Category: Something to think about

See things differently

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The new year is always a good time to come across anything that makes you smile, things that make you want to be creative, things that make you want to think outside of the box, to find a little inspiration in so many different places. I saw a new Coke ad over the weekend & was taken back by how creative and well done it was. It made me want to share—enjoy!!

A little inspiration and creativity to brighten your day, to help you look at things a little differently. Because if you don’t sometimes venture to see things differently–nothing will ever change.

New Coke Ads—LOVE IT!! Two AMAZING videos that make thinking differently memorable & AHH inspiring!

THINK DIFFERENT–Classic Apple Commercial. Always inspiring.

DREAM BIG I love big dreams, big ideas and the little places where inspiration and sparks begin. I LOVEd this ad that recently was put out by Dell. It is proof that big dreams can have small beginnings as long as someone is thinking differently to see the bigger picture.

To where dreams may begin…just loved the sentiment of this ad

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A little something to think about. A little something to inspire. Have a beautiful day.  -Heather

Parasailing Mexico

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beach-parasailIt is funny how a little google animated short can remind you of a funny life experience. Today is apparently the 216th anniversary of the first paragliding jump. Wahoo!! So I was definitely taken back to a crazy parasailing experience I did in Mexico about six or seven years ago.

Envision this…Me, my husband, my Dad, my mom and a family friend looking for a parasailing adventure. Why Mexico?? I have no idea. I now know Mexico is the last place to look for a parasailing adventure—probably, any type of adventure. Luckily my Dad spoke Spanish, so I thought we would be just fine. A local pointed us in a direction of a certain beach that offered parasailing. I had envisioned a nice, little boat ride and being slowly let off the back of the boat by a large pulley system. Not a chance, we showed up at this beach as a small group of locals was untangling and untangling a very messed up parachute. I began to panic & wondered what we were doing. Could this actually be the place where we were to go parasailing. My Dad was talking to the guy in charge, apparently making some sort of deal because then we were one by one getting fitted in the harness. It was my turn & I panicked as the young man in charge just started saying over and over again, “listen for whistle, go this direction to X.” I honestly didn’t know what was going to happen. My heart raced with thoughts of a Carribean trip where I saw a guy in a similar contraption crash into the beach and die. Yikes!! All the sudden I was beginning to go up into the air. I looked down & my mind then began racing with thoughts of sharks below. I scanned my surroundings below and thankfully didn’t see any dark shadows. Then my mind began to think of the directions that were given, listen for the whistle. Just then it was like every possible car alarm in Mexico was going off & there was no way I could hear anything—let alone a whistle. My eyes scanned the beach for an X, I saw nothing but little specs of people and heard only alarms. I was looking everywhere, hoping to find some sort of direction as to the next step or how I would make it safely to the ground. “I have a kid, I can’t die like this.” My thoughts began to panic because I couldn’t hear a whistle to save my life!!!

Then, I began to slowly go down, I was able to get a closer look at the small, wooden type boat that was pulling me. I didnt feel any better. I was closer to the beach, still searching for a whistle, looking for any type of X landing that may lead to a beach where my family awaited. I got closer and the noise began to break further away & the whistle was in reach. “got it!!” I followed the gestures that were madly being waved at me so I could land correctly & in the right spot. I definitely didn’t want to land on the neighboring beach house veranda.

I made it!! My heart slowed and the chaos in my mind began to shut down.

choice-life-sign-text-way-Favim.com-195127Would I do it again—Not in Mexico!! Just the sight of the tangled parachute should have sent us running, but it was quite the adventure!!

It does remind me of life directions & how we make decisions. Sometimes we come to a road where we need some help making a decision, so we wish for a loud whistle, a big sign to come our direction, a friend to call and give us the right answer. This makes me think of the funny scene in the movie, Bruce Almighty when he is praying for a sign & a big truck full of signs pulls in front of him (smile. smile). Life is not usually like that. We may need to humbly be guided, seek guidance through a solemn prayer, have an understanding and faith that things will work out in a way we need to experience the direction. Life is a big adventure, full of big jumps, scary cliffs, heart wrenching pain, people who come and go, moments that thrill, memories that leave us breathless…it is all with the gift and understanding of what is needed and when. We just have to go with faith and listen…sometimes, for the whistle!!

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WHY??

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ImageWHY is a great question & a great reason for any type of change within your life.  Think about it—If you have a reason to do something, you will get results. If someone is getting married, they are going to do all they can to lose weight—WHY??? to fit into their wedding dress. If someone has a hard time giving up smoking & then suddenly stops—WHY??? because they get pregnant & don’t want to harm their baby OR finds another good reason– like truly seeing the harm they are doing to their body.

Ask yourself if there is something in your life that you want to change—then ask yourself WHY you can’t?? Find a reason WHY that will help you stick to something you want to change.

I recently have been trying to stop drinking Mr. Pibb because I have noticed how poorly it affects my breathing. WHY was I able to stop drinking it overnight??  Because every time I think about needing a drink I think about how badly it affects my lungs.

WHY don’t you like to exercise? Maybe you need to reframe the picture & envision being able to play with your kids instead of ending up winded & unable to have fun with them. WHY don’t you find some type of exercise that you do enjoy. WHY havent you tried taking a class, going to your local gym to see if you enjoy swimming, going on a walk. WHY will bring up more questions that you can ask yourself & get a feeling for where your hesitations are.

WHY can’t you give up a bad habit?? because you don’t want too badly enough & you then set yourself up for failure. You need to create or think of a positive to replace the negative bad habit. For instance, every time I pass the gas station that I usually get a Mr. Pibb, I have to refrain & think of somewhere else to get a good drink to replace that bad one. I usually go to a Sonic & get a cranberry or lime drink to ease away from needing my usual sip.  What if you enjoy staying up really late, because you have told yourself you are a ‘night owl’ or have created a time slot to finish deadlines, only to wake the next day dragging. Work on creating a good schedule for yourself, one that gets you to bed earlier, so you won’t be dragging, will get the necessary sleep your body needs to properly work to get things done efficiently. Create a plan to get rid of a bad habit. Once you have a plan in place, your actions will speak louder than your “words.” You will be able to ‘walk the talk’ and truly see progress.

WHY is very powerful!! It is what you do with it. 

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What is your motto—Oh well OR What if?

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ImageI was listening to a podcast recently by Pat Flynn. He had spent years going to architectural school, graduated, got his dream job and then was laid off. He then fell into the world of online business and has been very successful. One of his motto’s I loved… “It is better to go with the Oh Wells in life instead of the What if’s.”

I like the idea of going for it, trying something new, taking a chance, instead of wondering what if this happens. You are going to be further along any road trying different ways of getting somewhere, then being stuck in one place wondering and worrying about what could happen.

Begin to move in the direction of your thoughts, your ideas, your dreams, your desires. It is harder for life to slow down someone who is moving with a breath of enthusiasm, then to circle someone who stands still. There is a time and a place for stillness, but not when there is a whirl of creativity, a urgency of ideas, a well of endless possibilities that seems to be circling you. This is the call of movement, the inner desires of your heart, a direction that needs you to follow.

Don’t give in to the what if’s—move, dance, create, fulfill that part of you that can open the door to experiences that will enhance your life, that will guide you to learning something new, that will teach you something about yourself…even if it ends up being a “oh well” moment. You will be able to look at yourself and know—you were moved, you listened and you followed.

So here’s to life motto’s—those little sayings that speak to our hearts & dwell in our minds….Which ones are you going to follow?

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Look Outside…of YOURSELF

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Homeless-2-Ian_Spence_largeLook outside…of yourself!

We get so use to seeing what we don’t have, wanting things that other people have, sometimes pulling a tantrum because we don’t get the $45 moccasins we have to have!! After watching my daughter struggle not getting her way I jumped at the opportunity to get her out of herself and help another. We were circling a round-about & saw a man standing on the street corner playing his guitar.

I had seen him there the day before, but looked away & tried not to see him– often we look away trying to avoid the moment of judgement, the heartache, the wonder if he is honest, what he’ll do with the money, etc. We hate that part of ourselves, so it is easier to pretend it is not there.

I looked at the man playing his guitar, he was wearing a yellow t-shirt & a ratty, old straw hat. He was playing with his heart and soul. I looked at my husband & said, “let’s go by him some lunch.” My husband replied irritated, “okay, if you guys want to.”  I was a little taken back that my husband seemed put out by the request, but I knew getting out of yourself and doing something nice for someone—helps everyone!!! We grabbed him a combo at Arby’s & I knew this would be an excellent opportunity for my daughter to forget about not getting what she wanted and thinking of someone else. I looked at my little girl & handed her the bag. She lit up & jumped out of the car. She ran over to the man. His face lit up & he smiled a big, child-like smile. He was so gracious & made her feel appreciated. I jumped out of the car & ran over to catch a glimpse of this old soul, this man who played with heart. I wanted to hear his voice, to see his smile, to understand his story for even a moment. He explained how he was trying to make ends meet before the snow hits & then he has a few jobs lined up. He told us how he just loves to play & it brings him such joy. You could feel and see his passion. He looked at us & with enthusiasm said, “Would you like to hear one of my songs?”  I smiled “we would love it.” My daughter and I just watched as his hands began to finger the strings & his quiet voice shared a story of heartbreak, hookers and love lost. My husband was now getting out of our car to hear the song. When he was done he explained how all his songs are his personal stories. He said he writes about many of the young girls he meets who have been beaten, abused and broken.  I replied, “I bet you get to see your fair share out here on the street.” He humbly agreed.  He then began to strum his guitar quietly while he told us that we could see his story on Vimeo. He thanked us again & began to play. He smiled his big smile & wished us well. He began to strum and sway to the story he was about to tell.

We climbed back in our car and everything seemed better, there was a perspective of gratitude, a humility of following your heart to help someone & knowing that guidance was on purpose. I looked at my little girl,  “See, everyone has a story.”  She smiled.
We waved and honked at our new friend, “The General.”

On our way home I did find his story on vimeo & I shared it with my parents. Later that day they also saw the General & stopped to give a little bit of themselves. Spreading the love truly does have a ripple affect.

I want to share his story with you, so whenever you see someone in need you will think…EVERYONE has a story to tell. Hopefully we will listen & come out a little better for it. Love to you.

Here is the story of The General   

Protection, Purpose, Gratitude, Love

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Wow, my heart skipped a beat as my husband called and told me about a shooting at the Houston airport. “Are you okay? was anyone hurt?” I inquired. “Yes. they kept us on the plane for over an hour till they had everything contained. There was a guy shooting off rounds and then shot himself. It was crazy. There were police and chaos everywhere.”  “I am glad you are okay. I don’t know what to think about these numerous times where you have been close to shootings. Should I be worried,” I said light heartedly. “I know its unbelievable. Its crazy.” I was grateful he was safe.

I instantly thought about another business trip my husband went on not too long ago when there was another shooting at the mall across from where he was staying. He was on his way over to the mall to buy me a gift for our upcoming anniversary, but when he arrived, there was chaos and everything was closed off to the mall.

Situations like these you never think will happen, but it always makes me stop and give thanks…thanks he is in my life, thanks that he was not in the wrong place at the wrong time, thanks that he was safe and protected for another day.

My husband and I have been listening to the audio book “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews—great book. There is a statement in the book from the bible…hedge of thorns.  In the book the author describes the hedge of thorns as protection, that nothing will harm you until your purpose has been fulfilled.

I envision angels of protection, guardians who stand by you till your quest is at its end. I thought about this visual and wondered what lives we truly would lead if we had our blinders of fear removed, began to know our innate greatness, our daily purpose, the gifts we are given to move us forward to our greater self, the greater part of us that changes the world, lives fully, sees clearly the vision of who we truly are.

I am grateful to imagine and feel of a powerful protection, a safety net that harnesses us to life, an understanding that what happens to us, around us, between us, is meant to be. There are lessons, monumental moments, heroic action, chaos…for some purpose. Whether it is to bring forth faith, gratitude, guidance, love or the mere understanding of another, there is a reason.  I was again reminded of this—to give thanks for the ones you love in your life, to not take them for granted, to tell them how you feel…to share a prayer of thanks.

Please find something to share with those you love, a hug, a kind deed, words of gratitude, I love you’s, xoxo’s, a sweet note, a cherished moment that will not be left undone. Don’t wait.

Peace and love to you.  -Heather

CHANGE=Better things are coming.

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Image“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.”   -Paul Coelho, The Devil and Miss Prym

It’s funny the things you think about in anticipation to change. My little family is amidst a possible move because of job relocation. Ideas seem to whirl about, wonder plays through everything—you watch HGTV and see other places and you wonder where you may land, where you may or may not want to land.     You look around at your collection of belongings and know instantly if you could let go of the bed lamps, the tan, suede chair, the hand-carved wooden box you picked up on your trip along the Oregon coast, the colorful butterfly collection that is held in glass, the metal birds gifted to you by someone you love, the books, the vases…the items go on and on, but you seem to know what items play to your hearts desires, the sentiments that are held within each precious piece.

Change does have an unexpected opportunity to shed light on the things that truly matter. My husband on more than one occasion has held me close and comforted me saying, “things will be okay, because we have each other.”  That simple line of words brings comfort and I know it to be true. I know this whole experience is to help us learn—learn a plethora of necessities..patience in our ability to just allow, to have hope and pray for what is yet to be, to believe in one another, to have faith in something so much bigger, to understand this moment, this day. This change is but a lesson that unfolds each day. Another gift of surprise—something unexpected, something gifted to help us grow and become better for it.

I leave you with a thought of change…What is one thing you would like to change about yourself or your life? What is stopping you? What are you afraid of? What are you holding on to? Change does not have to hold you hostage to your best self. Change is merely a tool for your personal growth. We become stagnet, stuck, listening to our old habits and thought patterns, content to be comfortable, not willing to step out into a greater existence of who we could be.    My challenge for you—think of something that scares you, something that will set you on a path to do something for yourself that will ignite your soul, change you just a little, move you in a different direction, make you see things differently. Do something small for you—shake up your life, let go and feel the fear, but know that any small change that moves you is a good thing!!

“We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers—but never blame yourself. It’s never your fault. But it’s always your fault, because if you wanted to change you’re the one who has got to change.”  -Katharine Hepburn

I am seeking to embrace the change!! Join me.

Here are some ideas to help in embracing any kind of change:

Explore: seek out new things, things that may scare you a little. Have you always wanted to rock climb? go try it. Are you terrified of karaoke, grab and friend and begin in the basement. Have you been afraid to get a massage–go get one. Always wanted to learn a language, head to the podcast library and download some learning. Do something that helps you step out of your routine, your comfort. It will help you feel alive, ignited and ready to try something else.

Let go & open up new spaces: Begin to de-clutter your surroundings. You can feel what you need to get rid of, what is taking space within your walls and begin to allow openness in to your life. There is a great Zen teaching…Empty your cup…The Japanese master Nan-in gave audience to a professor of philosophy. Serving tea, Nan-in filled his visitor’s cup, and kept pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he could restrain himself no longer: “Stop! The cup is over full, no more will go in.” Nan-in said: “Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.”  This is a great metaphor for life. How can you have so much clutter, noise, distraction and expect to invite anything new into your life. When you are open and willing to change, you will be ready for something better.

Accept and say Yes: Whether it is a job change, a relationship change, a move, a life change, going against or fighting change is not going to help you. This change was gifted to your life and you need to find a way to allow. You need to accept the change and understand this is where you are at this moment in your life.  I heard a great metaphor that goes along with this beautifully. Life is like a river, there is a natural flow, a current. You can either lie on your back and enjoy the float and see where the current takes you or you can try to swim against it and have a tough time trying. Change comes and goes, it is what you take from it that will be the true gift for your life.

Have patience: This has been the hardest thing for my husband and I. We have a hard time waiting for results, waiting for answers, expecting things from others…patience has been one of our biggest struggles, so we constantly pray for gobs of patience & we smile & laugh our way through it!! I know it has been extremely tough for my husband to not have 50-100 emails each morning, to have his phone not ring, to not feel the amount of responsibility he is used to has been a huge change. I look at him and say—enjoy it while it lasts, because it will all come again & then the real patience will have to step in.

Well, I hope these ideas will help you in embracing any type of change you are dealing with in your life. Cheers to everyone making, creating, experiencing change. Let’s look at it as a good thing—a gift—a surprise!!  Have a beautiful day!   Heather

Some last thoughts on change…

“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” -Steve Jobs

“When we are no longer able to change a situation–we are challenged to change ourselves.”  -Viktor E Frankl

“We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.”  -Harrison Ford

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”  -Maya Angelou

WOW!

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ImageWith Earth Day coming up in less than a week, my little family decided to go see the new IMAX movie “Flight of the Butterflies.”  It was an amazing movie that held beauty, magic, wonder and inspiration within its story. To me, it was truly a story of miracles and the difference one person can make.

So, today’s post is about people who have made a difference in this beautiful world of ours. I hope their stories inspire, motivate and help you see a glimmer of the potential you hold within. I am going to begin with the heroes of the movie, Dr. Fred Urquhart and his wife Norah…

Dr. Fred Urquhart and his wife Norah: Fred began his love of butterflies as a young boy and wondered where the butterflies went for the winter. That one little thought sparked his journey that would take him years and years into the world of Monarch butterflies. He read everything he could get his hands on in his youth, which then led him to eventually become a zoology professor. He observed, watched, followed and knew the only answers he would find were held in the wings of this beautiful butterfly. He began creating glues that would stick to the wings to track where these miraculous creatures went. Eventually he and his wife founded the Insect Migration Association (known today as Monarch Watch). This association enlisted thousands of volunteers across North America to tag butterflies hoping to find their migration route. From the year 1940 until the year 1974 they searched and searched, hoping to find the hidden answer to where the millions of butterflies disappeared to. Two scientists in Mexico helped in the search and in 1974 hidden in the mountains west of Mexico City millions of butterflies were found. The treasure was finally found. A life long search had come to an end and the end was beautiful.  For more information, pictures and story details go to http://www.flightofthebutterflies.com   AMAZING!

“I do not know of any species of insect that has aroused a greater interest among the populace in many parts of the world than the monarch butterfly. One of the great pleasures Norah and I have had in our studies of the monarchs has been receiving letters from children and adults alike, expressing their delight at being introduced to the study of nature through our program of monarch butterfly tagging and research. It has been a source of great happiness for us.”  -Fred Urquhart, 1987

Rachel Louise Carson: She was a marine biologist who became a full-time nature writer & her books are credited with truly advancing and helping the environmental movement. She had many books that made a difference, but her book Silent Spring gathered examples of environmental damage attributed to DDT in Sept 1962. She died two years later.

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature–the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”  -Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

Julia Butterfly Hill: She lived in a 180 foot tall, 1500-year-old California Redwood tree for 738 days December 10, 1997-December 18, 1999. She lived in the tree that she called “Luna” to stop loggers from cutting it down.

“Nature’s wisdom teaches us that where life is in motion, it’s healthy; where it’s stagnant, it’s dying. But people have to interpret that journey in a way that’s authentic for them…whatever helps you. We call it “finding your own true north”–like on a compass. In production-drive societies, we’re tricked into believing that true both is outside of us. So we’re constantly looking outside ourselves to figure out if this is the right job, the right house, the right relationship, the right subject to be studying. But our true north is invariably inside us…if we do what we love to do, what we’re inspired to do, what we believe in, it creates an entirely different response.”   -Julia Butterfly Hill

For additional inspiration—here is a link to a list of 26 people making a difference.  http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/green-local-heroes-2010#slide-1

“It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”  -Robert F Kennedy

There is also a great book about kids making a difference in the world. I duplicated the stories this past Christmas and incorporated them into our day. There are some great stories. the book “Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Changes: Courageous Actions Around the World” by Gath Sundem

“How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.”  -Anne Frank

What one little thing are you going to do today?? Something to think about.

Make it great!!  -Heather