Exhaling....

Hi friends, it's me once again, sharing my thoughts with you:)

It's been a rough road lately with work, about 6 weeks of unsettling business. I can't go into much or any detail if at all due to the complexity of the situation, one word: disappointment. I don't understand the nature of people's motives, because I want to always believe people assume positive intent. Yea wrong.

I haven't been able to find my peace with any of it, and for those who know me, know that this is time when I would "run" to whatever I can grab onto in order to find a piece of harmony. Let's just say my sneakers have been on and the tread is beginning to wear unfortunately. I can easily go down the path of being a victim, but that gets me nowhere; I can easily go down the path of vengeance,but we know that's not me; alternatively think that karma is a b!tch and find peace in that sentiment. I think what I continue to learn is that people will not act or react the way I would, and that's hard to deal with because I tend to find myself so happy and invigorated being that basket of cheer "to" and "for" people. So yes, that's been hard.

Luckily, I find myself with people that continuosly try to raise my spirits, and reassure me that it will all work out, but ultimately you and I know it's in God's hands. The one thing I really need is for my parents/family to maintain their strength and health. Dad is suffering from an obscene amount of pain from sciatic nerve and mom is having some reflux and heart issues. I am actually sitting alongside of her as she's laying under a heart machine. It breaks my heart, because I am nothing without them... My family, as much as they get under my skin (vice versa, I'm sure), they are my gems... That place in my heart that no one will ever replace.

So in all this jibberish, I guess I just want to say, be careful who you trust, be careful who you consider a friend, but most of all find the strength to continue to love, embrace and move on. I have been working on this daily!!! And for those of you who get "off" being evil and superficial..."karma will be your best friend, so happy suffering!"

Find your peace... I'm struggling to find mine.
Find your love... In process of keeping mine
Find your smile... I'm keeping that in tact.

Love you all and thank you for being in my life!!

Follow your Arrow...Kasey Musgraves

Great great song... The lyrics are spot on:)))

If you save yourself for marriage

You're a bore

If you don't save yourself for marriage

You're a whore-able person

If you won't have a drink

Then you're a prude

But they'll call you a drunk

As soon as you down the first one

If you can't lose the weight

Then you're just fat

But if you lose too much

Then you're on crack

You're damned if you do

And you're damned if you don't

So you might as well just do

Whatever you want

So

Make lots of noise

Kiss lots of boys

Or kiss lots of girls

If that's something you're into

When the straight and narrow

Gets a little too straight

Roll up a joint, or don't

Just follow your arrow

Wherever it points, yeah

Follow your arrow

Wherever it points

If you don't go to church

You'll go to hell

If you're the first one

On the front row

You're self-righteous

Son of a-

Can't win for losing

You'll just disappoint 'em

Just 'cause you can't beat 'em

Don't mean you should join 'em

So make lots of noise

Kiss lots of boys

Or kiss lots of girls

If that's something you're into

When the straight and narrow

Gets a little too straight

Roll up a joint, or don't

Just follow your arrow

Wherever it points, yeah

Follow your arrow

Wherever it points

Say what you think

Love who you love

'Cause you just get

So many trips 'round the sun

Yeah, you only live once...

So make lots of noise

Kiss lots of boys

Or kiss lots of girls

If that's what you're into

When the straight and narrow

Gets a little too straight

Roll up a joint, I would

And follow your arrow

Wherever it points, yeah

Follow your arrow

Wherever it points

Peace... Love ... And SMILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Surreal... Peace, Passion and Health, do you have your balance?

Goodmorning Readers,

Thanks for your responses to my last couple posts, I appreciate knowing that in some ways my messages are uplifting or helpful to you, so Thank You.

I have had such a fun, balanced weekend.  Do you know how important it is to have balance in your life? I realize it all too often that at times we compromise that balance between spirituality, friends, family and health. All these components are important, but if we spend too much time on one and not the other, then it's a given that something is just 'off.' 

I woke up this morning, early as usual, and decided to attend an earlier mass time, and so glad that I did.  I was driving to church and all I can say is that the drive was surreal, and peaceful. There was no one on the road, the weather was overcast with peeks of sun shining through, the wind was blowing and all I could do was thank God for this beautiful day.  I am sure many of you are like what? It wasn't beautiful! But in fact it was if you looked beyond the crisp chill in the air.  The trees were so green, the solace found driving was so peaceful that you could only thank God for this beauty that surrounds us.  It was a perfect start to my day and more specifically my drive to church. I found myself taking deep breaths and enjoying the air traveling through me.... I have passion for life. I am convinced that once you find your balance, and your peace, everything else falls into place.

How do I find peace? By believing that life is precious and to try (although not easy) and not waste time on things that bring me down.  Am I always at peace? Heck no! But my drive is to be more at peace through balance in my day, and keeping my health in check. It is so important to feed your body the right things in order to exude a sense of fruitfulness from within. When I eat right (which I think is most of the time) I feel amazing, almost glowy to a certain extent.  In addition to eating right of course, you  have to balance some portion to working out, and OML (O MY LIFE!) did I ever yesterday. I want to look spicy for the beach, and for a special someone, so I kicked it up a notch yesterday... sit ups, push ups, chin ups, planks.... and today, well, ummm, I am beyond sore, but it feels soooooooooooooooo good! I will go at it again today, don't worry ;)

I have the windows open, the dogs are snuggled up against me, the song Adele "Set Fire to Rain" is on repeat and it's just an awesome awesome morning.  My day started with God and although I never turn Him off; that's one area where I don't think you have to worry about spending too much time... God is just awesome to me in my life... I never turn him 'off.'

So today...why don't you do something different to challenge yourself, eat healthier today..maybe don't put salt or sugar on or in anything. Sacrifice, excercise your mental discipline... ultimately, find your balance.

I hope you continue to love, find passion and above all else find your peace.

Enjoy today because you will never be young like today...that's what my aunt always tells me :)

LOVE TO YOU! and SMILE :)))

The need to tell you....

I needed to take a moment to write a special entry to say to that special someone (you know who you are), "thank you for allowing me to share so many common interests with you; thank you for making it so easy to have random, yet meaningful conversations; thank you for the journey we're taking; I cannot wait to see where it goes; thank you for laughing with me; thank you for wanting to share endless experiences; thank you for smothering me with your love; and most of all thank you for allowing me to be me... I feel free...with room to breathe. My happiness is defined by your ability to celebrate you...YOU are ahmazing ;)

I can't wait to see where this journey takes us, whether it's a month, a year or even a lifetime, I am relishing in every moment, because you make me feel alive.

I love life more because of you...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-gYJBsln-w

High on Life

Hello Readers!

It's been a little over a month since my last post and not much has changed, EXCEPT my euphoria on life.

I don't know what is going on with me, but I am receiving more comments on how I look - my skin, my glow, my physique..I would be lying if I said I didn't appreciate receiving those compliments.  I really do believe all this is due to my diet and exercise.  I am a huge advocate of juicing, and although expensive when I buy it already made, it's an expense I am willing to incur because "it does the body good." I know I have mentioned the company in my previous posts, but BLUE PRINT is amazing, they have variations of juices, my favorite and routine consumption is the Green Kale....YUM!

In addition to my dietary intake, I am a firm believer that reducing toxicity in your life is key. We all face many stresses in life, pretty much daily.  Some stresses we can control, others unfortunately we cannot, which means we have to deal with them accordingly.  For me, the things I can control, I want and do try to change in order to live a more 'holistic' lifestyle.  My home is minimalistic, my clothes are not pouring out of my drawers and closets, and my mind is somewhat cluttered free.  I want my home to set the tone in my life... I am so very blessed and at times shed a tear or two when I look around and observe what surrounds me.  My home is my safe haven, I come home and feel at peace. I want to try and achieve peace in every aspect of my life. There's a sense of organization and neatness; kind of like peace and harmony. Weird, I know but just go with it.

My relationships have been interesting lately with friends. I have had conversations that have both enlightened and strengthened me.  At the same time, I have had moments where I have asked myself, 'what was I doing?' But, you learn right? We all learn in life, and if we choose not to, then we may experience life to be a struggle. No thanks.

I really don't know what else I can share with you other than to keep rambling about how grateful I am for every little thing God has given me. I love my life, I love my family and I love my friends. I want to be the bigger change in this world, because it just feels so good to share 'goodness.' With every challenging situation, I always tell myself it could be so much worse, and it honestly keeps me in check. We tend to gripe about things that bother us, but we need to move past those situations, because it like everything it passes. In times like those, I tend to reflect on my health and become thankful.
I hope this post finds you well, and do hope it makes you smile...because as I'm writing, I am...remember a smile is contagious :)))

Peace, love and happiness to YOU.

p.s. CH, you are stronger than you believe; remember your purpose . . . to be YOU . . . everything else will fall into place. Love you. 

Giving back... It's good for the Soul

HI Readers:

I hope this post finds you well and rested.

I couldn't wait to get home from an evening of celebration for my sister's birthday to just share with you what a wonderful feeling it is to just give back... yes, I know, usually the giving back part applies to those who are less fortunate (that is just as important), but today, tonight for whatever reason I wanted to give back to my sister.

You see, my sister has always wanted, dreamed of being married and having children...always, since I can remember. And if there was one wish I could grant her for her birthday it would be her wish would be fulfilled.  I wanted her to relish in her day; I wanted her to wake up and feel the love, support and most importantly the celebration of her life, because she deserves it, and needs to be reminded of it.

From the weeeee part of the morning I ensured her truck was trashed with love...included pics of the dogs holding a sign, balloons, a cake for her to bring to work and just cards...lots of cards, and ultimately chalked the craziness out of her driveway.  I wanted her to know that even though she didn't have a certain part of her life fulfilled, she still had love that would give her the hope and faith to get her there.

I couldn't wait to celebrate her birthday this evening with mom and dad.  We went to Black Salt, an awesome restaurant in DC...and while we were there I asked her to open a present that I thought would not only be a random surprise to her but something meaningful.  I handed her a red colored wrapped box and inside was a framed letter that I had written to the pope.  Yes, that's right, Pope Francis.  I decided to write a letter asking for a special prayer for my family but most specifically a special intention for my sister. I would give anything for her dream to be fulfilled and for her to be happy and healthy building her family.

The evening brought us all a little to tears, including my father, but it was the warmest moment. I was sitting at a table with people who are my foundation, who fill my life with love and warmth (and yes, sometimes agida). I was sitting at a table with family, the rock of my life. They are my gems, and tonight was something that built another memory in my life...seeing all of us laugh, share stories, and most of all enjoying the moments of being together.  At that moment, as I was sipping on my glass of wine, made me realize that life is so precious. I am so thankful to be surrounded by love and a family that treasures each other. The 4 of us; a glue that is honestly strong to lean on like the tower of Pisa. At that moment, the gift of giving, the gift of being in the moment was something no one could take away.

When you read this, I hope you are relishing in the moment of life. Catch yourself smiling at the things you normally wouldn't notice and just thank God for giving you that moment. Enjoy the little things, but most importantly, enjoy your family and what surrounds you... hopefully one of those things is love.

Enjoy giving back...enjoy the simplicity of making someone's day, moment or a lifetime. What a tremendous food for the soul....you will feel fulfilled, I promise. Keep giving....even, the simple notion of a smile.

Love you all.
G
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA & JOHNNY!

A special message...

Gm readers:)

A quick post from me to you, one which resonates with me this morning. A message from the Pope during his inaugural mass. It's touching, real and the words in which I believe in and preach... Life is meant to live fully, to be loved and to give love... To be followers of God. This applies to all of us, regardless of your religious denomination.

I hope you enjoy reading this excerpt as I enjoyed reading it myself early this morning.

Peace and love to you.

----------------------------

The pope defined his idea of protection as “respecting each of God’s creatures and respecting the environment in which we live.” He said:

It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about. It means caring for one another in our families: Husbands and wives first protect one another, and then, as parents, they care for their children, and children themselves, in time, protect their parents. It means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness. In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. Be protectors of God’s gifts!