Creative Inspiration for Passionate Living

A friend and I talk frequently about the things going on in our lives.  When I fuss and complain about my situations, they are able to help me see my life from a different perspective.  I return the favor when given the chance. For both of us -- when on the listening end -- we accept the fact that our friends' feelings are valid because THEY are living through their experience and so, we don't try to explain or encourage the bad things away.  Instead, we listen to hear each other's heart. Today's Inspiration Accept the Bad for what it is: A Strength Builder Life can sometimes be downright tough there's just no way around that reality.  We feel like our feet are in quicksand or we're running in concrete shoes with a mule tied to our backs.  If we're being stuck by blow after blow, those are real feelings and should not be ignored. Bad experiences help us to find a strength to move on to new levels of our lives.  If we accept them for just what they are

One day I was in the office MAD (i.e., beyond angry).  My face was a wrinkled cranberry, my attitude a sour apple and my outlook a mixed bag of melancholy.  I had a lot on my mind as usual but one particular situation got under my skin and I couldn't seem to shake it loose. A friend sent me a note asking me if I had played a new level of Mafia Wars, an on-line video game. I wasn't in much of a mood for gaming but, after a few minutes of looting, doing jobs and leveling up, my spirits were high, my smile bright and attitude hopeful. Today's Inspiration It's better Out than In:  Discover Healthy Outlets We would love to all live carefree, happy-happy, joy-joy lives but few of us have that luxury. For many of us, times are harder than ever but we still have to keep living. So how do we make sure we don't crack under pressure? Let off some steam every now and again.  Studies have shown that we are happier and healthier overall when we participate in activities th

Seems like every time I send my children to another room to get something for me, they look  ONLY where I say the item may be and no more.  Just yesterday, I asked my younger daughter to bring me a book from my bedroom. I described the book and places she could look.  Still, she returned to me empty handed just moments after her quest. "I didn't see it" she claimed. This morning, as I began sweeping, the broom hit a large object. What do you know, the book I requested played hide-and-go-seek just behind the dust ruffle on my bed.  Had my daughter bent her back just a little, she would have realized the book was right under her nose. Today's Inspiration Don't assume it's not there because it isn't where you expected it to be Have you ever been looking for something: keys, cell phone, a breakthrough? Many times when we're searching for things they are right under our noses.  If we hunt enough times without luck though, we assume that what we seek

My daughter tried out for cross country one year though she had never shown even a nominal interest in running prior to her sudden fascination but we got her all geared up and she went for it. At one of her meets, she started out strong but eventually fell behind the pack.  As most parents did, I encouraged her to keep pushing each time she passed me on the competition trail.  When she rounded the corner of her last lap, she was next to tears and had decided that she would walk the last leg of the race - she had given up on herself. I did not encourage her in the way one might assume. Rather than soft, kind words, I ran next to her and chastised her for about 10 paces.   How dare she give up on herself after going so far and trying so hard! "You better run or I'm gonna get in your behind." were my parting words as she finished her personal victory lap. She ran to the finish line with all the energy she could muster - we still laugh at my unconventional encouragement

Thanks to a missed court date this summer, I was the lucky winner of a suspended drivers license.  I had to pay a small fine and take a torturous four hour online driving course.  For fear that I'd have to pay more money, I prolonged my trip to the BMV -- it's not DMV in Indiana -- where I ultimately needed to go for official license reinstatement. A few days ago (note it's the end of January)  the red and blue lights of two squad cars danced behind me as I pulled out of the parking lot at Lake Central High School - I was mortified. "What could I have done to warrant not one, but two black and whites behind me?" I wondered.  Though I'm no outlaw by any stretch of the imagination, the cops loomed behind me with blinding bright lights as if I were an outlaw wanted for a triple homicide.  Long story short, both of my headlights were out.  I ended up with two tickets. 1: no headlights, 2: driving on a suspended license.  Luckily, I didn't wind up sleeping

I can hide in the crevices of your mind.  Like a parasite, I feast on your confidence. Without cause I linger, drowning desires.  My power strangles hope, tramples dreams. I am WORRY Today's Inspiration Rob from your worries, Add to your Joys We are all guaranteed to experience trials as we live and learn.  It's natural to sometimes feel doubt when life gets the best of us.  Unfortunately, time spent worrying does not usually result in alleviating problems or reducing obstacles we must overcome.  Worse than hindering our productivity, agonizing over situations, especially those we cannot control, can drain us of the energy we need to develop solutions and push through barriers.  Worrying leads to stress which can manifest as a series of physical and emotional ailments. When you're faced with uncertainty or feel anxious, be encouraged to pray.  Seek advice where suitable and devote only the energy it takes to determine how to address the problem.  If we take to ta

I'm taking dance lessons with one of the best female instructors in town.  She laid out one major guideline intended to help students become great dancers: Go dance at LEAST once per week.  She provided a list of places we could go and even pointed out great male dancers we could dance with. I followed her advice for the first seven weeks without fail and I could tell that I was getting pretty good for a beginner.  I still made mistakes - even the seasoned dancers do I'm told - but I was building confidence and becoming much more comfortable on the dance floor. My schedule got a little hectic and for two weeks I missed my dance days.  I still remembered all the steps I'd been taught but goodness, when I got on the dance floor again... Let's just say I was no Ginger Rogers. Today's Inspiration Use tools often to keep them sharp All of us have talents and skills - yes, you do too! Some skills we were sorta born with while others we picked up along the way.  R

My at the tender age of 15 my daughter confided in me and shared her dream of becoming a world famous pastry chef.  In order to realize her dream, she needed me to purchase a Kitchen Aid mixer.  I was elated to find that she knew her career path so early in life and eagerly agreed to purchase the mixer. My lips and forehead wrinkled in disbelief as I researched the mixer of her dreams at several appliance merchants. I found out the minimum cost for a Kitchen Aid was $200 - and these mixers NEVER go on sale. I purchased a less expensive mixer that would allow my daughter to experiment with the idea of baking for a living.  We made a covenant.  She would bake cakes consistently and master recipes.  I, once I felt secure that she would not abandon her path to culinary greatness, would purchase the Kitchen Aid with all the required attachments for her to truly master her skills. Today's Inspiration Show Yourself Worthy, Receive Your Gift Every one of us love to receive gifts. 

Heading back to my office with a team member after a productive meeting, I felt confident and was in a good mood. We decided to take the stairs in the glass atrium instead the elevator down two flights to our floor. Tables lined the atrium landing and on my floor, they were filled with people conducting business.  As I descended the steps the heel of my pump caught the hem in my slacks - I was going DOWN!  My note pad flew down the stairs ahead of me, the  ink pen in my hand broke in half under the pressure of my kung fu grip.  I grabbed the stainless steel banister just in time to break my fall but not before the people in the atrium noticed my fumble. Once I knew I was out of harms way, I burst into laughter and my co-worker did too. We still laugh every time we think about it. Today's Inspiration Laugh in the Face of Folly: Mistakes only make us better We see children fall, laugh and get back up all the time.  At one point, each of us were just as jovial, our spirits r

For the last 3 years, my 10 year old has made the same request to upgrade his video game system.  His existing system works fine but he'd like a newer model that boasts better graphics, internet access and interactive gaming that allows him to connect with players all over the world. When I walk into his bedroom, several games call to me from the floor "please pick me up before I'm scratched or broken".  The game system feels unloved and exhausted from hours of playing to an empty room - my son turns it on then leaves.  Game controllers hold on to the end of their cords, praying not to be crushed by heavy feet - I've stepped on them more times than I care to admit. The lonely old bowl of oatmeal doubles as a petri dish collecting bacteria under the bed. Not sounding like upgrade time to me. Today's Inspiration Miracles arise from a mind that is ready for them All things in existence are created twice.  First in our minds as a vision then in the world

One of my daughters has a tendency to do a lot of complaining.  She is not an unhappy child however, if something can be complained about, I can always count on her to point it out.  Wondering what kind of life she lives? Her room is pink with white accessories and matching linens, she has a collection of nail polish, shoes, CDs and most things the average 12 year old might want.  Her laundry is piled up to the ceiling yet she still has new clothing she can mix and match to create trendy outfits. She is extremely fortunate to have grandparents and an an aunt that shower her with most of what she asks for.  So why isn't she the happiest person I know? Today's Inspiration Gratefulness Breeds a Content Heart The world can open itself up to us as if an oyster revealing a pearl.  If we accept the befautiful things life presents us with an open heart and grateful attitude, we find happiness.

My younger children present me with so many opportunities to learn and grow i.e., challenges.  They have independent spirits and sometimes frowns at directives - at least when they aren't not interested in the task or outcome. At one point or another they have attempted to manipulate my kindness and sympathy using the 'I Can't' excuse.  I can't get the dust mop to reach under the couch; I can't get this sticky stuff off of the pot; I can't reach the top of the mirror to clean it.  The list goes on but I'll stop there. When they were younger, I would take time to show them how  capable they were and encourage them to try their best.  As they grew older, I realized the cunning little rascals were playing on my emotions.  They had no lack of skill or ability, they simply did not want to do as they were told. Eventually, I  turned the tables. "Mommy, I can't (fill in the blank)." they'd start with puppy dog eyes.  Why do children wan

At one point in my career, I was absolutely certain that I worked for the worst company in the whole universe. I'd come into the office MAD. I'd leave the office MAD. If you asked me about work outside the office guess what? I'd get MAD all over again. It seemed like the more I complained – even when I only fumed to myself – the worse my sitation became until I was completely fed up. I connected with an older gentleman who worked on my floor. We'd talk daily – he did most of the listening – about how I was fairing in my department and the challenges I faced. Once he was sure I felt comfortable he asked me a pressing question. "Why is everything SO bad? Is there anything good going on?"  I did not have an answer for his query. Today's Inspiration Change the way you look at the world; the world you look at will change We've all heard the sayings "When life gives you lemons make lemonade" or "Life is what you make it" but

When I was about 7 yrs. old, my dad bought be a bike fresh with training wheels and all. I can still remember the yellow banana seat and ribbons hanging from the handle bars.  After a couple of weeks, my dad took off the training wheels (against my better judgment). No matter what I tried, I could NOT figure out how to ride that darn bike so I conceded it just was not in the cards and left it chained to my fence - I didn't mind walking anyway. One afternoon I sat on my back porch with a frown and pretended to read a book - mostly I was fermenting in envy at how my friends could ride their bikes and I couldn't.  My elderly neighbor came out of her apartment and took up the folding chair next to me.  With soft hands and a gentle face, she landed an empathetic pat on my thigh as if she somehow understood my pain. "When you gettin' on out there?" she asked. I batted my eyes and held my head high to hold back tears of humiliation. "I can't ride a bike.&

Bag lady you gone hurt your back. Dragging all them bags like that. I guess nobody ever told you. All you must hold on to. Is you...   ~Erykah Badu   Today's Inspiration Let Go of the Past and Reach for The Future you Desire   Having a particular experience can easily lead us to believe that similar situations will deliver the same outcome.  If we anticipate negative behavior or outcomes, we can discount the sincerity of people's actions and offend because we aren't sure how to believe the goodness.  If we attempt to duplicate desireable outcomes, we may do less damage to others but still could set unrealistic expectations that, if not met, leave us disappointed.    Our experiences help shape our character so we shouldn't expect to forget what makes us who we are and what brings us joy. We learn valuable lessons from pleasure and pain and adjust our behaviors to achieve the desireable outcomes and reduce the less advantageous. We only complicate things wh

Naps were a natural part of my childhood.  In pre-school we had cots.  In kindergarten, they made us put our heads down on our desks.  I hated to take naps and always fought my sleep but no matter how hard I resisted, I found myself feeling energized and ready to take on the rest of my day.  By the time I graduated highschool, naps were a distant memory  Anyone need a nap lately? Today's Inspiration Take Rest, Revive, Keep Pushing So many of us are busy fulfilling our responsibilities as parents, spouses, employees, and friends.  We might even be working to start businesses or pursue other personal interests in addition to our daily obligations. All of these pursuits and responsibilities require a substantial amount of mental and spiritual energy. With full mental capacity and a strong spirit, we can face the world with tenacity and attack obstacles along our path.  We are able to maintain focus and keep our actions aligned with our master plan. Sometimes our bodies need

One of my favorite candies is Jelly Belly Sours which I lovingly refer to as tangy, delicicious bites of bliss. I'm still not sure if this is a good thing or not but, my kids also love this particular brand of jelly bean. I once purchased a bag and made the mistake of sitting it on the desk in my home office (a corner of my bedroom). My crumbsnatchers expressed unusual interest in my well being once they realized the sweet treat was in my room. They would stop in randomly to chat and, of course, to grab a bit of candy. By the end of the day, I went to my desk to enjoy a few pieces of candy myself but by that time, there was less than 1/8 of a bag. I was bummed that my candy was gone but I couldn't blame the kids - they ate it with my full permission. Today's Inspiration Seek to Build Relationships of Equality: We must give and receive to grow 2010 is our season for realizing dreams and bringing visions to life. We must be bold and steadfast during this year - especi

Someone help me, I feel paralyzed.  What do I do?  How do I decide? If I make a wrong choice, can I go and make it right? If I make the right choice... but how do I know its right?  I want it so bad but which way do I turn? Left, right, north or south... uncertainty lurks just around the bend. Today's Inspiration All of Life Involves Risk.  Be Courageous. Be Wise. Decide Strength Courage & Wisdom (Album Version) In investing there is a risk/reward ratio that describes the comparison of expected returns of an investment to the amount of risk undertaken to gain these returns.  In other words, do we stand to gain more than we stand to lose? Professionals use this and other concepts to help companies make sound business decisions - and sometimes, even they don't get it right. We don't have a savvy team of analysts but we DO have to make choices that involve real risks and rewards. Go in to work or call off?  Fries or salad?  Go out, stay home?  If every decision

When I joined my local gym this summer I asked the sales rep. for a gym t-shirt. It was nothing major but I considered it a nice gesture of appreciation and he agreed.  I would stop by  his office periodically to say hello (and remind him of his promise of course).  He assured me my gift would be coming soon.  Recently, I received a postcard in the mail that read as follows: "Your Gift is waiting for you... Just stop by "the gym" within 2 weeks. Gift subject to availability." Yesterday, I pulled into the parking lot with excitement - finally I could have what I had been asking for.  I parked and prepared to exit the care but paused when I read the postmark December 24, 2009.  I missed the two-week deadline and my opportunity to receive what I asked for. So much for that... Today's Inspiration Seize Your Opportunity While the Window is Yet Open Favorable circumstances arise in many different ways.  Some consider it luck or chance while others see it as f

Imagine. After a long day at work you begin to unwind and then... Girl: "You can't do that!" Boy: "Yes I can! Shut up!" Cry in Unison: "Mama...!!!!" My 10 year old, who hates to be corrected, spewed firey directives and insults at his sister in a tone so loud and harsh that I clearly heard every word from my upstairs bedroom. In a matter of moments he broke the "No yelling" rule, the "No Saying Shut-up"rule and most important, the "don't get on mommy's nerves cuz you'll be in big trouble" rule. How does he find so many ways to test my patience? Once I successfully diffused the sibling scuffle, I learned that his sister was monitoring the amount of pizza he could heap onto his plate - this is quite reasonable considering she's 7 years his senior (and just as hungry). His defense for lashing out was that big sis was skimping on the servings (and he was comin gup short). He sincerely felt that his

My youngest two children are one grade apart and attended the same grammar school. Once when I was helping my son with his homework, his older sister approached us, looked at what he had trouble with and quickly told him "That's easy, I had that when I was in your grade." to which he sharply retorted "Shut up! You didn't think it was easy when you had to learning it!" I had to immediately redirect both children to keep a civil war from ensuing and finish up the night's homework. Though my daughter made that statement to antagonize her brother - and it definitely worked she expressed her true opinion of her younger brother's capability. His quip forced a sensible logic into the situation that even I had not considered. Children sometimes make the most profound observations - even when we want to choke them (smile). Today's Inspiration Refrain from judging the capability of others; Proficiency is Relative to Experience Our first attempt at

One evening I was having a candid conversation with my 12 yr. old daughter when she said to me "I don't like math.  It's frustrating."  As I listened to her more, I realized math challenged her because it forced her to think harder than she preferred to.  Boy, could I relate to how she felt.  Not about math necessarily but about so many other situations in my life that have seemed at least as difficult as Chinese arithmetic. What about you? Ever been at your wits end with a situation or problem?  Have you sometimes been so outside of your comfort zone that you just couldn't figure out which way was up? Today's Inspiration Embrace the Challenges in Life; They Stretch Our Abilities and Strengthen Our Faith Comfort surrounds us as we master tasks and hone skills.  Most of our daily activity requires us to employ familiar talents and allows us to build confidence in our abilities.  We need that self-assurance to get us through the day - it feels great kno

We've been reflecting, planning and doing - all necessary, serious stuff.  When we're done with a hard week of work/school, caring for a family or just making it through on our own, we need a quick get away.  Afterall, all work and no play can make for a dull life but since we're not dull or boring, it's time to shake a tale feather. Today's Inspiration   Turn on Your Song, Sing Loud and Dance Sometimes getting out of the house is not an option for one of a hundred reasons but who said we can't have a little fun?  Turn on the radio, queue up your favorite CD or even tune to the music channel.  Whichever option you choose, turn up the volume, sing every lyric (especially the one's you're not sure of) and DANCE!!!  Not alone, SO WHAT!  Can't sing or dance - even better!  You don't have to be good at singing OR dancing. The point is to free yourself from the everyday for just a moment.  One song, 5 minutes... you can do it! I've linked

As the youngest in the family, my 10 year old often complains about why his older siblings have been granted privileges or given gifts that he does not have. Though I try to explain that they gained privileges through showing responsibility and worthiness or how they earned what he thinks is a gift, he still feels like it just isn't fair. Have you ever been jealous of someone or their accomplishments in spite of your own blessings? We are human and envy is a human emotion but why does someone else's success have to bring us pain? Today's Inspiration Be genuinely happy for others in their time of celebration. Your gift shall manifest itself at the appropriate time Without knowing someone's pathway to glory or the setbacks they struggled through, we might notice the great things in their life and feel envious. Whether it be friends and family or those in the public eye, most people who have achieved any sustainable level of success have not done so without some ha

I can't count the number of times I have needed help. When I say need help, I don't mean "which shoes match this dress" kind of help; I mean having NO idea which way to turn in life. Instead of humbling myself to the reality that I couldn't exactly figure it out alone though, I quietly struggled through.  If someone recognized my need and offered, it was natural to turn them away instead of accepting the hand they offered.  In my worst times, I would not even pray for guidance or assistance - I know it's bad but thankfully I've matured past the praying issue at least. In spite of my pride and folly, I sometimes came out on top and of course felt proud of each accomplishment - especially when the struggle almost brought me to my knees. On the occasions when I didn't figure it out, I inevitably felt defeated or conceded that 'it just wasn't meant' in order to comfort myself. Some might argue that my attitude toward asking for help made me

Anyone remember being asked 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' My 1st Grade teacher posed this question but asked us to answer it by drawing it instead of writing - uh oh! I pondered my options as she passed out the art supplies.  I'm nobody's artist in case you hadn't guessed.   By the time we had to stand before class and explain our picture, I believed, with my whole 6 year old heart, that I wanted to be a clown. Yes I said clown (it is ok to laugh, I still laugh too). My decision was completely influenced by what I could depict artistically rather than my real desire but for that day, I was happy about my future with the circus! Many of us have dreams, goals and aspirations. Some are able to burst out of the starting gates of life focused on precise steps that help them bring dreams to fruition, to make desires reality. If they can do it, what about the rest of us? Have you ever felt like your chances of being a clown (literally and figuratively)

For most of my life I have been my toughest critic.  I subjected myself to mental torture over mistakes I made; always figuring I should have known better or could have tried harder.  In my eyes, even when all was well, it still was never quite as good as it COULD have been. I have recently been blessed with two mentors - one personal, one professional - who both recognized my discomfort with expressing my talents, abilities and achievements. Much to my surprise, they also noticed that I could read off my shortcomings like a grocery list. Though I cannot pinpoint a single reason, I never mastered the art of accepting and celebrating my victories - I just didn't see much of a need to do so. I never talked about what I accomplished or the talent I knew I possessed.  Recognition, praise and validation were things I expected others to give me - not giving it to myself is how I defined being humble.  If I didn't receive positive external reinforcement, I would resign myself to

Ever asked this question of yourself? Have you ever felt paralyzed by fears of being less than what it takes (whatever IT might be)? As we continue to grow and stretch ourselves, it is natural to run into the speed bump called uncertainty. We might even trip over doubt and outright fear before it's all said and done. Experiencing these emotions is relevant so we should respect them for the value they bring - like keeping us humble - while realizing that the emotions themselves are only as important as what we do with them. Today's Inspiration We don't need a mountain of faith; we need just enough to take one more step Merriam Webster defines faith as a strong belief in something for which there is no proof; something that is believed with strong conviction.  Having faith can be more important than having ability. Without just a bit of faith, we risk turning away from our purpose and forfeiting our gifts. Believing in yourself just enough to push a little bit fu

Today's inspiration is one that is very dear to me for a number of reasons.  In my past, I've held myself back because I did not take proper care of my gifts.  If you can relate, I hope you find encouragement... Today's Inspiration Clear the Path for the Desires of your Heart When we dream and set goals, we unleash a power within us to make those dreams come to life.  And because they are merely dreams in their infancy, they must be carefully tended and protected.  Anything in our life that does not support the dream we are nursing can be considered brush in our path - blockage to achieving our dream.  If we are not careful to rid our lives of things that block our line of sight, we might lose our ability to envision ourselves in circumstances that are better than the ones we currently face.  When we lose sight, it's easy to lose faith and concede defeat  - to give up without giving it all!  Today, be encouraged to break out your weed whacker and blaze a tra

I'm the mother of five beautiful children and most days I feel like they are the greatest blessing in the world. On other days though, I want to wring necks and karate chop throats - I don't though (he he he). In either case, each of my babies brings me inspiration and appreciation in their own way. I recently I picked up my girls from spending time with friends/family. Within 10 minutes of being home, my 12 year old stomped into the kitchen with 100% attitude. "Momma why didn't you get MY nails done?!!" Her nose flared, forehead wrinkled and the pouting ensued as she openly expressed her utter disgust at my decision to treat her older sister to a manicure. As any mother might, I sternly redirected my 12 year old by reminding her that I am the mother and I decide how and where the money is spent. I added that she would NOT have recieve what I had planned for her if she continued to act so jealous and ungrateful. Needless to say, she quickly got happy, apologiz