts of events that took place, so I was able to speak intelligently, and professionally. The judge and the attorney's were able to see right through his eyes and his lies. When all was said and done, I looked in the mirror, at awe of myself, wondering where that powerful voice had been for all of the prior years. I guess, for me, it took a fight for my child to shake me up. Something I love so deeply, and care for so much. I am passionate about being a mom, and I would fight for my daughter until the end of time. So, I guess it is quite obvious how we tap into our inner power...have someone push the wrong button on  something that you believe in deeply, and then stand back and watch the volcano erupt!

Today's activity: find YOUR inner power

Today I encourage you to find your inner power...trust me, he or she is in there!
Listen deeply, it may, at first, sound like your stomach is growling, but with further examination, you will find that it is the power inside of you, just begging to be released! Again, inner power is not a mean hearted spirit, but rather a powerful force of personal guidance that will get you through tough and rough times of life. For so long, we have been domesticated to remain quiet, and be seen, but not heard. I am here to tell you, if you have something to say, say it! But say it with grace, and professionalism. Stand up for yourself, for your rights, for your kids, or for another other thing or person who does not have the ability to speak up. Personal inner power is just that...POWERFUL! It makes you feel like you can tackle the world with ease. Funny how a trait such as inner power, can make you feel at ease, because if used properly, you are defending yourself and your beliefs. As my day in the courtroom ended, I walked to my car, thanking my Higher Power, for giving me the strength and inner power to stand up so strongly for what I believe it....my baby girl, and me being a mom!  That night, I slept more soundly then I had for months before!

on maintaining your acre...

Today we will focus on maintaining our acre of land in life. Yup, that's it, just one acre! Seems pretty easy, since we go about our daily life thinking we need to care of this, that, and everything else. Thinking that our jobs will fall apart if we don't hold the entire department or company together. Thinking that our child won't pass their math exam, if we aren't there to take the test for them. Thinking that our spouse will starve if we don't have dinner prepared for him/her. Well, I am here to tell you, that today, you only have to maintain YOUR acre of land. I like to look at it this way. In life, we are each given one piece of land, one acre if you will, and all you have to do, is maintain it to the VERY BEST of your ability. If you want grass on your acre, plant it, and mow it. If you want a home on your acre, build it, and care for it. This is not to say that everything and everybody else in your world should fall by the wayside, oh no Sir-ee Bob, this is to say, that if you care for your acre, and everyone else in your world does the same, then the world would be a such a beautiful, well maintained and harmonious place! I visualize my acre with a cute small home. Lots of flowers blooming, the sky blue with the sun shining above. I wake up every day on my acre, and I go about life, doing my best. When I feel a little of key or out of sorts, I listen to my body and soul, and I see what I NEED to be a better me. I then do my best to adjust my acre so that things run smoothly again. I know, for me, that if my personal relationships are not all in line, I know that if I am not caught up on my homework, and I know that if my home is a mess, my acre, or life, will not run smoothly that day. I know that, without being selfish, I need to take care of me first, so that I can be my personal best for everyone, and every thing else in my life. Living in a mindset that you only have to take care of your acre is kind of a relief. It puts the full spectrum of life into perspective for me, and life does not seem so overwhelming. I mean, if I only need to take care of one acre, then life seems much more manageable. I can maintain one acre with ease, and grace!

Today's activity: maintain your acre

Today I encourage you to maintain your acre. Take care of the immediate space around you, and everything else will fall into place. Be sure YOUR personal ducks are in a row, and go about your daily life doing your very best. Move forward with the mindset that everyone else is also doing their very best, because they may in fact, be doing the best that they can at that moment. Never put your values and morals on others, because each of us, have our own set of morals and values. Go about your day, doing your best, and smiling along the way. Listen to your personal needs, and address any quirks as needed. You will find that if you show up, and do your personal best at any given moment of each and every day, your acre will be the prettiest one, and the best maintained in all the land!

Always....TAKE CARE OF YOU! xo

on babies...

Today I am thankful, so thankful, for my baby girl. Emily Grace is truly the light of my life, and I am so thankful for her each and every day. When I was young, and newly married, I never thought I would want children. I thought I was to self centered, and did not have enough patience to raise a family. I did not think I was loving enough, and thought I had any good qualities or traits to pass onto a little love. Well, as live evolves, and four years of marriage pass, I found myself being pregnant. My now ex-husband, and I, were thrilled. I was so excited for the arrival of my little love. I journaled each and every day during my pregnancy. I wrote about my hopes, my fears, and my dreams of being a parent. At that time, I was convinced I was having a baby boy. But no matter if I had a baby boy or girl, my main focus was a healthy baby, and one I could love to death! Well on July 12, 1996, my world changed like never before. Emily Grace was born @ 5:44am. Her dad selected her name, which I think fits her very well. The moment I first held her was so amazing. I greeting her with the words..."welcome to the world baby girl", and she looked up at me like she knew me. Sure we were meeting face to face, but this new little life and I had bonded for 9 months. Emily recognized my voice when I spoke to her...it was amazing! Life with Emily has always been great. Is she the best child in the universe? Is she the most beautiful young lady in the world? In my eyes she is!! She truly brings me so much joy, I have tears in my eyes just thinking about her. Does she drive me crazy? Do I worry about her morning, noon, and night? Of course I do, but isn't that what most parents do?!? I know in life there are so many people who would love to be a parent, but for whatever reason, cannot. I also know there are so many people in the world, who have children, but should not. What I also know is that I am so grateful for the gift of my child who has been given to me. Emily is healthy, and happy. She has a great sense of humor, and personality. She lights up my life, as I know she does so many other people's lives. She is truly a gift, perhaps the greatest gift I will ever receive, and for that...I am eternally grateful!

Today's activity: be thankful for your babies

Today I encourage you to be grateful for your children. Be thankful for the little walks of life that fill our homes with love, laughter, and even headaches! Be thankful when you hear their laughter, and wipe their tears in times of fear. Be thankful for their health, and for all the little gifts they bring into your life. I know that times can be tough as parents, but I truly believe that if you parent from your heart, and do your very, very best for your child, he or she will turn out just fine. Love big, and in turn, you will have big reward!!! 

on the world around us...

Today I give thanks for the world that surrounds each and every one of us. Some of us are fortunate to live in on an ocean front, while some of us may find ourselves in a Midwestern state, that does not seem to have a ton of excitement, and still others may live in a third world country, without even the modern convenience of clean water to drink. But no matter where we call home, we can see or find natures beauty in our immediate surroundings. When I wake up every morning, it is typically dark, as the day unfolds, I am always anxious and excited to see if the sun will shine. I also tend to take a look up, and see whether or not the sky is blue, and if there are clouds in the sky. Depending on the season, I look around to see if there are leaves on the trees, or on the ground. Are the flowers blooming and the grass green, or are the flowers and grass taking a break during the cold winter months. Are the birds chirping or are the silent? Are there bee's buzzing, or does the world seem to have a sense of peace and harmony? While the world may seem the same each day, and who knows, perhaps we don't even take the time to look around and take note of our environment, the world changes just a little bit each and every day. It is up to us to take a look around, and take note of the beautiful world that has been given to us. In my journey through life, I truly try to take look up, and take a look around the amazing world that has been given to me, and each of us. Often times, I find myself so focused on the task at hand, that I don't even bother to look up, and see what might be happening right in front of my eyes. Looking around the big world that surrounds us, is something we have to train ourselves to do. Just like living in the moment. Is seems like it should be an easy task, but unfortunately it is not. Taking inventory of our surroundings, is something each and every one of us need to do each and every day. It is part of living in the moment. Although it is freezing cold in my neck of the woods today, the sun is shining brilliantly, and I can even hear the birds sing. The grass and flowers are on a break, but it does not take away from the fact that, I feel, I live in a beautiful world!

Today's activity: take a look around

Today I encourage you to take a look around the world you live in. Perhaps the sun is shining, or not. Perhaps the trees or blooming, or not. Perhaps the birds are singing, or not. But no matter what the circumstance is, I feel very confident you will be able to find one ounce of beauty in the world, one speckle of beautiful life that you should be thankful for. If you are finding it difficult to find even a little glimpse, perhaps your looking to hard, or perhaps you've set your expectations too high. Beauty surround us, we live in it, and it lives in us. Just one your eyes a little bit wider, and take note of the spectacular world around you! Im sure you will be in awe!

on family and friends....

Today I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends. I would not make it through life without each and every one of them. From my 94 and 89 year old grandmothers, who are the backbones of my family, to all of the wonderful friends I have met throughout my life, I appreciate each and every one of them. Each person, young or old, brings something different, unique, and special. I have family and friends who I go to for comfort, others whom I go to for support, others whom I go to for creative insiration, and still others whom I go to for spirit and good cheer. As my daughter grows into her teenage years, I continue to tell her that it is wise to have a few really good friends, and to not put all of her eggs in one basket! I truly believe it is good to have a variety of people with whom you share different interests with. In this way, the relationships do not get old and worn out, but rather, are always young, alive, and fresh. As new people present in my life, one of the comments I hear most often is..."Wow, you have a really close family. Do you know how lucky you are?" My response to that is, YES, I know I am incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful family, and I also know that I am very lucky to have such close relationships with all of them. My cousins are like my sisters, and their husbands my brothers. Since my mom has passed away, my grandmothers and aunts are like second mom's to me! I am blessed to have a loving father and sister, as well. My neice and nephew are like my own children. I love my family deeply, and I enjoy spending time with them. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am looking forward to seeing all of their smiling faces, and celebrating the day with them.
I look around the world and I know there are many, many people who are lonely or alone. Those who do not have a family or close friends. Those who's family are hundreds of miles away, and cannot be together on holiday's. let alone other days throughout the year. I'm really not sure how I was so blessed to have such a wonderful support system, and so many angels in my life, but I thank for Higher Power, each and every day, for the blessings that have been bestowed upon me!

Today's activity: be thankful for family and friends

Today I encourage you to be thankful for your family and friends. This is the time of year, when you need to look around, and take note of all of the wonderful people in your life. Sure, there are rough times in life. times with we fight or argue with loved one's or friends, but I am here to tell you...LIFE IS TO SHORT! Life is too short to be angry and not speak to people. Before we know it, life is gone, sometimes in the blink of an eye, and someone who we may have loved and cherished is gone. As we approach Thanksgiving, take inventory of your relationships, and reach out and thank those who are near and dear to you. If possible, make amends with someone who you may have had a falling out with. And if possible, track down a friend or loved one whom you have not seen in some time. Not only will you be happy to have reconnected, you will find a new avenue of joy and happiness has been opened in your heart!

on the food we eat...

Today I gift thanks for the food I eat. I love food, I truly, truly do. I love to shop for food, perpare food, but most of all I love to eat food! I wish I were one of those people who could eat to live, however, I often, live to eat! I am so blessed and lucky, to come from a long line of fabulous cooks in my life. Coming from Polish decent, our family celebrations often revolve around food. There are several main dishes, and several desserts at any given event. I have always said that no matter what happens in my life, and how broke or poor I'd become, my family would never let my daughter and I starve! With Thanksgiving drawing near, I find myself thinking about the upcoming Thanksgiving meal that I will indulge in! My mouth is watering for the Butterball already! Besides the turkey there are many traditional side dishes that my family and I will share. Along with those dishes, we often share stories about how the recipes came about, and how certain foods and drinks may remind us of special people in our lives. Funny that food can bring so much happiness to so many people. Besides the obvious, the wonderful smells and tastes of food, I believe even a greater joy comes from having all of my family members together, sitting around one "adult" table and one "kiddio" table  in one large room. 30+ people, ranging in age from an 8 month old baby, to an 89 year old grandmother. We are all together to say grace, to give thanks, and to break bread together. So, I ask myself, is it really the food I love, or is it the entire experience: the food, the family, the fun, and the love?!

Today's activity: give thanks for food

Today I encourage you to give thanks for the food that you eat each and every day. In a world that has so many poor people, so many people who are hungry and starving, I ask you to be thankful for the food that you eat. Smell the food, truly taste the food, and truly indulge in the food. Eat each and every meal like it may be your last. Think of people who may remind you of food; someone who gave you the recipe, or perhaps a parent or grandmother who prepared the food for you when you were a child. Celebrate the gift of food, cherish every morsel, and give thanks to universe who provides us with such wonderful nourishment to get you through each and every day of life!

on a healthy mind, body, and soul...

As I continue my journey on giving thanks, I find myself being thankful for my healthy mind, body, and soul. For the most part, I am VERY HEALTHY. In addition, I have a very healthy and happy child. I have worked in healthcare institutions, and I have witnessed so many sick people. The elderly to the very young. People who have diseases that cannot be cured. People who hope and pray for just one more day of life, just one more hour, just one more minute. I have, embedded in my brain, visions of sick children, embraced by their parents. Both parent and child crying, just hoping for a miracle cure for a disease, or cancer, that will most probably take their life at such a young age. I have see people walk through the not so pleasant journey of cancer. Visiting a clinic day in and day out, for hours on end, for chemotherapy and radiation treatments, just hoping for a few more precious years or months of life. People who donate their lives to a clinical trial, nearly acting like a science experiment, in the hopes of finding a cure. And in recent times, and in not such a extensive disease, we have witnessed hundreds of people die from "everyday" illnesses, such as a flu. Besides illness, life can be taken so quickly but something like an auto accident, or some freakish accident. We really just never know what the future holds. I wake up every morning, and take one med, just one little pill, when I know there are thousands of people who have to take 20 or 30 pills a day just to stay alive. Mind boggling. For these reasons, and so many more, I am so thankful for my health. I am so thankful that I can breath on my own. That I can walk on my own, and that I can think for myself. It really only takes on small little illness, or common cold, to realize how precious the gift of good health is. I love being healthy, I want to be healthy, and I try to make healthy choices for me. I listen to my body, and I know when I need a nap, or some down time. I don't want to be sick, I want to be able to live each and every day to its fullest!!!

Today's activity: be thankful for your health

Today I encourage you to be thankful for your health. Health is something that we should not take for granted. Being able to walk on your own to feet, or breath without the  need of an oxygen tank at your side, are gifts. Not having to spend days, weeks, or months going through chemo, or some kind of treatment process, for an illness is a gift...these are things we should not take for granted. Make healthy choices for yourself, and listen to your body. Things like body aches, or headaches, or utter exhaustion are NOT normal! On the contrary, I believe these are little messages for our body to our mind that we need to take care of ourselves. Our bodies need to be rejuvenate, so we can be the best that we can be. Today, be thankful for  your health, even if it not so perfect. As we know, things can ALWAYS be worse. If you are in the middle of a healing process, be patient, and give your body time to renew and be healthy. If you are caring for a sick person, be thankful that you still have that person in your life. Life is so short, but so sweet always remember to....take care of YOU! xo

on giving thanks...

Seeing that we are approaching Thanksgiving 2010, just 3 days away, I have decided to dedicate this week to giving thanks! I am so thankful for so many large and small things in my life. If I were to list them, Im sure I could easily come up with hundreds of things right off the top of my head. The key to being thankful is to be aware. To be aware of everything and all around you! You'll need to heighten your awareness of life in general, and then the flood gates of thanks will open! I tend to walk through my daily life giving thanks along the way. For starters, I am always thankful for the gift of life. I truly, truly, truly believe that life is a gift, or a gift of the present! So many of us, myself included, take life for granted. We always seem to think we will have today, tomorrow, days, weeks, months, and years ahead of us. This, however, may not be the case. I know first hand how quickly life can be taken away. Here one minute, literally gone the next. Life is precious, and fragile. We have the tendency to think that we are big, strong, and powerful. In reality, we are NOT. In the scheme of life, we are very small. Small, and frail. The gift of today, the present, is like a china bowl....something that needs to be handled with tender loving care, each and every step of the way!

Today's activity: begin to give thanks

Today I encourage you to begin your journey of giving thanks! It's easy, just wait and see. The overall process begins by opening your eyes just a little bit wider, and become just a little bit more aware of the world around you! You will be AMAZED at how much larger, and more colorful, and more exciting life will become to you. The next step, be thankful. Be thankful for the gift of today. Whether you wake up late, or tired, or sick, or healthy, just be thankful. As you climb out of bed, and put your feet on the floor, say these two little words...."thank you"! By starting your day with thanks you are setting yourself of for success. Today is a gift, a present, so be thankful, and enjoy! 

on lightening up...

Ever feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders? Ever feel like the world is cheerfully buzzing around you, however, you are the only person who is stressed out? Ever feel like you have a monkey on your back, or stress in your neck that is so strong you feel like your body is going to collapse? If you were able to answer "yes" to any of the above questions, then guess what?...You need to "lighten-up-baby"! For the past several weeks/months I have been feeling so stressed out. Ive been feeling overwhelmed by life, and at work, well often times I feel like I am the only person working and everyone else is having fun. Then I realized that everyone else is having fun, and I am not! I catch myself not laughing or smiling, and not feeling like part of the team. I go to bed angry and exhausted, and I wake up exhausted and not looking forward to the day. It was at that time that I decided I needed to lighten up. I needed to take a step back and not get so stressed about everything going on in the world. Since 2008,  we have been overworked and underpaid. The world seemed to take a tailspin, but guess what?...we are all in this togetther. For me, I know I give my all in life; 100% at work, 100% at school, and 100% in my personal life. So, I asked myself...if I am doing my best, why am I so stressed out? Im doing my best!
If I am doing my best, then why arent I having any fun? So, Ive been making a real effort to lighten up. Im still doing my best each and every day, but Im trying to lighten up and have more fun. Im losing the weight off of my shoulders, and the frown on my face. Im making a real effort to smile and laugh more, and to be present in the moment. And guess what?...Ive been going to sleep happy, finding myself thankful for my day, and Ive been waking up feeling well rested, and thankful for my day!!!

Today's activity: lighten up

Today I want you to lighten up. To try and actively make good choices throughout your day, and do it with a smile. To not get bogged down my the little things that may cross your path, and to overcome obstacles with ease. Again, Im not saying to be a slacker, or lazy, Im merely saying to not allow the little things in life get you down. The economy is on the upswing, and we have the gift of this day. We will all get through this together. You can make the choice of frowning, or you can turn that frown upside down, and LIGHTEN UP!

on keeping bonds...

Last night I went to dinner with a wonderful old friend. I call him "an oldie but a goodie"! We try and get together once or twice a year. While this does not seem to be such a huge task, sometimes it takes great effort and coordination to get together with my friend. Between kids, work, and life in general, months can go by. But then one of us will reach out to the other, we will meet, and reconnect. We can always pick up right where we left off with conversation. We can sit and chat for hours; talking about what is going on in our lives, as well as, our hopes and dreams for the future. We typically we engage in a cocktail and a fine dinner as well, so this makes our meetings extra special. After hours pass, the evening comes to a close. We say our good-byes and we also leave each other with an I Love You. These meetings with most any of my friends are so special to me, and they make me rejuvenated and refocused on life for weeks to come. The problem with all of this is that our visits with our dearest friends seem to be to few and to far between. In the end, we know life is so short, and seems to pass us by in a flash. We often find ourselves wishing we spent more time with loved one's and friends, and less time at work or in front of a television screen. I believe that wonderful people come into our lives for a reason. They teach us things, we teach them things, we bond and connect, we share hopes and dreams, and we exchange love and friendship. I do not believe any of this is random...I do believe people come into our lives for a reason. What we need to do is make the most of the time that we do have with loved one's, create wonderful memories, and cherish every moment.

Today's activity: reconnect

Today I encourage you to reconnect with a friend that you have not seen or talked to in a while. It may even take some time to find this person; perhaps you'll have to look on facebook, or consult an old address book. But take a few minutes to look this person up, and reconnect. Set up a time to chat on the phone, or even better, set up a date for coffee, or lunch. Share the memories of the past, the stories of today, and the hopes of the future. Cherish every minute with your special someone, and when you part, be sure to say I Love You. These words may be hard to get out of your mouth, but friendship is love, and we should all feel confident and secure to spread a little love along the path of life!

on writing...

With all of technology in the world today, many of our traditional means of communication have fallen by the wayside. Take writing for instance. When was the last time you received a hand written thank you note, or a letter from a long lost friend? Better yet, when was the last time you sent a hand written thank you note, or a letter to a long lost friends? Im sure it has been ages. However, Im thinking that if you sent a hand written note you would make someone's day, just like your day would be made the same. Writing is an art, truly an art. Unfortunately, it is also an art that is fading. With that being said, it may not be too late to rejuvinate this wonderful craft. Over the past years, but moreso over the past several months, I have been making an strong effort to write more. I have been sending more thank you notes, and sending more love notes and cards. I have been making an effort to remember birthdays, and special days of family members and friends. I have been using my colorful markers and stickers, and the Postmaster General and I have become very good friends! Yes this takes effore, sometimes a lot of effort, but in my opinion, it is all worth it. I love the idea of knowing I might be making someone's day, or bringing a smile to their face when my card or letter arrives. Knowing that I may turn a gray sky to blue is really wonderful in my eyes. And something that I really benefit from, and get a great deal of personal joy from, is making someone else smile. Writing is such a small gesture, but makes such a massive impact. An impact that we need to save before it is way too late!

Today's activity: writing

Today I encourage you to write. Writing does not need to take place on fancy stationary, or a $5.00 greeting card. Writing can take place on a piece of loose leaf paper, and a basic pen or pencil can be used. Start small, and start simple. Write a note to someone who did something nice for you. Perhaps you recently had a birthday, or perhaps someone made you something, or perhaps someone thought of you in  special way. Today, go out of your comfort zone and thank them. Thank them with a hand written note. Express your sincere appreciation and gratitude. Keep it short, and to the point, but be sincere. Someone will read through any words that may not be geniune. Basically, write, and write from the heart. Once you've completed this wonderful task, fold it up, place it in an addressed envelope, slap a stamp on it, and send it on it's merry way. The Postmaster will appreciate your business, and the recipient of your letter will be uplifted with joy by the little hand written piece of art they receive from you!

Now go...write!

on feeling healthier...

Diet and exercise are something I am always plagued with. I am 100% Polish, and I love food! I come from a long line of fabulous cooks, which does not help matters! I am not one of those people who have been blessed with a size 4 waste. I have struggled with my weight my entire life, and I still struggle today. The craziness of life does not help matter either. Bouncing from work to school, and teaching and work, make it so easy for me to swing through a drive thru and grab a burger. I know that this is not a healthy way of living, but it is easy. Sometimes easy takes over healthy. However, I always find myself feeling guilty or beating myself for choosing easy over healthy. Not only does my body feel sluggish, and lifeless, I carry around guilt in my head/brain, that weighs more than a double cheeseburger!
I am finding that I need to balance my diet and exercise, and make it part of my daily life style. Again, this falls into the balance of life, that I spoke about earlier. We know it is so much easier to eat on the run, but the true joy of food, is being able to savor it. To chew it, to taste it, to break bread with our loved one's. In addition to healthier eating, I have found that incorporating a little exercise into my week is great. On my days off, I've made it a habit to wake up early, and go for a 30 to 45 minute walk. This is one of the best times of my day. Because it is early when I walk, the majority of the world is still asleep. The sky is blue, the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, but the hustle and bustle of every day life has not yet begun. I tend to spend a good deal of my walking time thinking about my life, and planning my day/week ahead. I find myself being thankful for the opportunity of peace and quiet, and I feel like I am stealing a little piece of the world before anyone or anything can stress me out for the day. While healthy eating and exercise is not something that is easy for me to incorporate each and every day, I feel very lucky, and more balanced to be able to incorporate these traits a few days a week.

Today's activity: feeling healthier

Today I encourage you to eat a bit healthier, and exercise a bit. I am not saying live on salad, and run a marathon on a treadmill...rather, I am talking baby steps! I am talking about being aware of every morsel of food that you put in your mouth. I am talking about leaving the cheese off of your burger, and just go for the burger. Chances are you wont even notice the missing cheese! I am also talking about drinking water, rather than that second or third cup of coffee. I went caffeine free a few months ago. I never thought I would enjoy water as much as I do. Now, I wake up in the morning and crave water. And let me tell you, I am a girl who woke up and had a cup of tea, followed by a Diet Coke, before I even got to work! In addition to making one healthy eating choice today, I encourage a little exercise. Again, I am not talking about going crazy, just a little physical activity. Perhaps you park at the end of the parking lot and walk to the entrance, rather than staking out the first parking spot. Or perhaps you walk the flight of stairs rather than take the elevator.

Again, it's all about baby steps. My taking these baby steps, I am sure, I guarantee, you will feel a million times better!

on creating balance...

Life is crazy, each and every day, pretty much for all of us. The days of lounging, and relaxing seem to be long gone, because we are all bogged down with jobs, and kids, and family, and house chores, and pretty much every thing else that falls into our path. We often feel overwhelmed, leaving us with no energy, and the lack of direction for which way to turn. Truly, living a happy life, is all about balance. While there is alway going to be SOMETHING that comes up in our life that will stress us out; auto repairs, bills to pay, a disagreement with our significant other, the key to dealing with these issues, is to overcome them with grace. True balance in life, means even, or peaceful feelings about the major areas of our life; profession, personal relationships, health, money, spirit, etc. If we feel balance amongst all of these key areas in our life, we are apt to feel more happy, and less stressed. Saying this, and acting on this are two different things, of course. In addition, I understand overcoming obstacles with ease is not always easy, but one has to start somewhere. While going through some very stressful times a few years back, I had to figure out a way to overcome obstacles with ease, otherwise, I was sure to lose my mind! For starters, worry. I found myself worrying about everything and nothing....what for? It was crazy. To put a spin on worry, I decided to look at the entire picture. I imagined the worst outcome of a particular situation. If I could manage the worst case scenario of this situation, and not lose my mind, then I knew I would be fine. Yes, this is kind of a mind game, but it works! In my situation, I was going through a horrible divorce. My ex-husband placed continual threats upon me, saying that he was going to take my daughter away from me. This made me insane. I was SO fearful of losing my child. I literally worried morning, noon and night. I knew I was an awesome Mom, and I knew that I did my best to love and nurture my child, but who knew if the courts would see things differently. I was scared out of my mind. It was not until my attorney looked me straight in the eyes, and said..."Michelle, you are a great Mom, and NO ONE is going to take your daughter away from you", did I feel a sense of relief. I felt so much more at peace after she said that to me, and this statement gave me the power and strength to move on. Did the threats from my ex-husband stop? No, they never did, however, my perspective on how I dealt with the situation did. Even though he placed horrible threats on me, I knew, in my heart, that I was doing my best, and that no one was going to take my baby away from me. Emily is now 14 years old, and her dad, my ex-husband, recently passed away. I am happy to say, that my baby girl was never taken away from me!

Today's activity: creating balance

Creating balance is not an easy things to do, trust me! I know that obstacles present every day in life....little bumps in the road. I know it is difficult to deal with these bumps. The key to overcoming obstacles, and maintaining balance is to know, in your heart and mind, that you can manage through life with grace. When a situation arises, imagine the WORST case scenario, the worst outcome. If you know that you can handle the worst scenario, then you are fine. That is not to say that the situation will be any easier to deal with, but knowing that you can deal with the outcome, no matter what it is, will relieve some stress. After all, I am a firm believer that God does not give us more than we can handle, and 90% of what we worry about, never really come true. Therefore, lighten up, and create balance! 

on living in the moment...

Today is Veteran's Day. A day to remember, and honor, all of those who have served in our armed forces. All of those women and men who have served and dedicated their lives to us, so we can have freedom. They have left behind their familes, and friends, many never returning, to take on and conquer the amazing task of serving our country. While I never really thought much about veterans in the past, I really have them in my heart, and on my mind today. I am really touched by their patriotism, their love for our country, and their drive and passion to fight for our country. Perhaps it is the fact that I am getting a little older, and well yes, growing up, but I am really touched by veterans. Each day I wake up I am thankful, I am truly thankful for life. I go through my day acting like, or hoping, I have many days ahead of me. My dream list is a mile long, and I really hope I live long enough to complete each and every single dream. I truly try not to take life for granted, but sometimes I do. I truly try to live in the moment, but sometimes I get frustrated and bogged down with the other million things going on in my world. But today I am taken back by the heroic efforts that our armed forces express each and every day. Many of them are on the front lines protecting our country, faced with bombs and rifles right in their face. Many of them hope and pray that their life will not be taken from them right before their eyes. Many of them dream of making it through this day, let alone compiling a dream list of life. I am humbled by each and every one of these service women and men. From my heart, I want to thank each of them, for all of their hard work. Like the saying goes...."if you like your freedom, thank a vet"! So, on this day and always, THANK YOU!!!

Today's activity: thank a Vet!

Today's activity is really quite simple today, just thank a Veteran. Thank him or her for all of their hard work. For paving the way to our freedom. If you personally know a Vet, but sure to give him or her a hug, and thank them for giving you a piece of your freedom. If you have lost a loved one, in the military, say a prayer of thanks in their honor. Today, right here, right now, thank a veteran and let freedom reign!

on love...

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been unusally happy lately. Nothing much has changed in my life; same job, same home, same day to day life, but I feel happier overall. Ive been spending some time thinking about why I seem to be happier than usual. I mean, quite honestly, I am a pretty happy and even tempered person, but I seem to be a bit more jolly these days! After some time of thinking and pondering my recent mood, I could only come up with one, yes one, answer to my elation...love! That's it, plain and simple LOVE! Im not talking about the ga-ga, goo-goo love between two high school kids, rather, just acting, doing, and BE-ing in love. Im talking about waking up every day and being grateful for the gift of life. Im talking about greeting your family and friends with a warm good morning. Im talking about going to work, and not just showing up, but really doing your job to your fullest, and best. Im talking about spending time with family and friends, in your free time, really being authentic, and in the moment. Im talking about looking at the beautiful blue sky and the flowers like you've never seen them before. Im talking about love! Treat others with kindness, love and respect, and you will get in it right back at 'cha! After a short period of time, a short period of practicing love, I feel confident that your ball will start rolling, and you will feel an new sense of life. This refreshed feeling is nothing more than love. Acting, doing, and living through love overall seems to make people happier, at least this is the case w me. I feel more balanced, and more full of life than ever before. Who knows, if you start living through love, perhaps the ga-ga, goo-goo love of two high schoolers will present in your life as well!

Today's activity: love

Today, I invite you to live through the eyes of love. Do everything you do with love. Put a spring in your step, and a pep in your voice. Answer your phone, or greet every person you come into contact with, with a smile. Say good morning to your loved one's. Show up for work with your game face on. Be present in the moment, be authentic, and live through love. We were all created out of love, and love surrounds us. It should be relatively easy to free yourself of a stone face, smile, and live through love. Once you begin living through love, you will see just how much love gives your back...I promise! xo

on seizing the moment...

Today I am kind of taking a "station identification" break! Ive been blogging for a few weeks now, and I am so happy to report that I have 5, yes count them....5, followers on my blog! I know this may not seem like much of a milestone to some people, but for me, I AM THRILLED! The fact that 5 people have taken the time to follow what I have to say really humbles me. I am so flattered! Thank you. In addtion, I have to report that I have been working really hard to follow my dreams and passions. I have been trying my hardest to be in the moment, each and every moment. I have been writing. I have been planning. I have been working on my business plan. I have been working on my personal budget. I have been reading. I have been spending more time with my daughter. Finally, I have been praying and giving thanks on a daily basis. While I have not seen tremendous growth, or success, I can admit that I feel so much more ALIVE! I feel so happy. I literally feel like I am bursting at the seems with joy! I may pause for a moment, and think about all of this, which is great. However, I am finding that if I pause for too long, I start to doubt myself, and wonder where all of this may lead me. Am I wasting my time? Am I making all of this up? Who knows, who really, really knows. What I know today is that I feel happier, healthier and more alive! I know that I am spreading a little joy along my path of life. I know that I continue to cultivate new ideas that I want to create, write, and blog about. I know that lots of people believe in me, and I can only hope that this will all pay off for me, by my definition of success, someday.

In the meantime, I am going to continue to chat with all of you on a daily basis. I am going to continue to try and meet my goals, and fulfill my dreams. In the meantime, I am going to smile, and enjoy life. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy this beautiful sun that is beaming down upon me. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy the gift of today.

Today's activity: enjoy today!

That's it....just enjoy today, each and every minute of it! Be present, be alive, and just BE! xo

on warm...

Today we are going to focus on warm colors. As I'm sure you've figured out, warm colors are the opposite of cool. Warm colors are those of browns, reds, oranges, and yellows. A warm color, which should be quite obvious to all of us, is the sun. The beautiful yellow sun gives off beams of warmth, enabling us to feel warm, even on the most frigid day. Another warm color that we might be familiar with is red, and its association with temper or anger. While not always the case, red is associated with anger, or a red hot tempered person. Sometimes people with a stronger, more dominant personality, are attracted to warmer colors, while a more laid back, or someone more at ease, is more attracted to cool colors. Warm colors work well in restaurants, and fast food environments. When used in hospitality and food establishments, warm colors will make most people feel comfortable for a short period of time, but not enough time to make them want to overstay their welcome! A good example of warm colors in nature are the changing leaves in the Fall. This is evidence in the Midwest right now. After the sun beats down on the trees and leaves all summer long, the leaves will change color in the Fall. This is quite a beautiful sight, and a lovely contrast of color, against a cloud free blue sky!

Today's activity: warm colors

Today I encourage you to take note of warm colors, and how they are used around us in everyday life. You are, personally, more attracted to warm colors? If so, what type of personality do you have? Are you more dominant or more laid back? Does your eye gravitate to a fire engine red car? Do you have a red sofa? If so, you are probably more of a warm blooded, or warm colored person. Visiting a restaurant today? If so, take note of the colors used. If the colors used are warm, how do they make you feel? Cozy, or on edge? Just notice.

Color is a wonderful thing. Color can sway a mood, and elevate the spirit. On the flip side, color can also make us feel uneasy or upset. As we continue our journey into the healing land, I encourage you to make color a part of your everyday life. Notice your likes and dislikes, and start incorporating your favorite colors into your life...today!

on cool...

We will continue our journey on color today. I am wondering how your day of "taking note of color" went. What colors were you attracted to? How many colors did you notices, color perhaps that you took for granted in the past. How did different colors make you feel? I am sure you are aware of "warm" and "cool" colors. This is something you may have learned in elementary school. Warm colors tend to be those like red, orange, and yellow. Cool colors are blues and greens. Today I want to chat about cool colors. I, personally, am more attracted to cool colors. While I like, and can appreciate the full color wheel, I feel more comfortable surrounded by cool colors. Cool colors, blue and green, can be found in obvious places like, the ocean, the sky, the grass, and the trees. My like nature on a perfect day, cool colors tend to make us feel more at ease, more relaxed, and more at peace. Watching the ocean, under a blue sky is amazingly relaxing. As is, sitting on the grass, under a beautifully blooming tree. Not to mention the smell of fresh cut grass, which always seems to make me feel so relaxed. Cool colors are often found in places like hospitals, healthcare facilities, or doctors offices. The incorporation of these colors, in a healing environment, is not be chance, but rather planned. Designers, and artists know that cool colors help to calm the human spirit. Merging cool colors will help someone who is ill, or nervous feel more at ease, more relaxed. Over the past few years, healthcare designers have taken this concept a bit further, and incorporated more of nature into the interiors of healing facilities. Concepts such as water features, or fountains, can be seen in lobbies. Green plants, are alive and kicking in waiting rooms. Nature inspired art work is often hanging on the walls of exam rooms. Again, all of these features have been well thought out, and precisely placed in public healthcare facilities.

Today's activity: cool colors

Today I encourage you to take note of cool colors, blues and greens, and see how they have made their way into our world. First, I encourage you to see how cool colors make you feel, personally. Does the color blue make you feel happy, does the color green make you feel at ease? What shades of these primary colors are you more attracted to? A blue that may have more red in it, or a green that has a large yellow base. Today...FEEL THE COLOR. In addition to your personal feeling, take note of how cool colors play a part in everyday life. What color is your doctors office painted? What color is the bank? What color is the library? Take note of the environments that you visit today, as well as, the choice of colors that have been used to outfit the space. I'm sure that by the end of the day, you will be feeling more relaxed, and at ease yourself!

on color...

Today I thought we'd dabble into the color wheel. I love color, quite honestly, color makes my world go round! My eyes are naturally attracted to color, my favorites happen to be periwinkle, and chartreuse. I can spot these colors a mile away, and they make my heart sing! Some people claim to be adverse to color, however, I feel they are really more afraid. I'm sure you've heard someone say they are going to paint their home...white! Why white you might ask, well, because, in their words, "if they ever want to sell their home, it is painted a neutral color"! UGH...neutral! I am here to tell you that white is NOT a color! Quite honestly, white is the absence of color! White, as it pertains to light, is the perfect combination of light. However, white as it pertains to color, is zero, zip, zilch, no color at all! Can you please tell me why, just why, in a world that is so full of color, so alive, so many people opt for color in their lives? I mean if you are going to go through the trouble of painting your home, then why not add a splash of color? Why not do an accent wall of a fabulous green that seems to catch your attention, and makes you smile? Why not add a splash of color on your sofa with a throw pillow or two? Why not select a bunch of colorful tulips, for your night table, rather than a box of kleenex?! We have been given so many wonderful colors in this world, we need to notice them, and surround ourselves with them. I am a firm believer that, much like the sun, color makes me happier, and enables me to feel more alive!

Today's activity: color
By definition: the combination of light, as it reflects on objects, allowing the eye to differentiate the objects

Today I encourage you to notice color, that's it....notice color. Just take note of color that comes into your everyday world. Take note of colors that your eye is more attracted to. Are you more attracted to greens and blues, or reds and yellows? What colors make YOUR heart sing. What colors are in your home? Your wardrobe? What colors are you adverse to? Just take note. I'm sure you will be AMAZED at the number of colors that you will notice, once you've turned on your radar! 

on worry...

Today I feel filled and overcome with worry. It is a personal thing, but I am really struggling with it. Despite the fact that I already know that 99% of what we fear and worry about, never amounts to anything. Despite the fact that I read a great chapter, last night, on releasing fear, I still worry. I guess there is a bit of a difference between fear and worry, however, I consider them to be close cousins! As I get through my work day, and ponder what I am going to do, after work, to free myself of the thoughts and concerns that are currently flying through my head. My afternoon is filled, but Im sure my mind will not allow me to rest and accomplish more chores with ease. Have you ever experienced worry? The kind of worry that seems to weigh you down and perpetuate inside of you? Im sure the answer is YES, and if you say you have not experienced worry, Im sure you are not being true to yourself! Funny thing is....fear and worry creep up upon us when we are not looking, or when we least expect it. I believe it comes from trying to control a situation, or correcting a problem that we cannot correct. I know the fear will subside, at least I hope it does, in the meantime, I am going to try and take the advise a friend gave me earlier today...."don't worry, God is in control".

Today's activity: Worry
By definition: to be concerned, anxious, unsettled

My back and neck are tense, my forehead wrinkled, my head slightly pounding...over what?...WORRY!
I need to get out of this funk, and experience the gifts of this moment, and the gifts of this day. How will I do this you might ask? Well, for starters, Im going to try and breath, and release the tension that is bound inside of me. Next, I am going to ask my Higher Power to help me through this stressful time, and to be thankful for the gift of today. Finally, I need to indulge in a little something that PERSONALLY MAKES ME HAPPY. Something that will lighten my load, take my mind off of my current situation, and allow me to remember that 1. I am not given anything more in life that I can handle, and 2. in time, this to shall pass. Im thinking about purchasing a bunch of fresh flowers. Nothing elaborate or expensive. I know these flowers will wilt and die over the next few days, but today, in this moment, fresh flowers in my home will remind me to free my heart, mind, and soul from worry, because after all, ....God is in control!

on overwhelm....

Ever feel like life is passing you by 100 mph? Ever feel like the days are long, but the weeks, months, and years are just flying by right before your eyes? I'm sure I am not the only one out there, because I know of hundreds of people who are suffering from overwhelm! Yesterday afternoon I was trying to take a siesta, if only for about 30 minutes. As I laid in my daughter's bed, trying to relax, I could feel my heart pound hard and fast! I could not, for the life of me, relax. I kept thinking that there must be, there has to be, a demon that I am trying to fight, one that will not allow me to rest. And then it hit me...I'm suffering from overwhelm! My heart was racing, my wheels turning. Why was I trying to relax when my home needed some cleaning, the laundry was piled high, I had homework to do, I have a test this week, grocery shopping needs to be done, and so on, and so on! I laid there, trying to put a rest to my beating heart. I tried breathing....in and out, in and out, slowly. I tried to meditate, to focus on nothing. I tried to recall a beautiful Florida sunset, (which I was able to take in years ago...my sure way of falling asleep), but NOTHING worked. Finally, I realized that my body was not going to relax at that time. I was, quite frankly, going to waste valuable time just laying in bed. Despite the fact that I was doing my best to relax and unwind, OVERWHELM was getting the best of me. Eventually, I got out of bed, and tackled my homework...photo project 5. I knew that if I were able to get one, at least one, of the many tasks I needed to accomplish done, the feeling of overwhelm would subside, or at least, lighten in weight.

Today's activity: overwhelm
By definition: overcome with emotion or perceptual stimuli

Often times in life we are overcome with overwhelm. Our "to do" lists seem like they are miles long, when in reality, things are not that bad. We feel the weight of the tasks we need to accomplish. The thing is, just sitting around, or in my case, laying around, thinking about all of these tasks is typically more overwhelming than accomplishing the tasks themselves. Even accomplishing, or crossing off, one task off of our "to do" list can make us feel so complete, so happy, and so light and free. Today I encourage you to review you to do list. Breath as you read it, breath deep and slow. Organize your thoughts and chores. Once you've taken a look at your lists, prioritize the things that you need to get accomplished. Whether big or small, write all of those mind boggling tasks down. Then, just for the heck of it, GET BUSY, and accomplish one task off of that list. Just one! Whether big or small, do a task, and put a big, thick, black line through it, on your "to do" list. Accomplishing one task will alleviate a world of overwhelm. And who knows, perhaps tomorrow, you can cross another task off of your list. The secret to success is to GET BUSY. Rome wasted built in a day, rather, many small bricks placed one by one, day after day, and today...we have ROME!

on a little vitamin D...

The weekend is over, and I am back to the daily grind. It always amazes me how quickly time goes by when I am having fun! While driving home from my weekend adventure, I was thinking about my week ahead; my blog, my homework, my life in general. Just at that moment, I took note of the beautiful sun that was shining, and I was so grateful for that very second. I love the sun. I love the warmth of the sun, and I love how the sun has a way of elating my mood. It was at that moment that I realized how important the sun is to the average human being, yet how we take the sun for granted. I live in the Midwest, and statistics show that in the month of January, the sun only makes an appearance once or twice during the entire month! That is horrible, and now I know why January is one of my least favorite months! The sun is such a wondering gift in itself, just shining. I love to walk out my back door, and see the sun shining...I know it will be a good day. Even if things go down hill from that moment on, I know I had a great start to my day, just by seeing the sun shine! Just like plants, flowers, and grass, the sun enables us to bloom, and grow!

Today's activity: sunshine
By definition: rays of sunlight

Sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but in its natural state. Sun naturally elevates moods, makes people smile, and birds sing. Sun, or vitamin D, is a great source of calcium. Sun also helps to regulate blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system. Sun relieves stress, muscle tension, and helps humans unwind.  Sun helps us to feel rejuvenated and have more energy. It has been proven that SUN IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT KEY TO HEALTH AND WELL BEING.

Today I encourage you to get outside, and take in some of the sun's rays that we have been blessed with today. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and cherish that moment. After all, in just a few short months, the sun will be like a long, lost friend!

on relaxation....

Still getting caught up for last week's blog, as life is crazy as ever! My daughter and I ventured on a weekend getaway, a much needed one I may add, and it was all about relaxation for me! The funny thing is, before I felt that I could relax and enjoy myself, and the weekend, I felt the need to accomplish 1,001 tasks! Crazy, I know. Art is my passion, the one thing I enjoy doing most in life, and yet I often treat it as a reward. Before I can indulge in creativity my home must be cleaned, the laundry done, dinner cooked, and homework completed, then, and only then, do I allow myself to be creative! Again, CRAZY! By the time I am done with all of my housekeeping tasks, I am often too exhausted to create! Perhaps it was my strict upbringing, but I feel like art is my reward for a hard days work. The ironic this is, art rejuvenates me, it gets my wheels turning, and it RELAXES me! I am so happy, and so at peace when I am creating. So, I ask myself, "Self...why don't you allow yourself to create FIRST, and then do your chores?" I wish I had the answer!!! Perhaps it has something to do with the art of relaxation, or the art of doing nothing. This is something I have yet to master in my life. I feel extreme amount of guilt if I sit down to watch a movie, or television show. My mind wanders to one hundred or more things that I could be doing with my time. When the fact of the matter is, WE NEED TO RELAX. We need to do "nothing" to rejuvenate ourselves. We need to use the natural talents and skills that we have been given, which enable us to relax, and in turn, enable us to be better, more productive human beings. Time was getting away from me on Friday, the day we left for our weekend adventure. I finally said to my daughter, "let's go...the dishes will be here when we return". With that, we grabbed our bags, walked out the door, and left a sink full of dishes behind!

Today's activity: Relax
By definition: to loosen; become less tense

Today I encourage you to relax. If only for 15, or 30 minutes (although I think you should relax for at least one hour!) relax! Personally define relaxation for YOU, and venture into that unknown territory. Perhaps it's reading a book, or wandering a book store. Perhaps it's tuning into your favorite cooking channel that you have not watched in months. Or perhaps, it taking a 30 minute nap. Whatever it is, do it! Even if you feel guilty, just DO IT! Trust me, after the first few minutes of indulging into relaxation, the guilt will subside, and you will be amazed at how wonderful and fresh you feel!

Think about 30 minutes in a hot bubble bath, with your favorite music playing in the background...I think I hear the water running already! Just relax......

on being alive....

Well, I am slightly behind on my blog, been very busy these days. I am still in the process of taking in the wonderful experience I had the other day, Thursday, October 28. I, Pink, was fortunate, so very fortunate to be able to be the guest on the Miss E./Teacher Talk radio show!!!! Yes, little old me! Sometimes I go through life thinking these wonderful things are not really happening to me, rather, Im thinking I am just watching a movie of a very lucky girl!!! Ive had some really awesome opportunities in life, and the radio show definitely counts as one of my best! I was so nervous, and not sure if I was prepared, but I knew, in my heart, that if I passed on this opportunity, I may regret it, and let me tell you....I AM NOT GOING THROUGH LIFE WITH ANY REGRETS!!! So, the show day arrived, and every muscle and nerve in my body was twitching and pulsating, but I faced my fears, and enjoyed the ride! Radio is awesome, what a great medium for communication. The Miss E show is all about learning new things and creating positive energy and excitement in life. I was able to speak about the Healing Arts, and how important, I feel, incorporating art into daily life is. I was able to speak from my heart, and share a little of what I have learned through my personal life experiences. The thirty minutes flew by in a blink, and I HAD A BLAST! Thank you, again, Miss E, for giving me the opportunity!!!

Today's activity: be ALIVE!
By definition: possessing life!

Today's activity is easy, or it should be! Today all I ask is for you to BE ALIVE! Be alive, awake, and excited about every aspect of life that you encounter. Be excited, be happy, possess life. Enjoy this day, with rain or with shine, and be thankful for the gift of this day as well. We only have this day, this moment, right now, so live it like it's the last one you've got!

I felt SO ALIVE when I did my radio show, and my hope is to carry that feeling for many days to come! XO

on creativity...

Creativity, or the act of being creative, is something that we are encouraged to do when we are very young. As toddlers, we are given a crayon, and a piece of paper, and advised to "draw a picture". When the scribble "masterpiece" is complete, our parents proudly display the work on the refrigerator for all to see, and we hear Oooh's and Aaah's of praise. As we grow, and enter elementary school, then high school and college, the being creative, or art, often falls by the wayside. We are advised to "focus on the academics", and are told "art is just for fun". Well, I am here to tell you....ART IS FOR FUN! Creating art, or being creative, awakens the spirit and soul. Art makes us feel happy and alive! Even though we may not be as creative as Picasso or Michaelangelo, we certainly feel that way when we create a masterpiece of our very own! Creativity does not have to big and grand to make us feel big and grand. It can be a small sketch, dancing around the house to a favorite song, coloring a page in a coloring book, or visiting a local garden and taking a few pictures. Creativity and art is the act of being engaged in the creative process. Feeling young, feeling silly, feeling happy, feeling lighthearted is what it is all about!

Today activity: Creativity
By definition: the ability to create; to produce through imagination, the power to create, to produce through originality

There is a quote that I say in my mind, oh, about one hundred times a day...the quote: "Do Something Creative Everyday"! This is a marketing tagline from my favorite paper/creativity store in the world! I say this to myself just so I never forget to do something creative, to always be in that creative spirit. Creativity makes me feel so alive...truly in my element. Today, I encourage you to be creative!

Remember the smell and appearance of a brand new box of crayons? I do!!! Today I encourage you to be creative with crayons. If you do not own a box of crayons, go invest in a set of 8, and just sketch and color. You will be AMAZED at how freeing and creative you will feel. If you don't have the confidence to sketch your own piece of art, invest in an inexpensive coloring book. Color a page, or two, or three. Color by yourself, or with a friend. Color with a child, or color with an elderly person, just be creative and color! Once complete, take a step back, and look at, truly see, the masterpiece that you have created! And by all means...don't forget to hang it on the refrigerator for all to see!

After all, you just have to "Do Something Creative Everyday"!

on BE-ing.....

Often times when a person is sick or depressed, the family, friends, and caregivers of the sick feel they need to overcompensate, and work extra hard to make the sick person feel safe, comforted, and pain free. These are all very natural emotions, especially when it comes to caring for someone we love. The idea of freeing someone of their pain, and making them whole again is euphoric. Unfortunatly, this is easier said than done. The caregiver often feels the need to "jump through hoops" to try and bring one ounce of joy and comfort to the sick, when many times all the sick person wants is a little peace; he/she just wants to BE! Just BE-ing is the act of being close to someone buy not necessary saying a word. Just the comfort of knowing you are "there", present in the moment, is just enough. The quote "silence is golden" says it all. Just BE! BE alive, BE present, BE comforting, BE concerned, BE compassionate, BE empathetic, merely just BE!

Today's activity: Empathy
By definition: understanding and entering into another's emotions and feelings; show sadness or happiness for another

Empathy is a feeling, closely related to sympathy. Empathy is a FEELING, transfering one's thoughts into someone else's; putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Many times we find it easy to criticize or be harsh to others, not knowing what might be going on in someone else's life. The act of empathy heals pain, empathy helps people connect, empathy builds trust among people, empathy closes the loop and opens the doors of communication. Empathy is the "radar detector" of emotions. Empathy is all about how WE LISTEN to each other, and how INTERESTED we are in one another.

Today, lighten up...try and put yourself in someone else's shoes. We all have a story, a background, good or bad. We never know when someone may be suffering or in pain. Be empathetic....just BE!

on compassion for the ill and the caregivers....

Often times when a person is ill, depressed, or in the later stages of life, a great deal of focus is put on caring the for the patient, which is great. Comfort, and care is what most people need when they are suffering, or in pain. Family, friends, and caregivers often surround the person in need, but those who are often forgotten or overlooked are the patients caregivers. Caregivers are often under a tremendous amount of stress, trying to comfort the ill. The caregiver is the person who ultimately puts his/her life and needs on hold, to care for the patient. For healthcare givers who live constantly in a high level of stress and who witness illness and death daily, making art can be rejuvenating. Sharing their paintings and poems, singing in a group for patients or each other, moving expressively and rhythmically together can also bring a greater since of cohesiveness to the work environment. Whether in a healthcare institution, or private sector, the caregiver needs to relieve stress and refresh.

Today's activity: compassion
By definition: a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, and a wish to relieve it.

Compassion is a trait that we all possess deep inside, the problem is, not everyone taps into the compassion within. Compassion is much like a fine bottle of wine...it gets better with age!

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion; if you want to be happy, practice compassion! Compassion brings joy and happiness to others. The art of compassion is emotional and spiritually satisfying. Compassion relieves stress, and lowers the aging process.

To bring compassion into your world, try to incorporate one or more of the following into your daily life:

*practice a morning ritual: be thankful for your life, and honor your thanksgiving in prayer
*be empathic
*try and put yourself in someone else's shoes...just for a moment, and you will often realize how many gifts have been bestowed upon you
*practice kindness

A little compassion goes a long, long way.

Always be mindful of life's Golden Rule:
"Do onto others as you would have others do onto you." 

on creating a healing environment...

The visual, literary, and performing arts and crafts are enriching the healing process by bringing restoration and relief to patients, visitors, and staff of hospital, hospices, and other healthcare environments. Examples include: healing gardens, paintings in patient rooms, live music in lobbies, and on patient units; poets helping patients and their families to put their feelings into words; music, art, and dance/movement therapists guiding patients in self expression; art that helps people find their way through large confusing buildings.

Today's activity: kindness.

By definition:
*the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic; a kind act; forgiveness, tendency to be kind and forgiving.

Kindness is a simple act, that goes a long way. Whether it be saying hello to a stranger, giving to the needy, or allowing cars to merge, all bring a positive state of mind and gives great reward.

Kindness is a wonderful act, simple gestures go a long, long way.

Positive psychological effects:
*warm reaction
*ease of loneliness and helplessness
*the ability to make someone's day
*creating the feeling of exhileration and euphoria

Positive physical effects:
*kindness is the healing power of doing good
*creates calmness and relaxation
*ease of pain; headache, tension, and blood pressure
*increases energy

In conclusion, compliment someone, make eye contact, do a favor, listen, or be here, be there, be everywhere for someone special in your life.

As per Sir James Barrie..."Always be a little kinder than necessary"!

on the healing process...

Art has a miraculous way of contributing to the healing process. There are thousands of artists and certified expressive art therapists working in all kinds of community and healthcare settings; hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, hospices, helping people do "soul work" through media, such as: music, dance/movement, visual works, paint and clay. The expressive therapist who is part of the medical team provides a holistic view of the patient and helps the team to understand the contribution the arts make in the healing process. Some expressive art therapists are involved in research on the impact of the arts in healing. For example, music therapists have spearheaded research in measurable effects, such as, the rapidity of recovery, amount of pain medication requested, and length of stay in a hospital when music is part of the treatment protocol.

Today's activity:
Eye contact

By definition: meeting of the eyes between two people that expresses meaningful, nonverbal communication.

Eye contact is a subtle, yet extremely POWERFUL body language. Simple eye contact while engaged in a conversation expresses character and confidence. While eye contact has different meanings in different cultures, (for example: in the United States eye contact states respect and connection, while in Japan and China, eye contact shows disrespect), it is a friendly, polite knowledge of presence to the person on the receiving end. Eye contact is a basic, fundamental trait, but often not expressed by someone who lacks self confidence or is shy. Eye contact is positive, energetic vibe, with when coupled with a smile, communicates undivided attention, care, concern and interest.

Today I challenge you to make eye contact with EVERY person you come in contact with. Add a smile to the mix, and watch your world light up! After all, many people have said that eyes are the windows to our souls!

on history....

The healing arts are not a new concept, by any means. Actually, the concept of incorporating art into the healing process has ties throughout history. Healing art dates back to the Indian ages. The first healing art activity known to man, was the ritual of music and dance performances. This activity was known as "boiling energy". Tribes would gather and dance wildly until a meditative state, creating healing energy. Within time, costumes, storytelling, and painting were added to the ritual. Through time, research, and study, the knowledge of arts in healthcare has blossomed. People, including medical staff, are realizing the importance of art in the healing process, and linking art to the recovery and rehabilitation plan.

Today's activity: a hug.

By definition: to embrace, squeeze (tightly), in your arms, usually with fondness.

Today my wish for you is to reach out and hug someone! A simple hug creates a feeling of love, care, and compassion, while creating a powerful positive surge of energy. Hugs can be shared in good times, and in bad time. Hugs make people feel safe and secure. Hugs break down barriers, and bond. People in society are social creatures, and have the need of being loved and cared for. A hug is a such a simple gesture, yet it has such HUGE meaning behind it. Today, reach out and hug someone. Someone who is sick, lonely, or completely full of joy!

And I leave you with this quote:

"Hugs, hand-shakes, even a good intentioned touch, transfers useful energy to boost the immune mechanism in the body."

Heal and Soul...

The premise of Heal the Soul is really quite simple.

Be definition:
*Heal = to mend or recover; get healthy again; bring around; provide care; restore to health.
*Soul = the immaterial part; cause of individual life; deep feeling or emotion.

Therefore, Heal the Soul is the process of renewing the mind, body, and soul to full and complete life, bursting with complete, profound joy and happiness. Adding art to this process is just a bonus! A creative avenue to mend the spirit and make it alive.

Today's activity: the human touch.
Touch is a VERY BASIC human NEED which is often taken for granted. The human touch creates reassurance, comfort, relaxation, and arousal.The human touch helps the sick, lonely, and depressed deal with stress and pain. Humans need the human touch, just as we need food and water to live. Human touch is the first feeling or sense that an infant feelings. Other senses, such as vision and hearing, are not fully developed at birth, however touch is a sense that an infant can immediately find comfort in.

Physical benefits of touch include: stress relief, aid to relaxation, relieves muscle tension, relieves discomfort, reduces blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and is great for rehabilitation after surgery or an injury.

Mental benefits of touch include: peace of mind, alleviates mental alertness, and relieves mental stress.

Emotional benefits of touch include: feeling of well being, creates awareness, and opens awareness to the mind-body connection.

My wish for you today...reach out an touch someone! Offer a pat on the shoulder, or a touch of a hand. After all, birds do it, bee's do it, therefore....human beings should do it, too!

About Healing Arts...

Today I begin my journey...my first blog! I am so excited to be embarking upon this new endeavor, and I would like to thank you for joining in on this journey with me!

Heal the Soul is the concept of incorporating art into the healing process, or into everyday life. People all of the world are recognizing and utilizing the power of the arts to help create a healing environment; to bring refreshment and hope to the ill, and to the family and friends who care for, and love the sick and lonely. Art, in general, has the power of tapping into the creative spirit of all humans. At the same time, a sense of peace and harmony is centered in the soul.

On this journey, I plan to share my knowledge of mixing art into the recipe of life. In addition, I plan to couple the knowledge with a daily activity that can be practiced with those who are ill, those who are in the healing process, or those who long for a deeper, more spirited life.

Today we will start simple...a smile! Today share a smile with a loved one, or share a smile with a stranger. Share a smile with someone who may be sick
or lonely, or with someone who you pass on the street or at the market. Share a heartfelt smile today, and watch how the world will smile back at you!