Thursday, July 29, 2010

Emotions

Your emotions are part of what lets you know you're alive.  They are part of your body's response system...you know - kind of like your nervous system.  When you react to something, what you feel inside is part of your emotions.  What you feel through your sense of touch is from your nervous system.  They both allow you to respond to stimuli - things that happen to or around you...both naturally.

Sometimes your emotions carry you in directions that aren't necessarily good for you.  You do things based on how you feel and your feelings may be the total opposite of what you need.  At these times it's best to use your time wisely and listen closely to your heart...not just your emotions or what you think might be right.  Your emotions will cause you to act spontaneously at the wrong times.  This could cause irreparable damage to your personal & working relationships and your image.

Never let your emotions lead you without first, listening to your heart and second, thinking with a clear mind.  If your heart is true and your mind is clear...ride the wave and enjoy the feelings.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Heart

Your heart is the strongest muscle in your body.  It pumps the life through you and allows the rest of your body to thrive daily.  Physically, your heart is the keeper of life for your body.  It can survive, even when your mind is far gone.  Your heart allows your body to live, despite the activity of your brain.

In other matters (of the heart), your heart is where your dreams live.  Your heart is where love lives.  Your heart is where possibilities never cease.  Your heart is where courage and faith reside.  Your heart is what connects to your spirit, your truth, and your Creator.

Your heart is what allows you to take big steps to do the things that people think are impossible.  Your heart is what gives you the spiritual fortitude and the physical ability to forgive, be humble, and love.  Love with all your might and share it...that's what you were made for.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Your Heart, Your Emotions, and Your Mind

I recently had a "cyber" conversation with several people about how your heart and mind are always at war with one another.  I believe this to be true on so many levels.  However, it was brought to my attention just how sad life can turn out for so many people due to their way of thinking.  It's amazing to hear what people think of life and love...only to see them play out their on negative ideals through their own lives.

A young lady told me that as you get older, you gain knowledge and your feelings tend to fade.  I must say that I was quite surprised to hear and see her rebuttal.  However, I can totally understand her point of view.  It is true that as a child and young adult we sometimes let our feelings/emotions lead us in the wrong direction.  Nevertheless, your heart and your emotions are different.

Your heart's desire is always what's right and good for your life...naturally.  Your mind works on what it can see, touch, hear, evaluate, or think about...and can change at a moment's notice.  Likewise, your emotions operate on the same wavelength...but considering your heart and your mind.  Your emotions stand as the battleground upon which your heart and mind go to war.  Be weary of who or what you allow to lead you.

It's beautiful to be you!

Forget

Forget about the people who said you weren't good enough.  Forget about the people who said they'd be there, but never were.  Forget about the people who shared their opinions of you with hopes that negativity would bring you down.  Forget about the people who invited you into chaos and harm's way.  Forget about the people who have wronged you.

Forget the incidents, but remember the consequences.  Forget the person who caused the pain, but remember how it felt.  Forget the negative words, thoughts, and feelings that were spoken, but remember the results.  Forget the harmful intentions of others, but remember how their intentions did you no harm.  Forget all about the beginning of any bad thing, but hold onto the ending...the beginning of the good things.

All that you doubt about yourself...forget about it.  All that others doubt and don't support about your dreams...forget about it.  All the negativity that buzzes around you...forget about it.  Strap your dream, your hard work, your dedication, and your faith snug to your back and keep moving forward.  Forget how failure begins and work toward your ending of it in your life...the beginning of your success. 

Your success, your change, your positivity, your attitude, your promise, your greatness...begins in your mind.  Think happy.  Think well.  Think great.  Be happy, well, and greater!

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Remember

Think before you speak.  Think again before you act.  Observe before you make an assumption.  Choose wisely before you decide.  Remember, someone is always watching and listening.

What you do and say means the world to someone...even if you don't know who he/she may be.  You will always be someone's example...be it a good or bad.  Be cognizant of those around you and what they may glean from your presence, words, and actions.  Allow people to see the good in you...the kindness in you.  Your name may be forgotten, but you will be remembered for what you've said and done (or not)...good or bad.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Just Words

No comment you make is just words.  No opinion you give is just words.  No information you share is just words.  No discussion or argument is made of just words.  Nothing you say is just words.

Keep in mind that as you move throughout your day, having new experiences and encounters, nothing you say goes unnoticed.  Despite the fact that people may say words don't hurt me...they do.  Words have power...to destroy and to build.  What you speak will either hurt or help someone.  Be sure that your words are sweet and tender; for you may have to eat them one day.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Wonderful

It's wonderful to know that you've touched someone's life.  It's a wonderful feeling when you learn that you have taught someone how to forgive, how to love, and how to be themselves no matter what.  It's a wonderful feeling to know that you've enriched someone else's life.  It's wonderful to know that you've truly helped someone along this journey of life.  It's wonderful to know that you were truly used as vessel of knowledge, caring, understanding, patience, compassion, and love.

It's beautiful to be you...wondrously beautiful!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Wondering

I'm just wondering... What do you think about me when I'm there when things go wrong?  What do you think about me when I make you smile?  What do you think about me when I say what's on your mind...that you won't say?  What do you think about me when we share the same feelings and know what you're going through?  What do you think about me?

It's easy to be present in the time of someone else's trouble, turmoil, hard times, sadness, or need.  It's also easy for others not to be there for you during the same or similar situations.  No matter how much people say others' opinions of them don't matter...everyone has - at one time or another - thought about what someone thinks of them.  You may not have dwelt upon it or even had a lingering feeling, but you've thought about it at least once, for a fleeting second.  What do you think of me?

If you dare to ask your question aloud, be prepared for the good and the bad.  However, also prepare yourself to keep moving forward.  Every situation, scenario, conversation, or discussion is for your learning.  If you don't like the opinion...it's ok.  Reflect and keep moving, growing.  If you like the opinion, love it, appreciate it, and say it...then keep moving, growing.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Wash & Go

You know...you're something like a wash & go fabric.  You're designed to withstand a lot of disaster and stains.  You get thrown in the wash, you dry, and you're ready to go!  No iron needed.  No extra steps.

You take life on your sleeve...and sometimes into your heart.  When the day is done, jump in the wash and get rid of the stains of the day.  At night, cry, scream, release, REST...and dry out.  Wake up the next morning like a brand new you!  Refreshed and ready to go...get out there and try again!  No matter what happens, just know that at the end of the day you can jump in the wash again.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Spongy

Life is hard sometimes...believe me, I know.  Sometimes everything comes at you all at once and you have nowhere to go or seemingly no one who can help you.  Sometimes you're required to do things that you say you'd never do.  Sometimes life can make your pride, ego, and confidence disappear altogether.  You can get your confidence back...try being spongy.

Sponges have a unique ability...one I think is good for us to emulate.  A sponge has a natural shape that can only change through growth, despite the pressure it undergoes...like you and I.  It's put into all kinds of liquids; used to clean all kinds of spills and accidents...much like the things that happen in our lives.  No matter what a sponge soaks up, no matter what mess it encounters, it retains its natural shape.  When squeezed, all the mess is released, but the sponge doesn't change.
I know you're going through hell sometimes, but soak it all up.  Soak up the trials, problems, and issues...soak up all the mess you may go through.  When the pressure comes and you're squeezed like a sponge...take the pressure, but release the mess.  You may not know when it's coming, but when it does, let the pressure squeeze all of life's mess right out of you.  Let everything go...except what you've learned from the mess; retain your shape, and try again. 

It's beautiful to be you...let's be spongy together!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Bounce Back

It's hard sometimes to make a comeback from disappointment, heartbreak, failed endeavors, lost friendships...just plain old life.  You wonder at times what to do next.  Sometimes there is no perfect answer.  You just have to keep living.  You have to naturally bounce back.

There is no trick or gimmick for bouncing back.  You just have to know yourself enough to know when enough is enough.  When you've had enough of whatever life has thrown at you take some time to relax, reflect, and be rejuvenated by the hope of tomorrow.  That hope, your faith and belief, will give you the strength you need to bounce back.  It'll give you the extra push you might need to stand again.

Don't be so hard on yourself when things don't turn out the way you'd like them to.  It's ok.  You put your best foot forward.  You did the best you could...and if you didn't, you know what to do differently the next time around.  Use anything life throws at you as a learning tool.  Let it teach you how to change, how to be better, how to adapt and adjust...how to bounce back.  Use life's craziness as a tool for your success.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Open

I'm open for life. 

Open for change.
Open for growth.
Open for possibilities.
Open for opportunities.
Opening my mind for new perspectives.

I'm here.

Here for life.
Here for love.
Here for work.
Here for success.
Here for what I need.

Life can be wonderful chaos sometimes.  So beautiful to witness, so magnificent to behold; yet seem to have no order, rhyme, or reason at times.  What are you here for...the wonder or the chaos?  Open your eyes and see the good, the positive, the moments, and the chances.....take them!

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Monday, July 12, 2010

I'm Learning

Stepping away from what I want is the hardest decision I think I've ever had to make...and I've made the decision numerous times for various reasons.  I know I'm stubborn and willful.  I want what I want when I want it.  I had to sit myself down and pray.  I got my answer...like it or not.

I've been trying so hard to do so much at the same time that I haven't taken the time to separate wants vs. needs, desires vs. destiny, or primary vs. secondary goals.  I know, and knew before today, the things I need to do (and the things I don't need to do) to continue down the path of my own success successfully.  I know that things aren't always what they seem, but sometimes it's up to us to make things into what we know they could be.  Slowly, but surely, I'm learning the prayer of serenity through practice...consistent, continuous practice.  It isn't what I want right now, but it's what I need.

Everything that is meant for me, I'll receive.  Everything that is meant for me to experience, I will in due time.  Everyone that I am meant to meet, or otherwise, I will when the time is right and I'm ready...even if I don't know when.  So, I'm breathing, practicing patience, celebrating myself, and waiting my turn.  I'm learning...you should try it.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Never Satisfied

Don't be satisfied with where you are.  Don't accept where you are as your last stop.  Keep going, keep growing, keep learning, keep achieving.  Never be satisfied only with what you're given.  Never settle.

Learn how to acquire your desires.  Achieve your goals.  Actualize your dreams.  Never be satisfied with stopping.  Strive to do more...always.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Little Things

Life happens in the little things.  The little things make the big things enjoyable.  You trust based on the little things.  Your heart is captured by the little things.  You smile, laugh, and cry when you think about the little things.

Never take the little things for granted...they're the things that make life worth living and loving.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Notice

You don't have to give notice for all that you do or plan to do.  People will notice what you do because they notice you.  Set your goal and act on it.  Those around you, near and far, will be very much aware of your endeavors and accomplishments.  Prepare for the mistakes and the failures, but keep moving forward.

Keep moving forward...without notice.  You don't have to announce that you aren't hurt or setback due to an untimely event or unfavorable outcome.  Make an alternate plan for your alternate plan...you'll always be ready.  Be ready for whatever comes, even when you may not know all that could come.  Know the lay of the land for which you plan to be engaged....and go.

You don't have to give notice of for your dreams, goals, and achievements.  Strategize and make small, quick moves...without notice.  Giving no notice allows no room for distraction.  Just do it.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Limitations

It's very important that you know yourself and your personal limitations.  You can achieve whatever you set in your heart and mind to achieve.  However, you can only be the best at whatever talents lie within you.  Know how far you can go and never overextend yourself.  Don't make commitments that you know, from the start, you can't fulfill.

Don't be saddened because you can't do it all.  Don't be disappointed because you need the talents of another to totally, successfully, reach your goal with excellence.  Never feel that you've let everyone down if you say "no".  Use the talents of others around you to learn from and help support you through your endeavors.  However, always be humble and honest with those that have consciously chosen to help or support you.

It's ok the need or ask for help.  You can't do everything alone.  There is no "I" in team...and you need a team of helpers and supporters to reach your goals.  Remember to reflect in all things...and know your limitations.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Treats

There isn't a single thing wrong with treating yourself.  I think you owe it to yourself sometimes.  There are times at which you must indulge and enjoy yourself...just don't overdo it.  When those times come around...you'll know.  It won't hurt, won't be questionable, won't get in the way of anything, won't upset your plans...it'll fit right in with how you feel. 

Treats are wonderful presents wrapped up in the colorful, sheer enjoyment of all that is right and good.  They're like your personal thank you to yourself.  They're like your own little spaces and moments of exhale...in the midst of whatever is going on around you.  They're the little things you do that you think about months later....and you smile to yourself.  Treats are fabulous...but only in small doses.

Treat yourself...well.  Make yourself feel good sometime.  Do for you what no one else can...delight yourself in the pleasurable gratification that comes only from within.  Do something nice for you...treat yourself.  You'll thank me later.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Celebrate

Celebrate life daily with a smile when you rise.  Each day is a gift that you don't have to be given.  Appreciate each gift by living your life well, despite the moments you'd care not to experience.  Whatever you do today, do it well.  Be happy, spread love, and be safe.  Share your light-hearted merriment...celebrate!

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Ouch!

It hurts sometimes when you're told something you don't want to hear.  It hurts sometimes when you don't get your way.  You don't like it and sometimes wish things would just go your way...not gonna happen!  You want to ask, and get, what you ask for...sometimes, even if it hurts.  There's always a price for what you want.

Yes, I know...sometimes it feels like you can't win.  When you ask for honesty, you get harsh, abrasive words that don't seem fitting for any action that you've performed.  When you ask for soft or sweet words, you get a load of crap that you know are 90% lies!  When you ask for wisdom, you get what someone thinks that is in no way wise or even beyond their narrow-minded view of the world.  Ouch...just the thought hurts a little.

When you have an ouch moment...just grab a handful of reflection, a cupful of humility, a pinch of patience, and just a smidgen of confidence.  Think about what you ask for.  Accept it with an open heart and mind...minus the pride.  Wait for what you want instead of chasing it and be confident in knowing that the sting of what you need begins to dull more and more as you gain a clearer understanding of yourself.

It's beautiful to be you...transformingly beautiful.

Wait For It

Waiting sometimes seems like the hardest thing you have to do.  Nevertheless, it must be done - either by choice or by force.  Nothing you want will come to you any faster if you make up in your mind that your mind that you won't be patient and wait.  You can't make time or life move anymore expediently than the pace at which it's designed to happen.  Just wait for it.

I know you want the finer things in life that you've worked so hard to achieve.  You want international trips at your leisure and dining out when you get the taste.  You want to help others when they need help, not just when you can.  You want to do nice things just because, not just on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.  You want to extend yourself to others in a way that will keep a perpetual smile on your face and in your heart.

At times, you think of having someone special to share your heart-smile with.  You'd love to be able to make someone else feel as special as you do when you help someone.  You want to put as much time and energy (or more) into loving someone special as you do your work and other endeavors.  You really want all your hard work to pay off...monetarily and fulfilling.  Just wait for it.

What you hope and dream for will come.  What's in your heart, you will receive.  Patience takes practice and practice makes perfect.  Just wait for it...you don't really have much choice.

It's beautiful to be you...patiently beautiful.