The meaning of life is to find your purpose. The purpose of life is to give it away. ~Pablo Picasso
Jillee went through some stuff. It’s called life. Through her journey she developed a passion and a will to find her purpose–what she really wanted to do. She did. From her list, I share my top favorite ways how you too can find your purpose and passion in life.
Find out what you hate doing
Love everything you do
Slow down
Make a creativity Board
Make a list of People you admire
Examine the themes in your life
Remember what you loved as a child
Focus on the fun
Write
Try visualization
Own your uniqueness
Ask your friends for feedback on when they see you the happiest
Cultivate Confidence
Great list right? Try one, two or a few and find your purpose and passion today. Personally I would also encourage you to look deep into your inner being–your spirituality. But that’s me. Already found yours? Do share, we would love to hear.
Everything I know I learned from dogs. ~ Nora Roberts
Man’s best friend. In response to my article 9 Things to Do to Break the Monotony one writer suggested that I add “get a dog“. Hmmm… quite thought-provoking. From what others have said, a dog provides many benefits. Being the crazy researcher, I decided to dig deep to find out the benefits of having a dog (even though I grew up with dogs and my college student has a dog). So yes, they are a delight.
But why though? Here I share:
Benefits of Having A Dog
1.Dogs encourage physical wellbeing and healthy fitness routine
2. They reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and protect children from allergies
3. Dogs help encourage social interactions
4. There’s never a dull moment (tell me about it-smile)
5. They may save your life
6. They reduce anxiety
7. Teach children responsibility
8. Helps build self-confidence in children
9. They are good listeners. Bear your soul without fear of it coming back to haunt you
There you have it. Great reasons to get a dog and there are tons more. Are there any that would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear. So go get your furry friend today.
The daily grind. Don’t you just hate it? Day after day you get up, do the same thing over and over, and over again. Alive but never really living. You dream of lazy days; or those days when you’ll be able to do just what you want to do. Be careful what you wish for though, because that too can become….. exciting? a thrill? mundane?
But if your dreams, hopes and aspirations is to break the montony… then Go for it!! Here are 9 Things to do:
Inspired To Change
1. Learn a new language.
2. Learn to play a musical instrument.
3. Travel for fun (not business).
4. Write a book.
5. Reflect on your spirituality.
6. Mentor youths (helps you stay young).
7. Become a trader (for fun). Helps keep your eye on your financial viability.
8. Get involved in your community.
9. Expand your mind, earn a PhD
Did any of these spark your interest? Can you add any? Do share. We would love to hear!
When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing – just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, or a flickering candle? ~Ralph Maston
Ever wondered how even the thought of the beach makes you feel relaxed? This holiday my family and I spent some time in the islands with a getaway at the beach enjoying the beautiful sunrise and sunset while avoiding the thought of the icy snow. It was a relaxing feeling that I wished could be brought to many during the Christmas snowy season.
I pondered more and decided to reflect on the reasons the beach is an answered prayer. Here I share 4 benefits as gleaned from Christina Heiser.
The Blue Color
The color blue is associated with feelings of calm and peace while staring at the ocean puts us into a mild meditative state that enhances creativity.
2. The Sound’s Ebb and Flow
The quiet sounds that the waves, emit slows us down and causes us to relax and feel more engaged.
3. The Smell
The beach scent and the ocean breeze causes us to relax into a sooth state as we breath in the fresh air.
4.The Sand’s Touch
Touching the sand creates a warm and fuzzy feeling which leads us to quiet relaxation.
So there we have it. Next time you want a quick getaway, make it the beach. Go listen to the sound, the smell, the touch and bask in immense relaxation that only the quiet waters provide. While there, reflect on the year past and create plans for the future.
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. ~Dr. Suess
I have always wanted to visit Paris. This was the promised gift to myself when I hung up my student cap after years and years of continuous studies. Then the workaholic that I am, saw 4 years go by in a flash embarking on community initiatives, writing, and more.
A month ago my oldest surprised me with a Birthday Weekend trip to Paris. But how can I visit Paris for just a weekend? That’s when my youngest ‘scolded’ me. “Go”, she said. “You have always wanted to do it. Just go.” I agreed and made it into a long weekend. Wonder of wonders! I discovered I even had time to spare. Time to watch the rain, the people, and the waves of the Seine River go by at sunset.
Travel Across Continents
The flight was long but it was far from boring. I read. I wrote. I watched movies. I chatted with my oldest, slept, and I ate. Before we knew it, the descent was upon us.
Reading in Flight
Travel’s Cultural Differences
Cultural differences are everywhere. In Paris the hotel rooms are tiny spaces. Just enough to get by, yet absolutely comfortable. TV channels are in le francais. Plugs for chargers, electrical items and such differ. Disappointed, frustrated for sure I was at first, but then it’s not about me. I travel for new experiences and that’s what I got.
A polite society…bonjour, merci, pardon, were among the basics to know in that language and will serve as the basic entre to service. They are curt and offer no apologies. So do your research before you go and you’ll be just fine (smile).
Travel’s Cuisine
Food in Paris is divine. Delicious. Sumptuous. Absolutely satisfying. But don’t rush….it ain’t fast food. When you visit the unique restaurants among which my fav is the Cafe, you dine, taste the delectables, and chill. No rush for the check. You ask, you eventually receive.
Transportation
Getting around you have the choice of the cabs, buses, the metro. But may God help you if you do not understand the linguistic pronunciation of the place where you are going. When you arrive at your stop, you may not even know. So ask, ask, ask information before you board. Then read as you progress at each stop.
Speaking from experience…do I need to say more? Hint…frustration (smile)
Notre Dame
Paris Sites To See
You haven’t been to Paris if you haven’t visited La Tour Eiffel, Notre-Dame, Le Louvre and smiled with Mona Lisa. Sites …beautiful. Historically meaningful. Mesmerizing. Long walks. Tired feet, but worth every minute.
The Eiffel Tower
So that’s a tiny glimpse into my Parisian journey for the first time. The trip was memorable. The photos provide the stillness of the moment. A dream come through. Would I go back? Yessss definitely!
I encourage you to take the time to step out and achieve your own dreams. Big or small, they will come through despite the odds.
