Every Monday Matters - Save Lives! Donate Blood!

Tweet

By erintard

Save Lives! Donate Blood!

FACTS

- Every 2 seconds someone needs blood.

- 38,000 pints of blood are used each day in the U.S.

- Nearly 500 hospitals cancelled elective surgery due to blood inventory shortages.

- Demand for blood is rising much faster than donations. In fact, donations are declining.

- 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives—maybe even the life of someone you know.

- 60% of the population is eligible to donate, but only 3.2% do on a yearly basis.

- The #1 reason donors say they give is because they “want to help others.”

- Anyone who is in good health, is at least 17 years old, and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days. View a full list of eligibility requirements online at:  http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements


TAKE ACTION TODAY/THIS WEEK!

+ Find a blood donor location near you and schedule an appointment today.

+ Donate blood. The blood donation process takes approximately 30 minutes.

+ When you donate, you’ll receive a donor card stating your blood type. Keep the card in your wallet.

+ Put yourself on a regular donating schedule of once every 56 days.

+ If you have type O-negative blood, the universal donor type, your blood is especially needed because it can be used in emergencies.


YOU MATTER

There is no substitute for human blood. Human blood is precious and can’t be manufactured outside of the body. If you gave blood 4 times a year for the next 10 years, you would save 120 lives. Think of how many lives you could save if you gave blood for the rest of your life! Saving just one life should be convincing enough.


What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that Every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

MOM’S EMPTY CHAIR

Tweet

sodahead.com

MOM'S EMPTY CHAIR

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister

to come and pray with her mother.

When the minister arrived,

he found the woman lying in bed with her head

propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside her bed.

The minister assumed that the woman

had been informed of his visit...

'I guess you were expecting me, he said.

'No, who are you?' said the mother.

The minister told her his name and then remarked,

'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew

I was going to show up..'

'Oh yeah, the chair,' said the bedridden woman

'Would you mind closing the door?'

Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

'I have never told anyone this,

not even my daughter,' said the woman.

'But all of my life I have never

known how to pray.

At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,

but it went right over my head...'

I abandoned any attempt at prayer,'

the old woman continued, '

until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me,

' Prayer is just a simple matter

of having a conversation with Jesus.

Here is what I suggest..

'Sit down in a chair;

place an empty chair in front of you,
and in faith see Jesus on the chair.

It's not spooky because he promised,

'I will be with you always'..

'Then just speak to him in the same way

you're doing with me right now...'

'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much

that I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though.If my daughter saw me talking

to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown

or send me off to the funny farm.'

The minister was deeply moved by the story and

encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey.

Then he prayed with her, anointed her with oil,

and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called

to tell the minister that her mama

had died that afternoon.

Did she die in peace?' he asked.

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,

she called me over to her bedside,

told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek.

When I got back from the store an hour later,

I found her .

But there was something strange about her death.

Apparently, just before Mom died,

she leaned over and rested her head on the chair

beside the bed. What do you make of that?'

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,

'I wish we could all go like that.'

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.

I asked God for water, He gave me an ocean.*

I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden.*

I asked God for a friend, He gave me all of YOU...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

~ Author Unknown

Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year.

Tweet

What a clever idea someone had! Yes, Christmas cards. This is coming early so that you can get ready to include an important address to your list.

Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS?

Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year.

As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world. Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it.

Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude:

ACLU
125 Broad Street , 18th Floor
New York , NY 10004


Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions. So spend 44 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a " Holiday Tree". It's always been called a CHRISTMAS TREE!

And pass this on to your email lists. We really want to communicate with the ACLU! They really DESERVE us!!

For those of you who aren't aware of them, the ACLU, (the American Civil Liberties Union) is the one suing the U.S. Government to take God, Christmas or anything religious away from us. They represent the atheists and others in this war. Help put Christ back in Christmas!

Facebook Fan Page

LINKS:
Keep Christ in Christmas
KC Nativity.com
http://www.homeschooled-kids.com/christinchristmas.html
Keep-Christ-in-CHRISTmas facebook fan page

Half Full Friday & Aloha Friday weekly question

Tweet

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -Melody Beattie

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"Happiness held is the seed; happiness shared is the flower." ~Author Unknown

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

"A happy thought is like a seed that sows positivity for all to reap." ~Miriam Muhammad

This is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I'm happy for the awesome award from 'our' friend, Yvonne @ Welcome to my World of Poetry.  She is the sweetest lady ever!

• I'm happy for numerous & awesome conversations with all 3 of my sons'!  & that they will all be home for Christmas!

• I'm happy for a wonderful & unique Thanksgiving with mom and youngest son!  It was a very nice day! 

• I also got an apology from Sandy @ Words of Wisdom for forgetting my Blog of Note post from Wednesday and posted it today.  Sorry for anyone who visited and couldn't find me.  However all your beautiful comments brought tears and much appreciation.  Love you All!! :-)

"Happiness is a matter of one's most ordinary and everyday mode of consciousness being busy and lively and unconcerned with self." ~Iris Murdoch

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting." ~  Author Unknown

My question:  What is the craziest thing you ever did to get someone the 'perfect' gift?

My answer:   I camped out ALL night in front of a Target store for the release of the Xbox when it first came out for my middle son's birthday.  There were over 100 people when the store opened and Only 10 X-box units.  I was 3rd in line.  So glad the store handed out the 10 vouchers to us... and sent everyone else away... before unlocking the doors at 6am that morning.  No 'rushing' the store, fighting or injuries. 

This was many years ago.  I made some new friends that night and had a good time.  However, I realize now just how dangerous that was and would never do it today.  I have to add though, that my son was so surprised and very appreciative.  He still remembers that present!

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -William Arthur Ward

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Love & Hugs!

~ Coreen

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Tweet

"Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God." ~Ray Stannard Baker

THANKSGIVING

T is for the trust the pilgrims had so many years ago

H is for the harvest the settlers learnt to grow

A is for America, the land in which we live

N is for nature and beauty which she gives

K is for kindness, gentle words, thoughtful deeds

S is for smiles, the sunshine everyone needs

G is for gratitude... our blessings big and small

I is for ideas, letting wisdom grow tall

V is for voices, singing, laughing, always caring

I is for Indians, who taught them about sharing

N is for neighbors, across the street, over the sea

G is for giving of myself to make a better me

by Judith.A. Lindberg

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." ~ Oprah Winfrey

google.image

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." ~Theodore Roosevelt

We Give Thanks

Our Father in Heaven,

We give thanks for the pleasure

Of gathering together for this occasion.

We give thanks for this food

Prepared by loving hands.

We give thanks for life,

The freedom to enjoy it all

And all other blessings.

As we partake of this food,

We pray for health and strength

To carry on and try to live as You would have us.

This we ask in the name of Christ,

Our Heavenly Father.

by: Harry Jewell

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Thanksgiving Day.org

"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." ~ Henry Van Dyke

Blogger of Note (BON)... from 'Words of Wisdom'

Tweet 

Great Inspirational Quotes.com

I am very Happy and Honored that my blog has been selected for "Blogger of Note" by Sandy and Pam @ Words of Wisdom!  It is being featured on Wednesday, November 24th.  The day before Thanksgiving...how appropriate because I am very thankful!  Thank you Sandy & Pam for this honor and a special thank you to Vanessa @ Optimal Optimist for the WOW nomination! 

To my regular followers, please visit Words of Wisdom and see the truly inspiring blogs they feature 3 times a week.  You will love what you find!

To those who have found my blog through Words of Wisdom (WOW), Welcome and Thank You for your visit!!  I hope you read, comment and get inspired!!

As part of being selected, I was to pick some recent blog post to feature here today.  For many reasons, I am going with post that I poured my heart and soul into recently.  I hope you enjoy them and I also hope that featuring them again will help give someone new to my blog... the insight, strength, hope or the inspiration they may need today.  

Hoping that Autism Awareness brings Compassion and Understanding
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2010/03/hoping-that-autism-awareness-brings.html

What does Love mean to you?
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-does-love-mean-to-you.html

Living a Lie
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2010/11/living-lie.html

She is crazy... but she is Smart
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2010/11/she-is-crazybut-very-smart.html

Silencing the Violence of Verbal Abuse
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2010/08/silencing-violence-of-verbal-abuse.html

When and How to Leave Unhealthy Relationships
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2011/02/when-and-how-to-leave-unhealthy.html

Waiting for the 'One'
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2010/01/finding-that-one-right-man.html

Knowledge Changes Things
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2011/07/knowledge-changes-things.html#axzz2MiyR3oYF

Betrayal Has Many Forms
http://velvetoversteel.blogspot.com/2010/02/betrayal-can-have-many-forms.html#axzz20kHxvo7w

For those of you that don't know, I'm an Asperger Syndrome parent and advocate. I'm also a domestic abuse survivor and single-parent... although I only have one of my three awesome sons still at home.
I had wanted to write about my life experiences for a very long time. Finally, with the the encouragement and support of great friends who believed in me, I started writing 'publicly' almost a year ago when I started this blog. It has been my therapy and passion every since!

I have enormous compassion and understanding for others, which has lead to my passion for helping people most of my life through various jobs, church and community service. With this blog and my writing about my own life experiences, I've been able to connect with so many people. Guiding parents to special needs resources and giving others the strength to leave bad relationships, heal and move on. This experience of helping others through my blog has been more rewarding than I ever imagined.

Thank you all for visiting my blog!

Blessings & Many Hugs,
Coreen

"If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you." ~ T. Alan Armstrong

 

Every Monday Matters - Write a Letter to a U.S. Military Hero this holiday season!

Tweet

 "In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." ~José Narosky

EveryMondayMatter.com

 "Freedom is never free." ~Author Unknown

FACTS

There are over 2.9 million active, reserve, and civilian men and women in the U.S. military.

Hundreds of thousands of American troops are deployed indefinitely in remote parts of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, the Korean Peninsula and on ships throughout international waters.

U.S. service members are deployed for long periods away from home. They love receiving good wishes and words of appreciation and support, even from total strangers.

Letters are the most requested item by U.S. military men and women.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Select a soldier you know or one who is related to someone you know.

If you don’t know a soldier, ask a friend, fellow student, co-worker, pastor, or military chaplain to help you make a connection. Make sure they provide proper mailing instructions.

Grab some paper, an envelope, and a pen.

Write a letter from your heart that expresses your gratitude, shows your support, and provides encouragement. Share a little bit about yourself as well as ask questions about the person you’re writing. Avoid such topics as death, killing, and politics.

• Send a free postcard to soldier.
• Send an email to soldier.
• Send mail to an anonymous soldier.
• Donate a book to a soldier. 

Include your e-mail or mailing address in case the recipient wants to write back. You could even include a self-addressed envelope.

Send the letter.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

YOU MATTER

Our military protects our nation’s freedom, and, regardless of your political affiliation and whether or not you believe in war, these brave men and women need to know that we appreciate their sacrifices and service. With a simple card or letter, you can brighten the day of a soldier who is overseas ensuring your freedom. Your letter might be the only thing that makes that soldier smile that day.   Remember them especially during the Holidays while you are here 'safe' with family and friends.

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." ~Cynthia Ozick

LINKS:
Lets Say Thanks.com
USAFNS.com
A Million Thanks.org
Books for Soldiers.com

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." ~William Arthur Ward 

 
What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

10 Ways to Share Your Love, Gratitude and Compassion ~ By Stephanie K. Smith

Tweet



Srichinmoypoetry.com ~ poems & quotes

 

"We already have so much abundance. We truly do. We need not search too far. It is within. The reason we fail to recognize this is because we haven't quite mastered the art of being. For abundance to prevail, we must have LOVE, gratitude, acceptance and compassion." ~ John Welwood

 
In honor of Thanksgiving, here are ten ways to spread abundance that will brighten your day – and someone else’s!

1. Write a Thank You (for Being You) Note!

It may be old fashioned in these days of e-mails, texts and Facebook wall posts, but sometimes the best things stem from tradition. Take this opportunity to let someone know that you appreciate them – not for something they’ve given you or done, but for who they are and what they bring to your life.

2. Shake Things Up at Turkey Time
Even if you hate it, and it doesn’t go with the rest of the meal at all, make your loved one’s favorite dish part of your Thanksgiving weekend. Barbecue? Chinese dumplings? Whatever. The fact that it’s not standard holiday fare makes it even more meaningful as an expression of love. The gesture won’t go unnoticed.

3. Donate Something
Whether it’s your time, a few bucks or your favorite holiday snack, give something to your local homeless shelter. You’ll be surprised how good it feels.

4. Offer to Babysit
Have friends or family members who don’t get out much. Offer to babysit so that they can have a second to themselves. It’s a great big thank you for which they’ll be extremely grateful!

5. Mentor Someone
It doesn’t have to be more than a coffee, but if you’re in a position that someone else might like to learn about, give them a little insight into your experiences. This doesn’t have to be professional, it can be life based (like Big Brothers and Big Sisters). Offering guidance to someone who needs it, is a great way to pass on some positive energy.

6. Smile at Strangers
So what if a few people think you’re strange? Most people love being smiled at – it’s a reflection of happiness and who couldn’t use a little more of that?

7. Dedicate a Yoga or Meditation Session
Some people offer up prayers, and it’s great if you do that, too. But the next time you’re meditating or in a yoga class, focus on sending someone you care about (whether you know them or not) a little white light. Afterward, don’t be surprised if they get in touch because they’ve been thinking of you.

8. Release All Ill Will
There’s no point holding grudges, and what better holiday is there for releasing yours in celebration of all that is great in your life? Let go of any bad feelings you have toward anyone. Whether that means you forgive them and forget them or you forgive them and reach out is up to you.

9. Make Amends
Now is a great time to let bygones be just that. If you feel you owe someone an apology, give it now. Even if it’s just in e-mail, the signals it sends (to the person and to the forces at work) open you up for progress.

10. Set Aside a Little Time For Yourself

It may sound crazy as a way to spread good will and gratitude, but above all other things, if you appreciate yourself and the importance of maintaining a sense of balance (after all, it means you’re keeping the universe in check), you’ll give offer others inspiration and may even help them permit themselves to do the same. And what can be better for the world than that?              By Stephanie K. Smith

"If you're going to tally up things in life, tally up what others do for you, rather than what you do for others." ~ Kelley Brignell

 

SPECIAL Half Full Friday with New Sponsor Wyldechylde & Aloha Friday's question of the week

Tweet

"Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties." ~Helen Keller

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” ~Aristotles

"Happiness is the sense that one matters." ~Sarah Trimmer

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the people who treat you right and forget the ones who don't! Believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance- take it. If it changes your life- let it. Nobody said life would be easy they just promised, it would be worth it." ~Anonymous

This is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I am Very Happy that Sprinkles at Wyldechylde is taking over the Half Full Friday sponsorship.   I really love this and is seems to be our most popular posts.  So please stop by her blog, visit and link-up if you like.  Thanks!
• I'm very happy my son's Culinary dinner was a Hugh Success!
• I'm happy that we all had a Great time on Saturday!

• I'm happy for lots of creative inspiration this week!

• Happy and Honored that my blog was selected for "Blogger of Note" @ Words of Wisdom!  It will be featured on Wednesday, November 24th.  The day before Thanksgiving...and I am very thankful!  :-)

• Again, I'm very happy, humbled and thanksful to Vanessa of Optimal Optimist for the WOW nomination!

• I'm happy for blessings, both received and still coming!

"We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way." ~Author Unknown

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues."  ~Cicero

My question:  What are you most thankful for this past year?

My answer:   The personal accomplishments and success of all 3 of my sons; my blogging & writing friends and meeting 2 amazing people this year... who have each changed my life forever!  Along with the most personal growth I've ever had in just one short year!

"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." ~Edward Sandford Martin

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving next week to you All! 
Love & Hugs!
~ Coreen

The Five Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Tweet

“Don't Make Assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.” ~ Don Miguel Ruiz



Guide to Self Mastery

“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” ~ Don Miguel Ruiz

You deliver a message every time you speak.

If you decide that you want to help change the world, the easiest way is by practicing the 'five agreements': be impeccable with your word; don’t take anything personally; don’t make assumptions; always do your best; and be skeptical, but learn to listen. These are the tools to change your world, to change the world, and they are nothing but pure common sense. If you practice the five agreements, if you make them your way of life, there won’t be any more war in your head. There won’t be any more war with your loved ones. There will be peace.

You deliver a message every time you speak. The question is: do you deliver the truth, or do you deliver lies? When the message you deliver comes from truth and love, you are happier. And just by being happier, everyone benefits because your joy, your happiness, your heaven is contagious. When you are happy, the people around you are happy too, and it inspires them to change their own world.

We represent a whole legacy, and when I say “we” I’m speaking of all humans. Our legacy is love, it’s joy, it’s happiness. Let’s enjoy this world. Let’s enjoy one another. We are meant to love one another, not to hate one another. Let’s stop believing that our differences make us superior or inferior to one another. Let’s not believe that lie. Let’s not be afraid that our different colours make us different people. Who cares? It’s just another lie. We don’t have to believe all the lies and superstitions that control our lives. We can return to the truth, and be messengers of truth. We can change our whole way of thinking, and have a wonderful love affair with life. It’s incredible what we can do if we really want to do it. All we need is to be aware of what we are doing, and to return to the authenticity we were born with.

This is an invitation to be authentic, to follow your heart, to be free of superstitions and lies. And I’m not asking you to try to change the world. Don’t try – just do it. Take the action today. By adopting the Five Agreements, you will create peace in your head, in your own world, and thereby help to create peace in the entire world.


The Five Agreements:

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word – Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally – Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions – Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best – Your best is going to change from moment to moment. It will be different when you are healthy as opposed to when you are sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

5. Be Skeptical, But Learn to Listen – Don’t believe yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: Is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind the words, and you will understand the real message.

~ By don Miguel Ruiz jr

“Don't Take Anything Personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.” ~ Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements and The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz are two of the most life changing books I've read.  In my opinion they both should be required reading in high school.  They are enlightening and extremely thought provoking.  'Character' and 'Integrety' building at its best!

Free Podcast:  The Way of the Desert podcast - Co-Creator Network By don Miguel Ruiz jr

 

Forever Connected ... By: Silke Wettergren

Tweet

Opulent Reality

Forever Connected © Silke Wettergren

Every moment we spent together
Has touched our lives, our souls forever
The things that we shared and learned
Is permanent growth that we've earned.

The person that I have grown into today
Did not get there by chance, no way
I am who I am partly because of you
And you are YOU because of me, too.

The changes I see
and what I have learned about me
are a response to how we affected our lives
and what we discover in each others eyes.

It is uncertain if we have to part or one day live together
Either way, we have touched our lives forever!
No matter what the future will show
No matter what we are told.

We are connected on such a deep levels
That no one can remove that, not even the devil.
Our feelings might be different a year from now
But you are part of me forever somehow.

A part of me will always be you
and a part of you will always be me.
no matter what happens, that much is certain
our souls are one until life closes the curtain.

I will love your forever
For worse or for better.

You are tattooed in my heart
And nothing can tear our souls apart.

I will never forget you
For my love is honest and true.

© Silke Wettergren ~ Poem Source: Forever Connected, True Love Poems

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  Some people move our souls to dance.  They awaken us to new understandings with the passing whisper of their wisdom.  Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.  They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our heart, and we are never ever the same." ~ Chicken Soup for the Soul

What We Attract ...

Tweet

“Our minds become magnetized with the dominating thoughts we hold in our minds and these magnets attract to us the forces, the people, the circumstances of life which harmonize with the nature of our dominating thoughts.”  ~ Napoleon Hill



Consciousness and Spirituality.com

Giving forth what you want to attract...

''You must be that which you desire.''

When you are what you desire, you attract it by radiating it outward.

You are love.  You emanated from pure love.  You're connected to this Source of love at all times. Think this way, feel this way, and you'll soon act this way.  And all that you think, feel, and do will be reciprocated in exactly the same fashion.

By now you should be affirming that everyone you need for this journey of yours will show up, and that they'll be perfect in every way for whatever needs you have at this time.

Furthermore, they'll arrive at precisely the right moment.  In this intelligent system that you're a part of, everything arrives from the field of intention where the infinite, invisible life force flows through everyone and everything.  This includes you, and everyone else as well.  Trust in this invisible life force and the all-creating mind that intends everything into existence.

''The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.  All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occured... unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistence, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.'' ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Plant the seed of desire in your mind and it forms a nucleus with power to attract to itself everything needed for its fulfillment.” ~ Robert Collier

“When we create something, we always create it first in a thought form. If we are basically positive in attitude, expecting and envisioning pleasure, satisfaction and happiness, we will attract and create people, situations, and events which conform to our positive expectations.” ~ Shakti Gawain

Every Monday Matters - What Matters Most?

 Tweet 

Every Monday Matters

FACTS

The average person spends:
100 hours a year commuting to work, compared to 80 hours of vacation time.

91 hours a week at work for dual-career couples with kids under 18.

1.8 hours a day doing household activities.

2.6 hours a day watching TV.

8.6 hours a day sleeping.

Time is a non-renewable resource. Once it’s used up, you can’t get it back.


TAKE ACTION TODAY

Stop and think … then make a list of What Matters Most to you.

Take the What Matters Most Urgency Analysis.

Create a list of how you currently spend your time each week.

Organize your list of weekly activities and identify activities that are required and those that are optional or waste time.

Take steps to rearrange your schedule or reduce the optional activities so you can spend time doing What Matters Most.

Don’t waste time.

YOU MATTER

What really matters most to you? Your relationships with family, friends, and children? Helping others? Passions? Faith? Security? Health? At the end of each year, don’t you want to look back and see that you made a difference? That you matter? Today is the start of a new year. Start it off by making a difference in you, your life, and the lives of those you love. This is your opportunity. Time spent on What Matters Most is never wasted time.

“We believe that what matters most is not narrow appeals masquerading as values, but the shared values that show the true face of America; not narrow values that divide us, but the shared values that unite us: family, faith, hard work, opportunity and responsibility for all, so that every child, every adult, every parent, every worker in America has an equal shot at living up to their God-given potential. That is the American dream and the American value.” ~ Senator John Kerry

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Love is . . . By D.Pagels.

Tweet

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is Love." - Sophocles

Love is . . .

Love is a wonderful gift.  It's a present so precious words can barely begin to describe it.

Love is a feeling, the deepest and sweetest of all.  It's incredibly strong and amazingly gentle at the very same time.

It is a blessing that should be counted every day.  It is nourishment for the soul.

It is devotion, constantly letting each person know how supportive its certainty can be.

Love is a heart filled with affection for the most important person in your life.

Love is looking at the special someone who makes your world go around and absolutely loving what you see.

Love gives meaning to one's world and magic to a million hopes and dreams.

It makes the morning shine more brightly and each season seem like it's the nicest one anyone ever had.

Love is an invaluable bond that enriches every good thing in life.  It gives each hug a tenderness, each heart a happiness, each spirit a steady lift.

Love is an invisible connection that is exquisitely felt by those who know the joy, feel the warmth, share the sweetness, and celebrate the gift.

By D.Pagels.

“The worst thing you can do for love is deny it; so when you find that special someone, don't let anyone or anything to get in your way.” ~ Thinkexist.com

 

Half Full & Aloha Friday!

Tweet

"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Allan K. Chalmers

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving their goal; nothing on earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude." ~ Thomas Jefferson

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

"Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed." - Storm Jameson

This is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I'm happy for the strength and wisdom to deal with 3 negative people very gracefully this week!

• I'm happy that my son's Culinary Dinner is this Saturday!

• I'm happy our 'After Hours' Event went wonderfully!

• I'm happy for the positive energy I feel almost all the time now!

• I'm happy for lots of 'troop' donations for our 'Fill the Hummer' drive!

"You can never be happy at the expense of the happiness of others." - Chinese Proverb

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give." - Eleanor Roosevelt  

My question:  What would you do if you won the lottery?

My answer:   I would buy a restaurant for my youngest son to manage.  Only hiring young people that need someone to believe in them... for a chance to succeed!

"Unless we think of others and do something for them, we miss one of the greatest sources of happiness." - Ray Lyman Wilbur

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Love & Hugs!

~ Coreen

Believe in Yourself, and Remember that Anything Is Possible.

Tweet

Believe in Yourself,

and Remember that
Anything Is Possible!

Believe in what makes you feel good.
Believe in what makes you happy.
Believe in the dreams you've always wanted to come true,
and give them every chance to.

Life holds no promises
as to what will come your way.
You must search for your own ideals
and work towards reaching them.

Life makes no guarantees as to what you'll have.
It just gives you time to make choices
and to take chances
and to discover whatever secrets might come your way.

If you are willing to take the opportunities you are given
and utilize the abilities you have,
you will constantly fill your life
with special moments and unforgettable times.

No one knows the mysteries of life or its ultimate meaning,
but for those who are willing
to believe in their dreams and in themselves,
life is a precious gift in which anything is possible.

~ Dena DiIaconi

Positive Thoughts.com

"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done." ~ Vincent Thomas Lombardi

"A firm belief in yourself is all that is needed to alter your life. No one except you alone can change your life." ~ M. K. Soni

 

She is crazy...but very smart.

Photobucket.com

Tweet

She is crazy, but very smart.  She has spies everywhere because she is very clever and knows how to pull people in with her lies and perception of the truth. She gets them to 'spy for her' and tell her things by being very 'sweet' and manipulating her half truths to get people to feel sorry for her.  Those she pulls in are willing to help her because they either believe her lies or are very nosy and want to know what they 'think' is going on in other peoples' lives.  Gossip is a form of entertainment for them.  Many are phony to people's faces, then talk behind their backs.  These people should be fired, but their bosses don’t know.

She also has a 6th sense, however she doesn’t use it for good or to make better life choices. She uses it to get what she wants.  The knowledge she gains from her spies, along with her just ‘knowing’ at times, is what she uses to manipulate the people in her life. She uses guilt to get her way or makes up lies to gain sympathy from others and then gains control whenever someone tries to pull away from them.

She doesn’t care what she says, how she acts or who she hurts. Their world and perceptions revolve only around themselves and what they want. The people that they are supposed to love, including her own children, get put in the middle and used for leverage. She keeps her man awake at night arguing, not caring if he gets enough sleep, has to get up early or has a long drive to work and back home each day.  Not caring if the fighting and stress effects his job or if he gets in an accident because she didn't let him get enough sleep. She doesn’t care. She thinks it serves him right for her not getting what she wants. She is selfish and self-serving.  She has an excuse for everything. 

People like this, both male and female, must be very insecure and feel threatened, for whatever reason or excuse they come up with.  They take no responsibility for their own choices or actions. They are obviously miserable in their own lives, so they cause trouble in other peoples, with their actions and behaviors.  Most even act as if everything in life is about them.  It shows in their manipulation and constant rudeness toward others.

I know several people like this. At one time I actually tried to be friends with one of them. Mostly because I didn’t want them as an enemy. I saw what they were capable of. I also tried to see the good in everyone and wanted to be friends with all that I met back then.  I now know I don't want to be friends with everyone.  Another part of me thought I needed to become strong enough to ‘handle’ people like this.  That it would make me a better person.

I was wrong!  I saw the malicious things these types of people are capable of... first hand.  The friendships they ruined and the lives they tried to destroy.   People like that are no good to be around... no matter how strong you are or how nice a person you want to be. Their self-centered nature, self-serving motives and negative attitudes... can suck the life right out of you if you let them.

I have a very good friend who is in a similar situation.  Looking from the outside in, I feel they have a person just like this around them.  They are negatively and maliciously affecting their life.  My friend is a really nice person, hard worker, great parent and an all around good person. They put everyone else first in their lives, because that is who they are.  Every human being deserves to be treated with respect at the very least. Along with the honest truth and appreciation.  We all deserve those!

I worry about them because I doubt they take care of themselves.  I know they don't get enough sleep and I’m equally sure they have enormous stress in their life. I pray for their health and safety every day!  I wish for peace and happiness to fill their life very soon.  I also wish I knew they were Ok more often... but I don't want to cause my friend more trouble or stress.  That's the last thing I want to do.

I know it’s none of my business; however I understand what it’s like to live your life doing your best with little or no appreciation.  In addition to having outside influences cause unnecessary trouble and needless stress. I also know what it’s like to be in a relationship where the other person is selfish and self-serving.  Because of my own experiences, I have enormous compassion and understanding. I also feel I have a right to care… as a friend and as a human being in this world.  We all should care how people are treated!  The world would be a better place if we all had a little more humility.

Humility, or being humble, is the quality of being modest, reverential, even politely submissive, and never being arrogant, contemptuous, rude or even self-abasing. Humility, in various interpretations, is widely seen as a virtue in many religious and philosophical traditions, being connected with notions of transcendent unity and of egolessness.  Which mean having no emotional state of ego or selfishness.

Humility is often rewarded in relationships. It is the way of the world to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.

The happiest people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great in their lives, and by adding to that which is too little. A humble person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue that allows you to perceive the balancing force; humble people are not prey to the many illusions that grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to our disposition, we should make a conscious effort to develop it.

“I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"This is the wish we should all have for each other: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life." ~ Author Unknown

Manipulative People: Covert Aggressive Personality Disorder
Video on Narcissism