Passionate toward your future?

"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."~Nelson Mandela

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Are you passionate toward your future? No matter the circumstances of someone's past experiences or current situations, everyone has dreams of a better future.  From having a better job; a bigger house; a better relationship... the list goes on.

There is work involved in creating any kind of change.  To get that life you dream of, you need to set the needed steps into motion, do the work involved, and make things happen that will move  you toward the future you want.  

"The hear of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, and gives you a sense of meaning, joy, purpose and passion."~unknown

We all need to find something or someone that awakens a passion within us.  When someone is passionate about what they want, it's much easier to find the time... energy... motivation and dedication to follow through to fulfill their dreams and desires.

Close your eyes and visualize the future you most desire.  How much does it look like your current life?  What can you do right now to bring these dreams to life?  It is within you reach.  Start to make it happen - you can do it!

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."~unknown 

Every Life has Value

"Every life has value, and so the message of pro-life is not just about abortion, it's about celebrating every life as having great value, a gift from God with a special purpose." ~Gov. Mike Huckabee

with Gov. Mike Huckabee

"He who saves one life saves the world.  That one life does matter."~Gov. Mike Huckabee

 I volunteered at a Celebrate Life event over the weekend.  I subject and cause very close to my heart and soul.  There were some amazing people who spoke about both heart-wrenching and heartwarming stories.  Throughout the day I was moved to tears many times, as well as cheers at other times.

Gov. Mike Huckabee was the special guest and key note speaker.  What a down to earth, genuine good soul and unwavering Christian man.  He drove himself to the event, then walked in the front door of the church with no entourage or fan fare.  He immediately started shaking hands, posing for pictures and talking to everyone for as long as they wanted to talk to him.

His key note lasted about a half hour and moved everyone in the audience.  He spoke from a Christian prospective, explained the value of life... all human life and why we can't waiver or compromise on what we know is right.  At one point he said if the 'tent' doesn't stand with those values... then he'll leave the tent and put up his own... adding that we all need to do what is right and not waiver on what we know is wrong.  Inside every human being, no matter how small or what problems they may have, have value and treasures to be unlocked.

"I think at the heart of the pro-life movement is the idea that all people are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights starting with life."~Gov. Mike Huckabee

"I'm pro-life because I believe begins at conception, and I believe that we should do everything possible to protect that life because it is the centerpiece of what makes us unique as American people.  We value the life of one as if it's the life of all, and that's why we go out for the 12-year-old Boy Scout in North Carolina when he's lost, that's why we look for the 13 miners in Sago, West Virginia, when the mine explodes, that why we go looking for the hikers in Mount Hood, because we value life, and it's what separates us from the Islamic jihadists who are out to kill us.  They celebrate death.  They have a culture of death.  Ours is a culture of life." ~Gov. Mike

Celebrate Life Event Videos

Rules of Life... such good advice! :-)

"The values by which we are to survive are not rules for just and unjust conduct, but are those deeper illuminations in whose light justice and injustice, good and evil, means and ends are seen in fearful sharpness of outline." ~Jacob Bronowski

Random Thoughts... for 2012

"Our life always expresses the results of our prominent thoughts." ~Soren Kierkegaa

This past year has flown by faster than any I can remember.  As a new year it about to begin, I have hundreds of thoughts and memories running through my mind each time I sit to write in my journal or work on my book.  Since I've been too busy to blog much in the past year, I thought I'd add a few of them now.  

• 2012 started Happy, had highs & lows & ended Great.
• The trials in between had much needed lessons.
• Everyone has experienced trauma in their life.
• We should all have more empathy and compassion.
• Traumas can transform if allowed to push us forward.
• I have shared experiences with my best of friends.
• We must leave our comfort zones in order to grow.
• That was needed for my new career and direction.
• We often stay in jobs and situations out of Fear.
• Have Faith! You don't know, what you don't know.
• Sleep deprivation is everyone's worst enemy. 
• Negative environments are not worth the damage.  
• Unhappy people find fault with each other.
• Hurting people, hurt others.  Don't let them hurt you.
• Showing kindness, can stop the negative verbiage
• Standing up for yourself shows self-respect.
• Immature people push blame and want revenge.
• Mature people try to understand why things happen.
• Respect, the words used and tone of voice do matter.
• It takes 10 positives to make up for 1 negative.
• Nikki Haley is my example of strength and leadership.
• She has character and someone I'd like to emulate.
• Being strong annoys the people who want control.
• We're suppose to put our children First!
• No amount of critisisum over the years helped us.
• Volunteering and getting involved is so rewarding.
• I meet the most amazing people when I volunteer.
• We all need our own friends, interest... Lives.
• No one should depend on you for their happiness.
• Anymore than you should depend on someone else.
• When you're direct and honest; don't ever feel guilty.
• It's more important what someone does than says.
• I'm not emotional any longer because I'm not afraid.
• I'm not afraid of dying or the future; I have Faith.
• When I see death, I pray for the souls and families.
• Kindness and Compassion are a Hugh part of my job.  
• The last job prepared me for my current career/job.
• Having the passion for it, makes me really good at it.
• So much accomplished... so much more I want to do!

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." ~John Burroughs

 What we overcome... helps us Grow

Searching for Happiness

"We search so much for the right choices, the right paths to walk through, the right time, the right reasons, and the right person.  But life isn't just about searching for things.  It's also about letting the unexpected happen and finding joy in things and people we never searched for..." ~Author Unknown 

"While we search our whole lives to find happiness, we sometime miss the opportunities around us.  We're too busy searching for something specific that we think will make us happy.  We need to stop searching long enough to appreciate and enjoy the spontaneous surprises of each day.  Only when we embrace all of life's experiences, large and small, can we find what we.re looking for... happiness that's already inside each of us." ~ME

What's meant to be....

"When people come into your life for only a SEASON... It was meant to be.  They come for a REASON...  So, let it be..."

"What's meant to be will always find a way."

As the poem goes:  'People come into our life for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime...'  It's often times hard for us to determine, in the beginning, which of those a person is supposed to be.  Primarily because we ourselves are too close to the situation to be objective.  Often times our own wants and needs, get in the way of just letting situations and relationships just take it's course..., whatever that course may be.

What gets many of us in trouble, is when our desires cause us to see situations and people the way we wish them to be and believe what we want to.  When these feeling and emotions take over, it sometimes allows us to assume and even expect something that may or may not... meant to be. 

Most of us, however, can see the truth later on... which of those 3 they were and even see why we were meant to meet that person... no matter how long or how brief.  God then hopes that we also see the reason or lesson... and there is always a reason along with a lesson or two.  

I've personally been on both sides.  When I was naive and too trusting, I was the person picturing happy, even romantic futures.  Then as I grew and became much more intuitive and understanding of the paths and lessons that we are to encounter throughout our life times.  Now a days I seem to be on the other side where I feel I'm the person who comes into lives for a reason, maybe even a season to support, direct or help in some way.  

I believe that we are all meant to be the 'Reason, Season or Lifetime' for many, many people throughout our lives.  Sometimes, unfortunately we encounter someone who misunderstands why we've met.  They assume and even expect things that are just not meant to be or why we are here for them.  They don't see what we are here to teach or show them.   

It's a touchy situation when have to set boundaries, while continuing to be a good friend and teach the lessons that God has placed them there to do.  That person has to remain strong, listen to their intuition or gut... and stay true to their heart and only be what they are meant to be for that person.  

The main lessons I've learned are: self love first; be the person you wish to find; do the things you want to do with that person someday; and above all else... never expect, never assume, never demand... just let it be and enjoy the moment, the friendship or the situation.  

"Maybe some people just aren't meant to be in our lives forever.  Maybe some people are just passing through.  It's like some people just come through our lives to bring us something: a gift, a blessing, a lesson we need to learn.  And that's why they're here.  You'll have that gift forever." ~Danielle Steel, The Gif

Love them or Leave them
Can Men and Women be friends?

Find Strength from Every Lesson

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do.  But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." ~Unknown

"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness.  Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.  Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength."~August Wilson

Accept all that is given to you with an open mind.  Every event is a gift, whether it warmed your heart or brought you disappointment.  Everything is a blessing for reasons we can't always see or know in the moment.  Learn from yesterday, live for today, plant seeds for tomorrow using your inner strength to live a life worth living.

"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes from within."~Anonymous

The philosophy of life is to make the most of it.  So enjoy the happy moments for sure, but see the lessons in the challenges thrown at you too.  Everything can happen for a reason if you view life with an open mind and heart; to see the lessons that give you the wisdom and strength to follow the paths that God leads you on all throughout your life.  

"Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them.  There are deep wells of strength that are never used."~Richard E. Byrd

The Power of Kindness

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."~Leo Buscaglia

Be Authentic

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"The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering." ~Ben Okri

I've had interviews where I was the person that I thought the bosses or organizations were looking for.  However, I would end up turning the jobs down when they were offered, because they didn't feel like the right fit for me.  I could never be happy being someone I am not or having to do task that go against my character or beliefs.  We all have our strengths, so if a job is not the right fit, it's better to be honest from the beginning.  

"It is my intention to live an authentic life of compassion and integrity and action." ~Zachary Quinto

As I get ready for my first day tomorrow at my new job; I planned what I should wear, when I should leave in the morning and what I should bring.  One thing I didn't plan is how to act.  I know I got this job by being myself... my authentic self in the interviews.  Knowing that I can and should be myself is making  this change in my life so much easier; along with knowing the values and mission of the organization.  I am so excited!

"In short, we cannot grow, we cannot achieve authentic discovery, and our eyes cannot be cleansed to the truly beautiful possibilities of life, if we simply live a neutral existence." ~Armstrong Williams 

5 Things You Can Do to be Your Authentic Self

Truly having No Fear

"Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty.  To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom."~Bertrand Russell

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In my earlier years, I had a hard time dealing with death... hitting me hard when someone close to me died, starting with my Grandmother when I was 10; friends and relatives throughout my life and then more recently, when my dad died.  I thought and felt that I and the world, had lost them forever.

"People living deeply have no hear of death."~Anais Nin

I now know and can accept that the world we know, right now, may have lost them.  However, their souls or spirits, truly are in heaven, the university... and they are healthy, happy and whole.  They are even close to us whenever we think of them.  If you believe and understand, you can even feel them sending us guidance and love.

"I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today."~William Allen White

For many years, I was terrified of dying.  Now that I'm not... I see the world and my circumstances very differently.  This is all temporary, a journey full of spiritual insight and lessons that God and the Universe want us each to learn.  When we learn what we are meant to, the best if yet to come.

"Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out."~Karl Augustus Menninger 

Change in Beliefs

"If you don't change your beliefs, your life will be like this forever.  Is that good news?"~William Somerset Maugham

"Personal change is a reflection of our inner growth and empowerment."~Robert E. Quinn

Change Your Beliefs...Change Your Life
When You Change Your Thinking,
You Change Your Beliefs...!!
When You Change Your Beliefs,
You Change Your Expectations...!!
When You Change Your Expectations,
You Change Your Attitude...!!
When You Change Your Attitude,
You Change Your Behavior...!!
When You Change Your Behavior,
You Change Your Performance...!!
When You Change Your Performance,
You Change Your Life

by: Ashish Gutgutia

Change Your Beliefs to Change Your Life song & video
Change Your Beliefs - Change Your Life
Change Your Beliefs, Change Your Life
Change Your Beliefs and Change Your Life

Liberate from our Fear

"When you're in fear, you can't grow,you can't expand, you can't relax, you can't create...  It's quite paralyzing.  Living in fear is essentially toxic to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being and growth."~Katie Freiling

The more I watch the people around me and their relationships, the more I notice that most peoples' actions and reactions, are 'triggered' by the same emotion each time...FEAR.  

"Fear is only as deep as the mind allows."~Japanese Proverb

Fear of losing something or someone; Fear of financial struggles; Fear of being alone; Fear of not having Control of a situation or relationship.... and FEAR Fuels More FEAR...over and over again.

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

So many times in all our lives, we react or make chooses.... out of FEAR of something happening or not happening.  Not out of stupidity or ignorance... but usually rash or poor decision are the result of FEAR.

"As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."~Nelson Mandela

In my own life, I now see why I made the poor decisions I have.  Granted, I've been naive, too trusting, and even told 'too nice' many times by my friends... however my worst decisions or reactions have by far been made out of FEAR of something.   

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”~Marianne Williamson

Even recently I realize that the stress I've experienced in the last 10 months; have been fueled by Fear.  That the jobs I turned down... were from Fear of the unknown.  Not having All the answers or knowing Exactly what to expect from those jobs, cause be to focus on the uncertainties instead of the Possibilities.

"Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out."~Karl Augustus Menninger

In recent years, I've stayed in jobs that caused overwhelming stress or were I was unfulfilled... much longer than I wanted to.  I stayed out of Fear of 'what ifs' and the unknown at another position somewhere else.  Until... I made a conscious decision stopped letting Fear control my decisions or chooses in my own life.  I may slip at times and I may not have all the answers; however I do know that letting Fear be a deciding factor... is not the way to live a happy and fulfilling life.   Which is what I'm sure is what we all want... now is't it?!  ;-)

I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-filler.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fears.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past,
I will turn the inner eye to see it's path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
~Frank Herbert

7 Keys from Liberating yourself from Fear

Here for a Reason...

"There are no extra pieces in the Universe.  Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle." ~Deepak Chopra

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As I look over all the events that have occurred in my life, I often wonder why.  Why I had to go through so much trauma; why some things didn't work out when I had pure intentions; even why some friendships didn't last that I felt were meant to be.

I've spent much time reflecting and trying to make sense of these encounters and experiences... finally having it 'click' and all make perfect sense to me.  I can now see how each of these events, and the people I've met, all had a purpose, a lesson... a reason.

"Even when you think you have your life all mapped out, things happen that shape your destiny in ways you might never have imagined." ~Deepak Chopra

When I finally stopped planning and guiding my life out of fear of being a victim again, I was able to see and understand the meanings from the things that happened and the people who taught me the lessons I needed in order to find my own voice and passions.

All of those events and encounters ultimately lead to Deeper insight, understanding... and ultimately to my own evolution as the person I was always meant to be, in the place I was destined to be.  I believe we all have a purpose and reason with every situation in our life.

"Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at each moment, was precisely the ones you needed in your life at those moments.  There was and is a hidden meaning behind all those events, and those hidden meanings are serving your own evolution." ~Deepak Chopra

Sometimes you just know...

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"Trust yourself.  You know more than you think you do." ~Benjamin Spock

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Sometimes you just know...

... you're not the same person.

Sometimes you just know...

... when you've healed from the past.

Sometimes you just know...
... where you're headed in life.

Sometimes you just know... 

... you were where you needed to be.

Sometimes you just know.
... you needed all those lessons.

Sometimes you just know...

... things happened for a reason.

Sometimes you just know...
... it was supposed to turn out this way. :-)

"Step back in Life... and See the Lessons.  Those lessons will lead you to Understanding and eventually the Life you're meant to have." ~ME

Lessons from the Universe

"God does not play dice with the Universe." ~Albert Einstein 

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If you understand the extraordinary gifts every single challenge in your life makes possible, even inevitable, you'd celebrate your challenges, new and old alike, as the omens or signs that they are of new beginnings, spectacular change, and enhanced insight that gives us strength and knowledge.   Both help us grow into the person we are meant to be; bringing us the lives we deserve with immeasurable love and happiness.

To Give Love...

"The most important thing in Life is to learn how to give out Love, and to let it come in." ~Morrie Schwartz

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"From Love"by Leo Buscaglia

"In discussing love, it would be well to consider the
following premises:

One cannot give what he does not possess.
To give love you must possess love.

One cannot teach what he does not understand.
To teach love you must comprehend love.

One cannot know what he does not study..
To study love you must live in love.

One cannot appreciate what he does not recognize.
To recognize love you must be receptive to love.

One cannot have doubt about that which he wishes to
trust. To trust love you must be convinced of love.

One cannot admit what he does not yield to.
To yield to love you must be vulnerable to love.

One cannot live what he does not dedicate himself to.
To dedicate yourself to love you must be forever 
growing in love."

"Love wasn't put in your heart to lock away.  Love was put in your heart to give it away." ~Me

Our Destiny.... is Life!

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"People often meet their destiny on the road they take to avoid it." ~French Proverb

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The universe has a way of sending us the exact right experiences that we need to grow and move forward.  Our challenge is to embrace these experiences and be open to their lessons and their power.
So much has happened in my life; and as I progress though and grow personally, I can now see a lesson in almost every challenge I've encountered.  I believe that destiny really is a predetermined course of events that are beyond human power or control.  

"When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready.  The challenge will not wait.  Life does not look back.  A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny." ~Paulo Coulho 

Messages from the Universe

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January 29, 2012

This is the 'message' I received in a fortune cookie this weekend; "You will discover the truth in time."  Some of you may notice the connection to some recent post of mine.  ;-)

I have written and shared several post in the past few months... about truth, honesty, and finding answers.  Most of these post were written after several eye opening experiences, resulting in revelations about both people and situations I thought I knew and understood. Realizing I didn't because people aren't always honest with themselves, making it impossible to be honest with me or anyone else for that matter.

Discovering "the truth" for both myself and several friends recently, has lead to even greater empathy and compassion.  So getting this as my 'fortune' certainly caught my attention.   

As I re-read this I catch the words 'in time'... now that could mean so many things couldn't it?!  Will I discover the 'truth' this week, next week, next month or next year?!  Curiosity has me intrigued yet again... to where I suddenly have more questions and a need for more answers.  

We all receive signs and messages throughout our days and life.  Most people just don't stop to see them or don't believe.

Do you believe in 'signs' from above?  Do you see things like this as a 'message' or 'answer' from the Universe?  

I certainly do, but must always remember that even with messages, signs, answers and even the truth... everything still happens in God's timing.  

The Purpose of Life is to Live It

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Remembering Lifes Purpose

"We each have an important role to fulfill during this journey we call life. The things we absorb along the way can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and not sure which direction to follow. Recall, Reclaim, and begin working toward fulfilling the purpose for which you were sent and you will find new meaning, joy, fulfillment, and a sense of deep inner peace in each and every area of your life."  ~by Chuck Danes

"Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

The Purpose of Life and Change

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"Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." ~John F. Kennedy

"The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give. The joy of life is to love." ~William Arthur Ward