January 28, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 1 Comment
“It is not possible to make a mistake, though it is possible to mistake an opportunity for a problem.” ~The Voice of Love Foundation
Seems I do make some mistakes–once in a while, so I’ll have to ponder this quote just a bit further, but the part that caught my eye was “mistake an opportunity for a problem”. All depends on your perspective. Ever notice that the same thing keeps coming at you until you grasp the lesson. Sure does happen to me–lots of times. Didn’t used to be so good at getting it until it happened many, many times. But lately, maybe I’m just more observant or a little smarter. I seem to notice–and grasp the lesson quicker. Of course, then it’s on to the next one, right?
Had a friend send an inspirational video a short time ago that talked about how necessary problems are to our very existence. Without problems, why even get up in the morning? What would we have to do? Think you’d like to try it problem-free? Not possible. Seems you make one choice to resolve a problem–and guess what? You’ve caused another problem. We like to call them challenges. You know you live for a good challenge. Go ahead–you can shake your head yes. You know you do. And you’re very good at solving problems–you’ve had lots of practice, after all, right? Me, too.
So, today’s task is to look at every problem in your life as another opportunity to make the right choice–for you. And when you’re happy that you’ve resolved one, get ready to take on the next one. It’s your job–and mine. And I will be giving extra credit today if you offer to help someone else to solve one of their “challenges”. Think you’re tough enough? I know you are. You are the Best and good things are coming your way–and maybe a challenge or two. It’s a given. And today will be the perfect opportunity to change your attitude to meet those challenges head-on. Full-steam ahead! Make me proud!!!
January 27, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 2 Comments
Guess what? TODAY is your lucky day–and tomorrow–and the next day–and so on. How different would your attitude be as you started the day if you thought, “Today is my lucky day!” Don’t know ’bout you, but I’m thinking I’m going to give it a try. Can’t hurt, right? Since you have to be ready for a great day, you probably need to be expecting a lucky day. What’s lucky to you might be very different from what’s lucky to me, but all good, right? Maybe a parking spot close to the door of your favorite shopping establishment, maybe a great sale, maybe an unexpected opportunity, maybe a winning lotto ticket. Hey, it could happen–never say never!
So, today’s task is to determine to make today your lucky day–expect it, look for the good things, feel that great attitude. I will, if you will. And it might take a bit of practice to get it right, so if you’ve started too late today to bring on the luck–let’s try it again tomorrow. I will be giving extra credit if you try it for more than one day. You are the Best and good things are coming your way. And today is going to be a day of unexpected surprises, good things, and good luck! You lucky dog! Make me proud!!!
January 23, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Can we talk–for just a minute–about the animals in our lives? Got your attention, didn’t I? Hey, I’m talking about those members we adopt (quite easily) into our families—the family pets. Ever had one? Got a favorite type?
Don’t ever remember my Dad taking even a minute for our cat when I were growing up. Now, that I think back to it, I’m sure his days were filled with keeping bosses happy and struggling to keep his family happy. Never could understand why he asked me what I needed that quarter for. As I find that the dollars that used to at least get into my wallet before they were spent are now getting placed directly into the hands of one waiting child or another, I’m understanding his concern over the quarters. I wish my girls were asking me for quarters–maybe a topic for another blog. You’ll have to wait and see, right? Nevertheless, time marches on and priorities change and it now surprises me that Dad has time for the cat. Surprises me when he gets down on the floor to chat with the cat–nose-to-nose.
Now, cats can be pretty snobbish—depending upon their mood, but they can also provide a lot of company and comfort. Dogs, too, and just about any other pet, as well. I know of an older gentlemen who has problems with his legs and mobility is tough for him, but taking that little cocker spaniel for a walk gets him out of that chair–and moving–with no complaints for the pain that he’s in. Get this–he takes the dog to McDonald’s for his own hamburger–doesn’t get an extra hamburger for the dog while he’s there for himself–actually makes the trip to McDonald’s–for the dog. They even have an after-dinner routine of chasing the dog with a toy–guess what–more exercise–for both. And that’s a good thing–and fun, too, as they both look adoringly at one another. When we raised German Shepherd puppies, our puppies sometimes got to go to the spa. Wish I would have thought to have them adopt me.
So, today’s challenge is to take a minute to enjoy the pleasure found in something as simple as the family pet. Take a little catnap. You are dog-gone lucky after all. And don’t forget to enjoy your family and friends, as well. They are almost as important as the family pet–most days–though your dog or cat loves you unconditionally–something our families don’t always do. How ’bout you? Take a minute to relax and smile. You make this world a better place just because you’re in it. You are the Best and good things and some treats are coming your way. Heel–and sit! Nice job! And today will be a great opportunity to spend just an extra minute with the family pet. You know they adore you–and so do I! Make me proud!!!
January 22, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
You know I always ask how you are, right? Not just a reflex–I ask because I care how you are. I like to understand how people think, as well. Lots of us out there thinking and no two of us seem to think alike, do we?
Well, the other day I asked, “Are you having a good day?” The response I received was, “YEAH–No one has messed it up–YET!” I was both shocked and dismayed. How could he allow someone else to have the power to destroy a good day? That’s right–he had given away his authority. No one can ruin your day if you don’t give them the ability to do that. Ever let someone spoil your day? You know I have, on more than one occasion, but today’s challenge is to make the choice to control your own attitude, your own destiny, your very reaction to each and every situation. Think you’re tough enough to maintain control? You know you are–and so am I.
So, today, we make the decision that we will have a good day–no matter what happens. You in? I’m counting on you, but, as always, the choice is yours. Don’t let anyone spoil your day! Good things are coming your way–look for them, expect them, and they will arrive. I promise! And I will be giving extra credit today if you choose to do this for longer than just today. Remember, I’m expecting big things from you. You are the Best and today will be a day to realize that you’ve got the power to make each and every day a good day–and so do I. Make me proud!!!
January 16, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“When True Peace is your only goal, you will always know what to do.” ~Unknown
Noticed the other day at the gym that I had a difficult time finding a place to park. Seems there just might be a few folks out there who’ve made the New Year’s Resolution to get fit. Wonder how long that will last. Afraid I’m not too good at making resolutions for the new year, let alone keeping them. But this year, for some reason, one theme keeps showing up in my everyday life–PEACE. Grew up in the 70’s where “peace was the answer”. Remember all those peace symbols. Seems they’re my youngest daughter’s favorite thing, except for the smiley face–which is still in my memories while growing up, along with that crazy cat clock that hung in my best friend’s kitchen in the 70’s.
Peace is the answer. Today, I challenge you to choose peace as your goal–in your life, in your work, in your dealings with your family, your friends, with anyone you come in contact with. If you find yourself in a disagreement of sorts with any of those folks, how quickly would you be able to resolve it if you were to remember that your only goal is Peace. How easy would it be for you to resolve any difficulties? You would indeed know exactly what to do–and so would I. Think you’re tough enough to take today’s challenge? I know you are. And I, personally, plan to keep the challenge for the entire year–and maybe for my entire life. Today is going to be a new day–with the opportunity to see things in a new light. Remember, you are the Best and good things are coming your way. Peace is the answer! What was the question? That’s up to you. Make me proud!!!
January 3, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
THOUGHTS TO PONDER:
What would you do if you knew you could not fail? I know I’m thinking….
January 2, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“Open your eyes and see how things really are.” ~Unknown
You know I’m a dreamer, so I see things the way that I want them to be. I used to escape into books, or writing, or happy memories–when someone I loved the most was bruising my ego, my heart, and my being. And my confidence and my self-esteem dragged on the ground because of it. But the human spirit is a really incredible entity. It has flexibility beyond the imagination. And somehow, though crushed, it can usually stretch right back to almost its original shape. I will admit to be crushed–with mean-spirited words most days and even his fist on one occasion. “I ONLY hit you ONCE” still echoes in my mind. And I did nothing. I didn’t fight back. But with the encouragement of some persistent friends, who loved me enough to ask me to focus on myself, I came to the realization that what I considered “our” problem wasn’t. I didn’t have the power to do more than offer my support and possible solutions. And guess what, if you don’t think you have a problem, you don’t see the need for a solution.. “I’m not an alcoholic–After all, I get up every morning and go to work,” was the response I got when I suggested we might need some help.
Now, remember, I’m the dreamer, so when I’m not happy, I just take myself to a happy place, and just tune out the bad. Loving family members insisted that I focus on the present. I tried it. I didn’t like it, but I stayed focused on the present. Itforced me to see some pretty awful things in my life– I finally faced the fact that there were things that I could not change. Imagine that–pretty stark reality for a girl whose main goal in life on any given day is to make the world a better place. I found myself tearfully angry with those dear ones who kept pushing me to face reality. They felt standards that I had long forgotten. My life was bearable when I lived in my own little happy world, not facing the truth–and I wasn’t strong enough to leave (so I thought) and no one would help me (not true at all) and I was frightened. Well, it seems that everyone, but me knew that I deserved better treatment than I was getting, a safer life, and the opportunity to fly–to make some dreams come true that just couldn’t happen with the negative forces that surrounded me– held me back–narrowed my choices and my vision–distracted me from my focus.
So, I planned–offered to find a solution, offered to be there through it all, then demanded and was frightened by the response I received–and I retreated cautiously–backed off–and made some alternative plans–and took some steps to make a ”Safe Plan”. Seek help from the Domenstic Violence people. They know what they’re doing. They will help you to be safe. And I began to plan a new life. I asked questions. I searched for support after years of feeling frozen in fear and unable to help myself. I did research. I asked friends for advice. I let people in. I told my story and I listened. The advice is available. You would be astounded by it. Don’t be afraid. You are not alone. You will be amazed at the friends you will find willing to help you–friends you might never have met before and friends who let you know–to your surprise–that you are not alone. Look at the person sitting next to you in church–in line at the grocery store–the bank–at your child’s school. You might be surprised how many of us are in clear sight.
My new life is here. It’s now. I’m like a baby bird testing out my wings and I continue to be a work in progress. I worry that I may fall out of the nest, but I know that I can do it. Anyway, if you happen to find yourself near my nest, please stand by with a very large net–or at least look out below. My effort is to be just a little bit better today than I was yesterday, but not nearly what I can be tomorrow. And now I have that chance–it is a reality. Wait and see! How ’bout you? Hiding the truth from yourself?
Today’s challenge is to focus on today–to focus on you–to focus on the things that you can change–and to recognize and let go of the things you can’t. Sad to say, there really are some things that you can’t change. And that’s okay. You are the Best!
HERE’S A SERIOUS LIFE LESSON! You can’t change other people–the only one you can change is you. Take a look–see what’s real–if it’s not a pretty picture, choose to make it better. And if you can’t, I’m here for you–to listen–to encourage–to support–and to renew your faith in YOU! You deserve to be treated well. You deserve to be loved! You deserve to be safe! Take a stand. I love you! You are the Best and good things are coming your way. Fly with me! The best is yet to be!!!
January 1, 2009 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Funny how memories come flooding back unexpectedly. When I was a junior in college, I was the Vice President of the Dorm Council. We planned and put on a spectacular party/dance to raise money for some charitable cause. The turnout was astounding from the area colleges–I attended a private college in a small town, Pepper Pike, Ohio. Ticket sales were great! The many attendees were respectful of each other and school property and very well behaved. By the night’s end, we were worn out, but extremely pleased. We felt we had achieved our goal and the party had been a success.
Once everyone had left and everything was cleaned up, the officers were called to an impromptu meeting in the Dorm Mother’s room. Expecting to hear positive feedback of the event’s success, I was astounded to hear that we would never be permitted to hold another event like it because too many people had attended, we hadn’t had enough security, and the big question, “What if some of those students decided to walk off with the antiques in the reception area/parlor?” I was both dazed and dismayed. My intention of spending my senior year as Dorm Council President was dashed in an instant. I decided not to stay in the dorm any longer, but became a commuter, as the distance to school was a hike, but still reasonable. Why didn’t she see all the good instead of the “What if’s” that never happened?
Today’s challenge is to choose to make today a fresh, new start to look for all the good around you. Trust me, there’s plenty of it! See the good things–praise the good things–spread the light–the positive energy–the happiness!!! Think you’re tough enough to fight the negative and join forces with me–see the light–leave the dark side and all its shadows–here’s a flashlight to light you way!!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel–I’ll meet you there! You are the Best and plenty of good things are coming your way. Look for them! Expect them! Praise them! Cherish them! Encourage! Inspire! I will, if you will. And today will be a new opportunity to make a difference. Remember, the world is a better place just because you are in it! Let’s make this new year one to remember. Make me proud!!!
