Opportunity ~ Oct. 11, 2011

A lot of great things today . . . even some blog posts in this post that weren't shared on facebook. I hope you will check them out.  

Quotes

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

You could wait for the world to invite you to the banquet and the ball. Or you could just show up in your red dress and your headdress ready to boogie. ~ Tama Kieves

If an opportunity scares you, that's God's way of saying you should jump at it. ~ Anna Quindlen

Change is a challenge and an opportunity, not a threat. ~ Prince Phillip of England


~ I like this one . . . Not a big fan of change, in fact, I tend to resist it. But, I'm also willing to admit that it is part of life; and that we are constantly changing.  My birds, however, really not big fans of change.  We received a stand up cage on wheels, that is a bit bigger than their other one.  Two of our birds have changed cages before so are adjusting nicely now, the other two . . . not so much.  We have had a bit of yelling and screaming I know they will settle in, but they, like a lot of us, are creatures of habit.  Our habits comfort us and help us feel like all is right in the world.

Blog Posts

7 Little Things That Make Life Effortless ~ There are some great tips here . . . I like the Do Less one. Learning to do what is important makes it easier to do some of the things you really want to do.  Not Creating busy work; is a hard lesson to learn, since we are trained to always look busy in our jobs.

Giving Myself a Time Out ~ When was the last time you gave yourself a Time Out?  A time to "listen to the song of my (your) soul."

*****Bonus Post****
Life, death, and the hero within us all ~ "But I prefer to listen to the hero. And what I hear the hero say – in a moment when I am still, and quiet within – is this: “You are a spiritual being and you are alive forever more.”"

How to Give Yourself a Second Chance ~ It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between we fear . . . It’s like being between trapezes.  It’s Linus When his blanket is in the dryer. There is nothing to hold on to. ~ Marillyn Ferguson

****Bonus Post****
Tiny Buddha: Lori Deschene Interview #4 ~ I decided to post this since this is one of my favorite blogs.

The Ugly Step Forward ~ "It’s not always glamorous and it’s not always pretty, but you move forward. And that’s what matters."

Patience ~ Sept. 12, 2011

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I am not a very patient person. It is something that I am working on though.  Still some days it is tough to be patient at a stop sign (we don't have stop lights in my city), or while waiting in line at the grocery store. But I try to remind myself that most of the time I don't have to be anywhere at a particular time, I'm not in a rush so why can't I wait a nanosecond for the car in front of me?  Some days it it easier than others. What helps you maintain patience when you want to be impatient?

Quotes

They found a little courage That simmered in the sun. They blended it with patience And just a spice of fun. They poured in hope and laughter And then with a sudden twist They stirred it all together And made an Optimist. ~ unknown

~ This one is just cute; I had to share it.

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

~ Many things in nature take time. Consider trees as an example. It takes years for them to grow to be tall enough to make shade for your yard.  

If we could look into each others' hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us face, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care. ~ Marvin J. Ashton

Blog Posts

Tiny Wisdom: Let Yourself Be As You Are ~ "Let yourself be as you are today. Accept what you feel in your body and mind, without feeling the need to fight it, deny it, ignore it, hide it, or push through to the other side. And then take good care of yourself. Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to stop fighting yourself."

June 14, 2011

Quotes

Each of us has an inner dream that we can unfold if we will just have the courage to admit what it is. And the faith to trust our own admission. The admitting is often very difficult. ~ Julia Cameron

Your true spiritual nature is to trust. Your true spiritual nature is to respect. Your true spiritual nature is to love unconditionally. ~ Mr. Prophet

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Blog Posts

How to Change Your Mind and Your Life By Using Affirmations ~  “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” ~Buddha

Tiny Wisdom: On Helping Yourself ~  “The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.” - Swedish Proverb

A Gift from  Yesterday ~ By Raam Dev ~ "Each day is a small evolution, a bundle of hope and joy waiting to unfold; a new opportunity, a blank slate, a fresh page, and a new chapter in life. But today is special. "


Heart Growth ~ Another Raam Dev post . . . because they're both great! "Real growth does not originate from grabbing wisdom and slapping on inspiration but rather through digesting, filtering, and absorbing the nutrients of wisdom through our heart."

June 9, 2011

So big day tomorrow for my daughter. High School Graduation.  Excited, but at the same time a bit sad.  I'm taking a box of tissues with me; I'm probably going to cry.  We've got a bunch of family coming in for the celebration; so I may not be able to post over the weekend.  Hope that you all have a Blessed weekend!

Quotes
 
That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. ~ Norman Vincent Peale


Blog Posts

How to Feel Comfortable in Your Own Skin ~ “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

May 10, 2011

I usually start my posts in the morning and finish them in the evening. Today, was a bit different.  I had the opportunity speak today at a Women's Luncheon at one of the local shops.  The topic was one I know intimately . . . a little about me, a lot about my shop and then a little about tea.  But let me tell, I was sooooo nervous.

I made it through my 15 minutes or so; but it was a tough 15 minutes. I took a speech class in college and one of the things the professor kept saying was that you should speak about what you know. Makes sense right? If you speak about the things you know then maybe you wont be so nervous . . . yeah right. I will admit, however, that it does help you stay on track so you aren't worried about messing up your lines.  Still glad I had the note cards for reference. I made it through though; I guess I'm ready for the next time I have to speak in front of people; let's all hope it is about a subject I know and love.

When I was looking for quotes to post this morning I was hoping to find something about speaking in public, nervousness or anxiety, but none of those seemed to fit what I was looking for.  Then I decided to look at the speaking thing as an opportunity; an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to share, an opportunity to face some fear, and opportunity to learn.

Quotes

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

What kind of person would live where there is no daring? I don't believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished without taking any chance at all. ~ Charles Lindbergh

You could wait for the world to invite you to the banquet and the ball. Or you could just show up in your red dress and your headdress ready to boogie. ~ Tama Kieves

Blog Posts

How to Let Go of Fear to Live Passionately and Authentically ~   “If we are not fully ourselves, truly in the present moment, we miss everything.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

April 28, 2011

Quotes

Be true and sincere and loving in your human relationships. ~ White Eagle

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Enter the day invigorated with the essence of possibility, go through it energized with a sense of purpose and joy and end it with the serenity of completion. ~ Darina Stoyanova

Blog Posts

Tiny Wisdom: On the Joy of Mistakes ~ Today if you feel limited by the fear of making a mistake, remind yourself: This is part of the process, and you will ultimately feel happier with yourself if you find the courage to stick with it.

Tiny Wisdom: On Seeing ~  Today if you find yourself clinging to a negative story about a person or situation, ask yourself: What’s the payoff in holding onto this interpretation? Does it make you feel right? Or justified? Or safe? And more importantly: How might you be able to improve your state of mind or situation if you chose to see things differently?

The Flip Side ~ You can't have success unless you're prepared to have failure.