How to Connect With Your Inner Beauty

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1. Self-Respect. Being respectful of others is most definitely an admirable quality, but more importantly, we must always respect ourselves. Once we genuinely respect who we are, the potential we can fulfill, and the dreams we dare to dream, we then gain strength to refuse to be treated disrespectfully by others who may wish to pigeon-hole, stereotype or discriminate against us. 

2. Integrity. The first ingredient necessary to acquire integrity is to know what we value, what we wish to protect, encourage and cultivate. Integrity involves standing up or speaking out when it isn’t the popular thing to do, but rather the right thing to do. It means you are clear about what you can and cannot tolerate, and you in your own way, stand up for your values. Having integrity means staying true to your word, being honest, telling the truth and treating others as you would prefer to be treated. 

3. Compassion. Choose to live in such a way that you are considerate of others feelings and choose to help not to gain something in return, but to simply offer yourself, your time, and your resources when you can. Compassion also involves placing yourself in others’ shoes, doing your best to understand how they might be feeling. While compassion involves tough love, most importantly, it involves love. 

4. Applied Wisdom. Regardless of where we go to school, who are parents are or where we grow up, knowledge is available for us to grab if we choose to look. Inner beauty suggests an inner strength to do what may not be expected, but what we wish for ourselves. When we take knowledge and apply it to improve our lives and the world around us, our inner beauty shines. 

5. Perpetual Curiosity. In order to continually gain wisdom, remain forever curious. Ask questions, listen to those with more wisdom, try new things, travel, read, simply be aware that the world if full of lessons to be learned and experiences to enjoy. 

6. Not a Push-Over or a Pleaser. While being compassionate and kind, it can be quite easy to become someone who is ready to agree to any demand in order to please those we live with or work with. Consciously decide not to be a pleaser or a push-over simply to avoid confrontation, but instead be strong enough to reveal who you are and what you can and cannot do. Set boundaries. Dig deep for your inner strength. 

7. Flawed, Yet Not Frozen. Often the knowledge that we are not perfect stands in the way of treating ourselves with respect and requiring that others do the same. No one is perfect. Every one has made mistakes, and we will continue to make mistakes. Accept the past, be determined to learn the lesson and then respect yourself and your one life to move forward with integrity and determination.

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6 Ways to Live a Life of Passion and Adventure

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"I've come to believe that in everyone's life, there's one undeniable moment of change, a set of circumstances that suddenly alters everything." 

-Nicholas Sparks, Safe Haven

1. Just do it

2. When faced with sink or swim, choose swim. 

3. Erase expectations from your mind. 

4. Make mistakes as often as possible.

5. Live in a constant state of wonder

6. Stay in touch with those you love. 

6 Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself This Weekend

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up."

-Marilyn Monroe

1. What do I absolutely love in life?

List anything that you love about the world and the people in your life. Think about any activities that get you excited and enthusiastic and make you feel most alive. This can be absolutely anything: music, sports, cooking, teaching others, learning, watching movies—anything. Within your love for these things lies deep passion.

2. What are my greatest accomplishments in life so far?

List all of the moments that you are proud of as well as the times that you’ve succeeded. To have accomplished these, you would have used some of your key strengths. See if you can identify why you succeeded. Also, list any activities, hobbies, or anything else that you do that you complete with ease. Within these lie greatest strengths.

3. What would I stand for if I knew no one would judge me?

List everything that you would do if you weren’t afraid, even your wildest dreams. This will help you discover your greatest values.

4. If my life had absolutely no limits and I could have it all and do whatever I wanted, what would I choose to have and what would I choose to do?

Describe your ideal lifestyle. List what you would do throughout the day if you knew that you were bound to be successful, what kind of person you would be, how much money you would earn, and where you would live.

This question allows you to realize who you would truly want to be if there were no limits. By aligning with this you can begin working towards the life that you truly want to create. Know that you wouldn’t have a desire if you didn’t also have the ability to fulfil it.

5. What would I do if I had one billion dollars?

List everything that you would really love to do if you had all the money in the world. Okay, so you would probably travel the world, buy a house or two, and give some money to your family. Then what would you do with your time?

This question helps you to think without limitations. When we are able to remove limitations and boundaries, we can discover what we really want to do.

6. Who do I admire most in the world?

List your greatest inspirations and the qualities that you admire about these people. Think about what really inspires you in this world. What you admire about others is also a quality that is in you. Know that you admire someone because they have similar qualities to you.

Taking the time to answer these question will change your life. The more that you can implement your passions, strengths, values, desires, and motivations into your days, the happier your life will become!

You can study to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or anything else, but this knowledge will only take you so far. Meanwhile, discovering the deep wisdom of self-knowledge will ensure that your life is far more meaningful and fulfilling. I’ve got a feeling that is what Einstein meant when he said “Information is not knowledge.”

The most valuable knowledge that you will ever discover is, and always will be, within.

About the Author & Source

TinyBuddha

James McWhinney is the author of The Wellbeing Revolution. James is committed to living an incredible life and empowering others to do the same. If you want to boost the love, happiness, and fulfillment in your life, check out his website at www.thewellbeingrevolution.com

Balance: The Art of Finding & Maintaining

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“You get what anybody gets - you get a lifetime.” 
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes

I regret that I have been abandoning this blog. For a very long time it was my project, the thing that I looked forward to every morning as I was enjoying my cup of coffee. Lately however, I have spent much of my time and focus on another blog; a writing project that I am not prepared to show all of you yet. Surprisingly, I have built quite the audience and it has fueled my desire to continue writing and to continue cultivating. Despite my enthusiasm, I have realized that I have been neglectful of previous passions and long to find balance in the symmetry of all my endeavors. 

My goals for May can be summarized in one word: Balance.  Balance for many can be a difficult thing to maintain. It's easy to get sidetracked, to find yourself quitting. After all is it worth it? Am I wasting my time? The answer is simple. No. 

A few weeks back I read a quote that smacked me in the face. 

"Do one thing a day that makes your dream a reality."

Regardless of what that one thing should be, it makes perfect sense. It won't happen overnight. You won't roll over one morning and find your dream wrapped in a big, beautiful red bow. It takes small efforts, day in and day out. Even if you don't want to commit to the time to make it happen. Excuses, will not make you successful. 

There have been many times over the last few weeks where I have sat behind a keyboard and cursed at my inability to put something on the page. It was like pulling teeth, which in hindsight would have be more appealing. But, I did it anyway. I wrote and I wrote crap. But I still did it. 

Balance. 

Such a hefty word. 

Is there a simple solution? One can argue that there is. But in my opinion it takes time, and takes skill. One can find balance by prioritizing and finding the time to make each of your goals more attainable. Again, excuses need to be left at the door. Easier said than done, but again, small efforts will be rewarded in the long run. 

My goal is find balance. With this blog, with my other blog, my 5 mile runs that I have committed myself to at least 3 times a week. 

Happy Hour Readers: Have you abandoned a passion lately? How do you maintain balance? 

4 Ways To Make That Dream a R E A L I T Y

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“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” 
― Neil Gaiman

1. Believe that it’s possible.

So often we think of dreams as things most people don’t get to do—luxuries reserved for people who are privileged, wealthy, or well connected.

It’s true that some people have more advantages than others. What takes one person five years of planning and saving may require another to do little more than sell a stock and make a call.

It’s also true that the second person may have worked incredibly hard for said stock. The point is: We’re all starting from different places, for different reasons, with different levels of work required to get from A to B.

If your dream is something you’re physically incapable of doing, it may be improbable (but not impossible—we’ve come a long way with technology!) And there’s no denying that certain dreams are more difficult to achieve than others.

But most of the things we dream about are things we could do if we were willing to work toward it, align our choices to support it, and stay flexible in terms of fulfilling it.

You don’t need to believe it will be easy, or it will happen quickly, or it will look exactly like you visualized it. You just need to believe in the possibility, which really means you need to believe in yourself.

2. Take tiny steps to work toward it.

Working toward it entails aligning with the right people, disregarding discouragement from people who don’t support your growth, and taking tiny steps each day to move toward your vision.

“The right people” are those who help you, support you, encourage you, believe in you, and guide you on your way to this dream. It may include people who’ve done what you want to do, people who also want to do it, and even people who just plain find it cool.

Share your enthusiasm and progress with them. They’ll keep you excited and help you stick to your plan.

As for those people who don’t support your growth, there will be many of them, and they most likely won’t be malicious. They’ll be well-meaning people who aren't able to do step one for themselves, and, therefore, think they’re doing you a favor by discouraging you. Politely decline that favor.

Their words may seem to keep you down, but it’s how you internalize them that holds you back.

And as for taking consistent steps, they really can be tiny. It may not seem like much to make a call, bookmark a site, or send an email, but the little things add up over time—and because they’re easily doable, each one may inspire you to do more.

3. Make choices that support it.

Much of our experience stems from our choices. Not all of it; there are some things that we can’t control.

This isn't a suggestion that if we make all the “right” choices, everything will line up and magically work out. It’s just that we have more power than we often realize—and our power lies in our choices.

Whatever your dream, the first choice is to prioritize it. As you’re able, dedicate time to it, money to it, attention to it, love to it. Give what you can, as you can, and back that giving with belief, passion, and enthusiasm.

The other side of this coin is realizing which choices don’t support your dream—when you’re doing too much or pursuing other dreams that conflict, for example.

4. Stay flexible about how you’ll fulfill it.

It’s tempting to be rigid about a dream—when it needs to happen, how it needs to happen, and who it needs to include. But sometimes when we’re too busy clinging to a specific vision, we miss an opportunity to experience it in different shades.

This isn't meant to discourage you from reaching for the stars. It’s just a reminder that there are a lot more of them than you may realize, some far closer than others.

Being a singer may include a jazz club, not a fan-packed stadium. Writing a book may entail self-publishing, not a six-figure advance. And traveling may include teaching abroad or a string of budget bed-and-breakfasts—

They may not be the ultimate dream, but they are, in fact, reflections of it.

And in that moment when you’re doing something inspired, passionate, and in line with your deepest intentions, you’ll feel two things that you may not have realized weren't exclusive to one specific vision:

You’ll feel alive. And proud.

And now, two final thoughts on making dreams come true: know that no dream is better than any other, and stay open to the possibility that your dream may change.

Source: {TinyBuddha}

Ladies & Gentlemen, This Is Writing...

I came across this poem late yesterday afternoon. Without question, it is the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read. Each time I read it, I become more moved by its sentiment and find myself dancing in circles. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what writing is about. 

“

Screw falling in love.

My heart itself is already in tangles. A web of nonsense
and a drawerful of necklace chains that I will never
have the patience to separate. I am sounds mixed with
different mediums of light. Six thousand eight hundred
dialects of flesh that I don’t have enough time to
translate into words. This dictionary of skin is unreadable and
Latin is dead because of what we never had the balls to
tell each other.

I am swearing off of love because everything inside of me
is oil and vinegar and I no longer believe that it’s morally correct
to fall in love with the intent of both destroying and rebuilding 
another human being. I am a forest fire and an ocean, and
my favorite color is the same as the color that hurts me the most.

I don’t want your sentimentality. Quit looking at me intending
to melt me. We all know it’s working. We all know what this heart
is capable of unfolding.

I am not as strong as my words pretend to be. Not 
as quiet as these caesuras promise. This heart is a patchwork quilt of people
that leave different shades of blue inside of me.

The drowning. Your skies. 
The outline of a blue jay on a porcelain plate.

For now, I am closing off these bones for someone who will know
how to trace me without me ever telling them what I look like naked.

I no longer want to seduce the words out of people just to see
if I can. The love that I’m looking for falls out of the realm of your lips
and my lips and our lips doing a dance that involves bodies and more skin
and your hair touching mine, gently, like two winds
colliding.

Screw falling in love.

It’s too much to handle when
I’m already having difficulties breathing and keeping track of my
heartbeats and making sure that my limbs are doing what
they need to be doing.

But,
men are so beautiful.

But this heart is so
fragile.

I am every vulnerability that the thesaurus has to
offer me and in a certain light it’s impossible for me not to pull you
towards me with the intent of kissing the very life
out of you.

What I’m trying to say is that you are not allowed in.
What I’m trying to say is that all I want is to open myself up and have you
rearrange me, untangle the gold chains of my heart, love me for
every shade of blue that I have hidden in the silent spaces
between parentheses.

I have sworn off of falling in love,

but I know that in the morning, 
outside, in the pale frost of February,

all I’ll want is to hold another person’s hand, warm and
gloved, in their coat’s pocket.

”

(Shinji Moon, I Don't Want to be Loved. I Just Want to be Untangled. 

Midnight

"Night is purer than day; it is better for thinking, loving and dreaming. At night everything is more intense, more true. The echo of words that have been spoken during the day takes on a new and deeper meaning."

--Elie Wiesel, Dawn

Moments

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"There are moments of such pure, sublime, unparalleled perfection that they will force you to close your eyes and hold on to them as best you can. Life is a series of these moments. Everything else is just waiting for them."

Iain Thomas

New Year, New You: The Definition of a Lady

Rations criticisms not compliments

Wears neat clothes not frumpy frowns

Throws amazing socials not pity parties

Counts her blessings not her failures

Keeps friends secrets not bad company

Follows her passion not the latest trend

Passes along good recipes not gossip

Finds common ground not fault in others

Writes thank you notes not tall tales

Trusts in the lord not her own strength:

(I, however, believe in both. It doesn't make me any less of a lady)

New Year, New You: 12 Things Successful People Do Differently

1. They create and pursue S.M.A.R.T goals

2. They take decisive and immediate action

3. They focus on being productive, not busy

4. They make logical, informed decisions

5. They avoid the trap of trying to make things perfect. 

6. They work outside of their comfort zone

7. They keep things simple

8. They focus on making small, continuous improvements

9. They measure and track their progress. 

10. They maintain a positve outlook as they learn from mistakes.

11. They spend time with the right people

12. They maintain balance in their life.

[Source]   

To Be a Woman...

"Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhh’ed. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don’t let someone steal your tenderness. Don’t allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it’s a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all – look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love.

-Zooey Deschanel 

Relationships

"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you, you love, well, that's just fabulous."

Carrie Bradshaw

Thankful

Not just today, not just tomorrow, but everyday of the year...

I am thankful for: 

My love, my heart, the person who makes me smile and makes me want to become a better woman.

My health and the ability to move, run, dance. 

My family, who continues to support me regardless of any decision I have made in my life. 

The lessons I have learned thus far. 

The opportunity to cherish little moments

Being able to wake up this morning and live yet another day. 

The roof over my head and the place that I call home. 

My courage. 

My soulmates; the friends that have never left my side.

Wine. 

(seriously)

&&&

The next few days off! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Days & Risks Worth Taking

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"There are still so many kisses and laughs and nights and days and risks worth taking and road trips and books to read and poetry to write and pictures to take. You have to believe this."

{Unknown}

An Excerpt: Fleeting Gypsy

"She wanted to place blame, but she was the product of her own actions. She had made the decisions that led her away from everything she could have ever wanted. Her life was that of a fleeting gypsy, and unorganized suitcase, a splatter of her victims blood upon dirty clothing. Silently, she watched him sleep. He remained peaceful; his mind no longer fostering the “What’s next” he had continually asked her since leaving the motel. A part of her, she hated to admit, wished he didn't love her; wished he hadn't searched for her. Their hearts, however, remained as one despite the miles that had seemingly threatened their love."

An excerpt from "Fleeting Gypsy", from Prelude to a Dream

Statistics Lie

"A woman is often measured by the things she cannot control. She is measured by the way her body curves or doesn't curve, by where she is flat or straight or round. She is measured by 36-24-36 and inches and ages and numbers, by all the outside things that don't ever add up to who she is on the inside. And so if a woman is to be measured, let her be measured by the things she can control, by who she is trying to become. Because every woman knows, measurements are only statistics and statistics lie. "

-Nike Campaign

Image: Google, Marilyn Monroe

10 Ways to Smile More

1. Accept the things that you cannot change. IF you can and want to change them, do it. 

2. Let go of the people that are holding you down. If you considered them, you already know who these people are. 

3. Blast your favorite upbeat song and sing at the top of your lungs, dancing as you go. 

4. Go for a run. A nice, long run. Run until you feel good; at the very least you'll be tired enough that the feelings will seem less major. 

5. Call someone you love. Just hearing their voice can make your day better. 

6. Smile at a stranger. It will make you both smile. 

7. Send an anonymous compliment. 

8. Write down everything you don't like about yourself. Rip it up. Burn it. 

9. Watch your favorite movie. 

10. Realize that you are own biggest critic. People do not see the faults in yourself that you do. So realize that they are not faults, not imperfections. They make you, you. 

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Be-you-tiful: A Guide to Loving YOU!

The journey of self-love, is indeed that; a journey. Becoming comfortable in your own skin is a life-long process that involves letting go of  past insecurity and becoming satisfied with your body image, personality, skills, abilities and even your limitations.  But, before you get too discouraged, there are things that you can do RIGHT now that will lead you down the path of not only liking, but, LOVING who you see in the mirror!
 
Stop criticizing yourself!

For many, the mirror is a scary, shallow place. But why? Look at you girl! You are stunning!  Those laugh lines? The wrinkles? The scar from your childhood? These are all beautiful things because they are physical representations of who you are! Don't be ashamed of them! And while you are there, why don't you smile. Why? Because there is no one in the universe quite like you!

Be "Ok" with what you have accomplished so far.

Let's be honest, life does not always play fair. But look on the bright side: HOW you chose to react to life's little curve balls is what makes you the star player in the game. Be "ok" with small successes, the minute successes; the things that you are secretly proud of. You have a story to tell, and I can't wait to hear it.

Stay Positive.

Les Brown once said "Don't let the negativity given to you by the world disempower you-instead give to yourself that which empowers you." Empower yourself with positivity. Forget about those who wish to belittle your ambitions. You are valuable and never underestimate the power of you!

Know that you are wonderfully unique.

Dr. Suess was onto something when he uttered those infamous words: "Today you are you. That is truer than true.  There is no one alive who is youer than you." You are a divine collection of stories, secrets and beautiful anomalies. Please don't ever change!

You are MORE than you think you are.

You are a mother, a daughter, a best friend, a confidant. People have trusted you, loved you, admired you and inspired you. And you know what? People will continue to do these things because you are you!

You are bigger than that feeling of not-enough-ness.

You ARE enough even if there is a tiny voice in the back of your head doubting you. Stop trying to service the "ideal". The "ideal" is boring, and I prefer that quirky personality you got going on.

Be on your own side. 
Your a team player right? Then why don't you start playing on your team? The negative, unkind comments you tell yourself? That needs to stop. If you want people to support you and stand by your side, be confident with who you are. We dig confidence.


Ask for what you want.

That raise you have been hoping for? Put on that power suit, the killer heels, walk like you mean it and go ask your boss for what you rightfully deserve. Believe it or not, the sudden lack of subtlety, may win your boss's respect.


Open your heart.
You never know who or what will find it's way in...Love with fearless and reckless abandonment.




It's not over!

You are continually growing, changing, and creating. You can be who ever you would like to be. No one is stopping you! Be a chef today a world traveler tomorrow. Remember your kindergarten teacher asking: "What would you like to be when you grow up?" You can still be that star-struck, enthusiastic 5 year old version of yourself. Go ahead, follow that dream. Reach for that unattainable star. Life is happening whether you would like to admit it or not. READY, SET, GO!

Happiness

Happiness? 

"It's almost indescribable isn't it? Things don't necessarily have to be in order in your life, but it's okay. They're just good enough that you can still smile and laugh, and maybe even love. It's knowing all the wrong things in your life but not focusing on them. It's pushing the drama behind you and pulling that smile out front. It's not a fake front and secretly being miserable inside. No. 

It's dealing with all the crap in your life first, so you can enjoy being happy, really happy afterwords. You've got to cry to be able to appreciate a smile. There's no easy path to happiness. But when you reach it, not a million words can describe the feeling."

{Quote Found Here}

How To Be A Better (happier & healthier) Human Being

"Never touch anything with half of your heart, be present, endlessly loving and compassionate towards others.

Confront any challenging situation first with a deep breath.

Wander.

Remember that your own happiness and comfort comes about all things.

Before reacting-understand.

Eat breakfast every morning.

Find the place in the flowers.

Remember what is important to you.

Treat your body kindly.

Be honest.

Get to know yourself.

Take things at your own pace.

Don't feel embarrassed to feel, laugh, cry, sing or love. 

Remember that what's right for someone else may not be what is right for you (and that's okay.)

Never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.

Do what you love.

Remember that you always have a choice .

Find joy in what life really is--living."

--FIND IT HERE