IN REFLECTIVE MOOD...........

On Wednesday (the 18th April - to be precise) I experienced what I have now come to think of as 'Wacky Wednesday' - when, for one day I momentarily lost my faith, hope and trust. (the very things that had 'kept me going' and given me strength in challenging and troublesome times) They had all completely deserted me! - I had lost my way a little, (no, I had lost my way a lot!)
This took me completely by surprise, because I had not felt like this for about 10 years. I had done so much work on myself, overcome so much and had developed such a positive mind-set, I must have thought I was invincible (not so!)
Now for the good news, by experiencing that one day I have learned more than I would ever have thought possible, ( I thought that I had already learned quite a lot about myself - which I have, but of course there are always more lessons to learn)
I started to bombard myself with so much positive self-talk, and of course it worked eventually. (what we think about is what we get!) It took a little time and patience, this may sound somewhat simplistic but it works for me, I'm glad to say.
Nothing much has changed with regard to my life on the outside, which continues to be challenging at times, but on the inside (which for me is where it really counts) there has been a huge shift.
So I have now regained my : FAITH....... in myself.
TRUST....... that things can and do change, (and it can happen in the twinkling of an eye)
HOPE....... In a bigger, brighter and better future.

BEAUTIFUL, ENCOURAGING AND INSPIRING.......

I thought I would like to share the words from one of the many wonderful and truly inspirational movies I recieve via email. I have forwarded some of them on to friends and people who's email address I have. (The melody that accompanies the words is also quite magnificent, unfortunately I can't share the music with you) but I wanted to find a way of sharing the words - and so I thought of putting them on a blog!

MAY YOU BE BLESSED........

May you be blessed with all things good.

May your joys, like the stars at night, be too numerous to count.

May your victories be more abundant than all the grains of sand, on all the beaches, on all the oceans in the world.

May lack and struggle only serve to make you stronger, and may beauty order and abundance be your constant companions.

May every pathway you choose lead to that which is pure and good and lovely.

May every doubt and fear be replaced by a deep abiding trust.

And when there is only darkness and the storms of life are closing in, May the light at the core of your being illuminate the world.

May you always have music and laughter, and may a rainbow follow every storm.

May gladness wash away every disappointment, may joy dissolve every sorrow and love ease every pain.

May every wound bring wisdom and every trial bring triumph.

And with each passing day, may you live more abundantly than the day before.

'WORDS OF WISDOM'...........

In my kitchen, (where I seem to spend most of my time when I am at home) I have what I call my ' Wall of Inspiration' it is where I pin all the uplifting and inspirational quotes, enriching thoughts and words that I come across and that resonate with me. It is situated directly over the breakfast table and is the first thing I see when I enter the room, whenever I am feeling a little 'down' I look at these fine words and they serve to give me the boost that I need at the time. At other times they just encourage me in a very positive way.

One of my favourites is by an unknown author, written in the 17th century, which in my view has certainly stood the test of time, and is still as valid today as it was then.

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; They too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are a vexation to the spirit. If you compare yourself to others you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism, Be yourself, especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be; and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all it's shame, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful and strive to be happy.

18 THINGS TO DO BEFORE I DIE........

I have allowed my imagination to run wild, and come up with the following list (in no particular order)

1. Go husky sledging in Finland.
2. See sunset at Ayres Rock.
3. Travel on Trans-Siberian railway.
4. A camel ride to the Pyramid
5. Ride a horse across a tropical beach.
6. Trek through a rain forest.
7. Visit Niagra/Victoria Falls.
8. Explore the Antartic.
9. Travel on the Orient Express.
10.Drive on Route 66.
11.Travel on Rocky Mountaineer train.
12.Walk the great wall of China.
13.Escape to a paradise island.
14.See the Northern Lights.
15.Go on safari.
16.Whale watching.
17.Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef
18.Swimming with dolphins (Florida Keys)

What's on your list..........?