Are you C for Serious??? May 9, 2013

Source: Google+

Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or by the handle of faith. ~Author Unknown

 

Life is truly beautiful; at least, that is what I believe anyway. But in saying that, one of the most dominant things in my life at the moment is not beautiful and that is cancer. How on earth could I ever view that as a beautiful part of life? There was a time when cancer was an “older persons” disease, and it used to happen to people you knew of, through others, not people you actually knew or were close to. The people closest to me are dealing with this disease and it seems to be everywhere I turn.

 

“If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell.”

 

My Grandfather had lung cancer, and a brain tumour, and he lost his battle to cancer at age 69. My Grandmother is a breast cancer survivor; she is one heck of a lady, and she has lived with cancer for longer than I’ve been alive! She has just celebrated her 80th birthday. This was “normal”, even “familiar”, and somewhat “expected”. But … what I didn’t expect was a close friend, at aged 32, with a 9 month old baby, to get diagnosed with breast cancer in July last year. 6 months later, in January this year, another woman I love was diagnosed with cervical cancer; she is not even 60 yet! Again, this month, two more of my friends … One with a brain tumour (thankfully not terminal) and the other with a tumour that may have grown back, after it had been removed and treated successfully. What exactly is happening here??? Why them???

 

 Source: Google+

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” ~ C.C. Scott

 

My friend’s cancer wasn’t a reality for me until she sent me a picture of her hair being shaved off. Once it hit home for me, I couldn’t stop crying, it was just too much. She has since successfully completed 16 Chemo treatments, and just undergone surgery to remove the cancer, which I am told has been very successful. Her journey isn’t over yet, there is still a long road ahead and of course the dreaded waiting game for results.

 

“We acquire the strength we have overcome.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

What these four women have shown me in their fight against this disease is a strength I never imagined possible, they have remained positive, determined to get through it and willing to give all they have in their toughest struggle yet. I have been motivated and truly inspired by these incredible women. Their stories are not mine to tell, but what I can share with you is the change it has made in my life. I am surrounded by the most amazing examples of woman of strength. When someone says “she’s a strong woman”, it generally means she has been through a lot, or at least, more than they could have imagined being able to cope with.

 

 

Source: Google+

 

“There is a difference between a strong woman, and a woman of strength.”

 

With these women, it is different. Not only are they in a fight for their lives and have the emotional, physical and mental aspects to deal with, they are also in a fight for their families and loved ones too. They find strength for others, they keep others motivated, they smile when they want to cry, they get up and face another day when all they want to do is shut the world out, they live life more than those of us who are not fighting cancer. They have a passion for life and make the most of it, because this is something they never anticipated having to deal with and it places life into perspective.

 

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” ~ Christopher Reeve

 

What they have taught me is that no matter how negative a situation may be, there is ALWAYS something positive to be found. It has reminded me yet again that life is way too short to be taken for granted, you only have Today, but today is all you need. Make sure you have made amends and leave no matter unresolved. Even if you can’t be forgiven by others for the things you have done wrong, forgive them, and keep a clean slate in your head and heart. No matter what, no matter when, use every opportunity to let your loved ones know how much they mean to you, and that they are loved.

Source: Google+

“Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles.” ~ Alex Karras

 

To these incredible, unbelievable and truly inspiring woman of strength, let me remind you today that I love you very much. You are an example to me that I can respect, look up to, and trust for guidance. If ever examples of integrity are needed in Today’s day and age, it is now. Don’t follow trends, create then. Don’t just make a difference, be the difference. Thank you for all that you are, and all that you have done. Stay strong, never lose hope, and never give up, because you are a daily motivation.

 

“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” ~ Kenji Miyazawa

 

There is a difference between a strong woman, and a woman of strength. You are true women of strength! I hope that if there is ever a time I am facing the same fight that I can be exactly like the beautiful women I am so blessed to have in my life. To all of you who are in this fight, may you all continue to go from strength to strength, today is your day to shine.

 

Cancer is not a beautiful thing, but there is so much beauty that has come from it, Thank you for giving me HOPE, showing me FAITH, and teaching me STRENGTH … YOU taught me that! 

 

Source: Google+

“Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.” ~ Ruth Ann Schabacker

 

 

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• Breast cancer survivor thanks mum for helping her prepare for the health battle (dailyrecord.co.uk)
• Breast cancer cases soar to 27 a day among the under-50s… and experts fear modern lifestyles are to blame (laurelbabeblog.wordpress.com)

Feeling the L.O.V.E … twice as nice April 3, 2013

 

 

The Liebster award is given to up and coming bloggers to encourage them to continue their work. What is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. I received my award from Sandra Bellamy = http://quirkybooks.wordpress.com/ and from Sheri de Grom – http://sheridegrom.com/

Thank you Sandra & Sheri, you really have made my day and I appreciate you taking the time to read my posts and consider them worthy of such a nomination. Congratulations on your Liebster awards which are well deserved.

 

• Here are the rules for receiving this award:

 

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. Post the award on your blog

 

“If we opened our eyes, we could enjoy 365 days of inspiration every Year.” …

 

• 11 things about me …

 

1. Love reading, I hate that I don’t seem to find the time anymore
2. Passionate about writing hence the creation of this blog
3. Even more passionate about spreading positivity, trying to be an inspiration and encouraging people to just BE themselves
4. I have a twin sister and I am the eldest by 12 minutes
5. Not a cat person at all yet they love me
6. Baking is a once a week treat – quality time my son and I share
7. I have an obsession with inspirational quotes and try to find them everywhere or create them when I can
8. The people closest to me live in other countries and I rarely see them
9. I love nothing more than a good cry every now and then
10. A candlelit bubble bath with a good book and glass of red is my ultimate indulgence
11. I like odd numbers, 3 and 5 when it comes to decor, cushions on a sofa, or candles etc.

 

“Inspiration is all around you but most of all, it is within you” …

 

• My 11 questions to answer are:

 

1. Do you prefer black or white and why?
I prefer black in clothing; it is a bold colour to wear, and very flattering. I prefer white in my house as it is a clean and refreshing colour.

2. What do you like most about rain?
I love sound, the smell and the cleansing it brings with it. Nothing beats a good storm.
3. If you could publish any one book that you are currently writing, which one would it be and why?
I have not written a book, but it has been a dream of mine, and one day it will become a reality.
4. If you weren’t a writer, what other job would you be doing and why?
I am a writer as a hobby, I guess if I had to choose my ideal job, it would be to work as a counsellor, working in children’s homes, orphanages and woman’s shelters, helping woman and children who have suffered abuse.
5. Do you prefer poetry or prose?
Poetry – Rumi is a favourite but my ultimate is D.H Lawrence.
6. What is your greatest writing moment to date and why?
When I wrote my friends eulogy, her family told me that I captured every essence of her, and almost everyone who attended the funeral came up to me and said it was the most beautiful goodbye they had ever heard, my friend would have been proud.
7. What is your favourite genre to read and why?
I love reading action packed thrillers, it is my escapism. I also love reading motivational books; one of my favourites is “the Monk who sold his Ferrari”
8. What is your favourite animated film?
Aaahhhhh too many to choose from, but I guess the one that I love the most is “How to train your Dragon”
9. Do you prefer How to or self-help books and why?
I like self-help books, I think they open your mind, enhance your life and empower you as an individual.
10. How would you like people to remember you?
As someone who “called a spade a spade” and was true to myself no matter what.
11. What are your three most positive words
LOVE. HOPE. FORGIVENESS.

 

“Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light” …

 

• My 11 questions are:

1. What is your favourite quote?
2. What inspires you?
3. What single moment had the greatest impact and has changed your life?
4. What is the greatest lesson you have learned recently?
5. If you could have a day with anyone, who would that person be?
6. When was the last time you cried?
7. What is the first thing you would purchase if money was not object?
8. Do you have a bucket list and if so, what is number 1 on that list?
9. What song best describes you?
10. Savoury or sweet?
11. What is your favourite book?

 

• I would like to nominate the following bloggers for Liebster Bog award:

 

http://hopeoflight.wordpress.com/

http://cathylaws.wordpress.com/

http://runningonsober.com/

http://sandyshopefulroom.com/

http://misifusa.wordpress.com/

http://herselffirst.com/

http://littlemisscornucopia.blogspot.com/

http://blogmadetoinspire.com/

http://believinggirl.com/

http://thedivineedge.wordpress.com/

http://zazumove.wordpress.com/

 

“Thank you for the continued support and inspiration!”

We all get by with a little help from our friends … March 11, 2013

 Source: Google+

“Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.“― Kahlil Gibran

 

I have often heard it said that pride comes before the fall, and I must say that from my own personal experience, this statement is certainly true. One of the things I dislike most in life is having to reach out and ask for help. Even when I have needed it most, and I have incurred more heartache or hardships from not reaching out … still I refused to ask. How many times have you asked for help, and then felt ashamed for having to ask in the first place? Or worse, felt obligated because it is like a heavy burden of debt hanging over your head that you either can’t repay, or can’t live down. Swallow your pride occasionally, it’s not fattening.

 

“I have learnt that it is better to swallow my pride, it tastes far better than desperation and hopelessness.”

 

My fear of asking for help comes from my past experiences and I tend to forget that not only have I changed and grown, but so have the people in my life. In the past, my fear was driven by the fact that some people in my life made me feel judged and made me feel like a failure. I realise now that it is my own doing, I allowed myself to feel that way. Regardless of someone else’s opinions or judgements, I can only feel how I choose to feel, and my feelings shouldn’t be guided by my wounded pride. Needing help doesn’t make you a failure. 2 and a half Years ago I was retrenched, left with no income, and a child to support as a single parent. I was given an eviction notice with 24 hours to pay my rent and I didn’t know how I was going to pay for food. Eventually, I had no choice but to ask for assistance where I could. The first response was negative, the second was positive, and the response was a simple … “why didn’t you come to me sooner?”

 

Source: Google+

“Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.” ― Thomas Jefferson

 

True friends never make you feel bad for turning to them in times of need, they feel privileged, trusted and happy to help. Sometimes our friends may not be able to help, but they are still there for you and will do all they can to make your journey an easier one. When a friend has turned to me, I have done everything I can and yet it still never felt like enough. I guess you can help circumstances but you can’t erase the pain of them. It is never easy watching those you care about most go through a tough time. Each person’s scars heal at different times, some take longer than others. The true secret to giving and receiving fully, is to do it from the heart.

 

“It is better to lose your pride with someone you love rather than to lose that someone you love with your useless pride.” ― John Ruskin

 

One of the things we need to remember when giving and receiving is to make sure that our heart is in the right place, and our intentions are pure. We should never look down on anyone who needs help, and likewise, we should never be ungrateful for help we receive. When you give, never keep a scorecard, never throw it in someone’s face or hold it against them as collateral. Friend or not, everyone needs a helping hand along the way, and more often than not, help comes from the most unlikely or unexpected place. Asking for help is a sign of strength, it is not a weakness.

 

Source: Google+

“Learning to live on less pride has been a great investment in my future.” ― Katerina Stoykova Klemer

 

Doing good, makes you feel good, especially when it is anonymous and you know that you have made someone smile, possibly even taken away all their worries for a brief moment. Never reject the generosity or kindness that is extended to you by others, you would be denying them the gift of blessing your life, and in turn, giving them a blessing. Be a blessing to someone random today, even if it’s surprising them with a cup of coffee. You never know how big a small gesture can be to someone who needs it.

 

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan

 

We all get by with a little help from our friends … So thank you my friends, each and every one of you. For being a part of my journey and making it that much easier, and a more valuable experience.

 

 

Related articles

• 52 weeks of grateful ~ anonymous generosity (ginplustonic.wordpress.com)
• Quotes about friends (smileshinelove.wordpress.com)

You get what you give … February 12, 2013

Google+

“Relationships are like sharing a book, it doesn’t work if you are not on the same page.” …

 

If what I have to give is not enough for you, then it’s your choice if you walk away, but I’m not about to quit. That goes for all my relationships, whether you are my spouse, relative or friend. Relationships are not easy but they don’t have to be so hard either. We make our relationships complicated because of our feelings and experiences in the relationship, and we see the faults of others before we see our own. We can tend to take everything so personally and then we are on the attack. We let our pride get in the way of love, friendships, communication and we forget what we initially found. Our frustrations turn into resentment and that then builds into mistrust, and eventually we emotionally disinvest and we are ready to give up and walk away … BUT …

 

“The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.” – Brian Tracy

 

It may sound simple or easier said than done, but if you truly love someone, you will fight for what you love, because living without that person will hurt far worse than living with them and their imperfections. It really is all about what you are prepared to sacrifice in terms of your ego, and what you are prepared to give in terms of your heart. You can’t claim to love someone, and then place a list of conditions on that love, you either love them or you don’t. Either way, you need to decide and can’t hold the other person accountable for the decisions you make in life. You can hold a person responsible for their actions, and for their own happiness, but it is not their job to bring the best out in you, or to make you happy, only you can do that. At the same time, you also can’t stay in a relationship that prevents you from being you, that denies you the freedom to express yourself and Just BE …

 

 

Source: Google+

“If you carry bricks from your past relationship to your new one … You will build the same house.”

I am not a quitter, or at least that’s what I used to believe … but I have walked away many times in my life when I have been let down, hurt, angry, and emotionally exhausted. What I have come to learn, is that my pride means nothing, and the person I love means so much more. Perhaps it is time for each of us to look inside ourselves and find the strength to stand and fight for what we love, for the things that are most important to us, that doesn’t just in include the relationships that mean something to us … It includes YOU! Fight for YOU; never ever give up on YOU! We have become a “throw away” society; if something doesn’t work we toss it aside like it’s worthless, meaningless. We don’t even look at what attracted us or peaked our interest in the beginning, it’s broken, and we don’t want to spend the time, or make the effort to fix it. One of the best quotes I’ve ever heard is …

“You don’t have to accept every argument you’re invited to.”

LOVE THAT!!! It is so true. How you can really fight with someone who doesn’t respond or react … You can’t. Arguing with yourself is not much fun either. I believe that you should choose your battles, and if those battles are not going to change your life for the better, then why fight them. Life is not a competition, it is not about tit-for-tat or getting even, it’s about being the best you can be with all you have to give. Sometimes, it costs too much. If a relationship is costing YOU, who you are, and has changed you so that you don’t even recognise yourself anymore, then is it really a relationship of love? When you love someone, you don’t want to change them; you accept and love them unconditionally.

 

Source: Google+

“The only time love can last a lifetime is if it is unconditional.”

 

Our biggest mistake in relationships is holding on to the mistakes others make and wanting them to feel the same pain we have felt. For every time we get insulted, we tend to insult, for each disappointment we want to disappoint in return, for every lie we keep our own secrets, effectively … are we not getting what we give already? If you want respect, you have to give it even if you have not received it. If you want love, you have to love the ones that are hardest to love to get the greatest love in return. If you want more from others, their loyalty, their trust, their time, you have to give all of this unconditionally, freely, and without expectation.

 

“Love never fails, only people do when they give up because they are not able to find the love they are holding within them.”

 

I never said it was going to be easy, but I can assure you that it’s worth it. In all aspects on any relationship, to give because you can, to love because you feel it, to embrace the relationships because you have already embraced who you are. For the first time in a long time, I don’t want to argue, I prefer to reason, I don’t want to be angry, and I prefer to be peaceful. I totally love my life, and the amazing, incredible people I am so blessed to have share my journey with me. I hope that they view me the same, we met for a reason, they are either a blessing or a lesson, and I can only hope to be a blessing to them. If I am going to get what I give, then best I make sure that I am giving all I have to give to the ones I love.

 

 

Google+

“The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough is love.”

– Henry Miller

 

“Today, is a blessing … Today, be a blessing” …

 

 

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• Unconditional Love (jbournesblog.wordpress.com)
• The 10 Commandments of Relationships (sitdownatatypewriterandbleed.wordpress.com)
• “Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing”* (spinningrabbi.com)

 

Sugar and Spice and all things nice … January 26, 2013

 

Source: Google+

 

 

“The sweetest things in life are not those you can taste, but those that you can actually feel. Things that touch your heart, they are what I refer to as the “comfort foods” of life.”

 

I initially started my blog to spread positivity, in an effort to motivate and inspire others to do the same as I felt there was just way too much negativity around. What I didn’t realise was that this blog would become my “safe space” and my therapy. I have connected with the most amazing people through this blog, from all walks of life, with such varied life experiences, and it is nothing short of incredible. This blogosphere world of ours has changed my life forever, and I’m truly grateful that this journey of mine has brought me to this very point.

 

“The difference between can and cannot are only three letters. Three letters that determine your life’s direction.”

 

With each post I write, I always hope that it touches the life of someone, those that need it most, and those that it is meant for. It is the comments readers make, the feedback, and nominations for various awards, that let you know how much you can actually contribute to the lives of others. I was nominated for the “Super Sweet Blogging Award” by Sandra Bellamy, author and creator of quirkybooks.wordpress.com and I am honoured that she considered “Simply Me Just Be” worthy of such an award. Thank You Sandra, I am filled with gratitude and can’t wipe the silly smile off my face, you have no idea how much this means to me.

 

 

Source: Google+

 

 

“Inspiration is always closer than you think, just one keypad, one word, one hug, one thought … Just one touch!”

Inspiration comes from many different sources, and is sometimes as simple, and as close and one word away. One word can make all the difference. There are many bloggers out there that are “being” the change they want to see, they are living their dream and actively making a difference. I can only hope that the same can be said for my blog, that I can fulfill my passion of inspiring others, of making someone else’s world, a better and brighter place.

“I have the gift of the gab and I am proud of it. Writing is talking on paper, I love to talk and I love to write, so it’s all awesome.”  - Sandra Bellamy

 

Blogging is all about expressing yourself through your writing, practising the “gift of the gab” in print. If you happen to touch people’s lives along the way, make them laugh, cry, feel emotion, then that is a gift, a privilege. I feel privileged to be able to use whatever gifts God has given me, to make a difference in today’s world.

 

 

Source: Google+

 

 

“Variety is the spice of life, and laughter is the sugar … life’s main ingredients are sugar and spice, and it makes all things nice.”

 

 

As with any award, there are some interesting requirements for accepting:

• Give credit to the person who chooses to nominate you
• Answer the “Super Sweet” questions
• Nominate a “Baker’s Dozen” (13)

 

The super sweet questions are:

1.   Cookies or cake?

 Mmmm I love carrot cake and chocolate chip cookies, but I’d have to choose cookies.

 2.   Chocolate or vanilla?

 Chocolate!!! As if that was really a choice.

 3.   What is your favourite sweet treat, cheesecake or frozen yoghurt?

 Cheesecake – Lemon cheesecake is a slice of heaven on a plate.

 4.   When do you crave sweet things the most?

 You can never have too much of a sweet thing, most evenings after supper.

 5.   If you had a sweet nickname what would it be?

Top Deck – (Best of both).

 

 

 “Super Sweet Blogging Award”

 

Lastly, the list of the Bakers Dozen:

 

• The Hurt Healer – Inspiration for anyone who wants to live their life as the person they were meant to be.
• Living Loved and being beautiful! – Peace in your soul is all fulfilling and never-ending. It’s never in doubt, there’s never a second thought.
• Simple Pleasures~  - You are the road of Love and at the end , my home. ~Rumi
• motivatah – Positive Encouragement to live a Life of Meaning, Happiness, and Purpose
• Endless Light and Love – My aim is simple, it is my calling to follow my destiny and continue on this journey, each day placing one foot forward always learning from others, never judging, remaining consciously in the now, enjoying nature and all it has to offer and helping as many people as possible along the way.
• Jonathan Hilton – What You Believe To Be True Is
• Halfway Between The Gutter And The Stars – There is an awakening in the truth expressed in this blog.
• ZazuMove Danza Libera – If you are happy, happiness will come to you, because happiness wants to go where happiness is.
• Hope of light – Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope
• 2Baware  - fulfilling a dream. It’s a dream of happiness, a continuous self-growth and most of all self-fulfilment.
• hapicup. – Forgive everyone everything
• Just Pursue It – This website is for those who need to feel inspired. It’s about being proud to be yourself. I aim to speak to the hearts of women who feel that they need a “motivational push in the right direction.”
• The Still Spot – Be still … connect … and live abundantly!

 

 

Source: Google+

 

“Today, YOU  inspired ME!” …

 

 

Related articles

•  Quirkybooks – happy-to-be-super-sweet-super-sweet-blogging-award/
• Thanks for “The Sweetest Award”… (babyjill7.wordpress.com)
• A Super Sweet Blogging Award! (alifecontinued.wordpress.com)
• Super Sweet Blogging Award (peace4me521.wordpress.com)

Leave out all the rest … January 16, 2013

Source: Pinterest

 

“The trouble is, you think you have time.” – Buddha

 

Why are we so determined to hold on to unspoken words until it’s too late!

We do it all the time! Why … Because as Buddha so aptly stated “We think we have time”. Yet … we don’t, we deal with constant reminders every day of how short life really is. Last week was the 2^nd Year anniversary of the death of my friend, Ilse. It hurts because of all the pain left behind when she passed, not just because she was barely 30 when she died, or the fact that her death was very sudden and unexpected, but also because of the words left unspoken. There is so much I would have loved to say to her.

 

“I doubt very much whether my friend truly knew just how loved She really was” …

 

When it was time to say goodbye at her funeral, I saw people who were not just grieving the loss of someone they loved, but they were hurting because there were too many words left unspoken, “unfinished” business”, no opportunity to right any wrongs or try to make peace before such a tragedy struck. As I chatted to her family and friends, the main question they asked that struck me, was whether she knew what she meant to them. I probably had many opportunities to tell her what she meant to me, yet I didn’t take them all. Instead, I could only tell her in her eulogy, which she will never get to hear. I know that I showed her what she meant to me with the way I treated her while she was with us, but it is something else when someone you care about actually takes the time to tell you to your face.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

”Be a best friend, tell the truth and over use “I LOVE YOU”!”

 

So what if you tell someone 100 times a day that you love them if that’s what you feel, it’s better than missing even one chance to say it. What really matters when it involves the people you love the most? Why are people only ready to forgive, let go, and finally say what they feel when someone dies or moves away and the moment has passed? Why let petty arguments or mistakes grow into lifelong grudges and miss out on friends and family while they are still here and we have the opportunity to share moments with them that we will never get again.

 

“Time is the second most precious gift we have; the most valuable gift is life itself. What we do with the time we have is what determines the legacy of the life we live” …

 

One of my favourite songs is “Leave out all the rest – Lincoln Park”, it really does get the message across and makes you ask yourself … What am I leaving when I’m done here? The verse I love the most is … “So if you’re asking me I want you to know. When my time comes, forget the wrong that I’ve done. Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed, and don’t resent me when you’re feeling empty keep me in your memory … Leave out all the rest”

 

 

Source: Google+

“I’m strong on the surface, not all the way through, I’ve never been perfect, but neither have you” …

 

The reality is that we will make mistakes, hurt the ones we love, and do things we are not proud of but that’s life! … How we react to it is what matters. Live life simply and stick to the basic principles of life that we have grown up with. Don’t leave your loved ones without a kiss goodbye and a kind word. Try not to end the day with unresolved arguments, swallow your pride, accept the apology you are probably not going to get anyway and decide what’s more important … Do you need to be right, or do you want to do what’s right? When it’s your time, it’s your time, we don’t know when that is and we can’t do anything to change it either, our paths are already mapped.

 

“Time is precious, waste it wisely” …

 

Celebrate your life and the ones in it, regardless of your life’s journey, this is your life and only you can determine the legacy you leave behind once you’re gone. I want my loved ones to remember me with laughter and love in their hearts. I want them to giggle at this girl who wouldn’t shut up, suffered from verbal diarrhea, but there was no question as to how she felt about life, and everything in it, especially the ones she loved. I want to teach my son that regardless of what a person does that may hurt you, what matters is who and what that person is to you … leave out all the rest.

 

Source: tumblr.com

 

“The strange thing about life is how we learn our greatest lessons when it’s too late.”

 

May you always find the courage within to express your feelings, not later, but now, before it is too late. Sometimes all you have is one moment, one chance, and you have no choice but to take it.

 

 

Related articles

 

 

• Unspoken (scenicroadway.wordpress.com)
• Words (aliveandunbroken.wordpress.com)

 

The skin I’m in … January 6, 2013

 

Source: yashikibuta.tumblr.com

 

 

”To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance – Oscar Wilde”

 

How comfortable are you with the skin you’re in? I recently watched a motivational talk on YouTube by Nick Vujicic – (DVD Clip from No Arms, No Legs, No Worries – Jr. High Talk), I am humbled beyond words. Just when you think you have every right to feel uncomfortable with the way you look, someone like Nick comes along and smacks you with a good dose of perspective. What hit me the most from the 16 minute video was the statement Nick made that living with no arms and no legs was easy, it was watching his loved ones and others go through difficulties that was hard for him … Imagine that! No arms, no legs, easy? We’ve all experienced the difficulty and emotions of managing the expectations of others and attempt to gain their acceptance.

 

“With the power of encouragement, you can save a person’s life. – Nick Vujicic”

 

Nick stated that we each have the power to destroy or save a life.We could be the final straw that tips a person over the edge or the one saving grace that keeps them from hurting themselves or possibly worse. In one day alone, Nick counted the number of people who said something cruel or negative to him, after number 12 he felt that if there was just one more negative person then he would break, he couldn’t do this anymore. Number 13, was someone who told him how good he was looking that day, that kept him positive, holding on to face another day. Do we really have a society that condones discrimination against anyone less than perfect? Unfortunately, yes.

 

 

 Source: albfit.tumblr.com

 

“No negative self-talk, no negative body image, or excuses allowed here!”

 

I do believe that society has an image of what we are supposed to look like but I believe that it is unrealistic, it is a lie. We would all love to be like the bronzed toned swimsuit model, or athlete with the 4, 6, or 8 pack, but we are not, neither are they without the airbrushing, enhancements and cosmetic surgery. It is the acceptance of ourselves and others that makes us comfortable with the skin we are in and less judgemental. What scares me for society as a whole is the fact that children are becoming cruel and attacking other children for being less than “society’s perfect”. We have minors, some as young as 7, that suffer with eating disorders, behavioural issues and self-harming which is largely contributed to by the fact that they do not feel accepted; they don’t feel a sense of belonging, or self-worth.

 

“Self-worth comes from one thing, a belief that you are worthy.” – Wayne Dyer

 

We get told so many negative things by others, we are told we can’t do certain things, or that we don’t quite meet the required standards, but ultimately we have the power of choice. It is our choice to accept the opinions of others, or to define the truth for ourselves. Personally, what I gained from this message is that regardless of appearances, what matters is our purpose in life. Nick’s purpose is clearly to enhance the lives of others by giving them an honest self-image and not a false one. Perhaps it is time to focus on finding our own purpose in life, rather than worrying so much about how we look and what others may think. Surround yourself with people who can see your beauty even if you can’t see it.

 

 

 Source: Pinterest

 

“Beauty does not have a weight limit.” – Unknown

 

I have struggled with self-loathing as a teenager and adult due to weight issues. After I had my son I managed lose weight and maintain an “ideal” weight for me, yet some said I looked ill bordering on anorexic. I was nicknamed “Anna” for anorexic. Then I stopped smoking and put on 10 kilos, I was called “fat” by colleague in our open plan office for all to hear; this was about 18 months ago. I started smoking again and I became obsessed with my weight, and would cry if I gained one kilo. It is a prison of low self-esteem, there is absolutely no freedom, and all you ever want to do is cover yourself up. Yet, I have both arms and both legs, so what do I honestly have to complain about!

 

“Once you accept yourself just the way you are, warts and all, then you will be more beautiful that you could possibly imagine.”

 

I have met gorgeous people with bodies most would love to have, yet they have just as many insecurities and low self-esteem too. It doesn’t matter what size you are or what you would like to change about yourself, we are generally never happy with how we look. Just when we “fix” one thing about our appearance, we will find something else to “fix”. If we give ourselves something else to focus on, something positive, then we won’t have time to feed the negative self-image and hate the skin we’re in.

 

 

Source: Pinterest

 

“Don’t let anyone’s ignorance, hate, drama or negativity stop you from being the best person you can be.” – Unknown

 

We teach our children their most valuable life lessons. They grow up with perceptions that become their realities. The only way we can take preventative measures to stop society’s perceptions becoming their “norm, is to start with you. Regardless of what you think of feel, there is beauty inside you. Start this amazing New Year ahead of you with a new self-image. An image of confidence, of love, of infinite possibilities, all of which you carry inside you.

 

“I would rather work on becoming more beautiful on the inside, than trying so hard to change the outside.”

 

External beauty fades but the real beauty of you will always shine through. The external beauty you wish to achieve can only be found in confidence anyway. moderate confidence is always more attractive than an aesthetically beautiful personal with low self-esteem. When you love who you are it shows, you “glow” with inner beauty. If you can get that right, then life is Be-YOU-tiful!

 

 

 Source: http://www.tumblr.com

 

I am just me …

 

“I’m BEAUTIFUL inside”

 

 

 

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