tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76139509532155844232024-03-05T04:19:45.256-05:00here's to the meantime.holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-77798927134999233882012-03-11T21:29:00.000-04:002012-03-11T21:29:18.485-04:00quotes to live by.<div style="text-align: center;">"Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition."</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-67516086988241851132012-03-06T21:00:00.000-05:002012-03-06T21:00:07.193-05:00expanding your horizons.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwVBFDtiSLiRfi5z0ZRHo-kbVWgP6sc6vJapH_vFO5whiWZyWIuyYIhSAwkuNKNfWOctLw62XXW3trLdgInxHscI8LtVHR0rXCla1kwgE6iEZIgLJiGw9GHBs2dySVpMgNJ1f8T-GGJw/s1600/206532332880934603_D91YEOCO_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwVBFDtiSLiRfi5z0ZRHo-kbVWgP6sc6vJapH_vFO5whiWZyWIuyYIhSAwkuNKNfWOctLw62XXW3trLdgInxHscI8LtVHR0rXCla1kwgE6iEZIgLJiGw9GHBs2dySVpMgNJ1f8T-GGJw/s320/206532332880934603_D91YEOCO_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Have you ever wanted to try something new but never got the courage to actually do it? Like taking a new class at the gym, trying out a new running route, traveling somewhere new, trying out a different church or religion, going skydiving, going out to dinner alone, giving a presentation at work about a new idea, eating a new cuisine, auditioning for a talent show, or submitting a piece to your local newspaper?<br />
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Every day we are given opportunities to break free of our comfort zone to do something different. We too often chicken out. We can't stand the idea of failure or embarrassment. In turn, those thoughts encourage us to live only within the familiar, rather than taking a risk. And it's only human to feel that way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2Sv9rznyF0hIjKFG63oPg7aZexKWez11zKStJFjKq-X7Q3U6Jq1hEz0P2OomqD1sezlR7AkToFtwyUU4r9IJRKKgRtzjA0AGxfHIyfjGOylqiSOp86mpamua-r4-lhEjar1oHXXZkVI/s1600/563018672914867_ws54VLyZ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2Sv9rznyF0hIjKFG63oPg7aZexKWez11zKStJFjKq-X7Q3U6Jq1hEz0P2OomqD1sezlR7AkToFtwyUU4r9IJRKKgRtzjA0AGxfHIyfjGOylqiSOp86mpamua-r4-lhEjar1oHXXZkVI/s320/563018672914867_ws54VLyZ_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Let's step back for a moment and consider times we have been more or less forced to partake in something new. The first day at a job. The start of a semester at school. Moving to a new living situation. A trip to visit family in a location previously unvisited. An essential business trip to visit a client across the country.<br />
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For these types of adventures, we aren't really given a choice. We may feel uneasy, ill, shaky, flustered, or scared, but typically once we've actually jumped into it, that fearful feeling will subside. We adjust and become comfortable to a certain extent. Other times, we never quite reach that point. We fulfill expectations and then may choose to take another path instead. That new path may mean retreating back to the familiar, or it may require being back at square one; standing face to face with a different something new. We embrace routine so much as a society, that we give anything to get back to "normalcy" as quickly as possible once we've been forced [or fallen] off track.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I bring these forced efforts to step outside of our comfort zone to the forefront because these are things we've all had to do in our lives. We've had to make major transitions, whether between schools, jobs, relationships, or lifestyles. And guess what? We all made it to the other side. As previously mentioned, the process may have felt uneasy and downright scary at the time, but we did it. <b>But</b>, why is it that once we're given the individual choice to try something new do we hesitate so much? If we know it will all be okay in the end, what continues to stop us dead in our tracks?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Gv8tLkIMRMaj7sNJMvtldMPCwjQQajElXYGu-4wtK-L-ixhI5P8ARyvuzie14YOCNmj4Ajvea2vq_20XUyvA9AVw42KWsXvQ-r8XusHZk-lbgFMpLeN78Uihlx7oJX_u71PaI17OICI/s1600/86553624058021178_y5GwZq6L_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Gv8tLkIMRMaj7sNJMvtldMPCwjQQajElXYGu-4wtK-L-ixhI5P8ARyvuzie14YOCNmj4Ajvea2vq_20XUyvA9AVw42KWsXvQ-r8XusHZk-lbgFMpLeN78Uihlx7oJX_u71PaI17OICI/s320/86553624058021178_y5GwZq6L_c.jpg" width="310" /></a><b>Fear</b>.<br />
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It's something we should strive to conquer.<br />
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Beyond anything else, we need to remember one thing. <i>Every single one of us was the newbie, the rookie, and the beginner <b>once</b>.</i> Each one of those people you see doing something you may be a little scared to try, was in your shoes once. They walked into something on day one with that same feeling of fear and discomfort. They too didn't do things perfectly the first time around. They too experienced a period of "unroutine," and lived outside of their comfort zone. But look at those people now- comfortable at the once new job, in the once new workout class, in the once new neighborhood, with the once new coworkers, in the once new classes, in the once new relationship, and in any other once new experience. Now those once new things are familiar and mundane. Even if these once new things don't permanently become established in our lives, they serve as great learning experiences and provide potential for individual growth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sr9M2neQdFb4wk6GkfmfqhPRz2kSGVyD_z7xI1jdCRSOU4dj94WBVL83TPhppNqxCCsjD9X0rkMfVI7mNOQyZmKsTH1bwRDwzEycSXatBYa-fvpb0ZZ7PVS5oW2NAw4eNFl2vNww33Q/s1600/256142297526189643_6nT0yFEs_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sr9M2neQdFb4wk6GkfmfqhPRz2kSGVyD_z7xI1jdCRSOU4dj94WBVL83TPhppNqxCCsjD9X0rkMfVI7mNOQyZmKsTH1bwRDwzEycSXatBYa-fvpb0ZZ7PVS5oW2NAw4eNFl2vNww33Q/s320/256142297526189643_6nT0yFEs_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stop limiting yourself to things that are familiar and routine. You are losing too many opportunities to find a new hobby, establish a new relationship, land a new job, push yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually, and otherwise find new passions. Life is too short not to seek fortunes outside of your comfort zone. You won't know what you're missing out on until you try. <i>Go try</i>.holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-13978065088029261482012-03-04T13:53:00.001-05:002012-03-04T13:54:53.385-05:00it's ok to be selfish.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R4rQ3IfqYURhEwLwrRGNaE6WCkJFNfsCOUawhVRjSY7zurPQoDTsN2Vb3ULrxY6oNTb1358uANOoQVyHv18uWhSnFXGETWJapY365hP_HY_ehJ7ZlWHCKXB86IkWrdr5JhUxNo-BNM4/s1600/183029172325626830_tpaXsJXY_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R4rQ3IfqYURhEwLwrRGNaE6WCkJFNfsCOUawhVRjSY7zurPQoDTsN2Vb3ULrxY6oNTb1358uANOoQVyHv18uWhSnFXGETWJapY365hP_HY_ehJ7ZlWHCKXB86IkWrdr5JhUxNo-BNM4/s320/183029172325626830_tpaXsJXY_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Why do so many people struggle to put themselves first? Why does making a personal choice sometime result in a sense of <u>guilt</u>? Well, because social cues everywhere suggest that selfishness is ugly. And it can be. But there is a <b>vast separation</b> between making a choice that is best for you, and being selfish.<br />
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Life gets busy. Our commitments seem to grow at the speed of light. Schedules begin to overflow and we find ourselves having to make sacrifices. When it comes to having to make a trade-off, too many of us find it easiest to cut out our personal time. Or even worse, we end up swapping sleep for getting everything done. We have to slow down and remember that we can only be as good for everyone else, as we are for ourselves. In other words, if we are stressed and exhausted, it will absolutely affect how we are able to perform our daily tasks. Our work may suffer. Our energy levels will suffer. Our parenting may suffer. Our friendships may suffer. Our romantic relationships may suffer. Our health may suffer. If we don't practice a certain level of selfishness, it is easy to find ourselves drowning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0u73CjVXUplkfPHE8vPGAhJYk-a0ictmUCDO0v5C_3_0PDYaQBNOc5ZFXkCYYHvda8avi37rz7Ta-tD-71uyC9gbkHfc2IZmw-zTPbqQfCDrfnSMZd8ZX1XYZKGNoWvBjmgb46gOEiE/s1600/37576978110405933_1WCTlMda_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0u73CjVXUplkfPHE8vPGAhJYk-a0ictmUCDO0v5C_3_0PDYaQBNOc5ZFXkCYYHvda8avi37rz7Ta-tD-71uyC9gbkHfc2IZmw-zTPbqQfCDrfnSMZd8ZX1XYZKGNoWvBjmgb46gOEiE/s320/37576978110405933_1WCTlMda_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>No person should feel guilty for scheduling in personal time. A gym session 3 times a week. A cooking class. Time to indulge in a good book. Whatever your medicine may be, make it a priority to drink it down. And better yet, make sure the people around you (husbands, wives, friends, significant others, brothers, sisters, children, etc.) also have time for themselves. It may mean giving your significant other one night a week to have the house to herself. It may mean your husband agreeing to take care of the kids solo one night a week. It may mean telling your boss that you need to renegotiate your hours. It may mean having to trade in an excess commitment for some precious down time. And most of all, it may mean being honest with yourself; you aren't some sort of superhero that can function on little sleep and a diet of fast food between activities. <i>Be reasonable</i>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYAthFCe4kgiuTBt1xeLPMj-EfAoDdsHyWQY4os01YhE1Z1ro2QyjWIJkvSgxDAneJIRkOJ0ocmlVAR5-XxRgnGvRBfB6rKgJxuaJhl6hPaFqOUyaBZ3Hvu3r5uH4gCdbunGTDP6cfH8/s1600/49047083411362396_lhhdSQit_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYAthFCe4kgiuTBt1xeLPMj-EfAoDdsHyWQY4os01YhE1Z1ro2QyjWIJkvSgxDAneJIRkOJ0ocmlVAR5-XxRgnGvRBfB6rKgJxuaJhl6hPaFqOUyaBZ3Hvu3r5uH4gCdbunGTDP6cfH8/s320/49047083411362396_lhhdSQit_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Whatever you do, don't feel guilty for having to say no or admitting you are burnt out. The reason we strive so hard to maintain great relationships with our friends, lovers, and family members is so we can rely on them. We rely on them to pick up the extra slack, and be understanding of our wants and needs. Just like they rely on us to do the same. <b>It's a give-and-take</b>. Above all else, remember that life is too short to spend your time doing the things you don't want to be doing (within reason). Living your life to someone else's standards or expectations is just as ridiculous. At the end of the day, your priorities should include making sure you are living and happiest and healthiest life you can; and no, that's not selfish.holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-17639658240544426222012-02-08T15:47:00.000-05:002012-02-08T15:47:29.749-05:00why confidence matters.<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcYvc-W3wrCOoJ9gjx7BpKsHAA-hkw3UtHMjxgWLdTA_-PXGRf0LgRBjsUeriEMXvV0Ksy5-M2OIo-ujyyW1F0uMP9P4IknlJY9_rd1WdE_WeYmPOktj_MnLkqqoQAAkDekQKvOk-jFQ/s1600/237213105342382242_blCkp5jD_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcYvc-W3wrCOoJ9gjx7BpKsHAA-hkw3UtHMjxgWLdTA_-PXGRf0LgRBjsUeriEMXvV0Ksy5-M2OIo-ujyyW1F0uMP9P4IknlJY9_rd1WdE_WeYmPOktj_MnLkqqoQAAkDekQKvOk-jFQ/s320/237213105342382242_blCkp5jD_f.jpg" width="252" /></a>When you meet someone for the first time, what are the things you can't help but notice right away? Their smile? Their outfit? Their speech pattern? Their strut?<br />
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Whether this person is a potential employee, a promising love interest, a friend-of-a-friend, or anyone in between, you can tell nearly instantly what type of confidence they are radiating. Are they bubbly, smiling, and maintaining eye contact with you? Or are they staring at their feet, slumped over, and barely able to maintain conversation for 30 seconds? And what immense weight that initial meeting carries on your impression of that new person!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2L5kwVS49C62pNlVgBzVQs1rS72q0XtVk6eetdDb8g8xnEOKtov70EKzEnM8kwupQs9BjYWTkXihAVl6qBpOFuxkwBdOGb7HUYBt2ts26vYg6Ls48f3OoAKKuvsDY6vMhCuc6PFe1fc/s1600/287737863661977081_5DmeUClf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2L5kwVS49C62pNlVgBzVQs1rS72q0XtVk6eetdDb8g8xnEOKtov70EKzEnM8kwupQs9BjYWTkXihAVl6qBpOFuxkwBdOGb7HUYBt2ts26vYg6Ls48f3OoAKKuvsDY6vMhCuc6PFe1fc/s1600/287737863661977081_5DmeUClf_b.jpg" /></a>Having confidence is about believing in yourself and your worth. Being comfortable in your skin; whether you feel like you could afford to loose a few pounds, wish you had a whiter smile, or are a little insecure about your height. What you may see as flaws, others may see as beautiful. And what others see as flaws, you may see as beautiful. Embracing yourself for who you are can be one of the hardest challenges you'll ever face. Some of us spend our entire lives wishing we were something or someone different. Meanwhile, others come to terms with every single part of themselves, and appreciate flaws and perfections for what they are. In your lifetime, you will come across people who are confident despite the fact that societal norms say they are overweight, could use a nose job, or are handicapped. Confidence is often about <i>defying</i> society's standard for beauty; whether internal or external.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MRoGlZSmJ_f-Lk9yZq8K-vuvn6bJNOTRUeTc58Tkr16xHundFMMrJdJsmNz4IIKx48DGJv5kKYOLLJK6me3z_UbXDC2IzSlQUsK3hDg3IC4NwjwcETapB3c7sdp0111mh7l9rjfbP5w/s1600/103090278939788130_iZ1PMJ41_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MRoGlZSmJ_f-Lk9yZq8K-vuvn6bJNOTRUeTc58Tkr16xHundFMMrJdJsmNz4IIKx48DGJv5kKYOLLJK6me3z_UbXDC2IzSlQUsK3hDg3IC4NwjwcETapB3c7sdp0111mh7l9rjfbP5w/s320/103090278939788130_iZ1PMJ41_f.jpg" width="215" /></a>Just a quick search online will tell a story far deeper than you could possibly imagine. Statistics about what America's ideals of weight, height, and skin tone are. Ideals about eye color, facial features, sexual orientation, creed, and personality traits. What happens when we take a look at the real picture? If we were to take the population and pull the people out that fit the mold for "beauty," we'd see why so many men and women these days struggle with issues of self-confidence and self-esteem. Of course, some say society as a whole has come a long way in accepting and altering their idea of beauty. And that may be true. I think it's safe to say we still have a long way to go; but it has to begin somewhere. And that somewhere is <i>within each of us</i>. Next time you walk into a room, stand up straight and smile. Wear something that makes you feel good. Talk about your passions. Set goals and strive to reach them. Believe in yourself and your worth. Stand for something. Create a positive environment for the people around you. Defy others standards and write your own. The ways of changing your life for the better are endless, and it all comes back to one thing; <i>you</i>. Be confident in yourself and good things will come your way.<br />
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</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-52632308785747059382012-02-07T20:10:00.000-05:002012-02-07T20:10:05.054-05:00songs to live by.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eWfSA8mxpVY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let Your Troubles Roll By- Carbon Leaf.</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-28913235005359754242012-02-06T20:59:00.000-05:002012-02-06T20:59:22.378-05:00keeping the faith.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1-qKjm9iehrcH_qP6c3fuYwuA_eMNX1ud9DvE99p8FS-mHgLpizfazyMSULbbWYa287qFlxtIwxKL0bDh7uBHXIGdiPczkmiop8TtAVfWNKJAIYERxWD54HkRfEd5R5MMlyBGOxDTr4/s1600/38632509273014329_KH0tHgAU_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1-qKjm9iehrcH_qP6c3fuYwuA_eMNX1ud9DvE99p8FS-mHgLpizfazyMSULbbWYa287qFlxtIwxKL0bDh7uBHXIGdiPczkmiop8TtAVfWNKJAIYERxWD54HkRfEd5R5MMlyBGOxDTr4/s400/38632509273014329_KH0tHgAU_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Faith may signify a relationship with a higher power, a particular religion, a spiritual following, or none of the above. Faith is a personal belief; it's having confidence and trust in <u>something</u>. And that something can be anything you chose.</div><span id="goog_2142801393"></span><br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Regardless of our individual beliefs, faith is what allows us to keep moving forward during times of uncertainty, confusion, and pain. We must confidentally <u>believe</u> that everything will work out. We must truly internalize that <b>everything happens for a reason</b>. We must trust deep down that <i>timing is everything</i>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Faith has this incredible way of changing our perspective. Rather than approaching a painful situation as simply life's way of wreaking havoc on us, we can use it as a reminder to appreciate how blessed we are when the going is good. We can see a challenge as a means of making us stronger people. And hardships as the best teachers of life; allowing us to move forward with the courage to take on whatever comes next.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2FFszMe2QIfNyFf1YGCEXFQDWfA5gOFa032TqhRPqP7Kew57FWhjvRfDwEwiwbilIMLyK7Qc-RuEed2SAXnXRAgMhsEbqeuYUP0BLnKI2nUf2AIRojeSeeaDpeHjgyigHPelk_B_OnA/s1600/quote2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2FFszMe2QIfNyFf1YGCEXFQDWfA5gOFa032TqhRPqP7Kew57FWhjvRfDwEwiwbilIMLyK7Qc-RuEed2SAXnXRAgMhsEbqeuYUP0BLnKI2nUf2AIRojeSeeaDpeHjgyigHPelk_B_OnA/s320/quote2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Often times it isn't until the going gets tough that we recognize the importance of <i>faith</i>. Yet faith shouldn't just be something to carry us through the life's lows. Faith is about embracing whatever life throws in our path, whether good or bad. Being thankful for the little things. Testing our personal limits when we're faced with a terrifying obstacle. Believing that with a whole lot of perseverance, we can push through anything. We can experience and embrace joy. We can transform any situation into something worth believing in. We earn our happiness through sacrifice and hard work. We, as absurd as it may sound, earn life's challenges so that we don't become complacent. <i>Give up the illusion that you will ever have a problem-free life. </i>Rather than being disappointed by that reality, look at it as our one-way ticket to something better in the future. Because for every challenge we overcome, our faith will grow. We have the opportunity to believe in ourselves and in <b>life</b>, simply by internalizing <i>faith</i>. We can make peace with every one of our experiences. It's our faith that will allow us to look to the future with nothing but positive thoughts and big dreams. Dreams that will be reached by having faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY8ScBwslpZm5xwsQPLvaD3vSum24xLo0InB2Z-xkO-s-UR-XboKKKlCaJXPVGwZBxDIepz4Mu_NDRVtQkIToNnu7rmMFW3EUT1fRztMjs1QkMxBFcdp79KGcoRg_3DfCacHF-Y0YC20/s1600/quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY8ScBwslpZm5xwsQPLvaD3vSum24xLo0InB2Z-xkO-s-UR-XboKKKlCaJXPVGwZBxDIepz4Mu_NDRVtQkIToNnu7rmMFW3EUT1fRztMjs1QkMxBFcdp79KGcoRg_3DfCacHF-Y0YC20/s200/quote.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-45806563885506496182012-02-03T13:26:00.000-05:002012-02-03T13:26:42.967-05:00the ones that matter.<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZobcLcHq3zMsp34GMY9g1Amq7-XQd8daY36ONb3m-lnXHX-godtzWXJUcxi7oMp0cyeskA7uwReWSM2vRafQRutdXUfCRd2KMCmpZDsbFCXR1aQix3ddEXozuCWHeYXsF5X4Cm-1wu8/s1600/393872_273768982690566_133807676686698_720517_176624181_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZobcLcHq3zMsp34GMY9g1Amq7-XQd8daY36ONb3m-lnXHX-godtzWXJUcxi7oMp0cyeskA7uwReWSM2vRafQRutdXUfCRd2KMCmpZDsbFCXR1aQix3ddEXozuCWHeYXsF5X4Cm-1wu8/s1600/393872_273768982690566_133807676686698_720517_176624181_n.jpg" /></a></div>We all know how quickly 86,400 seconds can pass by. That's the number of seconds it takes to fill a single day. <b>24 hours</b>. Most of the time, our repetitive routines, overflowing schedules, and countless commitments keep us preoccupied from that simple fact. Our lives are full of times of immense joy, and moments of overwhelming struggle. But time beats forward, not stopping for anyone or anything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes we have an experience, big or small, where we suddenly begin see things so clearly. What we realize was probably there the whole time, but we just were too busy to recognize it until that particular moment. It's like suddenly our personal "tunnel vision" starts to subside, and a new perspective takes flight. That tunnel vision is often a direct result of the profound bustle of our daily lives where we are busy just trying to <i>get by</i>. We rarely can find even a moment in the day to stop and reflect on <i>life lately</i>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLwrTd0ZAlZwqX48VdnByjw0stLwhVRhdfRkZ586SyOM4BjgBb_VR6XM50qk_hOjrwax_ICEU1NXzkgbSBKYiP-nIZcDjnisbDnWb5ej2rxonhQXc7ZAlpApUuQlqHERT9tW5N_rqW-8/s1600/12_bittersweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLwrTd0ZAlZwqX48VdnByjw0stLwhVRhdfRkZ586SyOM4BjgBb_VR6XM50qk_hOjrwax_ICEU1NXzkgbSBKYiP-nIZcDjnisbDnWb5ej2rxonhQXc7ZAlpApUuQlqHERT9tW5N_rqW-8/s320/12_bittersweet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Times, they are a{lways} changing. During times of significant change in our lives, it's easy to find yourself full of several emotions all at once; joy, relief, sadness, fear. Change is often associated with the word<i> bittersweet</i>. It's leaving something behind so that something new can take flight. And it is during those moments of uncertainty; those moments where we stand face-to-face with the unknown, that we search for something familiar to hold onto. More often than not, we can find the greatest comfort during those times through <u>other people</u>.<br />
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Our friends, family, and significant others. Our children, mentors, and even our pets. The ones we trust the most. The ones that take care of us when we're unwell. The ones that support us through the highs and lows. The ones that race to our sides when we need help. The ones that laugh and smile with us during times of joy. The ones that give the biggest hugs and always seem to know the right thing to say. The ones that provide us with that last bit of strength to overcome any obstacle. We see them regularly, and talk to them often. They're the first people we call to share exciting news. The people we confide our deepest secrets in.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Those are the ones that matter the most</b><i>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdM-ZPCi-7AR6qkWjbm4x2l9y51g3ktHRhl4Jlw5_Ku63WBprdb7iq5QSqINI0TiF_mplYTBDnL3MwAlF_GFZ7jpQQRTx3TbXMA5ZpUPjmTqqRYj0xbG3c5b4k4doc1CjzoXXZfy_Ph8/s1600/206602701625483875_QyWStU6P_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdM-ZPCi-7AR6qkWjbm4x2l9y51g3ktHRhl4Jlw5_Ku63WBprdb7iq5QSqINI0TiF_mplYTBDnL3MwAlF_GFZ7jpQQRTx3TbXMA5ZpUPjmTqqRYj0xbG3c5b4k4doc1CjzoXXZfy_Ph8/s1600/206602701625483875_QyWStU6P_f.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I recently stumbled upon a greeting card<i> </i>that hit me like a ton of bricks<i>.</i> It was one of those moments where my tunnel vision ceased and suddenly <i>it all became very clear</i>.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The card message read:</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4pAMsLke92Glm8UrX-g4VpBt33gHEX7aHsc9p6JmZa7L2KF3t9B5F21goI91suToFxkfOpcDP2TWHPKHk8eZE-T5vvhGy6g1ggo4rIfciu6OdznhJe0wHgiEXnRU-H8WxBMGcTF0s8Q/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4pAMsLke92Glm8UrX-g4VpBt33gHEX7aHsc9p6JmZa7L2KF3t9B5F21goI91suToFxkfOpcDP2TWHPKHk8eZE-T5vvhGy6g1ggo4rIfciu6OdznhJe0wHgiEXnRU-H8WxBMGcTF0s8Q/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And with that, I think we can all think of someone that's overdue for a <i>thank you</i>.</div></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-68471028913017862802012-01-27T16:48:00.000-05:002012-01-27T16:48:10.282-05:00songs to live by.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2C3b1fmMmKM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ain't Nothing Wrong with That- Robert Randolph & the Family Band</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-32041659055071979502012-01-26T21:10:00.001-05:002012-01-27T09:29:40.560-05:00alone doesn't mean lonely.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6iQTRIc11FS1LKufJNrkh3LQv1QwWDj6_uKfTNvCbVZ4LltrddkpD0WGe7BwweWvZb8TAXdRKuead-U0nFnI4RH-JvEskWedIRfPjBY39TnFoBnPBvm730SinS0Q-QcFB0lcakvS0F8/s1600/30188259971694646_8RqL7RA7_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6iQTRIc11FS1LKufJNrkh3LQv1QwWDj6_uKfTNvCbVZ4LltrddkpD0WGe7BwweWvZb8TAXdRKuead-U0nFnI4RH-JvEskWedIRfPjBY39TnFoBnPBvm730SinS0Q-QcFB0lcakvS0F8/s320/30188259971694646_8RqL7RA7_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When is the last time you sat quietly, alone, uninterrupted? No phone calls, TV drone, or keyboard typing to be heard. Complete silence. Aside from those few minutes when we are laying in bed falling asleep at night, we so rarely experience that void of noise and excitement. And it's not because we don't have the opportunity to have it. It's because we don't make it a priority.<br />
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Many of us don't <b>make the time</b> to just be alone, quiet, and content. The moment we could actually just <i>be</i>, we find ourselves instantly flicking on the television, flipping open our cell phones, or jumping onto the computer. And some of this comes with the era. Technology has allowed us to stay connected to the world at all times. Our smart phones firing off alerts of new tweets, Facebook status updates, emails, text messages, phone calls, blog posts, and voice mails. Our televisions with hundreds of channels filled with back-to-back movies and shows. Computers with a world wide web that never shuts off. It's very easy to lose sight of one small fact: Just because these things are always available, <b>doesn't mean we always have to indulge</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwKkvjaWZuIx-3CaT7L4kDVbDBLe5OixV92m9wIzYzHadeDR9nBqlo5CmiaEAWhpJ_K0EwAUHPrWF6zfu4kc7CdaGTbIqrGbRlDFvkup6AuQ0FkcYqcSn3Uy_EEl_95EfwHSrTKScCNo/s1600/48835977178775621_2miXJ13c_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwKkvjaWZuIx-3CaT7L4kDVbDBLe5OixV92m9wIzYzHadeDR9nBqlo5CmiaEAWhpJ_K0EwAUHPrWF6zfu4kc7CdaGTbIqrGbRlDFvkup6AuQ0FkcYqcSn3Uy_EEl_95EfwHSrTKScCNo/s320/48835977178775621_2miXJ13c_c.jpg" width="212" /></a>Let me set a scene: A batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies is placed in front of us. Do we have to take a cookie? Well, of course not. Yet we'll find that many of us do take a cookie simply because they are there (and they will probably taste good). Just like we can pass on the cookie, we can choose not to fill our rare moments of silence and stillness with sound and chaos.<br />
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The ability to sit in a room alone and in silence with only our own personal thoughts is a luxury. It is often during those moments of isolation that we are filled with creativity, personal reflection, and life aspirations. Silence can evoke the deepest of thoughts when truly embraced as a vehicle for achieving them.<br />
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It has the potential to bring our inner passions and true self forward. We all should learn to sit alone in a quiet room. Learn to shut out the clutter and confusion. Trade the noise for silence, and the unrest for relaxation. It can be a window to your heart and the door to your soul. Seek contentment in that moment. Desire nothing more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocfRN5BUbc2UZUTYxLsWulTfxuD4ik7LPmV9OF9zcOHkMM_mDk47rjC8XjILHspv_XQc2fO6O38FAwrlV7bxOKot11nwdZjF-QQwEpN6BcwVXJaWUWUguQ-HIwjF4Y5UpvwytkF36dIQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocfRN5BUbc2UZUTYxLsWulTfxuD4ik7LPmV9OF9zcOHkMM_mDk47rjC8XjILHspv_XQc2fO6O38FAwrlV7bxOKot11nwdZjF-QQwEpN6BcwVXJaWUWUguQ-HIwjF4Y5UpvwytkF36dIQ/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-14917100237587601612012-01-24T16:28:00.000-05:002012-01-24T16:28:42.545-05:00it will take some courage.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ScX8r6oPpnsnYHqoEx8mq__axi1d39_EkHX-w2kdI7yKofqmAviLF3rXaCPcNEC6yn_GpjGQzE0LZe7kvdXo1dLgS2zl52LlfanoaFxNxy-7Z_qxLVoLGLBq_gweTqORUlDqJG1PCC8/s1600/77476056059212032_MZBNAFz6_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ScX8r6oPpnsnYHqoEx8mq__axi1d39_EkHX-w2kdI7yKofqmAviLF3rXaCPcNEC6yn_GpjGQzE0LZe7kvdXo1dLgS2zl52LlfanoaFxNxy-7Z_qxLVoLGLBq_gweTqORUlDqJG1PCC8/s320/77476056059212032_MZBNAFz6_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You hear of the people surviving in unimaginable situations. Being part of the 1% that recovers. The ones that fight an impossible uphill battle...but somehow, someway make it to the top. Those that defy the odds. The ones that push onward no matter what. And the ones that risk their lives. Those are heroes. Those are the ones with the courage to fight and the courage to survive.<br />
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You don't need to be at odds with cancer, fight a blazing fire, stand face-to-face with a criminal, or swim in shark infested waters to be considered courageous. Every single person will be faced with opposition in life. Every one of us will have to make a tough decision. We will have to decide where to draw the line. Determine when enough to enough. Stand up for something we believe in. Press forward despite others' opinions. Do something because it feels "right." Follow our hearts. Push our limits. Step outside of our comfort zone.<br />
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As we all know, there are repercussions for every action and decision in life whether good or bad. And that's what makes "everyday" courage so difficult to bear. I'm not talking about being brave in the romanticized sense. I'm talking about day-to-day courage. The courage to get out of bed in the morning. To face a tough situation at the office. To stand up to someone trying to drag you down. To cut someone out of your life completely. <i>The courage to keep trying even after numerous failures</i>. To run that whole mile. To lose that 5 pounds. To quit that habit that you've had for 10 years. <i>To get back on the bandwagon after falling off</i><b>.</b> The courage to walk away. The courage to try something new. The courage to never look back. The courage to propel yourself forward in life, and as human beings. Emotionally, physically, mentally.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOAuEH_iKRDJxcZyj_xf7mSJEbIv2ZgCLS_N1IV228_52DaMyTWYpUJVgnoaXFM3DwfL3l1zEMYohXHzqjR1Z4eeA3SO7XJJXvs17g9loGgrUi5qnJ8ctQsfEcwa9ESwVEvguPSh-XJo/s1600/14003448810963342_6hgDXwrm_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOAuEH_iKRDJxcZyj_xf7mSJEbIv2ZgCLS_N1IV228_52DaMyTWYpUJVgnoaXFM3DwfL3l1zEMYohXHzqjR1Z4eeA3SO7XJJXvs17g9loGgrUi5qnJ8ctQsfEcwa9ESwVEvguPSh-XJo/s1600/14003448810963342_6hgDXwrm_c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What requires no courage for some, takes every ounce of courage for others. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Remember that we are all fighting our own battles. </i></div><br />
Life is about pushing ourselves beyond our usual comforts. Improving ourselves as human beings. Too many of us stick to the high road and live in mediocrity. Why? Well, because we haven't mustered up the <b>courage</b> to be something more. We all are capable, but it requires us to dig deep within ourselves. Which is why you and only you will know when the time is right for an <i>act of courage</i>. You will have to accept that it may not be easy, it may hurt a little, and it may require a very large step outside of your comfort zone. But you can do it. You can muster up that courage and make that change. You can be something more. You can do something more. You can give something more. You can push your limits even more. <b>You are courageous</b>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG1PQ_w7ftS13EP66LoU6MtFNjo9h3mZ49ohPHP0ZzFOCtiD0qfcP0Hkc2ApaLkpMG7Rgz8rAZ95w-bmH8tdlXQYdQEVE6HMq1JIJYxdv89HB-PqzHMK3JlXVEC8Gk2ff5_2HvUIg4qM/s1600/191543790371209843_86tLQ8Dg_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG1PQ_w7ftS13EP66LoU6MtFNjo9h3mZ49ohPHP0ZzFOCtiD0qfcP0Hkc2ApaLkpMG7Rgz8rAZ95w-bmH8tdlXQYdQEVE6HMq1JIJYxdv89HB-PqzHMK3JlXVEC8Gk2ff5_2HvUIg4qM/s320/191543790371209843_86tLQ8Dg_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-19036383174271238352012-01-20T17:39:00.000-05:002012-01-20T17:39:26.925-05:00quotes to live by.<div style="text-align: center;">If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you don't ask, the answer is always no.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you don't step forward, you are always in the same place.</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Nora Roberts.</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-77706897569732557802012-01-17T20:02:00.000-05:002012-01-17T20:02:31.643-05:00taking on the adventure of today.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl5LXT6wBTnzmhASF6zLBj73zCQ_fJGJVAVqaxlldra5seXbtJ6375AS1GUlhSPxZ_talRX3r_jBfGSZmbM5NlI04Gm4V18FQ0HR5sjC1IBolm9n1339ehiP_x2KZ0N2btrWmrR_Rqoc/s1600/97531148149982783_4eOYXaAc_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl5LXT6wBTnzmhASF6zLBj73zCQ_fJGJVAVqaxlldra5seXbtJ6375AS1GUlhSPxZ_talRX3r_jBfGSZmbM5NlI04Gm4V18FQ0HR5sjC1IBolm9n1339ehiP_x2KZ0N2btrWmrR_Rqoc/s320/97531148149982783_4eOYXaAc_c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Every 24 hours we are blessed with a brand new day. A span of 24 hours that we too often try to rush though, getting only to the "good" parts. Wishing away the 10 drive to the gym. The 30 minutes on the treadmill. Maybe we look forward to a nice shower afterwords, but when it's time to flip off the water, we're back to wishing away our commute to the office and the 4 hours of work until lunchtime. And the 5 hours of work after lunch. Then wishing our commute home would be over so we can fill our stomachs with dinner. Veg out on the couch. See our significant other. Then before we know it, it's time for bed. Some nights we look forward to it; exhausted from the days stressors and hectic schedule. Other nights all that going to sleep means is waking up and doing "it" all over again. Until the weekend. Then maybe we look forward to sleeping in, seeing friends, and filling our days with fun.<br />
<br />
Regardless of your daily schedule, you may find yourself wishing away all those "less-than-exciting" things to get to the good stuff. Think back on the past 3 days. How much of your time was spent wishing the minutes would pass just a little bit faster?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6h8B2gasQ-tljDYH9AWVBMdATGt4S3QzXXZ-9qWNUEwbIAp1ZleCO3AHfK1i5_TdiyxFZDfXtFcnwIJtbF7Sdh5dMGLGxqRSV3Fr9IM4QEupMzixcbU0m6gVgWMpj6QyqfneW_dHXE8/s1600/66639269455974824_oUglKTYj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6h8B2gasQ-tljDYH9AWVBMdATGt4S3QzXXZ-9qWNUEwbIAp1ZleCO3AHfK1i5_TdiyxFZDfXtFcnwIJtbF7Sdh5dMGLGxqRSV3Fr9IM4QEupMzixcbU0m6gVgWMpj6QyqfneW_dHXE8/s320/66639269455974824_oUglKTYj_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Of course, we all have to do things we don't want to do. Things we don't necessarily enjoy. Things which fill the time we'd rather be spending doing something else. And think we don't have much option except to do them. Yet, someday we'll reach our end, think back upon all our days, and reflect on our accomplishments, experiences, hardships, relationships; which, when combined, will make up your <i>life</i> as a whole. I urge you to stop wishing your minutes away. Every moment should be viewed as a new opportunity to experience and learn something that will <b>enhance </b>your life. If you notice your days are, more often than not, filled to the brim with things you dread, maybe <i>it's time for a change</i>. A new job. A new hobby. A new meaningful friendship. A new routine. Don't become complacent. Don't accept today as something you will spend wishing away to get to tomorrow, or get to 5 hours from no. No- make every single minute count. Life is too short to dismiss your moments away. Don't take the easy route through your day. Choose a path you are excited about. Choose a life of fulfillment. Get excited about life. Remember: Life is a matter of perspective. Get the most you can out of every single minute of every single day. Even during those times we aren't doing our most favorite activities. Above all else, remember to have faith that no matter what the present brings, it will help create a more enlightened <i>you</i> to take into the future.holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-72561087273700141222012-01-12T09:21:00.000-05:002012-01-12T09:21:58.578-05:00how do you cope?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNv5DclBQTciY9MM1sSV1h49vAv2upz1wqmU4yKuI2qajdv_il4QYqwVpvKc8LX8T_yfCZ7e4px1yheR-qSzPfDgc7U6CsAdfnpDBAGHXrqMdVye1Pkit2kxML8sHL-ss0B10JU6dIUU/s1600/twit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNv5DclBQTciY9MM1sSV1h49vAv2upz1wqmU4yKuI2qajdv_il4QYqwVpvKc8LX8T_yfCZ7e4px1yheR-qSzPfDgc7U6CsAdfnpDBAGHXrqMdVye1Pkit2kxML8sHL-ss0B10JU6dIUU/s400/twit.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For those of you Twitter savvy, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/tothemeantime">follow me</a> on Twitter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All of us deal with stress and hardship a little differently. Some of us hit the gym, while others eat entire pints of ice cream. Unfortunately, there is no way to shun stress from our lives completely- it's part of what makes us stronger and more well-rounded people. This little friend can reek havoc in our personal lives or professional lives. It creeps up on us when we take on too much. It knows no boundaries. It travels; stressed at work could mean stressed at home. Regardless of what aspect of life is stressing us out the most, the key is to have a <u>coping plan</u> in place to fend off those frustrations. Finding an activity that's healthy, positive, and gets those feel good juices flowing is going to help us not only keep our emotions in check, but allow us to witness a great life lesson; don't sweat the small stuff. We spend so much time getting worked up about things that are either A. out of our control, or B. are so minimal when considered in the grand scheme of things. So we bomb a test- guess what? It happens to the best of us and in 5 years, it won't matter anymore. So we are late to an important appointment- guess what? Nothing you can do but recover graciously. Same idea can be applied to anything. Ask yourself this: Is stressing over it really worth it? Sometimes, it is. Stress can actually be a very healthy reaction, but stressing too much and too often is very <b>un</b>healthy. Once you've weighed in on whether or not having a meltdown over something in your life is worth it, look to your <u>coping plan</u>. What is a coping plan you ask? Well, it's a list of activities you can look to when you are feeling especially overwhelmed. We all know what our favorite things to do are, and there are no better things to do when we're feeling stressed out than those.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJdxX3fPyBoVF5sNqC5sfuyegXEhq-XszOtXz-8RhEchlZukCEGvW5yF7ZAPxsI0c50iGUWlTQjdTUJZc8sbcaWl21C3GLBgsWeGS8pnbNMN5TmxZsUpV_vyPzVi5_gWxWIl5Nhvtklo/s1600/216454325810098051_r8MHGs4w_c.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJdxX3fPyBoVF5sNqC5sfuyegXEhq-XszOtXz-8RhEchlZukCEGvW5yF7ZAPxsI0c50iGUWlTQjdTUJZc8sbcaWl21C3GLBgsWeGS8pnbNMN5TmxZsUpV_vyPzVi5_gWxWIl5Nhvtklo/s320/216454325810098051_r8MHGs4w_c.jpg" width="320" /></a> My personal coping plan includes running and baking; or even something as simple as indulging in a Starbucks latte can totally turn my anxiety level down a notch. Some of us have the tenancy to want to eat everything in sight, withdraw from our friends, drink heavily, or just become an absolute nightmare to be around. We take things out on our loved ones, get frustrated by absolute strangers, and let the stress consume us. This is no way to go through life. Start by jotting down the activities you enjoy, and also consider some of the following: working out, lighting candles, massage, hiking, writing, reading, yoga, meditation, cooking, listening to music, spending time with friends, going out to dinner, or playing a game. The key is finding what works best for you- if attempting a new recipe in the kitchen is only going to make you more stressed, then don't do it. We are all unique creatures, and we know ourselves deep down better than anyone else does. The next time you feel yourself feeling overwhelmed, look to your list. Listen to your mind and your body, and become increasingly aware of how stress affects you. If you learn to channel your stress in a healthy way, you will see a big difference in your mood and outlook. And when all else fails, remember that "this too, shall pass."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAjSh8fQj0lsqfsPj2wjaQ23FQlmbJIpc1kcriJRwJSgoyOkvyT898shLAQ-uwJsHc-UxfpnSNarpU3GV_-FQb48LczQLN-tVPqJNt7Twkct70sfPXfaEnzaVscZfyRo_RwaMrkf0UW8/s1600/285626801336865357_LqFtkAmq_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAjSh8fQj0lsqfsPj2wjaQ23FQlmbJIpc1kcriJRwJSgoyOkvyT898shLAQ-uwJsHc-UxfpnSNarpU3GV_-FQb48LczQLN-tVPqJNt7Twkct70sfPXfaEnzaVscZfyRo_RwaMrkf0UW8/s320/285626801336865357_LqFtkAmq_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-91789395458701779362012-01-09T17:47:00.000-05:002012-01-09T17:47:18.914-05:00quotes to live by.<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy.' They told me I didn't understand the assignment. I told them they didn't understand life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">-John Lennon.</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-90825624076874151482012-01-05T17:21:00.000-05:002012-01-05T17:21:55.601-05:00vow to be happy.<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXGkwHTsyZvhP8p46cPqiHEGlN7REImkV4ZLu7n6EsDRejjT7RNAQMV1d3kEZJfCVyhdQLhWn1rRbWNnVESfFzEzGDYlGpQmbPIAqyRzyQ6xqJQ8qmP3p2WX0rFLcrNZbSlgtPsJ1U4w/s1600/96194142010361928_C72XpQS3_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXGkwHTsyZvhP8p46cPqiHEGlN7REImkV4ZLu7n6EsDRejjT7RNAQMV1d3kEZJfCVyhdQLhWn1rRbWNnVESfFzEzGDYlGpQmbPIAqyRzyQ6xqJQ8qmP3p2WX0rFLcrNZbSlgtPsJ1U4w/s320/96194142010361928_C72XpQS3_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">What does being happy actually mean? Being content? Not wanting to change a single thing? Perfection? Many of us make promises to ourselves to just "be happy." To stress less, to live in the moment, to just <i>be</i>. To exist without feeling the desire for <b>more</b>. But when broken all down, does it mean living to a certain standard? Does it mean having a certain level of income? A certain relationship? A certain job? A certain body weight? Does it have to do with your access or ability to have certain things in life? </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To a dictionary, happiness is associated with good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy. But is that what happiness means to you? Do you think happiness is a way of life? Can it truly be permanent? Or is it a temporary feeling; only occurring when you are doing something you truly love? Is happiness a personal choice? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So many of us vow to happiness, yet within just days find ourselves struggling to stay afloat. The key to achieving happiness is not to think it's a single determined destination to be reached someday. Happiness is today. Happiness is now. We have to recognize that hardships are part of life, and it's how we chose to deal with those challenges that will determine whether or not we can truly <i>just be happy</i>. We must learn to embrace the struggle, just as we embrace the joy. It, like to many things in life, comes down to <b>perspective</b> and <b>outlook</b>. We must chose to look to today with optimism; we must be willing to take on whatever life throws at us. Recognize that what doesn't kill us will make us stronger. And that no matter what we do, no matter how hard we try, we will all experience things that challenge that happiness.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So the real question is, what are you going to do to protect and ensure your happiness?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsGDCwylLemnJG9y7f6IaV5j_wgZiH0oqFqDWAhPKzUjgAojZ9tX5kItEFL_e335oQgf77HT8WYNuVlQ7OINt907DRWH9bw5-0r8DaAvJPasrsxyVnlcpshLNov4X6p0YNOBoM333fF0/s1600/188729040603978523_ppIeRQYR_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsGDCwylLemnJG9y7f6IaV5j_wgZiH0oqFqDWAhPKzUjgAojZ9tX5kItEFL_e335oQgf77HT8WYNuVlQ7OINt907DRWH9bw5-0r8DaAvJPasrsxyVnlcpshLNov4X6p0YNOBoM333fF0/s640/188729040603978523_ppIeRQYR_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-42438024053864922362012-01-03T15:17:00.001-05:002012-01-03T15:18:19.901-05:00stop holding yourself back.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I recently discovered a wonderfully inspiring article about how we can start living more fulfilled and happier lives, which can be read in its entirety <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/12/11/30-things-to-stop-doing-to-yourself/">here</a>. And what better time to reflect on how we are holding ourselves back from living the best lives possible than the beginning of a brand new year. Hello 2012! Below you will find some fabulous food for thought, as written by Marc & Angel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3oQg3Zni2Sy-qSUxFwGZC4GT0-DSB9ofAGluXzquzbUrmfAHuvK1fEQ2kGDtcmgA1VLd458qVf-JDlRSeIKljJPAjef7wIeYHH_7xoQuxllwMF7y7luj1QheBAinlLePCWOQB_6EhNs/s1600/39476934203228792_eKlvPr5d_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3oQg3Zni2Sy-qSUxFwGZC4GT0-DSB9ofAGluXzquzbUrmfAHuvK1fEQ2kGDtcmgA1VLd458qVf-JDlRSeIKljJPAjef7wIeYHH_7xoQuxllwMF7y7luj1QheBAinlLePCWOQB_6EhNs/s400/39476934203228792_eKlvPr5d_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop spending time with the wrong people.</b></u><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">– Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. </span><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop running from your problems</b></u><u><b></b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><u>.</u> – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop putting your own needs on the back burner.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.<b></b></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop being scared to make a mistake.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><i></i></i></span><b></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop being idle.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.<b></b></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.<b></b></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop trying to be everything to everyone.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop worrying so much.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.<b></b></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.<b></b></span><u><b style="font-weight: normal;"></b></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><b style="font-weight: normal;">Stop being ungrateful.</b></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0BBxc1XgImRKPK3I5dqF0Cce5N7pbmd6FRQ3aJddmAYdj1-ZStdPPB0w7OtDFl3uj2v_Q0HL61gWNIjE1VsDBxNuvAQswkAGxYI_8T0HRYKeBeMGT8jla895uASGsyhkNgiw41CV8pA/s1600/5629568253690931_foar3jfn_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0BBxc1XgImRKPK3I5dqF0Cce5N7pbmd6FRQ3aJddmAYdj1-ZStdPPB0w7OtDFl3uj2v_Q0HL61gWNIjE1VsDBxNuvAQswkAGxYI_8T0HRYKeBeMGT8jla895uASGsyhkNgiw41CV8pA/s1600/5629568253690931_foar3jfn_c.jpg" /></a></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-14408436549096182472011-12-30T16:35:00.000-05:002011-12-30T16:35:44.846-05:00songs to live by.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q4JFBsmyiFc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Wish- Rascal Flatts.</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-59835536053905869462011-12-29T16:51:00.000-05:002011-12-29T16:51:05.187-05:00out with the old, in with the new... 2012.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmHkOYBNyrbukSx3PIkSqDP9EFpxITJg1mEQDdMDsBaanaphbeQHNSsdCflrMf_O1TYZo4qAjVDjyt7nHdYQDr5X2d-g79indS6ufRMYIQi1gGVSec5i1I7BQZXhw4O3CwgoqBOaR-lc/s1600/210895195019980334_sAlySOMy_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmHkOYBNyrbukSx3PIkSqDP9EFpxITJg1mEQDdMDsBaanaphbeQHNSsdCflrMf_O1TYZo4qAjVDjyt7nHdYQDr5X2d-g79indS6ufRMYIQi1gGVSec5i1I7BQZXhw4O3CwgoqBOaR-lc/s320/210895195019980334_sAlySOMy_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just as I don't really believe in the traditional idea of a diet (I prefer the term <b>lifestyle change</b> for its positive reinforcement and longevity), I don't believe it should take a new calendar year to make positive changes in your life. Yet there is no denying that we have reached the final days of 2011 and with that comes a time of serious reflection; an entire year's worth of accomplishments, hardships, experiences, growth and change<i>. </i>As we look forward to 2012 with positivity, let us first look back on <a href="http://andherestothemeantime.blogspot.com/2011/09/peek-ahead-new-years-resolutions.html">this post</a> from September, found below. Remember that there is no better time to make those life changes, big or small, than today.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: center;">09.14.2011</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>A peak ahead; new years resolutions</u>.</div>Has anyone heard of making a New Year's resolution in September? Of course not. NYR's are for the end of December, after crunching through the not-so-waist-friendly holiday season. We will wake up this January 1st much like we have for years past; we'll expect the sun to be shining, our willpower to be blazing, our holiday hangover to be on its way out, and for it to be Day 1 of our journey to check off our entire New Year's Resolution list- because this year is different, right? Newsflash; studies show that of the 45% of Americans that actually make NYRs, only somewhere around 8% actually succeed. So what gives? The stigma of the New Year's Resolution has probably deterred a large amount of people from making them in the first place, or maybe past failure has kept us from wanting to try again. When it comes down to it, I think the biggest problem is how we spend all year pushing off making new goals until the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Stop making the excuse that you will "start next week" or "start next year". Start now. If you have something you want to achieve, you have to put an actual plan of action into place. Whether it's May or October start pushing yourself to expand your personal potential right now. Our struggle with self-improvement often comes from laziness, endless excuses, and lack of planning. Take a second today and write down a list of things you already know you want to accomplish, whether you are a NYR maker or not. Maybe you do want to lose 20 pounds, eat healthier, save money for a vacation, pay off your CC debt, or seek marriage counseling to improve your relationship. There is nothing wrong with your goal- whether big or small, seemingly impossible or just a simple walk in the park, your goals and aspirations belong to you. Don't let anyone deter you from reaching your dreams. Making your list is the simple part. It's the action part that people struggle with. If the goal is fairly large, like paying off your CC debt for example, you need to come up with checkpoints to attaining it. For example, instead of saying that you'll pay it off some point during the next 6 months, say that you will take $100 dollars out of every paycheck and put it aside, rather than making your usual trip to the shopping mall. If your resolution is losing 20 pounds, don't just go get a gym membership and say you'll go 4 times a week. Instead, look at your schedule and commit to going on certain days, or find a fun class that meets on the same days every week- routine is key! If your resolution is to eat healthier, don't just go to the store this week and buy only vegetables and diet coke. Instead, work on adding or subtracting one "bad" thing from your current diet each week. Trying to go cold turkey on your current regime will only make you more apt to fall off the bandwagon after 3 weeks and turn you into a cranky crab. Once you have determined your goal and made an action plan, you are well on your way. All the pieces are in place for you to get there in no time. There will be days of immense struggle, and days you feel like a million bucks. That is part of what comes with breaking out of your usual habits and wanting to be better. You know what they say, it's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. No one knows you better than you know yourself. You know your darkest secrets and worst habits. What we often don't give ourselves credit for is the incredible potential we possess. Each and every one of us is capable of attaining greatness if we simply believe in ourselves, plan accordingly and commit to not stopping until we get there.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZXECrNWrjNWowDtqkzqfTt4uXqiC6-yrYUMCFmm1NyllxfWHYDND0GfsRtSMyEOJbhxUXoiBa8jl1TXnfdAvpxEHamf6BfmOq74a19fQ0w40uIdM7Hx12VUyDX3OEzjrYUifCQTjChg/s1600/18577417182490159_OlbirkRg_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZXECrNWrjNWowDtqkzqfTt4uXqiC6-yrYUMCFmm1NyllxfWHYDND0GfsRtSMyEOJbhxUXoiBa8jl1TXnfdAvpxEHamf6BfmOq74a19fQ0w40uIdM7Hx12VUyDX3OEzjrYUifCQTjChg/s320/18577417182490159_OlbirkRg_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Where flowers bloom, so does hope. -Lady Bird Johnson.</i></div></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-16076727126060628322011-12-27T17:36:00.000-05:002011-12-27T17:36:32.531-05:00holiday hangover.<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tPI15aB6Bw13bzhprClxhKXCNKDEandcS0mZeu6W7eosghRWgA-8HfBh38bQfdu_TBjjCbOeYjsgJiIr2E8qmSaZ99KbcB5IZe743fb-LZ2S5JDDDd9OE20KXgmUPap7HmPXoT0KIv4/s1600/59461657549604135_3AonR8zT_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tPI15aB6Bw13bzhprClxhKXCNKDEandcS0mZeu6W7eosghRWgA-8HfBh38bQfdu_TBjjCbOeYjsgJiIr2E8qmSaZ99KbcB5IZe743fb-LZ2S5JDDDd9OE20KXgmUPap7HmPXoT0KIv4/s400/59461657549604135_3AonR8zT_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The same thing occurs during the days following Thanksgiving as do the days after Christmas- a holiday hangover. And no, you didn't even had to have taken a sip of alcohol all weekend to know what I'm taking about. Too much food. Too little sleep. Too much wine. Too much money spent. But many, <b>many</b> good times with loved ones. And that's what makes the holiday season so wonderful. As the Christmas decorations come down, and the frosted gingerbread men disappear, here are 10 things to focus on this post-holiday week.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">10. <b>Thank You Cards.</b> With the prevalence of technology these days, it's easy to send a thank you text or email. But challenge yourself and don't take the easy way out this time around! Hand write a card or letter to those that graced you with their presence this holiday season. It seems much more personal this way- plus who doesn't love receiving actual mail these days?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">09. <b>Sweat.</b> Remember that gym membership you pay for every month? That perfectly good bike path that runs through your town? That yoga class you used to go to every Monday? Those workout clothes you insisted on buying this summer? With New Years Eve right around the corner, partaking in a few sweat sessions this week will help you feel confident and beautiful when it's time to put on that little black dress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKK2ELItMKHcOQ1vsi1UzQt3Os4tW5cXnJklonDHZlZhJN8HFsqS4x6WneUjUUur9iQexmwKfgZuz83KbJQz5Y58o5vB7-P7i34J4XuI6fDzPTRF6oVEOidc7luUU81lPhTg7o5ITobU/s1600/126874914471812217_lcfNw5g5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKK2ELItMKHcOQ1vsi1UzQt3Os4tW5cXnJklonDHZlZhJN8HFsqS4x6WneUjUUur9iQexmwKfgZuz83KbJQz5Y58o5vB7-P7i34J4XuI6fDzPTRF6oVEOidc7luUU81lPhTg7o5ITobU/s320/126874914471812217_lcfNw5g5_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">08. <b>Budget.</b> If checking your bank statement and credit card bills are making you cringe, it's time for a post-holiday-spending budget. It's easy to fall into bad spending habits- a morning latte from Starbucks every weekday, manicures twice a month, umpteen pairs of shoes that you just MUST have, and lunches out with coworkers. Small changes equals big results. Simply cutting those splurges out for a few months can save you a boatload; and after a while you won't even miss them!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">07. <b>Eats. </b>The holiday's are a prime time for over consumption of processed sugars, fats, and carbohydrates. Plus, portion control is at an all time minimum. The easiest way to get back on track is to cleanse your house of all the holiday candies and baked goods. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Once you make room on your kitchen counters and shelves, hit the grocery store and fill your cart with lots of fresh produce, dairy, and lean protein. Healthy isn't hard once you get the hang of it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTpZYBhl6WdyTQvFADIcBNCE5ekLRV7SdD9tR-nOFdP0oOYwRIGvNOGs0U1cgnoZtfU78rC8nKxLLB3_GZT29kY8SB5NmU-LUbtXmL5NBfFTpG2okDrkJnvYzb0J3o8SlbNMzO3zg8G8/s1600/101964379032912477_Y8etr690_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTpZYBhl6WdyTQvFADIcBNCE5ekLRV7SdD9tR-nOFdP0oOYwRIGvNOGs0U1cgnoZtfU78rC8nKxLLB3_GZT29kY8SB5NmU-LUbtXmL5NBfFTpG2okDrkJnvYzb0J3o8SlbNMzO3zg8G8/s400/101964379032912477_Y8etr690_c.jpg" width="210" /></a>06. <b>Holiday Libations.</b> A glass of wine here, some champagne there. A rum and egg nog, and of course, your favorite heavy beer. Take a vow to detox until New Years Eve, but don't go overboard with your celebration. Remember you can still have fun without downing numerous alcoholic beverages- plus, how great would it feel to wake up on the first day of 2012 without a nasty hangover?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">05. <b>Skin and Body.</b> If you can't afford to treat yourself to a professional facial, check your local drugstore for a cleansing mask and skin scrub. Take a bath and rescue your nutrient and moisture hungry outer layer with some moisturizer. Set up daily/weekly appointments- even if it's just an at-home personal pampering session. Save your cash by doing an at home manicure/pedicure with your girlfriends prior to the upcoming celebratory weekend. Rest, relax, and rejuvenate. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">04. <b>You Time.</b> Take some time for yourself this week. Write in a journal, make a phone call to an old friend, go for a walk, try a new craft project, or listen to your favorite album. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday's drawing to a close, reconnect with yourself and what's important.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">03.<b> <strike>New Years Resolutions</strike> Future Goals.</b> Cliche, of course. This year make your goals detailed and achievable. Instead of "lose 10 pounds," include a weekly gym schedule and grocery list. Instead of "get a new job," make a point to apply to 5 new postings a week. Set timelines, create checkpoints, and break it down into bite sized pieces. The more thorough you are with your list, the easier it will be for you to visualize actually reaching your dreams. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE-ogA449BbOI0cDylXQxULQVlKHVLtyeQoQc2H7C6vGQfX_HcUH8tW7UOMF4jdeknVXsC6gJN7WtB6C42fFnrsdBPz7cCP65ALpk1e8qMjfDiovXuN4g0p17Od9ISb8AjLtmEx8z25Y/s1600/280771357988357425_BRZ1DOhG_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE-ogA449BbOI0cDylXQxULQVlKHVLtyeQoQc2H7C6vGQfX_HcUH8tW7UOMF4jdeknVXsC6gJN7WtB6C42fFnrsdBPz7cCP65ALpk1e8qMjfDiovXuN4g0p17Od9ISb8AjLtmEx8z25Y/s320/280771357988357425_BRZ1DOhG_c.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">02. <b>Pick an inspiration.</b> Find a quote, poem, or song that you wish to live your life by for the upcoming year. Every time you feel like you are falling off track during 2012, go back to it. It will be the perfect reminder of what you stand for, and will serve as that push to get back on track. My favorite? "Once you've flown past the summit of your fears, nothing will seem impossible."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">01. <b>Dream Big. </b>You, yes you, can do anything in life. If you can dream it, you can do it.</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-53777500975708415192011-12-23T11:10:00.000-05:002011-12-23T11:10:40.638-05:00happy christmas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1mUU91HDSfsYMFYsiTDujmg8Ws00XYASNE5Tjv5lz5aTnA8zm8GafCs77xf3X2gMv4CeHvojlDcbNftJw1qlicUvxGyDB7jl00whaxvuHT_7j1NxGm716VFJD8xqlhGaZK2XHg4CaO0/s320/197736239858717585_imQzWPZR_c.jpg" width="240" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY7F51kadbjS6DFGgFGtMnuL-rOC-LoVxP88ujtvIm13euU7XANPVZZGkY8j7vQFZTYAF-nomI7O4We8YL08_PE05ucc7xwCwfptpbA3PGglUMSNhdUGNLkskey3arp9je5hldgoz_SM/s1600/238901955202649957_cBfPWyAv_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY7F51kadbjS6DFGgFGtMnuL-rOC-LoVxP88ujtvIm13euU7XANPVZZGkY8j7vQFZTYAF-nomI7O4We8YL08_PE05ucc7xwCwfptpbA3PGglUMSNhdUGNLkskey3arp9je5hldgoz_SM/s320/238901955202649957_cBfPWyAv_c.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Have a </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">holly</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> jolly Christmas.</span></span></div><div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;">Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday weekend!</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-28001355885506306342011-12-23T09:28:00.000-05:002011-12-23T09:28:15.328-05:00staring down fear.<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ8YfrQPDcx0O7qk0eAxFahcnmbhyphenhyphenvADEJESFvk6hE7FdSW-RO48HP1D_bbwd29XoJp963_zlismntiYRwmDrgndOVEwcznmc3Wcc_ULGM-BQail80prrr-tB1w9_TP7ioriO6H_IqUA/s1600/183803228511536999_lJyqJD84_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ8YfrQPDcx0O7qk0eAxFahcnmbhyphenhyphenvADEJESFvk6hE7FdSW-RO48HP1D_bbwd29XoJp963_zlismntiYRwmDrgndOVEwcznmc3Wcc_ULGM-BQail80prrr-tB1w9_TP7ioriO6H_IqUA/s400/183803228511536999_lJyqJD84_c.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heights. Spiders. Flying. Elevators. Snakes. Public Speaking. Traffic. Death.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Fear.</b> It stops us in our tracks. Creates a pit in our stomach. Makes us cringe. We dodge it when we can, but there are times it's unavoidable. We have no choice but to face it head on, guns blazing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes we grow out of our fears. Throughout childhood and well into adolescence, I was terrified of elevators. My poor parents would have no choice but to take the stairs when we went into tall buildings- didn't matter if we had to visit the 3rd floor or the 40th. It didn't help that during one family trip during my youth, my brother was tricked by his little friends into getting into an elevator by himself. I watched in horror as the door slid shut, thinking of course, I would never see him again. I cried and carried on for what seemed like hours. My brother was gone forever! The truth was that my mom realized what had occurred, and she spent more time trying to calm me down than she did worrying about my little brother. She knew her 7 year old son was smart enough to stay on the elevator and that someone would "return him." And sure enough, she was right. Within 3 minutes, up came the elevator and the door opened to reveal my little brother with the biggest smile on his face. A nice couple had called the elevator a few floors down from us, and when the door opened to a cute little blonde boy all by his lonesome, they promptly returned him to where he belonged. We were in a family oriented hotel for gosh sake- it made no difference to me though. I thought nothing but the worst, and why? Because elevators scared the living hell out of me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDLKhBgkG_uWj7cfg5bOuQUIvZ61s9ZHlf8KuTm5rIz2sUxF2XSddOQEZVsV5O7akdXgkNM1bKTG7lOOAo97gxUAY-oa8GElGVvBkoEnxTBerFRup0h465YtIZxtrtG_SfFrFRUxs1I4/s1600/153052087305896109_wkr3Oy59_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDLKhBgkG_uWj7cfg5bOuQUIvZ61s9ZHlf8KuTm5rIz2sUxF2XSddOQEZVsV5O7akdXgkNM1bKTG7lOOAo97gxUAY-oa8GElGVvBkoEnxTBerFRup0h465YtIZxtrtG_SfFrFRUxs1I4/s320/153052087305896109_wkr3Oy59_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I don't recall what specifically allowed me to overcome my fear; although I'm sure at some point I grew embarrassed of what my peers and friends thought of the girl that would climb the stairs for several minutes because she refused to take a 30-second elevator ride. I didn't grow out of my fear overnight, I can tell you that much. It took <u>years</u>. But I tried and tried, and as much as I may not <i>love </i>elevator trips now, at least I make them without going into hysterics. It may seem silly to some, but I think the word <b>proud</b> is an understatement- especially when I am standing in the lobby of a building knowing I have to go to the 16th floor...and I won't be walking up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, not all my fears disappeared as easily as that one. And I've picked up several more fears as I've traveled through life based on exposure and experiences;<i> movies, media, education.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmgYMaUo3JxxDXRQo8r1TvPsw7dUZttWPDPWYSNVejN-ch8EXAJayOZLvqoPVETCkaaK-dshCKqUB4pojYet6tyEDp6CMju6VuH0-WlOkbT_mj_EadBnTnwdiIHSVYoEgqUPMJCdA1os/s1600/23432860530652107_Gc6wc0q5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmgYMaUo3JxxDXRQo8r1TvPsw7dUZttWPDPWYSNVejN-ch8EXAJayOZLvqoPVETCkaaK-dshCKqUB4pojYet6tyEDp6CMju6VuH0-WlOkbT_mj_EadBnTnwdiIHSVYoEgqUPMJCdA1os/s320/23432860530652107_Gc6wc0q5_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the most honorable traits in a person is their willingness to face their darkest fears and attempt to overcome them once and for all. The person who is terrified of speaking in public, but decides to take a class in public speaking...where weekly speeches are required. The person who is scared of death, but agrees to visit their local graveyard on a field trip. The person who is scared of flying, but books a plane ticket home to visit their sick grandmother. The person who is terrified of being alone, but ends an abusive relationship. The person who is terrified of the unknown, but starts trying new things. It takes immense <b>courage</b> to even stand up in the face of fear, let alone truly succeed in overcoming it. It's about taking small steps in the right direction. Proving to ourselves that we can do anything we set our minds to. Refusing to let that fear run our lives any longer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It may be painful. It may be embarrassing. It may result in sweat and tears. An upset stomach. Passing out. But what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. Trying and failing is a hell of a lot better than never trying at all. It's commendable to witness someone staring fear in the eye. We all have them, and we can all relate. So go, today, and do something about one of your fears. Attempt. Try. Push. Challenge. And at least if we're still scared after, we can't say we didn't try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k0PamDpVeQ5vrs6zbHxG93-gdC9FxaXYSIwi_OFdJpk5GcrtMgjSjEG710JOhyphenhyphen6nfbIDgxeg_w8p5dcjEER21_Yga1nsIlb07QICCGturMN26wZxZ0YqdBrPSQcIYMHte_ew0-ZiJhA/s1600/175851560419482694_Gv3dcTir_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k0PamDpVeQ5vrs6zbHxG93-gdC9FxaXYSIwi_OFdJpk5GcrtMgjSjEG710JOhyphenhyphen6nfbIDgxeg_w8p5dcjEER21_Yga1nsIlb07QICCGturMN26wZxZ0YqdBrPSQcIYMHte_ew0-ZiJhA/s320/175851560419482694_Gv3dcTir_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-19036357269760697962011-12-22T11:01:00.000-05:002011-12-22T11:01:29.075-05:00songs to live by.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WgcovIu3k9o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">The World's Greatest- R. Kelly.</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-45117054341867368502011-12-22T10:56:00.000-05:002011-12-22T10:56:08.450-05:00time away.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFL9pmuIL4gKAUvICXG5KuNOq4Afvk4US2WR-ZWPAMlJPTvrzGTFxm444YPm7B90OsnTKzDCjI3-2nWy2fIjoFkzT-fBSLzbmZN5s45zg3xfI5z2xNh7gWC6YD-SdFlHWfWKCiHvf4MA/s1600/177962622744874820_XuFOwWf9_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFL9pmuIL4gKAUvICXG5KuNOq4Afvk4US2WR-ZWPAMlJPTvrzGTFxm444YPm7B90OsnTKzDCjI3-2nWy2fIjoFkzT-fBSLzbmZN5s45zg3xfI5z2xNh7gWC6YD-SdFlHWfWKCiHvf4MA/s320/177962622744874820_XuFOwWf9_c.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>Why is it that distance makes the heart grow fonder? Why does it take having a void where something once was to recognize the importance of what filled it before? Why do we struggle to appreciate people while they are actually present? <br />
<br />
On Tuesday, I returned from spending 6 days in Virginia; <i>away</i> from my job, my home, and my relationships. It was an opportunity to be <i>near</i> my mother, a new exciting location, and the freedom from my usual responsibilities. I very much enjoyed my time away, but I was ready to board my flight home when the time came. Was I ready because I wanted to go back to working 50+ hours a week? Was I ready because I wanted to get back to cleaning my house, doing laundry, and my other usual household tasks? Was I ready to get back to my jam packed schedule? <i>Could it be that I was actually missing my typical and crazy daily routine?</i> Actually...<b>it was</b>.<br />
<br />
When it all comes down to it, it was the most basic of things I was ready to get back to. My usual diet. My running routine. My great big comfy bed. My kitchen. My bedtime. My significant relationships. The craziest part about having temporary space is recognizing that it's <u>the simple things</u> that tend to fill us up.<br />
<br />
Time away teaches us to (re)<b>appreciate</b> our daily routine. When we are stuck in my same old rhythm for days on end, we grow bored and annoyed with the trials and tribulations of everyday life. But when our routine is broken, it is then we become acquainted with what's really valuable to us. We have that sense of "missing" and "void."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr10H5yrj4R9jzxizMP5w0k6LHFIibz9cfdUmO8ey82ndmXpqrzSr3NKhTRZyHm3MSowo7pocFtPbvQz7RckeTNCX819Gape5ePq05ICXL3MrVzYDQ65q340h65EXIeCq8VsMgfk8zgw/s1600/18647785926589973_ql5mu7MY_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr10H5yrj4R9jzxizMP5w0k6LHFIibz9cfdUmO8ey82ndmXpqrzSr3NKhTRZyHm3MSowo7pocFtPbvQz7RckeTNCX819Gape5ePq05ICXL3MrVzYDQ65q340h65EXIeCq8VsMgfk8zgw/s320/18647785926589973_ql5mu7MY_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Don't let it take time away to appreciate the life you have. Don't require separation to realize what wonderful relationships and friendships you hold. We are all guilty of falling into routines and habits that blind us to how good we have it. Make it a habit to ponder what life would be like without all the things that fill our lives today. Force yourself to express gratitude towards both the good and the bad in life. The good is what makes our lives rewarding. The bad is what makes us stronger. And it's the people that stick by us through both that are what make our lives meaningful. Say thank you, appreciate the little things, and go through your day with the knowledge that it doesn't have to take time away to recognize how blessed we truly are.holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-40239371663742733442011-12-09T17:18:00.000-05:002011-12-09T17:18:56.546-05:00quotes to live by.<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Andre Gide. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613950953215584423.post-88389116093413967502011-12-08T11:55:00.001-05:002011-12-08T11:58:47.716-05:00first world pains.<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigk331GozHx0qeRpPCxYzOqbkODj9UipooB_8MZotaMrnXKy77MQH2yTquoAcH4Cw5JTnbu17AFGcWFHjI9OCiWdBiXD0GhAWAvbB5Leip19I8uzhSQf10_dQV1XDyFb6PGW32H7HtxQ/s1600/11399805276385399_zgLL5OqM_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigk331GozHx0qeRpPCxYzOqbkODj9UipooB_8MZotaMrnXKy77MQH2yTquoAcH4Cw5JTnbu17AFGcWFHjI9OCiWdBiXD0GhAWAvbB5Leip19I8uzhSQf10_dQV1XDyFb6PGW32H7HtxQ/s320/11399805276385399_zgLL5OqM_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I woke up this morning at my usual 5:45am, rolled over, and felt annoyed at the thought of dragging myself out of my toasty king sized bed. I should just skip my run, I thought to myself knowing full well what the weather was supposed to be like. No, I can't do that; I have to just stick to my training plan. So I rolled my eyes, lifted the blankets, and sighed heavily at the current situation. As I do every Thursday morning, I walked over to the window. I held my breath as I drew back a tiny corner of the curtain and peered outside. Much to my dismay, it was exactly as I predicted it would be; 29 degrees, dark, and a ground covered in snow and ice. I wanted so badly to gear up and do my usual Thursday morning run outside, headlamp on, and adrenaline pumping. Sidewalks weren't plowed, and with it being so dark in the mornings lately, I was worried I'd slip on some ice and injure myself. So all in a tizzy, I grabbed my sneakers and trekked on over to the gym, sporting my winter boots and jacket cursing the whole way. I had a case of the "First World Pains." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently, I stumbled upon a Twitter feed (<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/FirstWorldPains">@firstworldpains</a>) that has now made me reconsider how I treated my first 15 minutes of being awake this morning. This feed is centered around mocking how ridiculous the people of the "First World" sound when they complain about their daily trials and tribulations. In reality, the "issues" that those of us residing in the First World face are <b>bleak</b> in comparison to what most of the population has to fight for every day. The ongoing quest for basic needs; a place to sleep, access to heat and air conditioning, food on the table, employment, a place to live, an income, access to healthcare and clean drinking water, the ability to communicate regularly with loved ones via phone and internet, access to transportation, and just feeling safe and secure. These are all things we, in the First World, too often take for <u>granted</u>. And when we take a minute to slow down and consider just how blessed we truly are, our daily problems seem miniscule...And <i>laughable</i>, according to the folks behind this Twitter feed:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to clean the kitchen instead of watching Netflix all day. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">There's too much syrup in my Starbucks latte. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are no good shows on television. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">After a nice facial yesterday, I woke up with a huge zit. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My online order is going to take 7-10 days to ship. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm really hungry, but nothing sounds good. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have "nothing" to wear. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">For my birthday, my parents got me a Droid instead of an Iphone. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to go to work in the morning. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My mom just bought groceries and there still isn't anything good to eat. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My steak at the restaurant was totally overcooked. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My sister is calling during my favorite TV show. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I forgot where I parked my car in this mall's parking lot. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">My mom packed me a vanilla pudding, when I wanted chocolate. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My backpack is too heavy from all my textbooks. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">Champagne gives me a headache. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">Having the heater on makes my throat so dry. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't print my paper because my printer is out of ink. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My satellite radio subscription expired while I was driving. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">I ordered Coke, but they brought me Pepsi. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to go out in the cold to vote. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">I just memorized my debit card number and the bank sent me a new one. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains<s class="hash"></s></div><div style="text-align: left;">I forgot to put on deodorant today. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">We're out of milk for my cereal. #firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">My web browser won't offer to remember my password. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My dishwasher doesn't clean things perfectly. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">A foot-long Subway sub is too big for me, but the 6" leaves me hungry. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">The vending machine gave me Starburst when I asked for Skittles. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite show is a rerun tonight. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My CC sticks to my my Iphone when I have them in the same pocket. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">All the food in my fridge spoiled because I bought way too much. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My landscapers woke me up again this morning. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My gum flavor runs out too fast. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I always finish my shampoo before my conditioner. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My radar detector only works on certain cop cars. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm starving, but the kitchen is all the way downstairs. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">My arm is sore from playing Wii baseball. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My parents are threatening to take my car away because of bad grades. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to go to the Dentist. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't think of anything I want for Christmas. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to wait 5 minutes for my car window to defrost. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have more shirts than hangers. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">I dropped 17 cents, but refuse to pick it up. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is a dead bee in the swimming pool. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">Both bathrooms in my house are occupied and I have to go. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">All the groceries won't fit in the fridge. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't have enough cheese for my crackers. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">The escalator at the mall is broken. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I got a speeding ticket. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I only have 10 minutes to shower. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my headphone speakers doesn't work. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to sit next to a stranger in the movie theater. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">This glass of water is unfiltered. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our new apartment is so big that we don't have enough furniture to fill it. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">The automatic toilet flushed before I was done. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">My car broke down, so I have to ride the bus to work. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">The last sip of my cup of coffee had coffee grounds in it. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">A good song just came on the radio, but I have reached my destination. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">My school uniform doesn't look good with my new hair color. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">My parents made me hand write thank-you notes after my party. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I finally have a day off of work and the cable is out. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;">They didn't have my brand of peanut butter at the supermarket. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to do laundry, but we ran out of dryer sheets. <s class="hash">#</s>firstworldpains </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you guilty? As much as we may get a good laugh about how pathetic we sound, the guys behind this idea were not so far off from some pretty serious food-for-thought. Don't lose sight of what's really important in life. We spend so much of our time complaining about the silliest and smallest things, when instead we should be remembering how lucky we are to have access to the things we have. When put this way, my morning seems like nothing. A king sized bed? Warm blankets? A gym membership? Running shoes? Winter boots? A jacket? My health? My ability to run? A lucky girl I truly am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UwEW3d3vG5xSgiqsA40na-6-ivwlQoT8KV2B7yW14U5dihccNdRSFhvN0zf3x6QgFBIYCsjZ1D5LXdAbdmguVxjWWpOuQmYY2InAAekeox437_tFdCet212w1vxYtRTajPbGu4h4Uro/s1600/161988917816592914_D2igkP3N_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UwEW3d3vG5xSgiqsA40na-6-ivwlQoT8KV2B7yW14U5dihccNdRSFhvN0zf3x6QgFBIYCsjZ1D5LXdAbdmguVxjWWpOuQmYY2InAAekeox437_tFdCet212w1vxYtRTajPbGu4h4Uro/s400/161988917816592914_D2igkP3N_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b></b>holly h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16262443742096380801noreply@blogger.com3