Fall Down Seven Times Get Up Eight

In the end is about what you think.

As we head into a new year I think it's important to be clear about one thing.  In the end it is always about what you think that counts. You.  Not your family, your love muffin, your co-workers or somebody you have never met who feels free to give an opinion about you. It's you that matters.

We live in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about everyone else and feels free to share it.

If you are on the receiving end of any of those opinions it is easy to get confused and believe that they matter.  In the end they don't.  Or at least they shouldn't.  What you think counts.  What you believe matters.  No one knows your life like you do.  Not even your closest, bestest friend.

So you need to be clear about what you think and what you believe.  About yourself. It's where you need to start...because everything else you do comes from that.  So what do you think of you?  What's great about you?  What are your values?  What do you believe in?

All great questions to think about as we approach what will be the best year of our lives so far... 2012!  It's right around the corner so get thinking!

What is your holiday story?

What is your holiday story?  What are you saying?  Listen to yourself...

Are you talking about stress...running around like a crazy little monkey trying to get everything done??  Ah that was my story until right now.  Right this minute.

Now my story is ...I am enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday and things will unfold as they will. It's family and friends that are important...not the boxes in the mail on time and cards that are still waiting to be sent.

I am unplugging myself from the shoulds and the I have tos and breathing deep.

My holiday story...one of joy and peace and love and light.  May you experience the same.

Just for today be content.

In a world that whirls with activity and people always seeming to want more..just for today be content.

Look around your world and be content. Feel it in your heart and your soul.

Be settled for at least one day that your world is what it is today.  Tomorrow it may be diferent...and it probably will be because that is the way of the world.

But today be content. And feel the peace that comes with that... :)

It's what I call myself that counts.

I have had an interesting exerience the last few weeks with people describing me for a variety of reasons.  Folks no doubt have been doing that for a long time :) but the last several weeks I have been more aware of it.

I have been called a crazy midget. An oompa loompa. A three feet tall waitress :) and last night I was described as loud. Paints quite a picture :)

I was going to refute the midget but then I looked up the official definition of midget...oops anyone under 4'10".  Damn...I am 4'9"!  Who knew?!  Apparently the person who called me a crazy midget ... or maybe that was just a lucky guess...the midget part anyway!  LOL!

I did not even know what an oompa loompa was?! Now I do and apparently there is a song and dance I need to learn! :)

Am I loud?  Hm-mm.  Joyful and happy most days and loud vs church mouse quiet?  Oh yes that would be me.

Here is what I know...people can call me or you anything. Simply anything.  Sometimes people say nice things.  Sometimes they say hurtful things. In the end all that really matters is what we call ourselves.

Really...what do you say about yourself? 

Today...see with your heart.

Today I want you to join me in seeing with your heart...not just with your eyes.

Really see the world around you and the people and things that are in it.  Do it with a sense of wonder and a sense of appreciation. A splash of gratitude is nice too.

At this time of year I think we are surrounded by people who have a hard time with the holidays for a variety of reasons. When you see with your heart it is easier to be aware of them.  And then if you choose...to reach out to them.

But first you have to see...take the time and you may be amazed at what you learn. And then at the impact you may have.

Today's word is unforgettable.

Ah unforgettable...not to be forgotten.

I saw that word today and it made me smile.  What makes you unforgettable?  What makes someone remember you?

There is a school of thought that it is better not to be seen.  Just fade in the woodwork, sit on the sidelines and watch the world go by.  It is one way to live.

Then there is the put your toe in the water, don't rock the boat style of living.  That works well for many, many people...

My favorite way is to jump in with both feet.  Engage, engage...engage life at your own speed in your own style. Rest if you need to...then start again. :)

 If you live your life like that...you are probably unforgettable to the people whose path you cross. :)

So my question to you...what makes you unforgettable?

Today's word is need.

What do you need?  Stop and ask yourself ... what do I need to be happy?

It's a powerful question.  It can help you clear the clutter from your head and from your life.  And that my dear friend is a fabulous thing indeed.

So again...what do you need to be happy?  And if you don't have it in your life what are YOU doing about it? 

Today's word is reflection.

Since I woke up this morning...the words reflection, reflect have been in my head.  Yes..I have an interesting head :)!

So let's go with them.  Reflection is to have something come back to you. "Cast back".  So maybe we should all do some reflecting today.  How's your life? Everything you want? How are you?

If it's true that what you put out you get back...what is your reflection telling you?  Just asking....

Today's word is present.

There are lots of meanings for the word present...and I have combined two of them.

Meaning #1...being in the now.  Being aware of what is going on around you. That's being present

Meaning #2...those grand things you get that are wrapped up in pretty paper :). I love to give.  It's one of my favorite things.  But I also love presents...and there is something about wrapping paper that just makes me smile.

I am pretty visual. I like to have things around me that remind me of things.  I purchased a great pair of earrings last week.  They are silver presents.  I am wearing them every day.

They remind me every time I see them to be present.  Be aware.  To enjoy the moment for what it has to offer.  And that is the best present I can give myself each and every day.

The word for today is attention.

Attention is where you put your focus.

So where do you put your attention? On people, on things...

The Law of Attraction basically says that you get what you think about most.  You draw into your life what you give your attention to.  Even if that is only partially true...that is powerful stuff.

I hear people complain all the time about having no energy.  If you are giving your attention to having no energy how can you possibly expect to feel differently?

Just for today put all your attention on what you want.  All of it.  Focus there.  See what a little attention in the right direction can get you. :)