Life's Stepping Stones

Peace brings pleasure
                       Ease brings joy
                                Fun brings smiles
                               Conversation brings sharing
                                               Touch brings connection
                                                                Friends bring support
                                                                              Family brings love

                                                                 Life's Stepping Stones

Do you whistle while you work?

There is a man who works long, hard hours at a car wash. On a 20 degree day in upstate New York, his clothes are soaked from rinsing clean one car after another.  This is his job; what he does in order to support himself and his family. I sit in a warm car taking careful note of the sacrifices that he is making. He does not seem to mind that he is wet and cold. Instead, he is whistling as he hoses down my vehicle. I smile in amazement. I experience him in that moment as content in what he is doing, regardless of the amount of his paycheck or the harsh conditions within which he works. He inspires me to appreciate what I have, to make the most of a situation, and to find the joy in living.

Do you whistle while you work?

Bright Energy

How bright is your energy?

An energy that resembles a bright light offers

            A bubbly personality, that seems to flow with joy, excitement and enthusiasm for living.

Lights up a room, with lightheartedness and optimism

            Shares openly and honestly, with others eagerly gathering around

Such a light is not turned on, as if by a mysterious switch,

But through living a life of integrity and doing what is right…

Honoring core values

            Expressing emotions

Practicing faithfulness

           When your light is bright, your life is filled with joy and ease.

Today Only!

What about Today?

What about today? Today is just beginning.  Are you feeling present to this day, or do you give up today to plan for tomorrow?  Do you tend to miss out on the beauty of today to think about what is needed for tomorrow or next week?  Where is the living for today? Perhaps you lived today, yesterday?  

As the dark of the night, transforms into the light of the day, learn to eagerly embrace the day with wonder. Like a small child excited on the morning of his birthday, embrace today with excitement, trusting that something wonderful is about to happen. Give today the attention it deserves. In doing so, you will find joy! 

Today is all there is. What will today bring? I am so excited!!

 

 

True Joyfulness

Are you searching for joy in your life? Have you looked for it in the outside world to no avail? You probably thought you would find it in your relationship, in having a child, in buying a new home or driving a nice vehicle. It was a good beginning, but still only temporary. True joyfulness goes beyond the excitement of something new.

It is a beautiful place within your spirit that longs to be discovered.

Stop searching and

Sit alone in the quiet

Travelling within

            To that beautiful space,

                                     That makes your heart smile,

                                                         Your voice sing,

                                                                              Your eyes glisten,

                                                                                                And your Spirit rejoice.  

 

You can now bring that true joyfulness to the outside world.  

 

 

Take Time to Play

As adults we often become inundated with responsibilities. We look at life from the perspective of things that we have to do. There is the laundry to wash, the groceries to purchase, and the mortgage to pay. As children, these things never registered in our young, innocent minds. We were free of responsibilities with the exception of academics and the occasional, “please go brush your teeth.”  Therefore, adults, unlike children, begin to lose sight of the benefit of play. Our priorities are no longer about having fun, but of getting things done. Here lies the reality of growing older. But sadly, all work and little play can truly cause adults to feel burdened and resentful, not only of responsibilities, but by life.

It is not only fun to play, it is absolutely necessary. Playing and having fun keeps your heart open and your spirit alive! How did you play as a child? How did you entertain yourself as a teen? For example, perhaps you loved to draw or color as a child? Maybe you played volleyball or enjoyed going bowling or to the movies?

Chances are good that some of those same things that you did as a child or as a teen, can still open your heart and enliven your spirit.  Take time to play again. In this way you will balance the responsibilities of life with the Enjoyment  of life.

 

 

A Life in Balance

 Do you have trouble creating balance in your life? Life has a way of keeping many of us very busy. With kids, and work, and laundry and groceries, there is little time left over to do the fun things. Life becomes a chore rather than the joyful experience it is meant to be. It is time to balance work with play. It is time to balance your time with others and time for yourself.  It is time to balance giving and receiving. It is time to balance talking and listening.   There is time to work and time to rest. There is time for work and time for family. When you we live in balance, all is well. There is peace and joy in your living.     

Make Yours...A Balanced Life.

Tips for a Merrier Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching. Although this time of year is most noted for being happy and joyful, there are some people who lose sight of the beauty and magic of this special time of year. Sadly Christmas can feel like a burden if your focus is on the buying, the baking, the wrapping and the decorating.Christmas can feel overwhelming when you think about all that needs to get done in only a few short weeks. Here are a few tips for making Christmas merrier:

1. Take time for yourself
2. Remember to choose fun things to do.
3. Make a list of what you need to do and cross items off as you accomplish them.
4. Minimize what you have to do (obligations), so that you have more time to do what you want to do.
5. Play Christmas music in your car and in your home.
6. Wrap a few presents each day.
7. Take a day off of work to go Christmas shopping or to wrap presents.
8. Watch at least one Christmas classic.
9. Keep in mind that gifts are meant to be thoughtful, not expensive. Do not fuss over what to get people. Make it easy.
10. Sit in the dark room with the Christmas tree lights on and remind yourself how very blessed you are.    

Excitement in Anticipation

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get excited in anticipation of something wonderful happening. It may not surprise you then to know that my favorite day of the year is Christmas Eve day. I love the time in preparation for the big event.  I love knowing that something amazing is going to happen. You meet the day with excitement and anticipation. If only every day, we could feel that way. I am writing this blog on the eve of Thanksgiving Day. I am pleased to say that this year does not hold any grandiose plans, and yet I feel excited. I am eager to experience the joy of a day off with family and good food. This year, I am anticipating staying in my slippers, watching the parade with my girls and helping with the cooking of a delicious dinner. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget my favorite Chocolate Cream pie for dessert! It is so exciting! A part of living life joyfully is being able to enjoy the moments not only in celebration, but also the moments in preparing for the celebration.  Regardless of how you spend the next 24 hours, remember that you are making memories.

Be mindful to

Speak lovingly and thoughtfully to others,

                  To relax,

                              To express gratitude,

                                              To laugh, 

                                                      And to do your part to make it enjoyable and memorable!

Happy Thanksgiving!