Monday, December 26, 2011

This is Love.....

The holidays have come and gone and left me in marvel of how precious love is.  It is the most incredible gift.  A little child sitting in my lap, looking up at me, smiling..... giving me a sweet kiss on the cheek with no words... this is love.   A little baby putting his hands in the air and smiling as if he owns the whole wide world........ this is love.  A young man somewhat lost and saddened at this time of the year because life threw him a few curve balls and he has to regroup yet he still wants to share in the Christmas story with his mom on Christmas Eve...this is love.  A young woman who gave up her whole life to have a son that lights up her world ........ this is love.  A mother and father who not only pray for their family but also for those they don't even know during their Christmas celebration.... this is love.  A man who lost himself in a world of material riches only to find the most precious things in life are not things ..... they are people....family.....this is love.  A man....A GOD.... who gave his only son so that we might experience all these things......this is love........

May we always remember the true meaning of the most precious gift ........ love......

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Let's Give Thanks Together....

As we approach Thanksgiving, I would love to give thanks with you.... my family....my friends... my readers....  join me here and let the whole world know what you are thankful for today and every day. 

I would be honored to start our Thanksgiving thread ........

I am so very thankful for my God....the one and only reason I am here sharing thoughts with you today.  I am thankful for my health so that I can be the best I can be in service for others.  I am so very thankful for all the love in my life.  It makes me the richest woman alive......allowing me all the wonderful joy and light anyone could ever ask for.  I am thankful for all the wonderful opportunities I have been given.  With them, I have been blessed with learning and growth....

Awwwww…… I could go on and on..........  BUT, it's your turn!!!!! 

Who's next...... come on... don't be shy...  :-)  

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Journey..... (conclusion.....or just the beginning...... )

When we stop fighting with our inner voice and start speaking it........ when we stop talking so much and  begin to really listen and hear ..... when we let go of the things that hold us back instead of hanging on to what hinders our journey and when we accept the path that is laid out before us instead of challenging it ........... that feeling comes.... that peace... that comfort... that moment in time when we just know...... really KNOW that we are right where we belong.....
With this new and exciting way of thinking, I became rich in diversity, the ability to be everything I want to be................ not limiting myself to the restrictions and ideas of others as to what I should and shouldn’t be………….   It’s not about being different … it’s about just being who I am.  I am like no other.  I am unique.  I cannot lose myself to those who try to mold me.  Being strong in that brings me here…….
Hello World! My name is Mary Elizabeth and I am a real woman living in the real world!  I am diverse, intelligent, confident, educated, creative and independent!  I am also absolutely in love with life! I am so very grateful for all the wonderful things I have been blessed with and I appreciate all the challenges I have faced that gave me strength and determination to be here writing this for you today!  I am good enough!  I am strong enough! I am a writer … a builder of stories that I hope will inspire my readers!  I am happy!! And……most of all…….I am aspiring to be the greatest person I can be……….by just being ME!   Join me!! It’s absolutely incredible!!!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Journey... (more)

When I began cleaning out my closet, I learned that my time is precious. Every moment matters and it’s up to me to decide how to use my moments.  We only get them once…….
I’ve been told by many people that I am so “full of life”……………..I guess that’s because I made room!  Making room involves a lot of hard decisions….
One of the first decisions I had to make was to get rid of the negative energy in my life!  I had to enhance my life with uplifting and positive influence and with that, I had to determine what in my life I was allowing to steal my sunshine!….. what was I enabling?  First I had to own it and then I had to act!
I decided to surround myself with uplifting and positive influence……people who encouraged my dreams and supported my ambitions! It was up to me to protect my space! When people approached me with negativity, it was up to me to say “STOP! This is my life and I need to do what is right for ME!”   
This new way of thinking allowed me to bring back memories of all the poems I had written over 25 years ago…..when I didn’t let people take the ME out of who I was.  I pulled out those poems, those saved pieces of me and I started reading all about what I saw and how I felt all those years ago.....
Little did I know that day,  I would be here with you unraveling the intricacies of timing, purpose, passion, conviction and just listening to that inner voice  guiding me to the place where I find the most peace and comfort ………where things feel so right………… right where I belong….. writing, sharing….just being me….

Monday, November 14, 2011

The Journey... (cont.)

And, then…one day, I just woke up!  I realized I was the culprit!  I was allowing all the ideals of other people to control ME.   After being so unfulfilled for so long, I finally decided there was no way for me to find true peace and happiness unless I found myself again…the real ME.  I needed to find that little girl who longed to write…. to share stories with the world…. to help people…. that’s who I was and that’s who I am.     
After years of being polluted, I STOPPED and looked at myself for the first time in a long time!  I took the time to figure out what I needed to do in order to be happy and to live my life to the fullest…… yes! My life!
Have you ever looked in the mirror and “owned” what you saw!  By that, I mean, have you ever taken the time to STOP and take a close look at who you are and if the person you see in the mirror is the person you want to be?  Well, that’s what I did.  And, WOW!  How eye opening it is when you really see the reflection.  It’s hard and it’s raw……….. and,  it was just what I needed to get back to me!!
I realized that I was a person who spent way too many moments trying to live up to the expectations of everyone else….having very little regard for my own personal goals. I felt programmed into believing I had to be a “certain” way in order to be the person I was destined to be.  Have you ever felt that way??  I know, now,  in order for me to be the best mom, the best partner, the best friend and the best employee, I must be the best ME….. and,  unless I am true to that philosophy, there is no way for me to reach my potential happiness and fulfillment in this life….my life......

Sunday, November 13, 2011

The Journey.... (cont)

I don’t remember the day it happened but I do know that, out of the blue, before I knew it, along came life……… the real world……….a world of social stigmas…… cynicism…. people trying to tell me I wasn’t good enough, my dreams were out of reach……..transforming me……making me think we can only be great if we follow suit……hiding ourselves….. losing ourselves to what others believe to be great! 
For years, I doubted myself, my appearance, my strengths and the way I felt about life in general..............I made it all about other people and what other people dictated in regard to what I should and shouldn’t do in and with my life.  I felt like I had to follow the lead of others who knew more about me, seemingly, than I knew about myself.  I felt like my ideas ….my BIG dreams, were considered a waste of time and there was no need to even think about pursuing them.  After all, I would only fail and look like a fool to all those people who loved me so much and were only trying to help me.  After a while, I was so lost and fearful to go against this controlled society, I just gave up….went along with it…………..became trapped in a world outside of what I dreamed of for myself.........      

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Journey Back to ME

Aww…..fairytales…. make believe… all the wonderful things we grew up thinking about…. the happily ever after…. dreaming of all the things we wanted to be when we grew up….…playing dress up…. being pretty…. being loved just because we are who we are…hummm………such fantastic sandcastles we built and the grand visions of sugar plums from yester year lingered so softly in our unpolluted minds…………..remember those days....... 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Approaching Life with Gratitude

I was talking with a good friend yesterday and she spoke of approaching life with gratitude!  This was so inspiring to me and I felt compelled to write about it here today....

Are you dwelling on the things in your life that limit your mind to negative energy.... targeting thoughts of complaint and dread.......despair and pain?  Are you so focused on the things you feel are "bad" that all the good things about your life don't seem to exist?  Are you filling your space with influences that generate these kinds of thoughts and encourage this barrier in your life??

We all get down and out sometimes and we just don't know why so many bad things are happening to us!  When this happens to me, I just think about my health.  I am in good health when so many others are stricken with illness.  I think of my family and friends .......the ones I turn to during the low times in my life.  Some people don't have anyone.  They don't have that support system that we all need for encouragement ....... no one to lean on.  I feel so very lucky and blessed and grateful..........    

I always try to channel my energy toward the light.... the good .  When I do this, the bad things just don't seem so bad.  When we give them the power, they take take control.  When we focus our attention of all the great things in our life, being thankful for those things, the bad things seem to lesson and become much easier to deal with. 

I'm sure you have heard "Don't worry... it's going to be okay!"  Well... guess what!!!  It is!  It is!!  Some how .....some way... it all works out exactly the way it's supposed to!  Negativity doesn't change it!  It makes it worse than it really is.

Approaching life with gratitude reminds us how rich we are in all the good things in life and it strengthens us to get through the things that aren't so good. 

Think about it...........smile and be grateful for all the wonderful things in your life.... and remember "It's going to be okay!!!!" 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Time to Share

It’s the first day of November and the holidays are right around the corner!!  Are you getting excited?   Are you planning a Thanksgiving feast in your mind?  Do you have visions of turkey and dressing and stuffing and pie????  

Have you started thinking about how you can help someone during the holiday season? 

There are so many families out there, maybe right next door to you, that have a need.  Times are tough.  The economy is so soft and no relief in sight really.  I wonder what we can do to help.  Do you?

I’ve heard many people speak negatively about the recipients of holiday food donations… you know those can food drives they do during this time of the year?  Some wonder why we would collect food for people we don’t know…. How do we know they aren’t just trying to get a free meal?  It’s a shame really… that we would be compelled to be so skeptical. 

Many years ago, I knew a family that did not have the money for a big Thanksgiving meal. In fact, on many days, this family did not have the money for any kind of a meal.  Without the kindness of strangers bringing in food donations, this family would have had nothing during many holiday seasons.

Think about helping others…………….who knows, you may just help a little girl, longing for a chance to grow up and share stories with you….....

Sunday, October 30, 2011

LIVE!

L - Love with passion and purpose!
I - Invest your soul only in those things that really make a difference!
V - Visit with yourself daily!
E - Envy no one -- celebrate everyone in your life!

Simple concepts.... huge reward!!  Think about it....


 

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Signs

Do you believe in “signs”…..you know, those little things that happen along the way that say “Heyyyy!!! Pay attention!!!!!.......... I mean something!!!”  ??? 

I am beginning to believe in them more and more …… 

Just yesterday, I saw the number “4” in a way that I had never seen it before!   It was the craziest thing….. like it meant so much more than 1, 2 or 3!!  

My daughter is looking for a new place to move to and, out of the blue, this morning,  I passed by a “for rent” sign just where it needed to be………….. in an area that I had never really paid attention to before even as many times as I have driven by it in the past. 

I stayed over at a girlfriend’s house last night and this morning, we looked outside and saw steam coming from the trees around her house!!!   It looked like the trees were on fire................ smoking.   We thought it was the strangest thing and still don’t know exactly what caused it….maybe a shift in temperature ...................but neither of us had ever seen such a thing.......

Very interesting to say the least……I believe signs can guide us to where we are supposed to be...... if we keep our eyes open to them......................…Are you paying attention??

Friday, October 28, 2011

Thinking Ahead ...

I read a quote this morning that really stands out in my mind. 

"Every thought we think is creating our future"  - Louise Hay

If we stop and realize that we are the builders of our future, I believe we can have the future of our dreams.  It will take hard work, determination and drive but it truly starts with a thought...... 

That old interview question  "Where do you see yourself 5 years from now" suddenly makes a lot of sense ................. Think about it........

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Still giving me priceless gifts…..

Many years ago, when my son was just a little boy, he gave me a gift at Christmas that will always stand out in my mind as a priceless one.  We didn’t have a lot of money and I was very worried about how to even make ends meet at that time in my life. 

He came to me with a box and a smile.  He had found a lot of pictures of himself that we had taken over the years…..memories we’d made……….. and he glued them on the box and made a “picture box” for my Christmas gift.  He said “Mama, we don’t have a lot of money but we have a lot of love.”  This came from a little man that was about 10 years old at the time.  It just melted my heart and I have treasured it and will treasure it always. It was such a BIG gift from such a little boy!!

This morning at 5:21am, I got a call from London.  It was my son, telling me that he’d be at the airport at 2:45pm today!  His tour in Afghanistan is over and he’s coming home.  Again, a moment in time in which I will always treasure from that same, now grown, man…………..one that I adore…. my son!

Thank you Lord for protecting him and bringing him home to me……. for his light and his smile……. I love you Tyler.     

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Fall

...... the beauty of this time of the year continues to inspire poetry….....

Fall
Leaves cascading in an autumn breeze
Visible breathe of a child I see
Smoke rising high above the tree tops
Whispering warmth so peacefully
A star hidden far beyond a mist of clouds
Peeping through ever so cleverly
Holiday season is near
Sounds of laughter I hear

-Mary E Dorsett-
Oct 20, 1986

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Chicken Stew for the Young at Heart

I had the best time last night!  My girlfriend invited me to her family’s annual “chicken stew” and I had the pleasure of meeting such a fantastic soul…………….her grandma!    She was 86 years young and such a delight!   

We were chatting about dressing up like 80’s chicks for Halloween and finding a party to go to and we just had to invite her to come along!  She said she’d love to go but she would have to go in a wheel chair because she has a lot of pain to deal with.  We told her we’d love to take her with us ………wheelchair and all!!!!    We all laughed and had such a great time!!

She was such a vibrant lady….  even with a frail body, she was so full of life and spunk!  Her energy was magnetic in the room! 

You know, I thought about her a lot today and was quite inspired….. just thinking about how some people lose that zest for life that she exhibited so well last night ….. and although she was aged in body… her soul was so well defined with youthful vitality….  What a true blessing it was to meet her.

As I was leaving, I gave her a hug and told her she should come along and dance with us..... She would surely be the belle of the ball……………..

Years may age us but our spirit defines us in age……. and I have decided... if I ever have to grow up... I want to be just like her!!!!!    

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Are you searching for what you already have?

I had the privilege of going to a praise concert this past week and the lead singer spoke of something that inspired my writing today……   

She spoke of how we spend so much time trying to find love in other things; we lose sight of all the love that is right in front of us. 

Are you spending the time to nurture and develop the relationships in your life that really matter?  Are you listening to those people around you….. the ones who need you? Need your attention? Your guidance?  Your love? 

Are you reaching for more when all you need is already there?  I believe that old saying is so true…… “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side”………….. when we throw a bit of fertilizer to what we have…… we will be amazed at the growth….the beauty… the love…..

I truly believe we should appreciate what we have….. family, friends…..all the things that nurture us…. make us happy…. support us…………… encourage us…. challenge us……make us really feel something good and positive…….  The most important things in our lives are the things that we should protect… nurture….be strong in…. love…..    

Things die when there is no love and attention….no food and water…..no sunshine….   Are you taking care of the important things in your life or are you spending all that energy on searching for what may be dying in front of you……………….  think about it……


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Preparing.......

When I was 12 years old, I fell in love with writing.  I also fell in love with people from all over the world.  Remember the days of “pen to paper?” Well…..  I had over 100 pen pals when I was 12 years old…. I had friends all over the world…..long before my space and face book.  It was so exciting and fulfilling... wrapped around so many stories about far away lands ...culture and diversity.

I look back on that now and know that this creative way of dealing with an alcoholic and abusive father was not only my escape….it was my resolve!   Of all the things I could have done to deal with such a trying situation as a youngster, I found my true passion and for that I am forever thankful. 

Little did I know that one day I would be here with you unraveling the intricacies of timing, purpose, passion, conviction and just listening to that inner voice  guiding me to the place where I find the most peace and comfort ………where things feel so right………… right where I belong…..   




Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Right Where YOU Belong

Have you ever wondered why sometimes things just feel so "right"...... you know, like you are in the right time....the right place....the right setting.... surrounding yourself with the right people????  Have you ever wondered why you have those "moments" in time that are so defining..... those peaceful comfortable moments in which you just KNOW you are finally exactly where you are supposed to be????

When we stop fighting with our inner voice and start speaking it........ when we stop talking so much and  begin to really listen and hear ..... when we let go of the things that hold us back instead of hanging on to what hinders our journey and when we accept the path that is laid out before us instead of challenging it ........... that feeling comes.... that peace... that comfort... that moment in time when we just know...... 

Awwww... what an incredible moment in time when you just KNOW ................ you really KNOW that you are right where you belong.....

Monday, October 17, 2011

It was a Great Ride!!

I got to experience a new roller coaster at an amusement park yesterday!  It was awesome!  You hop in the seat like you really know what's going on and then the seat goes all the way back and as you are just lying there feeling like you just lost control, trying to decide if this coaster was a good idea or not..........the ride begins.................... you jet off backwards............. not knowing what's ahead of you ............... having faith that you won't fall out as you are looking at the park hundreds of feet below........ just hanging there.... 

It reminded me of life.....  we control very little although sometimes we don't want to admit it.  We never really know what to expect although we try to set the stage for the way we want things to go. Life travels much faster than we would like it to most days but we learn to hang on for dear life .......  having faith that in the end, we realize we are having the time of our lives ...... making memories.......... building stories....... writing chapters....

Awwwww.... it was a great ride......

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Got Diversity?

WOW!  I am behind!  But, that’s okay!  It’s been an incredible week …. a journey filled with great moments that have  inspired new thoughts and ideas….
In fact…. today, I have been inspired to write about diversity!
What is your definition of diversity?  For me… diversity is having the ability to be everything I want to be................ not limiting myself to the restrictions and ideas of others as to what I should and shouldn’t be………….   It’s not about being different … it’s about just being me.  I am like no other.  I am unique.  From sweet country girl to professional career woman to rocker chick if I want to be  …………… it’s all ME and I LOVE it!!!   
Allowing myself to be myself = My Happiness!!   
Don’t lose YOU to those who try to mold you….. Find YOU in your diversity and LOVE it!!!!!!  


Monday, October 10, 2011

Don't Let Life Suck the Life out of YOU!

I had a very interesting conversation yesterday and a great point came from it!  I want to share it with YOU today... perhaps a little dessert for thought, eh??    

Have you ever wondered why so many people seem so much older than they really are?  Do you run across old friends and acquaintances the same age as you but they just seem so defeated ..worn out...... so old????  Do you ever wonder why?  Is it genetics?  Did they live life on the edge for too many years?  Did they grow up hard?  Have they just given up on everything?  Are they lazy?  Hummmm....  a lot of things play a part in it, I'm sure. 

During the conversation, we all agreed that life has a negative impact on some..... it can actually suck the life out of some people.  It's quite ironic ...... living life to the fullest should keep us young at heart while living with what life throws at us can surely suck the life out of us too.

I had to ponder on this one...... 

We can 't change what happens in life but we can surely change our way of dealing with it.  Don't let life suck the life out of you! Just like with the roller coaster ride, YOU have the power to change the way you deal with all the crazy things life will surely throw your way!  Let life be your fountain of youth as it breathes life into you.....don't let it steal your happy .... Let it inspire you!  Let it fuel you!

It's funny how all these things keep coming back around .............a connection,  a puzzle, a moment..................hummmmm............ interesting..... don't you think??   Enjoy some dark chocolate!  :-)  It's great for you!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Roller Coasters Aren't Always Fun!

Ever stopped and wondered why things suddenly happen and send us up a roller coaster track and then things change again and send us crashing down the track............ and then they change again and back up we go .... and then back down... etc... etc....etc....?

Hummm..... ever wonder why things changing suddenly have so much control over us?  I had the opportunity to evaluate this scenario this week and WOW!  what an awesome growth experience!  I was letting things totally beyond my control send me on a roller coaster that I just wanted to get off of.... andddd I am someone who LOVES roller coasters (usually)!!!  

I really had to think about this one and I came to two very simple conclusions.

1) I can't control things beyond my control. (Imagine that!)
2) I can control my reaction to those things. (I have the POWER!)

Bingo!  The sudden changes weren't creating my roller coaster ride.  My reaction to those changes was creating it! Guess what!  I stopped the roller coaster! And, it was GREATTTTTT!!!! 

With that being said, this is not what I had intended to write about for today but everything happens for a reason and I was compelled to share this today.....  Are you on a roller coaster ride that just won't end????  Maybe you needed this today............ if so, I'm so glad I endured the roller coaster this week just to share it  here, like this, today...........................   Remember - YOU are the only one with the power!  You control the BRAKESSSSSSSS!!!  Just stop it!!  

Thursday, October 6, 2011

In Just One Month!

One month ago TODAY, I started this blog! 30 posts later, here I am….. sitting at my laptop, thinking WOW!!!  This is GREAT!!!  I’m doing it!! I have the first few chapters of my book already blueprinted!!!!  I’m ready to push forward into the next few chapters now!!
 I have gotten wonderfully encouraging feedback and I am fueled to keep on going!!!!!  Whooohoooo!!!  (Yep!  It’s not even 7am yet!  I know! I know!  Good morninggggg, world!!!!)
Just taking that one baby step in that one moment , one month ago today brought me here to this moment, DOING it….YAAAA!!!!   I am doing what I’ve always wanted to do!!!  And, guess what!!!  I feel so very fortunate!  I get to share it with all of you!!! Every moment matters…..  remember???    
Let TODAY be your day!!  Take a baby step…… and let's see where YOU are one month from today!!!      

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Question!

When you open your mind up to new things, what do you get?

In my experience you get new perspectives, new insight and wonderful opportunities to explore new thoughts, new ideas and you may even find that you will begin to form new opinions.......hummmmmm.............Ever felt fearful in asking someone  “How do you feel about that?”  Ever listened to the answer with open ears….. really listening, not just hearing?  It can be an amazing experience when we step out of our box and let new things rush in.  Try it!  You may be very surprised ………….. the greatest of things are born with first an open mind.  Think about it…..    

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Looking Back....

WOW!  As I was digging through my folder of things I had written so many years ago… I came across this.   I wrote this when I was 16….. it confirms that I have been  true to that girl of yester year…..  I am so glad!!!   It made my day!!!!!!!!   I just had to share....... 
______________________________________________________________
My thoughts at 16……..  (26 years later……….For my grandson, Isaiah…… )
I see myself many years from now – maybe sixty or seventy years gone by, leaving me with only memories of so many things.  Some will give me pleasure….some will give me heartache and pain.
Growing old doesn’t scare me at this time in my life.  I enjoy living way too much to worry about aging…and later dying.  I look forward to the years ahead of me.  I want to learn as much as I possibly can between now and my final fate.
Life, to me, is only a stage that all must endure and death, its end, all must accept.
I want to look to the years ahead of me in a positive way….no turning back. I’ve made it this far.  I strive to achieve all of my ambitions, my goals……..the things I’ve always dreamed of doing.
I want to be happy doing the years of work I expect to be doing in my future.  I’m determined to stay young at heart, if not in years. 
You see, I feel age doesn’t have to end being young and free and happy.  I intend to live forever and as long as I am alive, never slowing down, just waiting to die.
And one day, I will tell my grandchildren my stories and the stories I’ve heard over the years and leave behind my words, my thoughts, my dreams… so much of myself for them.  I will never die totally even when the life within my person dies.  I will live on forever within them and the things I left behind….myself. 
- Mary Dorsett -
November 5, 1985 

Monday, October 3, 2011

Music the Motivator

Tired of drilling down yet?  Ah!  Come on now….  Let’s keep going…. Okay???
What about music motivates me?  Hummmmm….. This was a great drill down for me personally.  I had to dig deep… don’t you like that?  Digging deep to find YOU!  Here’s what I discovered….
1)      For me, Music is REAL!  It’s an expression of a true self, the artist.    This motivates me to stay true to myself. 
2)      Music makes me “feel” something.  Whether it’s happy or sad or surprised or disappointed or excited …. It makes me feel………….stimulating my emotions thus creating motivation to do something….. to ACT. 
3)      Music stimulates my creativity…. Again, creating motivation to ACT in some way.
4)      Music keeps me open minded….motivated to reach… to explore outside my comfort zone…. 
5)      Music can be intoxicating....all different kinds in their own way……
6)      Music is comforting..…. it can be motivating in a therapeutic way… allowing my mind to rest, to heal, to recharge   
This motivator is very diverse and very powerful …. Creating so many different emotions and opportunities to act!  Think about it!  Music can make us cry even when we can’t hear the lyrics… it can make us feel the emotion.  Music can make us want to jump up and dance even when we are not dancers.  It can make us smile everyyyy single time we hear a certain song…   its power is absolutely incredible.  Think about it…. Does music motivate you??  


Sunday, October 2, 2011

LOVE

Next on my drill down list is the motivation for me in loving someone or something.  Love is a powerful motivator! Think about it…. When you are madly in love with someone, you will do anything to be close to that person!  When you love a child, you would put yourself in front of a life or death situation to protect them from it!  Here are some more thoughts around this motivator:
1)    Loving myself motivates me to take care of myself…. To be good to myself….mind, body and spirit.   
2)    Being in love with life motivates me to want to always strive for more......doing everything….seeing everything… experiencing everything …….. driving me….. encouraging me….. pushing me…..
3)    When I love, I feel alive!
4)    When I love, I feel like I am my whole self.  Love brings me closer than anything to the real ME!
5)    When I love, I challenge myself to be even better than I thought I ever could be!
6)    When I love, it is crazy exciting, using and generating pure energy all at once. 
7)    When I love the choices I make and the things I am doing…………….it motivates me to  reach for my personal goals, relationship goals and career goals even more…..
What a great drill down!!!  I really believe love may be the most powerful motivator….  Love encourages ACTION with passion and purpose!   Action gets us where we want to be in life!  Hummmmm........  Think about it…….. 

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Thank You!

Today I wanted to STOP and say "Thank you!"  I've had such wonderful response and feedback since starting my blog and it's been so encouraging and inspiring for me!!!  I appreciate all of you soooo much and I hope I might blog just one thing along the way that helps you, encourages you.....makes you smile..... 

With my blog, I am living a dream... and you all are helping me!! 

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! 

Have a fantastic day filled with smiles and don't let anything steal YOUR happy!!! 

Friday, September 30, 2011

Helping Others helps ME!

Today I want to drill down on my motivation in “helping others.”  I’ve been thinking about this one for the last few days.  Let’s see:
1)     When I help others, it makes me feel like I am doing the “right” thing.
2)     When I help others, I feel like I am giving back, knowing that without people helping me along my journey, I may not be here today….blogging about helping others.
3)     Helping others keeps me grounded and humbled.
4)     I feel a great sense of personal reward when I encourage smiles.  (Smiles are so contagious and I believe wholeheartedly that we can change someone’s life with a smile…….)
5)     Helping others helps me help myself.  It takes the direct focus off of ME yet it broadens my horizons…..adding depth to who I am as an individual. 
6)     Helping others makes me feel wanted and needed.
7)     Helping others helps me KNOW that I CAN make a difference. 
After much thought, I know that helping others motivates drives and fuels me because it makes me feel good about the person I am ….  Who I strive to be.  It really does help me!!   It’s yet another item on the list that makes me happy and keeps me going strong and positive!
Are you drilling down???   

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Dreaming BIG!!!

Hummm…. My next drill down is around my motivation in “Dreaming BIG!”
Let’s see….
1)     When I open my mind to all the wonderful possibilities out there in this big ole world, it’s exciting!
2)     I enjoy taking my dreams and creating goals, both short term and long term!
3)     It’s exciting for me to think outside my box and reach for things no matter how insane they may seem to others.
4)     I enjoy the mental stimulation Dreaming BIG gives me!
5)     When I don’t allow barriers when I dream, I have none to get past in order to accomplish whatever I set out to do!
6)     When I Dream BIG, I feel invincible…. I am in DO IT mode and my creative juices flow at top speed.  (Just ask my family and friends!!! They probably get tired of my racing mind……… haha )
In taking a closer look at the hows and whys Dreaming Big motivates, drives and fuels me…. I know now that it gives me an internal BOOST …. It energizes me!  It pushes me beyond the norm and makes me feel on top of the world!  These things make me feel like I can do anything, thus giving me the rush of adrenaline to succeed in anything I set out to do.  
Ta-daaaa!!!  Yet another thing that keeps me positive and happy!   
WOW!  Another great day of thinking!!  Let’s continue….

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Researching Things

From my list, I chose “researching things” for my first drill down.  I had to ask myself why researching motivates me.   Of course, this took a lot of thought and that’s why I am posting so late today.  Really, taking a closer look at how or why something motivates and fuels us isn’t always easy..... we have to dig deep.  Here are the things I came up with.
1)     When I am researching something, I am looking for an answer.  The part that motivates me is “finding the answer.” 
2)    It’s not the work involved in the research that motivates me.  It’s getting to the answer that does the trick.
3)    For me, it’s exciting to get to the bottom of something, prove a point, find a solution and be able to “know” the answer without doubt.
4)    Getting to the answer through research builds my self confidence. 
5)    It makes me more knowledgeable and more credible in my statements. 
6)    It allows me to have conversations on many different levels, building my self esteem in many areas. 
7)    Getting to the answer makes me feel important. 
8)    It makes me feel smart. 
When I look at the hows and whys…. they tell me that I feel better about myself when I am able to research to the end result of finding the answer.  Hummm…. When I feel better about myself, I am a better person….a more productive person.....a happier person.   
WOW! That was great!!!!  Let’s look at another item on the list….   



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Are you digging??

Have you been thinking hard??  Don't worry!  It takes a little time to drill down to the hows and whys of your motivations.  Just take one thing at a time from your list and think about what specifically motivates and fuels you about that one thing!  Trust me!  It's worth the work! 

I think you will be amazed at what you discover about yourself when you take the time to get to the root of your motivations........... We start taking a closer look at things on the list tomorrow...... 

Monday, September 26, 2011

Let's Dig Deeper....

Were you able to answer the question?  Did you come up with more than one thing that motivates you…. drives you….. fuels you???  I have several answers to that question!  Let’s see:
1)    Passionate things like love, art, music
2)    Planning things
3)    Researching things
4)    Helping others
5)    Dreaming BIG
6)    Writing
All these things fuel me in some way!!! Okay!  Let’s dig deeper…...hummm ……. . Why do they fuel me?  What specifically makes them fuel me?  Let’s think about this… together….

Sunday, September 25, 2011

What Fuels You?

What excites you?  What drives you? Is it looking forward to someone you love coming home to you?  Is it your child getting an “A” on a test he or she has been studying for?  Is it the end of a challenging situation that you have found resolution to? Is it planning a long much deserved vacation?  Is it appreciation shown to you for a job well done at work?  What is it?  What motivates YOU?
When you can answer this question …. You have found your fuel!  When you find what fuels you, you know how to set the stage for your happy!  Remember…. YOU are in control of YOUR happy! Make sense?    

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Challenges Build Our Stories

You know…. the challenges we face in our everyday busy lives aren’t really what matter in the end.  It’s the way we handle those challenges that ultimately matters.  Do we get all stressed out, using every ounce of energy we have, to deflect and complain OR do we attack them head on with zest and enthusiasm??   
Tell me…. are you laughing about all the crazy things that happened five years ago…..?  When you think about your challenges of the past, do you feel like you learned something?  Have you grown?  If you said yes…. Guess what!  You will be doing the same thing five years from NOW…. You will be sitting around with your friends and family saying, “Remember when……..”  laughing about it…perhaps sharing tears… bonding with others. 
So, don’t use all your energy worrying about the challenges you face…. Use your energy taking care of them and pushing forward.  It’s not always easy…………but remember, challenges are only opportunities for growth and you will be telling those great stories you've built years from now……..
When our world turns upside down, we find strength in action and comfort in our stories.  Think about it…... 



Friday, September 23, 2011

Nope! Not me!!

WOW!  Travel took me away from my blog for the last couple of days!   But…. I’m backkkk……. Whooohoooo!!!!!   
Ever been told you are silly?…..that you act like a child?   Has someone told you that you need to grow up?  People think that about me all the time!  I love to laugh and play and be silly and have fun!!!  It does not mean I don’t work HARD because believe me! I do…………….. but ….guess what!  I don’t want to grow up!!    I love not growing up! 
Think about it!  What do we love about children??  They are fun!  They are energetic!  They don’t take things too seriously! They play!  They enjoy life!
Ummmm….. Isn’t that what we’ve been discussing here?  It’s one of the greatest things on earth…… ENTHUSIASM!!!  It doesn’t cost a dime and it’s so very valuable!!!   When people “grow up” they tend to forget how to get excited over the “little things” ….. you know the way children do when you say “Hey…. Let’s go feed the ducks!” (My son loved hearing me ask that question so many years ago……)  Or, at Christmas time …. When they CANNOT WAIT for Santa to come!!!   I stillll CANNOT WAIT for Santa to come!!!!   I love the magic of Christmas.....it lights up the whole world!!!  (And, YESSS!!  I still believe in Santa! Don’t YOU???)  
Awwww…… that excitement and enthusiasm keeps us young, vibrant, full of life………and I LOVEEE it!!!!  Nope! I’m not growing up because I choose not to!  What about YOU??