"Everyone knows somebody that needs to read this book (Perseverance) !" –Kathie Lee Gifford, Live on NBC’s Today Show
"Perseverance offers… profound insight for all of us seeking to lead a meaningful life." –Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of A Whole New Mind
Buy Perseverance
May 16th, 2012 | 2 Comments »
As you may have noticed by my less than frequent posting these past few days, this week is an “off week” for me. I’m not sure what that means, but my life just feels a little off balance at the moment. However, I heard the quote below while watching some show (can’t remember which one!) and had to share it with you. For me, the words are so very true.
photo: elle moss
May 11th, 2012 | 2 Comments »
… your decision
… your project plan
… your vision, your intentions, your goals
… your resume
… your inbox
… your home
… your failures (yes, perfectionists even like to fail perfectly)
… your family
… your gifts
… your timing
… your words
… your balance on the yoga mat
… your moves on the dance floor
… your special night
… your wedding
… your recovery
… your willpower
… your relationship
… your thoughts
… your patience
… your attendance
… your productivity
… your motivation
… your kindness
… your outfit
… your blog post or journal entry
… your schedule
… your finances
… (fill in the blank!)
What can you add to this list? If you’re a bit like me than I’m sure you can add quite a few items!
By reminding yourself of perfectionistic thinking, you can examine your actions with a more flexible and far kinder mindset.
It doesn’t have to be perfect and neither do you.
May 10th, 2012 | 2 Comments »
I’ve read this proverb before, but after hearing it again today had to share it with you. It’s such a simple reminder about the gift of compassion. Its supply is infinite and free of cost. Tonight I’m going to remember to take a few minutes to mindfully light another candle. I hope you will join me!
May 9th, 2012 | 2 Comments »
After last week’s craziness (update to come soon), I needed to focus on something cheerful. What better way to add a little cheer to your day than by getting a bit stripe happy. Colorful stripes can be seen literally everywhere—it’s fun to find them in the least expected of places :).
Have you found an unexpected burst of color in your day?
sources: carrie bradshaw in striped skirt (original source: phoebebrookes.wordpress.com—no longer active)| envelope liner (plurabella calligraphy) | bangle (kate spade) | mug (eat drink chic, photo by amy moss) pillows (original source: unknown)
p.s. thank you for your support last week (virtual thank you note above!). i am so grateful for the positive thoughts!
May 7th, 2012 | 3 Comments »
My husband forwarded me the beautiful story below. I had never read this story before and if you haven’t either, I highly recommend reading through to the end. It’s a wonderful way to begin this new week!
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar… and the coffee…
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes.”
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things-your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions-things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else-the small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”
May 4th, 2012 | 5 Comments »
This week has been an emotional roller coaster. The ride is far from over, but I’m so grateful that we get to continue this ride. I am forever grateful for the kind souls that entered our lives this week and helped make the journey a little less scary.
I am completely drained and exhausted. Yet, I feel like I should be in high spirits and a ball of energy. I’m not and I’m not going to fight it.
My emotions are all jumbled and difficult to tease apart. However, I awoke this morning with an immense sense of gratitude that filled me with joy. This I know: I am so very grateful.
image: shanna murray
May 2nd, 2012 | 3 Comments »
Each hour requires patience. Learning to sit with the waves of anxiety and fear as we wait. Adjusting to a new (un)schedule and embracing the uncertainty of this time. Each day is different. Priorities have shifted so quickly. And so we wait again hoping the next hour will be bright.
May 1st, 2012 | 4 Comments »
Hope and faith are your only companions. Fear and doubt force themselves into the crevices of your heart. Tears are shed. Then, hope and faith return again and you want these companions to stay put, to shield you from the fear and doubt that push them away. In the midst of uncertainty, when we have to let go and simply wait, minutes feel impossible. But we can do impossible. We can let go. We must let go and simply grasp onto hope with everything we have.
p.s. if you follow me on twitter, you may know that lila rose (my doggy daughter) is in the hospital and these next few days are critical. she’s a strong little warrior and i wish i were as strong as she is :). i don’t know how much or what i’ll be blogging during this time but i know writing and sharing these raw thoughts in real time helps me stay present and i hope they may help someone else as well.
image: the i am project
April 27th, 2012 | 7 Comments »
Do you ever notice that it’s the simplest words of wisdom that you neglect to remember? If so, you are far from alone. What simple words would be helpful for you on a regular basis? Try jotting down the words on a sticky note, in your calendar, or on your inspiration board. Just by seeing these words more often you will begin to reflect on them more as well. Below are 18 simple reminders that need to adorn my own inspiration board.
… The perfect time will never arrive.
… You are your greatest advocate.
… Don’t look to the left and right (except when crossing the road). Look straight ahead at your own path.
… Prepare for good, bad, and ugly days. However, expect the best.
… Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.
… You are most productive when you allow yourself to move with ease.
… You are much nicer and more energetic after you exercise.
… Drink lots of water throughout the day.
… Ask for help.
… Create a space that nurtures you.
… Unplug and explore the town you live in—notice the tiny spaces of beauty.
… Celebrate everyday victories.
… Schedule time for self-care.
… Reach out for new opportunities.
… Write thank you notes.
… Listen with compassion—not judgment (especially when listening to your own inner voice).
… Remember to breathe.
… Wear your imperfections proudly.
