Pay it Forward

“It’s in our interest to take care of others. Self-centredness is opposed to basic human nature. In our own interest as human beings we need to pay attention to our inner values. Sometimes people think compassion is only of help to others, while we get no benefit. This is a mistake. When you concern yourself with others, you naturally develop a sense of self-confidence. To help others takes courage and inner strength.” ~Dalia Lama

I feel as though I’ve been particularly self-centered lately.

Several events transpired to form a perfect shit-storm; effectively stressing me to the breaking point and putting me in quite the tailspin for the past few weeks.

Said events aren’t exactly settled.

But I’m beginning to remember I have a plethora of absolutely wonderful things in my life to be grateful for.

Any one of which, is enough on their own, to elicit enormous amounts of gratitude.

But I have a habit of focusing on the things I don’t have, rather than those I do. (I want everything, all at once, right now!)

Over the weekend, I was reminded, no matter what I think is going horribly wrong or is irreparably damaged in my life, I still have it pretty damn good.

I was the recipient of a thousand (not actual number but there were far, far, far too many to count) acts of kindness.

Acts of kindness that went above and beyond any threshold of friendship.

Acts of kindness I will probably never get the chance to repay (even if repayment would be accepted).

The words to express how very grateful I am escape me and I cannot fathom how to even begin to reciprocate the kindness I was shown.

So I’m going to do the only thing I can think of to show the Universe, I do indeed know how blessed I am, even if sometimes I forget.

For the month of September I will be paying it forward.

At least once a day, but every chance I get, I will perform an act of kindness.

They might be random acts of kindness.

They might even be for some of you.

Every day for thirty days I will try to make someone else remember, they too are blessed. That even though not every day is good, there is good in every day.

Maybe, if I remind enough other people, I’ll remember it myself the next time that shit-storm comes blowing through.

It’s Finally Friday!!! (sort of…)

Apparently I was so excited it was Finally Friday I forgot to post yesterday. Better late than never right?? Enjoy 🙂

Quote of the Day:

Round the World: 

Looking to get away this winter without breaking the bank? Check out these top rated all-inclusive resorts.

Wine Me, Dine Me:

Crazy easy and super healthy. I usually substitute red and yellow bell peppers and sugar snap peas for the veggies.

Climbing the Ladder:

Interviews make you nervous?? Read this!

Don’t fall for these 6 career myths.

DIY:

Living wall art. So.Frigging.Cool!!!

Health and Wellness:

We all know meditation is good for us but I bet you didn’t you know all these benefits?!?

Techie Love:

Think your smartphone does everything?? Bet you didn’t know it could do this!

Friends Forever:

The grown-up way to show you’re BFF’s.

Giggles and Such:

Who’s driving that car??

Pre-heating the oven if the foreplay of baking.

Have a great weekend!!!

Begin the Healing

I can’t lie kids – the last seven days have been a little rough.

Suffice it to say Mr. Fix It can go fuck himself.

I honestly wasn’t sure what I was going to write about today.

Thankfully it seems like the peeps at Positive Thoughts are reading my diary.

Below is yesterday’s post:

When life as we know it comes crashing down around us, our hearts ache, our minds go numb, a haze seems to surround us. We are shocked, angry, and sad beyond anything we’ve ever felt before. We are frightened and shaken. We ask, “Why? How could this happen?” And often, we ask, “Why me? Why us? Why them?” Our faith is tested…and also our resolve. We might wonder if we will find the strength to go on…or if we even want to go on. It’s all so overwhelming. Here are 10 steps to help you move forward.

1.  Schedule quiet time.  Do what you have to do each day, but schedule at least 15 minutes of silence every day for a while. Take a walk alone before work, stop at noon for a bit of reflection, or meditate each evening before bed. Use the time to reflect, weep, pray, or just sit and be aware.

2.  Accept your feelings.  Don’t try to push them away. Healing begins with identifying our emotions…whatever they are. Fear, guilt, regret, anger, or sadness…accept them as they surface.

3.  Express your feelings.Write in a journal, pen a poem, sketch a drawing, or write a letter to a dear friend.

4.  Connect with people.  Be with family, friends, or church groups. Share your pain, and comfort each other. Talk to a counselor, if you wish, or a spiritual leader, but be open to the love and comfort available to you. Know that you are not alone.

5.  Create remembrances of what has been lost.  Hold a memorial service and ask close friends to share memories in a book. Assemble a photo scrapbook of someone lost, or a video collage of treasured moments. Frame a special note or a shared favorite quote. Perhaps you can find a small object (a ring, photo, or small piece of glass?) that will help you to feel connected. Keep it close to you and hold that love forever in your heart.

6.  Pass along the love.  One way to honor a life lost is to give others what meant so much to you…a tender touch, an understanding smile, a shoulder to lean on, or the boost of positive energy.

7.  Contribute what you can.  Donate to an appropriate cause, offer prayers of healing, volunteer your time, give blood, or support your local rescue workers.

8.  Be an emotional support.  Hold someone who is grieving. Listen generously. Tell your own story of this and past recovery so others will not feel alone.

9.  Commit acts of kindness.In your workplace leave anonymous notes of appreciation, offer to help someone who’s on a tight deadline, or simply bring in a breakfast treat. In your community, you might adopt a homeless pet, volunteer to deliver meals on wheels, or rake leaves for an elderly neighbor. Show more patience with everyone you meet.

10.  Live each day in meaningful ways.  Revisit what’s important to you, and then schedule it in. Make time for birthday parties and coffee with friends. Tell people what they mean to you. Stop to give thanks for all that you have. Use your gifts every day. Hug your children more…teenage or not!

And remember that we all heal in different ways and at differing speeds. Follow your heart. Take time to feel, take care of yourself, and take one step at a time.

Suzanne Zoglio, Ph.D.

It’s Finally Friday!!!

Your presence is a present to the world.
You’re unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.
Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You’ll make it through, whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.
Don’t put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal and your prize.
Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
Don’t take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot of love goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life’s treasures, are people . . . together.
Realize that it’s never too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have health, hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.
And don’t ever forget . . .
For even a day . . .
How very special you are.

21 Tools to Unlock Your Creative Genius

How to make super healthy smoothies.

Totally cool and innovative or creepy and gross? You decide.

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7 cool gadgets to keep your drink cool.

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21 pictures that will restore your faith in humanity.

For you ladies taking the “road less traveled”:

The gorgeous outdoor space where my friends are getting married this weekend!

How cool is this?!

An awesome and easy DIY home decor project.

Super simple infographic for anyone who’s ever wanted to try a fishtail braid!

And last but certainly not least, a couple giggles for you:

I’m gangsta yo. Got milk in my sippy cup!

Caffeine is amazing!

I LOVE tacos!!