Appreciating our Friends

We meet many people in our lifetime and some have a major impact, some a minor impact but everybody we meet shapes who we are. There are those childhood friends that you haven't seen in numerous years and when we see them again, we have an immense appreciation for their friendship. And when we get older, we really just look at the good in the person and though they may not be perfect, it's a completely different outlook than when we were kids. And then we have friends that are very close and over time, grow in different directions with their viewpoints, opinions, etc. A good friend is one in which each person can grow separately but not apart. But there are times, when perhaps we need to reevaluate our circle of friends to ensure that the cohesive balance remains intact and our friends add happiness to our lives and not unnecessary stress. Being a long time friend to someone who you need to pull away from can be very sad and almost like a divorce. But just like any change, it takes courage to recognize the need for change and appreciate the past, but then make changes for the better in the now and the future. There are so many people who can add much to each of our lives and it's up to us to be open to these little gifts!

What is our reality?

Our reality is what we want it to be. It's up to us to create what we want and the leave all else behind. Do we want our reality to be hectic? Then you will create such. Do you want it to be calm? Then you will create such. There are people who have much drama and others who have little drama. Coincidental? No, it's the reality you want to create and it's ever so empowering to realize we have the control and not others. Once we envision what we want to change and really hold on to that thought, things start to change to your vision. It doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen. We don't live in the past or the future, but the now which are stepping stones to your future. The thoughts we have today create our future! It's so empowering once we know we are in control and not others. If we give permission for comments to upset us or to be afraid, we will be. But if we do not give permission to be upset or afraid, we won't. Sounds simple and it is. Trusting in ourselves and doing what we feel is right and having peace within is a solid armor!

The last year...

Life is very interesting and takes so many turns for ultimately the better. Every obstacle has a lesson to be learned and once we get through it, we see why that obstacle was put into our paths. The last year has been quite an interesting journey and one with my own obstacles. In the last year, I was laid off, obtained a great job in Florida and now coming back to California. If somebody would have told me that was going to be my path last year, I would have laughed and said there is no way I could get through such change and upheaval. But here we are, one year later and tackling new challenges and being excited about such change. In the last year, I've grown and still growing through experiences and changing everyday. The intentions are always good, but the outcome sometimes has its issues, so I learn and I change. Change is a good thing and feedback is our reality check which is great! I am grateful for the obstacles, opportunities to grow, reflecting on how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family, friends and workplace. I feel truly fortunate and appreciate everything I have, everyone I meet, every lesson to be learned and look at everyday as a little blessing.

Who we are

Who we are seems to be challenged everyday and it's up to us to glide through everyday with not questioning who we are. As we smile, write and say good things, think good things, there are those that try to bring us down a notch to be part of their way of thinking. It's tempting to be wrapped up in what is not right versus thinking of what is right. It's far easier to dive into misery and remaining unchanged than to think positively and towards solutions. Those folks who are perpetually unhappy do affect me and others which is due to the fact that we all want everybody happy. Is that a realistic expectation? It could be, but it's up to each individual person to make that choice and not up to me or anybody to force those to be happy. So, it can be a reality if we all wanted it to be. So, I continue to envision the kind of environment I want to live, work and play and everyday work towards that goal. If it happens, that's great! If it doesn't, I will continue to strive for it!

Happy Birthday America!

Happy Belated Birthday America! I was inspired to write as I had a nice relaxing stroll through my neighborhood while watching the wildlife abound and the golfers having a relaxing time on the golf course. People were outside talking to each other and some were on their patios sipping their morning coffee! It was nice and then I got on my computer to read some news which I have to say was depressing, especially how some writers keep pounding in our heads how horrible it is to be an American and that America is horrible this, horrible that. I often ponder if the negative folks out there are conspiring daily to pull the other optimistic folks down? But, what is fantastic, is that an optimistic person can choose to be up or be pulled down. I'm not quite sure why people like to invoke fear in others when it's unnecesary? Now, do I think everything is rosy right now? No, the housing market is hurting and I have been very, very much affected by this, gas prices are high and people are sort of wondering what's going on. But, this is not the first time that markets have corrected, gas prices have soared, etc and it will not be the last time either. What is the positive? The housing market correcting allows the prices to fall so people can actually truly afford housing. I write this as I have personally been affected by about $250,000 myself, so it hurts, but will get through it. Gas prices being high sparks innovation and alternative fuels. I have no doubt that this is a fantastic wake up call and someday soon, there will be some little genius who figures out an alternative source and changes the world for the better! It's coming and this situation forces us all to change which is a great thing! The economy will correct and we will definitely be in a better place! I sure wish I could read about it more!! Am I proud to be an American? Yes and I'm proud to be part of humankind regardless of nationality!

A saying that hit home!

I read a saying today that was so right on point at some time in our life. The saying was, "God sometimes slams a door in our face in order to have us walk through another." That is so true and really parallels the lemons to lemonade saying. Basically, when we abruptly or over time reach a point in which we must go forward with what we have, we are forced to go down an unfamiliar journey which usually turns out to be wonderful. We leave a part of us behind the proverbial door that was shut, but are elated when that wonderful door opens for us again and brings along all the inspiration we all have inside us! When going through our journeys, we all doubt we can make it through, but over time, we always do and come out stronger and happier with another experience to draw upon. There is so much around each one of us to be happy and grateful for, its just a matter of seeing all the wonders that are around us everyday.

Simple Pleasures

Are the best things in life free? Many times they sure are! I am inspired to write this on a lazy Sunday afternoon writing outside on my patio and amazed at all the wildlife in my backyard and being appreciative of so many things.

So what are those simple pleasures? A lazy Sunday afternoon with not a care in the world, a dragonfly buzzing around while a butterfly dances in the breeze. A pond filled with teaming wildlife with the fish and turtles frolicking around. The birds singing and hearing laughter by the neighbors. Hearing a fountain trickle in the background. A caterpillar sitting comfortably while waiting for his transformation into a lovely butterfly. A quick thunderstorm that reminds us of how ominous nature is and giving the earth a little sip.

Remembering good times with family and friends and looking forward to great times to come. Being thankful for the people in your lives and the wonderful home you have. Small gestures of gratitude given to you and being sent by you. Looking at puffy clouds that bring a calmness to one.

There is plethora of small pleasures that make us feel lucky to be alive and appreciative of all we have.

Giving and receiving smiles is such a wonderful pleasure and it's free yet brings so many returns. A simple smile is contagious and automatically makes a person feel better! This pleasure may bring somebody out of a funk and you don't even know it. I love these little free treasures!