The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 22,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 8 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.
Source – Google images
“You are more than you can imagine” …
I can’t believe that it has been literally 8 months since I’ve posted anything, it’s crazy how time flies and before you know it, another year is done. I have really missed my blog and the positive interaction it generates. The whole purpose of my blog is to focus on the positive in life and to hopefully help or inspire others by sharing parts of my life that have taught me lessons, and helped me grow as a person. It has been such a busy time lately and I think I lost sight of that. I have had my little girl, who is 9 months old Today, and I have changed jobs, as well as moved house, it’s all happening! I have 6 different drafts of posts I have tried to get to in the past few months, and yet, I am writing about something completely different Today … Over the past few months, I have realized more than ever that each and every one of us … IS MORE THAN WE CAN IMAGINE …
“It’s the little things that matter, the little things make the biggest difference in life. A kind word, gesture, or action can change someone’s path forever, YOU could be the one responsible for that change without even realizing it” …
We speak to people in passing every day, whether it be a colleague, friend, family member, or random stranger, words are spoken in that moment that we sometimes never give a second thought to. That’s because we are not aware of the impact they may have had. We say things casually, sometimes with a point that we are not sure gets across, and sometimes just to plant a seed that we hope will grow, but overall, our general chit-chat is something we overlook. In changing my job recently, one of my colleagues came to chat to me before I left. She said she couldn’t let me go without telling me that I had helped change her life. She reminded me of a conversation we had more than three years ago, but to her, it made a difference, it had changed her path.
Source – Instagram
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal” – Steve Maraboli
I was working in HR at the time, and this colleague of mine had been brought in for a disciplinary meeting with her manager to address concerns that they had regarding performance at the time. I took one look at this girl, and realized that she has reached breaking point in her life, her personal life was falling apart, and this in turn was affecting her professional life. She didn’t want to discuss the issues, she just wanted to run, she wanted to resign from her job and give up, stop fighting and wait to see where her life would take her, she didn’t have any energy left and just couldn’t cope with all the demands on her. I sat her down and told her that she may not see a way out now, but she would look back in a few years time and regret her decision if she decided to give up now. I reminded her of what she had going for her, and the fact that she was doing so well in her role as well. I promised her that she would look back at this day and smile, that everything would work out as it was meant to and she just had to believe in herself. She left that day, and I honestly wasn’t sure if I would ever see her again.
“No matter how dark and long the tunnel may be, there is always light at the end of it” …
I moved out of HR, and into more of an operations role, and never kept tabs on the staff that I had been working with when I was managing HR. I did, however, notice that this girl in particular was one of the top performing staff members, and that she was continuously achieving “Agent of the month”, “Top Sales Agent of the month”, “Most improved Agent” and the list continues … I am so very proud of her decision to take control of her life and believe in herself and her ability to overcome the difficulties she faced in life. I am glad that I had some small part to play, even though it was only one conversation. I am surprised that I couldn’t remember our discussion until she reminded me of it three years later. She told me that I was right, she can look back and smile, and Today she realizes just how far she has come. I never knew that my words would stay with her. What I realized too was that this is also just confirmation for me of my own life changes. I feel that my purpose is to be there for others, to inspire, to be kind, to love and accept, and to be the change I want to see. I want to be more than I can imagine, I want to effect change for the better and be someone who is leading by example and making a positive difference.
Source – Pinterest
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them” – Dali Lama
Never underestimate the difference YOU are making each and every day, you may never know it, but YOU are MORE than you imagine …
YOU’VE CHANGED …
How many times have you been told that you have changed and that you are not the same person anymore? I can’t speak for other’s but I for one, have heard that statement every time there has been an argument between a friend and I, especially when they are about to walk away from the friendship and not look back. I used to think that it was a bad thing until I realised just how positive change is and that it is essential to becoming the person you are meant to be.
Source – Google +
“The only person that you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.”
If you do not make changes in your life to grow and develop then you are keeping things in your life that are holding you back and you will not be able to move forward. If you recognize the changes you want to make then it means that you are learning and you are motivated to do more with the lessons life teaches you. It means letting go, sometimes it is a person, or a job, or a habit, whatever it is, letting go is never easy but it is so worthwhile. Once you make a stand in one area of your life, the rest automatically falls in to place. The hardest part is taking the first step, its new territory and the unknown but once you start you will wonder why it took you so long in the first place.
“When people say that you have changed, it simply means that you have stopped living life their way.”
Don’t be put off by people who say that you have changed, be encouraged by it, you are on the right track. Perhaps the negativity you face is purely because they would love to have the same courage you have shown to make a decision that they know was not an easy one to make. People only criticise what they don’t understand or that which they admire yet are unable to achieve for themselves without the right motivation.
Source – Google +
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.’ We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson
Perhaps we should start thanking the people who notice the changes, for without them, we would not realise just how much progress we are making. Besides, they say a change is as good as a holiday, and we all know how we love the odd vacation. Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change. So the next time someone complains that you have changed, look them straight in the eye, proudly declare “I KNOW, I AM JUST ME AND I AM AWESOME”. What others don’t like, they don’t have to entertain, but the same goes for us, only entertain the positives in life. Be with people who only want to build you up, not break you down.
Source – Pinterest
“Trust yourself then you will know how to live.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Do they know what you have gone through, or what it has taken to make those changes? Chances are they barely know you at all. They know someone with traits they liked, even loved, who has been a work in progress and has become someone who is changing continuously, like a caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly. If they stick around to see the beauty of those changes then they are a true friend, if not, then you were better off when they decided you had changed too much for their liking.
Here’s to a brand new you, you’ve changed🙂
Source: Google+
“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that, then I realised that I am somebody” …
Lately, all I can think about, is the fact that there is seems to be no more accountability taken by anyone anymore. Blame seems to be easier than actual acknowledgement of our own individual responsibility for our actions, and the acceptance of certain circumstances around us. I was always a sucker for the underdog, and even at the risk of being targeted myself, I have always felt the need to speak out on behalf of others. But, I used to “cave” to “peer Pressure”, and worry about what others thought of me, which has silenced me on more than a few occasions. We are also taught that it is none of our business what happens elsewhere, it does not concern us. I happen to disagree!
“Speak out, even if your voice shakes”
I have grown up and learnt the hard way that you only get one opportunity at a time, and if it passes, you have no one to blame but yourself. I don’t want to be silenced by peer pressure, I want to help others, as I would wish them to help me should I ever need it. I want to speak out and make a stand. I was after all, born to stand out and I believe I am here to make a difference. I want to face my fears of ridicule and take a stand anyway. I want to give others something to think about in a positive light, I want to walk away from conversations, actions and circumstances that are only adding to the negative society we are fighting against. I can no longer pretend not to see the unethical, or the abusive, or the criminal, and not do something.
Source: Google+
“We’re blaming society, yet we are society. So to make it a better place, we must change ourselves first.”
What we really need to start doing is acting on our beliefs, not restricting our beliefs by our inability to put that which we believe in, into action. Actions really do speak louder than words. Yes, people will treat you differently, they will look at you in a new way, they will comment behind your back, and they will exclude you from general day-to-day politics of the workplace and home life, but, isn’t that what we want anyway, to be left out of all of the negative nonsense. People have stopped talking about others so readily in front of me, and they don’t include me in the office banter that ridicules other colleagues, they know that I have now adopted a no-nonsense approach, and I just have to say, life is more pleasant that way. “Less words … More action” …
“Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action, can change the world” – Nelson Mandela
If ever there was an example of someone dedicated to changing mind-sets, making a difference, and being outspoken on the injustices that surrounded them, it is Madiba. The fact that Nelson Mandela celebrated his 95th birthday last week, really made me reflect on his life and the incredible journey that has changed and influenced so many millions of lives. This is one man who has actively taken a stand, spoken out, and brought the message home, he is an inspiration, an icon, and without people like Nelson Mandela, would we really see the world changing for the better? I want to be one of those people, I want to believe in others, fight for others, have hope and always look for the inner beauty and potential of every human life.
Source: Google+
“Taking a stand sometimes means standing alone”
Each of us was brought into this world for a reason, and it is not our place to view another life as more, or less important than our own. Each of us is worthy of love, of being believed in and given the freedom and liberation to simply … BE. Discrimination is discrimination, you cannot sugar-coat that. Regardless of age, race, gender, religious belief, culture, education, appearance, sexual orientation, marital status, we are all equal, we all have basic fundamental human rights – A right that belongs justifiably to every person. Taking a stand for those rights starts with you. Believe in your own freedom, your right to equality, and to live your life … Your way.
“As we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson
The next time you see someone abusing a child or an animal, say something. The next time you witness an unethical practice, say something. The next time you hear someone being discriminated against, say something … Don’t think that someone else will do something about it, because THAT SOMEONE IS YOU!
Source: Google+
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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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.
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.” …
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” …
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” …
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?
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!”
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.
