HAPPY NEW YEAR!......TO YOU ALL.

To all my fellow bloggers, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a most splendid New Year in every possible way. May all your dearest wishes and desires become realities and fill your lives with happiness!

SOMEBODY SPECIAL..........

"I am somebody. I am me. I like being me. And I need nobody to make me somebody" - Louis L'Amour

Often we spend so much time taking care of all the special people in our lives, we forget that we are somebody special too. I am special and you are special and each and every one of us is just as significant and necessary to the world as the next. It is not until we begin to realise this very important truth, however, that we allow ourselves to recognise what very special somebodies we are.

May we always be aware of our specialness.......

72 TIMES......AND STILL COUNTING!

If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy one times and get up saying "Here comes seventy-two"

It may take 71 times or 72 or 112, but the wonderful thing about life is that as long as we keep getting up, dusting ourselves off and starting all over again; as long as we persist in persisting and make up our minds that nothing will stop us.....as long as we do that....nothing will! We win by relentlessly molding ourselves through all those ups and downs into the winners we were born to be.
May we always be willing to get up and start again.

'My life is in good hands......my own!'

'THE AUTHOR OF MY OWN LIFE' !........

CHILE....... ARGENTINA......BRAZIL......

Well, what can I say!....except Yippee! 'I'm over the moon with excitement' I'm going on a Grand Tour of South America. I've paid my deposit, I've booked my place, and so, on the 16th March to April 1st 2008 I will be spending 17 days visiting this vast continent's most spectacular countries, I will be dancing to the rhythms of Latin American music.....looking in wonder at the soaring mountains, grasslands and glaciers.......discovering the rich culture and vibrant spirit developed from great Inca civilizations, blending with modern cosmopolitan cities.....it is going to be absolutely fantastically wonderful!!!
I shall be visiting......*Santiago * The Andes* Buenos Aires* Iguacu Falls* Rio de Janeiro.....I will be seeing places that I have previously only heard mentioned in songs i. e. Copacabana, Ipanema, and I'll see Sugar Loaf Mountain....etc..etc.
The time for thinking and talking are over, this is the time for doing!...and action! Now I have started, I just have to keep up the momentum and not stop.

'I'VE DECIDED TO GET UP AND LOOK FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES I WANT IN MY LIFE........AND IF I CAN'T FIND THEM........I WILL MAKE THEM'!

SINK....SURVIVE....SWIM!

In reflective mood (yet again!) I have come to realise that throughout my life, there have been occasions when I did sink. Then I learned how to survive. Now however, I know that the time has come for me to swim! Over the past 11 years or so I have made many small changes, now I feel the time is right to make a huge change in my lifestyle. This change is long overdue, (at one time I thought it was a work plan or maybe a business plan I needed) Not so!... it is a..... 'rest of my life plan'. I have worked for over 30 years, raised my daughter as a single parent for 10 years and also cared for my mother for the past 9 years. I need to capitalise on the freedom that not working can bring, and begin to really enjoy my life to the full. Just surviving is no longer an option. It feels like I have been 'treading water' or floating on the surface of life just to keep my head above the water. Every new day is so precious, I can swim! and I will!

TO HAVE WHAT I'VE NEVER HAD..... I MUST DO WHAT I'VE NEVER DONE.

MY AFFIRMATION..........

I wrote this affirmation in order to give myself the 'boost' I needed.

No journey is too long, no hill too high, nor storm too strong.

I will not look behind, I will just look ahead.

I will not be sad, for I will look for joy.

I will not be weak, for I will seek inspiration.

I will be of firm hand and foot,

Fair heart, fair smile and calm.

I will be of one voice, against all storms,

One strength against adversity,

For I am all these things and more.........

MY PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO MINDBLOGGLING....

I know that mindbloggling means different things to different people....and that's fine. For me however, it has become very important indeed, for all of the following reasons. It allows me to express my thoughts, and feelings, (which can be quite cathartic, and is certainly empowering) It has raised my confidence level and also my self-belief. I am able to connect with people, which in turn, reduces feelings of complete isolation and loneliness, that are at times quite difficult to live with, (because of my personal circumstances, which I am doing my best to address.) Just as importantly as the benefits I receive for myself, I feel privileged to be able to 'give something back' by being as supportive and encouraging to my fellow bloggers, as they are to me. This mutual support and involvement I think is a vital ingredient of our bloggling community.

It is extremely 'heartwarming' to know that not only has someone read your post, but they have also taken the time to leave a comment. It is so appreciated, to be acknowledged in this way.

Long may our bloggling community continue to grow and expand!

SANITY FAIR...SUN...SHOWERS...SATURATED...SAMBA...SINGING....

Once upon a time.......there was a young girl who had a dream, which was, to be Queen for a day. It didn't matter to her whether it was maypole Queen, carnival Queen or the role of Queen in a school play, she just thought it would be a wonderful role to play.

She also had another wish, and that was to wear a beautiful crinoline dress. Many, many years passed by.... until one day her Fairy Godmother appeared, and said "Would you be Queen of the Planet Sound Parade?"

By this time she had learned to grasp opportunities when they presented themselves, and had also become aware that she had spent a great deal of her life, in her comfort zone, and now wanted to move into her stretch zone, (but not into her panic zone!) She was also aware that she could have thought of many reasons not to! So without hesitation she said yes. (a case of feeling the fear, but doing it anyway) She did not realise at the time exactly what this would entail. i.e. That in just two weeks, she would have to learn the words to the 'Unsung Heroes' song, learn the basic Samba movements, from a professional Brazilian Samba teacher, and take acting lessons from a professional actor in an hour long workshop, together with someone she had not previously met or knew, (the carnival King) and go along to be measured and fitted for her costume. (the costume of course was not crinoline, but made of foam, but the embossed fabric was beautiful, with the most exquisite braiding, sequins and fringing therefore the overall effect was similar, in as much that it billowed out in a similar fashion)

There were times of course when little self-doubts crept in, like "What have I let myself in for?" etc..etc.. When this occurred I knew that I would have to counteract any negativity with as much positive self-talk that I could muster. So, that said I knew I had made a commitment, so it was now up to me to be the best I could be!

I went along to the dance lesson, the acting class, the rehearsal, I even took to taking up exercising and jogging, (because I thought my stamina may have been questionable) After all, dancing around Hanley for an hour is not something that I would normally do on a regular basis.

All this said, it turned out to be the most FUN thing I have ever done, and I was determined to savour every minute of it! (after all I had waited a long time for this)The great day arrived, SANITY FAIR DAY! the adrenalin was pumping, the atmosphere was electric, I could have gone on and on...I danced...(or maybe it would be more accurate to say moved... as if no one was watching) So much so, that I have decided that I will now live my life as if no one is watching!

I am so glad I was asked to do this, and I am so glad I said YES!

I have also made the decision to live happily ever after............

A HUGE THANK YOU to every one that made it possible, and for making SANITY FAIR SUCH A MEMORABLE AND SUCCESSFUL EVENT!

LEMONS....LEMONADE....AND BOUQUETS !

'WHEN LIFE THROWS YOU LEMONS......MAKE LEMONADE'

I know that I can handle whatever life gives me (I've had a great deal of practice).........However, I would now prefer more bouquets than lemons.......I've made enough lemonade, (gallons or should it be litres of the stuff - I've been knee deep in lemonade!)

It's time to smell the roses!......so life, you can now start throwing me roses.....then I can begin to make the bouquets!

YET MORE REFLECTIONS..........

I have come to realize that whenever I am feeling unhappy, it is because my thoughts are connected to something that has already happened or I believed would or could happen.

The analogy that came to mind was like a small child on a swing, who gets scared whenever he swings too far forward or too far backwards.......So can negative thoughts attack the mind, when it needlessly swings into the past or future.......Yet when the swing stops at it's natural position we can rest quietly.

When I can keep my mind focused on the blessings in my life, that I can count on right NOW in this very moment, any unhappiness dissolves into nothingness.......because there is only NOW.....and being fully PRESENT.

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..........?

'LOVE LIFE..........

I used to enjoy writing poetry in my late teens and early 20's. I found it to be a good way of expressing my thoughts and feelings.
Now after a gap of .........years!!! my creative juices have started to flow a little! - So with a glass of red wine in one hand and forkful of spaghetti in the other, (not at the same time of course, otherwise I would not have been able to write) I sat in the Italian restaurant, and over lunch I wrote this short poem in about 45minutes. (think that the glass of wine may have also made a contribution, I was feeling rather relaxed )

'LOVE LIFE......AND IT WILL LOVE YOU BACK'

Be open to everything

And attached to nothing,

Life can be a wondrous gift

When we remember this.

If we can do the very best

To retain our positiveness,

Life will do the rest

Thoughout our search for happiness.

Life can sometimes be trying,

However, it can also bring such joy and bliss,

Nevertheless, throughout it all we can come out smiling,

When we have faith we cannot miss

let us celebrate life as it unfolds,resting secure in the knowledge of the promise that it holds.

'WHAT EVER THE QUESTION........LOVE IS THE ANSWER'

WHAT A PROACTIVE, THOUGHT PROVOKING DAY!

I went along to a Social Care Conference today, held at the New Vic theatre, which MAGMH had been invited to attend.
The delegates consisted of approximately 150 young people between 14 and 19 years of age. The programme commenced with a series of 5 mini-plays, improvised by a group of people (some were professional actors, others were not)
The topics covered were quite 'hard hitting' i.e. Loss/Grief/ Morals/ Ethics/Mental and Emotional well-being etc.
These issues were portrayed in a very dramatic manner, which proved to be an extremely powerful and creative way of getting an important message across to the audience.
We then went into our different workshops to discuss and explore the issues raised.
After lunch we re-entered the theatre, and the plays were performed again, but this time incorporating the lessons we felt needed to be learned, in order to facilitate a more positive and satisfactory outcome for all the participants concerned.
I came away feeling that the Conference was a great success, and feel sure that it will have empowered and enlightened the young caring professionals of the future.

I LOVE THE THEATRE !

I will be taking my Mother to the theatre to see SWAN LAKE ON ICE on 15th March. We both enjoy going to the theatre a lot. I have managed to book front row seats, (which I always endeavour to do, it makes the whole experience so much more intimate)
I saw SWAN LAKE last year (but without the ice!)
We have seen so many wonderful shows i.e. opera, ballet, musicals and dance. We have a meal beforehand at my favoutite Italian restaurant and then go on to see the performance. I adore the elegance and grace of the ballet, that combined with the music of Tchaikovsky I find quite mind blowing. I am really looking forward to the evening, it should be quite spectacular.

THE COURAGE TO BE MYSELF.............

I have the courage to :

Embrace my strengths - Get excited about life - Enjoy giving and receiving love.

Face and transform my fears - Ask for help and support when I need it.

Trust myself - Make my own decisions and choices - Befriend myself - Complete unfinished business.

Realize that I have emotional and practical rights - Talk as nicely to myself as I do to my friends.

Communicate lovingly with understanding as my goal - Honour my own needs - Give myself credit for my accomplishments.

Love the inner child within me - Feel all my feelings and act on them appropriately.

Nurture others because I want to, not because I have to - Choose what is right for me.

Set limits and boundaries and stick by them - Say "yes" only when I really mean it.

Have realistic expectations - Take risks and accept change- Grow through challenges.

Be totally honest with myself - Correct erroneous beliefs and assumptions. Respect my vulnerabilities.

Heal old and current wounds - Plant "flower" not "weed" thoughts in my mind.

Treat myself with respect and teach others to do the same.

Plan my future but "live" in the present - Value my intuition and wisdom.

Develop healthy, supportive relationships - Make forgiveness a priority.

"LA MIA MAMMA"

Here she is, my mum.

87 years young and still going strong.

She still has a marvellous sense of humour.

A lovely happy, smiley face.

A kind heart.

And a generous spirit.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT........

"We can't all make a BIG difference - but we can all make a LITTLE difference in a

BIG way"