You only live once!

     This weekend has been quite the roller coaster ride.  Trying to keep up with everything at work can sometimes be a little overwhelming.  So, I have been trying to spend some time everyday, just relishing in good times with friends and family outside of work, too.  On Saturday, I spent some precious time catching up with a good friend of mine.  We started out as coworkers many years ago, but soon became more.  She is like a mom, a mentor and a confidante all rolled into one. 
     I took the time to watch a good movie and just relax.  Every one needs to take some "me" time and do whatever it takes to recharge!  After running a few errands and doing a few chores, my husband and I enjoyed going out on a date. 
     I had a good time just living "in the present" this weekend.  But, I also enjoyed planning for the future with my husband, also.  We spent the better part of the evening working out some details for having alternative energy in the near future, finishing planning out some of our renovation plans and also, trying to figure out the best place to put the rabbits we are going to start raising.
     The weekend ended this morning when I woke up and found out that a coworker from my job had passed away.  We knew that it was probably coming, but it still knocks you off guard for a moment. It reminds you just how short life is and that you need to spend more of life actually living it.  So, as you go about your day today making a living, stop and take a little time to enjoy and make a life, too.

New Year, New Beginnings

Happy New Year!!!

    I  hope that 2013 has been good to you.  I hope that you were able to begin taking some small steps toward the life you want.  I don't care how small they were.  Tiny, miniscule, toe wiggle even...it doesn't matter.  Just movement in the right direction counts.
    So, what do you have in store for 2014?  Have you already started to make those new year's resolutions?  I, for one, will not be.  Besides, they usually only last for one month, week, ...ok, ok, maybe a day or two, or three!!
   But I do plan on enjoying life, counting my blessings, and following my passions as much as I possibly can...everyday.  Even if it is only for five minutes on some days!!!  That is still five minutes that are all mine, in my control, to do with what I please. 
   So...Happy New Year!!!  This is your year.  What will you do with it?

Giving Thanks!

     As the holidays start approaching, my thoughts start turning toward Thanksgiving and all that it means to me.  Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of each day, it is easy to forget just how much we are given.  I know that I am especially guilty of this, although I hate to admit it.
     I am not a morning person, by any means!  When that alarm goes off in the morning, I honestly can say my first thoughts aren't usually about my blessings.  And as I am trying to think of something that I can throw at the alarm clock, my thoughts are only of staying under the blankets as long as possible. 
     But when I can finally rouse myself enough to think whole thoughts, I find myself thanking God for waking up one more day. And for the warm, snuggly blankets and bed.  For having a job to go to when many people don't. 
     When the winds were howling outside this weekend, I was extremely grateful for our good solid house that kept us warm and dry. 
     For family and friends, new and old, close and far...there aren't enough words to describe just how thankful I truly am for each of you.
     So, please take the time this Thanksgiving holiday and throughout the year, to be thankful for all of the blessings in your life. 

Be True to Yourself...

Found this quote today and it summed up exactly the type of thing that I wanted to tell you today. 

"Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books - especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day."
~John Wooden

 http://www.brainyquote.com

     John Wooden was a fellow Hoosier that became a basketball legend.  He won 10 NCAA championships in 12 years, He has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and as a coach.  His former players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton, considered Coach Walton to be an inspiration.
      But one of the biggest reasons that he was so revered is because he was also a very moral man in a competitive sports world.  No matter how successful he became, he held on to his lifelong beliefs regarding respect, success and being a good person overall.   
     The man lived a long life (passed away at 99 years), had a successful career in basketball, was a very devout Christian who was devoted to his wife and family.  He was revered by his players and made a point of letting them know that there were more important things than basketball.   

     If I could only live up to a portion of what he deemed a success in life, I would feel that I have truly lived a good life.  Please drop me a few lines and tell me what you think. 

Taking Care of Myself

     I have been sitting here in front of the computer, wondering what I should right about tonight.  As I started to get tired and began thinking of going to bed, that is when it hit me.  Even when our bodies and minds start telling us to rest and relax, we usually give in to the "well, I should really do this first" or "let me just get this done first" thoughts running through our brains.
     I am going to listen to my body and tell my thoughts to go take a flying leap for the night!!  My body is trying to tell me something, and I better listen to it.  This is the time of year that the germs start flying and I'm not going to meet them with a worn out body.  Don't wanna meet the holidays with any kind of illness, if I can help it!
     Good night, sweet dreams, and please remember to take care of yourself.  You only get one body and you need it to last as long as possible!

    

Happiness is a Risk

"Happiness is a risk.  If you're not a little scared, then you're not doing it right."

  ~Sarah Addison Allen in "The Peach Keeper"


Have you ever read a quote that seemed to be only about you?  Where it seems like the author was looking directly into your soul?  That is exactly what crossed my mind when I read this quote on Facebook.  Although "The Peach Keeper" is on my Soon To Be Read list, I hate to admit that I haven't had any free time to get some reading done.  So, when I read this quote, it just jumped out at me and demanded my attention. 

All of my life, I have had big plans and have done lots of research, but have always stopped short of doing anything about those dreams.  I think that my research was my way of taking a step forward, without ever having to actually risk anything in the process.  I could tell myself that I was doing something towards my dream by doing the research.  And even though doing your homework is most definitely an important step, there comes a time to just get stared and take that risk. 

So, even though I will continue to do my homework and get ready for any future endeavors that I attempt, I will overcome my fear and just go for it.  True happiness is worth the risk.   I will not give in to being scared, but will instead use that as my  gauge as to whether I am taking the risks that I should!

Thank you Sarah for the motivation!!

What do you think?

Life is Happening Now!

"Make treating yourself a priority and always remember your life is happening now. Don't put off all your dreams and pleasures to another day. In any balanced personal definition of success there has to be a powerful element of living life in the present."

~Mireille Guiliano



(found on brainyquote.com)