It’s worth waiting for the thing that is worthy of us. – Suzanne Grenager
Article written by Susanne Grenager, author of Bare Naked at the Reality Dance
Editor’s note: Scroll down to learn how you can win a free copy of Susanne Grenager’s book Bare Naked at the Reality Dance
Years ago I wrote and, with great trepidation, mailed a much-labored-over book proposal to a renowned New York book editor. I had met her quite unexpectedly over the coffee urn at a wedding brunch, where she’d expressed interest in my work. I was sure that what seemed like a wildly serendipitous cup of Joe moment spelled imminent publication of the book I’d long felt destined to write.
Getting a top editor’s attention without being over-the-top famous or, better yet, infamous, is a rare and beautiful thing. So I rejoiced when the prominent woman liked my words.
Her surprising offer to help me find the literary agent she insisted I bring to her table, assured me I was the blessed one. But after several months pursuing agents, I walked away. And boy I am I’m glad I did! Read more
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. – Plutarch
The winter doldrums are here.
With more than two months of winter remaining, plus an extra day because of the leap year, spring seems so far away.
Cold weather, gray skies and navigating icy sidewalks can drain our energy. The “I-can’t-wait-for-winter-to-end” sentiment can lead to feeling sluggish and uninspired. Sometimes our moods are just like the weather outside, gloomy.
For some, the cold weather can trigger a more serious reaction to winter, a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms of SAD, which can include anxiety, oversleeping, social isolation and weight gain, can be the most severe during this time of the year.
But, there’s hope. We can find relief by opening our minds and hearts to breaking out of old routines and doing things differently. In honor of leap year (might as well embrace the extra winter day), here are 29 simple ways to energize yourself whether you suffer from milder symptoms of affective seasonal disorder or a passing case of the winter doldrums. Read more
The journey is the reward. – Chinese Proverb
Life is a remarkable journey that is travelled no matter if we like the road conditions, or not.
And even though our journeys may take separate paths, I think most of us want the some things in life – we want to be loved, to be happy and to make the most of the time we have.
By sharing our journeys, we provide inspiration, hope and a sense of connectedness that goes beyond how we might otherwise see each other. Simply put, the journey to becoming ourselves is a little less intimidating, and a little more empowering when it is shared. There’s strength in numbers and the collective wisdom of many is more enlightening than the singular wisdom of one.
So, here’s my journey. I share it minus the millions of details that I could have added, but as a properly-sized window into my life so you won’t feel alone as you continue on your own special, beautiful journey – road hazards and all. Read more
When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’ – Author Unknown
Article written by contributor Jarrod Clark of Optimistic Journey.
Once again, we’ve entered into a season of new beginnings, and we’re facing the same yearly traditions. Many people are reflecting. Some are letting go of things. And others are making plans to set resolutions and bring about positive change into their everyday lives.
It’s great to set goals and resolutions for the future. But what happens if you slip off? What happens when things don’t go the way you want them to? What happens when unexpected obstacles come along the way? Do you forfeit your resolutions until next year?
These are all questions that we should ask ourselves. But what’s more important, are the answers we come up with. Read more
Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. – Buddha
Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day as If It Were Your Last
Lee worked at the well-known Preventive Medicine Research Institute. As medical director of the Institute, he helped thousands of patients to overcome their fear of pain and death and to embrace living life with joy every day.
In his own life, happily married and the proud father of two remarkable children, Lee was similarly committed to living life fully and gratefully each day.
Lee’s beliefs were tested in July 2009, when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
As Lee and his wife, Kathy, navigated his illness and treatment over the past two years, he discovered that he did not fear death. Instead of fearing the future, he took the time to practice gratitude, connect with his loved ones, and make every attempt to live a full life with each breath.
Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day as If It Were Your Last
Lee Lipsenthal died on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. It is now my honor to spread Lee’s message with this special book.
The Giveaway
There are two ways you can win 1 of 3 copies of this life-giving book: Read more
If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. – Thomas Edison
Article written by contributor Tess Marshall of Take Your Fear and Shove It.
Editor’s note: Scroll down to learn how you can win a free copy of Tess Marshall’s powerful new ecourse, Take Your Fear and Shove It. Reading by email? Click here to visit the site to participate.
Everyone struggles with fear.
It is healthy to admit when you are afraid, worried, or anxious. To do so requires strength.
You will never get rid of fear.
If you are alive you have fear. You have two choices. You can deny your fear and fail to take action. Or you can face it and do what it takes to dissolve it.
One choice brings misery. The other brings happiness. It’s that simple. Read more
No one has ever become poor by giving. – Anne Frank
Article written by contributor Harriet Cabelly of Rebuild Your Life Coach.
I recently heard a rabbi give a sermon on Giving of oneself and doing good deeds (the Hebrew word is ‘hesed’ meaning loving kindness, acts of kindness).
I started off half listening thinking, one more speech on the subject. But I started tuning in as I heard some new words being emphasized – comfort zone, personal agenda, narcissism. The sermon was starting to have a different twist. I leaned forward to listen with extra effort.
Two questions about our giving
1. Are we giving according to the needs of others, or are we doing our good deeds in alignment with our own needs?
2. Are we doing for others even if it creates discomfort in ourselves or are we simply doing what makes us feel good and worthy?
And when he used the example of not visiting a sick person in the hospital because of the personal difficulty for the visitor, I was immediately hooked. When my daughter was in the hospital on a respirator there were a couple of people who meant a lot to our family who apologetically said they could not come because they could not bear to see her like that.
The rabbi’s response – do it anyway, visit anyway; get over it and go. Read more
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