Half Full Friday & Aloha Friday weekly question

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"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!!

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"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

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"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'

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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!

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 "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

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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

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"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

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“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