a little happy

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.
Frederick Keonig

(http://www.happynews.com/)

Sometimes I read my news here....its always happy

a story

I was reading yesterday and ran across this great idea... the book applies this concept to leaders but I think it applies to everyone.  That GREAT leaders, are “infected with an incurable need to produce results, whatever it takes”.  It inspires me and I hope it inspires others to live in this way.  I think too often we forget the tremendous and amazing opportunity we are given to impact not only those around us but also our organizations.  Even if you don’t have a job…you have story to tell and don’t you want to tell it well.  I know I do.

quote

"When I stand before God at the end of this life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck

when it feels right do it and when you discover a talent use it...thats the best advice I have for today

Fear can consume a person and its ok to take a step back or even be overwhelmed
...I'm learning to name it, face it, and spread it...and that is how I help others and help myself.

the magnet on my refrigerator

In high school I was told by a very wise teacher to “surround yourself with what makes you happy”, that advise has always stuck with me since that day.   I have done my best to continually surrounded myself with constant “reminders” of my passions in life.  I don’t always pay attention to these things on days when I am down but when I do, these things have the tremendous power to lift me up or at least remind me that I am loved.  This is a magnet that is on my refrigerator that has been my inspiration lately. Great things are happening….

“PROMISE yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your PEACE of mind.  Look at the sunny side of everything and make your OPTIMISM come true.  THINK only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the BEST.  Forget the mistakes of the past and PRESS ON to the greater achievements of the FUTURE.  Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.  Live in FAITH that the whole world is on your side so long as you are TRUE to the best that is you!”

Christian D. Larson

if we don't change our....

hearts we repeat the past again

I love all that this song discusses, I think he makes some great and clear points.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJoT96xnRZ0

on my mind...

I watched 500 Days of Summer today, such a good honest movie.  Its about the constant struggle we experience between our reality and our own expectations.  Partially in relationships, there is so much that goes unspoken.  This couldn’t be more obvious in a world where its easy to complicate our lives and over think them.

  

This movie reminds me of the pain experienced when a relationship ends.  Its a painful process that only time heals. (as much as we don’t want to admit)  The truth is we all have something to learn from each other and we should look at each relationship as just that.  Each relationship changes us. 

Love is not always what we see in Hollywood "chick flicks", love is way more powerful and simple.  It will challenge you to your core... not overnight, not by some "magic", its not lust and its a lot of work. Its a force that encourages you be a better version as yourself, its your compliment, your help, your comfort, pure joy and pain and because of this you grow.  If your not growing, if your not challenged, your not in love. Love is not always what we see in Hollywood chick flicks, love is way more powerful and it will challenge you to your core. 

belief

finding your way

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/05/biz-ladies-finding-your-niche.html
one of my all time favorite blogs...




This is a great...especially the part about not being in a Rush....

What can inspirational people teach you…

We all know these things, but what great reminders, here are a few…

Be courageous in your efforts and fight for the things you believe in.

Nelson Mandela

Opportunities in life are abundant, if something in life doesn’t go your way, roll with the punches until something does. Don’t let one ‘failure’ make you turn around and give up.

Richard Branson

Don’t take life so seriously, enjoy the simplicity in everything.

Winston Churchill

We are all one, you are not alone in this journey of life, and therefore you shouldn’t see yourself as more or less than anyone else.

Mother Teresa

Being successful isn’t always about taking on the biggest challenges. It’s about constantly growing and conquering the feats you can manage.

Warren Buffett

http://www.urbanmonk.net/579/what-11-inspirational-people-can-teach-you-about-life/

coffee shops

I've been spending a lot of time in coffee shops lately.  My email inbox has exploded these days with all the events and planning I have been doing with many groups of people.  Its both energizing and exhausting at the same time.

  It helps to get out into the community and be around other people as well.  I do some of my best work and writing in coffee shops.  There is such a community to coffee shops, if you go to the same ones enough you will start to see the same people, get to know the people that work in them and meet the regulars.  The mix of free wifi and coffee helps but coffee shops really are alive.

  I love people watching, you witness so much...business meetings, dates, friends catching up and of course those like me.  We are on our laptops but also aware of what is going on around us.  We were made for community and I have learned we thrive in community whether it is a coffee shop on the corner or a group of friends we meet with every week.  Look at the world around you... people with high "wellness" have community in some form...and that community gives them purpose, drive and happiness.  

it takes 2 minutes

Why is it that we want to be encouraged so badly but yet we don’t give it to others nearly to our capacity?  We have thoughts of encouragement all the time in our head but how many of these thoughts ever really make it out?  Wouldn't it be easier if we could hit a "like button" everytime we saw things we care about, whether it be a great pair of shoes, great hair, a genuine simile, or a job well done.   I love that concept because its making encouragement easier.

 There are countless times a day I see people and actions that I like, but the people I "think about" never benefit from my thoughts.  They remain just thoughts if I don’t share them. 

In my own community- both home and work I try to encourage others- even more than I already do.  We live in such a harsh and painful world sometimes and we wonder if we even make a difference in it.  We do- we just have to learn to let the light shine outward. 

 I was reminded today of this, after spending 2 minutes writing a quick email of encouragement to a coworker.  This person later approached me and thanked me for “she had been wondering if anyone noticed”.  Our efforts are noticed, believe me they are…we just have to do our part to encourage growth in our communities.

Community!

This week is Community!  Its not typically an area we evaluate when we think of our overall wellness.  It involves the sense of engagement we have with the area in which we live...and I believe where you work as well.  Community is a place we should feel safe and welcomed...  I'll give you a great example of how we can create community...

I have a favorite restaurant, walking distance from where I work. (I eat here at least once a week)  The other day I was there...on a Saturday, I usually go on Wednesdays.  The guy that usually clearing off tables came over to my table to clear it and said to me..."you are becoming a regular here...your coming on Saturdays now too" and smiled.  I felt noticed, included and appreciated...that is community.  This could just be good business too...but don't we want others feeling wanted and safe in the areas we work and life.  When you notice someone you see a lot (or maybe even care about)...acknowledge them... it made me so happy to know I am noticed and welcomed.

Have a great Tuesday!

to my readers...

Thank you for reading...this is a very small thing I do to..."pay it forward" and "spread it.  I know that I have an audience and that is amazing to me.  My dream in life is to make a difference and to write.  I am so thankful to be able to do this.  This is my work in process...I am dedicated to developing it.  I thank you for reading and believing in me!