MERRY CHRISTMAS -- HAPPY HOLIDAYS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many blessings to each and everyone from me to you for a joyful, loving, forgiving, blessed and simply wonderful Holiday and New Year.

I've been taking some time looking back on the blogs that have been posted for a couple years. I don't believe it is over, yet the shape and thought will possibly change. Once a person feels more balanced, what is next?

The last few months have been a delightful process of reconnecting, reviewing, regenerating, re-energizing, for me. I've taken a few blogs to heart again. It has been interesting to see it from a different perspective. I continue that process, and will see where it takes me.

Where are you? Be gentle to yourself as the official New Year approaches. I consider every day a "new" beginning.

Perhaps we will simply start there next time.

Peace ........

A Different Perspective

God gave us two ears to listen -- two eyes to see -- and one mouth to talk. This past week, I used the ears. My 2 1/2 year-old grandson used his fresh eyes and one mouth to share a wonderful way for me to consider my recent birthday.

This is not an advertisement, rather, it is an experience. Recently, I had a birthday. A group of family and friends gathered to help celebrate.

A friend went to the M&M candy website at mymms.com. They accept pictures or words, and you can choose any color you would like. Using a current photo and one when I was a little girl, she created little bags of M&M's as party favors.

My grandson, Spencer, began sorting them the candies "Old Nanna," "New Nanna."

A new perspective -- forever "New."

Consider each day - NEW. Consider, each minute NEW.

Namaste

A Guest Poet - I'm Honored to Introduce

The Awakening -- by Jeffrey Goodwin


There lies a stillness that exists
of indescribable peace and bliss
It is out there to be found
It is in here and all around
It is when we awaken we will see
all the things meant for you and me.

It is when we come to realize that it has never left
But merely taken from us by carefully crafted theft
It is then we shall see our true potential unfold
That to this day has been left out in the cold
For we all contain the powers of a sage
And together we shall usher in a golden age


I am honored that the poet has allowed me to share this with the world. If you pass it along, please provide the title and poet's name. I'm certain he will appreciate your thoughts, and if this has an effect.

Namaste

THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving, is the title of today. It is American born, and a very, very long tradition.

It is a day to embrace the immediate day and express gratitude. I am grateful for so many things, and a few are:

First I am thankful for my faith in God, and, then
The health he has provided me;
The children he has provided me;
The grandchildren he has provided me;
The special and many friendships he has provided for me;
The ability to laugh that he has provided for me;
The ability to write that he has provided for me;
The opportunity to be employed (perhaps, not making the salary that I have in the past, yet, I'm employed);
The land that I live in;
The ability to be free thinking and to make choices;
and simply.........
The ability to be free to be whatever I want to be.

Again, my apologies for not writing more often. I'm taking steps to get back, and perhaps I will set a schedule. If that will work, please holler, "I". Actually, I may do that even if you do not. I truly enjoy the opportunity to write, and occasionally get feedback. It is helpful.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

Live Life with Purpose - Now -

Purpose - it does not need to be profound - huge, or that idea that will make 1 million dollars. Finding one's purpose in life has been written about, researched, cajoled, and basically bantered about in so many words that the total sum of words would likely cover every inch of the world, perhaps more than once.

Yet, is that not what each person would truly like to know - what, is my purpose? It can be discovered - I think, perhaps, without certainty, of course, that this might be mine. To banter and write about bits and pieces of life, and to look at things in a different slant while suggesting ways to do just that.

Today in church, yes, this is a part of who I am now, and it won't go away. So, if it bothers you, then, you have a choice. Please, make the choice peacefully. I also truly hope you will stick around, as I am not a preacher and I do not judge or demand. What I offer is a concept, an idea, and it is a choice for the reader to determine if helpful, or to read and ignore and wait for the next one.

Anyway - the topic this month is on Prayer. I could use help in that area, so I'm listening intently. In week one, Pastor Rob discussed a prayer to receive Clarity. Clarity of life, the life that God intended, with purpose. Yes, that is where this began.

So, here is that prayer:


Investigate my life, O God; find out everything about me; Cross examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong, then guide me on the road to eternal life. Psalm 139.23-24


And, then simply, let it go. I have been saying this each day -- then allowing myself to simply be still for approximately 15 minutes after.

Sorry to be so scarce; however, I'm very grateful for a day job, and take the evenings and weekends to allow the thoughts to flow. I have not disappeared, and I thank you, each and every reader, for also not disappearing.

Purpose - the man tonight arrived to tow my car for repair. He might have been thinking of purpose; however, tonight, I am so appreciative, that his purpose tonight was to t0w my car with care to to a place that will nurse it back to health.

Again, instead of thinking of that PROFOUND purpose, consider each day having a purpose. Which, again, I suggest that instead of thinking soooo far ahead -- take one, day at a time. Especially with the Christian holidays fast approaching.

Squeeze joy........

Where does your mind take you?

"Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think."

-Benjamin Disraeli

Need anything more be said? :)

What are you thinking, and where are you going to go? Want more information or concepts on this topic. Esther and Jerry Hicks are a great resource. Need coaching, simply send me an e-mail.

Namaste!

BLOG ACTION DAY -- Party of One or.......

As "A Tidbit," this will be brief, yet very green and in sync with the topic today in the Blogging world, of Climate Change.

I will let the scientists discuss the details, yet even a Party of One can make a difference with anything you take steps to do. I have read a bit on the subject, and have decided that climate change in a small part might simply be a process of life. However, it is certain that the steps that people have taken have acerbated the process and a larger problem is the result.

Climate change is affected by our footprints. Simply speaking I am no longer using liquid bath soaps. I am a bar baby. There are so many colors, scents and sizes to choose from, and all with a little paper wrapper. Step one, perhaps; and, I again USE the little hotel soaps I grab when traveling.

You do know, as you are all very intelligent - that what we buy drives what is sold. Thus Walmart was created because for people buying LOTS of STUFF.

Personally, I've been downsizing and getting rid of stuff for years and there is still plenty of stuff for me to trip over, or have to pack when I move.

It literally is about footprints, carbon, or otherwise that is affecting CLIMATE CHANGE. I typically don't suggest looking backward, yet take a look the next few days and check out the litter behind you. You might be surprised. How many trash bags are you filling - how large is your recycling bin? Using rags for dusting, then washing them? Less paper towels - less to purchase - thus actual savings.

What other suggestions do you have? Yes, a PARTY OF ONE - can and DOES make a difference. Yet a PARTY OF MANY - really shows up. Heck - perhaps people in a few houses together can create something effective and FUN. How about an old fashioned Block Party? Share your ideas -

Get the Climate Change party started :) :)

Learning Something New

I drafted a post a few months ago. Tonight I made some edits, added to it and posted it. However, it shows below. Not knowing exactly what to do, I have left it - and am simply going to note it here. One of these days I might figure out how to create a draft and have it pop in at the top.

Happy Thursday!!!!!

The Party Continues ........

"It's never crowded along the extra mile." - Anonymous

This quote jumped out at me. Does this not seem to be true? If in a group of any number, doing anything - how often does it seem that someone is not quite done. Not always because they didn't know how or are simply slow, yet because they folded the letters three ways so the address showed. Not so all the print was inside.



Sometimes when we are alone, it is so easy to not slice the sandwich and eat it whole. After all who cares. Or, not make the bed -- because who will notice.

YOU do MATTER - not because someone will see - someone OTHER than YOU. YOU will know, and again, YOU matter.

Plus -- YOU can make a DIFFERENCE in a life other than your own.

Party -- of One or More

What constitutes a party, anyway? I think a party can exist - yet, if no one is there to share the joy of a party, is it really a party? In my last post I suggested that people share their summers, whether they had one or not; and, made a suggestion to "get the party started."

No takers - hmmm. Not sure how to take that, yet I began blogging literally years ago, when blogging appeared to be simply a blank slate to, simply write. All of a sudden, so it seemed, people began to appear by making comments. What an interesting phenomenon virtual writing became. I almost stopped. Someone appeared to be invading a private, one person party.

A one-person party where I was enjoying myself while I wrote. Unaware that eyes could see, voices would talk, and my thoughts were spreading.

So, I'm taking steps to return to my private party - untether myself from distractions newly discovered. You can join me in whatever capacity you like.

"Squeeze joy from each minute. Time does not return, yet memories do." Silicone bands with that quote are available in green/white and black/white - and I'm going to create either a magnet or bookmark.

Cheers and blessings to all!

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer -- .......

I'm on the East coast - and, well summer, weather that is, never really got started. There were a couple steamy days, and now fall is beginning.

Oh, I took fresh strawberries and cheese to the Pig Roast which was grand in many ways. Just stopping in to say summer is just about over and I've scheduled my first fall class to take, and looking forward to getting back to the keyboard. Also, since my computer has been fixed. It was a puzzler, yet it took a grand computer mind to figure out that the wireless card was competing with Windows to access the Internet. Neither won - so I was, thus more quit than I might have been. Yet, he negotiated a truce and I'm back on the Internet.

And, admittedly, this past week, I was still in "vacation" mode, and have begun to play on Facebook with Mafia Wars. My daughter and son-in-law play it so thought I would test drive it. Well, I am hooked. I tried a couple other games, yet determined this can be played without constant attention, and a light heart.

Since representatives of many states have commented, I would love to hear how your summer has been, and if you had one. Please share, and let's get this party started again.

New photo coming soon - as soon as the "right" one appears.
Squeeze joy........

A Tidbit -- can be enough

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."
~Edward Everett Hale

Good Morning! Hope this finds you all prospering, enjoying, enriching, being enriched, and unburdened. Today, as I continue to move into my newest residential environment, and learn more in my new day job, I saw this quote. I have been rather quiet for the past few months. I felt a need to simply get things done. Moving takes focus, a new job takes focus. Also, I have been reading Christian fiction. A series that totally captured my attention, holding me, a delighted prisoner of words - the author, Jan Karan.

The point to this post? As with most of them - it is what you "hear" in your mind when you read it. It might be nothing........

Cheers - and, summer is not over. Pig Roast today!!!! Next thought is what to take as a dish to pass. And to celebrate SATURDAY!!!!!

Cheers!!!!!!

NOT GONE -- YET.....

I'm moving. Yes, I'm changing my physical space, and that process is taking a lot of my time. Also, my computer is sick - and will be repaired after the move in it's new space.

Taking a moment to wish you all well, joy, grace and peace as we move toward the 4th of July holiday. Independence - what does it mean to you?

Blessings ----

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to all the fathers in the World. You are so very much needed by children everywhere -- not only your own children, yet by those who are friends, neighbors or those you coach or even by children that simply "see" you round and about. If you don't have children of your own - you can still lead by example.

By ACTIONS and words of course -- you have a strength that you might not recognize, acknowledge or be utilizing. Step up, stand tall - today, and every day.

Happy, Happy Father's Day!!!!!

OPPORTUNITY

Good Morning!!!! It is cloudy and gray this morning; however, there is no snow. Ahhhh. In preparing to physically move next Saturday from one home environment to another, a thought occurred to me.

What is it about moving that creates people to utter - "UGH!!!!!" Perhaps, being forced to making long delayed decisions about what to do with stuff. Or, the energy it takes to simply make changes. There are phone calls to change utilities, and there are more and more of them. Years past it was electric, gas, water, phone, insurance. Those continue and add Internet access, and others I have likely missed this time around.

Within 12 months in 2006 and 2007, I moved three times. Now in 2009, I'm moving again. Yet, as I'm listening to K-Love this morning, and again, making decisions about "stuff" that managed to survive the last three moves, I find myself smiling, energized and happy. As, the decisions have become easier to make. The new home demonstrates that when darkness falls, such as occurred in 2007, that by taking steps each day to move forward, the clouds will float aside and the "sun" will shine, although the air outside is cloudy. The new location has so many advantages to where I am now.

Each day I continue to live GRATEFULLY for everything that occurs. Also, being aware that this minute right now is what is important, and the next one will be as it occurs.

Hey -- HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DADS OUT THERE!!!!!!!!. Thoughts about male bashing - perhaps, unfair and to some not deserved. Yet, a thought - is that women were oppressed for so long, and in some cultures it continues. Making changes and raising boundaries can be VERY LOUD before standards are established and life settles into a soft, loving pattern that is inclusive.

Back to focus on moving within the next few minutes.
Cheers!!!!! "Squeeze joy each minute....."

Who is in the Driver's Seat?

Recently in a Sunday sermon the pastor referenced the programs at church, and, especially, the small groups. They are designed to support, and they are not designed to do the work or create the program or be what I refer to as the driver in your life. They are points of interest on a Christian road map. Yet, each individual is designed to be their own driver.

If in your life the driving has been left to someone else, then you are likely, using them as an excuse for not being the person you want to be. Consider stepping into the driver's seat in a different fashion. It is no longer the other person's fault for cutting you off. By thinking differently, making it my responsibility the thoughts shift to, "Perhaps I was following too close and did not leave enough room." This is not a victim's thought, it is a relaxed person's thought.

Yet this is not the driver's seat I was originally referring to. Wake up tomorrow morning, with the idea that YOU are the driver and are able to change direction both literally and figuratively.

Happy Travels!!!!

OPPORTUNITY

GOOD MORNING!!!!! Wow - the sun here in upstate NY is bright, and that is a very sweet treat.

It occurred to me this morning, and I will admit most, not all mornings, that the day as my eyes open and I awake, is full of OPPORTUNITY.

Regardless of where your mind is at the moment, or whatever your experiences at the time -- the day provides opportunity. When your mind, your feelings and your actions match - then positive flow and ebb is very apparent.

Oops missed the quote today; yet, that is the sweet thing about each day, each hour, each minute - there is opportunity.

Oh, and thanks so much to the two Coaches who took the opportunity to comment. It is delightful to hear from you, and thank you for hanging around. If you would like to connect - send me an e-mail. Isn't it what we recommend - not to sit quietly in the background or the closet-- live, share and experience. Hmmm - your thoughts?

Cheers -- "Squeeze joy each minute......

An acknowledgement - and, something old, yet new....

First - CHEERS and a large THANK YOU to the SU group for not only reading the blog, yet rising to the challenge. With an actual result. If you did not read the comment - they did an experiment with Swiffers and the "Always" (copyright) feminine pads apparently won. Not certain of the criteria, yet they were the voted winner.

That is acknowledgement #1 - the next one is the "Swiffer" (copyright) is the correct spelling. I do apologize for that error.

Next - something old, yet new. Quotes!

“Focusing on the problem reinforces it. Focus on the results, problems will take care of themselves.” Thomas Leonard

This, to me is brilliant. A focus on anything brings that "thing" into your life. If you focus on what you don't want - you will get more of what you don't want. If you focus on opportunity - you will get opportunity. For example, my day job is an opportunity. I'm learning much! And that is what I love to do - learn. Therefore, it is an opportunity.

As the weeks go by I will introduce Thomas Leonard to some who do not know him, and reconnect others, like myself who had the honor to meet him and I want to continue to celebrate him.

Cheers!

A BIT OF CLEANING VALUE

Did feminine pads bring me out of semi-retirement from blogging? You bet ya!! My focus since I created this blog is of value to the reader. This morning, May 13, 2009, I read an article in the local "Democrat & Chronicle." The title was deceiving, yet it was a note worthy article.

How many people have not used a "Swifter" floor cleaning product. They are marvelous, especially with laminate or hard floors. Well, what the article this morning mentioned is that $ store feminine pads will work as well as the "Swifter" pads. Have I tested them, no; however, it is such a simple, yet brilliant idea I felt compelled to pass it along. Perhaps the guys at SU could create a science project from it.

This perhaps is not a noteworthy return to blogging; however, it might save you a bunch of money this next year if you clean, at all.

Squeeze joy.........

Be What You Say

"People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do." - Lewis Cass

This thought continues to creep up in my life. Especially with dating. When first meeting someone, the idea is to have great discussions, and learn about each other. What I discovered with one man, ok, more than one, was that what they said did not match their actions.

I continue to wait for the man who is dreaming of me, to discover me. And, for the man I am dreaming of, to be that one who is dreaming of me. Sound too perfect to be true, perhaps. This is the only life we have; however, and that will be a perfect example of The Law of Attraction in action.

Suggestion: Use all of your senses - your INSTINCT, your ears, your eyes and then your mouth, perhaps last.

I'm a bit rusty with writing; however, it is delightful to be a bit back. Thank you very much for the encouragement. I'll keep you posted, and don't hesitate to share what you are doing and working on.

Here's a thought - name a subject that this group can mull over. Anything on your mind?
Happy Monday!

For Brainiacs, Professors, Dissertation Directed and Others

A site to check out. SU Group, or....... it is directed toward more than I need.

http://academicladder.com/

Truly, I want to return to writing, and to all of you!!!!! Yet, I have been verbal lately - and that may be the direction my energies move toward. My writing began with e-mail newsletters to a few, then to the blog available to many. Now I'm thinking small groups, and then perhaps, even larger ones.

"I will study and prepare myself and one day, my day will come." - Abraham Lincoln

Also, I have been looking back at a few suggestions and blog posts. I am going to create a writing segment, so I create the time to return to you, perhaps, once a week. That process truly works, and I will make an appointment with myself this week.

How do you define success? Are you successful? What does it look like, or what will it look like? Sometimes it is about beginning a process which moves into a habit. Hmmm, I will see how that works.


In the meantime -- "Squeeze JOY!!!!!!!

SUCCESS

I finally garnered a day job. I will start Monday. Yipee!!!! In a couple weeks, after I get over initiation and get into the processes, I plan to be back.

I have missed you -- I have missed the writing me, as I love to write. So, I will again be writing, possibly about Eckart Tolle in "Awakening to Your Life's Purpose". There is a section on success that totally caught my attention. Let's talk about success when I get back -- yes, you can start without me.

Now that I'm working, also I am going to market my coaching, my quote that is currently on silicone bands. I plan to put it on bookmarks, and likely come up with something else for people to actually have in their hands.

Happy Thursday!!!!!!

Change of Face

Trying something on, what do you think of my new outfit?

TAKE IT - IT'S A GIFT - AND PASS IT ON!!!

Thank you ALL for taking the time to write. It is energizing, and I am so grateful that what I write has been helpful in some way. Lately, I have not been writing. I have taken an opportunity to speak. No, I have not yet begun to create presentations for the masses. However, I have an opportunity to facilitate a group of 25 - 30 people. That for me is something new, different and a stretch.

Also, I am volunteering with two agencies within the City of Rochester to assist those who have other challenges. They also seemingly have less options or knowledge about how to move past those challenges.

Those few projects, together with networking steps, marketing It's Your Life Net, and to discover a day job that will support my economic environment, finding a small bit of time to write and share concepts with others, and "me" time, are taking up my time.

I find I create better, feel better, and am inspired when I remove the "I" from the equation, come from curiosity and remain open for opportunities. I now have received an invitation to speak to a group on - "What is Coaching."

Suggestion: While my attention is elsewhere, and you appear to be waiting for me, take a past blog, and share the suggestion process with someone else. Who do you know that does not have a computer? Each of you has a talent that can be shared with another. How did it change or affect you? Are others perceiving you differently? In other words, perhaps, pay it forward. Take what you have received and move it along.

I am not gone, just not as visible. If you need something, contact me at itsyourlifenet@yahoo.com. My current rate is $60 @ month, with three phone conversations and intermittent e-mail support. An in person appointment is $75 a month with three appointments, or $50 a month for two.

Column A - Make Good on Your Promises

"The world is divided into two classes of people: the few people who make good on their promises (even if they don't promise as much), and the many who don't. Get in Column A and stay there. You'll be very valuable wherever you are." - Robert Townsend

Hello everyone, and I'm just stopping in to share the above quote which resonated with me. I am intending to totally live my life in Column A, as described above.

Recently I made a promise to myself to take steps each day to do a few things. One is to get a day job to bolster and steady my financial environment. There are a couple others which I am quietly taking steps on, and will likely share eventually.

A song by Casting Crowns - "Slow Fade" from the album "The Altar And The Door". I suggest this song be listened to from a quiet, favorite place. Many important good intentions, promises and values can slowly fade away if the focus is not on the main event at all times. The chief main event for me is LOVE. If I am not loving God, or if I am not honoring myself and all those around me with Love, then I'm slowing fading from where I want to be.

Thus a sabbatical has been created. I am re-evaluating all my environments and taking steps to restore resources and create support systems for each.

You messages of support are very much appreciated. May I suggest you take time while you can to review some previous posts, and perhaps a new one will resonate with you. There is much to support your journey on this blog, and it is yours to use.

As always, if you have questions, or want to communicate simply send an email.

Love to you all - Namaste

SABBATICAL

"Most of our faults are more pardonable than the means we use to conceal them." by
Franois duc dela Rochefoucauld

What does this mean to you? Have you lied to cover up an, oops, perhaps? Or, possibly been grumpy when someone commented and noticed something you would have rather forgotten about?

These are the kinds of actions I believe this quote is about.

And, with that said, I would like to announce I'm taking a blogging sabbatical. I'm not sure how long it will last. Yet, recently I have observed a discomfort when I sat down to blog. That is a totally new feeling. It is not actually a fault; however, I believe in telling the truth with love as the bible suggests.

I am having a challenge with my writing focus, as there are so many steps to take as I pursue a day job to receive a steady income.

Please know that you have enriched my life with your many comments, and from all around the globe.

Not gone forever, I am simply working on a few other projects. My best wishes to you all for a prosperous, successful, joyous New Year.

You can continue to post comments, or if you have specific questions or want to communicate - my email address is itsyourlifenet@yahoo.com.

Namaste



François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld, prince de Marcillac (September 15, 1613 – March 17, 1680), was a noted French author of maxims and memoirs, as well as an example of the accomplished 17th-century nobleman. He was born in Paris in the Rue des Petits Champs, at a time when the royal court oscillated between aiding the nobility and threatening it. Until 1650, he bore the title of prince de Marcillac.