Finding Happiness in the midst of Tragedy.....

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"Sometimes in tragedy we find our life's purpose - the eye sheds a tear to find its focus." ~Robert Brault, http://www.robertbrault.com/

Of course we all know about the catastrophic events in Japan this past week.  The images on the news are horrific and heartbreaking to watch.  In the midst of so much sadness and tragedy, I wondered if I should do my usual weekly 'Happy' post.   Then because I personally had trouble getting those images out of my head and not able to think about much else, I decided I should.  So here goes... I sincerely hope I'm able to uplift or cheer a friend or two. 

"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

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?

"The beauty of the world has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder." ~Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own, 1929

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; including some special kindness this week:

• For feeling much better after being sick this week and for wonderful bosses who cared! :-)

• For the nice auto instructors and students who repaired my car this week!  They did a Great job!!  The auto center I went to first... not so much, but we live and learn!! :-)

• For my youngest son's birthday and the special treat from his dad Friday! :-)   My son is very happy!  I can't believe how fast the years fly by though!!!

"When we ask, "Why did this happen to me?"... let us also ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our 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.

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

My question:  I know it may be hard, but what 'inspirational' and/or 'happy' image or story can you remember from the tragedy this week?

My answer: First, I am so impressed with the 'calm' and kindness to one another in Japan's shelters and devastated areas.  Someone giving another person their only food for the day, because the other person needed it more.  Or the firefighter who kept trying to save others, after learning their own family was gone.  Incredible human kindness; the way we should all be to each other, in my opinion.  Then there was the image of the baby girl found alive... 3 days after the tsunami.  A miracle, no other explanation!!!

"Turn your wounds into wisdom and appreciation." ~Oprah Winfrey

Please note: I'll be participating in the Bloggers Day of Silence to honor the victims of the recent earthquake tomorrow and to help raise awareness for the need for donations.  I apologize for not being able to visit anyone this week, due to being sick.  I promise to get back into my routine soon, just not Friday in honor of Japan.

Charlotte (Life's a Charm!) has left this link for more inspiring stories: Tweets from Japan in the midst of catastrophic quake.   So insightful and inspiring...
Love & Many Hugs Always!!
~ Coreen xoxoxo

Special Prayers in light of the Japan tragedy

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Wondrous God,

You created our beautiful earth, and called that creation good. You created our seas and rivers, our mountains and beaches. You tilted the earth to give us seasons of winter and spring, summer and autumn. You gave us the moon and created tides. You created this great planet that lives and breathes, and at times shudders and cracks.

Loving God, we mourn with all those who are grieving after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and across the great Pacific. We pray for those families who are still searching for loved ones. We lift up those who have been injured, those who are still lost, awaiting to be found and given aid. Help us to bring comfort and aide where we can, to extend not only our finances but our hearts. Guide us in Your wisdom in how we might best care for others, for we are Your hands and feet on this earth. We are the body of Christ. Help us to be moved with the whole body of Christ in solidarity with those who are hurting.

Gracious God, we pray for the repercussions in the aftermath of this natural tragedy; we are especially praying for all those that live near the nuclear facilities, that they might be kept out of harm’s way and that the safety measures in place will be enough to keep the people safe. We pray for those near factories and other potential sources of danger in the aftermath that they would be kept safe. We pray for all those workers and volunteers coming to aide the sick and the hurt and the bereaved that You would keep them safe, dear God.

Great Creator, You formed this beautiful earth. You blessed Your creation. We do not know why these things happen, but we do know that You are at work in the restoring of the coastline; You are at work in the softening of he waves; You are at work in the hearts of those who are giving of themselves to save others. You continue to be at work in the hearts of those who are sharing what they have and doing what they can to be Your arms in this world. May we do our part to be a blessing to others in need when disaster comes. May we always be reminded that we are Your body here on earth. May we reach out and continue to be Your hands and feet in this world. In the name of Christ, the Great Comforter, the Great Healer, the Great Restorer, we pray all things. Amen.  Special prayer by Rev. Mindi from Rev-o-lution.org

dailywordofgodgroup.com

O loving Creator,

bring healing and hope to those who, at this time, grieve, suffer pain, or who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

We remember those who have died and we pray for those who mourn for them.

We pray for those who may be affected as the tsunami spreads across the Pacific.

May we all be aware of Your compassion, O God, which calms our troubled hearts and shelters our anxious souls.

May we pray with humility with our troubled and struggling brothers and sisters on earth.

May we dare to hope that through the generosity of the privileged, the destitute might glimpse hope, warmth and life again.

Through our Saviour Christ who lives with us, comforts us and soothes us.   Amen.
From the website www.churchofengland.org/prayer

For more prayers for Natural Disasters and Japan:
Japan Prayer Link
Natural Disaster/prayer
Prayers, Hymns, Sermons and Resources for Times of Natural Disaster
In Times of Catastrophe
Japan & Hawaii Prayer by Rev. Dr. John Tamilio III, Ph.D.

Half Full and Aloha Friday Question of the week...

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"The art of living does not consist in preserving and clinging to a particular mode of happiness, but in allowing happiness to change its form without being disappointed by the change; happiness, like a child, must be allowed to grow up." ~Charles L. Morgan

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?

"If a person isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get." ~Frank A. Clark

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; including some special honors this week:

• The Awesome compliment from my friend, William, on his Promotion Blog!  Thank you, Willaim! :-)

• Shanae Branham from Triumph and Tears for featuring my post Silencing the Violence of Verbal Abuse; entering it in her blog contest. Thank you, Shanae! :-) 

• For another gracious and thoughtful award from my very good friend, Jules from Trying to Get Over the Rainbow!  Thank you, Jules! :-)

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

"Happiness is the feeling you're feeling when you want to keep feeling it." ~Author Unknown

My question:  What do you do to 'create' some happiness?

My answer:  Whether it's inviting people to dinner, having a cook out or hosting a 'game' night... I'm always happy to have company!

"Some pursue happiness, others create it. ~Author Unknown

Have a Fabulous Friday & Wonderful Weekend, Everyone!
Love & Hugs!

~ Coreen

Believing in Me!

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 "You are in charge of your feelings, beliefs, and actions. And you teach others how to behave toward you. While you cannot change other people, you can influence them through your own behaviors and actions. By being a living role model of what you want to receive from others, you create more of what you want in your life." ~Eric Allenbaugh

annasyogaspace.blogspot.com


6 years ago I was still living back home in Nebraska. I say back home like it’s far away and that's funny because it’s just the next state over. In fact it’s only an hour from where I live now. However at times, it has felt like half way around the world from a 'small town' in Iowa.

The first few years here were incredibly hard for me. I had given up my home, my friends and a job I loved, with co-workers who were like family. What was even worse, I had given up my security for another person. That was a Hugh mistake that I will never make again. I now know that someone who truly loves you, wouldn't want you to give up everything; or anything that makes you happy for that matter.

I wanted to ‘believe’ all the ‘words’ and promises; that someone really wanted to 'share' lifes ups and downs and have a 'balanced' relationship.  I even convinced myself that it was God’s plan because this person came into not only my life, but also my son’s. At a time when I felt he really needed a man in his life. So I only saw what I wanted to see and I ignored my own gut. I wanted to ‘believe’ I was doing the right thing.

Moving to Iowa has worked out extremely well for my son and that I do believe was God’s plan. However I should have thought of myself back then and planned my move more carefully. But we live and learn and I have learned so much!

I learned that no one can take care of me better than I can take care of myself. That no one has the right to be manipulative and controlling; no matter what they’ve been through or how much they think you owe them. I have learned that I am stronger, smarter and braver than I ever imagined. I didn’t need anyone to help me with my son; I could do it on my own all along. I just needed to ‘believe’ in ME. 

"Self-confidence and a belief in yourself is a must. To instill confidence in others, you first must have confidence in yourself." ~Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from Good-bye Manager, Hello Coach!

I want to say a special thank you to Shanae, @ Triumph and Tears for entering one of my previous post in her Contest.  Visit her Great blog when you can. :-)

What is hope.................

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“Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that?” ~author unknown 


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Hope is the belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life.  Hope is distinct from positive thinking, which refers to a therapeutic or systematic process used in psychology for reversing pessimism. ~ wikipedia.org

What hope means

Hope is bright shining light which keeps darkness at the bay

Hope is gentle cold breeze on a hot summer day

Hope is to remain positive when going gets tough

Hope is seeking more when others think you had enough

What hope means

Hope is dreaming of tomorrow

Hope is simmering under sorrow

Hope is sparkles when tears are in our eyes

Hope is a beautiful thing & beautiful things never dies

What hope means

Hope is as light as a feather

Hope keeps all of us together

Hope is ubiquitous and free of cost

Hope is the last thing ever lost.....

by:  Vineet Bansal

“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.” ~George Iles

“Hope is the most exciting thing in life and if you honestly believe that love is out there, it will come. And even if it doesn't come straight away there is still that chance all through your life that it will.” ~Josh Hartnett

“When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always be worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better.” ~author unknown

“Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope” ~thinkexist.com

Half Full & Aloha Friday Question!

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"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom." – Plato

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?

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

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

This week I'm Happy and Thankful for:

• 3 Graduations this spring and summer to look forward to!!

• my ability to see the lessons in adversities and trials.  

• the love I always feel from my family and friends! :-)

"There’s simply no room for hatred in happiness. There is only love. Whenever possible, choose to forgive and forget." ~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.

"Happiness is a state of mind. Not something you can buy in your favorite fashion outlet." ~author unknown

My question:  What is your favorite 'non-material' happiness?

My answer:   Mine is Sunshine, Laughter and Love! 

"Love is trembling happiness." ~Kahlil Gibran

Have a Fabulous Friday and Wonderful Weekend, Everyone!
Love & Hugs!

~ Coreen

Leave Them Even Though You’re Still in Love... By Carmen Honacker

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This article is by Carmen Honacker and is re-posted from California Psychics Blog.  No matter what you do or do not believe, their articles are extremely good and help many people.  Check out Carmen's Blog for more powerful post. Or one of her freelance post on the C.P. Blog!  Carmen is a survivor, author, mentor, Hugh inspiration and now a Great friend!

Years ago, I received a phone call late at night from a friend who asked if I could pick her up from a gas station in Hollywood. She was stranded there, after her boyfriend had hit her and kicked her out of the car. What followed were another three years of abuse in which he broke her nose twice, ruined her credit, threatened to kill her, and got her arrested. Each time I tried to interfere, she would tell me “but I love him.” It was heartbreaking for me, because I, too, had used the same reason to stay in relationships with guys who were clearly no good for me or downright abusive. After all, I am my mother’s daughter, and she taught me that it was ok to be abused, neglected, cheated on and broken by someone who “loves” you. We all know that cycles have a way of repeating themselves.

I remember spending year after year, or month after month with narcissistic, sociopathic, selfish, dishonest and cold-hearted guys, because I wanted to “love the bad out of them.” I had learned as a child that I was worthless; that no one would ever stand up for me or protect me, so I decided to do for others what no one had done for me! In my opinion, everyone was a good person deep down inside, and I was the one who would bring it out of them. Time and time again, I fell in love with “potential” and the illusion of what could be, versus the reality of what actually was and would be!

I have an amazing imagination, and I was so desperate for someone, anyone, to pay any attention to me or love me, that my heart was up for grabs – and not for the highest bidder, but any bidder! All one had to do was show up. I wouldn’t even censor. I firmly believed that everyone is a good person, and that some just hid their “goodness” from the world because they had been hurt so much/endured bad things; some, apparently, have to hide it really, really deep down inside! So no matter what heartless stunt was pulled, I generally still stuck around. I would focus on “the good sides” and imagine whatever I wanted, which was much easier than facing the bleak reality of how unloved I truly felt. I thought that if I could prove my love, loyalty and devotion enough, he’d sooner or later stop being the jerk that he was. It never even occurred to me that I had absolutely no power over another person’s actions or choices! It never occurred to me that some people will never learn, have no desire to change, and are truly selfish or simply dishonest. In my mind, it was always my fault that another was behaving the way they did; which meant that I had control over it!

I can highly recommend two tools that worked to rewire my “hard-drive”; cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy. Neither one necessarily requires that you have to lay down on the couch of a therapist and talk about your “sad stories.” Instead, even if you’re not willing to dig into the deepest, darkest secrets of your past, a good therapist will still be able to help you to disconnect the old, self-destructive behavioral patterns and teach you new and healthy ones.

When one is in this situation, it seems impossible to survive without him. It seems that you will never, ever be able to “love” someone the way you love him, or be as attracted to someone the way you are attracted to him. However, with the right tools you can learn to love, honor and respect yourself enough to recognize what true love is, versus an unhealthy obsession and addiction. Loving yourself will be the best thing you’ll ever learn, and the most important one in choosing that which truly makes you happy all the time, not only in the five minutes he chose to be nice to you, before he disappears, cheats, leaves or is mean to you again.  ~ By Carmen Honacker   Check out Carmen's Blog for more powerful post.  Or one of her freelance post on the California Psychics Blog!