"Breath Deeply & remember everyday is a chance to start over".
"Go with the flow & trust that what happens is meant to be"
Anonymous
Sunday, October 25, 2009
In Silence, the Soul Finds a Path
"In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness."
~ Mahatma Gandhi
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Amarinda Jones on "Living Out Loud"
Living loud…
What do you think living out loud means?
- Is it the freedom to just be who the hell you are, with all your flaws and annoying idiosyncrasies, without worrying if someone likes you because the bottom line is you can only be who you are and not pander or others?
- Is it being daring and standing out and up and saying “bugger off, I don’t care if everyone else is doing it, it’s against everything I believe in, so I’m not.”
- Is it being at peace with yourself and knowing that you were never meant to be anyone else and that competing with others is just a waste of time?
- Is it about accepting that you may never be as beautiful or as smart as another and that’s okay because who wants to be like them? They can never be you.
I believe living out loud is all that but also being bold and different and ready to take risks knowing you’ll probably fall on your arse but what the hell – cellulite makes you rebound.
I also reckon EE Cummings got it right.
www.amarindajones.com
www.amarindajones.blogspot.com
Be daring...read an Amarinda book
What do you think living out loud means?
- Is it the freedom to just be who the hell you are, with all your flaws and annoying idiosyncrasies, without worrying if someone likes you because the bottom line is you can only be who you are and not pander or others?
- Is it being daring and standing out and up and saying “bugger off, I don’t care if everyone else is doing it, it’s against everything I believe in, so I’m not.”
- Is it being at peace with yourself and knowing that you were never meant to be anyone else and that competing with others is just a waste of time?
- Is it about accepting that you may never be as beautiful or as smart as another and that’s okay because who wants to be like them? They can never be you.
I believe living out loud is all that but also being bold and different and ready to take risks knowing you’ll probably fall on your arse but what the hell – cellulite makes you rebound.
I also reckon EE Cummings got it right.
www.amarindajones.com
www.amarindajones.blogspot.com
Be daring...read an Amarinda book
Sunday, October 11, 2009
See It to Be It!
Daily Spiritual Message
"Ask God, angels and your guides to help you achieve your dreams. Be specific down to the tiniest detail. Program your mind for success and see yourself achieving your goals."
Sylvia Browne
"Ask God, angels and your guides to help you achieve your dreams. Be specific down to the tiniest detail. Program your mind for success and see yourself achieving your goals."
Sylvia Browne
See It to Be It!
Daily Spiritual Message
"Ask God, angels and your guides to help you achieve your dreams. Be specific down to the tiniest detail. Program your mind for success and see yourself achieving your goals."
Sylvia Browne
"Ask God, angels and your guides to help you achieve your dreams. Be specific down to the tiniest detail. Program your mind for success and see yourself achieving your goals."
Sylvia Browne
Saturday, October 10, 2009
What Drives You?
Quiz: What Drives You?
Get behind your motives
by S.K. Smith
When was the last time you felt inspired? Whether it's at work, in your love life or related to your hobbies, friendships or exercise regimen, knowing what gets you going can be a powerful tool toward achieving your goals. Your motivations hold the key to your aspirations. By understanding why we do things, we can change how we do them - and improve our results!
Take our quick score-it-yourself quiz and find out what drives you. Then calculate how to make the most of it!
1. You've just started a new workout plan, diet or ritual (such as journal writing). You will most likely stick to it if…
a. You have a sincere, strong desire to reach your goal: "I want to be able to say I did what I set out to do!"
b. You have a friend doing it with you: "I'm always better if others are relying on me."
c. The process and end result are important to your internal growth: "I know it's time for a change, and I'm ready!"
d. Your health requires it.
e. It will improve your standing within the community (among your professional, personal or romantic circles, or any and all of the above).
2. You've been working particularly hard lately, but you feel good about it because…
a. It's clear, at the moment, that you have a purpose. You're always best when you're using your brain and talents.
b. This is improving your relationship with your boss and your co-workers. That team spirit is in the air!
c. You're learning your own strengths and weaknesses - all of which will better prepare you for future challenges.
d. You're getting overtime pay or a bonus - or you've been assured that the importance of your role is being solidified by your efforts.
e. You're getting closer to the top of the ladder.
3. You've been working really hard lately, but you feel horrible about it because…
a. There's no end in sight - you've only got exhaustion to show for your troubles!
b. Your boss doesn't appreciate it, or your co-workers resent it. So what's the point of giving 110%?
c. Busy work is fine for a time, but at a certain point, you've got to get something out of what you're doing… or it's pointless!
d. People who are working just as hard have gotten laid off or fired recently - all the effort doesn't even guarantee you'll keep your job, never mind getting a raise or a bonus.
e. You're seen as a grunt. The boss (or anyone who's important) never has to work this hard.
4. You're hosting a party… You'll feel like it was a hit if…
a. The food, drinks and music are awesome, and a great time is had by all.
b. The mix of people is perfect - and strangers wind up becoming friends.
c. The conversation is intriguing. Interesting topics are broac
hed, and the discussion continues long into the night.
d. Everyone agrees that your parties are the best.
e. It looks really expensive (even if it wasn't), and everyone is duly impressed.
5. Which sounds like the best way to spend a weekend night?
a. Using that free time to get some extra work done. I can sleep or socialize do when I'm old - or dead!
b. Getting out and about with the people I like most.
c. Sitting around a dinner table with like-minded people, solving the problems of the universe - or at least talking about them!
d. Networking with my bosses and colleagues at the office event of the week.
e. Networking at an industry event, where I can make my presence known.
6. You run into an old friend or acquaintance. You're most likely to talk about:
a. What you've been doing professionally.
b. Your love life.
c. How much you've changed since way back when…
d. Money.
e. How you compare to your mutual friends.
Scoring
People are motivated by different factors, so if you answered...
Mostly A, you're motivated by Achievement
You're someone who likes to meet their goals - less for the recognition, perhaps, than for the sense of accomplishment and purpose that meeting those goals provides. You like to feel like your days have meaning and that you're contributing to the world around you. To get ahead in any arena, you'll want to make it a point to se
t goals as often as possible, and to update them whenever necessary. By keeping your heart's desires in sight (and yourself on track), not only are you laying down a road map to get you where you want to go over the long haul - you're also giving yourself the gift of little achievements along the way. This increases your odds of meeting your larger goals, by keeping the feeling of success fresh in your mind, and reminding you why you're doing these things in the first place.
Mostly B, you're motivated by Relationships
You're a people person. You need to be social, and you care very much that you're liked. You're apt to spend time participating in activities that ensure your relationships are strong, friendly and respectful. To give yourself an advantage in any endeavor, do whatever you can to facilitate interactive group activity. Build a team to accomplish a project at the office - or suggest a team (if you're in a subordinate role) and give your all in your role as a part of it. Include group dates as part of your romantic repertoire, so that you and your significant other can socialize, forging outside relationships together. Recruit a friend or two to be your workout buddies, so you can benefit from exercise - and each other's company.
Mostly C, you're motivated by Growth
Some people have a higher calling… and yours might be described as trying to maximize your personal growth during20your time here. Always on a quest for self-improvement, you find enjoyment in activities that expand your self-awareness, knowledge and consciousness. You're apt to dive in head first when you sense there is something to be learned from an experience, assignment or exchange. So if you can frame your larger goals and daily tasks as endeavors of expansion, focusing on where you can bolster your strengths, lessen your weaknesses and increase your knowledge base, you're more likely to give projects your all.
Mostly D, you're motivated by Security
You are someone who values predictability, and thrives when they know they can count on certain expectations to come to fruition. Rather than making mounds of money, you are driven by what is going to keep you safe and secure - certainly no worse off than the current status quo. Understandable - and for many, relatable - the trouble with this attitude is that depending on how far you take it, it may prevent you from taking chances or achieving anything more than the bare minimum you need to "get by." You might want to make a list of your true needs, and detail what you're doing to meet them. With that done, you can rest easy that you are secure, and get onto the business of thriving - rather than simply surviving!
Mostly E, you're motivated by Power
Let's face it - you're in it to win it. By your standards, that means being - and being seen as the best at whatever it is that you do. As a result, you're driven to do anything that increases your control over a situation, or improves how you're perceived, especially in comparison with your peers. If you can curb your power-hungry tendencies and aim to earn others' respect - as opposed to controlling them - you'll keep your friends along the way.
Coach Sherrie says: I had 5 Cs. I'm motivated by Growth. That's cool.
What motivates you? Write a response to this post. ;-)
Get behind your motives
by S.K. Smith
When was the last time you felt inspired? Whether it's at work, in your love life or related to your hobbies, friendships or exercise regimen, knowing what gets you going can be a powerful tool toward achieving your goals. Your motivations hold the key to your aspirations. By understanding why we do things, we can change how we do them - and improve our results!
Take our quick score-it-yourself quiz and find out what drives you. Then calculate how to make the most of it!
1. You've just started a new workout plan, diet or ritual (such as journal writing). You will most likely stick to it if…
a. You have a sincere, strong desire to reach your goal: "I want to be able to say I did what I set out to do!"
b. You have a friend doing it with you: "I'm always better if others are relying on me."
c. The process and end result are important to your internal growth: "I know it's time for a change, and I'm ready!"
d. Your health requires it.
e. It will improve your standing within the community (among your professional, personal or romantic circles, or any and all of the above).
2. You've been working particularly hard lately, but you feel good about it because…
a. It's clear, at the moment, that you have a purpose. You're always best when you're using your brain and talents.
b. This is improving your relationship with your boss and your co-workers. That team spirit is in the air!
c. You're learning your own strengths and weaknesses - all of which will better prepare you for future challenges.
d. You're getting overtime pay or a bonus - or you've been assured that the importance of your role is being solidified by your efforts.
e. You're getting closer to the top of the ladder.
3. You've been working really hard lately, but you feel horrible about it because…
a. There's no end in sight - you've only got exhaustion to show for your troubles!
b. Your boss doesn't appreciate it, or your co-workers resent it. So what's the point of giving 110%?
c. Busy work is fine for a time, but at a certain point, you've got to get something out of what you're doing… or it's pointless!
d. People who are working just as hard have gotten laid off or fired recently - all the effort doesn't even guarantee you'll keep your job, never mind getting a raise or a bonus.
e. You're seen as a grunt. The boss (or anyone who's important) never has to work this hard.
4. You're hosting a party… You'll feel like it was a hit if…
a. The food, drinks and music are awesome, and a great time is had by all.
b. The mix of people is perfect - and strangers wind up becoming friends.
c. The conversation is intriguing. Interesting topics are broac
hed, and the discussion continues long into the night.
d. Everyone agrees that your parties are the best.
e. It looks really expensive (even if it wasn't), and everyone is duly impressed.
5. Which sounds like the best way to spend a weekend night?
a. Using that free time to get some extra work done. I can sleep or socialize do when I'm old - or dead!
b. Getting out and about with the people I like most.
c. Sitting around a dinner table with like-minded people, solving the problems of the universe - or at least talking about them!
d. Networking with my bosses and colleagues at the office event of the week.
e. Networking at an industry event, where I can make my presence known.
6. You run into an old friend or acquaintance. You're most likely to talk about:
a. What you've been doing professionally.
b. Your love life.
c. How much you've changed since way back when…
d. Money.
e. How you compare to your mutual friends.
Scoring
People are motivated by different factors, so if you answered...
Mostly A, you're motivated by Achievement
You're someone who likes to meet their goals - less for the recognition, perhaps, than for the sense of accomplishment and purpose that meeting those goals provides. You like to feel like your days have meaning and that you're contributing to the world around you. To get ahead in any arena, you'll want to make it a point to se
t goals as often as possible, and to update them whenever necessary. By keeping your heart's desires in sight (and yourself on track), not only are you laying down a road map to get you where you want to go over the long haul - you're also giving yourself the gift of little achievements along the way. This increases your odds of meeting your larger goals, by keeping the feeling of success fresh in your mind, and reminding you why you're doing these things in the first place.
Mostly B, you're motivated by Relationships
You're a people person. You need to be social, and you care very much that you're liked. You're apt to spend time participating in activities that ensure your relationships are strong, friendly and respectful. To give yourself an advantage in any endeavor, do whatever you can to facilitate interactive group activity. Build a team to accomplish a project at the office - or suggest a team (if you're in a subordinate role) and give your all in your role as a part of it. Include group dates as part of your romantic repertoire, so that you and your significant other can socialize, forging outside relationships together. Recruit a friend or two to be your workout buddies, so you can benefit from exercise - and each other's company.
Mostly C, you're motivated by Growth
Some people have a higher calling… and yours might be described as trying to maximize your personal growth during20your time here. Always on a quest for self-improvement, you find enjoyment in activities that expand your self-awareness, knowledge and consciousness. You're apt to dive in head first when you sense there is something to be learned from an experience, assignment or exchange. So if you can frame your larger goals and daily tasks as endeavors of expansion, focusing on where you can bolster your strengths, lessen your weaknesses and increase your knowledge base, you're more likely to give projects your all.
Mostly D, you're motivated by Security
You are someone who values predictability, and thrives when they know they can count on certain expectations to come to fruition. Rather than making mounds of money, you are driven by what is going to keep you safe and secure - certainly no worse off than the current status quo. Understandable - and for many, relatable - the trouble with this attitude is that depending on how far you take it, it may prevent you from taking chances or achieving anything more than the bare minimum you need to "get by." You might want to make a list of your true needs, and detail what you're doing to meet them. With that done, you can rest easy that you are secure, and get onto the business of thriving - rather than simply surviving!
Mostly E, you're motivated by Power
Let's face it - you're in it to win it. By your standards, that means being - and being seen as the best at whatever it is that you do. As a result, you're driven to do anything that increases your control over a situation, or improves how you're perceived, especially in comparison with your peers. If you can curb your power-hungry tendencies and aim to earn others' respect - as opposed to controlling them - you'll keep your friends along the way.
Coach Sherrie says: I had 5 Cs. I'm motivated by Growth. That's cool.
What motivates you? Write a response to this post. ;-)
Friday, October 9, 2009
21 Ways to be inspired
21 Ways to Be Inspired
Next » Take Time Out
By Laurie Sue Brockway and Victor Fuhrman
There are so many ways to find inspiration in daily life. It does not require a lot of money or time. The only requirement is to open your spiritual eyes and choose to see life, and life’s natural wonders, in a new light.
Take a few minutes just for you to click through this gallery for easy ways to observe nature, meditate, pray, clear your head, have a good laugh or simply relax.
Read more ways to find inspiration in daily life.
Next Slide: Watch the Sun Rise »
Next » http://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/2009/09/21-ways-to-be-inspired.aspx?
Next » Take Time Out
By Laurie Sue Brockway and Victor Fuhrman
There are so many ways to find inspiration in daily life. It does not require a lot of money or time. The only requirement is to open your spiritual eyes and choose to see life, and life’s natural wonders, in a new light.
Take a few minutes just for you to click through this gallery for easy ways to observe nature, meditate, pray, clear your head, have a good laugh or simply relax.
Read more ways to find inspiration in daily life.
Next Slide: Watch the Sun Rise »
Next » http://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/2009/09/21-ways-to-be-inspired.aspx?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Age Has Given Me What I Was Looking For
"Age has given me what I was looking for my entire life - it gave me
me. It provided the time and experience and failures and triumphs and
friends who helped me step into the shape that had been waiting for me all
my life....I not only get along with me most of the time now, I am militantly and maternally on my own side."
Anne Lamott
me. It provided the time and experience and failures and triumphs and
friends who helped me step into the shape that had been waiting for me all
my life....I not only get along with me most of the time now, I am militantly and maternally on my own side."
Anne Lamott
Sunday, October 4, 2009
When Life's Not Fair
When Life’s Not Fair
4 ways to deal with injustices
by S.K. Smith
It's an unfortunate fact that sometimes, life's just not fair. From accidents to breakups to misunderstandings to job losses and even death... bad things do happen to good people. So what do you do when you're faced with a situation you didn't see coming - and didn't ask for?
Maybe it's something that throws you off-course in a way you couldn't have predicted, and brings into question everything you believe? The trick to surviving life's injustices - great and small - isn't in avoiding them. Rather, it lies in how you react once they've happened! Here's a 4-step approach for dealing with those situations in which life simply isn't fair…
Step away
Sometimes in the case of an accident or incident it's worthwhile to write down what you remember immediately - for a multitude of reasons. Trying to actually get some perspective on why it happened or what you can take from it is going to take some time. That's because it's nearly impossible to see things clearly in the immediate aftermath of something negative or surprising. Our heads are too clouded by anger, hurt, sadness or shock for a reasoned, introspective reaction.
Checklist to take control
So instead of stewing on the details in an attempt to unravel what seems like an unsolvable mystery, allow yourself some breathing room. Step away from what's happened for an hour or a day or a week before attempting to take stock. You're not losing your advantage or your chance to affect the situation by giving yourself a moment or 10 - you're gathering your composure, and improving your chances of making the most of the mishap, or at least showing your best grace under pressure.
Take stock
Now that you've given yourself the chance to calm down and clear your head, you can more accurately assess what went wrong. Rather than placing blame, try to look at it from all angles. Examine what you could have done differently before or after the fact, and try to determine how you will handle disappointments, hurts and other offenses in the future - not in a spirit of guilt, but rather personal growth. Don't make it about some person or entity who "wronged" you. Make it about the behavior you encountered, and what it has to teach you about yourself.
By taking whatever lesson there is to be found in the situation, you make sure your pain wasn't wasted. Whether what you learn is profoundly connected to patterns you've allowed to exist in your relationships, or as simple as the realization that we all need to experience the lows in order to appreciate the highs, you'll want to take note of it.
Next, set forth the intention to grow from this experience by making a plan to address any areas you want to change, and decide how you intend to change them. Set goals for yourself, and ensure you will always know you've done what you could. For example, determine that you will stay calm under pressure, and take people's words at face value. Decide that you will hold up your end of the bargain, regardless of what someone else does.
Speak up
Once you've looked at the curveball that's been thrown your way, taken responsibility for any part you might have had in it, and arm yourself with a plan for combating similar instances in the future. It's important that you express your feelings about the situation. Whether you feel that what happened was unfair, unforeseeable, preventable, cruel or simply something you wish never occurred, getting your thoughts and emotions off your chest will go a long way toward helping you heal. Even if your words fall on deaf ears, you will be able to rest assured that you made yourself clear. Eventually, that will help you to move forward.
On that note, don't fall victim to the desire to change someone's mind - or their heart - by repeating yourself over and over again. Speaking your mind once, clearly, is enough to get your point across. Addressing an injustice more than that could indicate that you're trying to change the outcome rather than trying to clear the air and move on… which might keep you stuck in the same emotional space even longer.
Finally, with the lesson of the mishap learned and your feelings expressed, it's important that you let go of the negative emotions and move on. It may be a little at a time in the case of major life changes, but you can do it.
Continue to remember the plan of action you set, and take positive steps every day toward achieving the goals you've laid out. That's not to say negative situations will not arise in the future, but the more firmly grounded you are in your truths, the easier it will be to move through an unforeseen occurrence the next time around.
4 ways to deal with injustices
by S.K. Smith
It's an unfortunate fact that sometimes, life's just not fair. From accidents to breakups to misunderstandings to job losses and even death... bad things do happen to good people. So what do you do when you're faced with a situation you didn't see coming - and didn't ask for?
Maybe it's something that throws you off-course in a way you couldn't have predicted, and brings into question everything you believe? The trick to surviving life's injustices - great and small - isn't in avoiding them. Rather, it lies in how you react once they've happened! Here's a 4-step approach for dealing with those situations in which life simply isn't fair…
Step away
Sometimes in the case of an accident or incident it's worthwhile to write down what you remember immediately - for a multitude of reasons. Trying to actually get some perspective on why it happened or what you can take from it is going to take some time. That's because it's nearly impossible to see things clearly in the immediate aftermath of something negative or surprising. Our heads are too clouded by anger, hurt, sadness or shock for a reasoned, introspective reaction.
Checklist to take control
So instead of stewing on the details in an attempt to unravel what seems like an unsolvable mystery, allow yourself some breathing room. Step away from what's happened for an hour or a day or a week before attempting to take stock. You're not losing your advantage or your chance to affect the situation by giving yourself a moment or 10 - you're gathering your composure, and improving your chances of making the most of the mishap, or at least showing your best grace under pressure.
Take stock
Now that you've given yourself the chance to calm down and clear your head, you can more accurately assess what went wrong. Rather than placing blame, try to look at it from all angles. Examine what you could have done differently before or after the fact, and try to determine how you will handle disappointments, hurts and other offenses in the future - not in a spirit of guilt, but rather personal growth. Don't make it about some person or entity who "wronged" you. Make it about the behavior you encountered, and what it has to teach you about yourself.
By taking whatever lesson there is to be found in the situation, you make sure your pain wasn't wasted. Whether what you learn is profoundly connected to patterns you've allowed to exist in your relationships, or as simple as the realization that we all need to experience the lows in order to appreciate the highs, you'll want to take note of it.
Next, set forth the intention to grow from this experience by making a plan to address any areas you want to change, and decide how you intend to change them. Set goals for yourself, and ensure you will always know you've done what you could. For example, determine that you will stay calm under pressure, and take people's words at face value. Decide that you will hold up your end of the bargain, regardless of what someone else does.
Speak up
Once you've looked at the curveball that's been thrown your way, taken responsibility for any part you might have had in it, and arm yourself with a plan for combating similar instances in the future. It's important that you express your feelings about the situation. Whether you feel that what happened was unfair, unforeseeable, preventable, cruel or simply something you wish never occurred, getting your thoughts and emotions off your chest will go a long way toward helping you heal. Even if your words fall on deaf ears, you will be able to rest assured that you made yourself clear. Eventually, that will help you to move forward.
On that note, don't fall victim to the desire to change someone's mind - or their heart - by repeating yourself over and over again. Speaking your mind once, clearly, is enough to get your point across. Addressing an injustice more than that could indicate that you're trying to change the outcome rather than trying to clear the air and move on… which might keep you stuck in the same emotional space even longer.
Finally, with the lesson of the mishap learned and your feelings expressed, it's important that you let go of the negative emotions and move on. It may be a little at a time in the case of major life changes, but you can do it.
Continue to remember the plan of action you set, and take positive steps every day toward achieving the goals you've laid out. That's not to say negative situations will not arise in the future, but the more firmly grounded you are in your truths, the easier it will be to move through an unforeseen occurrence the next time around.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
A Loss May Well Be A Blessing
"What looks like a loss may be the very event which is subsequently responsible
for helping to produce the major achievement of your life."
~ Srully D. Blotnick
for helping to produce the major achievement of your life."
~ Srully D. Blotnick
Friday, October 2, 2009
Walk In Defiance
"People want what they want. Sometimes you just have to walk
in defiance of it and just be yourself."
~ Meryl Streep
in defiance of it and just be yourself."
~ Meryl Streep
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Humor Is Not A Postscript
Humor is not a postscript or an incidental afterthought; it is a serious and weighty part of the world's economy. One feels increasingly the height of the faculty in which it arises, the nobility of things associated with it, and the greatness of services it renders.
~ Oscar W. Firkins
Coach Sherrie says: My husband says I'm waaay too serious. I need to learn to laugh more. I wish I found more things funny. The only thing that really gives me that earth shaking belly laugh is "Frazier." And sometimes, I start laughing uncontrollably at my hubby, but I usually laugh at something that he doesn't find funny. ;->
~ Oscar W. Firkins
Coach Sherrie says: My husband says I'm waaay too serious. I need to learn to laugh more. I wish I found more things funny. The only thing that really gives me that earth shaking belly laugh is "Frazier." And sometimes, I start laughing uncontrollably at my hubby, but I usually laugh at something that he doesn't find funny. ;->
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