KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
Be aware of the space, world, people, and events going on around you. Sometimes we are in such a hurry or we're so focused on what is going on in our own head that we miss things. Slow down so you can pay attention to the small things. Pay attention to how people are feeling and what they are saying (or are trying to say). If you keep your eyes open, you will pick up on the millions of possibilities and opportunities that are out there waiting for you to find them.
Along those same lines...
GIVE PEOPLE YOUR FULL ATTENTION
When people are talking to you--no matter how small the topic seems--look at them, think about what they are saying, fully listen to them, and give them your honest response. People deserve your full attention and you will feel better and enjoy the relationship more if you show them that they (and their thoughts) are important to you. When you are with people you love, let the stress of the world fade away and just be there with them to enjoy their company at that moment.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Rest & Ask
REST
Sleep, nap, lay around, do nothing... It is important to be able to be still with yourself and to not always have to be doing something. When you lay still you heal both your body and your mind.
ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT/NEED
Be clear and specific. Ask the universe. Ask God. Just ask. Life will bring you what you ask for. Be positive and ask for positive things.
Do NOT ask for things you don't want to happen. Don't say, "Please don't let me stub my toe today." You have just focused your words on toe stubbing! Instead, rephrase positively. What do you want? "Please let today be a beautiful day full of peace and calm" is pretty good, but I think it's better to be even more specific. How about "Let me wake up in the morning feeling energized and happy." or "Please let me win $7.00 on a scratch off lottery ticket today!" :) (That one is maybe too specific...and a little silly, but that's good. BE SILLY!)
Main Message:
Ask for all things large and small. You deserve them. After you ask, rest and trust that everything you want (need) is coming to you in its own time.
Sleep, nap, lay around, do nothing... It is important to be able to be still with yourself and to not always have to be doing something. When you lay still you heal both your body and your mind.
ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT/NEED
Be clear and specific. Ask the universe. Ask God. Just ask. Life will bring you what you ask for. Be positive and ask for positive things.
Do NOT ask for things you don't want to happen. Don't say, "Please don't let me stub my toe today." You have just focused your words on toe stubbing! Instead, rephrase positively. What do you want? "Please let today be a beautiful day full of peace and calm" is pretty good, but I think it's better to be even more specific. How about "Let me wake up in the morning feeling energized and happy." or "Please let me win $7.00 on a scratch off lottery ticket today!" :) (That one is maybe too specific...and a little silly, but that's good. BE SILLY!)
Main Message:
Ask for all things large and small. You deserve them. After you ask, rest and trust that everything you want (need) is coming to you in its own time.
Live Loving & Kind (But Don't Be a Sucker)
LIVE LOVING & KIND (BUT DON'T BE A SUCKER)
Be kind to all. Don't use your words to hurt people. Think about how your actions make other people feel. This is what people will most remember about you. They will remember how it felt to be around you. Be a breath of fresh air and a joy in the lives of those around you. Try not to judge others too harshly.
BUT that does not mean you should let others take advantage of you. Take care of yourself and don't let others talk you into spending all your energy on them. We are often taught that being selfless is honorable, but I don't believe that's true. Doing good for others is wonderful (and a necessary part of a happy life), but never at the expense of yourself! There is a balance. You can help others while at the same time setting boundaries and caring for yourself.
This sounds complicated and difficult, but if something feels complicated and difficult, then it probably isn't right. If you find that others are being neglected or hurt in the process of you caring for yourself then there is probably a "hitch in your giddy-up." There is probably an adjustment that can and should be made because when you are truly doing what is right, you will feel balanced--you will be able to take care of yourself and do what is right by those you love. Sometimes we feel like it has to be one or the other--either I'm taking care of others or I'm taking care of myself. That isn't true. Again--BALANCE. If you're having trouble finding balance (in life or in a relationship), talk it out with someone who truly loves you enough to be honest with you. (ME!) This person will give you their opinion and it might not always be what you wanted to hear, but if you've chosen to talk with someone who really loves you then you know that anything they say comes from a place of love. (It is so much easier just to agree with people, but those that love you the most care about you enough to tell you things that might upset, anger, or annoy you. The people that love you the most are willing to put themselves out there and to tell you what they see because they believe there is a chance that knowing these things will truly help you. (This is hard to put into words, but basically those who truly love you care enough to put themselves in an uncomfortable situation to potentially help you.)
Be kind to all. Don't use your words to hurt people. Think about how your actions make other people feel. This is what people will most remember about you. They will remember how it felt to be around you. Be a breath of fresh air and a joy in the lives of those around you. Try not to judge others too harshly.
BUT that does not mean you should let others take advantage of you. Take care of yourself and don't let others talk you into spending all your energy on them. We are often taught that being selfless is honorable, but I don't believe that's true. Doing good for others is wonderful (and a necessary part of a happy life), but never at the expense of yourself! There is a balance. You can help others while at the same time setting boundaries and caring for yourself.
This sounds complicated and difficult, but if something feels complicated and difficult, then it probably isn't right. If you find that others are being neglected or hurt in the process of you caring for yourself then there is probably a "hitch in your giddy-up." There is probably an adjustment that can and should be made because when you are truly doing what is right, you will feel balanced--you will be able to take care of yourself and do what is right by those you love. Sometimes we feel like it has to be one or the other--either I'm taking care of others or I'm taking care of myself. That isn't true. Again--BALANCE. If you're having trouble finding balance (in life or in a relationship), talk it out with someone who truly loves you enough to be honest with you. (ME!) This person will give you their opinion and it might not always be what you wanted to hear, but if you've chosen to talk with someone who really loves you then you know that anything they say comes from a place of love. (It is so much easier just to agree with people, but those that love you the most care about you enough to tell you things that might upset, anger, or annoy you. The people that love you the most are willing to put themselves out there and to tell you what they see because they believe there is a chance that knowing these things will truly help you. (This is hard to put into words, but basically those who truly love you care enough to put themselves in an uncomfortable situation to potentially help you.)
Be Peaceful
BE PEACEFUL
Take deep breaths. Calm yourself and your thoughts. Act, don't react. Don't put your energy into negativity. If you don't like someone that is okay, but don't spend your energy on hating them. Wish them well and move on with your life. Don't get caught up "tornado style" in life--where it feels like you're spinning in circles and can't slow down. When you feel your mind racing, quiet it and think about the moment you are in and all of the blessings in your life. Know that the things making you spin will pass and that you will handle every situation as it comes. There is no sense in over-worrying! The situation becomes "double sucky" if you have to get through it and worry about it. All the time people spend pitching a fit could be spent either making a plan or (and equally as important) ENJOYING LIFE!
Main Message: Breathe, let things go, don't carry anger with you. You become heavy when you carry anger--throw it away and fee light and free.
Take deep breaths. Calm yourself and your thoughts. Act, don't react. Don't put your energy into negativity. If you don't like someone that is okay, but don't spend your energy on hating them. Wish them well and move on with your life. Don't get caught up "tornado style" in life--where it feels like you're spinning in circles and can't slow down. When you feel your mind racing, quiet it and think about the moment you are in and all of the blessings in your life. Know that the things making you spin will pass and that you will handle every situation as it comes. There is no sense in over-worrying! The situation becomes "double sucky" if you have to get through it and worry about it. All the time people spend pitching a fit could be spent either making a plan or (and equally as important) ENJOYING LIFE!
Main Message: Breathe, let things go, don't carry anger with you. You become heavy when you carry anger--throw it away and fee light and free.
Live Life As You
LIVE LIFE AS YOU
Never be afraid to share who you truly are and what you really think and feel. Those that truly love you will not judge you or be mad at you for sharing your feelings. They might not agree with you, but they will at least honor and acknowledge that you are entitled to your own thoughts.
Always share your honest feelings with your sissy! You might think I can't tell when you're trying to hide how you feel (like when you're trying to pretend something isn't bothering you), but I can! (I've known you for a long time...;) ) You don't need to protect me. I always want to know what you're really feeling.
*Side Note: I should follow my own advice on this one! Sometimes I pretend I believe you when you are pretending you're okay with something because I don't want to push you. And other times I put on a happy face even when I'm feeling unsure or sad about something. It can be really hard to just put it all out there. I think it's worth the risk though because you give the people around you the chance to love you (and to love the real you, the whole you).
Main Message: I love you no matter who you are or how often that changes.
Never be afraid to share who you truly are and what you really think and feel. Those that truly love you will not judge you or be mad at you for sharing your feelings. They might not agree with you, but they will at least honor and acknowledge that you are entitled to your own thoughts.
Always share your honest feelings with your sissy! You might think I can't tell when you're trying to hide how you feel (like when you're trying to pretend something isn't bothering you), but I can! (I've known you for a long time...;) ) You don't need to protect me. I always want to know what you're really feeling.
*Side Note: I should follow my own advice on this one! Sometimes I pretend I believe you when you are pretending you're okay with something because I don't want to push you. And other times I put on a happy face even when I'm feeling unsure or sad about something. It can be really hard to just put it all out there. I think it's worth the risk though because you give the people around you the chance to love you (and to love the real you, the whole you).
Main Message: I love you no matter who you are or how often that changes.
Love Notes
I used to save "Love Notes" on my computer to you. Here are two that I've found recently:
May 26, 2007:
To my brothers & sisters,
You are so special to me. There aren't words to say how much I love you. And the world love doesn't do it justice. You are a part of me, a part of my heart. You are a gift & you have been a gift every day of your lives.
Love,
Sissy
February 16, 2009:
To my brothers & sisters,
I want you to go out into the world and live life. I want you to experience life fully, to try new things, to join in the fun everyone is having. I want you to smile and laugh and be silly. I want you to work hard and treat people with kindness. I want you to do wonderful, big things with your life that make you happy.
More than anything, I want you to be happy.
Love,
Sissy
May 26, 2007:
To my brothers & sisters,
You are so special to me. There aren't words to say how much I love you. And the world love doesn't do it justice. You are a part of me, a part of my heart. You are a gift & you have been a gift every day of your lives.
Love,
Sissy
February 16, 2009:
To my brothers & sisters,
I want you to go out into the world and live life. I want you to experience life fully, to try new things, to join in the fun everyone is having. I want you to smile and laugh and be silly. I want you to work hard and treat people with kindness. I want you to do wonderful, big things with your life that make you happy.
More than anything, I want you to be happy.
Love,
Sissy
Introduction
While I'm going through my daily life, I think of you, my brothers & sisters, often. You have always been extra special to me. I love you all so much and I have always wanted to live life well and to make you proud. You all are the most important people in my life and are on my mind anytime I make big life decisions. (I went to college as close as I could and worked hard to get a job and house near you.) Everyone that knows me knows I am a big sister and that my siblings are the loves of my life.
As I live this life, experience new things, learn, and grow, I so often think of things I want to share with you. But as we go through our busy daily lives it doesn't seem like there is enough quiet time for me to say all I want to say to you. So I had this idea--I would set aside a notebook and would fill it with messages to you (things I've learned, my wishes for you, etc.). I don't know when I'll be finished with this and I don't know when I will give it to each of you, but it's important to me to be here for you and to share these thoughts with you. It's important for me to try to show you just how often I think of each of you, how important you are to me, and how proud I am of you. It is important to me hat you know that I love you unconditionally. I love you because of who you are (not what you do--although you all do great things). I will always love you & will always be here for you. My biggest wish for you all is health and happiness. I want you to live life, to do work you love, to be surrounded by people who love you. I want you to always feel loved and secure and safe.
Through this notebook (blog), I want to share some advice with you. But unfortunately I'm not perfect (not even close), so it's not that I think I have everything figured out. I haven't always acted like I know I should and I haven't always followed my own advice. Overall though I'm always trying to do the right thing and to learn from my mistakes. (Maya Angelou says that when we know better we do better. I firmly believe this is true!) Because I'm always learning, there may be advice in here that is contradictory or that I go back later and change. I want to leave those imperfections in here though so that you know that I don't ever expect you to be perfect. I don't ever want you to feel that kind of pressure because whoever you are, at any time, is "perfect" to me. I never want you to feel self-conscious with me about any decision you ever make. I want to celebrate all the great things you do and I want to be there to laugh (or sometimes cry) with you about the decisions that didn't work out as well. I want you to truly know that there is nothing you could do that would make me love you any less. I love you more every day.
First piece of advice--Follow your heart and your instinct. Tell the rest of the world to be quiet. (It's okay to tell me to be quiet too sometimes! :) ) I will be here to support the choices you make and to love you unconditionally. I have loved each of you since the minute you were born and I am so very lucky that you are my brothers and sisters (and best friends). I love thinking about the future and all of the parts of life that we'll share with each other.
The thoughts in the rest of this notebook (blog) are in no particular order--just the random order they popped into my head.
As I live this life, experience new things, learn, and grow, I so often think of things I want to share with you. But as we go through our busy daily lives it doesn't seem like there is enough quiet time for me to say all I want to say to you. So I had this idea--I would set aside a notebook and would fill it with messages to you (things I've learned, my wishes for you, etc.). I don't know when I'll be finished with this and I don't know when I will give it to each of you, but it's important to me to be here for you and to share these thoughts with you. It's important for me to try to show you just how often I think of each of you, how important you are to me, and how proud I am of you. It is important to me hat you know that I love you unconditionally. I love you because of who you are (not what you do--although you all do great things). I will always love you & will always be here for you. My biggest wish for you all is health and happiness. I want you to live life, to do work you love, to be surrounded by people who love you. I want you to always feel loved and secure and safe.
Through this notebook (blog), I want to share some advice with you. But unfortunately I'm not perfect (not even close), so it's not that I think I have everything figured out. I haven't always acted like I know I should and I haven't always followed my own advice. Overall though I'm always trying to do the right thing and to learn from my mistakes. (Maya Angelou says that when we know better we do better. I firmly believe this is true!) Because I'm always learning, there may be advice in here that is contradictory or that I go back later and change. I want to leave those imperfections in here though so that you know that I don't ever expect you to be perfect. I don't ever want you to feel that kind of pressure because whoever you are, at any time, is "perfect" to me. I never want you to feel self-conscious with me about any decision you ever make. I want to celebrate all the great things you do and I want to be there to laugh (or sometimes cry) with you about the decisions that didn't work out as well. I want you to truly know that there is nothing you could do that would make me love you any less. I love you more every day.
First piece of advice--Follow your heart and your instinct. Tell the rest of the world to be quiet. (It's okay to tell me to be quiet too sometimes! :) ) I will be here to support the choices you make and to love you unconditionally. I have loved each of you since the minute you were born and I am so very lucky that you are my brothers and sisters (and best friends). I love thinking about the future and all of the parts of life that we'll share with each other.
The thoughts in the rest of this notebook (blog) are in no particular order--just the random order they popped into my head.
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