About optimism...

Hello Friends,

For as long as I can remember I've understood and embraced optimism.  I've believed with unwavering faith in reaching for the stars and in the process of believing have come to know nothing is ever out of reach unless you choose to feel that way.  Sometimes life provides a dose of reality and you must alter the direction in which you are heading, but optimism always provides the fuel for pressing on.

Bruce Mau says 'there is nothing that drives optimism more than passion with a purpose.  Find your purpose'.  Perhaps that is the essence of how optimism exists and thrives; that is knowing for sure that which you are pursuing is valid and worthwhile.  What I have come to know and understand with certainty is having optimism is a gift to be treasured.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About choices...

Hello Friends,

Everyday we are faced with choices.  Some are easier than others to make but none the less the choice must be made.  Albert Camus says 'that life is the sum of all your choices'.  The decisions we make are not always the perfect and best ones but we learn to live by them.

It's important to not regret the choices we make but instead find a way to embrace them.  Often we discover it is during these times we learn the most about ourselves and what life has to offer to us.  Choices make us who we are and frame the foundation of what we hold most dear.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About feeling confused...

Hello Friends,

There are moments in our life when we face times that simply make us feel confused.  We struggle to understand and  try to fathom what the right direction to go in is.  Our emotions are intertwined with that which we face and we wonder when there will be a time we can sort it all out.  It's complicated to process yet we try our best.

It's natural to feel overwhelmed and to question how to process the emotions.  We talk about it, yet we can't find the solutions.  That's the most frustrating part because others often propose the very solutions that seem so easy.  Emotions aren't like that though and we must come to terms with the confusion.  When we learn to do that very thing we find a way to move forward.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About laughing out loud...

Hello Friends,

I'm truly laughing out loud as I remember some stories that were told to me lately.  I couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of some of them and how genuinely funny they were.  What's interesting is they were all true and while in the midst of the experience we often call into question how they can both be that funny and real at the same time.  The reality is life happens all around us despite the circumstances.

What I have come to know with certainty is that finding ways to embrace and value it all is what is most important.  We can't always expect that others will think and be like us; rather it is in learning to open our hearts and minds and be present in the moment that we truly find our happiness.  In some ways I think it demonstrates unconditional love; something important to all of us.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About flying too close to the ground...

Hello Friends,

Some sayings just naturally find a way to capture my attention and stay on my mind awhile until I can process their meaning.  These words 'angel flying too close to the ground' are ones I've heard before but of late I find myself pondering about what it really means.

Perhaps it means we are constantly taking risks and then finding hope and strength to survive all we encounter.  While risks are important and necessary sometimes we must find a way to step back and simply live our lives for a while without them.  That may be the balance rather than the risk of constantly flying too close to the ground.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About pink marble...

Hello Friends,

Some things just capture one's attention because of how pretty they are. Often that's the case because of the pictures they create in your mind. Pink marble is like that. While I haven't often seen it in many places, I do own a piece, and each time I look at it, I am reminded that marble has this remarkable strength. How amazing to liken this strength to our character.

In the process of living our lives we discover how to blend both resilience and determination and thus find our own internal strength. Sometimes it's evident to others, but at other times, it is simply found deep within us; either way as my eyes behold pink marble I know for certain that building strength and keeping it does not happen without work. Until next time...

Blondie©

About the sunrise...

Hello Friends,

As I travel the miles in my daily commute I am reminded in part why I leave so early; the answer is simple, it's the sunrise and all it's beauty to behold.   How beautiful to see it rise with such colors that cause one's heart and mind to smile and relax with wonderful thoughts.

Life so often causes us to be in such a rush to work all things out.  There is so much to do and we seldom take time to just be present and enjoy every day moments like a sunrise.  How wonderful to know with certainty that the daily rise of the sun can be the very thing to renew our spirit.  Until new time...

Blondie©

About being fragile...

Hello Friends,

When I think of being fragile it always reminds me of moments that cut right to the heart of who we are and get to us in a way that nothing else can.  Our heart feels as though it will break and we react somewhat like a delicate flower.  Yet in the midst of it all we find our strength and realize we are not nearly as broken as we might feel.

I think it's okay at times to allow ourselves to be fragile as this makes us sensitive and real to all that is around us.  Yet it's also what makes us determined; that is, we find a way to work through the emotions and know we are better from the experience of it all.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About desire...

Hello Friends,

Desire is often a motivator and an enabler of many things.  I suppose that is what's most important; meaning it can be a help in achieving our dreams.  But where do we learn to draw the line so that it does not cross over to being a negative?  That part has always puzzled me. I often wonder how to come to terms with such desire in wanting more than one has.

Recently I read this quote by Epicurus;  'do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the the things you only hoped for'.  Those thoughts cause me to pause and reflect on their meaning.  Perhaps what's most important is desiring to live each day to the fullest and finding completeness in that very thing.  Until next tme...

Blondie©

About defining moments...

Hello Friends,

I love the conotation that defining moments create in my mind.  When I think of it, I can't help but imagine that success is interwined with the meaning.  I suppose it's possible that one can have defining moments that are not happy and in that regards those are truly the times in your life when what you are made of becomes clearly evident.  What I mean by that is how you overcome defines who you become.

It would be wonderful to think we could sail through all of our life and things would seem normal.  That's probably unrealistic to think that way or even that it is possible.  I suspect most of us will go through defining moments.  Whether these create happy or sad moments, we learn best when we embrace them all.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About adjustment...

Hello Friends,

Life is about adjustment. We are constantly faced with making choices and ultimately decisions that must be made. Will we make the adjustment or will we look and expect that others will adjust around us? No matter how we may wish for things to be different, at times, the reality is adjustment takes work.

It's important we do not become complacent and set on being stubborn and miss the amazing opportunities around us. At times we may find it is the very act of opening our minds and adjusting our thought process and actions that helps us to realize the very outcome we need. It's important we never lose sight of the value of adjustment. Until next time...

Blondie©

About gratitude...

Hello Friends,

Everyday it's important to find moments to be grateful.  While I don't sit down and write in a gratitude journal as some people may, none the less, I think about what I'm truly grateful for on a daily basis.  I recently purchased a book of inspirational thoughts and this quote caught my attention; '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).

Perhaps it's simplier to talk about things whereas the true gift is in being able to live that which we are grateful for.  It's what we demonstrate on a daily basis that really counts and is the evidence of our sense of gratefulness.  I choose every single day for my life to be that way.  Although at times it's difficult, it is none the less something to aspire to reach; a goal every present on my mind.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About hope...

Hello Friends,

Hope enables and inspires us to believe in possibilities.  Sometimes hope is what makes all the difference in whether an event will happen in our life.  Perhaps it's the very enabler and what propels you onward to reach a particular goal.  While it's true we may face times we believe hope seems lost, these are the times when we simply must believe it is not.

What's most important to remember is you must choose hope.  It's not something that others give to you as much as you simply decide to have it deep within you.   It is the very thing in the midst of the challenges of our lives, or against what seems like great odds against us, that we simply embrace it and hold on.  Hope enables us and supports us.   Until next time...

Blondie©

About the dance...

Hello Friends,

Life is like a dance each and everyday and it is our choice whether we want to sit on the side lines or find the energy and passion to embrace every single moment and join in.   While it's true we might not always feel like dancing, that is how we learn about life along with our willingness to learn the steps as we go.

At times we may simply want to protect our emotions and not willingly take the risks but these are the very experiences that define us and make us better. It is the dance of life that creates who we become and in embracing it we find our happiness and joy in living our life to the fullest. Until next time...

Blondie©

About true colors...

Hello Friends,

As I think about true colors I am reminded of the song and these words 'don't be afraid to let them show, your true colors are beautiful like a rainbow...if this world makes you crazy and you've taken all you can bear, you call me up because you know I'll be there and I'll see your true colors shining through'. 

How amazing to know that in our life we can surround ourselves with people who see our true colors and love and accept us just as we are.  It's so important that we do not focus our relationships on those who do not enhance and support us.  We cannot be someone we are not, or someone others wish us to be; rather it is in discovering acceptance we find our true colors.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About always on on mind...

Hello Friends,

Life is interesting and there are many things that remain on our minds for a long time.  In part it's a requirement to work things through and we can't always do that quickly.  What I mean by that is time is often all that we have to deal with the emotions, work things out, and come to terms with them.

It's important we know that and are forgiving of ourselves when it just doesn't seem that easy to let things go out of our heart and our mind.    We process the emotions over time and what it all means.  Sometimes we come to know with certainty while it's always on our mind, we find a way to deal with it all.  Eventually one day we realize we are not longer thinking of it in the same way and we find our joy once again.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About options...

Hello Friends,

Every single day we are faced with options. Sometimes it can be all too overwhelming and confusing to know which one to choose and how to know if in fact it is the right choice. What I have come to understand is selecting options doesn't always come with certainty.

At times, we must count on our intuition, seek counsel from others, or simply step out in faith and pick the best option. While it's true we don't always get it right, we none the less choose, believe it is, and move forward. In the process we often come to know for sure it was the right choice.   Until next time…

Blondie©

About homemade donuts...

Hello Friends,

My mind was remembering today about a lady who always brought me homemade donuts. I was young and she never seemed to mind sharing hers with me. I think in the process of being much older she simply took a shine to me and felt I truly appreciated the gesture so she didn’t mind. In fact that very thing she did has remained a lasting memory to me. I don't suppose she thought what she did was extraordinary but as I think of it now, it was.

Perhaps it was the kindness more than the donuts, although I do have to say they were delicious and went perfect when one was in need of a coffee break and something sweet in the middle of their day. She just so genuinely loved sharing them with me and that's what meant the most. It reminded me that no matter how busy our days, how wonderful to take even but a brief few moments break and spend time with others. It may not be a homemade donut you share; it could just be the gift of your company that makes all the difference. Until next time...

Blondie©

About the long and winding road...

Hello Friends,

As I listened to the song choice recently by one of the American Idol contestants this Beatle's tune and words captured my attention.  There is something about a long and winding road that makes me close my eyes and clearly picture what it's like to travel on it.

Life is like that and  some things we must leave behind in order to move forward in our life.  And while we may pine for them a little while, in the end we  come to know with certainty unless we let go we will forever stay present where we are and find ourselves travelling that road again.  Until next time... 

Blondie©

About ordinary heroes...

Hello Friends,

We may not spend a lot of time thinking about what it means to be a hero.  Perhaps it's because we have a mental image of what we believe a hero must look like and unless they fit those criteria we don't think of them as a hero.  The reality is they are all around us. 

While it's true they may not be decorated with a medal, they conduct themselves in such a way providing graciousness and support at a time when we need it the most.  They don't set out to do that very thing but in the process they embrace and protect you.  They are ordinary heroes and part of our life.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About unwavering faith...

Hello Friends,

During times when life most tests our resolve and determination we find it within ourselves to not feel beaten.  While there will always be moments that impact our focus, it is then we embrace unwavering faith and that very thing saves us.  It's the kind of faith that believes against all odds, holds you up, and keeps you going forward.

What I mean by that is in the process of being realistic about our circumstances, and no matter what our situation, we never lose hope that all will work out.   In the midst of it all, we know with certainty that believing in ourselves is what matters most.  Our hope is renewed and we hold on and realize our ability to overcome.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About being okay...

Hello Friends,

I listened to a song today and the lyrics held these words...'I know I'll be okay'.   So often along our journey through life we wonder about that very thing.  In the moments we are experiencing, or the thoughts that are racing through our mind, we pause to wonder when that time will be.

I have come to know with certainty and through reflection I will always be okay.  Perhaps it's not the ideal way one should feel; rather it's nicer to feel remarkably at peace and happy each day, but the truth is, some days just don't bring us that gift.  In the process of accepting and embracing this, we learn reality, and are simply 'okay' with that very thing.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About forgiveness...

Hello Friends,

There are moments in our life when all else fails there is complete forgiveness.  What I mean by that is some things can't be understood or rationalized; rather we find in moving forward complete and unconditional forgiveness is best.  At times we must forgive others, while other moments, we must simply forgive our self.  Either way it is a requirement for our happiness. 

We find a way to come to terms with the fact forgiveness simply must happen or we will forever stay present where we are and unhappy.  Sometimes we choose to not face that which is so hard on us emotionally and avoid coming to terms with it.  What I have come to  understand with certainty is that even without others forgiving me, I have learned to forgive them.  As importantly, I have come to forgive myself.  Until next time...

Blondie

About safe arrival...

Hello Friends,

The key to safe arrival is always found in adjusting our attitude. When the terrain seems rocky and the rains make it impossible to see, hold fast and look for the rainbow. That’s not always easy and we must create the power within to believe and choose to see things positively. Sometimes it takes practice and skill while other times it’s intuitive and comes to us without question. The reality is that safe arrival is part of the journey.

It’s something we aspire to have each day but is not always realized as we are presented with many variables and choices we must make.  Adjusting our attitude is a daily renewal of our spirit. No one can choose our attitude for us; rather it is up to us to select our reaction to an event and what attitude we will choose. If we but pause, and breathe only for a moment, and regain our attitude, we can then press on. While safe arrival isn’t guaranteed, when we choose our positive attitude and expend our energies towards that end, it makes all the difference in arriving safely. Until next time...

Blondie©

About the perfect time...

Hello Friends,

We often talk about waiting for the perfect time to do things; how when the moment is right we will take the time to do it. So often though, time passes us by and our minds are still dreaming of doing those very things. What I have come to discover on my journey is there is no perfect time; there is just this time, and just this moment to decide.

Sometimes it means taking a risk, heading off in a new direction, and believing this is the time to go for it. We may make mistakes thinking this is the right time, but better to have tried than to have missed the chance to realize a dream. Each and every moment of time in our life is precious and valuable. Wait for the perfect time and you may miss so much of what life has to offer to you. Until next time...

Blondie©

About 100 days of inspiration...

Hello Friends,

I learned a long time ago to look for and celebrate milestone moments in my life.  Today marks the 100th post on my journey of 365 days of inspiration and I know with certainty everyday there is something to be inspired about. I’ve learned to look for it and make it present in my life.  The messages are simple; you are not alone on your journey.  

It is in the ordinary moments we find our joy and through the most challenging of moments we find our strength.  Perservere and you will realize your dream.  While you can look to others to support you, your greatest strength will be found deep within yourself.  Just believe you will find it and you will. The greatest moments in our life are often realized despite unbelievable odds.  Stay focused and you will achieve your goals.  Until next time…

Blondie©

About healing...

Hello Friends,

There are moments we reflect on and wonder how long it will take to come to terms with the emotions we feel and how to heal our soul. It is during these times we carry around the thoughts and write the story in our minds again and again. We search to understand the feelings in our quest to feel complete and whole once again.

It is in learning that healing takes time and something we must embrace that brings all things into perspective once again. Healing is acceptance and no matter how difficult, it is a requirement to achieve it. To move forward we must be prepared to leave the emotions of the past behind. It’s not so much that they be forgotten; more that we find healing in letting them go. Until next time…

Blondie©

About times that change us...

Hello Friends,

Some days are just plain hard. We wake up to face the day and that which we would so like to avoid coming to terms with.  At times, we find ourselves content and satisfied with that action and other times, while we know it’s difficult, we find a way to embrace and move past it being hard.

During these times we discover our internal strength and ability to rise above.  It is then we are most sure of ourselves and know what is important to do. Hard times, whether we choose to share it with others, or simply find a way to figure it out on our own, simply make us better.  These are the times that change us.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About sailboats...

Hello Friends,

When I look out over the harbour I am in awe of the beautiful sailboats that line the landscape.  So peaceful and tranquil, they seem as though they glide across the water.  Every now and again I see a very small sail boat and an obviously new young sailor and I can't help but smile as I watch their struggle and determination to keep their boat upright.  Once in a while it simply topples over and they are in the water trying to figure out how to set the boat afloat and jump aboard again. 

It always reminds me that these are the very struggles we encounter in our life that make us stronger and give us a sense of gratitude when we figure things out and make them work.  It doesn't always come about with someone rescuing us; rather it's in the trying and the willingness of others to stand by if they are needed to save us.  How nice to know in the midst of it all we find strength to right the boat and sail across the horizon once again. It is truly a sense of accomplishment.  Until next time...

Blondie©

About persistence...

Hello Friends,

There are moments in each of our lives when we feel like stopping and at times just giving up. We must decide how we will handle these events and always remember in the midst of our thinking to not quit. It is through reflection and sheer determination we summon up the persistence to keep going forward.

Stanley Jones says it best in this great motto for our life ; ‘when life kicks you, let it kick you forward’. It’s important to remember that while we may have setbacks on our journey and face disappointments we must stay focused, persist, and never quit short of reaching our goals. Until next time…

Blondie©