Day 29: Abundantly Happy!!

Oh happy day!! Oh happy day!!

It was good one. Started off on a good note with ZUMBA!! First, had a yogurt with flaxseeds and two bottles of water. Headed to the gym for a great class!! Then, got a little work done and drank some more water.

I spent some great quality time with my parents today too, chatting and watching the soaps (well me and my Mom anyways). We caught up on some things and of course Daddy was telling jokes and giving advice.

Once I left there, I got some more writing done, updated the budget sheet and wrote my Abundance Check. Want to write yours, check it out here: Abundance Checks

I also got in some reflection and gratitude time. I think I’m finally out of this mourning stage…I fully released the people I was holding on to and leaving stuff in the past!! It was a happy day indeed!! The word for today was indeed ABUNDANCE!! Abundance in life, health, love and happiness!!

Then, I got an unexpected call… J

See what happens when you release the old? The new steps in place!! Hey!!

Here I am holding my beautiful silk pillow/quilt I got from China. The detail is so intricately gorgeous and it always reminds me of wealth!! It’s no surprise I picked it up today!!

Peace is Here and Change is Coming!!

Spent most of the day DELIBERATELY setting some things into motion. I tackled my ongoing "to do" list with a vengeance I haven't had in such a long time.

I cleared some space: took out the recycling, the trash, cleared out old stuff including mail and emails.

I cooked and ate a healthy menu full of water, vegetables, flaxseeds and whole wheat. I had much energy today!!

On the financial front, I updated my August budget sheet and started my September one. Planning is key!!

Finished several projects and started on some new ones. I even had the chance to really sit down and meditate today. Just listening. It was peaceful bliss: no phone, no other distractions. I even got in a nice nap (which typically happens to me when I meditate), so I'm wondering was it really a nap or an elevated level of consciousness...whatever it was, it allowed my body and mind to rest and be rejuvenated.

I really cannot describe this feeling today. It is good; true peace. I know what that means...something is indeed stirring in the pot and getting ready to come forth. I'm elated to see what comes up and I'm inspired to move to the next level. I'm seeing some things that need changing and I'm up for the challenge. Are you?

Happy Manifesting!!

Deliberately on a Mission: Day 27

Even though I felt like a hermit most of the day, I met someone who reassured me of some things I was unclear on. There are still nice guys out there. Great conversation; nothing shallow, yet it was still light. The initial courtesies, as usual, but we were both surprised of the reaction, or non-reaction of the other. I think this will be the start of a cool friendship.

After taking care of some business and personal stuff, I spent most of the evening and night in quiet reflection. It was just time. Time for a break from the outside world and its influences. Very deep thought. I couldn't move, speak or even write anything. Just listened.

The word I kept getting was DELIBERATE. I was reminded of a sermon I'd once heard about being deliberate. So many times we want things and think we should just sit back and wait for them to come to us. I have to admit, FAVOR does work in my favor a great deal, however sitting around is not really the choice we should make if we're actively seeking something. I'm not saying movement should replace listening; in my opinion, it should, in fact accompany it.

Set goals, write down the action steps and DELIBERATELY move. If you want to do something, start doing it. Practice, practice, practice. Every chance you get, do it. I believe the reason I heard this word is because this is a challenge to me. Have I been doing all I can to get to where I want to be? I cannot say that I have. I'm an idea person, but implementing the ideas has always been a challenge for me. (This is also why FOCUS has usually been a challenge for me too.)

I think it's time to change that. I want to make a major move in 2012 and its time to set the plan into motion, not just say it. In the next couple of months, I will be making some really important decisions and I declare they will be EASY to make (my affirmation for myself). I am deliberately going forth to be who I'm called to be. Please do join me!!

Update: Good on: water, walking Not so good on: veggies (not much)

Grateful Now, Searching for More

Let me preface today's entry with the following gratitude sentences.

I am grateful for another day. I am happy to have loving family and friends. I am blessed to have food on my table, clothes on my back, a roof over my head and a sound mind. I really love my house and learning new things about myself.

With all that said...today I am just not feeling it. I don't even know what "it" is. Something is bothering me though. This is my "not feeling it today" pic...

Fast forward to later on today.

I have taken a step out on faith and submitted for something I've wanted a long time. I won't reveal it now, but when it comes to pass you will know!! It was bothering me that I couldn't think of how to do this, but it is done!! Time to do some more digging though...I'm searching for something...

Day 25: New Day, New Outlook

What a difference a new outlook makes!!

I overslept today and had a hard time getting up. Then I dragged and dragged. I felt like I wasn't in a good mood. Not really sure why. Yesterday, I felt melonholy, today it was irritation. I knew I didn't want to feel this way all day, but I just allowed myself to feel it anyway. I just wanted to play it out, maybe I would learn something more. Finally, I decided to get up, take a shower and washed my hair.

Have you ever had a the perfect shower? One that seemed to not only wash the dirt away, but also wash away the bad thoughts, the irritation (whatever it was), the bad attitude? That was my experience today. I think by deciding to look better, I decided to feel better. I remember repeating one of my favorite affirmations to myself, "I deeply and completely love and accept myself". Those words alone combat the urget to feel fear, anxiety, insecurities and complaints.

I know many people believe that "life happens" (or sugar, honey, ice tea happens) but it really is true that we create the life that happens to us!! I challenge everyone, including myself, to use affirmations. If you already do, use them more often. I'll share a few, but the more personalized and specific you make yours, the better the results.

Money issues: "Money comes easily and frequently!!"

Health issues: "I am happy and grateful now that my body has restored itself to its natural state of health."

Doubt: "I now release all thoughts of limitation and I live my life freely."

Insecurity/Self criticism: "I love and approve of myself and see myself through eyes of love."

Fear: "I love myself and trust the process of life."

I think I even see a little glow in my pic today!! New outlook indeed!!

Random Thought Wednesday - Day 24

Hello all!! I can't think of anything significant to say today. So I guess this is just Random Thought Wednesday...I did try a couple of new things though.

This was a meatless Wednesday - veggies galore!! Carrots, peppers, spincach, dill potatoes, black beans, rice, guacamole.

I think guacamole is my new favorite food. I will eat anything guac and drink anything peach.

I made a new recipe: new potato salad with mustard instead of mayo.

I really need to go through my business cards and do some follow ups.

I'm excited about this Writing Forum coming up in a few weeks.

Part of the day was kinda meloncholy, thinking about someone in my past.

I took a short nap today, after watching Phat Girlz (that movie always cheers me up).

I really want to get a dog and I'm thinking of names.

Thinking about a move in about 12.5 months.

Judgmental people truly amaze me...I wish they could see their judgment is merely their own insecurities.

I really like this hair hand. Thank you Petronella!! Come to think of it, I really like this picture too!!

Day 23: Get Busy Writing Your Story!!

What a beautiful day today!! It was sunny and and perfectly warm. I attended a funeral today and it was a beautiful celebration of life.

Normally, I'm not a fan of funerals at funeral homes, as they typically seem so dreary, but this one was just the opposite; very nice. It was serene and bright and all the attendees were there to support the family, as well as celebrate with them. They were all smiles. I'm so not surprised. This was the funeral of the husband of an old friend of mine. I had not seen her in a few years, but she was just as vibrant as ever before. She even delivered his eulogy and did a beautiful job.

One thing we typically do when we attend funerals is reflect. There were so many nice things said about this great man. See, he battled with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) for 11 years. Through many stays at hospice and nursing homes, he continued to live his life: ministering to others and being a great encouragement to all that sat in his presence. Even when he lost the ability to move his limbs, he did not complain and even when he was no longer able to speak, he would smile.

It's a great time to take inventory of your life, when you can celebrate the life of someone else. It can be a sad time, but it can also be a joyful one because you have more days on the earth. Days to live a good life and be an encouragement to someone else. A good question for all to think about...what will people say about you when you leave this earth? Will they exceed their two minute limit at the funeral going on and on about you, or will there be silence?

Get busy living and writing your story!! Smile at someone today. Say a prayer. Write an inspiring note and leave it where someone is sure to find it. Visit someone who lives alone. Call up someone you miss and tell them you miss them. Enjoy a meal with someone you don't know well or even someone you don't like. Get to know their story and let them be part of yours.

My wellness check in: My efforts must be paying off!! I was feeling so good today and I definitely showed it!! I believe you have to LOVE yourself to wellness, not hate and hurt yourself there. This dress is a size 22 and fits well now!! A couple of months ago I was in a 26!! In case you didn't know or couldn't tell, I'm REALLY enjoying and loving my life!! Hope you are too!! *MUAH*

Day 22: Art on My Mind

This is just an update day. Nothing really big to report or truly deep to share. I did do some pampering though, because women need to do that from time to time. I didn't get to the hair last night, but I had a great deep conditioning session this morning, then I got my nails done. I received a discount on my nails...didn't ask for it, so I call that FAVOR!!

I've gotten in some walking and some water today. Also, a few veggies. I'm cooking though and will veggie up the plate tonight!! I think I'll do some cleaning and goal setting tonight. I have a few things to do this week that need a bit of planning on my part. Overall, it's been a really laid back day.

One interesting thing though, I received a booklet in the mail from a local community college with all of the upcoming theatre shows. I'm elated that I'll be attending a couple, including an opera in October. I am always inspired by the arts and I know these shows will not disappoint. I'm very excited about that. Also, Les Miserables is coming to Toledo in November on it's 25th Anniversary tour!! My little diva and I will be in the house!!

Also, I think I'm getting the itch to take a new class...

Belly Dancing comes to mind...

Day 21: In Hibernation

After a long, tiring but enlightening weekend, I was determined to get my focus together. Deadlines for project had come upon me and I was a little bit behind.

So, this Sunday was spent in hibernation. I was tackling tasks and crossing things off my "to do" list like crazy. I had very little interaction with the outside world. I was in a hiding place; typing away, following up, finishing the many projects hanging over my head. Even though I don't like that I waited until the last minute, the rush of being under the pressure kept me fueled to FINISH the list. So, I'm able to start off this Monday on a new set of goals this week.

Checking in: Plenty of water. Very little veggies. No significant exercise. No church. I did tightened up the screws on my cabinets and chairs. That's a check off my DIY list.

My last task of the night...tackle this hair. Time for a wash and a deep condition. Ciao!!

Day 20: Giving & Receiving: Onto Another Level!!

So, I was helping one of my greatest friends pack up her things, as she is moving out of town. It's been a two day process, but it has been a great time for us and very enlightening. In fact, after this weekend, I think we reached a new level in our friendship.

So we are chatting as we're sorting and packing. If you saw my FB status yesterday, you know I was having a great time with those space vac bags. Watching the bags shrink was seriously, so fun!! Anyway, we talked about everything from men to kids, gossip to God and everything in between. She kept thanking me for helping, but to me it was a given. That's what you do for friends; you're there for each other, you help each other when they have a need. Plus, she was just helping at my daughter's graduation party in June!!

She mentioned that she was used to always being the giver, so receiving had been difficult for her. I could give her an "Amen" on that one ten times. I told her I used to be the same way and that it's okay to receive, ESPECIALLY because you're a giver. We continued on with our work, laughter and chatter.

As we're finishing up loading my car with the items she was donating, I slammed the trunk closed and walked back into the house. Then I realized...I think I locked my keys in the trunk. I had them on my waist loosely...I think they fell in a bag. I'm franticly looking outside, inside and hoping and praying we find them somewhere else. Nowhere...I begin to panic, very upset with myself for this. Now, she's calm and saying we can take care of this, we can work together to get a locksmith. So we're calling the 24 hour locksmiths and getting ridiculous quotes up to $160. I don't have $100+ to throw away or want to because I was so careless (my insurance company would have reimbursed it, but still)!! She was offering it, but I just didn't want her to come out of the money either, especially when she's moving...

Finally, we're sitting waiting for the locksmith and she took a personal call. He asked if my seats folded down...YES and my doors were unlocked!! DUH!! Why didn't we think of that? Men are so smart!! We rushed outside snatching the bags through the backseat and found my keys in the one open bag. Called the locksmith and cancelled, saved a bundle and let out the biggest sigh of relief!!

The most touching thing about this though...she turned to me and said..."See, next time just trust your girl." She was so right. We talked about her earlier, but now it was my turn. I still have some learning to do when it comes to receiving too. She's my girl, of course she would have helped me with my situation!! So grateful for friends like her and we learned such a valuable lesson in friendship. It's okay to "LEAN ON ME".