The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don’t celebrate those, they can pass you by. – Alek Wek
I love challenges. I set goals, and do everything to accomplish them. Then when I do, I move on to the next goal. As the head of Head of Human Resources for many years, I relentlessly celebrated the achievement of others on the job, but I never stopped to celebrate my own personal achievements. In recent years I came to value the importance of celebrating life’s triumphs. I guess it comes with maturity. There is something gratifying to it. Besides, it leaves a lasting legacy on those close to me.
Oh how to celebrate? The question was asked and many Bravely Expressed and jumped in. But I found Sarah Starrs list of ways to celebrate insightful. Here I share my top favs!
Contactless – Not involving contact. Not requiring touching or interaction between people
Hungry? Order a meal. It’s not a problem, Uber delivers. Need a last minute birthday gift? An outfit to go on the town with your boo? These sure ain’t no problem these days. Amazon delivers, and if you have prime.., that’s even better. You get it in a day!
Smartphone, e-maps, e-mail on the go. Hit the pause button during a movie are things that our little ones can’t fathom living without.
Don’t call me. Text. WhatsApp. Not to mention the gazillion channels on our big screen TVs, yet we still can’t find the right one to watch. Netflix anyone?
Religious? Going to church? Overrated. That’s a thing of the past. Thanks to the pandemic, We meet online. Those old folk shut-ins ain’t got nothing on us.
These days it seems if you drink you can still drive. All you need to do is program your smart car to take you home – driverless… or so you think. I fathom you’re on your own if the cops catch you. And we could go on and on.
Our High Tech World
What has our society come to? Even the Bible has been translated into so many versions that I can hardly recognize John 3:16 anymore. Some versions have totally missed the meaning. But then again who reads the Bible anymore? After all, we are able to listen to all those famous preachers on demand. Who needs to read when we can listen to what they want to share with us. Let them preachers read it and tell us.
Sigh…
We have it all wrong. Our lives need the stillness and quietness that only comes from reading the word and listen to the still small voice. Only then we will be able to hear what’s said to those hurting and in pain. Only then will we be able to perceive what and how the good lord wants us to lead others to him for the peace that only he provides. Only then will we be able to comfort those who mourn. Only then will we be able to rejoice with those who shout with joy unspeakable when their blessings come through.
Going Solo
Our contactless society invites opportunities for :
Solo Sadness
Solo Mourning
Solo Fears
Going solo means no one has to know. But as often said, what’s done in quiet comes to light when those who are sad find themselves overwhelmed. The effects are the sad fruit of suicidal thoughts which become evident. And… before we jump to say that couldn’t happen to me… reflect on the signs of the rich and famous. Those who suffer in silence unable to face it anymore. Travel enthusiast Anthony Bourdain; Comedian Robin Williams; Miss USA Cheslie Kryst are just a few. We join with their loved ones as they still mourn.
Tis sad indeed. Our contactless society feeds aloneness, even in a crowd.
Let’s together do what we can in our small corner to connect with those behind closed doors. And if they won’t answer… that’s when you counter with direct help. Mental illness is a big thing that we can no longer sweep under the carpet and play hush-hush. Contact those trained to help.
Things To Do
Things we can do are:
Shut up and listen.
Pay attention. There is always a sign(s)
Check in on friends who go quiet or missing
Invade their privacy … but do it wisely, quietly and with caution
Be real. A genuine spirit can be felt just like the hypocritical ones
Don’t be afraid to ask “Are you okay?” It sounds simple but it’s the thing to do
Pray. It works. Ask for wisdom, guidance and that spirit of discernment
Here’s hoping this reflection motivates and inspires you to reach out to a friend or loved one today.
How are you coping in our contactless world? Do share. We would love to hear.
Workaholic. Yep, that’s me. It’s strange that I am dreaming of a getaway so early in the New Year. But guess what? It’s actually carried forward from prior years. Been dreaming of my favorite getaway space but haven’t had a chance to take it. So here I go dreaming as I was asked to share a road trip that I would like to take.
Conde Naste shared the best Road Trips in the world. Amidst the pandemic and all, I shook my head against international travel. Too many requirements. Then on a whim, I mused… hey why not? As the saying goes:
If you can dream it, you can do it
Walt Disney
7 Dream Road Trips
So I let my mind wonder to the list which includes several but my top faves are:
Highway 101 Oregon
Namibia’s Desert
Hana Highway Hawaii
Norway
Ireland
Iceland
Tuscany Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Why not Tuscany? This is my favorite place that I dream of. Renowned travel expert Samantha Brown challenged us to plan a trip that we are excited about. So as I perused the list, I selected my dream place-Tuscany, Italy. Ireland comes closely second, but Tuscany is my preferred place. I decided to pull the full details below for ease of access for both myself or any who wish to get the information. If Italy isn’t for you, then other destinations can be gleaned from them here
Tuscany’s bucolic, vineyard-dotted landscape makes for the quintessential Italian road trip. Start in Florence and cruise south on the SS22 for 30 minutes until you reach the heart of the Chianti wine region. Take your time winding through Strada and Greve towards Siena, stopping at cantine along the way (we recommend these ones). Depending on how much time you have, spend the night in Panzano before circling back up to Florence the next day, or head further south to Montalcino, Montepulciano, and the spectacular Val d’Orcia—arguably the most beautiful stretch of countryside in Tuscany.
Where to eat:Officina della Bistecca in Panzano-in-Chianti for the best steak in all of Tuscany; Re di Macchia in Montalcino for its classic, hearty Tuscan cuisine like white bean soup and wild boar pasta.
Where to stay: In castles, always. We like the intimate, art-filled Castello di Ama in Gaiole in Chianti and the lavish, hilltop Castello Banfi il Borgo in Montalcino, which has an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards.
Your Turn
What’s your dream travel designation or road trip for this year? Do share. We would love to hear.
Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up.
People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily. – Zig Ziglar
Motivation And Success. The Link
Motivation is important to success. Give a push start or a power boost to a struggling entrepreneur today. 101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs will ignite their new year with the desire to keep going when they feel like giving up.
Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. J. K. Rowling
The Meaningful Job Decision
Did I make the right choice when I was headhunted? Selena revealed that her 9-to-5 job was an exciting rollercoaster journey. Four years earlier, she was headhunted by a giant company to manage its flagship location. They had called her many times, but she avoided interview invites because of her job’s loyalty. She was not sure how to tell them that she had landed a new opportunity. As time progressed, she went away to a distant country then returned to her home country, hoping that the headhunter would have forgotten, but they had not. On arrival back home, she was invited to an interview. This time she went. Not surprisingly, she was offered the job at twice the salary.
Help someone you know move on from a difficult, stressful job. It might just be that they have been doing the job for 5, 10, 15 years and just want a change. With the book Ditch it, Switch it, you’re sure to give them the ignition to make the decision as they step into the new year.
Quiet Peace In The Midst of Life’s Storm
At three in the morning I received the most devastating news. My daughter’s Godmother had lost her 15-year-old granddaughter. She had died of a massive Asthma attack. I screamed—quietly. I asked the Lord why, why, why? I did not understand. As I sought answers, her aunt encouraged that she did not understand either, but she was safe in the Lord’s loving arms.
Months later as the still grieving mom received a copy of the book My Safe Place, she sat feeling comforted. It brought a sense of peace that quieted her heart. Consider those who mourn this holiday season. Give the gift of prayer and daily inspiration to those who are hurting from sickness, mental incarceration, and loss. GreenLight and My Safe place provides that comfort. Gift it now.
Poetry
A poet’s work … to name the unnamable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it from going to sleep
Salman Rushdie
Poems revive the soul and encourage the heart. Charmaine speaks these in her book I write. You Recite.
Purpose And Meaning
Nothing brings me more joy than a life dedicated to the personal growth and development of others. Life is about helping others along life’s way. Choose your book today and make a difference in the lives of your friends, family or foe.
Over To You
Which book has made an impact on your life? Do share, we would love to hear.
Want to spice up your holiday with friends, family or foe (yikes)? Here are two Holiday Games to help squeeze the giggles. Simple prizes make the laughs sweet. Can’t be together? Try it virtually. Be creative, change ideas to match your mood and enjoy!
What’s your favorite holiday game? Do share. We would love to hear.
I heard a TV host who was showing a young lady how to use a piece of equipment which she was actively trying to learn. She went into a what if scenario to which he retorted with the question… “are you pre-planning your mistakes?” She laughed.
It reminded me of how we often act. We think of everything that could go wrong instead of thinking of the things that could go right. What if I go after the entrepreneurship venture and fail? What if I apply to the job and they turn me down? What if I invest in the relationship and it doesn’t work out? What if scenarios play over and over in our head. It gets us nowhere. Get out of your head and take the bull by the horn (so to speak). Here’s a brief list of things you can do to get out of your head.
Recognize the signs of the negative and create an action plan to beat it
Write it down. Get the negative thoughts out of of your head
Focus on your end-goal
Watch an inspiring movie. Laugh. Comedy puts you on your lighter side.
Make a list of inspiring movies, songs, or anything that will help you beat the downward mood trend
Talk it out. Have a trusted friend that you can share your thoughts and insecurities with.
Have an accountability partner who will check in with you continuously about your goal
Let go of negative people, environment or things. Anything that holds you back.
Keep learning. Learn something new. It builds your confidence.
These are just a few of the things you can do when you start to question yourself. Remember life comes with its ups and downs. So it is important to take the time to grow in spite of the things that may try to pull you down. Keep yourself motivated to achieve.
How about you? What do you do to keep yourself motivated when the negative thoughts threaten? Do share. We would love to hear.
I love movies! Movies tell stories or teach us something. Most people watch movies for entertainment or to have fun. Movies make us laugh, cry, feel inspired or simply getaway from the here and now (Wikipedia). One of my favorite is Under The Tuscan Sun. That’s because I am a writer and it inspires my own personal growth to do something different. To explore, dream but most important to do something to make a difference. Here are 7 Easter Movies for your binging pleasure.
The hustle and bustle of the season. Families come together. The air is different. Nature speaks. Music and lights sounds in sweet accord. Travel soars. Food Galore. Delightful Gifts drolls stress for those in retail yet brings smiles as currencies are exchanged for sales. The beauty of the season can be seen through eyes of purpose.
So it was one of those Alexander Terrible Horrible bad day.
1.Disagreement with boss
2.Bigger boss got mad at other boss because of a crazy issue
3.Both upset so everything went wrong after that
4. Rushed out later to return my iPhone
5. Reached post office and iPhone wouldn’t delete my info, smh
6.Tried for over 45 mins (I never give up)! Oh silly me.
7.Rushed into post office continuing manual deletes
8.Did most of it after standing there for another 15 minutes (empty post office but don’t want it to close on me). Delete. Delete. Delete. Slowly but surely …delete.
9. Finally decided to approach the clerk who looked at the box because I asked. He replied “Sorry this is USPS. You need UPS”.
10.Heart failed! Shocked! But laughed out loud! Omgeee! What a crasses!! (Island peeps will understand)
11. My 5 min FB live for book promo done without a caption (important for me).
12. My Heart sank
13. Had to take it down even though it started getting attention
14.Went up to Walmart to pick up a quick item to exchange for another. They said they couldn’t do it at that location. Smh
16.Went home after a long day.
17. Still have iPhone. Gonna try to return another time.
18.Then first thing the next morning I heard of a family returning from Georgia. Parents, teenage twins and another child….drove into a truck. All died.
Then there’s Hurricanes and other natural disasters that create havoc for those in their path.
So today I thank God for my Alexander Terrible Horrible bad day.
May this encourage you that there’s always someone worse than whatever you’re going through.
I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life. That’s the chant I heard her saying as I approached her. Why would anyone say that? Such negative thought.
She had lost her husband. Her job. Her house. Her children. Her sense of independence. She felt she had nothing to live for. Beautiful. Smart. Educated professional she was, life had handed her difficulties. She thought she could never overcome life’s storms.
What were the right words to say to someone such as this?
There’s Hope
When life throws you lemons, make lemonade.
Only the strong survive.
Hold on, never give up.
The tide will change. Keep going.
Stay positive.
Meditate. Pray.
While there’s life there’s hope.
Will she find solace in any of these? I’m sure. Your thoughts? Do share. We would love to hear.
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