Our Lives Are All Different and Yet The Same

We all live with the objective of being happy;

our lives are all different and yet the same.

~ Anne Frank

I believe this bears repeating.

The Objective Of Being Happy

Shine On!

xo

Clap Along…Because I’m Happy

In the memory care facility this week, they had dance time to the song, Happy by Pharrell Williams.  Many of the residents got up and were clapping a bit and dancing with the caretakers there.   The song is so upbeat and easy to learn that it was perfect.  Smiles were on everyone’s faces as they took a break from the day and just enjoyed their happiness!  What a gift, don’t you think?

That’s the way it is with all of our lives, not just those who are enduring Alzheimer’s and Dementia although they seem to have the secret.  It’s living in the moment for them (and for us).  It’s finding the simple joy in being alive, being able to move and connecting with others with love.  It’s the healing power of music.

I’m not saying it’s easy for sometimes it’s not.  But the joy when one lets go and just claps along as we get caught up in the moment, is a precious gift.  Certainly, it’s not one to be missed!  Take a moment today to watch Pharrell’s video below and just clap along and be happy.  Don’t you wish you were there, smiling, laughing, dancing and clapping along with them?  I certainly do!   I feel such gratitude for the special caretakers in our lives.

Shine On!

xo

Lyrics:

It might seem crazy what I’m ’bout to say
Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break
I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air like I don’t care, baby, by the wayBecause I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you want to doHere comes bad news, talkin’ this and that
But give me all you’ve got, and don’t hold it back
Well, I should probably warn you, I’ll be just fine
No offense to you, don’t waste your time, here’s why…Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you want to doBring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down… my level’s too high…
Bring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down, I said (let me tell you now)
Bring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down… my level’s too high…
Bring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down, I said…

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you want to do

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you want to do

Bring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down… my level is too high…
Bring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down, I said (let me tell you now)

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you want to do

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you want to do

Change Your Life in 2015

 

Only I can change my life.

No one can do it for me.

~ Carol Burnett

Recently I spent some time with some ladies who are in their 80’s.  One thing I learned quickly is that the saying, ‘old age isn’t for sissies’ is very true.   Growing older isn’t easy.  There are limits ~ physically, mentally and emotionally which directly affect our lives.   And we are in charge of them when we are younger.  What you do today and everyday directly affects your older self!

I know fear.  I know uncertainty and I know that hoarding myself within the limits of my mind does not serve me.   What does serve me is to continue to grow, to push myself beyond my comfort zones in order to expand my knowledge, my light and my life.  It is easy to be complacent and to not push ourselves to experience the uncertainty of life.  Stay home, muddle your brain with the goo of nothingness and while perhaps contentment remains, there is nothing but the blahness of everyday routine.  Not that I’m disagreeing with this type of living because I realize that it is a choice for some people.  But it doesn’t help your mind, body, spirit to continue to grow and to expand which helps your life to flourish, even in your 80’s and beyond.

Does that make sense to you?  How do you feel about ‘old age’?  Do you fear it or will you embrace that next chapter in life?  Will you be one of those who are running marathons, teaching yoga or dancing the watusi?

You have the power to change your life, one baby step at a time.  Dislike where you are right now, then change how you are living ~ expand your mind, read, write, experience life, connect with others, and be in touch with your inner self.  You get to choose how to live every moment of everyday!

Happiness with your life is a gift you give yourself!

Enjoy The Presents of Presence!

Shine On!

xo

 

Seeking Happiness?

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance;
the wise grows it under his feet.” – James Oppenheim

Are you running around wishing for happiness?  Are you thinking that if you just had more money, better health, a spouse, better grades, a bigger house, a better job or (you fill in the blank) you would be happy?  Well fear not gentle humans, the happiness you seek is right here under your feet!  Yes, you have it within you now.  There’s no need to seek for it outside of yourself.  It is within YOU that your happiness resides.  It is YOU who holds the key.  You are the gardener of your own special brand of happiness and fulfillment.  It is here and now in the Presents of Presence!

Take a moment today to be grateful for the happiness that you hold and know that you are standing with it now.  All the potential for all that you feel you lack is right here waiting for you to awaken from your slumber and to rejoice in the knowledge that your happiness is within you.

Count your blessings and they multiply.  Give of yourself and you expand happiness.  Hold sacred your gratitude for what is and what was and what will be.  Treat yourself and others with kindness and love.  Share.  Connect.  Allow anger to dissipate and move forward in your day with forgiveness.  Be strong, be gentle, be you.

And happiness will flow into your life easily without barriers

for YOU have lifted the dam of doubt which prevented the flow in your life.

Shine On!

xo

Think Happy!

“It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you
are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or
unhappy. It is what you think about.” – Dale Carnegie

It’s Monday, the start of the week and it’s a great time to watch your thoughts!  I love this quote and knew I had to share it with you today for no matter who you are nor what your circumstances are, this one’s for you.   Your thoughts are what you can control.  You can think happy thoughts or sad ones, you can think positively or negatively.  You can repeat mistakes in your head or you can create new answers and new ways to deal with life’s challenges.  It’s up to you!  Now’s the time to harness your thoughts and ride off into the beautiful dawn!  You can do it!  Come on…Let’s GO!!!!! ♥

Shine On!

xo

P.S.  Heartfelt gratitude to Big Bop for the inspiring photo!

How to Go Forward

“When we are sure that we are on the right road there is no need to plan our journey too far ahead. No need to burden ourselves with doubts and fears as to the obstacles that may bar our progress. We cannot take more than one step at a time.”
—Orison Swett Marden **

Just a little bit of inspiration this morning!

Shine On!

xo

**from Today’s Goal Habits Blog!