September morn 2016

I can't believe it's almost the end of September 2016 already. It's been a beautiful summer and since I'm an Island Girl I always get a little sad when September arrives but I embrace the change of seasons nonetheless, knowing that I can always visit family and friends in the warmer climate areas if I get the itch for 70 plus degree temperatures. I'm booking a flight for next week. :) Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. One very special thing I recently did that I want to share news about is that I adopted a dog. A little Shitzu pup that is totally adorable. She was a rescue from Brooklyn. People said I was CRAZY to take on this big commitment at this point in my life, but she has already brought so much joy into the household that I wouldn't' have it any other way. I love her energy, the way she gets so excited when I come home, and the way she cuddles up in my lap at the end of a busy day, totally content and present. We can learn a lot from our pets. Wishing you all a sweet September. :)

Giving Thanks and Thanks Giving! Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving. It really is one of my favorite holidays. No actual gifts are expected and thankfully, we're not running around like lunatics beforehand shopping in retail stores for that perfect present. Instead we are present on being grateful. Which, in reality, should be a year-round "task." However, in the hectic realm of life, we often don't have time to sit and reflect on all the good that we have in our lives. Hence, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to get together with our dearest family and friends to celebrate each other and the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the holidays! So after we pig out, we prepare ourselves for the rush, rush, rush or holiday shopping. It's time to shop till you drop... May your blessings be many and thank you for being wonderful you!

Fireworks!

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays! I just love the magic of fireworks & the way the sky lights up with all these amazing colors. I also appreciate the fact that when you are watching fireworks, you are truly present. In other words, it's a mindful experience. Besides that, it's also a communal experience. Millions of people are watching the sky light up with fireworks at the same time you are. Every one is in the moment, intensely looking and enjoying the beauty of the color-filled sparks that light up the night sky. This year, I got to watch the New York City firework frenzy from my friend's apartment on 38th St. It was my first time going into the city to watch the fireworks. It was incredible! I felt like a kid watching fireworks for the first time. There's nothing quite like it! Besides the light show, it reminds us to be grateful for our individual and collective freedom. So many have fought for this country, and continue to do so. We are blessed to be able to live in the good 'ol USA. Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Hope

After much research, I finally discovered how to get back into my blogger account. Yes, it took me a year to find my way. Lol. I'm a snail when it comes to stuff like this. One of my favorite holidays is Easter. It's a feel good holiday that puts a smile on my face because everyone seems to be in a good mood and if they're not, they pretend they are. I love the idea of "resurrection" when it comes to this special faith-based holiday because it reminds us to have hope. Yes, a four letter word that means so much! Hope is so crucial to mental health. Despite whatever challenges you may face in life, you can always choose to hope for the best rather than feel hopeless. Having that kind of attitude changes your outlook instantly. Here's to keeping a positive outlook and staying hopeful! Happy Spring!

Maturity

A lot of people are afraid of getting older. But there are definitely advantages to it. For one, your perspective on life definitely changes. You learn to be more comfortable in your own skin. You learn to be accepting. You also learn to be okay being alone. (Note, the word alone is also al-one.) Spending time alone can be beneficial is so many levels. I have quite a few gal friends who are content not having boyfriends/husbands. These wonderful women don't need a relationship to define who they are. They have incredible support systems via friends and family and love the freedom of being independent. I can appreciate that now because I have been "involved" in relationships for the majority of my life. At the present time, I choose not to be in a serious relationship because I need time to just be. I don't want to make the same relationship mistakes I've made in the past. Of course, if I were to meet a "Magic Man" that captivates my attention/heart, my tune would change but for now, I'm good all by myself. : )

Gratitude

In our lives, it's very easy to get caught up in negativity. It seems that for most people, it is easier to focus in on problems, worries, and what and who makes us feel unhappy. We submit our complaints to the world and then wonder why we are feeling depressed. lol. It's so easy to fall into that "woe is me" mentality. It's also a trap. When you focus in on darkness rather than light, you will feel down and low. You will also attract more negativity into your life. You get stuck in a mental rut. I'm not saying you have a to have a Tinker Bell attitude but when you start to come down with a case of the blues, you have to force yourself to sing a different tune. Wake up each morning and say to yourselves - "I am blessed." You DO have things to be grateful for in your lives… just take a look around you and focus on the positive. Experience life in the present moment and know that despite the clouds and rain we encounter, there's always a rainbow quietly waiting for you. Here's hoping you keep a grateful and open heart. <3

Life Changes Everything...

So  one or two seasons have passed since I last blogged. Shame on me! But the truth is that "life has gotten in the way" of me paying attention to this big blogger machine. I've missed it so much... My apologies. But here I am again. Better late than never!


Wow! It's been a year since Sandy hit. In some ways, it seems like yesterday when we lost power, lost homes,  and lost our minds!  We have memories of devastation, followed by opportunities of renewal.  "We are stronger than the storm" was a terrific slogan for New Jersey's rebuild. A slogan that successfully stuck in our heads like a stubborn ear worm.  But this slogan just doesn't apply to Jersey. "We are stronger than the storm, " is definitely true for us individually. We all face private storms in our lives. Death, divorce, job loss, drug/alcohol issues, cancer and other personal health issues, the list can go on and on. No matter what difficulties the universe throws our way,  we have the choice to face the challenges with grace/faith or just fall apart.

So the next time, the universe tests your inner strength by sending you a "storm," my hope is that you do your best to bend and not break. Believe -- You are stronger than the storm.