Wow the holidays are over and here I am at the new year! Time flies. And like they say, the older you get the faster it goes! And how true. So, if time does fly by the best I can do is make the most of our time.
With the New Year I plan to have a New Outlook. Most of what I have seen lately has been from a positive attitude aspect. I vow to continue with such an attitude! It seems to me the only way to go.
A New Year and New Outlook is not a new concept, but a great way to start the year. An attitude of gratitude, be thankful for what you have and being positive is a great way to live.
One of the many reason I love visiting our home on the lake is we do not have cable TV!! Pretty primative! But one of the many great things about this is we don't spend a great deal of our time in front of the TV and all the negative news. I absolutely do not miss it! After returning from the lake this past week the fact that the negative press was missing from my life and the positive impact it had really came to my attention. Thus another reason for emphasizing the positive in life and focusing on a new way of thinking and approaching life.
Happy New Year. When we are given something new, we are given something with a lot of potential. It is up to us how we use that something new. Take the new year and make it the best. Have a great day.
Showing posts with label attitude of gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label attitude of gratitude. Show all posts
Instead of complaining be grateful for something.
I was at a luncheon recently and a member had a wonderful story she shared with the group. It gave me time to pause and realize how many times we do turn something that is potentially negative into something even more negative. But we all have the power to turn something potentially negative into something positive!
She shared with us that a her friend was telling her how she went into a sales office for a fix to a problem that was suppose to take approximately 20 minutes. Well the 20 minutes turned into a wait of over an hour. She said at first she was rather annoyed but then she thought how grateful she was that she was just waiting to get an answer on a mechanical issue instead of waiting for her turn for chemo or waiting for the doctor to come in to discuss her latest cancer treatment and status, or waiting to plan a funeral etc. She then realized she was given a time to reflect on just how blessed she was and all the things she was grateful for.
I sat there and thought, wow, what an awesome woman her friend must be. She was so smart to do that and I was so grateful our friend shared that story with us. So many times I get in a situation that just spirals downward, when only I have the control to ensure it does not.
Taking the time each day to reflect on all our blessings just seems to make those things that are annoying seem so insignificant. Have a wonderful day and a fantastic weekend!
She shared with us that a her friend was telling her how she went into a sales office for a fix to a problem that was suppose to take approximately 20 minutes. Well the 20 minutes turned into a wait of over an hour. She said at first she was rather annoyed but then she thought how grateful she was that she was just waiting to get an answer on a mechanical issue instead of waiting for her turn for chemo or waiting for the doctor to come in to discuss her latest cancer treatment and status, or waiting to plan a funeral etc. She then realized she was given a time to reflect on just how blessed she was and all the things she was grateful for.
I sat there and thought, wow, what an awesome woman her friend must be. She was so smart to do that and I was so grateful our friend shared that story with us. So many times I get in a situation that just spirals downward, when only I have the control to ensure it does not.
Taking the time each day to reflect on all our blessings just seems to make those things that are annoying seem so insignificant. Have a wonderful day and a fantastic weekend!
Thank you to our Veterans!
As many know I have worked for the federal government for over 30 years. And one aspect of my long career I am very proud of is for two different periods I had the privilege to work at a local VA Medical Center and ensure our veterans were given good health care.
Walking through those halls everyday gave me many opportunities to see just a few of the men and women who gave so much to ensure I have freedom. Many gave their health, their limbs, their mental health just to name a few items to ensure this country stays the land of the free. These men and women give so much and do not get enough gratitude. So many go unnoticed.
Today is Veterans Day. Many will be off today and will probably sleep in late, go shopping or catch up on some errands. Many will go about their day just like every other day and never even think of our veterans. My prayer is that many today will pause and say a prayer for all our veterans and our active duty military. They need our prayers every day.
I am very blessed to have many veterans in my family. My husband is a veteran and very proud of his service to this country. My father and father-in-law are both veterans. But they never draw attention to that or require an thanks. They just did what they thought was right for our country - that is what describes so many veterans of this country.
My husband has a friend who calls him every Veterans Day and says thank you for serving in our military. Apparently he makes it a point to call anyone he personally knows who is a veteran and thanks them for their service. Isn't that awesome? If my husband is not home, he leaves a very nice message of thanks. That little gesture really means a lot to my husband.
As we move through this day to honor our country's veterans, let us all also remember their families in our prayers. The families of veterans make many untold sacrifices so they can serve our country.
Happy Veterans Day, thank you for all you have given this country.
Walking through those halls everyday gave me many opportunities to see just a few of the men and women who gave so much to ensure I have freedom. Many gave their health, their limbs, their mental health just to name a few items to ensure this country stays the land of the free. These men and women give so much and do not get enough gratitude. So many go unnoticed.
Today is Veterans Day. Many will be off today and will probably sleep in late, go shopping or catch up on some errands. Many will go about their day just like every other day and never even think of our veterans. My prayer is that many today will pause and say a prayer for all our veterans and our active duty military. They need our prayers every day.
I am very blessed to have many veterans in my family. My husband is a veteran and very proud of his service to this country. My father and father-in-law are both veterans. But they never draw attention to that or require an thanks. They just did what they thought was right for our country - that is what describes so many veterans of this country.
My husband has a friend who calls him every Veterans Day and says thank you for serving in our military. Apparently he makes it a point to call anyone he personally knows who is a veteran and thanks them for their service. Isn't that awesome? If my husband is not home, he leaves a very nice message of thanks. That little gesture really means a lot to my husband.
As we move through this day to honor our country's veterans, let us all also remember their families in our prayers. The families of veterans make many untold sacrifices so they can serve our country.
Happy Veterans Day, thank you for all you have given this country.
Need Help? Ask a Woman!
Women are so giving. I was attending a professional women's luncheon the other day and the speaker was discussing networking etc. One thing she said was so true. Women are so giving and so willing to help. Just mention to another woman you have a problem or need help, and they most likely will help or have a solution or suggestion as to how you can solve the problem. But, she pointed out, most women have difficulty in asking for help. How true.
Look all around you, in your community as in mine there are so many women making an impact in the lives of others.
A group I recently learned about here in our community is Women4Women. This month they are hosting a 5K Walk, Run & Festival which will benefit several organizations that help women. Not only will the proceeds benefit several organizations that help others, but the event will also have a festival type atmosphere with booths to include organizations in our community that help others.
I have witnessed so many times how women are always so eager to help others. After all, who heads up your PTA, most non-profits and are always eager to organize when others are in need?
I saw this in action when Shannon White started up Dress for Success here in Louisville. She was a stay at home mom who wanted to donate some suits. When seeking out a Dress for Success to donate to, the home office suggested she start one here. She did and now they are a significant Non-profit here that has impacted a number of women's lives and in turn helped play a part in improving the lives of them and their families.
Last year Kim and I just wanted to get a few women together we grew up with for dinner. That one dinner grew into an annual charity event. Women just can't get together without a lot of great ideas being discussed. Out of that dinner, we created the South End Girls Unite event. Last year the group raised money for Gilda's Club Louisville. It was great fun and very successful.
This year the group will be hosting an event again in September. The South End Girls Unite event will be September 20 at the Shively Community Center. Watch our site, www.bikinisandbifocals.com for more information. This year we will be raising money for Women4Women. This is a great organization plus it falls right in line with what we are all about at Bikinis and Bifocals, women helping women make connections that make a difference!
I think it is awesome the way women are so giving and always helping others. But we need to remember to ask for help. I know I am guilty of that and will make more efforts in remembering to ask for what I need or for help. Remember when you see women working so hard to help others, they can always use help and support for what they are doing.
Keep up the great work ladies, you make such a difference.
Look all around you, in your community as in mine there are so many women making an impact in the lives of others.
A group I recently learned about here in our community is Women4Women. This month they are hosting a 5K Walk, Run & Festival which will benefit several organizations that help women. Not only will the proceeds benefit several organizations that help others, but the event will also have a festival type atmosphere with booths to include organizations in our community that help others.
I have witnessed so many times how women are always so eager to help others. After all, who heads up your PTA, most non-profits and are always eager to organize when others are in need?
I saw this in action when Shannon White started up Dress for Success here in Louisville. She was a stay at home mom who wanted to donate some suits. When seeking out a Dress for Success to donate to, the home office suggested she start one here. She did and now they are a significant Non-profit here that has impacted a number of women's lives and in turn helped play a part in improving the lives of them and their families.
Last year Kim and I just wanted to get a few women together we grew up with for dinner. That one dinner grew into an annual charity event. Women just can't get together without a lot of great ideas being discussed. Out of that dinner, we created the South End Girls Unite event. Last year the group raised money for Gilda's Club Louisville. It was great fun and very successful.
This year the group will be hosting an event again in September. The South End Girls Unite event will be September 20 at the Shively Community Center. Watch our site, www.bikinisandbifocals.com for more information. This year we will be raising money for Women4Women. This is a great organization plus it falls right in line with what we are all about at Bikinis and Bifocals, women helping women make connections that make a difference!
I think it is awesome the way women are so giving and always helping others. But we need to remember to ask for help. I know I am guilty of that and will make more efforts in remembering to ask for what I need or for help. Remember when you see women working so hard to help others, they can always use help and support for what they are doing.
Keep up the great work ladies, you make such a difference.
A different twist on giving thanks.
No matter how much you may try to avoid a holiday, no matter where you are or what you are doing, it is a holiday. The day seems different, the air, the way you feel. No matter what – a holiday is a holiday. I know that because I have had holidays that weren't quite the traditional holiday and ones that I wanted to forget. This year both my daughter and husband are away. I have also had holidays away from home or other major loved ones where sick, just to name a few out of the out of the box holidays I have had. And no matter how much I tried to avoid the holiday or the ache of an absence, it was the holiday. So this year, I have been thinking a great deal about thanksgiving and a different way of looking at this important holiday.
Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have or experiencing an event you don’t like, today, or any day you read this, turn everything around to a thank you. I got home this morning and the house was cold, and empty. Instead of complaining about the cold, I said a thank you that I have a furnace that works and the money to pay the bill. Instead of feeling lonely today, I am thankful I have an independent daughter who can think on her feet and not need me, a husband who is good to his mother (as well as all the women in his life) and a wonderful supportive family.
So today, instead of complaining about the dishes that need to be cleaned up or the mess the kids left this year, say thanks for all the people in your life that helped make the mess. And that they all have the abilities to eat and make a mess on their own.
As you get up to go to work, and most of us really don’t want to get up in the morning, whether it is to go to work or an after Thanksgiving sale, say thanks that you have a job to go to and the money to spend on a sale. Turn any possible negative thought into a thank you. Or look at that moment as a positive and say thank you. Other examples? While sitting in traffic, be thankful you have a car, enjoy listening to a song or enjoy the time alone with your child or loved one. Every day, every moment we have so much to be thankful for. Being thankful, again that attitude of gratitude, opens up so much for in your life.
If you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and change in your pocket – you are richer than 95% of the world’s population. Today, and every day, say thank you for all the blessing you have – because we are all blessed in so many ways. It seems it is too easy to forget how very blessed we all are.
Thanks for reading my blog, my thoughts, and enjoy this holiday season no matter where you are or what you are doing. There are men and women today away from home protecting all that we have. Be sure to say a prayer for their safety and a thank you for all the sacrifices they make to protect our freedoms. Happy Thanksgiving.
Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have or experiencing an event you don’t like, today, or any day you read this, turn everything around to a thank you. I got home this morning and the house was cold, and empty. Instead of complaining about the cold, I said a thank you that I have a furnace that works and the money to pay the bill. Instead of feeling lonely today, I am thankful I have an independent daughter who can think on her feet and not need me, a husband who is good to his mother (as well as all the women in his life) and a wonderful supportive family.
So today, instead of complaining about the dishes that need to be cleaned up or the mess the kids left this year, say thanks for all the people in your life that helped make the mess. And that they all have the abilities to eat and make a mess on their own.
As you get up to go to work, and most of us really don’t want to get up in the morning, whether it is to go to work or an after Thanksgiving sale, say thanks that you have a job to go to and the money to spend on a sale. Turn any possible negative thought into a thank you. Or look at that moment as a positive and say thank you. Other examples? While sitting in traffic, be thankful you have a car, enjoy listening to a song or enjoy the time alone with your child or loved one. Every day, every moment we have so much to be thankful for. Being thankful, again that attitude of gratitude, opens up so much for in your life.
If you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and change in your pocket – you are richer than 95% of the world’s population. Today, and every day, say thank you for all the blessing you have – because we are all blessed in so many ways. It seems it is too easy to forget how very blessed we all are.
Thanks for reading my blog, my thoughts, and enjoy this holiday season no matter where you are or what you are doing. There are men and women today away from home protecting all that we have. Be sure to say a prayer for their safety and a thank you for all the sacrifices they make to protect our freedoms. Happy Thanksgiving.
What do you wear on a rainy day?
I don't know about you, but on a rainy day I look for a bright, colorful outfit to wear. It amazes me how, if it is raining, everyone thinks that is a call to be depressed and negative AND dress in dark/drab outfits. I like to shake things up a bit, so I look for something bright.
Color can help shape the mood you project for the day. If it is raining, do you automatically determine that your day will be a downer?
Where I live, we have experienced a long dry spell. When it did finally rain recently it was a blessing as far as I am concerned. BUT, when I got in the elevator the first day of that much needed rain, I was greeted by others who said, "Yeah right, nice day, it's raining" and "It would be a nice day if it weren't raining." I left the elevator thinking -are these people nuts? We have
gone how many days without rain? Plants and trees are dying, yards are like a dust bowl and they are complaining about rain? Inside I was jumping up and down with joy. In fact, I had forgotten my umbrella that day and actually did not mind walking to the car in the rain. To me, it was a blessing to be rained on after such a dry spell. All part of living an attitude of gratitude as they say!
I have to admit, being a product of our society, that most rainy mornings my first thought turn to my dark/black clothes. After all, it is raining! But years ago, a speaker touched on being in control of your attitude and discussed the phenomena of how when it rains people automatically determine they are depressed and it is a reason to be gloomy. The speaker suggested, next time it rains, wear something bright, and begin with that decision that your day/attitude will be upbeat.
So, after that fleeting thought of wearing something dark passes through my mind, my next thoughts are the words of that speaker. It is a wake of call of sorts that I am in control of my mood and outlook, not the weather. Why let some rain determine that I will be down for the day. Instead, I look for something bright and cheery.
Something I noticed, that when it is raining and I wear something bright I always get remarks from others who I encounter. I will get comments from others such as, "Hey look at you all bright and cheery today, or "You are the bright spot in our day," or "Wow, what are you doing with such bright colors on today?" If I have the time, I make comments such as, "Rain doesn't mean you have to be gloomy." "Or, I just act surprised that there is a reason to be anything other than positive for the day."
So next time it rains, select something bright, like the color of the flowers the rain will help produce, or select a colorful outfit and use that as a constant reminder that day that only you control your mood and outlook, not the weather, not others, but YOU.
Have a great day!
Color can help shape the mood you project for the day. If it is raining, do you automatically determine that your day will be a downer?
Where I live, we have experienced a long dry spell. When it did finally rain recently it was a blessing as far as I am concerned. BUT, when I got in the elevator the first day of that much needed rain, I was greeted by others who said, "Yeah right, nice day, it's raining" and "It would be a nice day if it weren't raining." I left the elevator thinking -are these people nuts? We have
gone how many days without rain? Plants and trees are dying, yards are like a dust bowl and they are complaining about rain? Inside I was jumping up and down with joy. In fact, I had forgotten my umbrella that day and actually did not mind walking to the car in the rain. To me, it was a blessing to be rained on after such a dry spell. All part of living an attitude of gratitude as they say!
I have to admit, being a product of our society, that most rainy mornings my first thought turn to my dark/black clothes. After all, it is raining! But years ago, a speaker touched on being in control of your attitude and discussed the phenomena of how when it rains people automatically determine they are depressed and it is a reason to be gloomy. The speaker suggested, next time it rains, wear something bright, and begin with that decision that your day/attitude will be upbeat.
So, after that fleeting thought of wearing something dark passes through my mind, my next thoughts are the words of that speaker. It is a wake of call of sorts that I am in control of my mood and outlook, not the weather. Why let some rain determine that I will be down for the day. Instead, I look for something bright and cheery.
Something I noticed, that when it is raining and I wear something bright I always get remarks from others who I encounter. I will get comments from others such as, "Hey look at you all bright and cheery today, or "You are the bright spot in our day," or "Wow, what are you doing with such bright colors on today?" If I have the time, I make comments such as, "Rain doesn't mean you have to be gloomy." "Or, I just act surprised that there is a reason to be anything other than positive for the day."
So next time it rains, select something bright, like the color of the flowers the rain will help produce, or select a colorful outfit and use that as a constant reminder that day that only you control your mood and outlook, not the weather, not others, but YOU.
Have a great day!
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