A Whale of a Story

Humans helping an animal in distress, and the beautiful creature showing its gratitude in such a spectacular way.  It's a moving and inspiring story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBYPlcSD490

Shine your light

Living life fully is a topic that has come up in recent articles I've read and conversations I've had.  When that sort of synchronicity happens, it's a cue for me to look deeper.  This inspiring quote is one of my favorites, and it expresses the concept beautifully. 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Stay Cool

For those of you in the Southern US or anywhere east of the Rockies (Canada & US), this is for you, in hopes it will help you stay cool.  Go grab a Popsicle and think about - ice, ice..... 
(It's tough not to think you're 'cool' after watching this video. )

If you're already cool, consider this a good excuse to take a time out; a few minutes for a trip back to a simpler time and a strong beat (chair dancing is encouraged!).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rog8ou-ZepE&ob=av2e

Getting Un-stuck

It's been an interesting week. I felt stuck. Where and with what isn't important. What's been interesting to me is what I've been doing with the feeling of 'stuckness'.

If I were driving my car and got stuck in the mud – what would I do? I'd use the resources I have around me – stay calm and figure out the best route out of the situation. Maybe I need to rock the car back and forth to find solid ground. Maybe I need to get out of the car, step back and have a look at the situation from a new angle. There could be an easier route that I couldn't see earlier.

If my wheels are still in the mud after all that, and I've done everything I can do to become un-stuck, my next move is to call for help. Someone to help push or pull me out, or offer suggestions or new ideas. If that doesn't work – it's time to call BCAA and a tow truck.

Looking at this last week of feeling stuck, I realize that life is kind of like that, too. Feeling stuck doesn't mean I am without help. Trying to get myself out of the stuckness did feel a bit like I was spinning my wheels. After a few days of that, I stepped out, looked around and realized I needed some help. Reaching out and asking for a 'push' (from a trusted source) was what helped me dig out of the mire and now feel like I can move again.

We all feel stuck from time to time. Rather than spin our wheels or give up on the car altogether, it's ok to ask for help. Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge to get unstuck, so we can continue on our journey.


The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places. ~Author Unknown

Simple Joys

Watermelon = Summertime.

Sweet, juicy and fragrant.

I love the bright red color of the fruit and that it's kind of messy to eat. It takes me back to being a little girl, standing on the lawn in the back yard on a warm summer evening. Yay, watermelon for dessert! I picture myself as a 6 year old girl, wearing my bathing suit, flip flops and a big grin, holding the watermelon wedge with both hands, taking big mouthfuls with gusto and feeling the juice all over my cheeks and chin. Then I'd see how far I could shoot the seeds into the back lane. It was one of life's simple joys. Just imagining it takes me back there now and I can't help but smile.

What's one of your life's simple joys?

Counting Our Blessings

When we were little, most of us were told by our parents to count our blessings before going to sleep.  At the time it might have seemed like a chore, but now it occurs to me that it was really a great habit to encourage.

How often do we count our blessings?  How often do we feel grateful for what we have, rather than worry about what we don't have?

Hmmmmmmm.  Makes me think. 

I'm going to start today, to count my blessings.   How about you?

Tonight, just before you fall asleep, think of five things you are grateful for.  Five things, or people, or experiences, events or gifts (good health counts as a gift, btw).  It doesn't matter what they are.  Choose five (or more, if you like).  Ponder each blessing for a few moments; what is it and why are you grateful for it?  Notice what occurs inside of you when you think about each blessing. 

Gratitude is powerful.  It can change how we view our surroundings and our life.

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day.  One of the only reasons I watch hockey games on TV is to hear the National Anthem sung.  I love to sing along and doing so always makes me feel good.  I am proud to be a Canadian.

O Canada!

Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.


Check out this link for the French lyrics, recordings of the song and more about Canadian Heritage.
http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/symbl/anthem-eng.cfm