~ Remembrance ~

 “Four things support the world:
the learning of the wise,
the justice of the great,
the prayers of the good,
and the valor of the brave”

On this Memorial day - me we all remember those who have sacrificed their lives - fought with courage in the face of fear - and continue to do so for our well being and our freedom.

Happy Memorial Day ♥

~ Challenges ~

"Every challenge has hidden within it
an opportunity so powerful
that it dwarfs the challenge."

When I read the above quote from one of my friends on Facebook - I knew it would be my post today!  I love the hope this quote gives me - right to the core. 

I have faced many challenges - like all of you - throughout my life.  And now after having read this quote, it makes me see my challenges and obstacles in a totally different light. 
Challenges + Obstacles = OPPORTUNITIES! 
And I know that if I stay strong throughout whatever I'm facing at the moment, that yes indeed - it WILL "dwarf the challenge!"

Think back on all of the obstacles and challenges you have been faced with in your life.  How did you get through them?  What better person did you become by changing those challenges into opportunities?

HOW do you change challenges into opportunities you might ask?  This is a great description of how to deal with challenges:

Meaning of challenge = Difficult experience, a test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding way, to summon to take action or effort.

Turn this around ~ Change your mindset when it comes to challenges. Think of them as opportunities in life. This is the Power of Positive thinking.


Meaning of opportunity = A chance in life or convenient time, a time or place favorable for executing a purpose, a suitable combination of conditions, suitable occasion.


Change your challenge into an opportunity to grow as a person, to learn something from, to strengthen yourself. By having challenges in life you have an opportunity in life.


Take a fresh look at things which come up for you. Look at them from a place of positive thinking rather than having a negative outlook from the start. As soon as you make this mindset shift and use the power of positive thinking you will start to feel much better. By looking at the possible challenge you face as an opportunity you are already in a more positive position to deal with whatever has come up for you.


Now maybe you are asking why the same challenges in life keep coming up for you on a regular basis. Again this is also an opportunity for you. I look at repetitive challenges as an opportunity to change, when things are sent into your life they happen for a reason, make a shift from the challenge to seeing this as an opportunity to make positive changes in life.


Here's to turning your obstacles and challenges into amazing positive opportunities!  Be creative.  Think out of the box on how you can do this.  Ask yourself how you can do it - and then just quietly listen ... the answers will come.  Finally this quote sums everything up perfectly:

"May you welcome obstacles as opportunities to express yourself

in ways you didn't think possible."

~ What I Wish For You

♥

~ Solitude ~

"May you appreciate your own company
and enjoy times of quiet
and solitude."

  ~"What I Wish For You"

I am the type of person that loves taking myself on spur-of-the-moment journeys and mini adventures.  I am the type of person that doesn't need someone to always come along with me - HOWEVER, I  do love the company of my dear friends.  But if I want to go somewhere, and nobody can come with me - I'm totally okay with it and go anyway.  I have always been that way. 

Enjoy your own company for a change.  Do something just for you.  Go on a little adventure today. Somewhere you have always wanted to go and explore.  I always have my camera with me - and truly relish in my mini photographical journeys.  Enjoy the ambiance of the book store, all cozy in one of their comfy chairs - scanning through whatever books you have wanted to read.  Go to one of those "Color Me Mine" ceramic shops and paint some pieces.  Blast your favorite music when home alone doing your daily chores - or while driving in the car.  Treat yourself to a spa day.  Take a drive up to the mountains or the beach ... and just breeeeeathe - take it all in.  Treat yourself to a divine morsel.  Go on a walk through a nearby garden or park.  Whatever it is - just do that for you today and enjoy being with YOU! 

There is value in taking care of oneself.  There is value of loving your own company.  When you do this - you will be able to give back more to those around you - because you have taken care of yourself for a moment. And as the saying goes:
"You can't draw water from an empty well." 


Replenish yourself today, and enjoy the magic of solitude.

♥

~ Anniversary! ~

20 years ago today, I married my hubby!!  It's crazy to realize how fast 20 years passes by!  We have had many up's and down's as most couples do - but we make it through each time.  I love how the picture above shows a complete circle and then reflects a heart - as the two in one.  

I thought to celebrate - the following quotes about marriage would be perfect! 

Here's to celebrating unity, loyalty and love!! ♥

"Chains do not hold a marriage together.
It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads
which sew people together through the years."

~Simone Signoret

"Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate,
but through being the right mate."  

~Barnett R. Brickner

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."  

~Mignon McLaughlin

"In the opinion of the world, marriage ends all, as it does in a comedy.
The truth is precisely the opposite: it begins all." ~Anne Sophie Swetchine

"Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight"
~Phyllis Diller

"Our wedding was many years ago.
The celebration continues to this day."

 ~Gene Perret

And to finish it off ... a list of great advice for a long and happy marriage!

Enjoy some wedding cake : )

~ Spice ~

"May you lead a vivid life,
richly textured with many glorious

sights .... sounds .... smells .... tastes .... touches."

One of my very dear friends whom I've known for 20+ years, gave me a wonderful thought-provoking book for my birthday, titled: "What I Wish For You."  It is full of heartfelt wishes encouraging the reader to live a full, healthy, vibrant life.  Its simple, straight-forward messages reach deep into the core of our humanity and touch us in ways that we know are true.

I love above quote that came from the book in the "Spice" category of life's thoughts.  It is so true!  The more we bring into our life - especially through our senses - adds so much depth and meaning and enjoyment to our every day journey. 

Sometimes I will just take myself on little journeys to bring into my life exactly what the quote says.  It truly makes a life so much more worth living - as I live ... - OUTSIDE - in the open air and magical little moments, in this glorious place called earth.

Here's to brining a little more "Spice" into your life today.  Go!  Take yourself on a journey.  Explore new things - and LIVE!  : )

~ Closer ~

"At any moment, you have a choice,
that either leads you closer to the Spirit
or further away from it." 

I found that quote just recently and this beautiful picture of Christ giving a "Bear Hug" as my dearest cousin has adopted for this title - which I must say I wholeheartedly agree! : )

When I first read that quote, it really made me see that I - ME - have the power, control, decision - CHOICE to either lead me closer or further away from the Spirit.  Nobody but me.  No matter my circumstances around me, my environment, the people in my life - it is ME by MY choice.  It was quite an enlightening moment for me.

What do you choose today?  What do you do in your life that leads  you closer to the Spirit?

Have a wonderful beautiful Sabbath today.  And may you choose this day to draw yourself closer to the Spirit.  ♥

~ "Aloha Friday!!" ~

~ "White Sandy Beach" ~There's nothing more fun than being a part of a family who is Hawaiian!!  They love to eat, dance, sing, play, laugh, joke, smile, nap ... and then do it all over again 24/7 around the clock!  Hawaiian's are usually always happy and love to smile as they pass strangers by with a "Shaka" instantly becoming family with you as they do so.  Everyone is either your "Bruddah, Sistah, Auntie, or Uncle" even if you're not related by blood!!  Their relaxed nature is instantly contageous as you begin to understand the phrase:
"There are only 2 people in the world.  Hawaiian's and those who wish they were!"

With my hubby being 1/2 Hawaiian, we are fortunate enough to be a part of their tradition's, fun and celebration of life's moments.  In July we were blessed to go to Oahu for a 3 year in the making family reunion, and spent 10 paradisical days in the little town called Kailua - truly heaven on earth.  I ritually took a morning and evening walk in the white powdered sugar sands along the beach every day that was only a 3 minute distance from the amazing house we were all staying in.  The water was the most beautiful, clear blue I've ever seen.  There is not a word in any language that describes just how beautiful it was!!!  We had such a fun-filled time that still to this day 6 months later miss it ever so often and once in awhile crave our most delicious "Shave Ice" - another daily ritual that was just next door.

One of the many traditions these happy people celebrate is "Aloha Friday."  You might be wondering what exactly is Aloha Friday.  Well, interestingly enough - it is a resolution that was passed in the Hawaii House of Representatives and the Hawaii Senate. "Aloha Friday" is generally used to refer to the last day of the work week.  Now considered Hawaii's term for TGIF, the phrase has become immortalized by Kimo Kahoano and Paul Natto in their 1982 song, "It's Aloha Friday, No Work 'til Monday", heard every Friday on Hawaii radio stations across the state.  Aloha Friday officially began in 1966, and young adults of the 1960s embraced the style, replacing the formal business wear favored by previous generations. By 1970, aloha wear had gained acceptance in Hawaii as business attire for any day of the week.

So, there you have it.  A little history lesson on "Aloha Friday!"  I'm wondering why we were never taught this in history class in school?  "No worries, bruddah - it's all good...it's never too late to learn 'Da-Kine' t'ings about life - yeah?!"  : )

Have a fantastic "Aloha Friday!"  ...  Do something today out of the ordinary.  Give your life a little boost - you deserve it! 

"Mahalo" and "Aloooooooooooooooha!"

~ Friendship ~

“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”

Yesterday was probably one of the best birthday's I've ever had!  I received an overwhelming amount of birthday wishes at every angle - from phone calls, to text's, emails, Facebook, gifts at my door, cards in the mail, and was totally spoiled by my family!  I am truly grateful for so many kind, sincere, thoughtful people in my life.  The absolutely best and most meaningful gift I could have ever received - is the gift of friendship.

I am sitting here thinking of the best way to describe how blessed I feel - and honored to have so many people call me their friend ... there are no words to describe, except for abundant Gratitude. 

Friendship truly is the gift of the soul that carries you through the darkness into the light.  It is an anchor of the heart and a treasure within the depths of your being.  It is something of security, always knowing that someone - even if it's only 1 person - is always there for you no matter what.  It fills the spirit with joy and memories.  It is only a thought, a moment, a smile away and can be visited at any time.  It is hope for a beautiful life and a better world. 

I just want to thank all of you for being my friend.  I am eternally blessed and my life is richer because YOU are a part of it.  Cherish your friendships in your life - and be grateful for every single one!

Here are some of my most favorite quotes on friendship.  Enjoy ♥

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”

"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same."

-Elbert Hubbard

"A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down."

- Arnold H. Glasow

"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies."

-Aristotle

"Friendship... is not something you learn in school.
But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship,
you really haven't learned anything."

- Muhammad Ali

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art...
It has no survival value;
rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

- C. S. Lewis

"You will always be my best friend ...

you know too much!"

♥

For YOU - my dear friend.

 

~ Day of Birth ~

“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count.
It's the life in your years.”

43 years ago today at approximately 12:48 p.m. I came into the world.  When I was 3 days old - I had a blood transfusion because my mom's white blood cells were attacking mine.  She has told me a few times since then, she will never forget the image of my tiny body laying there with one arm of blood going out and the other of new blood coming in.  I survived.

My memories of childhood were those filled with the daydreams of longing days yearned for in the world now.  It was simple - yet fun and meaningful.  We would ride our bikes through the nearby field - play hide 'n seek with all the neighborhood kids - owned a slip n' slide and had the perfect front yard hill to slide for hours on it.  My best friend - "Buffy" - lived only about 7 houses down the street and we were inseperable.  Barbies, were our #1 priority for our little world, and we would play with them for hours.  Great memories!  I lived.

I remember going camping w/the family and various families at least once a month.  To the deseret, the canyons, lakes, you name it - we were there.  Our yearly caravan to Disneyland always happened and it was a time that we looked forward to with such great anticipation.  It made the "magic" even greater the moment we walked through the front gates.  My mom still to this day loves that place ... her favorite moments were - and still are - walking up and down Mainstreet.  We had adventures together as a family.  No texting at the table or computers - ipod's to distract us.  Simple yet joyful times.  I lived.

When I was 11, we moved to Sandy Utah - which was a very devastating time ... leaving the only friends I've ever known since I was born.  Middle school years weren't really that great.  I was extremely shy and missed my old neighborhood.  Things began to change in high school as I had a new "bestie" and became involved in school.  By senior year I had come out of my shell and had a lot of good friends - fun and good times.  Of course going to the best high school on the planet helps a lot.  Alta High - the Hawks - "soaring high" took state in football more than once during my attending years which made for a strong bond with everyone.  Great times.  I lived.

I moved to California and lived with my dad for a few years.  This is where I met my hubby.  We also had the greatest group of friends ever, and to this day keep in touch with many of them.  We married - and a couple of years later had our first adorable son - then 3 years later our beautiful daughter.  I lived.

I was once told, back in my early mom years, how fast time flies.  That overnight my kids will be all grown up.  I thought - ya right ... it won't happen to me.  Well, guess what?  Time does fly.  It does happen overnight.  Right now my son will be 18 this year and my daughter 15.  I have taken thousands of pictures of them throughout their life, which to this day is one of my greatest treasure's and highest gratitude that I did.  I will be celebrating my 25 year high school reunion in September and I sometimes think - what the??!!  Where did the time go?  I feel as if I just graduated on some days ... as if I just walked out of the those front doors of school into a new chapter of my life.  Time waits for no one.  And I have found that if I'm not paying attention, precious moments will pass me right by.  I am living.

This day today will be a celebration of my life.  With all of my memories unwrapped as gifts right in front of me.  For the love and gratitude I feel for both sets of my parents who love me and I love them.  For my own little family.  For a loving Father in heaven who loves me unconditionally and is constantly merciful of my imperfections.  For all of my dearest friends in my life and extended family.  For the knowledge of who I am and the continued learning that fills my soul every day.  To all of the opportunites, challenges, obstacles, successes, and dreams in my life that have made me who I am today - at this very moment.  To the beauty with the ebb and flo of this amazing miraculous earth I walk upon every day.  To it all.  I've had a great life and plan on continuing with it.  I have lived and am living every day. 

What a beautiful life.

♥

~ Comfort Zone ~

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

~ Neale Donald Walsch

So I've started working out again at the gym.  Can't believe I let this time lapse so long ... BUT it feels good getting back into it and my body is saying "Ahhhhh!  It's about time!"  Some of the exercises, moves and holding positions - while you're continually reminded to "breathe" - have really forced me out of my comfort zone for sure.  However, I've learned that my body has quickly adapted and I don't feel so insecure anymore ... it's as if by stepping out of my comfort zone - literally - a whole new world has opened up before me of health, wellness, confidence and overall well-being!  Not only to I feel better physcially but mentally as well.  Those endorphines truly make a difference running throught the body.  It honestly feels much better than being "comfortable!" 

As with anything in my life through the years - not just excercising, but anything where I have experienced the major amount of growth, change and living, has seriously been when I've stepped out of my comfort zone.  Fear, lack of desire, low ambition, absent of passion - many of these "excuses" have caused me to remain stagnant in my world.  BUT - the moment I have taken that very first step - which I know to be true is sometimes the most difficult - is when I discover it really isn't as scary or difficult as I built it up in my mind to be.  When I'm in the moment of stepping out - the fear is replaced with courage and I feel as if I can do anything.  This is true for YOU too - yes YOU, the reader at the moment! 

Here's to stepping OUT of your comfort zone today!  Whatever has been holding you back from making your life better ... TODAY is the day to take that first step!  You CAN do it!  I know you can!!!  You just have to take that first step.  And just remember to breathe.  You will and can accomplish anything.  And once you're outside of that zone - your life will truly open up in ways you never thought possible. 
LIVE today!

: )

~ I Believe ~

"I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in kissing, and kissing a lot.
I believe in being strong, when everything is wrong.
I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day.
I believe in miracles."

-Audrey Hepburn

I borrowed this quote from one of my friends' Facebook post!!  Couldn't pass it up - it says a novel in just a few lines doesn't it?  What a perfect quote to start a new day - week with.

Take one of the lines today as a challenge - and make it become a part of you.  Which one jumps out and grabs your heart the most?  The kissing one probably does for the guys!  haha ... Whichever one it is - make it yours.  Let it change you for the better.

Here's to belieiving today
♥

~ He'll Carry You ~

"He knew there’d be moments when no earthly words

Could take away your sorrow

And no human eyes could see what you’re going through

When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do

He will lift your heavy load and carry you

He’ll bring you peace and leave you hope

And in the darkest night he’ll comfort you

Until you know the sun will rise and each new day

You will have the strength to live again."

~ Hilary Weeks

Happy Sabbath

~ What Would You Do? ~

"What would you do
if you knew
you could not fail?"

I have the above quote on a little plaque hanging from a knob at my computer desk.  Some days when I read it, I think of so many amazing things that I would do.  Other days - just the quote itself is enough ... life sometimes is overwhelming thinking of bigger things.  BUT!  The quote says a thousands words - doesn't it? 

I believe with all my heart - that we .... YOU .... can do ANYTHING!  We were meant to.  And if we fail - to me, it's just another step closer - teaching us what NOT to do the next time around. 

I love this quote:

"If you knew what you could become, it would leave you breathless."

- Ben Herbster

So!!  What would you do?  And why aren't you doing it?  This question is mostly for me ... but you can answer it if you want.  I guess a huge factor is fear.  But fear of what?  The unknown?  Failure?  I have many things I would love to do that to me seem bigger than life itself to acheive!  But if I just take the first step - then baby steps - then walk, jog and eventually make it into a full sprint - it will happen!!

Here's to doing beyond what we think we can't do ... and do it!!  Take the first step.

: )

p.s.... some of my "would do's" (in no specific order) are:

~ Get my pilot's license (thus the reason for the above picture!)

~ Become a famous photographer!  I've always had a yearning to be one of the National Geographic photographers that go on assignment for months on end!

~ Re-vamp the educational system here in the U.S.  Funny that the country Hungary (one of the poorest in the world) has the highest test scores - and pays out the least amount in money.  U.S. is one that pays out the most and has some of the lowest scores.  Hmmmm .... interesting.

~ Write a book

These are just some at the top of my list.  A little sneak preview of upcoming events!  What are some of yours?

~ Luau ~

"The Luau ...

an endless buffet - straight from the Heavens"

In celebration of  "Aloha Friday"  I bring to you the Luau!

If you have not had the opportunity of experiencing a Luau - you are missing out on one of the greatest pleasure's in life!!  Not only is the food "ono-licious" ... but the entertainment is beautiful and hypnotizing as well.

Enjoy a little history of the Luau!   : )

"Alooooooooooooha!"

~ Humanity ~

"The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.”
~ Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy 

This is a previous post that was going through my mind this morning.  And instead of writing it again, I simply re-posted it.  Enjoy life's lessons for all of us.  : )

Yesterday, we were driving through the run-down area of town. It was totally apparant with the contrast of the not-so-attractive storefronts, mingled with the kind of people hanging outside in front of them. Some were obviously homeless, and others just seemed to be wandering aimlessly with nowhere to go, no purpose. 

It was at the moment - while stopped at a red light  - when a very, very small odd looking woman walked across the crosswalk in front of us, as people were pointing at her and whipsering who knows what, that something spoke right to my heart with such powerful awakening.   She, like all of us, was born with a purpose on this earth. And I'm sure throughout her daily life has been mocked, pointed at and looked at as if a creature from the circus. She gets up every day, endures her daily grind and is still enduring - as of yesterday. I'm sure she doesn't enjoy being so small in such a big crazy world, but she is someone's daughter, maybe a mother - sister - friend - aunt.
She, like each of us, has a heart - feelings - laughs - cry's.
Is a human being.  And most of all, is a daughter of a loving God, who knows her just like He does everyone, better than anyone else.  Who loves her unconditionally, just as a parent loves their children.  Her soul is just as important in His eyes as is mine along with all of the billions of people walking this earth.

She taught me a lesson yesterday - that if God loves even the smallest, odd looking people - no matter their race, color, religion, size of home they live in, the money they make - or don't....that shouldn't I as well, love everyone unconditionally? Throw the judgments out of the window and see people through the eye's of God. How would He see her - and everyone else for that matter?

The perfect example has been set. Let's pay it forward today. 
Let's be more gentle with those around us.  Let's lend a helping hand and become more aware of what is inside someone's soul.
Look through a new pair of eyes today....Through His eyes.

"We are all alike on the inside"
- Mark Twain

♥

~ Time ~

"What is free, but priceless?
You can't own it, but you can use it.
You can't keep it, but you can spend it.
Once you've lost it you can never get it back.”

So, I'm sitting here this morning - still in my pajamas ... trying to swallow with a major sore throat that just came up out of no where ... and thinking about "time." 

There is a time for healing - love - progression - success - sorrow - joy - challenges - life altering moments ... the list goes on.  I know in time - I will feel better.  And while I'm sitting here in this state, it makes me truly grateful for the time when I'm not sick!  It was only a day ago that I was working out and feeling great!!  What happened?!! 
You've probably heard the saying: "Time waits for no one."  Well, I believe this to be true.  Time will always continue - moving us right along with it, in its up's and down's - whether we are ready, like it or not! 

So, here is my thought.  Today - instead of fretting about being ill - I think I might just take some time out and enjoy what I can.  Perhaps a nice hot bubble bath - or steaming hot shower.  I have a great book I can read that mom gave me for Mothers Day.  We have movies to watch, I could hand-write a letter to someone dear.  Sit out in the sun this afternoon and get some vitamin D into my body to help speed up the recovery process.

  I figure that WHAT I do with my time I am given - is what matters most.  To me time is really a gift.  It's one more moment I have to spend with those I love.  It's one more second I have to do something for the better in my life and for others.  It's another chance to make things right.

I also figured out that time - in a sense - is an order of things.  I love this quote from the famous Albert Einstein:

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.”

Here's to making time count today - really make it worth something.  Even if you're not feeling well - there is SOMETHING you CAN still do that can make a difference.  I'm going to try - how about you?!!

: )

~ Journey ~

"The reason we start things

is rarely the reason we continue them."

- Alan Chrisoffersen's Road Diary - "The Walk"

When I read the quote above, I had to re-read it again.  It really made me think, as my mind began to capture moments in my life of starting and continuing things.  Whatever journey or project we start - we are never the same as we continue progressing forward. 

You've probably heard many times the quote:

"It's not the destination in life that matters most - it's the journey." 

I agree 100%.  Though I sometimes get anxious and want to reach the destination - it is the journey where we grow, progress and become who we were inteneded to be ... line upon line ... precept upon precept.  Even in trials and challenges - it is all the same.

Take a moment today and look back at your various journey's in life.  How have you become who you were intended to be?  Do you see in your mind - picking yourself up time and time again, putting one foot in front of the other and then coming out of it - a stronger being in all areas of life? 
Visualize your progression as "we continue in them." 

And finally remember - we are not only meant to endure - but to enJOY the journey of life.  ♥

~ Blow Hole! ~

"The wonders and divine creation of Hawaii,
never ceases to amaze me."

In celebration of "Aloha Friday" I bring to you the Blow Hole! 

Some of you might be thinking: "say what?!"  Well, it's a pretty cool site - another wonder of nature in beautiful Hawaii!!

Here is a great description of it ... and watching it in action.

Have a great Aloha Friday - and take it easy Bruddah!

~ You Know ~

"You know what is right - so do it!"

~ Lisa May : )

Every morning as I prepare my kids' lunches (and they are definitely the healthiest in the school, I might add ... haha) - I always write a little something on their napkin.  Someday's it's a quote - other days a thought, or some humor or piece of advice - whatever I feel they need for the day.  And I always place it right on top of everything in their lunch sack, so as to be sure they read it.  I mean after all, they have to take the napkin out first to get to the food - right??!!  : )

Well.  Today's thought for them is the quote above.  The outside world - especially school - is so full of a myriad of distractions, peer pressure, obscenities, drugs, alcohol, etc. etc. etc.  Some of the things that my kids have shared with me that they have actually seen happen at school, completely shocks me.  It's a challenging world out there and a challenging time for our youth.  This is WHY they need to be taught right from wrong. 
 In our home we have taught our kids this concept ever since they were born.  It's a learning process for us as their parents - as we continue to try.  We're far from perfect let me get that straight first and foremost.  BUT, we are still enduring through it - day by day, one foot in front of the other!   Sometimes it's a really rough road, but we continue teaching and observing.  I'm always telling my kids that they know what is right.  They haven't been taught otherwise (at least in the home).  So if they know what is right - DO IT - no matter what!! 

Here's to doing the right thing today.  Whatever that may be in your world.  It is not just in some of us - it is in ALL of us to do right.  Like the picture above - stand up and out from the crowd - steadfast and immovable, that the world may see your goodness.  It's contagious - and a guiding light for others.  Never be afraid to be that light and example.

♥

~ Cinco De Mayo ~

I just love celebrations of life in all different cultures!  It adds variety, interest and fun to what could be a very boring existence!  For as long as I can remember - my mom always made it a point to celebrate whatever holiday was around - even if it wasn't an "American" holiday.  Food, games and tradition began when I was very young.  Not to mention increased respect for whatever culture we were celebrating at the time.

So!  Here's to celebrating Cinco De Mayo today.  I already have all the fixin's for dinner tonight for this festive holiday.  And for a little history on this day - you might find something you didn't know. 
Then for some added fun - here are some games and activities to enjoy!

Que tenga buen día!!  : )

~ Lighten Up ~

"Man, unlike the animal,
has never learned that the sole purpose of life
is to enjoy it.  Lighten up!"

- Samuel Butler

I'm sure you've heard the term to "Lighten Up!"  Well, I have throughout my life - especially from my kids:  "Mom, chill - relax - lighten up!"  At the time - being in the moment - of whatever distress or anxiety I am throwing upon them ... and then having that reminder to lighten up thrown my way, makes me really wonder: "Is it really worth stressing over?!!"  The tiniest things can turn into mountains within seconds ... especially when mom storms in the room - scanning for any little thing that is out of place and WHO did it!!  I then realize - what am I really teaching my kids and family?  To stress over every little thing that won't even matter in the next 10 minutes?  Or can I teach them to really enjoy life.  To take a step back and prioritize the little things - or even big, and decide right there if it's really a battle worth fighting.  Sometimes it is.  Sometimes - most- it really isn't.  I am learning which one's to focus on more than others. 

 I know people who wouldn't know how to live their daily life if they weren't constantly picking at everything - bringing much more un needed drama into their life and everyone around them.  And by watching that - I've decided that I do NOT want that for me, or anyone around me that I love!  I've learned that life is not perfect and either am I ... and that I need to LAUGH at myself a little more to lighten the mood!! : )

So!  Here's to Lightening Up a little more today!  Before reacting verses responding - really think about it first.  Is it really worth it?  Will it really matter in 10 minutes?!!  Sometimes you just have to bite your tongue.  But then you'll notice your world around you is a little more brighter!! ☼

~ Procrastination! ~

"I'm going to stop procrastinating ... tomorrow!"

I've really been thinking a lot lately about procrastination.  I have to admit, that I'm pretty bad sometimes, when it comes to procrastinating.  I'll think: "I can do that later when I'm in the mood."  Or my favorite: "I work better under pressure and get things done quicker if I wait until the last moment!" Do you ever do that - or am I alone in this world of procrastination?  Just like the picture above - today is the trail ... tomorrow the fog - you never know if it will come - or be too late.

A pretty good wake-up call for me came about 3 weeks ago when a dear friend of mine passed away.  We would always talk about meeting up at the beach - but never got around to doing it.  That day will never come.  I know life gets busy - but the world of procrastination creeps in as well.  Procrastination is the enemy of priorities - and "opportunity's assassin." ~Victor Kiam.  It is the doing, that makes things happen - talk just gets you so far...and not far enough.

Since today is the beginning of a brand new - clean slated week - I thought it would be the best time to start a new habit of zero procrastination!  Even if you aren't able to do something you know you should be doing at the given moment - at least write it down, instead of completely putting it off.  Leave that note in clear view for the day as a reminder instead of a dismissal to accomplish whatever it is you need to do. 
I will take the challenge with you beginning today, and create this NEW habit!  Are you with me??  Ready...Set...Go!!!

Here's to getting things done!