Your health matters...

Exercise daily and eat healthy. You are given ONE body for this journey on earth. Take care of it. Exercising is not only good for your physical health, it is good for your mental health as well. To me there is nothing sadder than seeing someone pass away from poor health knowing that it was their choices that caused their demise.

  Where can you improve in your exercise regimen? Are you consciously eating healthy? Make steps each day in the direction of health and longevity. It matters.

Pay It Forward every chance you get

Pay It Forward every opportunity you get. Kindness is like a magnet. You give it out and it comes back multiplied when you least expect it.

What can you do to Pay it Forward? Hold a door open for someone behind you, pay for the car behind you in line, bring fresh flowers to a nursing home, offer to run errands for a senior citizen. There are plenty of kind acts you can do each and every day. Do them. It matters.

Live your life with integrity

Live your life with integrity. Be honest while kind and live to the utmost of morals and character.

  Is there an area of your life that you could improve your actions of integrity? Are you being honest? Are you standing up for what you believe in? Are you following the morals and character traits that you value? From today forward, focus on doing you best to live with integrity. It matters.

Make your house a home

Make your house your home. Fill it with items collected, treasures you've found, and anything that pleases you visually, by scent or by sight.

  What could you add to your house to make it feel like home? By the end of this month make it happen. It matters.

Apologizing doesn't mean that you were wrong....

Apologize. Apologize whether your actions were intentional or unintentional. Whether you agree with the other person's feelings on the matter, or not. Life is too short for hurt feelings. Apologizing DOES NOT mean that you were wrong and the other person was right. It means that you value your relationship more than your ego.

  Do you know anyone who is struggling emotionally due to an incident that you were a part of? Whether your actions were intentional or unintentional or even if you have no idea what you did and they are giving you a cold shoulder reach out to them and apologize. (Please don't ruin the apology with an excuse. Simply say "I'm sorry.....") It matters.

Challenge yourself...

Challenge yourself mentally and physically. Doing the same things every day is great for routine, but to really experience life you have to get outside of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to experiences that will enrich your life and your health.

  What can you do that is mentally challenging? Take a class? Read a novel? Sudoku/Puzzles/Crosswords? How about physically? Exercising? Travel? Losing weight through healthy lifestyle changes? Challenge yourself daily until it is no longer a challenge but a habit. Your life will change for the better.

To live your best life you NEED to have a bucket list.

Keep a "Bucket List". When you write your goals and dreams on paper, it is no longer a wish, but a goal. Once you have a written goal, you can take the steps needed to reach that goal and it will enrich your life immensely. One of my greatest pleasures is traveling. It gives me something to look forward to and the people I meet and the cultures I have been introduced to have enriched my life. “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”

  Grab a piece of paper, a note card, a journal, or whatever you have on hand. Write your bucket list. It can be places you want to visit, books you want to read, food you want to make, career or family goals you want to achieve. The options are limitless. You can do it by category (for example today my husband and I each picked our top five international places we'd like to visit and our top five United States destinations), or just make one long list of your top 50 or 100 experiences. What is important is that you take the time to do it. 

Living your best life means taking the time out to plan and hope and dream and achieve the experiences you choose throughout the time you are here.  

Never make someone a priority that only sees you as an option

Never make someone a priority, when all you are for them is an option. Everyone comes into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. As relationships last longer, you may notice that in the beginning, you were a priority in someones life. As time goes on things may change and you may become an option. Phone calls and time together lessens. Plans get broken last minute. They contact you only when they need something, to share the latest drama in their life or when nothing better comes up. At that point you realize the relationship was for a reason or a season, and it is OKAY. When you let your time and energy be devoted to those who are making you a priority, you continue on your journey with new lessons and friendships.

  Is there someone in your life that you are devoting a lot of time and energy to and they are making you an option? If so, don't let go of the relationship, but invest that time smarter by giving it to those who are making you a priority.  To live your best life put your time and energy into the lives of those people who invest their time in you.   It matters.

Live a life of compassion.

Live life with COMPASSION. At all times in all ways, show compassion to all living things. There are SO many types of people in this world, and that is what makes it beautiful. Everyone on their own path, figuring out their own personal journey. At times you come in contact with people with whom you don't see eye to eye. In those cases have compassion ~ everyone is fighting some type of battle.

  Is there a person you are struggling with because you are side by side on your journey but obviously on different life paths? How can you show them compassion? It matters.

OVERUSE I love you!!!

OVERUSE "I Love You". Too many people wait for a holiday to share their expressions of love. It shouldn't take a Hallmark Holiday for you to tell someone "I love you", "you mean the world to me", "you make a difference in my life". Gifts of love should NOT be given because a date on a calendar says it is a holiday -- Flowers should be given just because (not because of Valentines Day), dinner out should be just because you care, every day is a special occasion when you share it with someone you truly care about.

  Is there someone you cherish that doesn't know how much you truly care about them, or what a difference they've made in your life? If they passed away tomorrow would they know, or would it be only their friends when you walked up to the podium to give their eulogy. Take the time to write down the people that matter most to you, and find a way to let them know as soon as possible what a difference they've made in your life. It matters.

Forget what hurt you but never forget what it taught you....

Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you. Everything happens for a reason --- good and bad -- and there is a lesson that comes with it. In order to keep a positive outlook on life (and not end up bitter and alone due holding on to anger/hurt/resentment) let go of any of those feelings that came along with the bad times. Simply let it go, and hold onto the lesson it taught you. Did the lesson teach you how strong you really are? Did it teach you independence? Did a person teach you to be grateful NOT to be like them?

  Look at areas in your life where you are holding on to hurt and resentment. Take the steps to let it go and move on with your life. Holding onto hurt and resentment only harms you; the other person goes on with life and isn't affected. With that said, find the lesson in each incident and don't lose the sight of that lesson. Chances are once the lesson is learned, you won't have to deal with a negative similar situation again.

Invest in your relationships.....

Invest in your relationships. In our fast paced world it is not uncommon to lose sight of what matters most and one of the most important things in life is the relationships you have with others. In every relationship, time needs to be invested for that relationship to thrive. When the relationship begins to falter, often it is due to lack of time invested.
  

Look at your relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. Where can you invest uninterrupted time that will strengthen your relationship? Make it happen; it matters!

Be finanically responsible...

Be financially responsible. It is up to you, and you alone to cover the expenses you incur. With that in mind, be sure to take financial care of yourself.

  Look at your current financial situation. Where can you improve? Do you impulse shop? Do you put anything in savings? Are you following a budget. Put your focus into your financial security and reap the rewards. It matters.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Take time out to RELAX. It isn't healthy to be on the go non stop, dealing with life's/work's battles. Every single person NEEDS for their health's sake to take the time to relax. Whether you can only take 10 minutes a day, or a weekend, this needs to be a priority. Relax, Renew, Recharge.

What can you do to make relaxing a priority? Can you take 10 minutes a day of quiet time? Can you schedule a few hours on the weekend? Can you plan a weekend away every few months? Whatever is possible in your current situation, MAKE it happen. It matters.

Take the time to find your passion ~ Then go out into the world and DO GOOD....

I absolutely love the above quote.  I think that so many people have the misconception that "service" means heading down to the nearest non-profit and donating your time or volunteering and the nearest community event.  That some "group" or "church" or "non-profit" or "company" or "school" needs to organize and seek volunteers in order to serve.  Although these are great ways to get involved with your community I have a totally different view of what it means to serve and find joy.

I believe that once you find your passion, daily opportunities come your way in order to "serve".  Think of it as living your life through a lens of compassion. It is noticing another person's needs and feeling the call within you to do something to alleviate that person's worries, fears, or struggles. 

What are your passions?  What are your skills?  Where do you excel?  Where would you choose to spend your time if the opportunity arose?  It doesn't matter how you serve others. Whether it be a random act of kindness, assisting with a chore, or spending quality time with someone and just lending an ear to listen.

 

Each and every day we have the opportunity to do what we can, with what we have, wherever we are.  

It doesn't have to cost a dime.  Smile and say hello as you pass someone in the parking lot or on the sidewalk.Give a compliment to someone.  Hold the door and wish someone a wonderful day.  Share your talents and time with those who will thrive in your company.   It matters!

Stop the blame game ~ You are in control of your own life.

You are in control of your own life. You and only you. It isn't anybody's fault for where you are, where you are going, or where you have been. It is your choices and your reactions.

Reflect on any situation where you are holding a grudge or grievance or are placing blame on someone for something that is happening in your life and LET IT GO. Tomorrow will be a new day. Move forward with that knowledge that you choose your destiny, and if someone enters your life, it is YOU who chooses how to react to the situation.

To live your best life, learn to EMBRACE CHANGE.

Learn to embrace CHANGE. Whether in the home, at work, in the community, or anywhere else you are, you will find that life has a way of introducing a constant state of change. For those who embrace change well, the transition is easy. For those that go in kicking and screaming the ride is a little rougher.

  Look at areas in your life where change is happening and make an effort to embrace that change wholeheartedly. You will find when you embrace change, your world changes for the better.

Make yourself a priority ~ It matters.

Make yourself a priority. When you treat yourself with love and respect and are truly happy inside and out you become a light for others to follow.
  

Do something that you enjoy each and every day...whether it is visiting a friend, reading a book, painting, or going for a walk. Whatever it is that brings you joy, find the time to make it a priority each day. It matters.

Before you speak ~ T.H.I.N.K.

Before you speak T.H.I.N.K.

Practice asking yourself before you speak ~ Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspirational? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If not, keep it to yourself.

Create a life that feels good on the inside.

Create a life that feels good on the inside. Having a fancy house, a manicured lawn, 2 sports cars in the driveway may look good on the outside, but does that fulfill you? Make you happy? Not if it comes with financial stress and strain and having to keep up with the neighbors. I can guarantee a person living within their means is much happier on the inside.

 

Reflect on anything in your life you are currently doing for the sake of impressing others, or out of obligation. Make a choice to replace those actions with something that truly brings you joy. Happiness is a lifestyle that is created when what you do and what you think are in alignment.

You are the company you keep ~ choose wisely

You are the company you keep. If you want to live your best life you have to surround yourself with people who inspire you, grow you and make you happy.

Think about the 5 people you spend the most time with. It is likely they are a reflection of who you are. If you don't like the reflection, think about people who inspire you, lift you up, and who you admire. Start taking steps to include them in your life and have them become your inner circle. Once you do that, reflect again on the 5 people you are spending your time with and be sure to take note of the positive changes.

Believe in the magic of your dreams....

Believe in the magic of your dreams. Dream BIG!! Write those dreams down...scrapbook them, Pinterest them, journal them. Whatever you do, focus on your dreams and pretty soon you'll be living them.

What dream are you putting off because of the time it will take to achieve? "Time" is never an excuse.... Write down that dream, and each day take one little step in that direction. If you stumble and fall down, who cares. Get back up and start again.

United I Stand with Boston

This morning, with my 7 year old riding her bike at my side, I went out and ran 3.15 miles. It is nowhere close to marathon distance, and my pace was a meager 11 minute miles, but I did the run in honor of all those affected by yesterdays tragedy. My daughter rode in honor of the 8 year old who lost his life. In her words "That is SO sad. He had so many more years to live." I believe that Love and Kindness conquers evil, and the best way to overcome all that is wrong in the world is to go out daily and live your best life. Focus on the things you can be grateful for and inspiring others to be their best along the way.

What did you do today that made a difference? It matters!

Comparison is the thief of joy

 

Comparison.  It is something we all do now and then ~ compare our possessions, compare our life stories, compare our gains and losses.  In fact with social media it is hard not to do right?  Don't we have the opportunity to see every one's highlight reel and say, "Wow!!  Look at what she just accomplished.  How come I'm not "that accomplished", "that stylish", "that successful", "that FILL IN THE BLANK".

This weekend I participated in Portland Oregon's "Race for the Roses".  I fast walked the 10K.  My reason for doing the race?  I have another race that is coming up in August (Portland to Coast -- the World's Longest Relay Race) and they require a 10 K time for seeding the race teams. While waiting to start I observed the crowd of thousands waiting as well.  There were teenagers and there were seniors and everyone in between. There were elite athletes and beginners and I thought about how much I enjoy this race every year.  Everyone is there for their own personal reason.  Like I said, I was there to get my official timed pace (as was another lady I met along the course). I'm sure there were people there who were there because a friend made them go, others who were trying to get a personal best on their time, and others who did it for the first time and those who did it for the social aspect.  One guy showed up dressed as a pirate!! I still want to know his "story"!

Our course through life is very much the same as those who showed up to the race on Sunday morning.  Everyone has their own personal journey they are taking for their own personal reasons.  When you compare yourself in any way to others, you are traveling off course.   You see, their experiences, choices, success and failure isn't meant for you. It is meant specifically for them. To get them to where they need to be. So the next time you catch yourself comparing....STOP...Take a moment and realize that the only thing in that moment you are doing is stealing the joy from your life.

You are good enough, strong enough, smart enough.........Don't forget that. EVER!

Everything comes full circle

I'm a big believer in Karma.  I believe what you put out into the world, comes back multiplied.  I believe if you are kind to someone, you will in turn have kindness come into your life.  I believe if you are helpful to someone, when you are in need, someone will help you. 

For those who know me well, they know that I LOVE to pay it forward.  I get GREAT JOY in doing something for someone I have never met and can never repay me.  I made some Pay It Forward cards that I hand to the person receiving the kindness that wishes them a wonderful day and letting them know that if/when they pay it forward, to include the card because together we can make the world a better place.   Together we can all be GRATEFUL, THANKFUL, & BLESSED.

I started "Paying It Forward" many years ago, and the reason I did was very selfish if I'm going to be honest.  I love to give.  I love to be social. I loved to spoil my friends.  The problem was that when I gave, I thought I was giving with the intent to give. With the intent to see the joy on my friends face when they were home sick and I brought them a get well basket, or on the days that I surprised them with flowers (because who doesn't love flowers).  In reality what I found was that when I was giving to those friends, I had silently included expectations for them that I wasn't consciously thinking when giving them the gifts.  The expectations would come up later, often much later.  Like several months down the road, when I was sick. Where were these friends of mine?   Where was that "return of friendship" via a get well basket, or a meal?

I can tend to be a slow learner of life lessons and at first I felt self pity.  "I'm doing all of these kind things for friends, and when I'm in need, they aren't there."  "Maybe I need new friends?"   Eventually I came to my senses and realized that not everyone LOVES to give. Not everyone LOVES to surprise people with gifts.  Not everyone has time on their hands to go out and shop or make meals when they find out all of a sudden someone is sick.  The lesson for me then became that I needed to find a way to still do Random Acts Of Kindness to get that joy, without it being connected to an expectation that the kindness is returned.  So, I started Paying It Forward to strangers.  Complete strangers.  Like paying for the meal for person behind me in the drive up, or leaving a gift card with the cashier at the grocery store, or buying coffee for the gas station attendant because it is cold out.  In the end the expectations are gone but I can still tell you I get SO MUCH more in return. It ALWAYS comes back full circle, which leads me to this week's story.

 

On Monday I was getting ready to go run errands. I was looking in my closet for something to wear and I thought to myself....once I hit my financial goals I REALLY need to get some new T-shirts. As I was out and about an ad came on the radio about the local butcher and his sausages and I thought to myself...."awwwww, those food splurging days are over." I've set some REALLY strict financial goals, and there  isn't any more play money in the budget. I went to the grocery store and the lines were SUPER long. There is a lady behind the check stands that tells you which line to go to and she pulls me from the back of the line --- there were about 4 lines, each with 6 or so people --- and she grabs my cart and says come with me. Well, that was just an invitation to pay it forward, so I grabbed a Starbucks gift card that was hanging by the register and after she finished ringing me up and handed me my receipt I handed her the Starbucks gift card and one of the Pay It Forward cards and wished her a wonderful day.

After I came home I couldn't decide where to get started with chores and I looked outside and saw some blue sky and decided some fresh air would be good for me and mowing the lawn equals exercise so that would be my choice for my afternoon chore.  As I was out mowing the lawn, a friend pulls up with a BIG smile and a wave as she gets out of the car. She says, "I have some swag for you!!! I had these T-shirts made with our towns school logo and with all the sporting events you attend, this is the perfect swag for you my friend!!! Enjoy your day!" I gave her a big hug and thanked her, and then off she went. As I looked down at the shirt, she had safety pinned a gift certificate to the butcher for 2 lbs of sausage.  A smile crossed my face and I sent up gratitude for everything that comes full circle.  Monday morning I'd wished for T-shirts and Sausage, I had gone out and performed an act of kindness and that kindness came back that afternoon         via an unexpected visit from a friend.  

I'm a planner and that HAS to STOP

Yesterday I woke up and had a plan.  I was going to have a GREAT day and I knew exactly what I was going to do.  I got out my notepad and made a list.  I was going to call my friend, with whom I started our Grateful, Thankful, Blessed Facebook page.  We've hit a milestone --- 2000 likes!!!!  We need to make a plan to celebrate!!!  The night before I'd sent her a text....shall we do a day trip to the beach? Seattle? Kahneeta?  Shall we go and see a presentation by a local author?   She hadn't responded to the text last night so that topped my list of things to discuss.  Next was her birthday...it is coming up....how were we going to celebrate it?  That was #2.   #3 Was figuring out the way to add a Grateful Thankful Blessed logo to our own personal photos ---  like the pros do it. I had attempted to do that for HOURS the other day and that isn't my super power.

I had a plan!!  I love having a plan!!  It makes me feel like I have control of how my day will go and this was going to start my day off with nothing but conversation, celebration and happiness.

So, I sent her a text -- "Are you free for coffee by phone?"

Her response ---  "Actually no -- I just started my project for the day.  In my groove..........Have a great day!......."

OUCH!!!!   ----  That stung a little.   Really?   She can't take time for me?  Not 20 minutes --- give it a time limit?  Not later in the afternoon.   WOW!  Okay....got it......she apparently didn't get my mental memo of all the great plans I had.

Now what was I going to do......Not wallow in pity.....I can't make someone a priority who makes me an option. That certainly won't do.  So, I guess I forgive her and move on.   But, inside me there was just a little sting of .....I had a plan.....It was going to be a GREAT day......It isn't starting off with the warm fuzzies and excitement I'd expected with more PLANS to come in the future........   I HAD A PLAN FOR A GREAT DAY and it was ruined.

Then my cell phone rang........It was a friend of mine that was between flights and hanging out at an airport.  We chatted for an hour as she shared her travel stories with me and we reconnected.   Well, maybe this morning isn't so bad after all I thought to myself.

Then there was another phone call. This time with a neighbor who has been in a challenging position with her job and shared that she had come to peace and resolved the issue!!!   We celebrated her decisions and came up with ways we could save the world and by then it was afternoon and my day was wonderful, and maybe the universe had other ideas for my GREAT day.....maybe I didn't need that plan after all.....maybe there is a lesson there....hmmmmmm.....

I had a night out scheduled with my cousin's wife that we'd planned several weeks before and I was looking forward to reconnecting with her, so as I sat and ate lunch I sent up gratitude for unmet plans.  So far, my day had turned out  much better than expected.......and then my phone rang.

It was a friend I've known for years.  We've never really done anything together.  Shown up to a few social events and said hello.  I've attended her birthday party, she attended my New Years Eve bash a couple years ago.   She called to ask a question  and we had been texting about getting together for coffee to discuss a PLAN for the school committee we are both a part of. As we were chatting she says "You've been to my house right?"  "No" I've replied.   "Oh!!! Come to my house for coffee, lets not meet at the cafe`! We have so much in common, we need to get together !"  A new friendship in bloom. Can the day get better?

The answer.....Yes!  Yes it can!  You see I received an email saying, "I'd love to show you my new house!!!  Please come over to my house for a tour!" from my cousin's wife with whom I planned to have pedicures.  By late afternoon, I was in my car, my favorite songs playing on the radio as I make the 30 minute road trip to her new home. I was taken on the full tour and it is beautiful. She has it beautifully decorated, and it is the perfect fit for her family.  Then it is off to Starbucks where she treated me to a mocha and we head to the nail salon, where we sat reconnecting and visiting and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. In fact at the end of our pedicures the ladies said, "You sit here and chat for 10 minutes."  10 minutes later they came back, and said "You ladies stay. You enjoy chatting as long as you like."  I'm positive it was probably 30 minutes later that they came back to check on us, and then WE WENT TO DINNER!!!   We tried a restaurant that was new to her and we chatted and laughed and shared stories of life and the lessons it gives us and when we were leaving the restaurant I thought to myself....this day can't get any better.   But it did, because as we arrived at her house, my cousin (her husband) and just come home with the kids....so I got hugs and hellos and that pretty much made my day perfect.

On my way home I thought about my original PLAN for a great day.......Again I sent up gratitude for unanswered PLANS.

As I came home and walked in the front door I was greeted with hugs and the kids telling their stories about their day and I thought, "this is my life, how lucky am I" and enjoyed their company until they went to bed and then my husband and I partook in our Wednesday night ritual.......watching Survivor (which we record so we can skip the commercials...don't judge us....we are reality show junkies...me MORE SO than him).

When the show ended, I thought to myself....What a wonderful day!!!   As I walked into the kitchen I looked on the dining room table, and there on the table in a vase were a dozen red roses. "Oh my gosh!!!  There are roses in here!!!  What are these for?"  My husband, all Mr. Practical says "They are for you!"  I ask why and he responds, "Well, because I haven't bought you flowers in a while."

With that my day ended.....GRATEFUL, THANKFUL AND BLESSED and determined to have a great day WITHOUT PLANS, for the rest of my journey.