Be Mindful Of What You Say

When life gets a little crazy, it's easy to forget how to treat others with compassion. We say and do things that are hurtful and thoughtless because we're not thinking clearly. We become blind and deaf to the people we love the most because we are lost within our own drama. If we're lucky enough, we can catch ourselves before we do too much damage. But if not, the universe has a way of stopping us in our tracks. The unexpected happens in life, so be mindful that we don't let the fallout direct who we are. Today, open your eyes and ears to what is going on around you. Have you been hurting someone (intentionally or not)? If you are, then stop. Be honest with yourself and deal with your problems and fears head on. You are a compassionate and loving soul. Now let others see the true beauty that lies within you.

 It's hard to be grumpy when there is so much beauty in the world...

(S- Seeing this flower, I can understand why you love it so much.

It really is special. I miss you and B!)

Facing Our Weaknesses

As difficult as it is, we are sometimes faced with having to deal with our weaknesses. As the year draws to an end, it seems that many of us aren't being given the choice anymore. We are being placed in unexpected situations where we need to respond quickly. But the question is what are we going to do. Our first reactions are usually anger, frustration, and asking ourselves "why me". Then we try avoid the situation by saying we're too overwhelmed. We need to end playing the victim because it keeps us paralyzed from doing anything. It's important that we work on our weaknesses before the universe in its compassionate way sends us more situations to move us on our way. Today, deal with the situations that are affecting you the most. Face it head on. Think outside of the box if necessary. The universe believes in you, even if you do not. You deserve to live your life to the fullest, not just watch life go by.

Sometimes learning something new is scary, but it also can be fun...

(Looking at everyone having fun in the water and learning a new sport was refreshing. I've got to learn to swim.)

Playing Catch Up

Sometimes we find ourselves trying to play catch up with our life. It seems as if there is always something that we've forgotten to do or meant to do but never got around to it. Then we drive ourselves to distraction trying to fit it into our already busy schedule. Now we're back to square one again. Maybe we need to think about what we are doing that keeps us so busy. Time is so important. It's a shame we've become so busy that we don't enjoy the time that we do have. Today, use your time wisely. If you find yourself playing catch up, stop, and pause for a moment. How important is whatever you are doing if you find yourself unhappy. Remember there is always time for everything, if it is meant to be.

Life is such a balancing act. We can only do our best...

Who Have We Become

Many of us feel secure in knowing who we are and what we want out of life. We've talked about our future plans including the many goals we've set up to achieve. Everything makes sense in the world we live in. Then as if waking up from a dream, the plans which we carefully created don't feel right and the dreams we once had no longer seem ours. Our life seems like a puzzle as we try to fit what we once were into who we've become. The question is do we continue to live the life that we once thought we wanted or do we acknowledge who we've become and create a life we were meant to live. Today, be true to yourself. Ask yourself "Does my life reflect who I am today?" Listen quietly as your inner spirit responds. Let the answer resonant within you. Sometimes there is nothing for us to do, for the universe moves us slowly along our path without our help. Just knowing that we are who we've become is sometimes enough.

What more can you ask for? Take a deep breath and relax...

(This is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to and I didn't even have to share the bench. This was a perfect spot to think about who I'm becoming.)

Preparing For The Holidays

Knowing that the holiday season is upon us, it's time for us to prepare so that we can enjoy it to the fullest. Why spend the coming weeks getting frustrated with people who are only trying to get into the holiday spirit. We can choose to take different routes that are less crowded even if it does take us a little longer. We can shop at smaller stores that have unique gifts that are perfect for those we love. And we can try really hard to move at a slower pace than we normally do so we don't feel as if we are always trying to catch up. We can have a wonderful month if we prepare ourselves ahead of time to just go with the flow. Today, make a list of what you need to do for the month. By preparing a checklist, you can prevent yourself from being scattered and distracted. Have fun and treat yourself to some chocolate as you are shopping. Make this holiday, a season to remember.

As you go through your day, see the beauty that surrounds you...

(D- Thank you so much for the beautiful pics. I miss the changing of the seasons, especially the trees.)

The Joy of Giving

Whenever I think of Christmas, I get perturbed knowing that every year retail stores seem to prepare just a little earlier. First it was the day after Thanksgiving, then the day after Halloween, now there are Santa Clauses making their presence known amongst the witches and the pumpkins. The media also reflects the hype that reminds us daily that if we don't buy now we are missing out on the best deals. So instead of feeling excited about the upcoming holiday, we've become stressed knowing it's countdown to "C" day. But yesterday, while walking through the neighborhood seeing people putting up their Christmas decoration, I realized how truly happy they looked. The penguins with Santa hats,the reindeers wrapped with no less than 30 white lights, and all their mixed matched friends were way over the top, but they were all fun. I could feel my jaded heart slowly melting. What if Christmas is truly about the gift of giving and the lesson of receiving graciously? Although marketing is still hype, deep down under all that glitz, there really is an important purpose for this Holiday. It gives us an excuse to show our appreciation for others, to thank the people we love, to receive without feeling that we aren't deserving, and to have ridiculous fun. This month, enjoy the holiday season. Share your joy and laughter with family and friends. Go shopping to your heart's content. Give away silly snow globes and receive with gratitude chocolate covered marshmellow Santa Clauses. This is a season of giving and receiving. We are all truly blessed.

There is nothing like spending the holiday season with someone you love...

(I know Santa and Mrs. Claus are a little deflated, but I couldn't wait for our neighbor to blow up all the decorations in his yard. It's beginning to look like the Grizwald's Xmas.)

A Day of Giving Thanks

How many of us are truly thankful for the gift of life that we have been given? For the precious breath we are able to take, for a chance to find true love, for the freedom to be who we are meant to be. Life is filled with so many wonderful moments that our hearts are capable of giving so much more to ourselves and to others. Sometimes saying thank you just doesn't seem enough. Today, count your blessings. Think of all the goodness that surrounds you. By acknowledging the gifts that you have been given, you open your heart to the universal energy that flows through you. In the coming days, remember the blessings you have even as the world moves quickly around us.

Each of us are grateful for different things...

(I was so happy that I was able to get a picture of this tiny bird. It just didn't move. Even afterwards it stayed. Now I'm wondering if it was real.)



Choosing A Different Path

Sometimes our life becomes too predictable because we are trying so hard to avoid unexpected surprises. We go as far as creating habits that we feel will keep us safe and prevent our world from turning upside down. But what happens when we create a world based upon our fears. Our life becomes stagnant and stifling because we've become too scared to listen to our inner spirit. Today, make a conscious choice to do something different. By choosing a different path, you open yourself to exploring possibilities. As scary as it may be, take a chance on yourself and the opportunities that are waiting for you. The universe has laid many paths for you to choose from. Take a deep breath, begin walking down one of them, and see where it leads you. Create a life where you are free to explore who you are meant to be.

A feeling of peace and serenity flows through me...

(When I saw this paddler, I felt connected to him. He was at peace with the ocean and his board. He literally just floated on the water. It made me want to paddle, too bad I can't swim.)

Being In The Present

If we knew what the future was going to be, would we do anything different than what we are doing now? Would our knowing this information change who we are in the present? Sometimes when we put all our energy in planning for the future, we are not taking the time to truly appreciate what is happening in our lives today. Know that the future is constantly changing depending on not only what we do but the interaction we have with other people. So even if we were able to glimpse into the future, the picture may change the moment we choose to take a different path. Today, imagine how different your future would look like by changing two things in your life. You can create the life you were meant to live once you begin to trust who you are. When you begin to truly believe in yourself, the universe will be waiting for you.

                    Life is like a county fair. We're tired of the old rides, can't wait for the scariest rides, impatient to stand in long lines, and get tummy aches when we eat too much junk food. But we love every minute of it...

(The Maui County Fair is great. It not only had the rides, games, and junk food, but they also had competitions. Competing for the best eggplant, green onion, and cucumber was best.  

The Key To Understanding Others

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves getting upset and frustrated with those whose actions we can't understand. The things that they do obviously will cause consequences that will eventually hurt them or others. It's as if we have the gift of premonition because it's so clear as to what will happen. But what is confusing is the degree of emotion that we invest in thinking about the impending disaster. Why are we so emotionally affected by someone else's path? There is a reason why the universe brings certain people into our lives. When we react so strongly to another person, it's usually not about them but ourselves. Remember that the things we do not like in another person is what we most fear within ourselves. Today, take a look at someone whose actions you don't agree with. Identify what it is about them that you don't like. Know that it is a weakness or fear within yourself that you may need to pay attention to. The universe leads us to these people so that we can better understand ourselves and learn to become more compassionate with them instead of being so critical of their choices. We are not meant to judge others for we are all working on some part of ourselves. Understand that everyone has their own path to walk to become who they are meant to be.

It would be so easy if everyone was all the same,

but we are all unique and special in our own way...

Let The Music Bring You Joy

When life brings us down, turn up the music and dance until joy finds it's way into our hearts again. Music is what we need to bring peace into the world. If we open our hearts and listen very carefully, we will find it difficult not to move in tune with the rhythmic beat. Like our heartbeat, it is strong and steady, giving us purpose when we had none. Simple yet effective. Music is the key to bringing the universal energy to a higher level. Today, play your music loud and clear. Let your spirit fly with the joyful sounds that you were born to listen to. You were meant to laugh and dance your way through life. 

  Sometimes if you sit quietly, you can hear the music floating

upon the soft ocean breezes...

(I'm not sure what I'm waiting for, but when it comes

I'll know it as sure as I know the sound of my own heart beat.) 

Destiny

It isn't often that we think about our destiny and what the universe holds for us. We are too busy with our daily tasks that we forget that there may be a master plan for us somewhere out in the universe. It is enough for us just knowing that we've created a life that we've worked so hard for. But then how else do we explain when something or someone comes into our life and turns what we know to be true upside down. We question who we are and begin to even doubt what our inner spirit is whispering to us. Why now? Maybe there is no right answers, only that destiny is what it is. Today, let go of what was and see where it takes you. You are still who you are and your past experiences. You are no more, no less. Let destiny lead you where it must, but remember the final decision is up to you. Choose wisely.

Life is like a flowing river, we never know what is beyond the bend...

Clearing Our Minds

There are times in our lives when we need to clear our minds of the worries and fears that prevent us from moving forward. We often miss opportunities that are given to us because we are unable to see them beyond the clutter in our mind. How many times have we asked, “Why I am stuck?” It’s not that we are stuck, it’s that we have chosen to live a life of despair and without hope. Know that we can move beyond what we know to be true at this time by asking ourselves, “What if all things were possible? What would my life be like then…?” Today, ask yourself these questions and let your inner spirit answer spontaneously. It is time to discover what lies beyond the mountains you have created to protect yourself. Have faith that there is something wonderful waiting for you there.

 

 The path is as clear as we'd like it to be...

(I wish there were more benches along the way,
so I can stop and enjoy where I am for awhile.)

Being True To Ourselves

As we get caught up in our busy lives, we don’t pay attention to the person we have become. It is only when for a brief moment we have a glimpse of ourselves reflected back. Why are we then surprised when we see the hurt look from our loved ones after speaking to them so carelessly? Where is the compassionate person who had the best of intentions? Where is the person who had laughter in their life and hope in their heart? At what point did we let others decide what is best for us?  Know that at anytime we can take back the control in our lives, but it takes strength and determination to do what is best for ourselves. Today, use all of your senses to feel where you are in your life. Are you living in pain by not being genuine? Take a moment and be quiet within yourself. Remember the happiness and peace you once had, which is your true self. If you are ready, own who you are. If not know that you are not your circumstance. The universe continues to flow gently around you during times of chaos. You are a child of the universe.

No one said that being true to yourself was ever easy...

(B- My heart aches for the person you were meant to be.

Protect the little girl within you that is hurting.

As difficult as it is, do what is best for you.

The more you take care of yourself,

the more you are able to be present for others.

Always remember that you are loved every day.)

Deciding What To Do

Sometimes it feels right to just sit on the sidelines and watch the universe flow by. It's during these rare moments that we can reflect upon ourselves and the life we chose to live. But there are other times, when it feels unnatural for us to be still while we know that something in our world is off. It is at this point, that we need to stop and reassess what is happening in our lives. It may be necessary for us to think outside the boundaries that we have created to recapture the harmony that existed in our lives before. Although we may feel helpless, we do have the power to change the unfortunate circumstances that we find ourselves in. If our inner spirit is telling us that something is not right, we can't let fear paralyze us into doing nothing. Take a deep breath and move forward. Every step we take, we move towards a more peaceful existence. Today, do something thing different. By your bringing in something new in your life, you will change the direction of your path. You are meant to live a life that is in harmony with your spirit.

During our lives, there comes a time when we need to choose

which path would be better for us...

(Although the paths may lead us in different directions,

they all eventually lead us back home.)  

Living Your Dreams

For some of us, we spend part of our life dreaming of what could be and the other half wondering what would happen if our dreams actually came true. Being in a dream state is euphoric. It takes us to places where our fears and inhibitions don't exist. Where we trust our inner spirit to lead us safely to our heart's desire. We are strong and self assured in our dreams and our world is at peace. If we could get a blueprint of our dreams and recreate it while awake think of all the possibilities there could be. Today, put aside all of your "I can't because" and begin living your dream. You have taken the first step by envisioning what could be, now take a giant leap of faith in creating the life you've only imagined.

There are times when my dreams become my reality...

Gathering Our Thoughts

There is much to say about taking the time to gather our thoughts. Sometimes in moving too quickly in life, we make careless mistakes that impact us in the future. We also tend to miss things that we normally would have not overseen if we were more present. Gathering our thoughts gives us the time to organize what we know to be true. We have the answers within us to guide us through life if we only give ourselves the opportunity to respond. Today, be patient with yourself. Everything that needs to be done can be accomplished within it's own time.

   Sometimes it's difficult to be patient when we have so much to do...

It's Okay Not Knowing All The Answers

Sometimes knowing who we are and what we want is not so simple. We have so many layers that we may present to be different people at different times depending on who we are with and what the circumstances are. And during those times, we may strongly desire different things. So how best do we answer the question, "Who are you?" and "What is your heart's desire?" No wonder it takes us awhile to answer what on the surface seems to be easy questions. It would be best to answer these questions by responding, "I pray that I am who my spirit would like me to be and that my heart's desire is driven by the need to help others. Although we may not be able to identify exactly who we are at all times, there is a desire amongst us all to live a fulfilling life. This coming week, think about who you are and what you desire. Does the answer change daily or does it stay constant? Remember that you are who you are meant to be at this time. Be at peace with the different parts of who you are and you will attain what you desire.

It's a little scary being on my own.

I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to be doing...

(This little duck is neither all white or all black like it's siblings,

it's a beautiful combination of both colors.)

Staying Grounded In A Changing World

In a world that is changing daily how do we keep focused and true to ourselves. It is natural for everything to evolve. As uncomfortable as it is for us, change is necessary for growth to happen. It becomes more difficult when we have to make life decisions that affect not only ourselves but the people around us. It's times like these that we need to reflect upon who we are and what we believe in that will help us to stay grounded. No matter what is happening around us whether politically, socially, or internally, if we stay true to ourselves we will be at peace. Today, do something that makes you feel good. By better understanding yourself, you learn what you need when you are depleted. When the world seems like it is turning upside down, you'll know how to survive during times of turmoil. You don't have to follow others down the path of confusion when you have all the tools you need to be at peace.

Although there is no clear path, I seem to know where I am going...

Universal Patterns

Don't be discourage when glitches appear in our lives. When the unexpected happens, we become so scattered that we're unable to think clearly. We revert to our victim mode and ask "Why is this happening to me?" Life is supposed to be filled with mishaps that help our spirit become stronger and more resilient. By going through chaos every once and awhile, we become familiar with universal patterns. Today, instead of reacting emotionally when the unexpected comes, take a deep breath and let your spirit feel it's way. It will recognize patterns within the chaos and figure out what you need to do to bring peace back into your life. There is patterns to everything in the universe, you just need to trust your spirit to lead you through them.

Sometimes when things are so chaotic, we don't see the beauty that exists...

(This beautiful art sculpture is made out of blown glass and metal. It also moves with the wind. No matter how many times I look at these sculptures, it seems like I'm seeing it for the first time.)

Reflecting Your Style

Many of us get caught up in our daily lives that we don't really pay attention to what our style is. We've been wearing the same clothes for too many years and our homes have become a dumping ground for the mismatched. It's not that we don't care how we look or how our homes have become, but by the end of the day we are just too tired to do anything about it. Everyone has a style that reflects them and makes them more comfortable. When we wear clothes that are suited to us and arrange our home so that it soothes our soul and rejuvenates our spirit then we are in sinc with ourselves.  Today, make it a priority to look in your closet and walk around your home. Are you comfortable with your wardrobe? Are things too big, too small, years too old? If so begin to throw away or donate one thing per month and replace it with something new. Next walk around your home and do the same as you did with your closet. This exercise is about bringing in positive energy to your life. When your style doesn't reflect who you are, you are preventing what you deserve from finding it's way to your life. Let your style reflect who you have become.

By learning more about yourself, you discover your style.

(S, R,Q - You are the most funniest people I know and you all have your own unique style that reflect who you are as individuals.)

Becoming Who You Were Meant To Be

One day you may become who you were meant to be. When all of who you were comes to a close and you are free to be who you've become. You can't remember when your responsibilities identified who you were, but you now realize they no longer bind you. It can be a little scary finding out that during this time your spirit has evolved. What you thought you wanted in the past and what you dream about now are so different. The choice is up to you whether you continue to live the life you've created or open yourself to the unknown. Today, know that whatever you decide to do, you can always change your mind and walk away. No matter what you choose, know that you deserve to have a chance to be who you were meant to be. 

My heart aches knowing that I can become who I was meant to be

but it would change everything... 

Running Behind Time

When it seems as if we are running behind schedule, it's at this moment that we should stop and gather our thoughts. Getting scattered because we have so much to do in less time, doesn't make for good decision making. We run on pure adrenaline at that point, like little dust devils. Every action we take is part of our present and will be part of our past. Make every moment of life count, even the busy ones. Today, enjoy your day. Know that in the coming month, you will be running behind at some point. Instead of getting frazzled, stop and remember what a good day feels like. Breath. Make adjustments and do what is reasonable in that time. There is always a reason why plans change. Be open to the change and life will be more peaceful.

Instead of going out, have a relaxing meal at home with friends...

Preparing For The Holidays

As the holiday season comes upon us, it's so easy to get caught up in the shopping hype that we forget what this season is truly about. During the coming weeks, acknowledge the important people in our lives by taking the time to select unique gifts that reflect the relationship that you have with them. Each person is different and special in their own way. The best things we can give are ones that are given from our hearts. Today, think about the people you care about and what makes them smile. Give them the gift of love that will last throughout the year.

Sometimes we get our best ideas from nature's beauty...

Seeing More Clearly

What if we had the ability to see others more clearly? To see beyond the carefully created facade that has fooled us so many times into believing what is not there. To see others for who they really are. What then? Would it be better to have this ability, so that we don't waste time in relationships with people that aren't good for us. Or is it better for us not to know and give everyone the benefit of doubt. We are all who we are because of our past experiences and we continue to evolve. Some of us are better for it than others. It would be a sad day, to meet someone who potentially may play an important role in our life at a time when they aren't at their best and we turn them away. Know that we do have the ability to see others for who they are, but it is our inner spirit that sees clearly, not our eyes. Today, see others for who they are. As you go through your day, practice on strangers. Let your inner spirit tell you what kind of person you are dealing with. You'll be surprised how accurate you can be, when you let your mind rest and let your spirit lead you. 

 Nothing is what it seems to be at first glance...

(This tangled mess is actually the roots of a coconut tree that has been exposed by the incoming tide. We never think about how strong the root system has to be to hold up these tall trees.

I think they have beauty of their own.)

Anticipating The Future

Although we may not know what the future holds for us, there is hope within us all that everything will turn out okay. This small glimmer of light shines bright even when we go through times of darkness and pain. Sometimes we may need to dig a little bit deeper within ourselves to try and find the strength we need to keep going, but with hope in our hearts we can achieve anything. Today, face the future with hope that all will be well with you. Let your light shine bright so that you can see where your path leads you. Where there is hope, there are opportunities to succeed.

 Like these hats, you are so unique and special in your own way.

Light up your life knowing that you belong...

(These hats are made of felt and are so cool and crazy. Every one of them are different. You'll never have to worry that someone else would have the same thing)

Listening To Your Own Vibration

If we're quiet enough, we can listen to the vibration of the world around us. As the year begins to close out, we are witnessing growing chaos amongst those who seem the most docile. People are joining together in creating a stronger voice for their causes. On a global scale, we are seeing strong governments being toppled by their people, not the military. There is unrest amongst those who are no longer willing to settle for what is not true. The question is do we join the growing chaos? Know that although change is sometimes needed for us to grow, it does not always have to be the path that others have chosen. Today, listen to your own inner spirit. Do not blindly follow others who lead with purpose for their destiny may not be your own. You have a unique vibration and you will contribute to the universe in your special way. Take a deep breath for in the next two weeks the vibration of the universe will heighten and you will need to be grounded to keep your balance.

Remember there are still places where peace exists.

Create your own special retreat where you can find serenity...

The Power Of Our Fears

Although the universe presents us with opportunities to live a prosperous life, how many of us let them pass by because of our fears. We know how to ask for help, but when we receive it we are too afraid to act upon it. Living a prosperous life means acknowledging your fears, understanding their origins, and working through them so that you can continue on your journey successfully. Know that we are not our fears, but an outcome of the damage they have caused to our spirit. Today, sit quietly with your fears. Identify and understand how each one is affecting your life. How have they prevented you from moving on in your life? How have they affected your relationships? Acknowledgement is the first step towards change. Just let it be for now.

Our fears are like boulders,

we sometimes have to go around them to move on...

Create The Life You Envision

Welcome each day with open arms for it brings us the opportunity to do better. Do not live with regrets, for life is too short for us to spend time worrying about what occurred in the past. Instead, acknowledge the errors we make and learn by them. We have the ability in each of us to create a life that we choose to live, if we only knew what that was. Today, dream about "how would my life be, if I could... and how would that look like?" If you think about it, life can be a dream come true if you choose that is what you want. You have the power within you to create the life you want.

Sometimes I have to remember that I can create the reality that I envision...

Changing The Future

There is a connection between us that tethers everyone together. Our actions and the words that we choose to use have more impact than we realize. We have the power within us to not only change the direction of our own lives but the lives of others. It's amazing to see that we live our lives blissfully unaware of the dire consequences some of our decisions may have. It is like a ripple in a pond that begins with us and extends throughout the world. Know that we are directly responsible for how our future unfolds. Today, instead of wishing to make a change, take the first step in becoming the change you want to see. Let the spirit within you guide you towards living a life with true intentions. You are only limited by your fears. You are supported by many loving souls, so be courageous on your journey.

 Sometimes in life we need to take chances even if knowing we may fall...

(I still don't understand the concept of skate boarding, but these kids do it so well. They really have no fear of falling.)