Carpe Diem

Do something that makes you feel good every single day.

You are in control of your life.  No one else can do this for you.

We can easily get tied into the humdrum of every day living very quickly and suddenly find ourselves feeling stuck and overwhelmed with monotony.  Falling deep into the depths of simplicity and colorlessness.  Step out and give yourself the gift of impulse, desire, passion and appeal.



Wake up in the morning and crank up the music!  Have a dance party before you go to work.  Go out on a night you'd usually stay in.  Find something that makes you laugh and do it.  Go on a trip.  Eat your favorite food and truly savor it.  Meditate.  Shout.  Whatever it is you love and feel happy doing -- bust out and make a move!

Life isn't worth living if you don't enjoy it every single day.

Connect to Yourself

There is nothing more satisfying and more beneficial then to connect with yourself, to know that you are giving yourself what you need to be happy, to check in and sincerely express your truest desires to yourself.  This is one of the hardest and yet most gratifying things we can do.  But how often do we do this?  How often do we trust ourselves?  How often do we accept the path we choose and embrace it?  Embrace ourselves?  Embrace life?

We are all on a similar path: to find the truest expression of ourselves.  We look to others who bring out something in ourselves that we like.  We look to music to further express our emotions.  We look to work to give us a sense of freedom.  We look to home to give us a sense of peace.  We look for ways to feel alive, vibrant and full.

Find some time, no matter how small, to give yourself a break from the everyday grind of life to take care of yourself.  Separate from the world, from everyone in your life and be with yourself.  Listen to your thoughts.  Breathe in the silence.  Relax in a space that brings you peace.  Feel what moves you.  Watch your reactions to life as you pass it by.  Allow yourself to surrender to the sweetness of living.

Find something that you absolutely love to do and do it for yourself; you will find the connection to the divine self and will be able to express your full being to the world around you.




The relationship you have with yourself is the greatest challenge and most important relationship that will ever exist.

Laugh Often

Life is too short to be so serious all the time.  Yes, there are times when it is needed, but oftentimes taking everything so seriously just leads to stress, which leads to bad eating habits, tight muscles and a cranky you.

Lighten up.  Find the humor in things that you might not ordinarily find.  If you don't like your job, seek out the people that you make you laugh in your office, do something silly, crack yourself up.  So what if you come across like you're crazy, at least you're enjoying your time on this planet.

Humor will bring so much more joy into your life.  You'll sleep better, you'll digest better, you'll feel better, you'll be better.

Today, challenge yourself to giggle at least eight times.  That's not very much, but it's a start.

Laughter brings out a contagious joy.  Spread it.

Let Go

How many times have you heard the term "Let Go?"  And how many times have you actually followed through?

Letting go is quite a challenge.  And there is no way around it.  But it's also one of the most important things to do to move forward with you life.

Certain things come into your life for a season and some come into your life for good.  It is your job to pick and choose what you want in your life.  So, choose well.

Granted, making these choices can take years to discover and may often change, but when something becomes clear, and at some point it will, listen.  Your heart, mind and body will tell you what is healthy and what isn't healthy.  Receive the message, give yourself time to digest your feelings, then take the leap.  This could be anything from a job, a relationship, a habit to a car, a house, a desire, etc, etc.  So many things can hold us back.  The list will only continue to grow if you don't tune into yourself.

Nothing is impossible.

Discover the strength within your own body.

Acknowledge what this object/being meant to you in the past, what it gave you to help you grow as an individual and appreciate what knowledge you have gained from this experience, then put all of that knowledge and self-understanding into use - apply it.  Find a new home to build, a new job to experience, a new partner to love.  Whatever is in your life that may be holding you back, let it go to in order be fully open to what is next in your life.

The more we can experience, the more we can appreciate.

Let go and fly.  Life may seem completely unknown, even painful and scary at times, but in the end, it is you who chooses where you fly.  So make good choices, listen to your soul and fly where you feel drawn to.

This is a good choice.

Getting Grounded

Have you ever found yourself thrown into something entirely new in your life, like a new job, a new lover, a new home, and notice you're sometimes feeling sort of lost and/or slightly dazed?

In the past 3 months, my immediate life has completely changed.  It is truly entirely different.  An opposite location, different close-by friends, entirely different jobs, different weather, different bills, different people, etc., etc.  It's amazing what a whirlwind this has all been.  I notice that I don't have a second to focus, not one second (hence why I haven't made an appearance here in a month).  It's truly unbelievable to me.  I'm not sure my life has ever been this upside down and right side up at the same time ever.  And it's all wonderful!  I am able to enjoy every moment.  This last year has proven to me that, beyond when life begins and ends, we really do carry our lives in our own hands.  And we each are responsible for our own happiness and for the choices we make.

And yet, no matter how much I am enjoying living like this, I couldn't live the rest of my life in this untamed wild manner or I'd end up losing what's most important to me.  And, as I settle in, I realize it is time to get grounded, to bring my focus back to myself, my space and my heart.  (Thank goodness for Yoga.)

How to do this?  Pick an old habit that you've done on your own for many years that you haven't given yourself the time for lately.  A habit that reminds you of who you are and what your ultimate goals are.  And notice, while you're in the midst of this project, how you feel, where your mind is, what it's like to do something familiar even in an unfamiliar place.  

It may not be imperative to always know who you are and to always be grounded in your ways, but it is quite necessary to love yourself and to be aware of where you are as you travel through your life.  Find your presence in every day.  Acknowledge what you've accomplished in your life, what you're working toward now and whether your dreams are coming true.  

As I write this blog, an old habit of mine, I realize my childhood dreams have come true.  And since, they have created so many more opportunities and given me so many more dreams to live for.  

If you can find the ground and stand up on it, you will see that life is so very much worth living.

Find the Earth, grow roots and stand up tall using the support the world provides you.

Volunteer

There is little healthier and more fulfilling than finding something that you love and volunteering your time and efforts to make it better by keeping it alive in your community.  We often get so tied up in ourselves, making money and spending time on the couch, that we forget that little things can make such a big difference.

Pick something that you are passionate about and/or have been wanting to do for some time and do it.  There are options out there for everyone, from joining a community garden to working as a stage hand at your local theater to cleaning up your park to being a loving companion to animals in an animal shelter (and may the list go on and on).  The options are endless.  I am certain there is something you are bound to love that could not only benefit the growth of your own character but could greatly benefit the growth of your local community and beyond.  If you're focus is on your career, find a way to volunteer a little of your time within your field; perhaps you could offer a monthly workshop at your community center or participate in a community event that needs experts in your field.  Again, the options are endless.  All it requires is a little effort on your part to reach out and make yourself available.

Nothing beats the feeling of helping our community on your own time. 

Check in with your Past

In Yoga we so often hear, "Be Present" "Let Go" "Let Your Mind Be Silent"  "Just Be," and although I think this is a wonderful way to live and is how I live the healthiest version of myself, there are times when reflection is greatly needed.  There are times where I take some time to just sit with my past and explore it physically, emotionally and mentally.  I'll visit a place I've been to before because I have a happy memory there, or I'll look at pictures of an event in my life that has made me a better person, or I'll read my journal or notes I've taken on a certain experience in my life and I'll enjoy it.

There is nothing wrong with taking some time to appreciate the value your past has on your life.  The people you've known and the places you've been have brought you to who and where you are today.  Be grateful for your past, for it has provided you a stepping stone to your present life.  And, although sometimes life may be dreary or frustrating, there are many experiences left ahead of you that you are better prepared for because of your past.  Recalling your past can help you make better choices today.  So reflect.  Give yourself a couple of minutes, experience what has passed and find a way to appreciate the the lessons you have learned.  Then "Let Go" "Be Present" and "Let Your Mind Be Silent" for you are ready to take on your future.

By Yourself

I have not had a true day off in over a month, (maybe even 2 months).  Now, given, I tend to like to live my life that way, but sometimes I just need a day of  pure rest.  Usually on my days off I make plans with friends, go to a museum or a beach I've been wanting to see, plan to get certain tasks done that I need done, etc, etc.  A day completely off is hard to come by.  When it finally happens, it is a true gift.  Finally, for me, it has come.  Tuesday is my day of rest.  Tuesday is my day of nothing.  Today is Tuesday.  Ahhh... today is here.

I made no plan.  Sure I have some things I can do, like give a little love to my blog, but I didn't plan anything that I felt I absolutely must complete in order to feel good about my day.  I even cleaned my living space yesterday, so to be sure it was welcoming to me when I woke.  

This morning I kept my eyes closed and lay in silence. I stayed in bed until I was absolutely sure I was ready to get up.  Oh, how I love my bed!  I made myself a warming and healthy breakfast and gazed out the window as I ate.  I had thought perhaps I was going to go for a bike ride in the Province Lands, but the weather has been dark, cold and very wet all day.  Oh goodie!!!

Hmm... meditation?  Curl up with my kitten and read?  Practice Yoga for myself?  I began to slowly separate from the world, hearing my needs.  I closed my curtains, cranked up the heat to be toasty warm, put on some calming jazz, turned all clocks around and put my cell phone on silent in a different room.  There I was.  What shall I do?  I sat with myself and listened.

So far, it has been a marvelous day and rather surprising as well.  I am so grateful to have given myself this time.  And I will make sure to give myself this time at least once a week, as I am a better person when I can rest and listen to my own needs.

Now what about you?  Look at your schedule.  When is your next day off?  Why not give yourself that day to be with you?  Explore your needs on your own.  Check in with who you are and the life you've made for yourself.  Find what is working for you in your life and what isn't.  Let go of the things that make your life too messy.  Surround yourself with love; love from yourself and love from those around you.  You can make your life the way you want, if you'd just listen to yourself by giving yourself time and space to truly feel and be who you are.

Explore

So often we find ourselves in the same situations with the same people in the same place.

This week, challenge yourself to get out and explore something new.  Meet a new person and go somewhere with them that you've never been; take your pup for a walk in a new park you've always thought would be fun but seems so out of the way; involve yourself in something you've wanted to join in on, but just never thought you had the time; explore something brand new and see what it gives back; move to a new place, if the opportunity knocks; take a new job, if you're interested and it's available to you; imagine yourself taking a direction in your life that you never thought you'd take; give yourself the opportunity to dream -- then notice what happens.  Does it scare you?  Does it feel like the chains have been lifted?  Do you have a little more space to breath?  Do you feel like an idiot for wasting your time dreaming about things that will never happen?

Stop listening to the voices in your head and start listening to your heart.  What do you really want?  Put yourself out there.  Send your hopes and dreams out into the universe and believe they will come true.  In the meantime, try something new and see how you feel while you're trying it.

Exploring ourselves can be the most playful and telling things we can do.  It can stimulate creativity and intrigue.  Try it.  You never know what you may gain from the experience.  Hopefully, with a positive outlook, it will be something truly great!

Living Longer with Love

How much love do you have in your life?  Do you live in isolation and loneliness?  Do you you have so many friends you can't find the time to create deeper bonds with a few specific people?

Find love in your life.  It's easier than you think.  Place yourself into your community by involving yourself in things you love to do.  Join the community garden, take a weekly yoga class at the same place and same time, meet the "regulars" at your neighborhood bar, join a club or attend church on Sunday mornings.  Whatever it is you love to do or want to do (besides your job), set some time aside for it and do it.  You will begin to meet like-minded people and start to form bonds.  Not only is it healthy to be out and active, the people you meet may become a significant part of your life.  Perhaps you'll even meet your future partner or best friend.  If you live in an isolated place (or even if you don't), get yourself a pet to love.

It's worth a shot.  You'll be healthier for it.  Your life will be longer if you give and receive love regularly.  Feeling isolated and rejected triggers the creation of inflammation in the body and compromises immunity.  Feeling loved and honored regulates the body and makes us feel good.

Honor your friends and family.  Tell them you love them.  Express your gratitude for having them in your life and anytime they do something for you.  Forgive them.  Be quick to apologize.  Laugh a lot.

Namaste.  
"May the goodness in me greet the goodness in you, always."
With Love -- 

Resilience

There are days, weeks, even months, where we can feel like we are barely able to go on, where we want to throw our hands up and shout, “I give up!”,  where all we want to do is lie in bed and breathe.  Have you felt this way, finding yourself at the bottom of the barrel with no way out in sight?    

Feeling sorrow, loss and pain is a big part of life.  This is something we must accept.  Life would be empty if we never lived through these difficult feelings and experiences.  The beauty of opposites (Yin/Yang) is that there is always something stupendous waiting for you on the other side.

At times of suffering, the ultimate goal is to get yourself out of bed and move your body, even if it’s as simple as drinking a cup of tea while gazing at your backyard, meditating in a peaceful place or practicing a yoga pose.  There is always a way to continue on.  Find the peace and strength within yourself and you will find your resilience.

In our Yoga practice, we can discover how to work through anything that happens to us.  We can use these experiences as teachers instead of constraints.  By moving the emotions in and around our bodies, we will find ways to give them expression and let them go.  Our loss and suffering can become profound and positive transformation.  We just have to trust that we can and will move forward.

Apply your experiences to your life, and you will let go of the hurt and pain anything has caused you.  Turn every circumstance to your advantage.  Experience your resilience.

Just Being

I've taken my own advice and have been practicing witness consciousness as often as I can; it's been a truly amazing experience.  I have stepped back from identifying with my daily feelings and thoughts and have taken my time living, enjoying every moment of my life. In the midst of this self-inquiry, I've noticed something.  When I step back from life by witnessing myself, quite the opposite ends up happening.  I have since become more open to living and exploring what is in front of me.  My friendships have blossomed, my sense of self has grown immensely and my experience in life has greatly expanded for the better. I find I have been able to take rather large steps forward toward bettering myself as a person by being in touch with what I need and the people around me need without actually trying to figure it out.  Stepping back and witnessing, life reveals itself.

Slow down.  See who and what is in front of you and embrace all that you can.  If we stop trying so hard to be, we can actually just be and life opens to us.  It's a beautiful thing.

Listen to Your Body

There are days when you may notice you're super energized or, just the opposite, extra tired.  Oftentimes we hear our thoughts on how we're really doing and we chose to ignore them.

It's okay to listen to your body.  Check in with yourself.  Let it speak to you.  Your body will tell you what you need.  Perhaps a night in or a day off from work would do just the trick.  Or maybe you need a visit to the gym or want to go dancing to let out some extra steam.  Listen.  And find a way to do it.

There are times when I find myself feeling run down from doing too much, but I push it aside because I want to participate in every social option available to me.  There are some days where all I really feel like doing is taking a Yoga class or meditating.  When I don't indulge, it never fails, I pay for it later, one way or another.  Listen to your body and give it what it needs.  There is nothing wrong with making the better choice for yourself.  Otherwise, you won't be as present as you'd like to be for the event you are planning to attend or for the friend you are wanting to see.

Make the choice, commit and go for it.  No guilt, no disappointment.  Allow yourself to be where you are in your life at this present moment.  Indulge yourself.  Give yourself what you need.  The world will thank you for it in the end.

Take Your Path

A friend said to me today that he feels he's isn't as accomplished in his life as he would like to be by now.  He feels he's failed.  Not that it matters, but in my opinion, this man is very well accomplished, has a lot going for him and is superbly far ahead for his early 30's.  But that's not important.  The question is why does he feel this way?

I began to wonder, how many of us have these thoughts and feelings?  Do you feel like a failure?  Why?  Who is making you feel that way?  Your friends?  Your family?  Your peers?  Or, more likely, yourself?

I truly believe we are all on this path together and we will get where we need to be when we are good and ready to.  There will always be what we call setbacks, like not finishing a degree, spending a lot of time with someone that wasn't committed, overspending and not making enough income back, moving, etc, but we have to remember those people, things and decisions are prepping and molding us for what's next to come in our lives.  Perhaps you didn't finish your degree, but you met your wife at school.  Perhaps you spent a lot of time with a person in order to truly appreciate a new person in your life that you would have otherwise taken for granted.  Your experiences always lead you and prepare you for the next big thing.  It may be hard to see, but I am certain it is true.  To feel that you aren't good enough for yourself will only slow you down.  Don't let any ropes hold you back.  Expand your heart and compassion into the world.  Take advantage of every opportunity.  Reflect on your past, see how far you have already come and give yourself a nice pat on the back.  You are living.

Embrace your presence, then take the next step forward.  There is nothing wrong with being here, whether it's what you planned or not.

Witness Consciousness

Life can get out of hand rather quickly if you let it, especially (but not necessarily) when living in a city.  Things just keep coming up.  Life keeps pouring things into your lap and we sometimes are temporarily blinded to the value life holds.  We can get caught up in how something makes us feel and end up taking on the emotion as if it is who we are.

As I sit here in the silence of NYC, consuming a delicious, home-cooked meal late into the evening, unconcerned and tranquil by my sleepiness, I notice how beautiful life is.  I reflect on my day, recalling a man entertaining a woman while walking home on crutches in bouts of laughter, the receptiveness of the Yoga clients I spoke with today, the smile of my boss after she told me about something she personally accomplished and was proud of, my kindhearted neighbor who giggled as I went jogging by him, the sweet mews of my little kitten as I came home and shouted her name at the window, watching her jump up to look down at me with her big beady eyes in excitement, the thought of knowing a friend was pleased when I told him the new news of my ever-changing living situation, the gentleness of each human being I saw, including my own tenderness.

Today was given to me as a day to truly see and experience the glory of living: joy and love in its purest form.  Today I've tapped into my Witness Consciousness.


While being fully present, I step out of my skin and witness myself as I walk through my day.  I experience each moment, but I do not identify with it.  I am able to stand apart from each situation and appreciate what is being given and received without defining that as who I am.


The practice of Witness Consciousness is to understand that the emotions we feel are not our true nature.  They are only temporary.  Emoting allows us to have a better sense of how we live with what is given to us.  They do not define who we are.  When we can witness ourselves and others, it is easier to let go of judgement and expectation.  We are able to release negative emotions and behavior because we can see it is not essential in aiding us toward our ultimate goal.  This creates space for us to bring more acceptance and harmony into our lives.

Every so often, check in with yourself.  Notice how you are doing and what you are feeling.  Allow yourself to step back and witness yourself experiencing whatever is in your life right now.  Don't let it define who you are.  Let life be.  It will continue to come and flow, to jerk to a stop and speed back up again. There are days it will feel unattainable and overwhelming and days it will feel so good, so rich and so real.  Just let it be.



Explore the Yoga of Life.

The Four Agreements

For the past few weeks, my goal has been to seek clarity.  Clarity in love, clarity in my work, clarity in my living situation, clarity in my home, clarity in my lifestyle, clarity in my choices, and may the list go on.

Life is so busy I struggle to find the time to be myself, to be genuine with my friends and acquaintances, to sit with my heart and mind and truly listen to what I want and need.

Seeking clarity has reminded me of a calendar my father gave me some years ago based off of the book, "The Four Agreements." This was something I hadn't much appreciation for when I was in my late teens/early twenties, but, as we know, the older we get the more experience and, hopefully, wisdom we receive along the way.  Our human potential is enormous.  We all have so much love to give and so much light within ourselves, how do we tap into it and let that be who we are on a daily basis?  

Dig deep down into the bottom of the heart, trust what we feel and follow what comes from our genuine being. If we can get rid of all the excess - jealously, fear, anxiety, sadness, etc. we can express who we truly are with no judgement.

The Four Agreements:

"Be Impeccable with Your Word"
Not only with the people around you, but with yourself. Be kind, honest and true with your language. And give what you honestly can to all beings.

"Don't Take Anything Personally"
When someone says or does something hurtful, remember, it is a reflection of themselves.  That doesn't mean they are a bad person, but they too are working towards finding their genuine self and challenges come up in their lives that bring out certain experiences and expectations they may project onto you. Let it slide off.  Forgiveness and letting go are the hardest and most important lessons to learn.

"Don't Make Assumptions"
When you assume, you hurt someone else and yourself.  We don't know what others think, we cannot be in their heads. We may think someone did something or acted the way they did because of what we think we know, but it's actually only an assumption and likely incorrect.

"Always Do Your Best"
There is no other way to function. If we are just getting by, we are not truly living. Find what you do best and do it, not for want of fortune and fame, but for yourself.  Allow your light to shine brightly!

I'm no perfect Yogi. I must continuously remind myself of these agreements on a regular basis. I have been known to make many mistakes along the way because of my own fears, but I find a way to forgive myself and strive to do my best. I hope to greet you when you are doing your best as well.

Never Too Late

It's never too late.

Need to tell someone you love them, even if you haven't spoken in years?  Tell them.
Need to quit eating junk food, but you're already 50 pounds overweight?  Quit it.
Need to run a marathon, but you think you might be getting too old?  Train and run it.
Always wanted to get a Bachelor's Degree, but that time seems to have come and gone?  Get one.
Been meaning to take your partner to Hawaii but haven't gotten the chance?  Go.
Need to apologize, but feel they're in the wrong too?  Apologize with or without their agreement.
How long have you been wanting to buy that car?  Save the money and buy it.
Need a break?  Take it.

Don't hold grudges.  So they made a mistake, so you made a mistake.  Let it go and build a better life for the the future of each other and our children.

Life is short.  Have a desire?  Just do it.

Water the Plants

Sometimes we forget to water the plants.
Sometimes we forget to give the plants their needed sunlight.
Sometimes we forget to give them a little attention by rotating them or talking with them.
The plants will begin to wilt and shiver.

To a plant, the sun, water and good company are its essence.  We have the power to give the plant life or take it away.  If we talk to our plants, giving them some love and attention, they will grow more beautifully than the year before.

We humans are the same way.  If we forget to feed each other and ourselves what we need, our life is diminished.  Take the time you need to indulge in a little water and food, a little sunlight and warmth and a little love and attention.  When we touch one another, we can heal.  Listen to what you need.  It's never too late to tend to your own and each other's body and soul.  Water the plants and you will establish roots.  You will see such beauty grow and flourish in your life.

Stick to your Practice

When you feel like your life is a whirlwind and you can't get your grip, when you feel like your feet have been swept up from underneath you and you can't make out upright from upside down, when you feel like you can hardly catch your breath, when you finally notice your breath and realize it's shallow and fast, when you feel like you're standing directly in a wind storm and rain is pelting you in the face and there is no one around to give you a hand, when you can't sleep at night because something has happened that makes your mind race... come back to your practice, whatever that may be, come back to it.


Perhaps you meditate, go for a jog or a walk, practice Yoga, cuddle with a loved one, listen to music, artistically create for yourself, etc.  Remind yourself of it and do it.

There will always be times when you feel like your life is out of control, when you put too much out into the world and get nothing back in return but pain and overwhelming instability, when you're lost, unfocused and confused.  Set aside some time to practice.  Take a deep breath and tell yourself everything is alright.

Rememeber:
There is nothing holding you back but yourself.  You can place blame on other people or certain situations in your life, but you have created them, you have chosen the people who are in your life, you have given yourself the life you lead.  Constraints are not constraints unless you choose to let them be.  There is nothing holding you back but yourself.

When people have too much going on in their lives and not enough down time, little will end well.  You may try to constantly multitask or stretch yourself too thin; no good will come of it.  In fact, it's near impossible for humans to function well that way.

Hold on, breathe and stick to your practice!  It will always serve you, no matter what you are going through, no matter where you are.  It will serve you.

As you continue to live, you will find love will shine on places you never thought you'd come to see.

Life is full of challenges.  It's how we handle them that defines who we are.  I am grateful to say I have gone through some enormous storms these past 6 months with a smile on my face and laughter in my heart.

Love is Worth Celebrating

Find yourself seated and allow a stillness to settle in.
Bring your awareness to your heart center.  
Feel the breath flowing through.
What does it feel like as it passes through your chest, past your heart and into the belly?
If you are able to find a a deep stillness, can you feel your heart beat?
Feel the vibrations your body creates and sends into our world.
Connect with the love you feel for yourself and for others.
Allow a small smile to come over your face.
Notice the shift.
Do you feel more connected to your heart center?
Allow your love and compassion to flow through your breath.
Place a hand over your heart and close your eyes for 14 breaths.

It is a beautiful day.  Whether you have another Valentine or not, we can all celebrate love because we can love ourselves.

Connect to a meditation on love.  Think of 5 things you love about yourself.  Really give yourself a chance to reflect on why and what each thing is.  Notice what feelings this reflection brings over you as you focus your awareness on yourself.  Breathe.  Tell yourself, "I love you."


We are such fortunate beings to have the power to love.  There is never any shame in loving.  There is never any hate in loving.  There is only an enormous feeling of joy in our hearts that we can pass along into this world making the world a better place.  Always allow love to shine out as love is the greatest thing we have and can offer to each other.

Happy Valentine's Day to you.

Roll with the Punches

There are days where I wish I could pause my life and come back to it when I'm ready.  There are days where I'd like to press the rewind button.  There are days where I feel like someone punched me in the stomach and finding the courage to stand up again seems impossible, where so much is happening I can't keep up, as if I'm swimming in a huge pile of unopened mail.  Days where I want to wallow and scream and drop the ball and, And, AND!

Do you feel all those envelopes piling up and weighing you down?

Find the top, sit on it and breathe.


The only way to get through any day, whether good or bad, is to ride along the wave.  It may come crashing down on you at times, but sooner or later you'll be back on top seeing the world from a completely different point of view.

Listen to your instincts, feel your feelings, respond as yourself and then let it be.  The world will give you what you need.  Don't fight it, there is no point, it will only frustrate you.  Just let it be.  Roll with the punches.  You will see, it is all meant for the best.  It is.  Believe it and you will find you can live your life so much more freely.  Life truly is a breath of fresh air, you just have to go along with it.  Yes, strive to know who you are, be the best you can be and listen to your heart.  That's all we can do.  The world, The Universe, God or whatever you believe continues to make the world go round will see to it that you live the life you were born to live.





Ahhhh... now where did all that mail go?

Celebrate

Have you accomplished something in your life that calls for a celebration?
An anniversary?  Finally got into a Yoga pose you've been trying for months?  New job?  Kicked a bad habit?  Ran a 10k?

Just yesterday I repossessed my home.  And even though it was a terrible experience and a bad situation to have ever been in, I'm pleased with the outcome and I want to celebrate.  There is nothing wrong with that!






No matter how much or how little happens in your life that is a cause for a celebration, embrace them.  Invite all your loved ones, open your home and smile with people around you that care about you, go out for a walk in nature and laugh and sing and play.  Surround yourself with love and you will feel the energy and peace your life brings to yourself and to others.






 Honor yourself.  You are a special being and have a lot to offer this world.







Enjoy yourself.

Be Generous

No matter how much money you are making or how much time you have to give, be generous.  I am a firm believer in what you give you get back.  That doesn’t mean I donate all of my money and time.  That doesn’t mean I overspend and go into bankruptcy.  That doesn’t really mean I actually expect anything in return either.  But somehow I’ve found time and time again, when I spend my money something is always given back in return, one way or another. 

Same goes for my time.  As we all know, life is quick and short.  The connections you can make with people are generally what you want them to be.  Either you can choose to spend more time with someone or not.  You can be protective and short with people or you can give your time to someone who will benefit from it and your presence.  People are so anxious to get away from the unknown, so desperate to find a resolution, whether it is right or not, so quick to respond to a text or voicemail without taking the time to think.  If we can allow ourselves to take time to feel things out with another person by being generous, the potential growth you and he/she could have could be enormous.

Generosity also brings happiness.  It can even make you feel that you are a better person for it. 

Don’t believe me?  Try it out yourself.  Spend a little more time with someone that you normally wouldn’t do or spend a little more money on that event you’re going to with a friend or date.  Notice the experience.  Is it more enjoyable?  Are you happier?  Are you receiving new insight into someone else or perhaps even yourself? 

Put your time and money into the world and it will come back to you.  Try it out.  Truly, you never know what you’re going to get.

Love Yourself

Sometimes life can be dark and scary.

Sometimes all you want is to find someone to give you a hug, but there is no one in sight.  

How do you cope with that?  

I continue to learn that you can fully depend on no one but yourself.  There is no one who can love you like yourself.  No one that can give you what you need like yourself.  No one can provide the safety you may be looking for but yourself.  Sure you can ask for help from your friends and family and they'll share with you words of love and support, but nothing will take care of you like you can.  

So, give yourself what you want and need.  Honor your desires and dreams.  Be who you are because no one else can be.  Find the love you need within yourself and don't be afraid to use it.  It's there and it's going to serve you, if you allow it to.  People come and go (and why not love them too?).  You are here for good.  Love yourself and the whole world will love you back.

You bring yourself!