SPRING SPRING SPRING

There's a magical element in the air come spring time. Maybe it's the anticipation of warm weather and sunshine or the celebration of new beginnings. Either way it's exciting.

For me, Spring reveals my favorite flower - tulips. There's a little farm not far from where I live and as soon as spring arrives I anxiously await the drive down that country road to purchase tulips. On my way I blast my favorite music and sing loudly. I feel hopeful and happy when I see the bright tulip fields ahead. I can't help but smile. Spring is here.

Spring also brings spring cleaning. Sometimes spring cleaning is just a matter of sorting through your closet and letting go of old clothes. Other times spring cleaning means taking stock of your life and understanding what you need to let go.

Unfortunately, this is alot harder than donating your favorite sweater. Letting go of a person or a dream is painful. The good news is that there's no better time than Spring to start anew. At least in spring you'll be surrounded by beautiful tulips.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." ~Anne Bradstreet

Create Your Own Heaven

I recently moved offices at work and it took months of politics and drama to gain approval. The first day I moved in I jumped out bed - excited to go to work. I couldn't wait to get my pictures on the wall and make the office my own. Through my own perseverance and work I had influenced my life in a small positive way.

Creating your own heaven in your life takes courage. First you have to understand what you want and then you have to make it happen. Even the smallest change matters.

Often we spend so much time focused on what's not right while forgetting we have the power to change our own lives. Wow- such power!!

You can create your own heaven. The life changing revelation is that everyday you have the strength and abilities necessary to create the life you want.

My office move was just one on a list of many changes I am making in my heavenly life.

How about you?

We're All Overcoming Something

We all have people we deal with that make us want to pull our hair out or beat our head up against a wall. If they are in your personal life, usually you can find a way around those people. In a professional environment, however, you have no choice but to deal.
In these economic times we are all fighting for our jobs which really equates to protecting your livelihood. So needless to say the stakes are high. What I don't get is why people think a nasty attitude and back biting behavior will benefit them.

The reality of bad behavior is the same whether it's at work, home or while you're out and about in the world- bad behavior is bad behavior.

Do me a favor and next time you have the urge to be unnecessarily mean to someone- DON'T DO IT!

Instead, take a deep breath and remember -- we are all overcoming something. Each of us carries a weight inside. I personally believe in karma so why spend time being nasty when it will just come back to you.

If you need a break today, listen to this song: Everybody's Free (Wear Sunscreen)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

You Can Count On Change!

Sometimes we think of change as a four letter word. As if any change in our lives is a curse or a detriment. More often then not-- change is positive.

I grew up in a family where moving was part of our routine. Military family of course. Well when I was young, every time we were relocated I was afraid. Afraid if the new kids would like me. Afraid of the new town. Afraid of new teachers. Just plain scared.

Of course hindsight is 20/20. Now as an adult I relish the fact that I have lived in five states and more than ten houses. I enjoy discovering new places, even if it's just on vacation. I make friends quickly and I am at ease in social situations.

Turns out all of these qualities have benefited me in my career and life. Sure sometimes my fears about the changes rang true, but I found my way around them. These changes made me a more interesting person. A person who isn't afraid to be who I am. I embrace the change.

Last year I was fortunate enough to hear Maya Angelou speak. She is one of those inspirational people whose words are not easily forgotten. She has many a thought on change "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." Maya Angelou

Today, I think I will change my attitude. How about you?

Now More Than Ever - GIVE THANKS!

In times like these it's easy to be sucked into the doomsday rhetoric that permeates our media. Of course we all know times are tough. Jobs are being cut by the thousands on a daily basis. Stocks and 401 k's are plummeting and the housing market is in the toilet. Americans and the corporations that employ them are suffering.

I worry and obsess about the future of the United States and the greater world at larger. How will we recover? When will we recover? What will our future look like?Today and tomorrow I won't be able to answer these questions.

Instead, I get up early everyday, determined to contribute my part to society at large. It might not be much but it's what I have to offer and I know it makes a difference. Working, volunteering in the community, enjoying the outdoors and spending time with the ones I love.

In a time of darkness and fear I am choosing to give thanks and be hopeful. I say choosing because unlike other times in our history --focusing on the positive is a necessary choice.You might be wondering what is it that I am so thankful and hopeful for? Well I am thankful for the people in my life. Sounds so trite-right? Well when you boil it all down relationships are everything. The people in my life give me the courage and support to be who I am. To choose hope. They serve as my daily inspiration.

My parents are more in love than most newlyweds..they teach me to open my heart to possibility. My sister whose kindness and patience are so rarely found..she teaches me grace. My husband whose work ethic is unparalleled..he teaches me determination. My sister in law has endured too much for her age and still her one liners make me laugh...she reminds me to see the goodness in life.I am hopeful for our future.

We will prosper. We will lead. It just takes time. I always remind my husband what Thomas Jefferson once said "anything worth having, is worth fighting for." So this blog is my part to remind us all to be thankful and grateful.

WELL.....What are you thankful for?