Fall Down Seven Times Get Up Eight

Less jelly beans...more reflection.

Happy Easter!  A day for jelly beans for some...and reflection for others.

I say a little of each can make your day successful :)

I am not a jelly bean person...a few go a long way with me.  I am, however, it seems in a constant state of reflection these days.  Today is no different. I find myself looking back, forward and to the sides.

It seems I specialize in "what if's" and "what was" these days.

I am working right now at a place where I am almost daily reminded of my past.  Each and every little part of it.  Yesterday a boy came in with his grandfather.  I had waited on them many times when I worked at a restaurant in a different town.

He said.."I know you!  You always made me a happy salad!"  I had forgotten but I did.  We had to make our own dinner salads at the other place and I always made mine with a happy face using the vegetables.  Many of them ended up on facebook! LOL

I had forgotten that and it made all of us smile.  Started me reflecting on where I would be if that place had not closed...another crossroads I had come to. Reflecting...reflecting...reflecting.

As they walked out the door the little boy asked his grandfather if I could make him a happy salad the next time they came back.  His grandfather said, "She doesn't do that anymore...they don't have salads here." I was left thinking no I don't do that anymore...but when I did...it made a difference. 'Cause over a year later that's the first thing a little boy remembered when he saw me. 

I need to keep looking at what I am planning to do next. And whether it involves vegetables or not I want it to be memorable for the people it touches.  And that's a piece of reflection and insight I can work with...

 

Live your life truly without fear...

I read that this morning at the end of a post someone had written.

Live your life truly without fear...

If you did...if I did... what would that feel like? 

Once we can get our heads around that concept.  Once we can really feel what that would be like.  The next question is then why don't we?

Some days are meant for quiet.

There are days that are meant for quiet and reflection and regrouping. 

Today is that day...ahhhh may the inspiration commence :)

It's time to defrag!

I am not talking about defragging my computer...I am talking abut defragging my life!  :)

When you defrag your computer you put files together...get rid of some files that don't fit and condense others.  You end up with more free space...

That would be the goal of defragging my life at this point too!  Organizing "files" of projects, goals...and creating free space then in which to work.

  But what I am coming to realize is that this needs monthly attention...just like my computer.  It's easy to get fragmented...spread out all over the place.  Any general knows when you spread yourself troops too thin...you have less strength.

The same principal would work in our lives too.  Spread too thin in too many directions means we have less strength...less focus.  And in the end less advancement towards what we say we want.

So here's to bringing it all back together.  And get in the best position for our next big push! Whoot-Whoot!  :)

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Be more today than you were yesterday.

Be more today than you were yesterday.  No, no...not more in body :) I am talking about being more in spirit.

We could all use more from you. 

• More joy,
• more generosity,
• more kindness,
• more compassion,
• more laughter,
• more creativity.

Be more today and we all benefit! 

And for that I thank you...

Ever want someone else's life?

I did.  About two hours ago.  I am pretty tired yet after three days of doing lots of stuff for other folks.  My stuff got put to the side. All my choice...that I know.

But I woke up and was reading about someone and things they were doing and I thought..."I would like her life".  I walked around my kitchen for awhile as I made coffee thinking about.

The facts are when you are looking in at anyone's life from the outside you really don't get the full picture.  You see what they want you to see and anyone has the ability to "dress up the windows".

Everyone..or almost everyone has their own issues to deal with.  Mountains to climb...clutter to clear out.

I decided that rather than wishing for someone else's life...I will keep my own and keep moving my own mountains.  I know the terrain pretty well and I can see some foot holes in the latest mountain right in front of me.

So I say I will climb my mountain and you climb yours and we can wave at each other when we reach the newest summit. Deal?

 

Expose yourself today!

No...NO...no I don't meet exposing yourself in the way that gets you arrested!  :)  

I mean today expose yourself to something new!  Watch that movie you have heard about.  Try that new yogurt you keep passing in the store as you head for your all favorite brand.

Do something that exposes you to something different and see how that feels.  We can fall into patterns pretty quickly.  We sit in the same spot even though seats aren't assigned.  We travel the same path every day.

When we get so patterned we can miss the view from the other seats. There may be a whole different perspective we are missing because we are always looking in the same direction.

Kinda of like "I was in your english class in school...I sat two rows behind you!"  "Oh really?...I never turned around!"

Today...turn around, walk on the other side of the street. And for goodness sakes...choose a different yogurt :)  just for today!

 

How much joy are you feeling?

Did you complete your vision board?  Does it look like you thought it would?  Here is the test if you are on the right track...in my opinion of course :)!

Take out your vision board.  Place it in front of you.  Close your eyes.  Take a deep breathe.  Open your eyes and look at what is there.

What do you feel?  Honestly when you look at your board... how do you feel?

Here is my honest appraisal from afar.  If it doesn't make your heart sing...if you don't feel joyful as you scan what you say you want... RIP IT UP and start over from the beginning...Step #1.

Rethink what YOU really want.  If it does NOT inspire you ... here's my question What is the point!? 

And my friend that is a question only you can and should answer.

Are we ready for Step #2 ... for unplugging the fog machine?

Why yes we are!  Today is a fabulous step..Step #2.  One of my most favorite things to do.  I think you will like it too.

You will need paper or tag board...my personal favorite is the cardboard tri-fold that kids use for science fair projects.  You can get that at an office supply store.  You need magazines. Markers and glue.  I also like having spray on glitter (Raise your hand if that is a surprise!)

You also need your wish list that you have been working on.  The list of things you say you want. 

Step #2 ....Today we are building, creating a vision board of that list.

A vision board is a visual representation of what you say you want.  My that sounded technical! :)  Here's another way to say it...it's a board of pictures and phrases of what you say you want.  Plain and simple.  A board that reminds you of what you say you want. A board that inspires you to action every time you see it.  It's yours.  You make it for you.  For no one else. 

So today...make a commitment to yourself to unleash your inner preschooler.  Rip out pictures and phrases and start gluing! :) Be inspired.  Listen to your heart and let it represent you.  Not what your partner, your parents, your kids, your friends want for you!  

Your heart's desires.... ahhhh :)

Could your time be better spent today?  I think not...

Glue sticks ready? Let's get creating!  :)  Come back and let me know what your favorite part was.

 

A life lesson from my hair!

Before we go another further...here's a life lesson I learned yet again this time from my hair!  I know...my hair!

I have been complaining to myself that my hair looks flat.  It has no life.  It just hangs there.  I wake up..wash it and that's it. That's all I have been doing lately to be honest. 

Then yesterday I had a radical idea.  Maybe I need to DO something with my hair!  I know...RADICAL!!! :)

So I picked up some rollers and put them in my hair.  Amazing...my hair looks different. :)  Not much effort BUT some effort!

That's the life lesson that I learned yet again.  To get anything.  To make any change...it takes effort.  Wishing and /or complaining is NOT enough.  Movement...effort...action is the key.

Whether you want to change your life or change your hair...effort is required.  Then rinse and repeat! :)