#Believe

There it was, Sunday evening and I had no idea what to blog about. It was almost midnight and time to go to bed. Then, as if right on cue, Joel Osteen came on TV.

He spoke of "due season" and how our time is coming for great Blessings. Things that seemed impossible will come to pass unexpectedly and suddenly. We need to have faith. We need to believe.

My eyes drifted to the piano where we had just put all of the Christmas presents we had received. Right in front was a little angel ornament given to us by Santa. It says "Believe." I thought it would be a good reminder that no matter what happens, or regardless of how any situation may appear on the surface, we should keep believing that everything is all working out for the best. I had just discussed the idea with Russ as we placed it on the piano lid, arranging it alongside all the wonderful things given to us by friends and family this year.

As Joel spoke words that sounded so familiar to us, Russ and I shared a smile. Then I got up, took a picture of the Angel ornament, and sat down at the computer to write this.

This year, I Believe we all have amazing Blessings in store. We can all have faith that good things are coming. We would do well to Believe.

A Blessed, Happy and Healthy New Year...

Namaste,
T

Yes, Virginia...

A timeless classic, I just adore reading this at this time of year...

Click here for "Yes, Virginia..." from NYSun.com

This week, and throughout the Holiday Season this year, I'll remember the gifts of spending time with those I love, speaking kind words, the simple touch of a handshake or a hug, little gifts that show you've been thinking of someone, and acts of kindness.

As we all bustle through crowded stores, search for parking spots, wrap, cook and travel around trying to get everything done, I pray we all have those peaceful moments. May we all pause and take in some seasonal magic. Maybe we'll see a beautifully decorated house or shimmering tree. Maybe we'll notice childlike innocence with a great sense of adoration. We'll celebrate family and love. We'll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and marvel at the abundance we've worked hard to create all year. Then hopefully, we'll share that feeling of warmth by reaching out to one another. Little things can mean so much. I'll do my best to think of others and what would make them happy.

Click here for 5lovelanguages.com

May we all spread Love and Good Cheer this year.

Here's wishing you a Blessed and Happy Holiday...

Namaste,
T

#Faith

"Faith is to believe what we do not see; 

the reward of this faith is to see what we believe."

- Saint Augustine

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, 

and receives the impossible."

- Corrie ten Boom

"We walk by faith, not by sight."

- 2 Corinthians 5:7

"Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be  extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!"

- The New York Sun, 1897

This week, I am keeping the faith...

Namaste,
T

Blessings...

The phone rang. It was the radiology department. I had just gone in for a mammogram and they wanted me to come back in. The test was “inconclusive.”

Thinking of my crazy schedule, I asked how quickly I would be able to go in, because it would be easiest for me schedule-wise to get back in there right away. That way I would not have to juggle the whole rest of the week around. She said, “The doctor would like for you to come in today if you can.” (Oh. Alright.) She went on to say that he had also ordered a breast sonogram in addition to another mammogram. (Yes, I’ll be there by 3pm.)

After both tests, the technician asked me not to get dressed just quite yet, and left the room. She returned with the doctor in charge. As he introduced himself, the thought flashed through my mind that he might be about to tell me something very serious.

He quickly told me that he had looked over all of my tests and felt satisfied that they were indeed conclusive now… and that he was very confident… that all was well and there was nothing to worry about. He would forward his findings to my regular doctor and see me in another year for my next annual. “Good news,” he said. I thanked him, then they left the room.

I really hadn’t been worried. It was just that one moment when he came in and introduced himself. I realized that I shared that moment with a whole community of women – who may not have heard, “Good news” afterward. I had a mere brush with that moment. I can scarcely imagine what it must be like…

I’ve been talking a lot about being grateful and counting Blessings lately. As we go rushing around through life and hectic schedules, we often don’t realize how Blessed we are.

This week, I’ll not complain about silly things. I’ll remember how Blessed I am.

I’ll also post this – reminding everyone to MAKE TIME for monthly breast self-exams and yearly mammograms.

Click here for info on self-exams from nationalbreastcancer.org

Click here for "7 Things to Know About Getting a Mammogram" from cancer.org

"Early detection is so crucial, I consider myself fortunate 

that I found this in the early stages and the prognosis is so promising."

- Joan Lunden

"I am a walking advertisement for early detection."

- Sheryl Crow

"I can't stress enough how important it is 

to get screened and checked for all cancers - and to do self breast-exams."

- Robin Roberts

Namaste,

T

Thanksgiving Leftovers

I am going to keep Thanksgiving. I am going to carry it right over into this week and beyond.

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."

- Ruth Ann Schabacker

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues."

- Cicero

"If the only prayer you say in your whole life is "Thank you," that would suffice."

- Meister Eckhart

"No longer forward nor behind
I look in hope or fear;
But, grateful, take the good I find,
The best of now and here."
- John Greenleaf Whittier

Namaste,
T

All About the Journey

Last week, the day I posted the blog about that new house in the neighborhood, the water went out. While Russ was walking the dogs, he discovered why. While working on that new house, workers hit a water line, interrupting service for the whole neighborhood. Russ knew this because as he passed by that house, he saw the water and electric company trucks in front of it, and overheard workers and water representatives saying things like, “that should have been figured out before” and “that isn’t our responsibility.” All I knew was that I had to go to the gym to shower that day.

It was funny. I had just used that house as a model example of how to build our own selves, and there it was with a major problem disrupting the whole neighborhood. I realized that change isn’t always smooth and there are bumps in the road of our journey. That’s OK. It’s natural.

It was interesting that people were looking to place blame and not take responsibility for their own actions though. Don’t we all do that sometimes?  :)

I got this pendant over the summer…

It serves as a reminder to me that life is not about the destination, but the journey. This week, I’ll try to remember not to place blame for any aspect of my life on anyone else. I’ll take personal responsibility for my feelings and know that outcomes don’t matter as much as how you play the game. Being the kind of person you want to be is our own personal journey. Our outcomes reflect our choices, and what’s really important is what we learn along the way and how we live our lives. If we strive to make every decision from the standpoint of being the kind of person we want to be, we can trust that we’ll arrive at our perfect destinations.

"Every day is a journey

and the journey itself is home"

- Matsuo Basho

I looked up songs about journeys. This one came to mind, and this version… OOOH! 

Have a most Blessed week.

Namaste,

T

#Focus

There was a house in my neighborhood that recently got torn down.

In its place went up a new home. It is a modular home that arrived in several pieces on trucks marked "OVERSIZE LOAD" and was assembled by a large crane in one day. It was amazing how quickly a stunning new large home was built where the older, mid-sized one used to stand.

Before the second story and attic went up

My last blog was about letting go of the old and embracing change. The one before that was about trusting that all would be well. Another thought comes to mind... what will come in as replacement for all those old thoughts, habits and ways?

This past week, I redirected my thoughts toward the positive vibes of the bright future ahead. How can we let go of something that we continue to focus on? There are so many injustices and things that weigh heavily on our minds. When I began to spend time thinking about anything like that, I deliberately tried to shift my focus toward some tangible, positive outcome. I have seen that a new house can go up very quickly, so why not build our own house, the house that is us, in the same way?

Instead of shaking my head about all the junk food I've eaten, I thought about how nice it would be to drink a refreshing, healthy smoothie. I went out and got one. I took further action toward my vision of health and went to the gym. I made it a point to change my thoughts. Instead of allowing my mind to focus on what I did NOT want, I turned thought toward what I DO want. In this way, I believe I am building my new house. :)

This week, my choices will reflect where I WANT to be. We are our own "new frontier." We can bring about new construction within our own lives by carefully choosing which thoughts we allow to linger. I will focus on that which brings about health, happiness and well being. If I #focus on that, I can't go wrong.

Namaste,
T

Change, CHANGE, ChAnGe

Last week I listened to an audio book from Louise Hay...

In it, she referenced author Ken Carey:

"The warm rains of new thought fall gently on the soil of human consciousness."

- Ken Carey (The Third Millennium)

As I was contemplating concepts of change, new thought, and letting go of that which no longer serves, my phone rang. It was the bandleader for my weekend gig asking if I would mind being put on a different show than the one I had originally been booked for. (Why would I mind?) :) It was a great show and I met some lovely new people.

On Sunday, I had no idea what to write about in this week's blog. I consulted Louise Hay's calendar...

There it was again! Change. I turned on the television. Joel Osteen was on. He was talking about making changes and and letting go of the old in order to make way for new Blessings. (OK Universe, I get it.)

This morning (Monday), I headed outside to walk the dogs. The phone rang. It was my training partner for a new video we're working on. She had to change our gameplan for today. I just smiled... (no problem).

As I continued to walk with the dogs, I took note of nature with all its falling leaves and quiet, truthful ways. I remembered that changes are good. They are a natural part of life. I was reminded to accept them and go with the flow of things.

New and interesting things are just around the corner. I won't get attached to any "plans" I might have. The road ahead is unknown and wide open. #Trust (like last week) and the wonderful adventure of life will unfold.

Namaste,
T

#Trust

I LOVE when this kind of thing happens! (Forgot to tell you this last week.)

I was in Brooklyn looking for a parking spot. The only available space was partially blocked by a wooden pallet, so I got out of the car to move it. I noticed this immediately as I bent toward the ground...

I smiled as I thought of previous blogs about finding money and, and others about finding feathers. It looked to me as if an Angel was giving me a dollar! I moved the crate and turned to get back in the car and saw this...

CORRECTION! An Angel was giving me TWO dollars! I picked them both up and went to my appointment, wondering why the money had been placed in my path that day.

It wasn't until several hours later that I realized I had forgotten my wallet at home. I could not have shown my license if I had gotten pulled over, or paid to park my car anywhere that day. I COULD have gone through a drive-through if I got hungry though.

When I offered to pay back my friend for the coffee she bought me, I had no idea that the only money I had on me was that couple of bucks that I had found outside. When I finally did realize my wallet was missing, I smiled again at how the Universe had my back the whole time! I had those two dollars in case of an emergency. I would be able to buy food or water if I needed to.

I am going to remember that this week - that things are being lined up for me and arranged beyond what I can see or understand. The Universe has my back, and in THAT I can trust. Everything is going to be okay. We have a way of finding exactly what we need before we even know we need it. It's already done. Our future has already been planned for.

#Trust - It's all taken care of. No worries.

Namaste,
T

P.S.
Monday's moon... Doesn't it look as if someone lassoed it and pulled it closer to the ground - like in "Bruce Almighty?" :)

"Bruce Almighty" - Moon Scene clip:

The Amazing Human Race

Sometimes I get to meet the most amazing and incredibly inspiring people.

This past week, I met a family who has learned to appreciate and value every achievement in life, regardless of how small. This has been part of their life's journey in caring for a child with a developmental disorder. The simple act of learning to eat or making a friend is an occasion to rejoice in their household.

When challenges arise and families learn to navigate the effects of life-altering health issues, people can rise up to meet obstacles with astounding strength, love and grace. There is a beauty in this, that takes my breath away.

I am reminded of a story I heard last week about an Amish community that suffered great loss in a mass shooting in their schoolhouse. Despite the tragic loss of the lives of five young girls, that community’s response was one of forgiveness and love toward the perpetrator and his family. I heard that donations were accepted by the Amish community only on the condition that an equal amount be given to the perpetrator’s family.  (Online sources verify that “some” donations were designated for the perpetrator's family.)

Looking up the incident, I am brought to a stunned silence by the horror of it. I am greatly humbled by the human capacity for forgiveness and compassion as demonstrated by the community's response.

This week, I will remember the capacity for Love that exists inside us all. I will remember that when we are called upon to make a choice, we can choose to meet any challenge, no matter how big or small, with great Love.

Namaste,

T

Let It Snow

Well, there’s no denying it anymore…

It’s not exactly my favorite time of year – when the patio furniture and the bikes get put away, the sky goes gray and the night comes early.

“A lot of people like snow. 

I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” 

– Carl Reiner

I’ve been searching for something  positive… Soup is good. :)

As I dig out the winter coats, boots and scarves, I’ll try to keep focused on the positive. I’ll find some of my favorite soup recipes, get the Crock-Pot going, fill up the house with the smell of cinnamon apples, and replace my dresser drawer of shorts with long sleeve shirts that I forgot I had.

There’s no use in complaining. I’ll keep finding things to appreciate and smile when I do. Maybe I’ll make a snowman.

I’ll wear my Gryffindor sweatshirt. I’ll look around outside and remember the crystal shaped beauty in a single flake of snow, then zoom out and realize how much beauty surrounds us. I’ll place battery operated candles in all the windows and smile when I come home at night to see their glow.

It’s just winter. It’s not that bad. It’s not really bad at all.  :) 

Namaste,

T

Muck It Up

Russ and I were talking about life… (and doing taxes).

In self-reflection, we started examining whether or not we were "reconciled within ourselves" – in other words, are the choices we make reflective of the reality we are trying to create? If not, why? What are some of the ways we are holding ourselves back? In what ways are we complacent? Why might we sometimes stay in a comfort zone instead of pushing forward? What could we do differently, that might bring change for the better?

These are really tough questions. In order to answer, we have to journey into ourselves and seek the truth. We are going to need boots.  :)

We have to have the gumption to travel through our own muck. Sometimes moving ahead in life means moving ahead in our own thoughts first. Maybe we have to dismantle some old, outdated shadow belief before we can move on. We might start believing in ourselves a little more in order to take that one leap of faith that would make all the difference. We might stop making excuses and take one step, one action that moves us closer to our dreams. We might make a healthy meal choice instead of saying we didn’t have time to eat right. We might do the RIGHT thing instead of the EASY thing and feel so good about it that we set off a chain reaction in ourselves and steer ourselves in a new direction.

"To everything there is a season..."

- Ecclesiastes 3:1

As the weather turns and I am forced to admit what I had been trying to deny (that winter is coming), I’ll try to apply the principle to other areas as well. Like they say at the gym, sometimes we have to deconstruct a little to rebuild stronger and better.

Here’s bidding us all safe passage through the muck! Here’s to evolving and constantly improving ourselves. I can do it. I have boots. (I’m thinking I could use a new raincoat too… #BringItOn)

:)

Namaste!

T

xoxo

Photos by C.T.