Wonderful New Years Eve Tradition

What a wonderful idea!  We are definitely starting one for 2013!

Thanks, Bella Luna Toys!

Happy Holidays!

I hope you are all having very happy holidays!

Here's to an amazing New Year 

full of joy and love and smiles!

The Peace of Wild Things

I can hardly begin to sift through my emotions... I am trying to keep the pain buried, the tears locked away... I don't have any words of my own that might comfort, so here are some beautiful words from the hearts of others:


The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a timeI rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
 - Wendell Berry

"I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains."
- Anne Frank


“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”
- Fred Rogers

source

20 ways of taking on the fullness of who you really are:

‎20 ways of taking on the fullness of who you really are:

1. Making peace with your religious past.
2. Taking responsibility for your spiritual journey.
3. Dissolving the line between “sacred” and “secular."
4. Listening to and trusting your inner voice.
5. Looking past the labels and differences, and relating to the deepest reality in other human beings.
6. Dissolving the line between "us" and "them."
7. Resisting the temptation to build a persona around being an enlightened person or spiritually     superior.
8. Exploring the mystery, rhythm and flow of life in the natural world. 
9. Expanding what it means to be “present” – exploring your spiritual aura and energy.
10. Addressing the root of your suffering.
11. Awakening and living from your inner passion.
12. Exploring the connection between spirituality and sexuality.
13. Expanding your relational world beyond religious sub-culture.
14. Not creating a new religion out of your latest discovery.
15. Assuming every human being knows something you need to know.
16. Not latching onto the latest guru – learn from everybody but consider yourself to be your own guru.
17. Exploring new fields of knowledge, understanding or experience. 
18. No longer viewing your humanity as an obstacle to but a vehicle of being who you really are.
19. Giving up the story that something is wring with you. 
20. Discover, explore, develop avenues of creative expression that resonate with you.

 - Jessica Blessica Vesica

Natural Spirituality

The adorable Rachael shares some excellent Tips on Uncovering Your Natural Spirituality.

The powerful changing of the seasons reminds me of the majesty of nature and leaves me in humble awe of Creation.

"Perhaps you have noticed that even in the very lightest breeze you can hear the voice of the cottonwood tree; this we understand is its prayer to the Great Spirit, for not only men, but all things and all beings pray to Him continually in differing ways"

 - Black Elk, ca 1863-1950

Source

Love > Pain

For anyone who has suffered from pain or depression or anxiety... (HUG) <3


Video streaming by Ustream
If the video does not load, click here.

I'm Fine, Thanks!

A few months ago, I saw this trailer for an indie documentary called "I'm Fine, Thanks" and was really impressed with the trailer (ok, I got all choked up - it was exactly what I was going through).  So I supported them, morally and financially, on Kickstarter.  In exchange, I was promised a digital download of the film as well as the DVD.

The film is really inspiring to follow your heart and dreams, all about people who felt something wasn't quite right with their life path, and so they changed it :-)  And Steve from Nerd Fitness appears!

They sent me the digital file several weeks ago, but the dvd shipment was delayed.  However, last week I got an email with this hilarious picture:

How cool is that personalized thank you note!?!

5 Cures for Loneliness

Last night I was alone...  I missed my kids like crazy and was exhausted from a long, sick week.  And then I decided to watch "Finding Neverland."  Epic tears....

Great movie, but lines like "Don't ever put a little boy to bed, they will wake up a day older" didn't help my mood.  I was so lonely and cold.

But I'm ok now :-) It is a gorgeous sunny day, not windy like it has been, and I re-opened this blog!  Long story, but I will not let silly misunderstandings stand in my way again.

I really want to share this wonderful video with you.  It's by Christone Arylo on 5 ways to get rid of Loneliness.  She only covers the first 3 in the clip, so I listed them all below:

1.  Yourself. Spend an evening or entire day by yourself, no electronic connection devices to others. Take yourself to dinner or make a romantic dinner at home, and spend the night having a deeply intimate check-in with yourself. Ask yourself questions like, "How are you doing? What do you really need right now? What would make you happiest? What are you really proud of me for? What do you really love about me? What can we do to make my life even better?" Write the answers down and promise to take a least one action towards your happiness. Go to sleep feeling loved, by yourself.

2.  Other people - Send out a love line. Call someone you can trust and tell them that you are feeling a little love starved. Ask them to share some of their love with you. Tell them what you need to hear and ask them to say those things back to you plus whatever else their heart has to offer. Hang up the phone or leave the date feeling seen, and go to sleep feeling cared for.

3.  Spirit - Connect to the divine, to the bigger universal source, whatever that is for you. Get out of your narrow perspective of feeling isolated or like you are on a desert island alone, by opening up your heart to receive love from spirit. Do this by journaling a letter to the Universe, by praying, doing yoga, singing, meditating, reading a spiritual book, going for a long walk, whatever connects you to a higher force than yourself.

4.  Nature and Animals - Get connected with your senses and body to nature and animals. Flowers open hearts, as do trees, mountains, lakes, anything in the natural world. Animals too! Fill your house with flowers. Lay on the ground or in the grass and feel the support of the earth. Go for a long hike or walk and notice how alive nature is. Pet a dog. Cuddle a cat.

5.  Public places where people gather -  Belong to the world. The Dalai Lama was once asked if he ever got lonely, and he replied that he couldn't be lonely when he was surrounded by so many people. Take yourself out to a public place - the movies, a café, the bus -- and observe the people around you, then begin to interact with them through smiling, small talk, or giving love to them via a compliment. When you generate love for others, especially strangers, you receive it back ten fold.

Hugs and smiles and sunshine,

Mel

I am a Fitness Nerd!

source

Today I discovered my new favorite site, Nerd Fitness!


With creative and useful posts such as A Hobbit's Guide To Walking and The Nerd Fitness Playground Workout, you will be motivated to bolt from your computer screen to the gym, your backyard or the other side of your bedroom to do some pushups like I did :-)


The pictures are very clever, I'm not sure if creator Steve makes them himself... The entire site is very educational and energetic and inspiring!  Here is one of my favorite quotes:


You might be unemployed, but you are buff and unemployed.


You may be single, but you are single and look great naked, which hopefully means you won’t be single for long!


You may be living in your Mom’s basement, but you are in the best shape of your life.

- from Getting Back on Track When Life Sucks 

I was thinking about goals a lot this morning (I know... thinking about goals doesn't accomplish much...) But one thing I confirmed is important to me is to have a healthy, active lifestyle.  I am quite skilled at making excuses and currently exercise randomly.  This morning I also read an email from Live Your Legend on why regular exercise is vital to success in all areas of your life. 
Perfect timing!  

I commit to exercise regularly and get in the best shape of my life!  

So no matter how many times I am rejected, no matter how long I live with my parents, no matter how long I spend on the computer.... I am going to look good!

Links of the Day

Just wanted to share some wonderful links!  Have a spectacular day!  ^_^

The Way of the Peaceful Parent at zenhabits

A World Worthy of Its Children by Pablo Picasso

Coolest Blanket Forts at Grosgrain Fabulous

We are all lucky!

Last night - actually, early this morning- I spent hours at We Are Lucky, one of the coolest and most inspiring sites I've seen.  The creator decided that instead of spending a fortune on a space flight, he would give £1000 each to strangers with only the instruction to spend it on something good ("good" being their own definition.)  I couldn't read any of the stories without a smile and some tears.  


I'm amazed and energized by the generous compassion of each Lucky person.  Seriously life changing things happened. Go check it out yourself because I don't want to spoil any surprises and because it really is worth your time to be overflowing with inspiration!


I cannot make any financial donations right now, but I pray daily for opportunities for service to share my time, or simply a hug or smile.  I believe that money is not meant for material gain, rather it is a medium for helping others.  


Paying It Forward is everywhere!  Some related stories are the World Domination Summit, and Lissa Rankin's experience with the $100 she received there.  Doug Eaton gave away money for his birthday.   Inspired by The Birthday Project, thousands of people have done random acts of kindness on their birthdays and touched countless lives.  Now I'm definitely planning on dedicating my birthday to others!  


I love the quote, 

Remember, there is nothing "random" about kindness.  

BE INTENTIONAL.

We are all lucky to be ourselves, each with our own talents and the ability to help others.  As Lucky recipient Matt said, "... if helping others wasn't beneficial to us as a species, there would be no reason for it to feel good."

"When you feel helpless, help someone."

- Aung San Suu Kyi

If you need a little boost to your day or need some hope, seek for positive energy - you WILL find it!  I needed some positive people to influence my life so I asked the Universe to help me find them.  I have met some absolutely fabulous people since asking, I would not be where I am today if I had kept my narrow pessimistic view of my community. 

A huge hug to everyone and Good Luck!

Superhero of Awesomeness!

I watched an episode of Hug Nation earlier today and was inspired to write a bit about Awesomeness.  (Because of Hug Nation, I believe hot pink chakra must exist because every time I watch John, I feel a beam of bright pink glitter radiating from my computer screen and energizing my soul!)

John talked about his experience at Comic-Con, where a lot of people were dressed up as their favorite character.  He shared his idea that people should dress up as superhero versions of themselves!

I totally agree - we should celebrate what makes each of us special!  We should celebrate diversity and creativity and energy.  The world needs more YOU and less THEM! (the rude, judgmental THEM that says "you spent how much time on that crazy idea?!?")

You are a superhero!  In every little smile, in every big hug, in every time your light brightens the world... Listen to you inner hero and show the bravery you contain.  Boldly go where no one has gone before in service, kindness and spreading joy!  Blind those with grumpy glares with over-exposure to your pure awesomeness!  Do what you do best!

Summertime... and the livin's easy...

I've been so busy doing summertime things lately!  Water fights, hanging out with neighbors, exploring new parks... and loving every second of it!  Summers are too short and winters too long here so I gotta make every second count.  Which means I haven't been blogging much... but hopefully you are also out enjoying the summer and too busy to notice ^_^

Or maybe it's the Mercury Retrograde?  Gala Darling has written a nice little Guide to Mercury Retrograde Survival.  I haven't felt any huge effects so far... but I have accomplished, well, next to nothing this week!

I am a firm believer, however, that weird things happen during full moons!  It seems like everyone, especially myself, just feels out of alignment.  Like those old V-8 commercials with people walking around sideways.

Any mysterious stories about your Mercury Retrograde or Full Moon experiences?  Or anything super cool you have done this summer?

Brene Brown:The Power of Vulnerability

I just watched a TED talk from Brene Brown that has answered a lot of my questions that I brought up in a recent post.  She explains that the key to living wholeheartedly is determined by how we react to vulnerability.

People sometimes numb Vulnerability.  I am a typical example of this.  Sometimes I think that burying an emotion will smother it until it disappears because denying something is so much easier than actually dealing with it.  And of course, it never really disappears.  It just grows darker and more painful.  Even worse, you can't selectively numb emotions  When you try to desensitize from your pain, anger, or regret, you also diminish your ability to feel joy, compassion and love.

In her years of research, Brene has discovered that people who are truly happy believe what makes them vulnerable makes them beautiful.  And they realize that vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging and love.  This way of thinking is very rewarding but also takes courage.  She explained that one definition of courage is "telling the story of who you are with your whole heart."  By showing courage, we let go of who we think we ought to be and embrace who we are, and are able to connect with others.

She concludes by sharing four ways that we can accept our own vulnerability leading to a strong sense of love and belonging:
1. Let our selves be seen
2. Love with our whole hearts
3. Practice gratitude and lean into joy
4. I AM enough

To feel vulnerable is to feel alive!  Please make the time to watch this talk, it is about 20 minutes long.  Brene is very intelligent and funny, she opened my heart and mind with this topic.

I hope with all my heart that you feel worthy of love and belonging, because you are!
 

Can't Stop Love!

Image Source

Late Night Thoughts

I'm not really sure what I want to say here... just wanted to share some thoughts...

But first, I do want to say thank you to all my readers, it means so much to me! ^_^

Writing is difficult for me.  I have a hard time expressing myself, and I write at a 3rd grade reading level lol.  Which is kind of weird because I love reading nice thick books.

I don't know what I'm doing.

I don't have a map of which path to take.  I don't even know where I'm supposed to end up.  I have always had a hard time listing definite goals and I guess it is all catching up to me now.   I carry a constant prayer in my heart that the Universe will give me a hint (or shove) in the right direction.  Maybe I'm not patient enough.  Maybe I'm not listening hard enough.  I don't know what else to try.

I am working on self love because I have not been kind to myself for a long time.  And I really want to have an awesome life, full of creativity and love.  I want a billion dollars so I can give it all away.  Some days I feel like I am SO CLOSE to SOMETHING... but I can't quite figure out what or where.

That's one reason I created this blog.  To help me figure myself out, out loud.  And hopefully help someone in a similar situation.  I have so much energy inside, bottled up, I just don't know how to best direct it.  I am so scared to make the wrong choice, I am frozen.

Yet, I am inspired daily, reading about my heroes, people who refuse to conform and who are improving the world in powerful ways.  It's stories like theirs that keep me going.

And that's what I have to do, just keep going... just having faith in the Universe and believing in myself that I will make a positive impact.

Please don't misunderstand.  I don't mean for this to sound negative... I am actually very happy most of the time.  I just get a bit confused... thanks for listening :-)

Healing My Chakras

Continuing the subject of self love from my last post, I have recently been focusing on healing my chakras.  I didn't know much about this subject previously, so I decided to do some research.  I discovered Carol Tuttle's website, ChakraHealing.com   (I took her free test to determine the state of my chakras... and totally failed haha! But she said don't worry, most people do!)

A few weeks ago, I watched her video on the first chakra, the Root Chakra, and immediately felt more energized and grounded and happier to be me.   I also had a physical problem that is now much improved.  I wasn't expecting that at all, and it definitely motivated me to continue my experiment.

There are 7 Chakras, each associated with certain aspects (physical, emotion, mental, etc.) of our lives.  My plan is to progress to the next chakra when I feel ready, about every week or two.  I have just been watching her videos and the being mindful of my energy balance and how I feel.  One easy thing she recommends is to wear the color of the chakra you want to enhance.  I am currently working on the second (Sacral) chakra, which is associated with the color orange.  This weekend I got a gorgeous orange sundress on clearance that I totally love!

Carol is very easy to understand, I look forward to watching all of her videos.  She does sell a very in-depth course which I might buy in the future, but for now everything I have learned is shared on her website without charge.

Try it for yourself and let me know how you feel about it.  I will definitely keep you all posted regarding my progress.  The Sacral Chakra is the center for creativity so expect some amazing blog posts!  ;-D

Click HERE for more information on Chakras and videos for each.

(I have not been compensated for my views on ChakraHealing.com  I just like to share cool ideas and products.)

Image Source

Law of Attraction and Heart Consciousness by Mony Dojeiji

Don't you love when you have some precursors to thoughts floating around in your brain, then you discover that someone has already expressed it for you?!  I recently came across this amazing post at Walking For Peace that spoke to my heart and made so much sense to me.  I hope it helps you in your journey!

Law of Attraction and Heart Consciousness

The mind is a powerful magnet. We can use it to attract whatever we want if we align our feelings with whatever we want, vibrate with the energy of having it already in our possession, giving thanks in advance. These are all wonderful techniques, but often I wonder: is that the highest purpose for which this gift was granted?

I can't help but feel that sometimes no matter how we visualize and try to feel positive, we can't raise our vibration enough because our desire is coming solely from the mind. And the mind is not what emits the highest frequency. It is the heart. When we ask for money, relationships, happiness, the asking comes because we feel we lack those things. And until we can heal that feeling of lack, we can't be in that place of love. We can't be in the heart, truly feeling gratitude for all that we have. We cannot raise our vibration. I believe the healing work is what needs to happen first. And when that happens, then Law of Attraction becomes a game and we as children playing with it.

I believe the highest purpose for this Law (which I consider to be only one of many more laws which exist in the Universe, with LOVE being the root of them all), is to use this gift to ask from the heart. To be in a place of service to the world. To use Attraction and raised vibrations to bring healing to ourselves; and as we heal ourselves, we are able to magnetize and create ever grander visions of the world in which we choose to live. In a sense, we are healing the world. We are raising our consciousness, and that of the world.

Do you want the Law of Attraction to work in your life? Look in your heart first. See what is limiting you. Heal those aspects (fears, worries, judgments, beliefs, limitations, etc.). Accept them as part of you who you are. Forgive yourself for attracting them in the first place, for having them within you. Forgive yourself for not having known any other way to respond, or think, or feel in those situations that created and contributed to those fears. Love those fears, prejudices, limitations. Love yourself exactly the way you are.

Because Divinity already sees you that way, as a beloved creation. And through the eyes of Divinity, you already have all that you seek. You are Divine.

Mony Dojeiji

Choose Your Perpective

"...Connecting to purpose and achieving mastery are often catalyzed by our choice of perspective. This truth is most illustrated by the parable of three men chipping rock in a quarry. The first man was asked what he was doing, and he replied that he was chipping rock. The second man was asked the same question, and he responded that he was providing for his family. The final man, doing identical work, was asked the same question, and he said that he was building a cathedral. If you’re just chipping rock, you make yourself a common laborer, and while providing for your family may give you a personal purpose, finding the cathedral in your work can generate the inspiration and motivation that ripens into mastery while fulfilling the need for a transcendent purpose."


-  Rahul Brown, 5 Principles for Inner Transformation At Work

20 Amazing Pictures From Outer Space

I just had to share these photos I received from DailyGood today!  These breathtaking photos remind me how very very tiny we are, living on a crumb surrounded by a banquet of celestial possibility.  Here is my favorite picture from the collection, the Eskimo Nebula.  I hadn't heard of it before, but I think it appears as what I imagine an atom to look like.  This has inspired me to do some star-gazing tonight!

This image does not belong to me.  I tried to link it to the source, but the original article gave the incorrect file location.

See all 20 photos here

(HUG)

Here is a big hug for you!  

Because maybe you had a bad day, and did some stupid things, and you can't stop crying, and you don't think anyone cares or understands.

Because maybe you had an awesome day full of personal victory and joy.

Because hugs give you hope that you are ok when you feel weird, and hold you together when everything is falling apart, and can warm the coldest heart.

Because you don't really need an excuse for a hug.


With all the Love and Light in the Universe,
Mel

A Meerkat in Paris

Urbandon is sharing his photos of some beautiful street art in Paris, France!  

The meerkat is definitely my favorite ^_^ Click here to see more graffiti.

/

The REAL Motivation Behind Great Employees

I have noticed a definite and exciting increase of stepping away from the boxy corporate model towards improved, enlightened perhaps, ways of running a business.  This entertaining video illustrates (literally!) why more money doesn't always motivate employees to do better work - it actually makes things worse.  Thank you, finerminds, for sharing yet another wonderful discovery.

Please share your thoughts or personal experiences on this!

The Spirit of Gift

We have learned much from the native Americans, the Australian Aboriginals, the indigenous people of India (adivasis) and the Bushmen of Africa. We have been guided by Jesus Christ, the Buddha, Mohammed and Mahavir. We have been inspired by Valmiki, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Jane Austen and many other writers. We have benefited from the lives of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King. 

They were not motivated by fame, fortune or power.  Buddha claimed no copyright on his teachings, and Shakespeare received no royalty cheques. We have been enchanted by music, paintings, architecture and crafts of many cultures, from time immemorial. We have received a treasure house of traditions as a free gift. In return we offer our work, our creativity, our arts and crafts, our agriculture and architecture as gifts to society to present and future generations. 

When we are motivated by this spirit then work is not a burden. It is not a duty. It is not a responsibility. We are not even the doers of our work. Work flows through us and not from us. We do not own our intellect, our creativity, or our skills. We have received them as a gift and grace. We pass them on as a gift and grace; it is like a river which keeps flowing. All the tributaries make the river great. We are the tributaries adding to the great river of time and culture; the river of humanity. 

If tributaries stop flowing into the river, if they become individualistic and egotistical, if they put terms and conditions before they join the rivers, they will dry and the rivers will dry too. To keep the rivers flowing all tributaries have to join in with joy and without conditions. In the same way, all individual arts, crafts and other creative activities make up the river of humanity. We need not hold back, we need not block the flow. This is unconditional union. This is the great principle of  'dana' (offering). This is how society and civilizations are replenished.

When we write a poem we make a gift. When we paint a picture or build a beautiful house we make a gift. When we grow flowers and cook food we make a gift. When all these activities are performed as sacred acts, they nourish society. When we are unselfconscious, unacquisitive, and act without desire for recognition or reward, when our work emerges from a pure heart like that of a child, our actions become a gift.

--Satish Kumar, in You Are, Therefore I am

Challenge yourself to give more gifts this week!

Anger Management

Here is a great story from FierceBuddhist regarding anger management:

A Zen student came to Bankei and said, “Master, I have an ungovernable
temper. How can I cure it?”
“Show me this temper,” said Bankei, “it sounds fascinating.”
“I haven’t got it right now,” said the student, “so I can’t show it to
you.”
“Well then,” said Bankei, “bring it to me when you have it.”
“But I can’t bring it just when I happen to have it,” protested the
student. “It arises unexpectedly, and I would surely lose it before I
got it to you.”
“In that case,” said Bankei, “it cannot be part of your true nature.
If it were, you could show it to me at any time. When you were born
you did not have it–so it must have come to you from the outside. I
suggest that whenever it gets into you, you beat yourself with a stick
until the temper can’t stand it and runs away.”


It is our true nature to be joyful and loving and happy!  Don't let anger keep you from living life the best you can!  


xoxo,
Mel

Summertime! (haha a little random)

We've been spending our weekends in the pool :-)  My kids aren't taking official swim lessons right now, but it's important they are at least comfortable in the water.  C (age 6) just likes to watch or hang on to the ledge, while D (age 3) is a little fish and loves to be in the deeper water while I carry/drag him back and forth like a baby otter.  Here are some tips and fun suggestions for little kid pool time:

(courtesy of Cheerios and Lattes)

• Blowing bubbles- The purpose behind teaching children to blow bubbles is to get them used to blowing air out of their mouths in the water rather than sucking water into their mouths. (I often wonder why we call it “blowing bubbles” because the act of blowing bubbles is really humming in the water.)
  • Begin, by working on teaching your child how to hum.
  • Next, teach your child to blow into a straw in their drink cup, having them notice the bubbles that form.
  • During the ‘Tub Swim Time’ give your child a straw and let them play around with blowing bubbles. Once your child understands that blowing air into the water creates bubbles you can remove the straw and teach them how to blow bubbles by placing their mouths into the water. Model for them how to blow bubbles and then stop and raise your mouth out of the water when you need a breath.
• Holding on to the side- Place your baby’s hands on the side of the pool. Place one of you hands on top of both of their hands to secure them. Then, extend their legs with your other hand to give them the sensation of swimming on their tummy. You can also gradually move your hand securing theirs when they learn to hold onto the side by themselves. *You will later use this position to teach your child to swim, so this is a great activity to begin with young children to get them comfortable on their tummy.

Singing with Water Motions:  The best part about singing with water motions is that you can adjust or tweak any song/motions to best fit your child and their water comfort level. Here are just a few ideas to help you begin:

• Wheels on the Bus: This is a favorite of most babies/toddlers! When you sing lines like: “up and down” raise and lower your child into and out of the water, “round and round” swim or gently swing your child around and around, etc. I have also been known to add verses or adjust a few to fit better with water motions (ex. “the wipers on the bus go back and forth, back and forth”).
• Ring Around the Rosy: Have everyone stand in a circle and walk/swim around in a circle while swimming. When you get to “all fall down” practice lowering your child a little further into the water, or submercing your child (if you feel they are ready) under the water . You can also set your baby in a baby float and hold their hands as a family and swim around in a circle, tossing them up into the air (in their float) and letting them gently splash back down on “all fall down”.
• Humpty Dumpty: This is a great song to sing as a ‘verbal entry’ activity. When you get to the words “have a great fall” gently pull or have your baby jump into your arms.
• Motor Boat: (fun, active chant) “Motor boat, motor boat go real fast. Motor boat, motor boat go so slow. Motor boat, motor boat stop right now”

PLEASE always watch your child closely and never leave them unattended!  Have a wonderful, super fun summer!

xoxo.

Mel

Wow, how cool is this?!?  Using empty plastic bottles as lightbulbs - recycling, reusing, solar power, reducing electric usage... awesome!  It would be great for so many areas without electricity!

I'm Back!!!

Sorry I suddenly POOFed into thin air!  I had some things to deal with and didn't make blogging a priority.

But now I'm back, more positive and and dedicated and stronger than ever before!!!

I am still adjusting to a new schedule and trying to figure out the best time to blog (when my children are happy/asleep and I am awake!) so for now, explore some wonderful sites that inspire me :-)

http://1000awesomethings.com/
1000 Awesome Things the author was thankful for, listed in a cool countdown

http://www.finerminds.com/career-entrepreneurship/finding-right-career/
Even if you enjoy your career, gives great insight into goal setting

http://www.gratitudelog.com/
Like Facebook, but without the drama and ads!  And because practicing gratitude can increase happiness by 25%

Thank you for reading my blog!  Light and Love Always!

xoxo,
Mel

We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment but it is transient. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share caring, lightheartedness, and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then this moment will be worthwhile. --Deepak Chopra

I started to explore the Law of Attraction a few months ago.  I still don't understand how to use it fully, but the destination is the journey, right?  Anyways, I stated to myself and the universe that I needed to meet people that would help support me to be myself and to inspire me to have a better sense of purpose in this life.  These past few months have been more amazing than I could have imagined!  Every time I went out of my comfort zone a little, I would meet someone incredibly cool that was exactly what I needed!  A huge hug and thank you to everyone in my life, I love you!  I hope you soon find the joy and peace you are seeking.

xoxo,

Mel

Lasting change happens when people see for themselves that a different way of life
is more fulfilling than their present one.

-Eknath Easwaran

Photo by Simon Dale (http://simondale.net)

"This building is one part of a low-impact or permaculture approach to life. This sort of life is about living in harmony with both the natural world and ourselves, doing things simply and using appropriate levels of technology. These sort of low cost, natural buildings have a place not only in their own sustainability, but also in their potential to provide affordable housing which allows people access to land and the opportunity to lead more simple, sustainable lives."  - Simon Dale


Simon designed this amazing house and built it for $4700.  You can see the full article and more pictures here.  My parents are going to live in a similar home one day ^_^


I like the first quote because it is so versatile: sustainable housing, diet and fitness, a more positive outlook on life, showing others more kindness and less judgment, realizing what is truly important, motivation to achieve your goals...

‎"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot." ~Michael Altshuler

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle, 

or you can live as if everything is a miracle." –Albert Einstein

I recently signed up for daily emails from DailyGood (just click the Subscribe tab at the top.)  They are full of uplifting and inspiring stories and quotes, I am so happy I subscribed!  Both DailyGood and iJourney are run by ServiceSpace, they have a few other sites as well, I will check them out this weekend.


Have a fabulous day filled with lots of miracles!


xoxo,
Mel

Happy Lunar New Year!

                                                            Gung Hei Fat Choy!

Happy Lunar New Year!  May you and your loved ones have a wonderful year of peace, discovery and health! 


xoxo,
Mel