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"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

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Posts Tagged ‘intention’

11 Books from 2011

December 8th, 2011 | No Comments »

Note for new readers: Throughout December, I will be posting my personal responses to Reverb11. My posts will be a bit different than usual—more vulnerable, less polished, more frequent, and probably more interesting! However, you can expect some “special” posts  during the month as well. If you’re interested in reading more typical content, check out a few of the most popular posts. Regardless of what you’re reading (or not reading), welcome and happy December!

5. Reading. What has been your favorite book (or books if you can’t pick just one) that you’ve read this year?

My test of a good novel is dreading to begin the last chapter. -Thomas Helm

I read all the time, usually more than one book at a time. Within the pages of my favorite books, you would see scribbled notes along the margins and earmarked sections indicating favorite passages. My books become similar to journals for me. I have a different relationship with books that I can hold in my hands as opposed to books I read digitally. Finding a new book that few people know about is my favorite experience. I love sharing my latest favorites and exchanging must reads with others. And a random tidbit, I haven’t read any of the Harry Potter books or the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books. There’s no particular reason why I haven’t read these series, I’ve just never felt drawn to them.

I’ve read so many wonderful books in 2011 that I can’t pick a single favorite. Instead, I’ve managed to sort through my favorites within a few categories. I would love to know what book(s) you’ve read and loved. I’m very much in need of some new books for traveling over the holidays!

2011 READING

Five Most Recent Books that I’ve read (and enjoyed)

Accidental Bestseller (Wendy Wax), Dressmaker of Khair Khana (Gayle Tzemach Lemmon), The Litigators (John Grisham), Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson), The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club (Gil Mcneil)

Two Books I Read Again in 2011

7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey) and Happier (Tal Ben-Shahar)

Top Two Nonfiction Books

29 Gifts (Cami Walker) and Sabbath (Wayne Muller)

Top Two Fiction Books

The Woodcutter (Reginald Hill) and Cutting for Stone (Abraham Verghese)

*These links are amazon affiliate links. If you decide to purchase one of the books using the links above, I receive a tiny percentage that goes towards fueling my book obsession :).

image: lively photography

… have you entered the desire to inspire sparkling giveaway (ends sunday!)

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Posted in: #reverb11, Authenticity, Creativity & Inspiration, Personal, Random, When You Feel

Writing With Compassion

December 3rd, 2011 | 5 Comments »

Throughout December, I will be sharing my personal responses to the prompts of Reverb11. Below is my response from the second prompt.

2. Writing. What piece of writing are you most proud of from 2011? How does this piece differ from your other pieces?

The only important thing in a book is the meaning it has for you. -W. Somerset Maugham

My research thesis. And this response surprises me because I am most proud of the process that this piece represents rather than merely the final product. I understand and give compassion to the imperfections within this piece. As someone constantly battling perfectionism, this attitude is a feat for me and one that is very worthy of my pride.

What piece of writing are you most proud of from 2011?

image: kate spade’s “things we love” book via felt and wire

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Posted in: #reverb11, Authenticity, Personal

Nourish Confidence

December 2nd, 2011 | 5 Comments »

Throughout December, I will be sharing my personal responses to the prompts of Reverb11. Below is my response to the first prompt.

1. One Word. Encapsulate the year 2011 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2012 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)

I want to sign like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think. -Rumi

In 2011, I chose to begin with intention. I set clear intentions that aligned with my values. But along the way, through the hustle and bustle of daily life, my focus went to a single intention. I had tunnel vision and devalued my other values and intentions. My identity and self-worth were dependent on a single intention, one tiny component of my life. When this one area of my life was challenged, I found myself needing the other areas of my life (the areas that I had neglected) to keep me afloat. I learned that to begin with intention is wise, but only if you reflect and redirect with intention along the way.

In 2012, I choose to nourish confidence through self-compassion. I want to focus on rebuilding my self-confidence and mindfully attending to what I do well and what makes me sparkle. In order to communicate confidence and garner trust and respect from others, I need (and want!) to value my own opinions and trust my inner compass. At the end of 2012, I hope to radiate confidence.

What would be your one word for 2012?

image: pinwheel designs

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Posted in: #reverb11, Authenticity, Defeated, Personal, When You Feel

Inspired Everyday Living: Dream Home – Bringing Your Dreams Into Your Home (Week 3)

August 18th, 2011 | 3 Comments »

I am excited to share with you the third post in the month-long series on ABRE with the super inspiring sisters, Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes, of Inspired Everyday Living. Inspired Everyday Living is about using your home as a vehicle for self-transformation—as you change your home, you can transform your life. Each week, during the month of August, Laura and Alison are sharing a new post focused on ways to transform your home and life. This week the focus is on Bringing Your Dreams Into Your Home.

Dream Home: Bringing Your Dreams Into Your Home

When you think of your dream home are you thinking about the size, layout, location, and architecture? Or are you imagining a place that supports your most cherished values and reflects your highest aspirations—an instrument for realizing your dreams? A dream home should not only contain everything you want in a space, but also everything you want in your life. This gives new meaning to the expression dream home!

Our homes are a reflection of who we are. And when we change the reflection, we also change. Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our dwellings and afterwards, our dwellings shape us.” Just think, if your home does indeed shape your life, it serves you to consciously create a space that reflects your dreams. You can do this by creating visual representations of your intentions, values, and aspirations in your surroundings. Your home will then become a source of inspiration and a place of transformation.

As we often say, your home may support you, inspire you, and become the vehicle through which you manifest your goals. You can realize dreams with the help of your home…

Here’s how it works:

Step One. Create a life vision by writing down your goals. This is a powerful first step. Many times, when our goals are not manifesting it’s because we’re not entirely sure what it is we want. When we are clear with our intentions, often things just start to happen with little effort on our part. To learn more about creating your life vision, or life design as we like to call it, read our blog post: Designing Your Life. (more…)

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Posted in: Creativity & Inspiration, Guest Bloggers, Inspired, Tips + Techniques, When You Feel

Tuesday Treasures: Oh Ten!

January 5th, 2010 | No Comments »

“Tuesday Treasures” is a new weekly series that I launched in December. It is such a fun uplifting title that I couldn’t resist using it! I have a few treasures to share with you today. I hope they add a little sparkle to your week! This week’s theme: intentions, goals, and resolutions. Happy 2010!

Tulip Festival Mount Vernon

What’s adding a sparkle to your week?

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Posted in: Creativity & Inspiration, Goals & Productivity, Treasure Chest

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Carolyn Rubenstein

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