Half Full & Aloha Friday question

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“Happiness comes from the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to take risk and allow yourself to love." ~Me

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?

“Some pursue happiness - others create it."

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

I'm Happy and Thankful for many things every day... especially this week:

• For the beautiful flowers from the 'senior' students!  They graduate tonight & I wish them much happiness & success!  I'm sure going to miss this class!

• For listening to my intuition last week and avoiding a bad situation. 

• For all the new friendships I've made in the last 2 years!   Each one has helped me grow in some way. 

"Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth, We are happy when we are growing." ~William Butler Yeats

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.

"The cornerstone of happiness is accepting yourself as a worthy human being." - Maxwell Maltz

My question:  What 'growth' has brought you the most happiness?

My answer:  Love, Understanding and Acceptance of self... which lead to the same for others.

“Growth itself contains the germ of happiness.”- Pearl S. Buck 

View from my window today.  Love it! :-)

Have a Beautiful weekend, everyone!!
Hugs and Blessings to you All,

~ Coreen XO

Being Truthful with Yourself...

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"If you can't be truthful with yourself, how can you be honest with anyone else." ~Yvonne Lewis

medicinemen.wordpress.com

"I believe that truthfulness with ourselves and unconditional love of others leads to happiness." ~Me

Not being truthful with yourself keeps you from allowing yourself to be happy; which keeps you inside your your own walls or prison.  Following your heart is a spiritual connection.  Not following your heart, or allowing yourself to trust your own intuition, causes the death of ones own spirit.  I know, I almost let my own spirit die once. 

Back then I wasn't honest with myself and I didn't trust the people I needed to break free from.  All I could think about was what they 'might' do.   I was afraid my children would be turned against me, or that I wouldn't be able to take care of them on my own.  Fear ruled every day of my life for many, many years.   

My mind was very clouded from all the stress in my home and life.  I didn't live with unconditional love.. the type of love that we all deserve and that which brings peace and true happiness. 

Deep down I should have known I didn't have to stay in that situation; that I wouldn't really lose my children and that I could take care of myself.   But I couldn't think clearly when I was walking on eggshells all the time, just trying to get through each day in peace or at least without a major conflict.   

Instead of being truthful with myself, I made excuses, hide what my home life was really like from most people, and how I really felt.  I was embarrassed, confussed and I didn't trust anyone because of all the threats and irrational behavior of others.  I was so effected by the manipulation, threats and fear of not knowing what they would do... that I seldom ever listened to my intuition, let alone followed my heart.   I know now that I should have and why.

Our intuition is God's guidance in our lives.  He wants us to be Happy and have fulfilling lives; so he guides, even talks to us, through our intuition.  Our intuition is directly connected to our hearts as well.   In fact, following your Heart is the most powerful 'Spiritual Connection' of all.   

Unfortunately many people who are unhappy...

• are not truthful with themselves
• don't allow themselves to be happy
• don't listen to or trust their intuition
• are too afraid or don't trust themselves enough
• and especially don't realize that following our heart is a Spiritual Connection

This is when people need to 'let go of what they think they know' and realize that the negative and fearful thoughts are not going to happen.  That we won't loss everything that matters to us, nor do we need to live in fear of others or of the unknown.  We just need to trust ourselves, admit to how we really feel, and listen to the Spiritual Connections that God has given each of us, our intuition and hearts, so he can guide us to the happiness he wants for us.  

"Following your Heart is a Spiritual Connection."

A Prayer for the People of Norway and for all victims of violence and terror | The Peace Pastor | a Chron.com blog

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www.ccchomerak.blogspot.com

A Prayer for the People of Norway and for all victims of violence and terror | The Peace Pastor | a Chron.com blog  From the World Council of Churches:

God of life, God of love:

In the face of unbearable tragedy we turn to you;

hear our cry, listen to our prayers, to our words, to our silence …

God of healing, God of mercy:

Hear our prayers for the people of Norway;

for all in deep distress, for all who grieve, for the injured and the shocked, for those in despair.

May they be cared for and comforted.

For all in the emergency services working long hours to search, to listen, to care, to protect, to heal.

May they be given strength and also find support.

God of mercy, God of peace:

Hear our prayers for all around the world facing terror and unspeakable violence;

May violence be overcome and the path to peace be found.

All human life is fragile, each of us is precious in your eyes,

Teach us to value one another as you value us.

God of justice, God of courage:

We pray for all leaders in times of crisis,

That they may act for the common good, offering hope and not fear.

God of courage, God of transformation:

We pray for our churches,

That they may be places of openness and forgiveness, planting the values of peace and justice in society.

Transform all fundamentalism and vengeance into attitudes that make for reconciliation.

May we learn to be children of your kingdom of love.

God of all grace and all thankfulness:

In gratitude we pray, giving thanks for the prayers and encouragement which come from so many people and places at this time of suffering, pain and mourning. We learn global solidarity in a time of crisis; may we not forget one another in less stressful times ahead.

These prayers and the heavy silence of our hearts we offer in the name of your son Jesus Christ who trod the path of peace in the face of violence.

Amen

Thanks to Reverend Chuck Currie who passed this on via twitter.

Marty Troyer prayers for all kinds of people as pastor of Houston Mennonite Church. Join us Sunday to pray, grieve, and process a faithful Christian response to the prevalence of violence in our world, 10:45AM in Spring Branch or visit us online at houstonmennonite.org. Follow Marty by subscribing below or @thepeacepastor on Twitter.

Half Full Friday...better late than never. :-)

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"True happiness arises in the first place from enjoyment of oneself." ~Joseph Addition

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?

"Open your arms and welcome a happy day!"

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  After a busy, eventful week, I'm especially thankful for:

• my son's scholarship to the Leadership Forum!

• enjoying something everyday this week! 

• antibiotics and feeling better!! :-)  

"When you finally allow yourself to trust joy and embrace it, you will find you dance with everything." ~Emanuel

Have a terrific weekend, Everyone!!
Blessings & Hugs,

~ Coreen XO

Everlasting Friend... Everylasting Blessing

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"A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you've been, accepts who you've become, and still invites you to grow" ~unknown

nodilyn.glogster.com

It has been said that everlasting friends can go long periods of time without seeing each other or even speaking... yet never question the friendship. These friends pick up like they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live, and they don't hold grudges. They understand that life is busy and.. you will ALWAYS love them.  If you have at least 1 of these friends... re-post or share this. Because friends like this will know who they are! ♥

"Our Friendship, like God's love, is a true, honest and everlasting blessing." ~unknown

The deer out my back door...

Picture is without zoom.  The forest is my backyard.

momma deer that comes up to my windows



Momma deer and one of her 2 fawns.

She is so calm and let me takes lots of pictures.

2nd fawn catching up to the others.

Half Full & Aloha Friday Question!

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"Make one person happy each day and in forty years you will have made 14,600 human beings happy for a little time at least."
- Charles Wiley

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?

"Cultivate caring and generosity. Happiness is the natural state of a loving heart."

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

I'm Happy and Thankful every day... especially this week for:

• For an extremely productive week at work!

• For not missing 'things' or dwelling on the past! 

• For getting back into my writing & blogging routine.  I'm BACK!! :-) 

"The first recipe of happiness - avoid too lengthy meditations on the past." - Andre Maurois

Have a Wonderful weekend my friends!!

Blessings & Hugs,

~ Coreen XO

Facing Our Fears

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“Each time we face our fears, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” ~www.thinkexist.com

sethbarnes.com

"Acknowledging and overcoming fear are important to personal growth. Fear is one of the basic emotions. Some say that fear and love, its opposite, are the only real emotions. Fear is a contracting emotion. When we feel it we draw into ourselves. If we give in to it or allow it to take over we limit our range of possibilities, we become less than we really are. It is one of the barriers to personal growth." ~www.personal-growth-poetry.com

So many times in my life I have allowed 'fear' to keep me in situations that were not good for me.  Fear of retaliation; Fear of being alone; Fear of what others' think; Fears for my children; and the most popular fear most of us have... the 'Fear of Change'.

Each and every time though, once I faced a fear and got the strength to take the first step in what was usually a major change in my life, I gained confidence and became stronger and stronger with each of the next steps.   Finally realizing the 'process' has helped me to 'take action' sooner, rather than later in the last few years. 

"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."~ Marie Curie

Fear of changes and the unknown are the primary characteristics of Asperger Syndrome.  In fact, those fears can and usually control the lives of someone with Aspergers.

Using what I learned, has allowed me to help my son overcome and deal with his fears, and the anxiety that goes with as well.  Most people don't even know he has A.S. anymore, because he has faced his fears and learned to deal with them also. 

What a 'major change' in both our lives!   

"The fears you don’t face control you. The fears you face, you move beyond." ~Dr. Wayne Dyer



Knowledge Changes Things

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"They say that 'time changes things' but I believe that it's really 'knowledge' that does." ~Me

gullibility.blogspot.com

When I look back on my life, I realize that it wasn't time that changed feelings and relationships, it was the knowledge or the truth that did.   From finding out what someone did or what someone said that wasn't true.  To seeing the face of betrayal or hearing the words of abuse.   Those events cause change in our lives, not from the time that passes, but from the knowledge gained.  

As an example, many feel their first love will last forever, but then they fall out of love later.  It's not time that changed things for some couples, it's the realization that one or the other is not the person they thought or believed them to be.  Maybe they had blinders on and didn't see their true character; and that their real values in life were very different or they just grew in differenct directions.  No matter the reason, these couples just aren't a match or good for each other anymore.  Either way, I feel it's the knowledge gained that changed the feelings and relationship. 

In my own life I've reacted to situations or friendships badly at times, because I didn't have all the facts... so I could understand.  The knowledge at the time, of what was really going on or what someone was going through.  I've felt bad when the truth came out and I changed my opinions, perspectives and even feelings... because of the knowledge I received or gained.

Eye-opening experiences, both kind and not so kind, change who we are.  It's knowledge, realizing the truth and accepting responsibility for both our actions and the actions of others that we allowed or can't control in our lives, that help us to grow... not time.  

I know people who have not grown or changed in their entire life.  Instead of taking the knowledge and lessons from life to make positive changes, they blame and complain; not taking responsibility for either their actions or when they didn't do anything to better a situation.   They seem to have not learned (knowledge) from their experiences in order to change their lives.  In cases like these, time hasn't changed a thing.

I will say though, that taking the time needed to go through the processes of life is needed.  Because each step in a process, gives us strength and confidence to make good decisions with peace of mind.   No doubt that taking our time, especially when making life changing decisions, is a good idea.

"I hope you all use the knowledge gained in your lives to make the decisions that bring you happiness and peace!" ~Coreen

How I'm living my Life...

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"Risk more than others think is safe...

Care more than others think is wise.

Dream more than others think is practical...

Expect more than others think is possible."
~Cadet Maxim

beautybrainsnbeyond.blogspot

 I read this quote and thought 'this is exactly how I'm living my life'!  You can tell by the repeated words 'others think' that the author must have gotten some negative feedback or advice in her life.  I can relate to that.

I've gotten lots of negative opinions as advice in my life, as with everyone.  Over the years, I've gotten stronger, wiser and learned to do what I feel is right, no matter what others think or say.  I admit it's hard sometimes; even draining when it's people you have in your daily life.  However, as long as I'm doing what feels right; which means I'm not feeling any anxiety or guilt; then I usual prove the naysayers wrong.  Not that I get admissions very often, but I know (big smile) and that's all that matters.  

Years ago I would cringe at negative comments.  Often doubting my decision and even changing my mind at times from the pressure I felt.  I obviously didn't trust or believe in myself back then.  Maybe I tried too hard to fit in or gain approval.  I suppose it depended on the circumstances.  At any rate, that is one of the areas I've grown the most in.

This 'process', as with most, took time and self awareness.   I am very thankful for the experiences that have gotten me to where I am today.  I now take risk without remorse, care without regret, dream without limits and expect the happiness I deserve.  This is why I feel that I'm truly 'Living my Life'!

"I'm doing the best that I can, doing it in a way that I feel is right. I'm living my life!" ~ME
"There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, love & pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."~Lisa Yance

Half Full and ALOHA Friday Question

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“The way to happiness: keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine. Forget self, think of others. Do as you would be done by. Try this for a week and you will be surprised." - H. C. Mattern

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?

“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness." - Charles Spurgeon 

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

I'm Happy and Thankful for many things every day... especially this week:

• For getting settled and loving my new place!

• For all the fun things we did last weekend and seeing old friends!

• For getting some writing done this week.  It's been a long time since I could really focus!!   

"Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action." - Benjamin Disraeli

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.

"The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things." - Epictetus

My question:  I spent most of my life collecting 'things' and recently spent my days trying to get rid of the clutter and extra stuff.  Why do we hang on to things we don't 'need', when someone else may appreciate and even need them more than us?

My answer:   I think sometimes it's because we are 'afraid' that we will not have enough things someday.  For me it came down to realizing that if I truly had 'faith' in my future, that I wouldn't be so afraid of giving things away and moving on to a simpler life.  So I did and I feel Great!

“Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them." - Leo Tolstoy

Have a Beautiful weekend, everyone!!
Hugs and Blessings to you All,

~ Coreen XO

Your Inner Fire

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"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." ~Albert Schweitzer

fineartamerica.com

Have you ever met someone and knew you were meant to?  I'm sure we all have more than once.  With some encounters the lessons and reasons are obvious and instant.  With others, it takes time, even a process to bring us the lessons or understanding. 

Then there are those encounters with someone at a time when our inner fire has gone out.  When one or both have lost hope of finding happiness or even peace.   

So when someone comes into your life that rekindles your inner fire, realize that you were meant to meet them.  In fact, divine intervention and their loving guidance has just stepped in... to change your life for the better, if you let it.

No matter your religion, divine intervention is the higher power that most of us believe in... call it God, Angels, whatever you like. We all need to believe in something higher than ourselves because along with that comes 'hope' and our 'faith'. 

I refuse to give up Hope or my Faith that Positive can Win... overcoming Negative; Good over Evil.  I also have Faith that if you pray for someone you truly care about, with no ulterior motives, that you can bring them the guidance and strength that they need while lighting or rekindling their inner fire.

I believe with all my heart and soul, that our higher power guides us and their 'divine intervention' steps in to help us find the peace and happiness that we all deserve in life.

So if you meet or already know someone who 'lights your inner fire', realize that divine intervention has just stepped in to guide you in a new direction, to bring you happiness and change your life forever... if you let it. 

"If someone Lights your Inner Fire... don't give up, even fight for them if you have to... and you will Live your Greatest and Happiest Life Possible` ~ME

"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark.... Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours." ~Ayn Rand (1905 - 1982)