Happy Anniversary

So, in my little corner of cyberspace, my blog is officially 1 year old... again.  Long story, but last year I remember going through a personal crisis of having all my writings deleted.  Like, for good.

As in, you'll never see them again.

And I did what any other writer would do.  I wrote my way out of it, and found that happiness can be recreated again.  I still sigh over all those lost posts, but have to believe that everything happens for a reason.  Perhaps I was in a rut?  Not sure, but I do know that while this blog is similar, it's somehow better.

New and Improved!

Tonight I just wanted to say thank you to anyone who has ever wanted to hear what I have to say.  I still get a little excited when I see that people have found my page and are coming back to read more.

I really can't wait to see what the next year brings.  I have always found anniversaries to be excellent stepping stones in my life to see where I'm at, and where I'd like to be a year from now.  Last year at this time I think I was just trying to get to the next day.

Oh what a difference a year makes....

Wishes

I have had one of those weeks when I begin to question why I dropped out of psyche 101 all those years ago.  It seemed as though everyone was going through something, and my job was to help them.  And now that I really think about it, my life is kinda like that.  I feel as though my job description should include counsellor or mentor.... something along those lines.

When did this happen?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all.  In fact, truth be told, I get a little giddy when I get to listen and help someone work through a problem.  It has occurred to me on more than one occasion that this is the reason I am here.  I love being able to laugh with someone or cry with them too.  I love to see the lightbulb go off when they see the answer for themselves.  I love the hugs that follow... or sometimes chocolate.

Chocolate is always good.

I have often wondered why I have chosen to write about the words, but now I get it.  It's my way of conducting mass therapy for all.  I simply want us all to have a better life.

To make better choices.
To see the bright side.
To make the change that is long overdue.
To be grateful and say thank you.
To know that happiness isn't something you have to look for.
To understand that letting go is okay.
To find your path.

I was recently asked to write something for someone who has been a part of my life for the past nineteen years (maybe more, and yes, it's been that long).  She is finally taking the plunge and doing something she has wanted to do for a long time, and while that can be exciting, it's also a little scary.  The words 'Be careful what you wish for,' resonate in times like this.  I have no doubt she is doing exactly what she is supposed to be doing, otherwise the stars wouldn't have lined up for her this way.  But just the same, change can be hard.  

I have given this so much thought, because you know I want to get it right.  The last thing she needs is a lame post about following your dreams, blah, blah, blah.  Then I realized, almost every post I write is for her.  When I sit down to do this, I am usually carrying around what is going on in my life, or in my friend's lives, and I write for them.  I try to inspire, encourage, and problem solve along the way, and if something makes you giggle, well then my job is done.

And sometimes I need to steal from others to convey what I want to say...

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

~ Rascal Flatts

I think she'd approve.  

And since she's a lifer, we'll be celebrating her all week!

Enjoy this amazing weather :)

Blaker's Top Ten

Where does the time go?

This was taken 10 years ago when Blake was one and Evan was five.  How can it possibly be that I have an 11 and 15 year old now?  It is shocking what ten years will do!

So in honor of Blake's Birthday, I'd like to do a Top Ten for one of the coolest kids I know.

1. He literally has one of the biggest hearts I know.  This kid is thoughtful, kind, and generous.  It's not lost on me that he is the most like my mom with his personality.
2. His laughter can be identified in a room of kids.  
3. He loves life.  Literally, he'll wake up excited, every. single. day.
4. He is loaded with charm and good looks, and he isn't afraid to use them.
5. He loves to write just as much as I do.
6. Any of his problems can be solved with a slurpee from Speedway.
7. He is tough and fearless.  Not always a great combination for a mom to watch over, but it does make the sports more interesting :)
8. His medical record includes 1 concussion, 5 staples, and 20 stitches in his face.  I know he will brag about this someday.
9. His eyes have more expression than his words do sometime. 
10. Kids love him.  Parents love him.  And pets love him.  He is more confident than an 11 year old should be.  I literally can't wait to see what the next year will bring for him!

If any one thing can remind you that life is short, it's baby pictures.  There is nothing like going back in time and remembering how simple life was then. I know we didn't know it then, but that's the lesson we must learn.  

I will repeat it for those of you who need reminding.

Life is short.

It will pass you by in a snap if you don't start noticing what is going on now.

Do what you love, and love what you do.  

Week 8

So, this is it.  The last week of figuring out what's most important to you.  The one thing I have learned along the way is that there really is no shortcut.  No magic pill or potion that will make you happy and all your dreams come true.  Hell, if there were we would've stopped reading this a long time ago.  Happiness and 'The Good Life', if you haven't figured out, are already in your reach.  It's like Glinda said to Dorthy, "It was inside you the whole time."

Week 8 is about that magical word, Love.  And I don't mean the marriage love, or I love those shoes... it's about loving yourself, your life, and your choices.

There isn't anything in our lives that can't be fixed by loving it.  We're just so used to complaining about things (work, weight, money, kids), that we never thought to try and accept it into our lives.

When you're feeling like it can't get any worse, find something, anything, to love.  All of us can have bad days.  What do we focus on when that happens?  Well, we can only obsess about how everything is wrong.  This happens on facebook all the time.  You'll see someone ranting about how horrible things are over an over again.  It's as if their brains are only wired to see the bad in everything around them, and then make it their status.

We get it... your life sucks.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Starting today, be a light that only shines on the good stuff.  For instance, it is Monday morning on the first day of summer and Summer is usually not my thing.  But this year I am bound and determined to make it better.  Life is way to short to dislike a season, right?  I mean, that's a lotta time.  So already this morning, I have started a list in my head of the things I do love about this time of year:

• Reading on the deck
• Not being at work at 8 am.
• Writing in my pj's at 7 am.
• Weekends off (well, most of them)
• Kids helping around the house.
• Days at the beach.
• Walks outside.

No, it's not long, but it is a start, and at least it proves I don't hate everything about Summer.  Look around you today and figure out where your love is going.  Is it wasted on things that don't matter to you, or are you using it wisely?

Do what you love and love what you do.  I think it really is that simple.  

Have a lovely week my friends!

Checking in

Good Morning All!

I am just checking in to see if any of you are staying in the moment.  Coming from a chronic time killer, this is really hard.  I have caught myself enjoying moments I might normally let go by, but I know that some days are still just a blur.

Today, I want to treasure the doing...

Week 7

I know, I know, I'm a week late with this.


Deal with it!


Sometimes when life throws you curve balls, you have to try and catch them.  Granted, I was supposed to be practicing balance while catching those balls, but sadly, my life is a work in progress.  


Sigh...


But yesterday and today are about putting the priorities back in order, and I have spent the morning doing just that.  So always remember that when you fall off the balance beam of life, you can always hop back on without too many deductions (a little pre-Olympic humor there).


Week 7 is all about NOW, and might be the hardest lesson of all.  Everyone I know, myself included, is stuck in the past or the future, worrying, festering, complaining, and beating themselves up. Very rarely are we ever present and in the moment.  


As I write this, I am looking out the window at Blake playing with his buddies.  They are barefoot in the grass, lacrosse sticks in hand, and 100% in the moment themselves.  Not one of them is worrying about memorizing the speech for Wednesday or even try-outs later today.  Nope, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and they are just having fun.  I wanted to leave five minutes ago, but they're so happy, I can't do it.


So I write... which brings me to my moment. 


Have you ever gotten through an entire meal and not really even realize you finished, let alone tasted the food?  How about a day?  I know that I have gone through days and sometimes weeks, thinking 'I just gotta get through this day...'


It's ridiculous! We are wasting so much time and energy on fixing the past, planning the future, and wishing life away.  It isn't supposed to be like this, and starting today, I want you to be more aware of the moment you're in, and make it beautiful.  Embrace what you have, stop caring about what you don't have, and get on with it.  


Live it too short.


Homework:  Do any or all of the following.

• Save the picture above, and set it as your screen saver.  
• Take a moment to sit still and become aware of what is going on around you.  If you have kids, watch them play.  They are masters at this.
• Make a meal or dessert from scratch.  Measure the ingredients, taste test, and play some music while you do this.  Savor the smells and the sounds coming from your kitchen.
• If it's nice outside, go for a walk or run.  There is nothing like a little exercise to bring you into the moment.  
• If you can swing it get a massage, manicure, or pedicure.  Being pampered is a perfect way to have a moment to yourself!
• When in doubt, go to Biggby and write.  Okay, this one is mainly for me, but hey, you can too!

Have a very present week :)