Acts of Gratitude

I saw on Twitter this morning a tweet that said others are talking about you and it’s terrible things, with a link.  What would be your initial reaction?  Would you want to click on the link to see if anyone really had said terrible things?

The profession that I have spent most of my career in either people respect you or they dislike you.  It’s pretty cut and dry so over time I have developed a thick skin to my critics.

I spent may years of my life trying to please everyone else and making sure they were happy.  The problem with that is you may lose yourself in the process.

What I learned several years ago is that as long as you are respectful and kind to others you should have nothing to worry about.  Let people talk.  Someone said and its kind of stuck with me, if they are talking about you, it must be because you are doing something significant.

Don’t let the negative word touch you.  Remember they are just words and someone else’s perception.  The reality is what you know to be true.

When you wake up in the morning are you excited with what the day may bring?

Every single day, we have opportunities present themselves.  Everyday.  You may think, not possible.

Awareness is the key.

You have to be aware of the opportunities before you. Every day you can create your destiny, you can seize the moments, you can contribute. That in part is our purpose.  We are here to do more than exist. Every single person has special gifts they can share.

Here is a great quote and words to keep in mind:

I think, what has this day brought me, and what have I given it?  ~Henry Moore

“My Life is My Message.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

Isn’t this a great wrote?  Your life is your message to the world.  The things you give, how you make people feel, all of the contributions of your life is your legacy.

If you evaluated your life today, what would your legacy say about how you lived? Would it be with few regrets? Given a second chance would you start that business you always wanted or move to the beach like you always dreamed? Would  you take more time to spend with the ones you love and care about? How about giving more?

The great thing is our legacy can be whatever we create it to be.  Create and live the best life for you.

This is Your Time, Live your legacy!

Stacey

When was the last time you really celebrated your life?

Your life doesn’t have to be perfect to take a moment and really enjoy the things that are going well in your life.

Many times we think we have to wait for a significant event in our life  to take place before we celebrate.   There are miracles every day of our life. If you are grateful and take heart in the little things the big things will continue to unfold for themselves.

There are constant reminders that life is too short.  Don’t miss out on your opportunity to live this day without regret.  Celebrate!

Cheers!

Stacey

The first week of the New Year has flown by!  How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions?

Although the beginning of a new year, new week, new month is a great time to start a new project or goal, those specific dates should not define your success.  So maybe you wanted to start that new diet and by Monday afternoon you were eating your favorite chocolate bar.  Did you give up?  Did you say , that’s it I’m never going to lose this weight, I have no will power!

Remember we do have power. We have the power to change our lives in a day, week and second.  You can begin again at any time. You define the timeline.  You may not get it right the first, 10th or 100th time, but you can begin again.

The only limitations we have in this lifetime are the ones we put on ourselves.

Stay strong, focus on what you want and begin.  2012 is your year, make it happen!

Stacey

What do you believe in?

Beliefs are taught to us at an early age, they can shape and help instill values into our lives. They may determine what religion we follow, the people we have in our lives, what occupation we may choose even what type of candidate we vote for!

As we get older our beliefs may change based on experiences in our life.  What is important about beliefs is that they are your own.  We may not always agree with someone based on their beliefs but we should always respect others.  Our beliefs make us each unique and sometimes when we take the time to learn more about differences we can at the very least appreciate one another.

As we prosper in this new year, let’s continue to learn from one another and appreciate differences of opinion. The more we can do this, the more we can live in harmony.

In Peace,

Stacey

How much do you read the news?  I’m an avid reader of current events and admit I even like to read the entertainment sites for the latest celebrity gossip from time to time.

I read the news more now than before my children were born. I think it’s because I believe I have a greater sense of responsibility and  I can support or help change the events that surround my family.

It really saddens me at the amount of violence I read about daily. It hits me especially hard when it’s violence against children or within families.  It’s hard to understand the point that people come to in their lives when they find hurting innocent bystanders, children or their own families a viable option. In many instances after the fact it’s reported those that act out these tragic events have been suffering in some aspect of their lives but were unwilling to receive or were too sick to understand that they needed help.

I challenge everyone of us to make this world better. If you see someone struggling, see if you can assist them, steer them in the right direction, help find them the help that they need.  I understand that everyone who needs help may not accept it, but if we extend our hand to one person it may change the lives of many.

Let’s not forget to mention the heart warming stories that are in the news–those who are doing so much and find  purpose in their lives by giving back to others. There are remarkable people in this world who are making an impact each day.

Help make 2012 a year where we read more stories about hope, encouragement and giving. It’s time that we do more than sit by and watch these events unfold in front of us, we must do more to get involved.  The smallest gesture of giving makes a difference.

In gratitude,

Stacey

So, what will the New Year bring?

Really…it’s up to you.  What you focus on is what you will bring into this new year. Will your focus be on the same things as last year?  And if so, did it net the results you were looking for?

People will say, I want to lose weight, get healthy, make more money, have a meaningful relationship.  Those all sound like great resolutions for the new year.  The question becomes what will you change in your life for those things to become reality?

Will you clean out the fridge and cupboards with the last of the holiday cookies and your secret stash of chocolate?

The idea you had to make more money, will it continue to sit on the back shelf of your mind or will you dare to take the step forward and start connecting with people that not only believe in your idea, but can help you make it happen?

Relationships, are you setting your life up so that you can be a more meaningful partner so that you  will attract the right person into your life?

And the list goes on.  To make the new changes you want in your life you have to do more than think of them, more than say them, more than write them down.  You have to take Action.  Consistent action, with meaning and purpose.  Not just one day, not just once a week, every day.

It’s a big commitment to achieve big things in your life.  If you look at some of the most successful and influential people they not only thought big, they also took steps to make it happen. They took steps every single day.

Know that what you want in your life is important.  Also know, that what you want in your life deserves the steps forward to make it happen. Some days you will feel like giving up, and some days you think you will never succeed.  Obstacles create an opportunity for growth, still move forward. Believe You are Worth It!

Success to you in 2012!

Stacey

I happened to be flipping thru the channels in the car and came across this song.

Truly a favorite of mine, the lyrics are AMAZING and touched my heart.

It’s a great song of inspiration for yourself, to share with others and words of wisdom  for the children in your life.

I have also included the video below.  ENJOY and DANCE!

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Click here  —–>  I Hope You Dance

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Lyrics

I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they’re worth taking
Lovin’ might be a mistake
But it’s worth making
Don’t let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

Success does not happen over night.

Every dream, every business venture, every goal takes time, planning and nurturing.  If achieving everything in life was super easy, do you know how bored we probably all would be?

Sometimes people give up too quickly, they stumble, and even sometimes if you are like me –  fall.

I am here to say… you must not give up.  If you are working on a weight loss goal and you ate the chocolate bar at 10am this morning, don’t say well I blew it for the day and eat 10 more.  You can start over at your next meal.

If you are working on a start up business and every door seems to be closing that you are knocking on. Get out there and keep knocking. Persistence pays. This could be the day the door opens to your next opportunity.

I have read several times, it’s not always achieving the goal that is important, it s the journey along the way. Take the time to enjoy your journey.

Stay focused, stay patient and when you stumble or fall get back up.

Remember your gifts are precious and should be shared with the world.

In Gratitude,

Stacey