"YOU Must Be The Change You Wish To See In The World"~ Ghandi

When tragedy happens, there is an immediate reaction to understand why it would happen and how to prevent it from happening again.  Fingers raise and start pointing in all directions.  We become flooded with media attention driving every angle of possibility out to the masses creating an energy of fear and anger.

Before choosing to point fingers in any direction understand that we all have a choice to make every day….to live with positive energy and light, to choose a path of darkness or live in an in-between shade of grey choosing not to recognize your spiritual path.  No matter what ‘”faith” you are, this is the truth and the reality of our human existence.

 During such difficult times, we need to rise up and share the “light” within ourselves with each other.  We can’t allow fear and anger to guide our reactions.  Because if we do, it is the path that negative energies embrace and use to move forward.

Don’t live in variations of grey seeing the world with indifference because that means  somewhere along the way your free-will choice to make a difference has faded away.

There is no explanation that justifies why innocent lives were taken, but in their memory, choose to honor those lives by sharing love and light with those you meet on your path.  If we all make this choice and allow ourselves to release fears from within, the world will be a better place as we become engaged and collectively make a difference!  So let’s get together and ride the peace train filled with love and light for one another.

It's been awhile.... Let's talk about change!

So from the outside we are experiencing a transition from this......

   to this..........

and before long.....

Now that is quite a contrast in nature.... but effortlessly the seasons change without self-doubt, fear or worry.

And within ourselves...we are all knowing, all loving ...self-doubt, fear and worry should not be there either.

if we live thru spiritual eyes....

But very often we allow our human side to control our path filled with self-doubt, fear and worry and here's a good point...

It seems to me that it all goes back to "CHANGE".  

So from today forward.... make a daily "CHANGE" in your LIFE.  Wake up everyday and EXPAND your LIFE.  Don't allow youself to become predictable because I believe that will "age" you quicker than the number of birthday candles on your cake.  Live BIG and live LOUD and become the oldest kid on the block.  Because if you can see life thru the eyes of a child, you will see that spirit connection that embraces change.

ENJOY!!!!!

Just Beachin That's All

Yes, this is the view out my window except we are getting a little rain this morning.  But rain, shine doesn't matter as I am at home here, one of the few places where I find total ...peace. 

It's Wednesday, the week is going fast and before I know it,  I will need to bring home this sense of peace and carry it thru until the next time I am able to be here.

But along with the beautiful views, weather and sense of peace that I am experiencing....I realize something.  The best part of vacation is with the company you keep.  And even though we will be going home in a few days, the best part of vacation will be coming home with me, my husband and my sons.

So enjoy the space you are in today... whether you are on vacation, at home today,  going to work or whatever the situation.  It is the enjoyment of everyday life that we all should strive for.  Don't let life pass you by waiting for the next vacation.

Enjoy... it feels good to write and thanks Nora... saw your blog post and it motivated me to get back to this blog.

Also, please subscribe to our YouTube channel for  Tripping Over Enlightenment. We are going to be filming on location at places we talk about in the book, overviewing chapters and continuing discussions as we go along.  We will post these videos once a week.... Enjoy!          

Gotta Dance!!

This morning the words "Gotta Dance" came into my mind.  So as I went out to look for an image/video that matches the thought, I came across this one.

"Cut the thought... play the video"

Now, if that doesn't make you think about the joy of living a "free" life,  I don't know what else to show you! :)

Age really has no boundaries.  There are possibilities in every moment if you believe in them, if you are willing to go into the realm of your own imagination to find it. 

When you take time to devote to others as you do when you make a choice to be a parent or in reverse help your own parents, there is a point in time when you are left standing once again as an individual, filled with endless possibilities.  And this can be at any age.

Dream big, embrace the thoughts and live out loud like the folks in this  "Gotta Dance" video.

Think about YOUR next big adventure and ENJOY!!!



I like the message above.  Today I want to briefly talk about "gathering our thoughts".  Often times this is difficult to do as everyday life is an ever changing influence.  So through all the emotions that a day can bring, we need to find our core... the thoughts that keep our dreams moving forward. And as we sort thru the every day thoughts that come and go, remember to take time to gather those thoughts in the background that are the dreams and passions of your life remembering to take time and bring them into your reality.  Short and sweet today... ENJOY!!!!

It Should Be Called...  "Mentalpause"

As I was writing yesterday morning, all was well, finished my big cup of coffee and before I got out the last sentence... it hit.  My mind became scattered, I felt anxious and I wanted to cry all at the same time!  I was thinking...  "What the !@#@?"  and it bothered me that I couldn't get a handle on it.  In fact I didn't really get a handle on it until after I exercised and engaged in activity last night when I went to a play rehearsal.

Menopause is in full swing this season! I've moved into a "mentalpause" state of mind.  I looked up caffeine and menopause... not a good combination, so good-bye to coffee for now. 

This morning I am sitting here writing you drinking orange juice anticipating the caffeine headache later on, but feeling I am in control of my emotions.

I am trying to sort thru this mystery of mid-life. It is certainly a challenge when all of a sudden you feel you don't have control. 

I am starting to believe that being active both mentally and physically certainly helps.  And so I will move thru this passing stage, taking time to acknowledge it for what it is... a life change

So if you see me, ask if I am in a "happy", "angry" or "confused" state of mind like the woman in the picture above.

Remember the song  "In The Mood"?  Well, I am actualy experincing "In The Mood Swings" part of life... BIG DIFFERENCE but I have to try to find humor in it all.

Enjoy your day!!

Taking It All In...

I am not certain how to talk about this, but my dear friend Nora and I opened up our first box of "Tripping Overn Enlightenment" books.  My mind flashed back to all the joy, tears, talks, walks, lunches, great desserts with a splash of wine :) that we experienced to reach this moment in time. 

It is an accomplishment that I hope my mom is very proud of.  Even though she is passed, she is the influence that brought us together that developed into a wonderful friendship, one where we both can be ourselves 100%.

So I am taking this all in with a very humble heart as I smile knowing anything really is possible.  Hmmmm, is that another tsunami on the horizon?  My mind is filling with excited anticipation of what is next! 

It's fun knowing changes can be around the next corner



Go forward today and dream... dream big and when that "aha" moment finds you, enjoy the path that leads you down your road to accomplishments.  ENJOY!



Is Life As Predictable As The Weather?

 If it is, you better take sunglasses and an umbrella today! :) 

The joy of life is the anticipation of what your day will bring to you.  It is like a weather girl (or man) prediction.  Some days we will be spot on with what it will bring and other days we will miss the weather pattern completely.  I often wanted to be a weather girl, because you can say it is going to be a sunny day as you look outside and see dark storm clouds approaching. And you still get to go back to your job the next day to try...try... try again!

So we can "forecast" our day accordingly, I know I always spin in the direction of forcasting a good day.  But we all know that isn't always an accurate prediction.  So we have to be prepared for what the day will bring us.  I always have both my sunglasses and an umbrella with me when I start my day.  That way, I can prepare for the day knowing life is full of serendipity.  It can hold pleasant surprises on a rainy day or you can feel the heat on a sunny day. Some days it can even be partly cloudy or partly sunny. If you remember to see it thru with positive energy and light you will find the silver linings that move you forward in life.

ENJOY!

And there it is... how to live a great, big, beautiful life.  "Enjoy It"  Or how about adding "Enjoy Simple Pleasures".   Often times when life gets out of sync, you have to step back and add simple pleasures back into your day. For me simple pleasures rekindle love and appreciation for family and friends.

Sometimes life can pull and tug at your wanting to enjoy simple pleasures.  And for me, I must find resolution to regain peace and calm in my life. Even if it is uncomfortable getting there, often surging up fear, anger and eventually tears, it is something I always do.  Even as a child I remember times where the slightest feeling of disconnect over something that went on in school,  would bother me until I saw that kid again and cleared it up.  As an adult I realize we grow from uncomfortable moments and when you share honest emotions, it brings along with it understanding, resolution and a renewed sense of joy and appreciation.

So start this week with excited anticipation of enjoying it. I wish this for all of my family, friends, aquaintances, people I haven't met yet, people I will never know  :)                   

ENJOY!!!

"Passionate Curiosity"   

What is it like to live with passionate curiosity?  Seems like a good thought for today.  I happen to have a day with no agenda, no clock to watch, no place I have to go.  So I will take my curiosity out and about and look for the joy in everyday life.

With as busy as life can be, it is nice to have a moment like this. It takes you away from everyday routines, it calms your mind and you never know who you will meet along the way.

So, I am keeping today's thought short and sweet because the sun is shining and I am ready to go!!  I will post on Monday as I am going to enjoy time with my family tomorrow!  ENJOY!!!

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.  ~e.e. cummings

Yesterday, I talked about living with childlike wonder. Today, I came across the above quote and it makes me want to write about finding balance between our inner child and growing up to be who you are meant to be.  Living with childlike wonder keeps your passions alive, but the navigation of every day life; where people, places and things impact us, gives us life challenges that keep us moving forward as well. 

If you think about yourself; are you truly expressing your own thoughts?  Or do you find yourself being like-minded with those around you, in a way where you are avoiding who you really are. Here's something I never did.  Show emotions other than "everything is fine".  The reality of life means everything isn't always going to be fine in the moment.  You have to allow yourself the freedom to be who you are in the moment, and work thru the emotions that go along with it.

Here's another quote that brings home this thought today...

Most people are other people.  Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.  ~Oscar Wilde, De Profundis, 1905

Wow, that hits home for me at times. I always want my space to be peaceful so at times I bend and shift my opinions to keep everything "ok" in the moment.  Not anymore.  I am starting to view the world with my own eyes; keeping my childlike wonder with the anticipation that anything is possible while I grow stronger sharing my true feelings, finding courage to grow up and be who I am.

So take a look at your life and find balance with your inner child and your adult self.  ENJOY!!

Send WIshes On Paper Airplanes...

I had a very fun experience this week.  I stopped over at our theater Tuesday evening as children were in rehearsal for an upcoming show.  As I entered the room,  I was immediately greeted by all of them.  They warmed my heart and I noticed the excited anticipation in their faces.  The energy in the room was extremely high and I knew I was in the right place at that moment.  I ended up staying for most of the rehearsal, watching even the youngest ones do their best as they giggled at times, looking over at me. I saw in action what I often write about ...seeing and living in the world with childlike wonder.

Some of these children have grown their talents tremendously over the past couple of years.   You can see they have passion for what they are doing.  And of course, kids will be kids and their creative expressions need guided at times.  But there is no greater joy then taking a moment to give back knowledge; gently helping guide them and then watch them immediately respond.  There is also something to be said about the pure joy they express and I left that evening carrying some of it home with me.

I started thinking about living with childlike wonder; having wishes and dreams I want to live out loud.  I want to bring back a little of that "kids will be kids" mentality to move forward in life. In fact, we should make wishes on paper airplanes. And so I recommend that to you.  Create a paper airplane and write down your passions in life.  Then go outside and send it up into the sky.  It sounds silly I know but giving yourself the freedom to open up your world; to do the unexpected; have a kids will be kids moment. You will return to your adult world filled with excited anticipation.  You will see things differently and live out loud with enthusiasm once more.

Enjoy!



Unlock The Door To Your Inner Wisdom

Do you want to know exactly what to put in your day?  Then as it says above, unlock the door to your inner wisdom.  But in order to get there, you really need to put away your damaged human outlook on life.  And that is not an easy thing to do.

Lets face it, we all have emotions within us thru memories of times past that make us vulnerable to negative energy.  There are present day triggers that will rise up anger and hurt.  We then spiral, filling our minds with negative thoughts as we move ourselves into a closed box of reality.  We are unable to see the light of day that is waiting for us all.

I know from experience, in order to move on in life, you have to get past what brings you down first.  Lessons will present themselves over and over again until you reach that "aha" moment. When you get there, you will unlock the door to your inner wisdom that has been waiting to shine and life will move forward.

Life can be a broken record.  Look for your lessons, oh you will recognize them, they are the ones that rise up your emotions.  As I said a couple of days ago, you and you alone are putting the spin on your thoughts that can either take you down or rise you above.

I am starting to recognize when there is a lesson to be learned.  For example, money or the lack of always seems to be a repeated lesson.  But when I released the feeling that I needed money to move on, I found thru my inner wisdom what was already available, to create what I wanted to do in the first place.  It is a lesson learned, I am sure.

This is fun!  Embrace the lessons as they present themselves and you will live a great big beautiful life filled with positive energy and light.... ENJOY!!!

Keep Things Around For Seven Years And They Are Bound To Come In Handy ~ Russian Proverb



What a weekend!  After my post on Saturday, talking about bringing yourself back up from a day filled with negative energy, I must say... I went totally into the positive realm, filled with creative energy.

On Saturday, I went out for my usual walk into the town of Ligonier.  I love Ligonier on the weekends.  So many people enjoying themselves and the weather was beautiful.  On my way, I engaged in numerous conversations with people I did not know.  With each conversation, I received renewed encouragement to keep following my path,  They were wonderful signs  to stay focused and keep moving forward.  One conversation in particular happened when a very nice couple and I ran into each other in 3 different places.  By the time we all ended up in a new ice creamery; they invited me to sit down with them.  It was such a charming moment as I felt as if I knew them from long ago.  We all were heading in the same direction when we left; and I was asked to go into one of the shops by his wife to give my opinion on which purse she should buy.  We then parted ways as they were at their car and I was almost home.  I felt in that brief moment that I had made new friends.  It was wonderful.

And then yesterday,  I was so motivated, I created the office space I always wanted with furniture pieces I already had in my home. I wasn't getting an office together because I thought I needed to go out and buy the office furniture.  But I didn't... as the title says above, the things I already had in my home came in handy and I am now writing to you from my newly created office space.  I used a beautiful oak desk that my mother-in law had given us some time ago.  My son's had given me an office chair a couple of years ago so I moved it from the space I thought I was going to use as an office.  I had a 3-shelf stand that now sits behind my desk and keeps all of my documents together.  I set up my other laptop and CD player for music and  I positioned by the desk, the wicker and wingback chairs I already had in this space for future meetings.   And as I write you this morning from my new office,  it just makes me smile.  Total cost of this rennovation?  $0  :)

So, take alook around at people, places and things that come your way.  You never know who you might engage in conversation or how a little tweaking of things you already have in your home can bring out a brand new environment.

Have a wonderful Monday!!! Embrace your day... and ENJOY!!!

Pull Up The Anchor And Free Yourself!

It never ceases to amaze me, your going along your merry way, when all of a sudden, a situation comes up, a trigger... that instantly takes away your positive energy and light.  It feels like an immediate dropping of an anchor, that stops you immediately in your tracks and does not allow your mind to set sail.

We all have anchors in our lives that hold us back....

You can feel your personality change as the anchor drops and the situation unfolds.  You immediately drift away from your true intentions and your mind fills with negative thoughts. 

Once you are in this state of mind and thanks to the emotional rollercoaster you feel while you are in menopause,  it definitely feels like a lead weight has fallen.

So where do you go with this once you are there?  Because lets face it... we all go there from time to time.  Well first of all, try not to pull in those who are not the cause of your feelings, like your spouse, children and friends.  Acknowledge to them where your emotions currently are, do not take it out on them.

If you have to retreat to clear your mind, then retreat.  My wonderful husband knew I wasn't going to be in a good mood when I walked in the door last night.  I was trying to fight the feeling and engage in conversation, but negativity spewed out and he suggested I go in the other room as he made dinner for me.  Both of my sons knew where my mind was, I received a note from my older son in college who encouraged me with  "keep truckin along" and my younger son repeatedly engaged in conversation throughout the evening in his upbeat way.

And most importantly, YOU have to realize... YOU are putting the thoughts in YOUR head that are bringing YOU down.  YOU have allowed YOURSELF to be impacted by a situation and only YOU can lift the anchor to set sail once again.  And if the truth be told, you probably were your own worse enemy in the situation because you allowed it to impact your day (and night as well in my case)

So, I allowed myself to process the negative emotions and eventually replaced, one by one, each negative thought with a positive one.  I regained my confidence on where I want my path to go and raised the anchor to set sail once again.



And one last note, remember to thank your spouse, children and friends who support you even when your anchors drop.  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!!!!



What News Is Important To You?

This concerns me...

If you don't believe the above statement is true... how about this for a headline in the news for several days now....

I saw this woman everywhere I turned... on the web... on television, now this oozes intelligence doesn't it?

As I was changing television stations recently, there was a news segment where 4 adults were embraced in intense conversation about whether little girls should be allowed to wear makeup in public.

Ok... now I am ready to cancel my cable and throw my televisions out the window if I have to hear no less than 4 adults discuss this topic

.

Hmmm... what to do?  How about letting little girls play dress up at home, allowing them to use their imaginations and have fun.  And "hello", responsible parent, I would think common sense prevails in knowing this wouldn't be her daytime look for school.  

The adult conversations continued as they discussed how the little girl see mommy putting on makeup, isn't that a contradiction?  

Seriously?  I am not even going to acknowledge this any further.

 

Yesterday, I read another amazing headline on the web...

"Demi Moore finally dumps "Mrs. Kutcher" on Twitter"

You know I've been consumed with wanting to know when this would happen.

NOW is the time to step away from this dumbing down process.  Don't get caught up in irrelevant news, or watch someone elses version of reality on TV.

Embrace the day and take in all that it holds for you.  

 Make your own headlines, find your intelligent path that will move you forward in life.  ENJOY!!!!

Time Is Slipping Away....Into The Future!

When I read the first part of this thought,  "time is slipping away",  I have to admit it is true.  I just turned 53 recently and with the past year, I have come to the realization, changes are happening.

Hmmmm.... Let me pause to take a sip of coffee and reflect on that!



Ok....   I'm back!

 I recognize the fact that some changes have happened over the past year.



But remember, growing old... is "inevitable"....growing up... is "optional".... which leads me into the second part of this title...  "into the future".  You should wake up everyday with childlike anticipation of the possibilities that today can bring.  I recognize that "time keeps on slipping away into the future" and that is ok.  Because there are endless possibilities of what today can bring.  And if not today.... there is always tomorrow and beyond.

As I have said many times, my goal in life is to be the oldest kid on the block and with that mentality the possibilities are endless whether they all come true or they don't.  I always find it enticing to dream out loud, it is the anticipation of what can be while I appreciate living in the moment.  Enjoy today, enjoy thinking about tomorrow and beyond.

Between the coffee....and my thoughts.....I am flying high with positive energy and light

So I will let you start your brand new exciting day, let it be a great big "Woo Hoo" moment for you...ENJOY!



3 Wise Monkeys Once Said

3 Wise Monkeys Once Said....

Speak No Evil...See No Evil...Hear No Evil!

I have been speaking, seeing and hearing so much lately, I don't know what to think!  But then I remembered this picture...

...and it grounded where I need to be...back in the realm of positive energy and light.  Nothing will ever get accomplished when our minds are cluttered with negative thoughts.  No matter the circumstances, we need to find that place of calm in order to move forward.

I found myself recently caught up in a swirl of negative emotions... it was being tossed at me like a rag doll and quite unexpected.  I have to admit, I do not handle these situations well always thinking of what I should have said or blowing up and saying the wrong things.  But at the end of it all, I realized the 3 wise monkeys said it best... speak no evil...see no evil...hear no evil...which is a good practice, one that I need to be better at.

We all are passionate with our own believes.  Sometimes choosing to take it all in...step back and be still brings new clarity to unpleasant situations.   Allow your thoughts to be good ones remembering .... "thoughts become things"  Enjoy the day!!!!  I hope it is filled with peace and love.

Sometimes You Just Have To Go With The Flow...

As the sun sets slowly in the west and the sun rises slowly in the east, sometimes what happens in between doesn't always turn out the way you planned.  Lets take this past Sunday for example.  First, I tried to change where my website is hosted because Microsoft Office Live Small Business... no longer exists. I tried to move into the Microsoft 365 cloud... but it was more like... "hey, you get off of my cloud!"   After several attempts failed to bring my domain into the new world environment, I stopped trying and went back to using a blog.  How do you like it?  Anyway, then my husband and I were going fishing. I was having visions of the beautiful lake but on our way, we ended up broke down on a very busy road.  The continuous traffic on a very narrow road made me nervous, so I jumped into race track corner worker mode watching out for oncoming traffic while my husband attempted to not lose his cool :)  Once his friend arrived, I noticed several things.  First, there really are very nice people in the world as several stopped, actually got out of their cars to make sure we were ok.  I also stopped to notice how beautiful the day was.  Warm sun, cool breeze, beautiful bright green fields and several butterflies passing by.  The day was filled with the unexpected and I realized it is how I choose to look at the events that occurred that really mattered most. Enjoy the day.... anticipate and embrace the unexpected...ENJOY!

Change Is Good.... Very Good

Yes, It's time... time to put away fears regarding change...because you know what?

 Life is going to change whether you are ready for it or not. It has been an interesting couple of weeks since I have written. Most obvious to my regular readers is my writing format change. Yes, I am now moving into the world of "blogging" as my website provider is changing it's format and I don't want to follow along. So... "tada" I present to you my first "blogger post". Hmmm.... looks a little different but the thoughts are still presenting themselves, loud and clear.


So what has been going on in my head these past couple of weeks? CHANGE!!! Everything seems to be in an ever moving environment of change. I have been seeing changes at work with offices moving and people moving on as well. I am currently directing a show and "wow" lots of changes always going on as you transition the vision from your mind onto the stage. And then there is personal change, filing"married" on my tax return with a now uncertainty...will I even get a refund this year??? Better yet, I can't stay in charge of this using turbo tax anymore because "married filing jointly" changes everything as I now need to go with my husband to see his accountant. And last for now but certainly not least, I am seeing changes.... growing older. Especially in the second half of being age 52!!! No, not going into any great detail right now over that one!!! :)


So now... what is the point to all of this mention about change? Well, the point is this... change is going to happen... anyhow. What YOU need to do is navigate the changes with your "anchors" and "beacons" in life. It will help you transition the changes that are going to happen...anyway.

What are my personal anchors? My husband... My sons... My guardian angel (mom)...wonderful extended family, wonderful friends... this keeps the roller coaster called life... grounded.


What are my personal beacons? Living with positive energy and light, staying in the light when fear wants to rear it's ugly head, believing in my passions, pursuing my passions, this keeps the roller coaster called life... flying high.


So, is it possible to stay grounded while we let our visions take flight? Absolutely, we all should live with free-will and without fear.... sometimes easier said than done.... however remember "Change Is Good.... Very Good" ENJOY!!