Let's Celebrate

                                               

Each year on this very day an unforgettable occurrence happened.  It’s not anything that is written in the history books, plastered across the news or newspaper headlines.  An occurrence known to only those who were there in the beginning and those I have come to known and personally expressed to. An occurrence that happens every year on the same day in your life too. 

                IT’S A BIRTHDAY!  

Some of you may now think of it as just another day.  But it actually is wonderful day whether you choose to shout it out or keep it quiet.

I, myself, am at an age where I am over the thrills and frills of the traditional birthday celebrations with cake, presents, balloons and parties.  But today, I’m not celebrating my age, I’m celebrating MY LIFE.  I admit my life has not been perfect or always happy and pleasant.  Is anyone’s?  We all have struggles, disappointments and low times.  But I am choosing to celebrate what I have learned, accomplished, became, and where I am being guided.  I am celebrating with the most precious gift I received this morning…another day to try again and do my best.

Two weeks ago, someone asked a dear friend who shares a February birthday and matured in 80 years what her secret to staying so young was. Her answer “It’s all in your attitude and choices. It’s choosing the Lord”.  I say Amen!

So whenever your special day is, celebrate not your age but YOUR LIFE!   

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. Oprah Winfrey (courtesy of brainyquote.com)

 

Why do you do ...?

What do you do for a living?  Or  What type of work do you do?

Either is a question usually asked when you are trying to get to know someone or meeting them for the first time. A simple question with a simple answer.   

But a question that rarely follows or is even asked at all is “Why do you do the work that you do?”  I, myself can attest to not asking Why after What.  I can’t think of a reason I have never asked.   Maybe it was the person’s actions and how they responded I automatically assumed the answer. 

Answers like:  It’s a job and the money is good;  It’s what I have my degree in;  I’m following in “__” footsteps;  It’s my family’s business;  or  It’s all I know.

But is that the only reason why they do what they do? Most likely not.  Learning not only what type of work a person does but why they do it, could be very beneficial to your personal and/or business relationship. 

1)     Their WHY’s can be very common to yours. 

2)      Their WHY gives them enthusiasm therefore providing better service.

3)      Their WHY could refer others to befriend or network with.  

4)      They could inspire you to change your WHY.

5)      The stronger the WHY can make you more successful.

I have four jobs …Mom, Writer, Title Agent, and Marketer.  Of course, I have different why's for each one, but there is one strong WHY that they all do share.

So, I ask you, "Why do you do the work that you do? Do you think we will have a similar Why?"

 

 

New Year's Resolutions and Exhilarate your soul

“New Year’s Resolutions” As one year comes to an end and another starts, how many times do you see these three words or something similar plastered in the headlines?  For any journalist, it’s an easy story to fill the blank pages on their paper.   

A tradition that has been reported to begin way back in time.  The two hands on the clock align together, triggering 12 chimes and launching a day unlike any other day of the year.  Past resolutions are reflected upon and new self-promises are made by many of all races, locales, income levels and religions. Some take it seriously enough, that to hold themselves accountable and stay on track, will write lists, draw charts, build picture boards and post reminders.  Others will make an attempt but soon “fall off the wagon” per se and give up until next year. The remaining will not even make an effort. They continue to live their lives like the days before.

The top and most commonly reported resolutions are: losing weight and establishing a healthier lifestyle; reforming bad habits; increasing wealth and becoming debt free; making a career change; and getting a better education.  Surely attainable resolutions by anyone who is serious and determined.  Lives may feel better for a little while.  But will they exhilarate their soul?  

How many have made a resolution to become deeper in spirituality? Or promising to find a way to help others instead of solely helping themselves?  How about pledging to pay something forward, even in small amounts, throughout the day, every day and all year long?  Any one of these three resolutions is not so difficult to do or even keep.  Everyone has the ability to do so, even without putting much effort into it. It can be started anytime, not just on the first day of the New Year.   Think about it.  By doing all or one, you’ll get the same results and possibly more as if you achieved any of the aforesaid common resolutions.

I, myself, have many times been in the group of falling off and not keeping any of my prior New Year’s resolutions.  But as I am getting older, my desire for deeper spirituality is getting stronger. I have decided that my New Year’s resolution for 2013 is to work harder at paying It forward.  It being defined in way of words, tasks, material or money.  Whatever I can do to enrich the next person and exhilarate both theirs and my soul.

How about you? Have you made a New Year’s resolution?  We want to hear it.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only God Knows Why

In previous posts I had described how I was blessed three times.  I wrote about the second and third. Now it’s time to write about the first.

It was 14 years ago I moved to a new small town several hundred miles away from my family and comfort zones.  The devotion of being around family and close friends made my move a difficult decision.  But several unpleasant prior events and my strong yearning to find once again the person who through years got lost under someone else’s control, strengthened me to make this bold step. To take on new adventure.

One night in my new town, I walked into the local bar with a friend.  My shy personality and not knowing many of the town folk, led me to a bar stool at the far end of the room. The bartender had noticed me walking through the door and it didn’t take him long before he made his way to where I was seated. His friendly and outgoing personality immediately put me at ease in the strange place, (the never empty wine glass, had a little something to with it too).  He had that hard-edged wild look, a look that I have always been attracted to, yet I felt a softness about him. He was different. 

The night continued on.  He served the many patrons coming in and out of the bar but our conversations never seemed to interrupt.  So many of our stories were similar.  Only a few hours had past, but we felt we knew each other for years. We would finish each other’s sentences.  Neither one of us had been content and laughed in so long, the way we did that night.

He tried warning me that he was trouble. He had dark spots. His heart weighed heavy with regrets and distance with his two children, family and past.  Although some were beyond his control, he still felt responsible in someway. There was a sadness about him, but it didn’t bother me.  I saw qualities and talents that he himself, was finding hard to realize he had.

He had words of wisdom and gave me confidence.  He’d listen to my thoughts, even if they didn’t make sense. He would take my hand and show me another path.  He’d put the simple in my over thinking (which I do quite often). He opened my eyes to see and has shown me a love like no one before. 

Our life continues ~ married with children of our own. Trials and tribulations still emerge from time to time.  Solutions and lessons materialize in unexpected ways.  Disagreements and different interests may at times pull us apart.  But all in all our lives are full. 

Our hearts still flutter, our arms embrace, our lips lift to smile, our tongues still whisper “I love you”. 

We have this bond. Together to make WE and as he wrote and sings… Only God Knows Why 

                                                                                                                                                Please listen, vote and share this song.

 

*REDEFINE YOUR FUTURE * BALANCE YOUR LIFE * RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH

More headlines have caught my attention. Each advertising a sole situation.  Not long ago, in my own way of thinking, I was trying to find a way to accomplish each of these goals.  But I kept coming up with an excuse. Then a friend shared with me an opportunity where I CAN and DID accomplish all three. No significant changes and no more excuses.

Redefine your future – (a college ad offering studies in a few career choices)   I’m always looking to try something new and expand my horizons, but I lacked the interest in going back to school.  My adult mind is more confused and stressed just helping my kids with their homework and trying to understand the new ways of arithmetic.  With my new opportunity, I did not need a college education, degree or diploma to get started.  I already had the experience with lessons I learned early on in life. I expanded on what I do best, helping others and sharing important information with them.

Balance your life – (pilates) By raising two active kids, it’s amazing how many forms of exercises you do in a day, including meditation and brain boosting activities.  Most are done spur of the moment.  Now, I get to enjoy more time and THE time with my whole family.  I’m able to listen more closely. I meet and talk with others, whenever, wherever and around my family’s schedule.

Reclaim your health – (fighting obesity) Yes, loosing a few extra pounds, eating healthier and taking better care of my overall health should have been at the top of my list. But growing up sitting at an Italian dinner table eating bread, pastas and cheese made it difficult!  Since feeding my whole body with nutritional supplements, healthier shakes and snacks, I literally lost weight.

I didn’t have to eliminate my Italian dinners or do any major exercise.  I also have gained energy by reducing the toxins that my body, home and environment absorb, allowing me to participate in and enjoy more of the activities with family and friends.

How about you?  Are you ready to Redefine your future, Balance your life and Reclaim your health?  What’s your plan of action? 

   

MAKE A DIFFERENCE, BE A HERO

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a hero as “a mythological or legendary figure of great strength or ability”. Rightly so if you are reading a comic book, cartoon or watching an animated movie.  We’ve seen time and again the heroic acts of Superman, Spiderman, and Batman to name a few.  In times of great need they swiftly appear to fight villains and save cities and people from acts of jealousy, vengeance and injustice.

In reality, heroes are not at all mythological, legendary nor do they have super powers. They are not only soldiers of war, policemen or firefighters that risk their lives at all costs for our communities and great country.  They are not only persons or animals that take hasty action and respond in the moment. They are not only celebrities or persons of wealth. They are not only teachers, missionaries, church leaders, special organizations, doctors, scientists or inventors. 

Our communities read about heroes in the newspaper, and stories are spread through the social networks, television and radio.  The world will never forget the heroes from the 9/11 attacks on our country.  Most recently, there were acts of heroism from ordinary people and loved ones involved in the movie theatre tragedy in Colorado.

You see heroes are within and all around us. They appear all the time, not only through tragedy or misfortune but also through enjoyment and thrill.  You are a hero. Your child is a hero. The stranger standing or sitting next to you is a hero.  I am a hero.  My God is a hero. 

My definition of a Hero is any person or even animal that makes a difference in another’s life, whether small or extraordinary.  How does one make a difference?  They question what another desires or craves. They explore what it is that they them self know, really love to do and interpret their own abilities. They express, share, and educate with it.  They transform their compassion into an action or service for others in need without any expectation of material gain. They become a role model.

In the words of former President Ronald Reagan …“Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look ”. 

Go Make a Difference whether it be small or extraordinary

                    Be a Hero!