What are you going to do today?

I want to run, I want to fly,
discover a new hole in the sky,
swim the ocean,
touch the clouds,
turn my head inside out.
whatever i see,
is all part of me
free is what i'll always be
creating the magic it takes to reside
in the places on earth that never will die
love for it all
shiny and new
love for the rain and love for the dew
see through new eyes and make each day count
love is to give, an amazing amount

Unleash Your Potential

Hey everyone... it's been a while. I have been on my adventure which has been full of surprises, laughter, reuniting with old and new friends. I haven't written in a while because, well life is good! Staying active, busy helping others, and taking time for myself are my goals. I am thinking of 2012 and it's AMAZING! I have big plans. This isn't always the case. I used to live in a lot of fear. I was like an elephant who was raised from the time of birth tied by the ankle. I watched everyone else play, laugh, and go for adventures. I was stuck on a leash, but the sad part was the leash was an illusion. I was taught that if I were to wander away or break free from my leash that the world was a scary place, and I needed the security of the leash. But one day, that changed. My leash broke. I was wandering from the cage, and I felt so free. I felt so alive, being able to talk to who I wanted, see things I've never seen. I felt the grass and sands on my feet, and I breathed the ocean air. I learned that the life I left behind me was a cold one. When I look back now, it seems like just a blur. Like a bad dream I woke from, and I will never go back. I realize my metaphors may be elusive, but I don't intend to be. My point is, we were born to be free. We were born to follow our dreams. The songs about "dreams really do come true...", that doesn't just happen. You make it happen. The first step is to take the leash, chains, ropes, and other obstacles and leave them far behind. Actually run, and don't look back. The fear is an illusion. People are controlled these days, they are sleeping, but they don't want to see the truth. You are all you got. Make the most of your life, and live YOUR dreams. Don't live for someone else. Live for you. What do you want? How can you achieve and attain it? Put it into motion. I am no longer a scared baby elephant; I am a happy, joyful, energetic baby elephant running with the wind. I will never look back, and from this day forward I hope to help others see that the only obstacle to achieving their dreams is in their mind, because somebody, some thing, or some entity lied to them. There is no such thing as security. It is all there to blind you and distract you from the big picture: "If you don't make your dreams come true, who will?" I love you all and just want you to see the power within you, so that you can be free, and go where you wish, do what you wish, and live your life to the fullest. Thank you for reading this. Take care... Love, Light, Peace & Joy. neila

get grateful

today i am grateful. different than any other day? not in my opinion. but today is a holiday where millions of people focus on being grateful and they feel warm and fuzzy inside. stuffing themselves with all the fixins. waving at their neighbors with a cheerful smile. hugging quite a few people in one day is always a good thing. there's a warm feeling in the air, despite the chilly temperature. the explanation is the energy, and the kindness people seem to think is reserved for once or twice a year. nobody is nice 100% of the time, but it would be interesting to see how the world would be if everyone, everywhere were grateful, kind, loving, thankful, harmonious, and united... every day. i understand we get side tracked, or distracted in our busy, hectic lives. but if we slow down each and every day to focus our energy and perspective on getting grateful and take some nice deep breaths, our quality of life will be so much richer. hugging each other, laughing, holding doors open for someone, is something we can do every day. appreciate yourself. be grateful. i woke up today hundreds and even thousands of miles away from some people that i would really love to see. just like every day, i miss them. but i am so grateful for this day we all share from our different spots on this planet. i am grateful for hope, and deep in my heart knowing i will see them again very soon. they're with me in spirit, and in love. and that is really what i'm grateful for today. peace, love, and light

faith

in life
it helps to have faith
faith isn't a label
faith isn't owned by any one religion
faith is an act of trust
the universe knows
to let go
let it unfold
come from love
sit back and enjoy the ride
love yourself
the world
your day
day to day
fresh start
let it go
breathe
in faith
knowing
everything is divine.

Unplug!

Meditate and take time to appreciate nature. Make quiet time in your life. That means, leave your phone at home, go sit in the forest, the beach, anywhere actually you can let your mind go. Let your thoughts ramble on, and don't judge them.
I learned form one of my favorite yoga instructors, Krishna Prema, to say, "That's an interesting thought, I wonder what other interesting thoughts there are...". Acknowledging the thoughts, let them go, eventually the mind will be quiet, and  rest. It is interesting, being there in a space of quiet inner calmness and clarity. When there are no longer thoughts streaming chaotically through your mind. You will be at a place to think on life, and anything you feel that would be beneficial. Listen to your your soul.
Your soul knows what's good for you. I personally believe, body, mind, and soul are one. I am a complete being, and I need to take time to pull it all in, tie it together. Grounding, and balancing one's self is empowering. I have learned and am always in the process of learning.
I don't consider myself a guru or anything. But I write to anyone, searching or wondering how to do maybe what I have experienced. I realize that it is an ongoing process of life learning experiences. I know it seems at first, it is hard (why?!) to "unplug". We all need a break from technology and noise. People can wait, business can wait. Bottom line, nothing catastrophic will happen if you don't answer the phone for 1/2 an hour. But, you will reap the benefits of taking care of yourself first.

An example of a song that makes me happy & grateful to be alive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_DKWlrA24k&ob=av2n

Rise Up in Joy

For those wondering how it's possible to be happy every day, I have created a rough draft list of some things that I do. I will be adding to it as I see room to improve and grow a list such as this.

1. Wake up happy. Choose to feel grateful when you open your eyes. Think of the wonderful experiences that are just waiting for you.

2. Open the curtains or blinds. Sun is vital to your mood. If there is no sun out, or you are confined in a dark office, I would suggest a couple nice desk lights and plants to brighten the spirit.

3. Music. What music bring joy to your heart? Play it. No time to waste get on youtube, turn on your radio, turn on some HAPPY music. Something that will spark positive emotions and chemicals in your brain.

4 Eat right. I start my morning with a shot of Body Balance. It has a bunch of good stuff: Sea Veggies, Aloe Vera, Phyto-nutrients and Minerals. Whatever you choose to be good for you is fine, as long as it nourishes and nurtures your body and soul.

5. Laugh! Watch a comedy on Netflix, Listen to a funny CD, or simply find a silly video. A good one that makes me laugh every time is "Charlie bit my finger". I have many funny videos I can go to if I need to laugh. Another one of my favorites is "Double Rainbow". You can view both of these on youtube. Laughter is the best medicine!

6. Look up. Literally, look up. Look at the sky, the stars, the clouds, the birds. What do you notice? I notice that my little world and life is part of a bigger picture. There are people out there right now, just like me. My life will look up, when I see the birds flying free, they don't worry, they live in the present moment. They don't worry about bills, and jobs, and drama. They simply live.

7. Smile. Smiling will make you happier. I know you might say to yourself, "I don't have a reason to smile." But we both know that can't be true. Whether you're happy about a loved one, a rainbow, a chocolate cupcake. There HAS to be something to smile about. Authentic happiness can be created by our perception of things. When we look at the big picture and "Get Grateful", we can't help but smile. "I woke up today!" (Cue big smile)

8. Compliment yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back. Give yourself a hug. Massage yourself. We tend to be very hard on ourselves, and by giving our own self empathy and compassion we can really turn our day around. For instance, I might look in the mirror into my own eyes, and see the little girl I still am inside. I feel for her, she's been though a lot. And I say to myself, "You're gonna be just fine. You're strong, and you're gonna make it." It can be anything. Just keep it positive and true, and make yourself believe it, even if it's hard at first it will get easier with practice.

9. Compliment others or even just a smile & hello. We're all making it along in this world we all have our trials and experiences. Think about how you feel good when someone gives you an authentic compliment. It can make a difference in many people's lives, just by giving one person a thoughtful, friendly, or positive compliment. I was in the coffee shop yesterday, and noticed a girl who works there often and she is so quick and friendly and smiles to people. I said to her, "Thank you. You're good, and friendly. People really appreciate that." She was very happy, and the lady next to me chimed in, "That was a nice comment." I felt good to acknowledge someone else who is trying to be positive in this world.

10. Give to others and help others. These can be one in the same a lot of the time. I look for ways to help people. I want to help lighten someone's burden. Whether it is to hold the door open for someone, let someone in traffic go ahead of me, help an elderly person pick up their spilled groceries, visit the school for the disabled, cook a meal for a friend, bring someone juice or soup when they're ill... you get the idea. Helping and giving are ways I can instantly feel better about my life.

11. Move! Walk, Dance, Jump, Sing, Run, Swim, Stretch, Climb, Skate, Surf, Hike, Spin, Ride, Garden, do something, anything, that gets your blood and energy flowing. It is extremely important. Think of your body as a "Body of water". Would you rather be a lake or a river? I would rather be a river. Keeping the flow, will keep yourself fresh and healthy. Lakes are great and all, but the water tends to get murky, dirty, or stale. We want it to be the opposite of that. It could be a personal challenge, but there is always something you can do everyday, to move your body. You will feel better, because your brain in turn will reward you with a flow of endorphins, and you will feel alive, energetic, and grateful for another day in the life. Your life.

12. Animals and Pets. I have two little dogs, and it's hard to be depressed when I look at their sweet loving little faces. Their unconditional love and authentic joy is refreshing. They love me no matter what. If you can't have pets of your own, you can pet someone else's dog. Go visit the horse stables, get a fish, or take a visit to a pet store. Research shows people with pets are happier and calmer. And petting your animal is soothing, and actually releases those 'happy chemicals" that our brains produce naturally. Animals are kind, and they need love too. It's nice to be needed and adored. I love my pets.

Take care of yourself. Be understanding with yourself. We're soft beings in a pretty hard world. Literally, not just metaphorically. Whether I'm recognized for my deeds or not by others is irrelevant. I do it because my hearts feels full of love & joy when I do. I really thrive on living and appreciate myself for the unique person I am. I hope this list helps you find some ideas that might make your life even more wonderful. Chin up, hang in there, we're all in this together! Until next time friend, Peace and Love.