by Sharon | Dec 31, 2015
Not Unusual For Christmas . . .
It’s time to regroup a bit . . . in anticipation for the New Year . . .
Yes, time is going by quickly. It will be spring soon . . . and summer . . . and then fall . . . and it all begins again. It is definitely like clockwork.
The seasons and holidays come . . . and go . . . blending together into a beautiful collection of memories . . . and plans . . . and celebrations . . .
Your very own “fabric of life.”
There are the good times . . . sad times . . . and so-so times . . . which all come together with wonderful memories that you can cherish and share for many years to come.
I’ve Been Thinking About The Christmas Spirit . . .
All that magic and merriment.
And how I can hold on to it throughout the year . . . not as a New Year’s Resolution, but as something I truly feel within me . . . that anticipation . . . the joy . . . the wonderment of it all . . .
For quite some time I’ve been reworking my other websites . . . and eliminating quite a few. And thinking of eliminating a couple more . . .
We do grow, no matter how old we get. What was once important doesn’t seem to be as much as before.
It’s about being true to myself . . . and to others . . . but to make what is within me shine forth for others to see. It is that inner joy . . . the thankfulness you feel . . . the desire to make others happy . . . and to be happy yourself . . . Allowing the true you to be visible without being timid . . . or seeking approval.
It has nothing to do with showboating, but being authentic . . . sure we put our best foot forward, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to have that as who we truly are?
Just being who you are without giving it any thought . . .
I Did Get Caught Up In Trying To Impress Others
And not being who I truly am . . .
It’s about feeling comfortable with yourself and how that can shine through you for others to see. It possible others won’t see it . . . which isn’t your problem — it’s their problem . . . the more authentic you can be, the easier and more joyous your life will truly be.
I thought having a whole bunch of websites would be my ticket to fortune . . . no, it didn’t work out like that. And, to be honest with you, it wasn’t me or what I really wanted.
So I took some time off to think and dig and search . . .
And I had to make some difficult decisions . . .
I have 5 of the eight websites remaining. One I’m ready to let go, but there are two others . . . one has become an “old friend” but one I’ve ignored . . . I can handle two websites . . . even with taking a necessary break now and then . . . but the need for a break was because of the “burden” I felt with the decision I was to make with my other websites.
I Know I’m On The Right Track When I Wake Up In The Morning And Get Excited About What I’m Going To Add To My Blogs
It’s what makes me happy and hopefully my visitors, too.
I have read the theories and practices of having a successful website . . . but heart seems to be missing . . . and I don’t want success without heart.
So, maybe success isn’t meant for me . . . or things will come around and people will realize how important heart is to everything you do . . . including blogging.
And, thinking back to those two cans on a string . . . and how as a child I lived in the “now” . . . everything had to do with what I was going to do “now” and to thoroughly enjoy it . . . playing with friends or reading a book or jumping rope . . . or just enjoying nature at the moment . . .
As adults we forget sometimes what is truly important . . . we do fret and worry . . . we do dream and anticipate . . . we plan for the future . . . but when that apple pie is calling our name, we drop everything to answer that call.
Nothing else matters . . . it’s digging into that pie and savoring the delicious essence of it . . . truly being in the moment and holding on to it . . . allowing it to linger into the next . . . and the next . . . bite after delicious bite.
I’m sure you know that feeling.
I experience it when I’m sharing quality time with my precious Yorkshire Terrier, Diva. I do love her and appreciate her more each day. She is truly a blessing to me.
Being True To Yourself And Those You Love
Embrace your limitations.
We can’t do and be everything . . . we do, at times, need to step back and find what is truly important.
In blogging, it’s about spreading happiness and giving your visitors something of value . . . which is the spirit of Christmas that we can share throughout the year. And it’s knowing that we have had a truly honest productive day of spreading good cheer and goodwill to all . . . not self promotion and making sales . . .
I do love making sales, don’t get me wrong, but I want you to truly buy only when you want something. I may not give the best reviews of products. They either work or don’t. I either like them or don’t. They serve a benefit to me and may be something of value for you . . . only you can decide that for yourself.
I do love this time of year. I’m looking forward to the New Year. We all say it, “I hope this year is better than last year . . .”
We make it a good year . . . or not so . . . Yes there are circumstances beyond our control, but basically I believe we can either draw goodness or sorrow into our lives by our attitude. Sorrow of losing loved ones is inevitable at times, but other sorrows and problems perhaps could be avoided with a positive outlook.
There are always those who spout doom and gloom . . . I choose to be one who has a more positive outlook. We may be in a drought, but this year we’re going to be getting more rain . . . not that it will be turning things around, but it is a start. It is forecast to be a wet weekend and perhaps a wet New Year’s Day.
I love listening to the rain while writing my blog. I love the colder temperatures. It’s always good to bundle up beside the fireplace . . . this is my ideal with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee or tea. I try to think of the more positive things of life . . . and honor those who have passed and I miss. I do get a bit melancholy this time of year, but I try to acknowledge it and then move on by being busy.
I do wish all of you a very happy, prosperous and joyful New Year!!!
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 26, 2015
Oh Yes, Time Does Seem To Be Marching On
It’s a political year. It’s also a leap year. Most importantly, it’s a New Year.
Politics is a private matter. We all have our views. And what comes will come. It is the nature of the world. Change is inevitable . . . whether we like it or not . . .
There are many things in our lives we may want to change . . . we may want to spend more time with family and friends . . . or learn something new . . . or clean out a closet . . . there is always something we have brewing on the back burner of our minds.
Each year we make promises to ourselves that this year . . .
Yes, we do this regularly . . . and when the time is right, we will accomplish those things.
I’m not one to dwell on those things that I should have done . . . I choose to focus on those things I want to accomplish . . . while taking care of those things I must do on a regular basis.
Yes, we do have responsibilities. And those seem to be our priorities. Then everything else takes its place.
I’m Not One To Make Grand New Year’s Resolutions
I see those areas in my life that are in need of change.
And that’s where I begin. Nothing grand or ground breaking, but an attempt day by day to work on those changes. Baby steps.
Over time, those changes will be part of my life and the destination is within sight. I can see the improvements.
It’s good to see improvements and celebrate them. Sure, you may have a long way to go, but you’re moving in the right direction.
It’s about making progress . . . and you have plenty of time to fully achieve success.
I like being my own cheerleader. It’s good to encourage yourself . . . and make adjustments along the way.
The New Year Seems To Hold Such Promise
For some it’s like wiping the slate clean.
For others it’s taking care of old business.
There is hope . . .
We can’t foretell the future. We can only do what we can to make each day count. No matter what it entails. It could be spending quality time with your family or reading a good book or resting. Each day will be different. And we must value each day and honor how we feel.
There will be melancholy days . . . days we don’t feel like doing much of anything . . . good weather days and bad weather days. It’s just a matter of taking them in stride and doing what feels right.
I learn a lot from books and movies . . . maybe not what the authors wanted me to learn . . . but sometimes something clicks and gives me a solution to something I’ve been thinking about. They may do the same for you.
We need to be aware of our environment . . . to see how the seasons change and the weather changes . . . celebrating that . . . it is a process . . . a cycle . . . and it does affect us . . . even without our knowing it.
Today is windy here. I’m not fond of the wind, but it does serve a purpose. I may not be fully aware of the why and how, but it is something I accept because I can’t change it. I do what I can within me . . . I can’t change the weather or make things happen to suit my mood.
I know there are people who believe they can . . . and many can with a strong belief system . . . but I believe it has to do with one’s perspective. When we focus upon good things, good things will come to us. And the opposite is also true.
Just honor your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. I’m not trying to change you in any way. You know what is best for you. I just want to encourage you to be as positive as possible to have a good life . . . one you want for yourself.
Have a wonderful New Year.
Sharon
by Sharon | Nov 29, 2015
Have You Noticed That You’re Always Catching Up On Tasks?
I am.
I promised my brother I’d print out some pictures for him . . . that was months ago . . .
I finally decided to get to it. Once I got started it wasn’t that big of a deal. Maybe you’ve found the same to be true for you.
It’s embarrassing how I put things off. I know it is a bit early for New Year’s Resolutions, but this procrastination is one thing I need to stop . . . or at least get a handle on it.
I used to be much more organized and task oriented. I’m not sure what happened. Maybe getting involved in too many things.
It’s difficult to go back and discover when it all started, but it may be a sense of overwhelm I was experiencing or maybe starting something new that took up most of my time.
I’m not looking for excuses, but an explanation. What I know for sure is that procrastination hasn’t worked out for me. I’ve let others down and myself as well.
I don’t remember what was so important. That’s the truth of the matter. Sure I was taking a writing course, but that shouldn’t stop me from doing other tasks.
Yes, I was building websites . . . there was room to do other things right along with it.
I have no explanation and no excuse for procrastinating on important tasks. Have you found the same to be true for you?
Sorry For Making It Personal
I’m frustrated with myself for procrastinating.
It’s also embarrassing to be called on not following through. Even with the best of intentions, I don’t like letting others down.
It’s not right, in my way of thinking, to essentially tell someone that what I’m doing is much more important than what you asked me to do. It’s not how I felt at the time, but my lack of follow through showed that or conveyed that thought.
I’ve found that when I truly want to change my behavior, I make up my mind to do it.
At this point I’m tired of catching up. I want to be more organized and maybe get on a schedule . . . maybe that’s going a bit too far . . . but I may have to do just that to achieve the change I’m seeking.
Life Demands Multi-Tasking
I don’t know if the days, weeks and months seem to go by quickly for you, but they sure do for me.
It’s always “I’ll get to that tomorrow” mindset that has me catching up all the time.
I have found some priorities, though. It has to do with bill paying and answering letters, but when it comes to other tasks, I’ve found I’ve messed up.
Having a schedule may be important to get started. I want to eliminate procrastination from my behavior habit.
I’m all right with a flexible schedule. Maybe one that has the tasks written down for the whole month and then checking them off as they’re done. And maybe numbering them to get the most important ones accomplished first . . . but also squeezing in other tasks along with them. It may make my time more productive.
My websites are a priority. I love blogging, but find I’m not as dedicated as before. It may be due to having more websites than I can handle or losing interest in some and this frustration has resulted in allowing my favorite ones to suffer as well.
I know I’ve been struggling with a couple of websites that have gotten me down. This has been weighing on my mind for quite a long time. I think it may be time for me re-evaluate them and let them go to give me time to devote my time to those websites I enjoy.
Yes, there is a time to let go when you find things aren’t allowing you to progress.
Have You Noticed How Your Priorities Change Over Time?
I’m sure this is only natural.
We’re always learning something new. This could be conscious or subconscious or even unconscious. We’re picking things up from all forms of media as well as snipits of conversations we hear when we’re out and about.
Something clicks within our minds without us being aware of it at times. And I believe it gets us thinking about it on some conscious level to make sense about it and how it applies to us.
Not to sound selfish, but honestly it is about you and about me. We’re always wondering how something is going to affect me. It’s natural, not selfish.
It’s a basic part of human nature. We hear about a drought and wonder how it affects us personally. We want to know what we can do to help the situation rather than make it worse.
We do want to play an active role in many issues, mainly so it won’t impact our lives or lifestyle unfavorably. I like being comfortable and not worrying about things.
I want to improve my life and my skills. I want to continue learning, but not at the expense of other things that are equally important.
There are only so many hours in the day. I know I need to be as productive as possible. And also to give myself some time to relax and recharge.
My priorities have changed to some degree. And in order to be true to myself, I need to address those issues that are draining me and putting me into a procrastination mode.
For me it’s some websites that are draining rather than fulfilling. Yet, it’s difficult to let go . . . that’s my struggle right now. But wouldn’t it be wonderful to let go of that struggle and other struggles that are dragging me down?
It’s almost a no-brainer . . . so why is it so difficult?
When I figure that out, I may have something important to share that will be helpful to others.
If you have any suggestions be sure to let me know. I’m eager to learn something new and beneficial that makes my life easier and easier for others as well.
Thanks for stopping by,
Sharon
by Sharon | Nov 16, 2015
What Do You Do When Things Aren’t Coming Together?
We’ve all been knocked down from time to time.
It doesn’t make it right or pleasant, but it is an opportunity to regroup and take a closer look.
I’m no Pollyanna, but I choose to look on the bright side of every situation . . . not that everything has a silver lining. Some stuff just stinks! But we can move on from devastating situations.
There is that expectation to move on. Not that it’s easy . . . and don’t believe it when people say “it will get easier.” Each loss, each disappointment isn’t easy to accept . . . even if you’ve experienced it before. You grieve, you lick your wounds . . . and you move on . . . through your grief and disappointment.
Life Offers Opportunities And Challenges
Nothing comes together effortlessly.
Some opportunities turn your priorities on its ear. Re-evaluation of those priorities seems to be a constant in my life. I think I have things in order to find new information that sets me back.
You may have experienced the same.
It seems with every opportunity there’s a challenge or two. Some may be spelled out. Others entirely elusive.
Or you believe you’re on the right track only to find it leads to a dead end.
The majority of the time, you can make your life work giving you happiness and success in all aspects. It does seem we do get tangled up in the web of missed opportunities and struggling with the challenges before us.
It has been said and proven that what we think about most often comes to pass in our lives. If we’re constantly worrying, we bring upon us more to worry about. That’s why a positive viewpoint is essential.
I’m Not A Firm Believer In Affirmations Unless I Make Them Up Myself
I’ve read some great affirmations over the years that sound wonderful and are easy to memorize.
These work for the person who wrote them. They are their affirmations. Use them as a model to create your own.
Here are some examples:
- I Live a Positive Life and Only Attract the Best to Me.
- I Am Peacefully Allowing My Life To Unfold With Love, Success and Abundance.
- I Am Making Positive Choices in My Life.
- I Am Successful.
- I Am Loved.
- I’m a Magnet for Success and Good Fortune.
- I Am Breaking Through Old Habits of Behavior and Moving Forward With My Life.
You know what you want out of life and you know what positive thoughts you should be saying to yourself on a daily basis. It’s nice to begin your day with a positive affirmation and several times throughout the day as well as close your day with it, too.
I remember an exercise from a self-help book I read that advised throughout the day to say, “I can buy that!” It could be a house, a car, something in a shop window, etc.
It didn’t work for me. The reason being I’d add “but I don’t want it.” I was giving the Universe the message that I didn’t desire material goods . . . including money to buy expensive items.
An affirmation only works when you believe what you’re saying.
I know people say to “fake it until you make it.” I’m not a firm believer in that. I believe what you say and repeat must be heartfelt. It must apply to you.
It must resonate within you.
Change Your Thoughts And Actions To Change Your Life
There are phases in your life when you notice that you’re attracting the wrong stuff to you.
I was attracting the wrong people and the wrong opportunities. I knew I had to change this. The mind is a powerful instrument. Make up your mind to change . . . and change will come.
You need to guard your thoughts and your actions must match your thoughts. Not an easy task, but do-able.
It also helps to visualize yourself doing or being what it is you want. See yourself in that car or outfit, with a special person or in a particular job.
Only attract those things to you that don’t belong to others. I would never want a job held by another person or the spouse of someone. I don’t want what belongs to others.
Have you noticed that the life of another person isn’t as wonderful as you might think. People always put their best spin on their situation — hiding what they don’t want others to see or afraid others will discover.
It’s not my intention to lie about my life nor is it my intention to reveal everything. I know many politicians say they’ll be “transparent.” This isn’t true and they knew it wasn’t true when they said it.
Quite honestly could you go around being completely transparent? Would you want everyone to know your thoughts, dreams and aspirations?
Of course not. Once you’re in a committed loving relationship you can reveal what is necessary, but I don’t think you’d want to know every single detail about another person’s life . . . maybe if there’s something dangerous or illegal. It’s something you need to decide.
Live Your Life With Purpose
It’s nice to know where your’re going.
It’s great to have goals and priorities. A plan is wonderful, if it can also be flexible.
There is always something new we learn about what we’re doing.
I had a major revelation about affiliate marketing that completely knocked me for a loop. I was devastated for days. I was even unable to work on my blogs.
I had some major decisions to make. I had to make adjustments in my thinking and to gain more information for me to create something positive and productive.
I had to take a long hard look at my priorities and how they stacked up against this new information.
I’ve made some changes and I’m still working on others. It is a process I’m going through. Sure, I could throw it all away and start over, but I don’t know if down the road I could find a way to salvage and improve what I have.
I know I need to let go of some things. That’s difficult for me, but it has been weighing on my mind for quite some time. When I’m ready, I will.
That’s important for you, too. Don’t go off making changes without giving it considerable thought and making adjustments along the way. This is a journey. You want to end up where you want to be . . . and if it isn’t what you thought it could be, you need to make the necessary changes. It is definitely a process with no easy answers.
I wish you all the best,
Sharon
