Why Not . . . Gather the Essentials for Life?

A universal quote that I discovered long ago on the topic of essentials for living a full life comes from Joseph Addison. “Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” And while I couldn’t agree more, I’ve always wanted more specifics or more guidance if you will on exactly what each of these entail. 

With the purpose of breaking down and putting into words exactly what essentials, when combined, make life truly fulfilling, I have come up with a list for you today.

Keeping in mind that life will never be perfect and that every person’s route to true contentment and fulfillment is different, I tried to examine what general elements are necessary ingredients as we each embark upon each of our unique paths. Here is what I came up with:

Gratitude
To appreciate life and all that is possible and has already been given to us is to live with intention and to be grateful. And in order to live fully we must live with intention. After all, life is so brief no matter how long each of us is granted on this earth and to appreciate this fact is to set ourselves right on the path that will lead to fulfillment.


Genuine Love
So many times the misunderstanding of what love should look like in our lives leads us down the wrong path. However, love is a necessary ingredient, but let's look at exactly what it should be. Having love in our lives does not mean we give of ourselves to the point that we aren't being true to who we are. Instead it means we give what we are capable of and this will change as we grow and change.  Having love in our lives means feeling love from those who accept us for who we are without having to morph into something else. While we shouldn't live life to be accepted by others, we must learn to love and accept ourselves as we are even when we know we are a work in progress (I will go more in depth below in "self-respect & self-confidence").

Good Health
By having gratitude we are then able to appreciate what our bodies can do for us when we take care of them. By exercising regularly in a way that is challenging, yet enjoyable and by eating a balanced diet, our machine that will carry us to each experience will allow us to live to our fullest potential. Keeping a healthy mind is also something to include whether it is through meditation, prayer or other avenues. Click here to learn specific ways to take care of your body and here to learn how to get and stay in shape.

A Healthy Social Circle
As I shared last week, the ability to find balance in life between work and home is to create a healthy social circle in our personal lives that is uplifting and positive. Click here to learn about the specific elements that are needed to create this necessary part of life.

Be an Effective Communicator
Being able to effectively communicate with those you live with, are friends with or work with is essential to success everywhere in our lives.  When we are able to clearly explain what we are feeling in a manner that is not attacking, hurtful or defensive, we then encourage others to respond in a similar respectful way.  By keeping the lines of communication open, we help to create stronger relationships.  While it is most helpful when we learn these positive behaviors by those around us in our childhood, it is still possible to acquire these necessary skills as an adult. Click here to learn more specifics on how to be heard and here to be a better listener.

Self-Confidence & Self-Respect
In order to live our own lives, to chase our own dreams and to successfully be the best person we can possibly be, each of us must know who we are, respect ourselves and be confident so much so as to be able to propel ourselves out into the world when those times arise when we doubt ourselves and our abilities.


A Purpose
Whether one’s purpose is in a particular career or in raising a family, each person must find their own fulfilling direction in life.  This purpose must not be something that is placed upon us making us uncomfortable, but instead be something we are passionate about and can give to with our whole heart. When we have discovered our purpose, we have helped ourselves out by determining the direction of our lives.  Now the purpose may change throughout the different stages of life, but the key is to listen to our hearts and trust that the we are capable of making the journey. Click here to learn more about how to discover your purpose.

Opportunities to Grow
No matter what our age, we must always be learning and growing.  To learn is to allow ourselves to improve, discover new things and to feel alive.  The world around us is constantly changing, and we too are dynamic creatures, so it is imperative that we look for new opportunities to learn something that piques our curiosity (a skill, a part of history, etc) to challenge our minds and forever remain young at heart. Click here to learn about ways to challenge yourself on a regular basis.



Ability to Find the Balance
There is so much of life that is unknown, the motives of the people around us, what awaits us in the future and what our past has prepared us for. Being able to know when to live in the moment, how to have a healthy sense of humor, and when it’s appropriate to look ahead and be cognizant of the consequences of our actions and when to let go are key skills to acquiring balance. Click here to learn specific ways on how to achieve a balance in your life because as we know it is a constant process that always demands our attention.

Acceptance of Life’s Cycles
Once each of us realizes and accepts that life will include ups and downs, births and deaths, successes and struggles, we are then capable of savoring and genuinely appreciating those moments of joy at a level that helps us get through those moments of sadness and frustration.  This ability of acceptance also leads back the first essential for life – gratitude.  Because it is when we understand that things can go wrong as easily as they can go right that we cheer that much more exuberantly for those moments of joy.



Hope
Ultimately, as long as we have hope for a better future, for a new day and for our dreams to come true, we will always bring that positive energy back to us. As stated in Monday’s Inspiration post, it is what we look for that we eventually find. So why not look for what we would prefer to see and experience?
 
Here’s to a simply luxurious life! Have a beautiful day.

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Images: (1) Her Name was Lola (2) Heartbeatoz (3) modernepress (4) Pleasing Aesthetics (5) Style Essentials (6) somethingvain Vogue US December 2005

A Very Important Detail

“That which we elect to surround ourselves with becomes the museum of our soul and the archive of our experience.”

-Thomas Jefferson

When I first began blogging, one of the first inspirational posts I wrote focused on a person’s surroundings; however, I didn’t go into any detail as to what each of us should examine in our lives to create a world that is fulfilling and inspiring simply by being present. So today, I wanted to expand on the importance of paying attention to a detail that may at first seem quite minor, but in fact, is quite crucial to creating a life of true contentment and utter fulfillment.

Let’s begin with a question: What surrounds you? A simple question, but one that can reveal so much about how we view the world, what our daily dialogue is that runs through our minds when we don’t keep it in check and whether or not we are progressing successfully toward our goals or are off the tracks completely.

We are a product of our environment in more ways than we realize if we aren’t paying attention, and so therefore, it is imperative that we pay attention regularly to what we allow to surround us. And it really is a matter we are in control of – we are the gate keepers.

Here is a list of 10 things that might surround you on any given day.  Take some time to examine what your surroundings look like and where you might need to do a little tune-up or should pat yourself on the back for respecting yourself enough to be particular when it comes to the environment you live in.

1. Choose to work with people who know more than you in your desired field of work.

2. Live in a home that is clean, somewhat expressive of who you are (too much is not welcoming to your guests or you as you evolve), relaxing, as well as inspiring each time you step foot into it.

3. Be near nature as often as possible. Whether it be working in your yard, taking a walk in the park or sauntering down the beach, there is an amazing soothing quality that puts things into perspective and allows us to step away from our worries for a moment and appreciate the power of Mother Nature.



4. Choose a partner that is comfortable with themselves and will not be jealous of your dreams and/or success. Ultimately, a healthy relationship is one that builds both people involved up to reach their respective dreams and goals, as well as providing enough common interest, love and respect for each other to work together to achieve certain goals as a team.



5. The community you live in should contain opportunities for you and your family to enjoy, appreciate and be better off had you not had lived there.  With that said, there is not one single place in the world that will provide everything you wish for, however, when an impending move presents itself, be sure to look at everything and choose the place that best fits what you value for yourself and your family. These values may change over time as your needs and desires change, but it is important to make a conscious decision that sits well.


6. Confide in people you trust and who have your back, otherwise, remain mum about your private life.



7. Choose friends that, while trustworthy (as mentioned in #6), also want to see you succeed, are there to support you and build you up, not bring you down. The crux of a solid friendship is whether or not it makes you a better person than if they weren’t in your life, and visa versa.  Again, it’s not how many friends you have, but that you have friends where the give and take is equal.  In fact, it is highly recommended that as adults we have different friends based on how our friendship is based or began.  For example: professional friends, social friends, deep/emotional friends, buddy friends, mentoring friends, childhood friends, etc. Having an eclectic group of friends helps to create a more well-rounded social life.



8. The symphony or cacophony of your life. What noise do you literally listen to all day? Whether it be the music you listen to, the talk radio that helps you stay abreast of current events, the television programs you DVR or the language you allow in your presence, all of this noise has an effect on each of us.  It is imperative that we be cognizant of this and choose to be selective. For example, the language we allow our children or students to use reflects on the positive or negative energy in our life.  Again, remember the goal is to build ourselves and those around us up, not tear each other down. We must realize that words have a very powerful effect.  The same thing goes for the news.  I need to stay aware of what is going on in the world, but a limit must be set – one hour in the morning and one in the evening turned to the programs that I know will keep me up-to-date on the information I need to make decisions throughout my day and inform my class are all I need, otherwise it becomes detrimental.

9. What you read has tremendous power. Knowledge in, knowledge out.  Garbage in . . . well, you get the picture. Our minds are powerful machines and what they absorb affects how we see and relate to the world. What type of machine do you want to nourish and create? What type of skills and abilities do you want to foster?  Anything is possible based on what you feed your brain.  Choose to read every night in some form, and while yes, reading a delightfully fun chic lit book is perfectly acceptable, challenge yourself as well by reading the newspaper, acclaimed pieces of literature or genuinely helpful articles that benefit your life. (To read more ideas and benefits of incorporating reading into your regular routine, click here.)



10. Be the beautiful surroundings you want to see. So often we look outside of ourselves to find excellent surroundings, when we have the ability to create an even brighter environment by projecting a positive attitude and a loving heart. Whether it is the zeal you bring to raising your children, taking care of your pets, engaging in conversation with your friends or throwing yourself into your work, make sure the energy is positive and electrifying in a very welcoming way for those around you, and your effort will be reciprocated in many more ways than you’ll ever know.



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Images: (1) ) chestchest (2) Encore! Life (3) Pleasing Aesthetics (4)  Vogue and Coffee (5) Vogue and Coffee (6) Pleasing Aesthetics (7) The Glitter Guide

12 Ways to Achieve Excellence

“Excellence can be obtained if you:
...care more than others think is wise;
...risk more than others think is safe;
...dream more than others think is practical;
...expect more than others think is possible.”

As we begin this week in May, I would like to dare you to strive for excellence.  And not only strive for excellence here or there, but in everything you make up your mind to do.  Sound impossible? Quite the contrary. 

I believe it is very possible.  It is simply a matter of adjusting our focus, having clear priorities and eliminating time drains in our lives. And ultimately, it is deciding to focus on what we do well and strengthening these areas to the point of almost mastery and letting our weakest areas not garner our focus. Ironically enough, these so-called weak areas won’t become worse, and they, surprisingly enough, actually might improve a bit.

Here are a list of ideas of where excellence can be achieved:

1. Master one or two excellent meals for when guests are invited to dinner that leave you confident that the meal will be a success.

2. Before saying yes to a new job, responsibility or time commitment, make sure you have the time and the passion to do the best job you possibly can. By stepping back for a moment and evaluating, you will save yourself stress and frustration that could have been avoided.

3. Maintain discipline. Upon deciding to climb a mountain, run for 6 miles or hold a difficult pose in yoga, do it – complete the task. Unless you are in deathly pain, finish what you had intended to do, and in doing so you will gain confidence, strength and a healthier physique.

4. Accept that a project may take longer than expected or cost a bit more than originally budgeted. Be willing to complete a task to the best of your ability even if it takes a few more years while you save up to pay for the dream home you’ve always wanted. You will be much happier in the long run for choosing to have patience and achieve your desired result.

5. At work, always do the best you can and put forth positive energy, ideas and an outlook on projects that is infectious for creating a more healthy and productive work environment.

6.As long as you know you are doing your best, don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake or fall short of your goal. The only regrets are instances where we know that we could have given more of our best selves or should have done something, but took the easy road.  As long as you know in your heart you did the best at the time, learn from the lesson and move forward.

7. Don’t waste time. When asked to do something, or trying to complete something that is on your to-do list, get it done, do it well and move on. Procrastinating is not going to make the task disappear.

8. Immerse yourself in relaxation. Carve out down time and allow yourself to savor it. Those who can truly let themselves relax will be energized and able to put their best self forward when it’s time to get busy.

9. Be pro-active and preventative.  Make dentist appointments every 6 months even if you know your teeth are fine. Have your tires rotated every 3 months along with your oil. Taking care of your health and things you rely on to live your life while they are in working order will save much heartache and money down the road.

10. Take care of what you have or are responsible for. And if you don’t have the time to take care of it or be responsible for it, then say no. Whether it is a bigger house, more pets, or more children, if you won’t be able to provide for them in a way that you feel is just or healthy, do the best thing you can for your sanity and the happiness of the being you are considering and say no.

11. Take care of you. Sleep 6-9 hours each night. Brush your teeth. Exercise regularly. Eat a balance diet and in proper proportions. Give. Find balance. Achieve financial security. Wash your make-up off each night. Drink more water. Exercise your mind.

12. Be the exception and set a positive example.  The beautiful thing that many don’t realize is that when you are giving your best consistently, you will eventually see very positive results. The shocking part is that so many people get to a point where they don’t see the benefits yet, and so then decide to halt their efforts. They may start something and decide not to finish, say yes and then slack on the job, accept a responsibility and then are unable to follow through. Be the exception. Set the example you want to see in the world.  Because after all, we are only responsible for ourselves and the legacy we leave behind.

Initially, excellence may seem difficult, but in all actuality what it really comes down to is realizing less is more, choosing the right priorities for ourselves and following through consistently.

What I’d like to leave you with today is a poem I discovered that discusses the difference between excellence and perfection. Have a look and have a beautiful journey through this week.

Perfection is being right,
Excellence is being willing to be wrong.
Perfection is fear,
Excellence is taking a risk.
Perfection is anger and frustration,
Excellence is powerful.
Perfection is control,
Excellence is spontaneous.
Perfection is judgment,
Excellence is accepting.
Perfection is taking,
Excellence is giving.
Perfection is doubt,
Excellence is confidence.
Perfection is pressure,
Excellence is natural.
Perfection is the destination,
Excellence is the journey.

Images: (1) Heartbeatoz (2) Vogue and Coffee (3) Southern Sophisticate (4) Vogue and Coffee (5) Vogue UK June 2011 (6) Simply Seductive (7) Source

Take Time To Reflect To Gain Reassurance

“Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.”

– Herbert A. Otto

It’s hard to see one’s own growth when we’re in the middle of it, just as it’s hard to observe as a parent the day to day changes of a young infant growing and becoming a toddler.  Because we are with ourselves every single moment of our lives, we are unable to see the minute changes that are occurring, adding up to what will at some moment be recognizable and abundantly obvious to everyone around us and eventually to ourselves.

Everyone has those moments in the middle of a journey toward a particular goal where we feel we’re not making any progress, where we begin to doubt that we can achieve what we set out to so many months and/or years ago.



In such moments, it is imperative to stop, gather our thoughts, toss out the negativity and for a reality check reflect back.  For me, I pull out my journals and flip to the pages that are dated exactly a year or more ago, so that I can visualize who I was and then compare it to who I am now. More often than not, I am reassured that progress has been made. Maybe not leaps and bounds every time, but something positive and beneficial toward accomplishing my goals.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

- Barack Obama

Other tips to keep in mind during such doubtful moments is to stop being so hard on ourselves – don’t lose the positive momentum that has built up, check to make sure the focus is where it should be, and then keep striding forward a little bit each day – a slightly smaller serving size, a few more Lincolns into the savings account each month, completely each task – no matter how simple – to the best of our ability, and not wasting our time on things that don’t matter.



Every positive step taken toward the life each one of us desires and want to live today, is making a difference.  We may not see it now, but we will eventually. Have confidence in the small continued efforts that are building a very solid foundation.

“There are no prescriptive solutions, no grand designs for grand problems. Life's solutions lie in the minute particulars involving more and more individual people daring to create their own life and art, daring to listen to the voice within their deepest, original nature . . .”

- Stephen Nachmanovitch

Images: (1) We Heart It (2) Sebastian (3) Breakfast at Zara’s

Growing Pains – A Very Good Sign

“Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.”

-Herbert Otto

Like a butterfly trying to break free of the cocoon, a young child maturing and struggling through puberty, or the pain of orthodontia as one’s teeth slowly move into straight alignment, pain and struggle are involved.

Growing pains  by definition are not pleasurable.  They purposely are painful for many reasons.

First, without the recognition and realization that a change is occurring, we would not appreciate it and see the opportunity that is being presented.  With the new abilities – a butterfly to now soar, a young adult to now reason and be self-sufficient, a beautiful smile to aid our health and share with the world – the opportunities are plentiful, but if we didn’t realize them, we very likely might ignore the potential that they afford.

“Convert difficulties into opportunities, for difficulties are divine surgeries to make you better.”  ~Author Unknown

Secondly, growing pains are a test.  A test to make certain that what one is struggling for is indeed what they want. For example, a completed literary novel is not capable of being created with the snapping of the fingers.  A writer must demonstrate regular discipline, passion and dedication in the task of completing the manuscript in order to have the opportunity of appreciating and drinking in the results.  The wannabes are weeded out during the period of growing pains as they eliminate themselves from the process, but those who forge ahead, who struggle through the growing pains of questions and doubts are answering the test in a sufficient manner that will garner the possibility for great success.

“Adversity is like a strong wind.  It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.”  ~Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha

Lastly, growing pains allow for rich and eternal appreciation of the hard work that was necessary to savor the success that is possible of being achieved after persevering through the adversity, pushing past the critics, and staying on track even though it would have been much easier to let the last problem dealt with halt the engine.

“Defeat may serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out.”  ~Edwin Markham

There can be many moments of growing pains along the path toward each of our desired goals, and in everyone’s life in general, throughout the many stages, growing pains are the norm.  It is the adversity that causes us to reflect, reevaluate and decide what the legacy is we want to leave behind.

We must consider ourselves lucky for receiving adversity because it means we each have an opportunity to better our lives, to not remain stagnate, for when we are stagnate we are no longer truly living.

Adversity is the stepping stone to a more truthful place of where we are meant to go, of where are abilities can take us if we choose to tap into them.

Today, if you find yourself embattled and ambivalent on how to proceed in a situation that is giving you a difficult time, look inward and ask yourself what is this struggle trying to reveal to me? What can I take away from it and use to improve my life? If you choose to see it as a lesson, you will prevail. Don’t let the alternative keep you from your true potential.

“Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution.  If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds.”  ~Norman Vincent Peale

And click here to see who the winner of the Seductively French giveaway was!

Images: (1) Southern Sophisticate (2) Sebastian (3) Vogue and Coffee

One Small Adjustment Away From Contentment

“We are all just one small adjustment away from making our lives work.”

–Paul Rudd in How Do You Know?

A life well lived is one that involves discipline, reflection and the conscious awareness of our present actions on our future.

It is quite easy in our day-to-day lives to enjoy instant gratification, after all, drive-thrus and fast food were created to appease such a desire, but is instant gratification something we should indulge?

Upon hearing the quotations above over the past weekend, I began to mull over its validity.  Could this be true? It is really as simple as making one small adjustment?

I think the key word is “small” and while many may say that the adjustments that are necessary in their lives to make it work are far from small, I would argue that we are giving these adjustments more power then they deserve.  I would argue that it is we who are standing in the way and making it more difficult than it needs to be. I would argue that it truly is a small adjustment, a simple change of perception – focusing instead on the magnificent benefits that will be appreciated in the future, instead of clinging to the instant fulfillment at the moment which will evaporate in a matter of moments.

If we can step back from the present situation that is giving us fits (savoring one more cookie even though we’ve vowed to watch our sugar intake, or purchasing another pair of fabulous shoes even though we know we can’t afford it), and act in a way as if we are parenting ourselves, looking out for our own well-being, making a prudent decision now that will be behoove us much more in the long run and reap far more abundance and lasting fulfillment down the road, then it really is a small adjustment.  It is a matter of perception. 

In an issue of Vogue a handful of years ago, Jennifer Aniston made a statement that continues to remain in my mind. She stated,

“Everything you want in the world is just outside your comfort zone.  Everything you could possibly want.” –Jennifer Aniston Vogue December 2008

Such a statement holds weighty truth that serves as a reminder that we all are the master of our destiny.  We all have the potential of creating the life we covet.  We all have the opportunities, however, we must accept that it requires a change within us, if we wish to see a change in our current situation.

The small adjustment needed may be in your relationships, your health, your career, or something else entirely. But keep in mind that whether it be putting up firmer boundaries, becoming more disciplined with your saving habits, ignoring feelings of lust and choosing to get to know someone’s true character first, or by simply taking a risk by asking for a raise or seeking out advice, be sure you are tackling it from the direction of what needs to be changed by you, within you, for yourself because as we all know, we only have control over our own actions, and we must take responsibility for them if we wish to attain a contented and fulfilling life.

I hope this post finds you well and may the week be off to a promising start. Thank you for stopping by and feel free to share your experience with this approach to life. I would love to hear your stories.

Images: (1) Keep It Chic (2) Hearbeatoz (3) Encore! Life

Stand Up With Determination and Hope

“You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

-Winston Churchill

There are very few people in modern history who played such a crucial role in how life is lived today. Without Winston Churchill’s strength of character, winsome ability to inspire, yet at the same time speak with conviction against almost all odds, history may have written a different outcome to World War II.

I find myself continually inspired by him with the more historical and biographical information I read. Being an avid reader and continually striving to learn and explore, Churchill earned a Nobel Prize in Literature, was the painter of 535 canvases, chose instead to follow his convictions, not partisanship and even after his death (at the age of 90), he still is a pillar of what is possible no matter what you are up against.  For a boy whose father forever felt he would be a failure, Winston Churchill was the farthest thing from such a description.

With his quote above, he reveals something so many try to avoid, especially women.  And I say that because so many times it seems that women are trying to keep the peace, to be the mediator, avoid confrontation, but I believe that in being liked by everyone, we allow ourselves to vanish and become anything depending on whoever we are with.

While it is true, we must pick our battles, I do believe that we must be willing to stand up for those ideals and rights that we find fundamental to a better way of life, to doing a job most productively, and to anything else that without deteriorates at the core our ability to live our best life.

How we go about standing up for what we value is almost as important as what we are standing up for.  We must broach the subject (whether it be with our colleagues, loved ones or community) in a way that is based in sound reasoning (not just because that’s the way it was done when I was growing up, etc), respectfully and good faith. 

We also, upon making the decision to stand up for what we believe in, must realize that we may lose some once thought to be coveted relationships. However, if we are being truthful, and if what we are standing up for is a priority to the foundation of how we live, than this is a reality that we must be prepared to accept.

Having said all of this, I would also advise continual education and updating on what it is that you believe in, and even more importantly, to research the other side no matter how deeply you disagree with it.  For understanding concretely exactly what the opposing argument may be, you are able to create an even sounder argument for your position.  And who knows, you may discover something you hadn’t realized that potentially changes your opinion of the other side for better or for worse. 

The key is to always seek knowledge, keep an open mind and once you have done this, you can stand firmly behind what you believe knowing you have done it with a clear and sound mind with valid reasons.

As Churchill teaches us, no matter what your situation, no matter how many times you are shoved aside, never allow cynicism to detour you, always believe that things can improve if you have the courage to do the dirty work and never stop learning, reading and trying new things.

Images: (1) Encore! This (2) Sebastian (3) Oh Fashion Model (4) Southern Sophisticate

Tap Into Your Gifts

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

-Martha Graham

It may seem at times that the thoughts each of us ponder, the feelings each of us feel are not unique due to the mass number of the world population.  It may seem at times that we are not unique, people may even try to manipulate us to accept this idea.  It may seem at times that we have nothing new to give the world that has not already been bequeathed, but in all of these cases we would be wrong, thankfully, very, very wrong.

The combination of ideas, talents, place of residence, experience, education, age, gender and physical attributes, along with so many other variables, is something that disproves the assumptions listed above.

What I want to impress today as we all begin the week is that we must not shy away from or stop the continual search to be the full extent of what we have been gifted to become – such a combination that no one else will ever possess it. The expression that is uniquely each of ours in which Martha Graham(world renowned modern dance choreographer) speaks of is something that we must share, we must tap into, we must seek and then embrace.

Do you have an ear for music that you can’t explain, and perhaps others take for granted?  Can you discern almost instantaneously the flavors in any meal you taste? Is  your body able to contort in ways that others are simply befuddled by?  Do you have an ability to read others’ actions and intentions even when they can’t explain them for themselves? Don’t assume everyone has these gifts.  Accept your gift, improve upon it and offer it as a way to improve the world you live in. 

Often times, it becomes much easier to succumb to what everyone else expects from us, what the zeitgeist accepts and doesn’t question, but that doesn’t mean it sits well with each of us. I have spoke of this idea before, of being our own guide, and I can’t stress strongly enough how contentment and true fulfillment is attainable by finding the courage and strength to listen to what you may know right now, but can’t explain.  In the case that you can’t explain it, but truly do believe you have potential in, I encourage you to educate yourself, fine tune your skills and abilities, seek out the coaching or mentoring of someone who is an expert in the field you desire to be a part of.

For while hard work is an absolute requirement, so is passion, love and belief that each one of us has something special to offer if we are willing to follow our talents, follow that uniqueness that resides within each one of us and be strong enough to say, “Others may not understand why I believe so wholeheartedly, but right now, I need to trust myself and put forth the work that is necessary to amplify my gifts.”

Cling to this uniqueness, grab hold of the opportunity and polish it up, beef it up with the proper foundation and let what you do best be revealed authentically.

“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.”

Have a beautiful and inspired Monday.

Images: (1) Vogue and coffee (2) Vogue and Coffee (3) Oh Fashion Model (4) Vogue and Coffee

How To Create Opportunities

“When you dream, do you dream about playing great against an average team? . . . No!  When you dream, you dream about playing your best against the best. . . And now, this is your opportunity to make that dream a reality . . . pulling together, seeing it in your own mind before it ever happens. And do you know how it ends in your dream? You’re jumping for joy, you are happy and you’re having more fun than you’ve ever had before. But I’m telling you, the dream will not even compare to [the reality].”

-Jim Larranaga

Someone recently made the comment to me that while opportunities are great, the requirement that they present themselves is necessary in order to be successful. I had to chuckle a bit because what I observed instantly in that statement was the inability to take responsibility for making opportunities occur. 

I truly believe that luck is when opportunity and preparation meet, but I think what is left out of this statement is that we have to go grab the opportunities.  We have to make them a reality.  We have to show ourselves worthy of said opportunities.  We can’t sit idly by and hope that they will land in our lap, because more times than not, this doesn’t happen.

When I came upon the quote above over the weekend, I felt it encapsulated perfectly what those extra necessary ingredients are in order to achieve our dreams.

First, you have to believe that it’s possible. For example, I can look at all of my colleagues where I work and see how their attitudes become a prophecy for what will occur for the students in their classroom.  Those teachers who believe that they will have successful students, who are willing to put forth the time on creating new curriculum or updating their old curriculum, who are strong enough to hold students accountable to achieving high standards and who truly believe that things can change for the better, are also the members of our staff who have great success rates (maybe not every time, but more times than not).  And consequently, the opposite is true as well for those who have lost confidence in having hope and can’t believe they can create something better.

I can’t reiterate enough how the attitude, the vision, you bring with you to the table of making your dreams happen dictates your success. Charles R. Swindoll’s dictum holds so much truth:

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”

Second, setting a goal is about challenging yourself, not making it easy for yourself.  Now in setting the bar quite high, might force you to take a few steps back (in the form of lessons from stumbling) in order to soar successfully over the hurdle that is in front of you, but with passion for what you are doing and a determined spirit, the ability to reach your dream is possible.

Third, having a clear vision of what the dream is is paramount in achieving it successfully.  As I spoke a few weeks ago about focus, this disciplined concentration is what will keep you on track so that you aren’t distracted by other demands on your time that present themselves to take you off your path.

And lastly, by chasing your dreams, by not letting them out of your sight and by being willing to take the risks and chances that may cause you to land flat on your face (hopefully so, because that means you are falling forward), you create opportunities.You create what so many others believe in, accurately so, will simply occur.

Opportunities occur when we refuse to be denied.  Opportunities occur when we aren’t deterred by a slip. Opportunities occur when we are open to many different avenues for making the impossible possible.

By keeping these things in mind – a positive attitude, setting the bar high and having a clear vision – upon reaching your dream, it will be greater than you had ever imagined – partly because you are experiencing it with all of your senses, but more so because you can appreciate all that went into making it a reality, thus not taking it for granted.

Have a beautiful start to this first week of spring and may you step forward today with the belief in yourself that you will be successful with the discipline to remain focused.

Images: (1) We Heart It (2) Source (3) Southern Sophisticate (4) We Heart It

Viviane Orth - Vogue Portugal – May 2010

My fashion inspiration this week was discovered in Vogue Portugal’s use of knee high socks in a deep hue of purple, bouffant blonde hair, a classic trench and wide brimmed sun hat.  Absolutely feminine, beautiful and timeless.

Her legs really do go on forever, don’t they?

Pics and Models photographed by Pedro Ferreira

Weekly Cups of Tea (2/28-3/6)

Oh, do I have a variety of favorites for you, my readers, this week!  I hope you enjoy.

 

1. Springtime in Paris

With March having just begun, I am itching to get out and dig in the dirt, pot my tomatoes (don’t worry, I’m not putting them outside just yet), and watch the colors of spring reveal themselves.  And what better way to welcome the buds of spring than by starting in Paris.  Sasha of Everything Fabulous  posted some absolutely beautiful photos of the City of Lights that I just had to include this week.  Click on the heading above or the photo below to be taken to even more gorgeous shots, along with a lasting thought to ponder.

2. Terrific Tiramisu

Janelle of Talk of Tomatoes posted a recipe I can’t wait to try for making tiramisu with just six ingredients. Now, if that doesn’t make you want to bustle into the kitchen and whip up a decadent dessert, than the photo below just might.  To find the recipe and read her commentary as to where she found it (hint – a Tuscan road trip), click on the photo below.  Bon Appétit!

 

3.  Enthusiasm, Courtesy of Julia Child 

Speaking of bon appétit, Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project focused on Julia Child’s enthusiasm and how it indeed helps one cultivate more happiness in their lives.  Click here to read exactly how enthusiasm is something we all should include in our day to day routines.   

 

4.  Where to Find Inspiration  

As someone who enjoys writing, I find myself being inspired by the oddest things.  It may be an image I see plastered on a billboard, or a bull lazily soaking his feet in a river, or more often than not, an article or book I’m reading that sparks my thoughts.  But sometimes, for no reason what’s so ever, I have a hard time finding inspiration.  However, after reading Zen Habits’ suggested list of ways and places to derive inspiration, I am no longer worried that I will ever be at a loss for finding inspiration.  Click here to read his list so that you too will forever be inspired.

5.  Be Inspired! 

To provide a bit more inspiration, Kate of The Neo-Traditionalist posted a quote I immediately found myself writing down in my idea journal.  Click on the link above to continually enjoy daily quotes, lovely finds and daily inspiration at her website.

Enjoy a beautiful Sunday!