What is Courage?

Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger,

misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good;

that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding

and that there is always tomorrow. – Dorothy Thompson

Some days I find myself aggravated with how things are going in my life.  And some days, I simply melt into the flow of my life without worry.  Does this happen to you?  Lately I’m finding inner peace within the confines of my thinking and expanding it outward in spherical circles.  It’s as if the Universe/Spirit/God is laying breadcrumbs of courage, of knowledge and of a-ha moments for me to find on my life path.  And it’s most certainly interesting, exciting and perhaps even shall I say, titillating!

I feel like I’m on fire ~ for what ~ I don’t exactly know.  But I don’t think I need to know yet, I think it’s still in pre-launch mode.  Launching 2014, laying the groundwork for the year ahead, going with the flow of where life will take me on this special journey.

Do you feel it too?  Can you get quiet and just be for a bit?  Live in the present moment as Eckhart Tolle reminds us to do…to find the gifts/presents in being present?  When I find that I am getting aggravated, I simply say, ‘present, presence’ as a gentle reminder for myself.  I could perseverate on the past, on conversations spoken, on deeds that are done and over-with, on the woulda coulda shouldas that have caused me pain.   I could pursue ‘what if’s’ for my future, planning, controlling, being obstinate with how I feel things should go.  Instead, I quietly turn my monkey brain around and just utter, ‘present, presence’ quietly and things just seem to not matter.

I’m not saying I don’t have long-term plans in place nor goals because I do.  I’ve imagined what I’d like for my life to look like this year and I’m ready to create something big!  But I’m also taking baby steps and allowing that red carpet ahead of me to roll out and help me on my way!

So do you have courage?  Can you remember that there’s a tomorrow?

Can you find the presence within?

Shine On!

xo

Super Bowl Love in the Year of the Horse

Ok, I’m sticking with the horse theme ~ on the eve of Chinese New Year ~ The Year of the Wood Horse ~ so bear with me please.  Because today I’m going to share the video that just makes me smile. I’m not into SuperBowl Sunday except for the snacks, the commercials and the family camaraderie as we gather in the family room to watch the big game.  Dare I say, I don’t care who wins?  Surely my family does, but not me.  I’m just there for the enthusiasm for the event!  There’s something about being home, cozy and warm, eating snacks for dinner, all of us together relaxing and enjoying the game and eachother’s company!   Thanks HAngel for sending it to me ~ puppies and horses ~ what’s not to love?!  What’s better besides our families?

I wish you LOVE in the coming year!

Shine On!

xo

And in case you want to see 2013’s…

And lest we never forget 9/11

A Horse of a Different Color

Do you love horses?  I do! ♥

We are entering the Year of the Wood Horse according to the Chinese New Year and I am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to let go of the Year of the Snake.  The new moon on 31 January 2014 will herald in the Year of the Wood Horse which is set to be a much anticipated special year!

If you google ‘ Year of the Horse 2014’ you will find many intriguing sites on the internet which will give you the information that you need to find out how the coming new year will treat you, whether you are a rat, a snake, a dog, a pig, a dragon, a goat/sheep, a monkey, a rooster, a rabbit, an ox, a tiger or even a horse!

My own Chinese forecast is delightful ~ full of pleasant flowing energy and happiness when I follow my heart!  Perhaps I will try some new things and I learn to accept change easily.  I love that it is expected that I will let my sense of humor come out to play and that I will meet any problems with my optimistic attitude which will render them moot.  My kindness and sympathy will be favored to allow my inner beauty to shine through and I hear that wood energy brings people together which is what I enjoy for I love to help others connect and to grow!  So for me, I am excited to greet this Year of the Wood Horse!

Giddyup y’all!

Shine On!

xo

Winter Wishes

Winter. One kind word can warm three winter months. ~ Japanese Proverb

It’s feeling a bit wintry here so this one felt like a goodie for the start of the week!  It’s important to speak, read, write, and think kind words during this wintry hibernation ~ to ourselves and to others.  What would be your kind word for today?  Please share below!

I think mine would be love.

Shine On!

xo

Don’t Quit

This one’s for me today…and for you as well.  My favorite poem and best reminder:  Don’t Quit!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

 ~ Unknown

Shine On!

TGIF!

xo

Throw Your Fears to the Fire!

Meet Heather Von St. James

founder of Lung Leavin’ Day 2014

Click here to read her inspiring story!

Thanks to Mimi over at Waiting for the Karma Truck and LouAnn at On the Homefront And Beyond for reblogging ~ now it’s my turn!  Please feel free to share!

Shine On!

xo

I Want To Be A Cowgirl

“I want to be a cowboy, but only long enough to barge into a saloon and bellow ‘Where’s the yellow belly that stole my happy trail?’” — Jared Kintz

Today I am reblogging what my dear friend Mimi over at Waiting for the Karma Truck wrote this morning as her words resonated with me so much.  The simple truth is what struck me, as well as the divine goal of riding off into the sunset happily on my horse (because I have always wanted to properly learn how to ride!) is the truth of her words.  The above pic (which isn’t Mimi nor me) gave me the giggles so I figured I’d include it.  What’s not to giggle about when it’s Tuesday and a snowstorm’s a’coming ~ the sky is full of golds and pinks this morning ~ may your happy trail be long and lovely!

Now here’s Mimi!  Drumroll please…

I Want To Be A Cowgirl

Shine On!

xo

Tired of Starting Over?

“If you’re tired of starting over, stop giving up.” – Unknown

I read some statistics the other day which said:

* 80% of people bail on their New Year’s Resolutions by the end of week 2

 * 98% of people bail on their New Year’s Resolutions by the end of week 4

 

So the key question is: Will you be part of the 2%?

Please answer YES!

Shine On!

xo

Why Should I Fear?

“Behind me is infinite power.  Before me is endless possibility.  Around me is boundless opportunity.  Why should I fear?”         – Stella Stuart

I love synchronicity ~ I saw this quote and knew it was for us today!  Some of us hold fear and worry and we need to let it go.  So perhaps in keeping this great quote above in our minds, we can realize that we can let go of fear for we are powerful!  Loving yourself is allowing your fears to fall away and igniting your spiritual power to SOAR!

So if you have a bit of fear within, here are some motivational quotes that might resonate with you!

FEAR:  False Evidence Appearing Real ~ Unknown

Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.  ~ Japanese Proverb

Your fear is 100% dependent on you for its survival. ~ Steve Maraboli

And because it’s Sunday…

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can Man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Shine On!

xo

TGIF’s Present

“Pick the day ~ enjoy it to the hilt.  The day as it comes.  People as they come…The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present – and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

Enjoy your special day ~ Thank Goodness it’s Friday ~ and for some, a 3 day weekend!  I saw this and thought it was a great one to share!  See below for photo credit and I guess I get the credit for making the card! ♥

Shine On!

xo

** Photo info:  Hepburn gets a kiss from the fawn who appeared in the film Green Mansions in which she starred. She ended up keeping it as a pet temporarily.

(© Bettmann/CORBIS)