Unique

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Recently, in a book I’ve been reading, the main character was struggling with herself. She was far from perfect but the only people that had a problem with her so called imperfections were those around her. When she really thought about it; she liked herself. She liked herself a lot. The advice she was given resonated with me, although I’ve grown in to the ‘screw you if you don’t like me’ attitude in recent years. She was told that if you don’t like something about yourself change it, and if you do like it, even when everyone else doesn’t, OWN IT! I love that. Own your quirks, idiosyncrasies, and uniqueness. Be you.

Never be bullied into silence.  Never allow yourself to be made a victim.  Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.  ~Harvey Fierstein

 

5 Questions to Make Your Dreams Come

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I thought this was great advice….

5 Questions to Make Your Dreams Come True By David Arenson

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs

Perhaps you feel stuck in a situation. Instead of seeing the situation as a learning point, or stimulus for making a change, you feel stuck in the perceived drama of it. 
If a relationship or job ends, it is not the end of the world even though it may feel that way. Some of our greatest leaders have suffered spectacular failures.
We often learn the most from overcoming adversity. Most people know this consciously, yet still feel that the world has ended when they experience a big change.
Most people who consult with me seek increased happiness or more fulfillment. Some have achieved financial wealth, yet yearn for spiritual wealth. Some do yoga but can’t seem to get ahead in their careers. Some already have it so good that they forget to be grateful.
How can your life become truly extraordinary? Ask better questions!
Here are 5 quality questions that will kickstart you on the path to achieving your dreams:
1. What do I dream of doing and how can I be paid to do it?
 
Another way to ask yourself this is: If money, time, health, etc. were not a factor, what would I love to do with my life?
If I could magically transport myself ahead 10 years from now, and look down upon this moment, what advice would I give to myself? How will I turn this around into an opportunity for realizing my goals?  
How will this make the world a better place? What can I do to be of service (for others and ultimately for all humanity)?
2. What is the ONE action step I can take today to get me closer to achieving my dreams?
 
Take action on your dreams.
 
3. How can I learn from this?
What did I do that was an effective strategy-how can I make it even better? Was there something that didn’t work so well, and if so, what did I learn from it? How will this help me improve myself? 
How have I handled challenges in the past? What solutions could I program for myself that will prepare me to face similar challenges in the future?
 
4. When will I start taking complete responsibility for everything that happens in my life?
 
Start realizing that this is not a dress rehearsal. If you’re not learning and improving yourself by taking responsibility for everything you have in your life, then your dreams may stay fantasy.
 
5. What am I truly grateful for?
Enjoy the moments you have. Quality time is taking the time to find out what you enjoy, know yourself better, and bringing that awareness into your life.
It’s extraordinary what magic will start to happen when you open your heart through gratitude.
photo via Steve Jobs
 

Chaos

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My hope for all of you is that right this moment you think deeply about what it is that you most want to do and make one step toward it. Begin now.
 
“Passion is a feeling that tells you: this is the right thing to do. Nothing can stand in my way. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says. This feeling is so good that it cannot be ignored. I’m going to follow my bliss and act upon this glorious sensation of joy.” 
 
— Wayne W. Dyer

Samaritans Walk for suicide prevention

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Smaritans Walk for Suicide Prevention, Sept. 29, Massachusetts

https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/Samaritans/5K2012/individual.do?participationRef=1834.0.821876961

Last night I spent many hours clearing out the apartment of someone I loved very much. It was Bobby’s brother and me crying and laughing and carrying boxes. In an effort to make something positive out of a tragedy I am participating in a fundrasing walk on September 29. I’ve attached the link above and knowing the level of kindness of those I have met on this blog I thought some of you would be interested. I’m also setting up a scholarship fund that I’ll administer through my nonprofit in the next few weeks. Someone as special as he was needs to be remembered for his kindness and he was only happy when he doing something for someone else. Hopefully the Samaritans will be able to help someone else with the funds raised. Thanks for reading.

“We’ll be Friends Forever, won’t we, Pooh?’ asked Piglet.
Even longer,’ Pooh answered.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Suicide of a Friend: Please share

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He told me he thought he had enough. Many times.

Enough of the meaness of people.

Enough of trying to wake up and do it all every day.

He had a good job. He was a lawyer and lived in a nice place. He had family that loved him and friends who cared.  Lately, I spoke to him every couple of weeks and we saw each other about every six weeks. He always thought he was a burden and no matter how much I told him that I loved him and cared he always apologized for being so sad. He wanted to be different and he tried. God, he tried so hard, But, it was a slippery slope and just when things were going well he’d slide back down. The last slide was deep and he sought therapy again in addition to medication. He fought a good fight, but at 55 years old he couldn’t fight that dark demon any more.  I found out he lost his fight yesterday morning and selfishly my heart broke for me. I was mad at him for a short time, but that was selfish too. I’ll miss everything about him. He was a man that was just too good for this world and has left it a slightly darker place by leaving.  I hope with all the pieces of my broken heart that he has found some peace.  Again, that message of telling those that you care about that you love them as often as possible. I did and he did and that is a blessing.

I’d like to ask you all, in any way you possibly can, to pass along the information for the Samaritans in an effort to help anyone that can be helped.  Please donate and share

R.I.P. Bobby. You are loved

http://www.samaritanshope.org/ Team Bob

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” Plato

Vegan Food Swap

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In August I participated in a The Verdant Life’s Vegan Food Swap. I was fortunate enough to be matched with a seasoned food swapper who did an incredible job of showing me how it’s done. Sarah from http://gazingin.com/, who writes a very informative blog full of great recipes, sent me this incredible box of vegan goodies and a recipe for one of her families favorite breakfasts, Coconut-Maple Raisin Oats. Fantastic idea to go with a theme! Thank you  Sarah and than to Cat at The verdant Life for organizing.