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"

LIFE QUOTES

Some people collect stamps - I collect quotes. Here are a selection of some of my favourites :

Hope you enjoy reading them, and that they may inspire you as they have inspired me.

• Life is like riding a bicycle, you don't fall off unless you stop pedaling.
• We can alter our lives by altering our attitudes of mind.
• You are the creator of your own life, the author of your own life story.
• To transform your life is an amazingly creative and artistic process, It takes time, it takes courage, it takes your love.
• Life is a song - sing it! Life is a game - play it! Life is a challenge - meet it! Life is a dream - realize it! Life is love - enjoy it!
• Life does not have a re-wind button.

One of my all time favourites, is a quote by Michelangelo which resonates with me on a personal level : "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it"

A VERY PRODUCTIVE AFTERNOON

Would you believe today I have done the following;

• Taken a photo using my digital camera
• Uploaded the software that came with my camera to my lap-top
• Used my USB cable to connect my camera to my lap-top
• Uploaded all my images from the memory card in my camera to my hard drive
• Then burnt these images to a CD
• I then put the CD in a Mind Bloggling PC
• Connected to my blog on the Internet and uploaded one of my photos to this post as you can see.

Will now sign off, my brain is in melt-down mode. Although I am delighted to have been able to have accomplished so much in a relative short space of time.

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS..........

I am so very pleased to have been able to put my slide show together, with these wonderful photos of my dear Mum.
(can't take all the credit though-did have some help)
Really looking forward to showing her, she will be amazed.
Think the baby is quite cute too!

MEMORIES

I have managed to find my precious family photos, and what memories they bring back.(some happy, some sad)

Photos of my wonderful Dad, who showed such great courage and strength in living with his disability,I still very much miss his presence.

Photos of my beautiful Mother, now 87 years of age, who sadly has Alzheimers disease, (although I am grateful for the fact that the deterioration in her condition has occurred slowly over the past 7 years) and lastly my fantastic brother, who I also miss more than words can say.

Now I just need to scan the photos, so that I can put them in my blog.

ODE TO MY COMPUTER

My dear computer, you have now become my friend,
Though not so long ago, I thought
the frustration would never end.

With my trusty little mouse always by my side
There to point and click and
be my guide.

With a right click here,
and a left click there,
I am now happily
clicking everywhere.

HAPPINESS

I thought I would share with you what I have discovered regarding the sometimes elusive emotion of happiness.

What follows are some words that I have found to be inspirational, and have certainly helped me, (that is when I remind myself of the truth that they contain, and can step back enough to reflect on the underlying message.)

• A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.
• It is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.
• Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
• Unless you are happy with yourself, you will not be happy with what you do, where you are,who you are with, or what you have.
  

Was going to do another blog on my Xmas holidays, but have decided that at this rate I would be writing about Xmas at Easter time. (I think I've given you a flavour of the overall experience.)

I've decided instead to share another poem I wrote many years ago, this one is entitled;

WISHING

I wish I was you and I wish you were me

Then you would see what I see

You would see yourself as you really are

And me a different person by far

I'll vouch that in a few days you'll change your ways

And be as you really are.

POETRY IN MOTION

It's quite late but I don't feel tired, so I thought I would share some of the poetry I have written. In the hope that it will facilitate a good night's sleep. The poem is entitled DREAMS which seems appropriate.



How still lies the earth at night time it seems
When darkness falls and we are lost in our dreams
Each one caught within a dream of his own
Thinking and searching for something unknown.

We should cling to our dreams whenever we may
Paying no heed to what others may say
Who knows where they may lead, our dreams
For no one can ever take them away.