The Challenge of Choosing One Word

Resolutions, Shmesolutions...  They don't work, at least for me, they don't.

So I'm trying this "One Word" thing out, and we'll see how it goes...I guess....  It took me fooooorever to pick a word. I've read so many blog posts saying the same thing. We could pick 2-3 words, but what makes one word so magical, how does it work in all situations or circumstances?  

There are the easy words.. hope, breath, faith, love, family, etc.....

Then I thought about what I've learned about Mindfulness.  Being present, in the moment every minute of the day, even when brushing your teeth.  Okay, I know, you're probably laughing now thinking, "Yea, right, I'm thinking about what needs to be done before getting in bed or going to work!".  

For example, while holding your daughter's hand, feel her hand, pay attention to the difference in size and texture. (You do know this won't last forever..) Be present in that moment. Giving your PRESENCE to whomever you are with, or whatever you are doing is the greatest gift you can give that person and yourself.  

It has been helping with my anxiety, just to do one thing at a time, as often as possible. I feel like I'm on repeat with: "Hold on, let me finish this first.", followed by a lot of sighs...  Alas, they will survive...and I will concentrate on brushing my teeth while I do just that. 

Big Hugs to You <3

~melissa

Here's to the kids..

Passions? I have a few..
Holding them back had caused me to isolate myself, afraid of what other's perceptions or opinions would be.

What if I fail?
What if they hate me?
What if my friends turn away from me?
What if they are embarrassed by me?
What if they laugh when I walk away?
What if it's never the same again?
What if..?

I have escaped my shell, which has shocked some people. I stand up for who and what I care about, which has had the tendency to tick a few people off.

When it backfires, I struggle with crawling back in my safe shell. I have to remember that I don't do this just for me, or the initial reason.

It's for my daughters. They will (too soon) be grown women, and need to have the courage to stand for something as well.
So there are no more "What ifs"...

I have a tremendous amount of respect for the kids that know their passion and don't let something like popularity get in the way.
It took me over 35 years...

How long for you??

Big hugs~
melissa

30 Days of Thankful Challenge

When asked what we are thankful for, the quick response is usually, "God, Family, and Friends.".  Not always in that order, or even all three.. but you get the picture.

During the month of November, our Facebook news feeds will be full of "Thankful" posts.  I try to be different, so my thankful posts won't list "family" or "friends". 

My FB post on Day 1- "So here begins the month in which we share our gratitude. Today, on day 1, I am thankful for socks..to keep these toes warm and toasty!".  On the next day- "Day 2- I am thankful for Fall back, which gives us an extra hour of zzzzzs this weekend!". 

Coming up with 30 random things will probably be hard, but I think it'll be a little more fun!  

Big hugs to you <3
~melissa

Where were you?

Everyone asks, "Where were you when you heard..". 

So many things were going on.. I was dropping my kids off at daycare so that I could drive Mom to her radiation appointment. She also had her first oncology appointment that day and both of my girls had physicals scheduled...

Mostly I remember the fear that we all felt-one I'll never shake-the loss of that safe feeling you got when you were little and your mom tucked you in "snug as a bug".. Grasping on the new truth of our world-we were no longer safe. 

We all saw it, felt it, heard it, until we couldn't anymore.. That night, I saw the numbers of firefighters and police that were gone, dying as heroes saving lives..

I also heard about that group of brave people on a flight and their refusal to allow their plane to be the next weapon used in killing thousands. 

So here we are, living, going on, regardless of how difficult it can be.. 

Let's roll..

Big hugs to my followers <3

~melissa

Hey Look What I Did!!

Make Art!! Share it!

 

 Every time!!!!  That's all... 

Big hugs to my followers <3

~melissa