One Door Closes . . .

We have all had at least one of those experiences in life when you have your sights set so emphatically on one door to open for you. We sit daily, staring at that door, willing the knob to turn, the hinges to creak, the slightest bit of light to seep through as it swings open for us. Sometimes, though, that door is just not meant for us. It is a pathway that is best left closed - or perhaps there is another entrance to that path from another hallway.

We tend to get all muddled up in the fact that this door won't open. Why are we shut off? Why are we not allowed? What did we do? What didn't we do? Why can't I have the key?

Sometimes, however, the best possible thing we can do is to actually find the door that already stands ajar and walk that way. You never really know where that entrance may lead you. You may traverse an entirely new space and realize that THIS was where you were meant to be all along. You may find that this new open avenue leads you to a far more expansive opportunity. You may find that this course is not as bumpy, stressful, and anxiety-ridden as sitting and waiting for that first door to open.

Do not become so fixated on one closed door that you do not see the open one across the room. For that matter, try a window! You never really know which outlet will provide you with the most beneficial path. That first tentative step, in faith, may lead to magical things beyond your initial anticipation.

Believe and Inquire

Yesterday I started a new job. I was, admittedly, a little nervous.

When I started my last job in retail, I began on Black Friday. Nothing like throwing the newbie to the wolves, right?

Yesterday was not really too different. I was learning something I've never done before - on one of their busiest days of the week. With the minute exclusion of about 20 minutes to eat lunch, I was never without a customer. It was a little nutty. I had to ask questions, get help, was continually learning, and then . . . it was time to go home.

I made it!

I was anxious about setting foot on unchartered territory. I walked in, set myself up, and let 'er rip! I was either going to sink or swim. Well, I may not have been very Phelps-esque, but I certainly didn't end up all bloated in the bottom of the pool. I got a smathering of compliments from my co-workers and really kind of enjoyed myself. There is still much to learn and do, but I did not crumble under the weight of a new task, in a new place, alone.

The point?

It doesn't matter what you're faced with, where you are, or who you're with. What matters is that you humble yourself enough to learn, absorb what is being taught, and persist! This applies to absolutely EVERY thing!

EVERYTHING!!!

Your belief in yourself and the ability to inquire are two of the most important skills you will ever possess. Armed with those tools, you are captain of your ship. You may not always find calm waters, but you have the prowess to sail on.

The Art of Conversation

Over the years, I do believe I have grown as a communicator.

When we are young, we shout out our omnipotence to anyone within range. I think, mostly, simply because we can shout. Certainly NOT because we know everything!

As we age into adulthood, we realize that we actually have to communicate with people. We cannot just force our words into their ears. If we do not take the time to listen, or take the time to properly and carefully choose our words, folks will tune us out as easily as they do the fluff pieces in the news.

When we have children, they truly teach us to pay attention. Those little voices don't always know quite how to express their thoughts so not only do we have to focus, but we have to learn to decipher what it means. It's a wonderful experience.

I wish more folks would take the time to truly listen. My mom used to say, "You have two ears and one mouth. Think about it!" Of course, she is my favorite quoter, but I do believe this quote, from Stephen Covey, truly drives the point home.

"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand;
they listen with the intent to reply."

This phrase completely encompasses today's society. You can have your own opinion, but if it does not correlate with the person you're talking to, they seem to only talk louder and you have lost track of everything they've said because you want to jump in and rebuke it all. What happened to talking to one another? What happened to being interested in one another? What happened to caring about one another?

With the threat of having funding cut to the arts, let's revive one that really doesn't cost anything . . .

The Art of Conversation.

Yoooooo Adrianne!

When I come across quotes like this, I always think of Sylvester Stallone and the "Rocky" movies. Maybe I am dating my old self, but at the time, Rocky was a very uplifting movie and served many purposes as a motivational movie. Don't you still want to run up a giant flight of concrete stairs when you hear that music?

I must thank Sharin for bringing this quote to the forefront for me! Thank you!

And here it is:

The TASK ahead of you, is never as great as the POWER within you.

Some folks will go their entire lives and never really 'get' this. I could serve as the poster child for this in the "Book of Quotes". I have learned this lesson over and over and over again. I try to impress this logic into the lives of as many folks as I possibly can. I think it is vitally importance for one's existence and survival.

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you can do great things, you can.
The choice is yours to make.
The power is always within you.

Have at it! Keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!

Square Peg. Round Hole.

How many times have you tried to shove a square peg in a round hole?

It just doesn't work.

The more we work and fret and force things to happen in OUR timely fashion, the longer the outcome usually takes and, more times than not, it is nothing like what we had hoped it to be.

We must learn to relax. We learn to travel, on faith, that if we listen to that little voice in our head (and in our heart), we will get where we are supposed to go, in the manner we're supposed to get there, in the time frame meant for reaching our desired destination.

Usually, when we attempt to "make" things happen, we dilute the process. We weaken the bridge we need to travel, and we alter the course altogether. Far too frequently, we neglect to walk in sync with what we know is right.

Do not become discouraged when things get messy. It is often when you are at your wit's end that you find the answers you are seeking. When you are so near to giving up that a simple, single ray of sunshine leads you where you ought to be. When you have all but given up hope, that a helping hand reaches into your murk and lifts you to your feet.

Don't be a square peg.

Ch-Angel 'round the corner

Most of us walk blindly through each day just trying to make it to bed time safely without any extraordinary events wreaking havoc before then. We arise, eat, work, eat, work, eat, play, relax, sleep, repeat. We try to do the right thing and make a little positive difference in our own little corner of this crazy world. It's a decent existence. Most are happy to spread a little cheer and provide a random act of kindness here and there. Rarely do we get a glimpse as to how we're seen by others.

I was blessed with this experience just a few days ago while visiting a wonderful friend and her scrumptious little baby boy. A Ch-Angel beyond explanation, this woman is absolutely outstanding. She has endured tremendous hardship and struggle and still beams with a smile that would brighten the darkest recesses on earth. Her faith and her frivolity with life astounds me to no end. She has allowed the blessing of her beautiful boy to uplift and buoy her through every little trial that comes her way. She is gracious and kind and beautiful . . . inside and out. She holds within her a fire that warms and comforts those who come within a room's distance. She remains strong and confident, even while questioning what she's doing. She's brilliant and I feel honored to merely be mentioned as her friend.

What was so befuddling to me, though, on this particular visit was her description of me. Like I said, most of us just bumble our way through our lives, trying to simply do the right thing and be a good example. She blabbered on and on about me being so strong and amazing. I was dumbfounded. Me? Surely, she must need glasses or therapy. But she continued on with positive statements and compliments. It was most humbling to realize that someone viewed me in this manner. I had no idea. I was just trying to reach bed time.

What her little speech did was to make me realize that maybe I have succeeded in making a difference. Maybe I, in some small way, have been able to emulate all the things I feel about her. Maybe, it is in surrounding myself with folks I want to be like, I have started to better myself.

Thanks, my Ch-Angel Jess! You are amazing! You inspire me! You delight me! You lift me up and push me to be more! Thanks for being you and for being here.

My Ch-Angel 'round the corner!

Go Bloom!

Sometimes you read things and there's that brilliant bright light bulb that literally goes off over your head, like you're a cartoon of some sort that was shown some amazing tidbit of enlightenment. Yesterday was a day like that and the quote below was what beamed at me.

No one else has access to the world you carry around within yourself;
you are its custodian and entrance.
No one else can see the world the way you see it.
No one else can feel your life the way you feel it.
Thus it is impossible to ever compare two people because each stands on such different ground.
When you compare yourself to others, you are inviting envy into your consciousness;
it can be a dangerous and destructive guest.

~ John O'Donohue

I don't think I like the negative ending, but everything before it so very true. I think I would rather end it with something like . . .

Thus it is impossible to ever compare two people because each stands on such different ground.
Compare yourself to no one.
You are your own extraordinary garden.
Surround yourself with sunshine, good earth, and a little rain.
Bloom as only you can.
You are beautiful.

Yeah . . . I like that better!

Go Bloom!

Turning Into Your Parents

As a toddler, you look at your parent as your lifeline. They feed you, clothe you, love you and you know you really couldn't exist without them.

As you turn into a teenager, you dance on the precipice of omnipotence. Your parents are surely only trying to hold you back, stifle you, restrain you, confine you. Why else would there be all these rules and expectations?

As you enter adulthood, you slowly begin to realize that some of those life lessons they taught you have come in pretty handy. Ethics top the list. Persistence and determination follow closely behind. Sincerity, generosity, honesty, and loyalty bring up the rear.

As you become a parent, you realize the blessed burden that has been granted to you. You must endure the agony of only being able to guide, without doing the walking; steer, without taking the wheel; support, without taking control; love, without boundary-free zones. It is a fine line to walk. And, most of the time, if we do it correctly . . . we find we are turning into our parents.

To be completely honest, if I turn out to be one tenth of what my mother was, I will be thrilled!

Never Walk Alone

There's an old song my mom taught me to play on the piano with the title "You'll Never Walk Alone". I remember sitting in my living room, tickling the ivories and belting out that tune. It's a good song. It had not come to mind til I wrote the title that this snippet conjured up.

How profound!

"Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it."
~ Wilferd Peterson

Don't ever walk alone! Those of us who choose to walk with God are familiar with always being in the best of company. What wise words, however, that we choose the positive people to walk this earth with. Be inspired by the good you see and be the blessing you are granted daily.

Walk on, my friends. Walk on.

A Day to Reflect

Today is a day to reflect. Most of you will be pondering over a few of the great presidents of days gone by and being all patriotic and delving into your Americana pictures for posting.

For me, I reflect on a far different subject.

Today is my incredible husband's birthday.

I will be reflecting on the day I met him ~ and smiling. I will reflect on our first date ~ and smile. I will reflect on our many adventures ~ and smile. I will reflect on the day he met my whole, entire family (in one fell swoop) ~ and smile. I will reflect on a wedding day for the history books ~ and smile. I will reflect on his devotion to his children ~ and smile. I will reflect on our travels ~ and smile. I will reflect how he held me together through two sick children ~ and smile. I will reflect on his generosity and love ~ and smile. I will reflect on his dimples and his quirks ~ and smile. I will reflect on what our future could hold ~ and smile. I will reflect on all the goodness he's brought into my world ~ and smile.

I will thank the Good Lord for creating my victor, my Victor today. It is a good day!

And I will smile!

Happy Birthday Victor!

Take a deep breath . . .

When my children were in elementary school, one of the teachers used to go around to the classrooms and try to teach the children coping skills. Since these are little children, there were a myriad of teaching options used . . . such as skits, puppets, books, and music. One of our favorite themes and approaches was patience and she used a little song.

"Take a deep breath. Count to five."

Honestly, I cannot remember the rest because that kind of sums up the point of NOT reacting and more absorbing and responding.

As of late, I've been doing a lot of counting to five. Not sure what's up, but it's getting kind of old.

Which brings me to one of my most favorite endings that a red-maned friend of mine and I made up.

"Stick out your finger and poke 'em in the eye!"

Not sure it's the right response, but it makes me smile.

My other favorite alternative is, "When faced with a predicament, start at one and slowly count to ten. When you get to eight, punch the annoying person in the face. They'll never expect it and it'll make ya feel better."

But . . . I must behave. These are just things I only THINK about. Otherwise . . .

"Take a deep breath. Count to five."

Turn the page . . .

This little masterpiece will be liked by my reading buddies.

"Life is like a novel. It's filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page."
~  Sidney Sheldon

We've all been forced to wade through some novels we would have rather hid under the couch cushion.

We have also been privy to those novels that we just could not put down and, once finished we ached for a sequel.

Sometimes the chapters make us cry.

Sometimes the chapters fill us with joy.

Sometimes the chapters are so enlightening, we read them over and over.

Sometimes the chapters depress us to no end.

But . . .

As in life, the easiest way to get through is to ~ quite simply ~ turn the page.

With All My Heart

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a 100% or nothing sort.

I do not sort of like gymnastics. When it's on, I'm glued to the tv. I don't kind of like football. I'm sofa-bound for about six months worth of weekends every year. I do not have an affable want for books. I devour them and savor every word. I am not a fair weather fan of doing a little exercise. I live to be a sweaty, dripping, completely exhausted mess before I leave the gym. 100% or nothing!

Since it's Valentine's Day and all, though, even though I enjoy all those activities ~ and many more, today is all about affection and love. And, with my relationships, it most definitely is 100%!!!

Hubby, daughter and son - own my heart. 100% of it. I just lease it from them to maintain an upright position.
My extended family knows that my affections for them are all or nothing.
My friends are assured that I will give them everything I have should they want or need it.
The tasks I am given receive all of my attention, for any job worth doing is worth doing well!

Today and always - those three little words will not come through my lips, unless I MEAN THEM!

And they are NOT  Yippy Ki Yay!  :-)

With all my heart . . . I love you!

Enjoy the day!

Love Notes

Well, for all you love birds, tomorrow is the big day. The day that candy, flower, and greeting cards sales soar!

I've got an idea . . .

Let's just pretend that EVERY day is Valentine's Day! WHAT???

What kind of world would we live in if people just went around expressing emotion? Insanity!

What kind of place would this be if we shared our affections with others? Craziness!

What sort of asylum would exist if we doled out hugs and caring for the sheer joy of simply offering our hearts to other people? Delirium!

Or . . . perhaps . . . the world just might turn into a slightly nicer place to live!

I love you . . . today, tomorrow, and always!

Gloria was on to something . . .

This is me. For far longer than I can remember . . . this is my belief, my battle cry, my life.

I know it rings true for many others as well.


Trust Me.

I know exactly how it feels to cry in the shower so no one can hear.

I know what it's like to wait for everyone to fall asleep so you can fall apart.

I know the pain of hurting so bad that you just want it all to end.

But

I also know that I am stronger than what I'm fighting.

I know that if I made it this far, I can make it through today.

I know that my life matters

and I know that as long as I have my family, friends, and faith,

I Will Survive!


To all my fellow survivors . . . chin up, knees down! xo

I Am

"I Am . . ."

These are two of the most powerful words; for what you put after them shapes your reality.

Shape it wisely . . .

I Am . . . beautiful.
I Am . . . unique.
I Am . . . special.
I Am . . . precious.
I Am . . . important.
I Am . . . here for a reason.
I Am . . . worthy.
I Am . . . fabulous.
I Am . . . loved.

Oh boy . . .

What a crazy week!

You know those weeks when every day on your calendar is full of stuff written all crooked and smushed into each little box. That's the kind of week I had.

I've had two full days of baby-squishing. Although they were not difficult in the least, it sure takes a lot out of you to just keep squishing and hugging and loving on those precious little people.

Judging middle school projects. Middle school is a most interesting place. It's where children gain a foot hold of how to become an adult. Some choose badly. Most of the kids I met during my two days of history judging were fabulously well-mannered kids. I learned some stuff, taught some stuff, and thoroughly enjoyed my task. It was, however, very exhausting trying to be equal and fair and interested in every topic. Great job PHMS!

Learning treasury stuff. YUCK! If my CPA niece were to look at my checkbook, she'd probably need medical attention. It's not pretty. To learn the responsibilities of a group that donated nearly half a million dollars last year, ummmmm . . . was educational, at best. I think I understand everything and following the directions seems to be fairly easy, so I will hopefully be a better example and of better assistance to my team in the future.

Perhaps one of the hardest functions of the week was trudging my way through a chocolate party. Don't fret. I'm ok. I survived. It was quite the task having to try all the different flavors and sample the various lines, but I forged ahead and made it through the day. Whew!

We celebrated a huge birthday during the week. My son turned TWENTY. Makes my bones hurt. Good things he's such a great kid. Makes my aging with him a little more palatable.

And so . . . today . . . I reward myself with a way overdue massage. I missed my December massage. I missed my January massage. So I feel pretty sorry for the poor slob who has to try to unknot three months of twisted up muscles today, but I am confident I will leave there in as euphoric a state as I always do. I thank you in advance.

Whether you're snowed in, enjoying the sun, working, or slacking . . . make today an "Oh boy!" kind of day. Do something that just makes you say, "Ohhhhhhhhhhh boy!" 

Something to ponder . . .

"Instead of trying so hard to leave a better planet for our kids;
let's try to leave better kids for our planet."

Hmmmmmmmm

I'm not really sure I need to say a whole lot. It kind of says everything that needs to be said!

No matter what . . .

There is this quote from one Norman F. Dowtt that I find so humble and yet so precise that its simplicity speaks volumes. It's quips like this one that truly makes you just sit up and truly take note of how amazing life is!

"You are . . . infinitely dear to the Father, unspeakably precious to Him. You are never, not for one second, alone."

When you are feeling down or isolated . . . know this! Be wrapped in the warmth and security that is this statement. It is the truth!

Milestones

Ugh! Yay!

Today, my little 'baby' turns TWENTY! No more teenagers. We are now officially parents of people! Real, live adults.

Whodathunk?

When I look upon my son these days (which is a rarity at best), I see so many things.

I see a handsome young man.
I see a gentleman in a world where that is fast become obsolete.
I see a huge heart tucked within a rugged exterior.
I see a brilliant mind full of wisdom and dreams.
I see a smile that seriously lights up every room it blesses.
I hear a laughter that warms my soul.
I admire a strength that has overcome many obstacles to stand so grand today.
I thrill to the hug good night as I know each one is a treasured gift.
I see greatness undiscovered, just waiting to bring the world some outstanding bit of whatever he might offer it.

I see a dreamer; a lover; a fighter; a joker; a blessed soul.

I see my son!

Happy Birthday Boy!

Chill

There are so many people scurrying around looking for the 'next great thing' that will make them euphoric. They are searching and scouring to come up with that one fulfilling item or person or moment that will 'complete' them and create some blissful, heavenly harmony in their lives. Too many folks don't realize that opportunity lies within their own heart each day.

"Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you."
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

You have within you every thing you need for survival, contentment, and happiness. What you allow to infect your days is by your own doing. Expose yourself to beauty, love, peace, and joy. What you sow . . .

Just relax and wait for your butterfly . . .

Enjoy the love!

In the next two weeks, I will be celebrating three brother birthdays - two of which are on Valentine's Day and they are NOT twins, my son's birthday, my husband's birthday, a pseudo-brother's birthday who shares the day with my son and my son's astro twins Tina and Lisa, my second mom's birthday, a few others thrown in there, and of course Valentine's Day. And that only gets us half way through February!

This month is full of love!

It is also the month in which I celebrate the birthday of and very much miss my grandmother.

It was on her birthday that I scored my highest score EVER in gymnastics, on the floor exercise, with a nice big fat 8.2! Ahhhhh! Sweet memories!

I enjoy February. It is celebrated with my favorite color . . . RED . . . and it's many varied shades. It is, to me, a month of the heart.

A month to remember the three dozen roses hubby gave me on our first Valentine's Day together. Not because he's a big mushy romantic, mind you. Because they were supposed to deliver a dozen to my day job . . . and they did not. He called them to yell at them and said they best send a dozen to my night job . . . and they did not. So . . . on the 15th, I received THREE dozen incredibly beautiful red roses to make up for their error.

Ahhhhhh - February . . . find something to love each day this month! Take every opportunity to hold it, squish it, cuddle it, and be happy about it.

Enjoy the love!

Courage

To my dearest 'other mother' today! And many others, I am sure!

As you face  a hard day, know that you are surrounded by much love and a tremendous amount of support. Stick your hand in your shirt, make yourself short, and remember the words of Napolean  Bonaparte:

Courage isn't having the strength to go on  ~  it is going on when you don't have the strength.

You are one of the most courageous folks I know! A Ch-Angel of the highest order.

God bless today . . . and always!

Pair o' Ch-Angels

Yesterday's blog was a little less than my norm. I apologize.

We all have those days when life becomes a burden a little too heavy for us to carry on our own.

It is on those occasions, if you can urge yourself to seek some help, that the Ch-Angels appear!

Yesterday, I had numerous emails and posts checking on me. Thank you SO much for that. You don't understand what a buoy that was. It was truly much appreciated.

Two buddies, however, truly stood out to me. Maybe it's because they were men, in a moment when you're expecting your women friends to step up. (Maybe I'm just being sexist!)

One has been a friend for just a few years, but there was an instant connection between us with a battling of banter and wit. He's a very busy gentleman who seems to always have time for everyone else no matter how many appointments, meetings, calls, clients, and happenings are on his plate. He simply shares himself completely and unconditionally whenever he feels he might be needed and of some comfort. Your attentions yesterday, sir, brought me to tears. They were good tears. Tears that come from knowing, without a doubt, that you really do care and are concerned. Your friendship and hugs mean the world to me. Thank you!

The other gentleman . . . who's better than him? :-)     (Sorry, inside joke!)
This young sir has known me since I was in the seventh grade. That is a long, long, long, long time. He has been, more often than not, more like family than family. He has watched me and helped me grow up. He has listened to my woes, advised me, shared laughter and many beverages with me. He has simply become a staple in my life . . . like food or water . . . that I could not live without! Your concerns about me yesterday were also met with tears. Again, it overwhelms me to think that there are those who will STOP what they are doing because someone else is in need. It is rare. It is beautiful. It is genuine. It is SO appreciated.

So today I give thanks to my Ch-Angels. All of you, but Mr. Martin and Mr. Miller . . . you earned your wings yesterday. Thanks for always supporting me, loving me, and for being my friend. You make my heart happy and my days better.

Thank You!