It's the fourth of July!

The 4th of July brings out what this blog is all about....lots of positive energy! All you see are families at parades or big celebrations at their homes, the kids are having a great time, the BBQs are being sparked up and everyone is having a good time! A great day to celebrate and appreciate being an American and enjoying the simple things in life! Even some friends across the pond sent a Happy Independence day wish! When the fireworks go off, to me, it brings out so many patriotic feelings and though our country is not perfect, it is a wonderful place to live with wonderful people. Each country has their specials days of patriotism and being proud of their country and today is America's day to celebrate and be proud!

What is really important

As we get a bit older and yes, a bit wiser, it starts to become glaring obvious of what is truly important in life. It's not where you live, what you do, how much money you make or how many toys you own....it's all about how important family and friends are. It's about the relationships, the experiences we share and the support that is given and offered that what makes us feel alive and have our purpose. I write this as I just talked to two very good friends....all of us have gone through experiences and tough times, and it seemed like there was such an appreciation that I could feel for our friendships over the years. It was a bit of warm fuzzy feeling that brought a smile to my face and a knowing that these are two friends that I will have for life. Not that I really doubted it, but it just reaffirmed it. It doesn't matter if we don't talk regularly, but when we do talk, we have a connection and just pick up where we left off. And I know they would be there for me and I would always be there for them. I was also with my family yesterday and today as well and I feel sooooo fortunate to have such a happy and caring family. I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life....

Following your dreams

We all have our dreams in our back pockets that we think about every so often. Sometimes these dreams get us all inspired and we start going for it and then we get tracked. And then it goes in the back pocket again...but that's OK, since these are the reminders of our creativity and passions that we will always have. I find myself day dreaming of my side business and it brings a huge smile to my face on how it's going to work and envisioning all the success and smiles it will bring to others. I get all pumped up and when I sit down and start planning....well...it gets overwhelming and returns in the back pocket! There are so many wonderful ideas that people have and you can tell they get inspired talking about them which is what it's all about. It doesn't really matter if it comes to fruition, but rather that spark it brings to someone. That is a reminding of how great it is to be alive and the uniqueness each of us have!

Coming full circle

As I read back on some of my entries, there are mentions of wonders that I saw outside my own window. During the last year or so, I moved away from my little house and had a wonderful little detour. But as good fortune would have it, I was presented with the opportunity to return to California and back into my house! This is the first weekend back and I am still in awe of the little wonders outside my window. The hummingbirds and bumble bees flock to my autumn sage, the birds are nesting in my front yard and the lizards are lounging on the patio. It such a good feeling to be back home and still love your surroundings. Life's little pleasures and the peace of a nice calming home is something I do not take for granted anymore.

Be True to Yourself

There are times when we are on the top of the world and usually it's when we are really true to ourselves, our beliefs, standards, etc. But then there are times that cause us to shift to somewhat lose perspective of what really matters and who we really are. And, what's funny is that we know it through a little thing called intuition. It keeps gnawing at us to let us know that something is out of balance and not quite right. Many of us, including me, ignore this little wonderful poke because we are seeing things that perhaps other people want us to look at things. We sometimes start becoming that person, but perhaps we don't like certain qualities. The beauty of it all, is that we always come back to the person we are supposed to be in either a direct or indirect way. The direct way, is to acknowledge things are not quite right and make the changes back yourself. The indirect way, is that we are forced by other circumstances to come back to that true person. So, the bottom line to make life a bit easier, is to always be true to the person you really are! And to not let ANY outside forces steer you astray whether it's family, friends, an employer or anything else. We are all here for a certain purpose and designed to be the person that we are supposed to be!

Re: 2009 is fine!

2008 was a challenging year for many and obstacles were put in many people's paths. These obstacles are little blessings in disguise and though it probably doesn't feel this way in the present, when we look back on the experience, we see why they were put there.

2009 is a year of out with the old and in with the new. With the downturn of the economy, many things have changed and with change brings new ideas, businesses, jobs, etc. We have people thinking of new ideas, new ways to meet the demands of the world and basically changing how we live our lives. It may not be an exciting time right now, but we are poised for a HUGE change and fresh energy!

With any change, we all need to be flexible, stay positive about change and go with the flow! The positive mind will be able to detect where they fit in, how to adapt and be excited about it! Those folks who are able to see good in situation and stay focused on the present, learn from the past and be excited about the future will flourish!

This is an exciting year and with it, lots of wonderful opportunities for all!

What are we Thankful for?

We are entering in the holiday season and one of the best times of year for truly realizing what life is all about and being thankful for many things. I am blessed to have a wonderful family that I truly love and like. I like spending time with my family and look forward to the smiles, laughter and love. I am thankful for my wonderful friends and the great times we have had and will have. I am thankful for returning to California so quickly and the amazing opportunities that have presented themselves to me. I am thankful for meeting so many new and warm people in the last year and all the experiences I have had and will have. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow and be inspired. I am thankful for hopefully making a difference in a few people's lives and vice versa. My heart is full of love, especially in this time with many folks unemployed and having to reassess their lives. Last year at this time, I found myself in that situation and I think it really took that humbling experience to really see what is important in life and to truly see what to be thankful for. Life is a gift with much to be thankful for everyday!