Make The Most Of Your Time

Letting Go...

2008-07-11T00:52:00.001-07:00

This song is perfect for anyone mending a broken heart.

Even though it's been awhile since I've had a boyfriend... this song still breaks me down and makes me remember why you have to protect your heart, why you have to make sure the person you're interested in is the right person for you.

The lyrics remind me that the heart is fragile and every moment is precious.

Trust your heart and instincts and you will find the person of your dreams.

Beautiful Girl...

2008-07-02T20:10:00.001-07:00

A song for any lady who wants to feel beautiful and for any guy who wants to remind a lady that she is.......

What would we do without music?

The world would never be the same without it - I just can't imagine it.

Give Everything in the Moment

2008-06-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have found that the more you care about everything in your life, the more that your world expands and becomes even more beautiful.

Love begets love begets love.

In my heart I know that if you let a single thing go unnoticed, unappreciated, unloved, etc. it will somehow "rebound" and return to your life in some shape or form. When you give everything in the moment, it multiplies a hundredfold because what you do for one person effects every person and situation in their life. In a simple metaphor, like a domino effect, if you put down the divider bar at the grocery store for the person behind you, the next person does the same and so forth.

Kindness begets kindness begets kindness.

Never underestimate the power you hold in the palm of your hand, in the inflection of your voice, in the shift of your attention.

We are all infinitely powerful. We need eachother to grow, thrive and make this world a more beautiful place. However, as most of us have discovered through various experiences, sometimes love is not so cut and dry. Sometimes not responding right away or giving someone space, etc. are greater forms of kindness. Trust your heart to know the difference and you will always be okay.

(Photo by editor.)

You Can Do Anything!

2008-06-05T20:37:00.001-07:00

You have the power to do anything in life!

The easiest way to boost your self-esteem, the quickest surest way to make you feel your absolute best is to treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. Compliments are magical. The more you give to others, the more you feel better about yourself. To read more: Boost Your Self Esteem Easily.

(Photo by kkimpel.)

The Essentials in Life

2008-06-02T19:15:00.001-07:00

It's important to focus on the things in life that make you feel your best.

It does not matter what anybody else thinks regarding what you love; simply put, if you love it, you love it, period. Some people prefer red, some people love blue. Some people love the beach and some people prefer lakes. Maybe you find yourself somewhere in the middle.

Regardless of what anyone says about what you enjoy the most in life, do not let any negative thoughts stand in the way of your happiness. If we all loved the same things, this world would not be half as interesting as it is. Finding the love of your life would not be as amazing of a treasure.

Once you identify your deepest loves in life, it is essential to surround yourself them.

If you love blue, purchase the nicest, brightest blue towels, curtains, t-shirts, etc that you want to. If it makes you feel good, it makes you feel good. We need more good in this world. We need more people feeling their very best. The more that people feel their very best, the more we can continue to lift one another up to higher levels of happiness, joy, health and success in their lives.

The more that you embrace and fully own what you love, the more positive energy you can send out to others. And, very importantly, the more heartache, disappointment, and time you can save in the long run.

If you find that others are bringing you down or have certain habits that do not fit with your values, goals, etc do not feel bad if you need to let them go. You can only do your best when you feel your best. People who do not fit into the picture you have envisioned for your life will may potentially end up holding you back from accomplishing your dreams and goals. Do not let them.

For some, this may sound too planned, too structured. However, in the end, you cannot deny what you truly love. Yes, there are some people and situations that you might have a change of heart toward from time to time, after all, you are still learning more about yourself everyday, but do not to let in situations and people who you know do not sit well with what is most important to you.

For example, if you find out that some steals, i.e. downloads music illegally from the internet, they may argue that everyone does this. But, like that old saying says: "If everyone jumped off a cliff..." would you follow? Yes, it's a minor infraction, but it's against the law and actions speak louder than words. If a person is capable of breaking the law, this speaks volumes about their character.

Honest people do things by the book.

They follow the rules, they follow the law. Yes, there are some slip ups here and there, sometimes one might speed or forget to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, but this might be due to having something on one's mind, not seeing a sign, being late, etc. This is very different from a repeated,habitual and premeditated action that is illegal.

In retrospect, I think most of us can look back at a situation where someone hurt us or a situation left us feeling slighted and if thought about carefully enough, we can recognize the signs that alerted us to "danger" ahead, but for some reason we ignored at the time.

After learning my lesson in some of the most difficult situations I have ever been through in my life, I have taken a full 360 degree turn on my life and am sticking strongly to the lessons I have learned. I know in my heart, I learned them for a reason and this time, I am not taking them for granted.

Best wishes & blessings to all.

(Photo by: pinkspleen. Second photo by: chadh-flickr.)

How Do You Manage Your Stress?

2008-05-23T22:42:00.001-07:00

Life can come at you fast. Unforeseen circumstances may throw you off track suddenly and even potentially upturn your life. How do you recover, manage and get through those times?

It is good to always take the time to keep things in perspective. Maybe you lost a job, maybe you need money quickly, or maybe you are going through a divorce? Take a moment to sit back and take a deep breath. You can get through anything stronger, wiser and better than ever before.

You need to get to a point where you can think on a more level-headed fashion. When you are upset it is more difficult to think logically. Breathing exercises help relax, calm and bring you back down to a rational state of being.

Once you feel more relaxed you can talk with close friends and family members who give you good advice. If you do not know anyone you feel you can turn to for your particular problem, you can always turn to counseling, various hotlines (nowadays the internet is offering counseling sites as well), and or self-help books can be just as helpful and invaluable.

Be gentle and kind with yourself if you are going through a tough time. If a loved one was physically ill you would treat them with kindness and tendering loving care. You deserve to be treated this way as well.

Take care of yourself and each other.

(Photo by baejaar.)

New Life Ventures...

2008-05-16T21:48:00.001-07:00

Are you starting a new job or new life changing venture in your life? Life is in constant change. How you respond and how many stressors come your way at once makes a great difference in how you feel and how effectively you will be able to cope.

According to experts the greatest life stressors are:

1. Relationships

"Working briefly on your marriage every day will do more for your health and longevity than working out at a health club."
- John Gottman
(psychologist, University of Washington)

2. Finances

"Financial problems can lead to depression and are the number one problem for married couples, plus a major cause of divorce."
-Baptist Memorial Health Care

3. Home

By far, searching and purchasing a new home is often seen as the number one stressful life event in conjunction with career change, illness and divorce.

4. Career

Job stress can result from a wide variety of factors: an abusive environment, too much work for one person, and not enough compensation are just some things that can weigh you down and leave you feeling empty and worn out.

75% of employees believe workers experience more on-the-job stress than a generation ago.
-University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

5. Safety

One's own personal safety concerns is a large portion of stress in one's life, more so depending on where one lives, however, when one is worried about the safety of loved ones, this can quickly multiple stress levels.

6. Health

When you don't have your health, not only do you worry about everyday treatment attending to it can cause added stress to your relationships and finances.

The next time you are endeavoring into any new major life stressor, be gentle with yourself. Making a large change in your life is not as simple as some may think. Major life changes often alter your entire life or a large portion of how you spend your time every single day. The new unknowns you must face, the new uncertainties can make you feel as though your mind is racing, you cannot relax, and a variety of other feelings and thoughts.

Honor how you feel. Take time to relax and do nothing. Just like starting an exercise routine after not exercising for a long period of time can leave your body feeling sore and exhausted at the end of the day, so too can "exercising" a new lifestyle. Give your mind and body time to get used to all the new changes.

Take care of yourself and each other.

(Photo by sir_mervs.)

Trust, Instincts & Change

2008-05-15T21:44:00.001-07:00

No matter what anyone says, no matter how great a person sounds, an opportunity seems, always trust your instincts. Always follow your heart and your mind. Never allow anyone the ability to make you doubt yourself.

It is my sincere belief that the only time your intuition becomes "faulty" is when you have not had enough time to reflect and understand all your emotions and thoughts concerning any given situation. When your mind has not been able to fully assess all the relevant factors, you cannot come to the best decision because you simply do not have the full picture of what you are potentially making a choice about.

There is a reason why change over historical time has flowed slowly. While many people push for radical change, oftentimes when change occurs too rapidly unexpected repurcusions are sure to ensue. Large scale changes involve countless details, some that may not become obvious until the process of change begins. If the complexion of a situation alters too quickly, addressing those details and issues that arise, may become unmanageable and begin to pile up causing an even greater problem than was previously the case. Such a theory can be easily applied to any rapid change in your life.

So, take your time. Venture forward at your pace.

It is your life after all.

No one knows you better than you. No matter how close you become to someone, there is no way that they will ever fully be able to understand what you have been through and what you need than you. If you have been through difficult emotional times, there is no one, but you who can tell you when you're ready to move past them.

In other words, metaphorically, if you were hit by a car and put in a body cast, it would take a great deal of time to heal your body, but the healing process does not end there. You may need to go through physical therapy and re-learn how to sit up, walk, etc. For example, you would not ask a person with crutches on to run, that would be absurd, so realize this when you have a friend who has just lost a loved one, gone through a divorce, and suffered a huge life stressor. And, remember this when you are going through such an experience.

Be good to yourself and each other.

(Photo by apesara.)

When You Feel Hurt

2008-04-27T16:38:00.001-07:00

Have you been deeply hurt in the past? Most of us can say at some point or another we were hurt very deeply by another person, not necessarily just an ex-significant other, but from a loved one, etc.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, that if you are not looking can literally knock you out and run you over. Just as you must be a defensive driver when you are in your car, you must also be defensive in your everyday life.

What do I mean by this? When you drive, you know that others have been taught the law, the proper way to drive, but some may not follow them out of rebellion, feeling distracted, misinformation, etc. In other words, while generally speaking people have been raised with a certain societal ethic and standard, there are wide and great variations to how people, in reality, choose to conduct themselves. Different backgrounds, cultures, etc. teach and emphasize different values, etiquette, and other such things.

How do you handle such varying situations? You must take your time with things that you do not understand. You must try your best to understand each person and situation individually and as uniquely as possible. View new situations as blank canvasses, trust your instincts and give yourself time to see how it feels within your set of values.

Be good to yourself and each other.

(Photo by uhhhtanner.)

A Thoughtful Look at Relationships

2008-04-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

Are you a single parent? Did you learn great lessons from your past relationships?

When entering the dating world, there are so many factors that become part of the equation. If you are single without children, you must figure out whether the person you meet fulfills all your values and morals, and what's truly most important to you. But, when you have children there is an even greater need to make sure that every move you make with a potential significant other is made with care and great attention to detail.

"Everything is important." - Brian Tracy (self-made millionaire)

Keep this thought in your mind in all your endeavors. It will keep you on the right path with all your decisions. If something doesn't feel right, if you need to question something, do so. In the long run, everything that you choose to ignore or overlook will eventually come out in some shape or form and is often the reason why many relationships end up failing down the line. Ensure that all the relationships that come into your life, not just the significant other relationships, but the friendships and loved ones are met with choices that feel in tune with who you are and what you truly value most.

If someone does not validate your feelings, disrespects or disregards what you hold dear, whether they are family or friends, it makes no difference. If someone chooses to treat you in an uncaring fashion it is important that you learn how to either hold them at a safe distance in your life and teach them that they are not allowed to treat you in such a manner; and/or in some cases you may even need to eliminate them from your life altogether.

If you touch fire it hurts. But if you learn how to understand its makeup, it can also add great value to your life. Take your time with people. Trust your instincts. The life of your dreams is unfolding before you.

Best wishes to all.

(Photo by fyunkie.)

Dating Euphoria

2008-04-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

How do you know you're ready for dating again? If you've been out of the "dating world" for awhile it might seem like a complex question.

Dating is a unique experience. It allows two people who know very little about the other to spend more time together than they typically do with the other people in their lives. On the "quest" to find love and compatability dating is truly a one-of-a-kind journey.

The success of first dates is a wonderful feeling. Butterflies and euphoria fill your mind. But do not let your emotions take you down a road that later your mind may regret. Being physically attracted to another person alone can create a state of feeling "high" and "intoxicated". It can feel very good, but once the "buzz" wears off, you are faced with the true person behind the "honeymoon" period. You do not want to move too fast with anyone before you have had the chane to get to know them better. Taking your time will also surely save you a difficult break up down the line.

Maybe it feels good to hold another person's hand; maybe it's been a long time? But just like instant gratification food, the more you indulge in something that is not good for you in the long run, the more you will make unwise decisions. So keep your head, when your heart begins to soar. You are worth the care and time it takes to truly be appreciated and adored for who you are and vice versa.

True love is in your future. Believe, trust, and know this. Your dating experiences will be everything you have ever dreamed of and more.

(Photo by 51788543@N00.)

Are You Dating Again?

2008-04-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

Are you finally ready to start dating again? Where would your ideal first date be? At a park, at a coffee shop or maybe a traditional dinner date? And, what do you look for in a potential significant other?

If you have not been on a date in awhile it might feel like a hard thing to get back into. For example, on first dates, oftentimes people try to give the best impression they can, but you often wonder, what are they really like after a week or two and even a month has passed?

In my experience, I have found that anything that starts quickly tends to end quickly. While this is not always the case, it has been almost 90% of the time for me. When men begin to tell me they like me, compliment me profusely and start to talk about things we can do a week or month from that first date - warning flags start to go up everywhere in my mind. I know how life works and I know that it takes much more than physical attraction to draw two people together.

Do you have dating rules? Some people don't like "dating rules", but you need to do what is best for you. If you make it a rule to never be more intimate with a person you are dating until you are committed to him or her, this is a part of what makes you who you are. Whether others like it or not does not matter. What matters the most is what makes you feel comfortable. Never let anyone make you feel bad about your values.

As I've gotten to know myself better, I realize that I really want a gentleman who is consistently a gentleman and not when he feels like it or remembers to be. I want a man who simply is a gentleman to all he encounters: respectful, loyal, kind, etc.

Everything you want is possible. Never settle for less. The man or woman of your dreams is out there waiting for you.

(Photo by 59195512@N00.)

Regarding Matters of the Heart

2008-04-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

What do you want in a significant other? Do you have a type? There are many important things you want to keep in mind when searching for love that can help you avoid some unnecessary heartache and disappointment months or even years from now.

Below you can find a sample of some important questions you will want to ask before you delve deeper into a relationship with another person.

What values are most important to you in life?
What political party do you favor, if any?

What is your religious or spiritual beliefs?

What hobbies do enjoy participating in the most? How much time do you allow yourself to spend on these important activities?

Would you consider yourself traditional when it comes to relationships?

While some people are able to remain friends with people who share very diferent beliefs; having an intimate relationship with someone who holds vastly contrasting opinions can potentially lead to future problems. Though this is not guaranteed (each situation is unique) it is something important to keep in mind. Conflicts about whether to raise a child with shared beliefs, for example, can save a couple from potential arguments.

Opposites do attract, but this often has more to do with personality characteristics versus life values.

Take your time. True love and true compatability is possible for everyone. It takes patience and an honest look at yourself and another. You deserve the love of your life. Never settle. It does no good for anyone. Fall in love with yourself completely and you will never feel the need to settle.

(Photo by osvaldo_zoom.)

One Day at a Time...

2008-04-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

Take each step, take each new endeavor and experience as a new opportunity. Realize that even things that seem like problems or obstacles are merely challenges for you to figure out and learn from.

Nothing is impossible to overcome. Nothing can break your spirit.

When you believe you can do anything, other people will too. They feel your positive energy, it rubs off on them. You can lift their spirits higher with your enthusiasm and positive attitude.

If you feel momentarily tired, be understanding. We are all only human. We need sleep, we need time to sit and reflect. We need balance in our lives. When you are at your lowest energy levels you simply need to re-charge them.

What helps raise your spirits in life?

A nice bath, a body massage, a simple shopping spree, or maybe a night out with friends. Find something that only brings you relief from your worries and makes you feel better. Avoid anything that will cause you more worries or anxiety. After all, a quick trip to your favorite hot spot might sound like a great way to escape your problems, however, if it leaves you unable to pay your rent or put gas in your car, it is an immediate gratification need that you can and will be able to do without.

Take care of yourself, and each other.

(Photo bymuha.)

The Life of Your Dreams...

2008-04-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

Say goodbye to broken hearts...

Loving hearts, loving hands.

Take care of one another, always.

You deserve the life and love of your dreams.

ySm.

(Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/10708154@N00/.)