take stock…

“ A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle.
Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or
trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective… Otherwise
they can easily overtake our vision, absorb all our energy, and
deprive us of the joy and beauty intended us to receive here on
earth.” Richard G Scott (paraphrased)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to stop, breathe, drop our burdens even for just a few minutes and take a new look with a new perspective and see what we can do to handle them with new eyes and thoughts.  When our eyes are clouded and we can’t see beyond the this very moment – we need to stop and just let go.

It’s time to pause and listen. Take stock of what you do have, what you can do or would like to accomplish or more importantly is essential.  Who knows, that miracle you’re looking for, may be just around the corner — or in the next moment.  It is all a matter of perspective.

Marvel at the Greatness

“Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a
little flower.”  Hans Christian Anderson

I’ve always marveled at the beautify of a sunrise or sunset. The colors and formations of the clouds and how magnificent and amazing each is and none equals another. Do you remember the days as a teen when you used to “bake” to get the perfect tan every summer?  And now you cover up but still love to feel the “heat” of the rays of the sun on your face even if it’s just for a few gentle seconds – turning just so to get that perfect “zap”  because it feels so good!

Or do you pause in your garden and marvel at the miracle of a budding flower as it gently unfolds noting each petal, curling outward in magnificent color and beauty and uniqueness?

Behold you!  Grow in your own greatness, look towards the greatness that is you!

an inner love

“The love, or lack of love, we give ourselves and share with others
will determine whether life is sweet or sour. It determines the fabric
and texture of our relationships and how others perceive and receive
us.”  Jon Gordon

Our own self-perception is the aura we share with others.  What is it that we share when we walk in the room?  Does the lighten or darken?  Is the air sweeter or more fragrant?  Are we a joy to be around or do people shrink when we approach them?

What am I doing well now?  What can I do better?  What do I need to change?  What steps will get me to those goals?

reach out

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
Charles Dickens

Today is YOUR day to reach out.  I promise you won’t be disappointed and the person(s) you help won’t be either. And maybe, just maybe they’ll reach out and extend a hand to someone else in return to pay it forward as well in  an expanding circle of ripples.

growing responsible

“If you make it a habit not to blame others, you will feel the growth of the ability to love in your soul, and you will see the growth of goodness in your life.”
— Leo Tolstoy

Take control of your responsibilities and challenges.  Make it your choice today; from this point forward – it really does feels good from the inside out. Try it on for size today. Wrap your arms around it.  Make it your goal today and for the rest of this month to see the best in yourself and be responsible for your actions.  If you make a mistake, take ownership of it.  It’s really okay.  Reset. Take a breath and start over from there.

Let’s keep it simple. Journal the next two weeks.  Notice the changes.  Come back and visit this entry….and answer the following:

There’s a change in your stature, what have you personally noticed?
Personal relationships shift – family, friends, and colleagues – are you noticing a change in any of these since you’ve taken a stance? Have you been keeping a journal of any of these?
How does this new responsibility feel?
What have you learned?

Your GREATNESS is growing!

 

 

twinklings… don’t miss them!

Universe Today

“In the external scheme of things, shining moments are as brief as the twinkling of an eye, yet such twinklings are what eternity is made of — moments when we human beings can say “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” “I forgive you,” “I’m grateful for you.” That’s what eternity is made of: invisible imperishable good stuff.”  Fred Rogers

These are the exquisite moments that exist every day.  Hundreds of moments, maybe thousands of moments often overlooked because we’re too busy, hurried, harried or occupied.  These are our “teaching” moments with our children. A “loving  or sharing” moment with our spouse.

Sharing a Recognition of Greatness with a family member or even a stranger can often make the difference in their day for good or bad.  Often these statements only take a mere five to ten seconds of your time and if you really want to get wordy, 30 seconds of your time by adding on values and traits you want to see that person exhibiting or admire in that person.  For an example of this, see this blog.  Wouldn’t you have loved to be on the receiving end of Howard’s recognition?

Next time you’re out and about, take a few seconds to say thanks for a job well done in a very specific way.  Not just “thank you” or “good job.”

Don’t miss an opportunity for a  “twinkling” today – share one with your loved ones

Nine words

“Never forget the 9 most important words in a family:

“I love you.”

You are beautiful.”

“I am sorry”.  H Jackson Brown Jr.

These are important keys to creating and solidifying relationships.  Our large family is spread across several states and time zones.  Our schedules don’t often jive and it’s hard to get together even for a phone call.  I treasure those times when we do join for a family dinner in a home or at a restaurant, gather around a phone for a few minutes to “catch up” on the news – or even better with technology being what it is, using Skype® to conference with the kids, the folks, brothers and sisters.

While texting seems to be a great way to get messages back and forth — it seems to lose something. I really do like some “face” time and seeing who I am talking to and seeing how the grand-kids are growing and changing from week to week or month to month.  We really do need to visit more frequently — HINT HINT!

And one more thing, I still treasure, is the old fashioned card or letter — although I don’t write many, I still enjoy sending a beautiful card and letter filled with a handwritten sentiment – and I hope the recipient enjoys the same.

a blank page

florencegrisworld.com

“… The future is an empty canvas or a blank sheet of paper, and if you have the courage of your own thought and your own observation, you can make of it what you will. ”   Lewis Lapham

Where and what are you going to do with your blank canvas today? Will you fill it with bright colors, pastels? Or muted, earthy tones?  Will come back and add layer upon layer as go throughout the day?

You are the artist, the author.  It is your choice.  This is truly your canvas to fill or leave blank.  What will you choose?

Growing Inner Wealth

“Your presence and unique style makes an enormous difference in the
world. Raise your gifts for all to see, as an inspiration to others to
be all they can be. Your authentic life inspires others to soar.”
Soulseeds

Take a look at this short clip.  Do you see the gifts of greatness in each of these two teens?  Do you feel  the teacher might have been inspired in pairing these two together?  Did the teacher see their gifts and how they complimented each other?  AND how they might give back to each other even more greatness and build even more inner wealth in each other?

What gifts can you share today?

a new pathway

“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed
to help you discover who you are.”  Bernice Johnson Reagon

It sure can be uncomfortable, and unnerving yet — that “fear” you feel can be just that nudge you need, that extra bit of “fuel” to get you out of the comfort zone.  Use it to move you forward.  Let those challenges also be part of your “education” and then share your experiences with others so they may not have to go down those same pathways.

Change is inevitable in this journey of greatness.  Clear the path you want to take — discover where you want to go and take the that next step forward.  Honor the person you want to be!  BE YOU!  Stand in YOUR GREATNESS – and while you’re doing that, keep moving forward.