Taking Chances

In life we are all take chances.. Whether it's financial, physical, emotional or spiritual its all a chance. Chances are that some of those chances are frightening to say the least. As we get older we see ourselves in some situations that we wished we knew what road or what "chance" to take. Taking a chance is leaving yourself open to new experiences, new heartache, even new failures.

So we ask ourselves, are we willing to go thru all that in hopes to accomplish some sort of goal??? Maybe and maybe not.. It all depends on how strong we are and how bad we want something.. Taking a chance is a huge step in changing the course of your life..  When your life is going one way and you have become comfortable with it, it's difficult to take that chance. Many people have told me that they aren't willing to change the course of their life. Even if it meant doing something bigger and better. I guess that taking chances is the only way to know what you are made off, what you are willing to accomplish and how you want to  see yourself.. 

Everyday we take a chance.. We decide to do something new and improved that changes us for the better. If we don't take a chance, we live a stagnated life that is all the same.. Unfortunately, many of us choose this type of life. Some of us, choose to take a chance and make a change. It's up to you.. Only you can be the writter of your destiny... It only takes one chance to make a world of difference.

Being Fake...

It has occurred to me, that we go thru life being "fake".. It can be at work, with friends, or even with people that we don't even know.. Why??? Are we that unhappy with ourselves that we have to be "fake" with others??? Or are we trying to be someone that we aren't in order to feel accepted into a specific group?? I've seen to many people "kissing butt" to get what they want.. Then after they are done kissing it, they revert back to the same people they were. So, have you always been "fake" or are you just "fake" for convenience??

 This subject is very difficult to write about, especially because it deals with the way that people are.. The way I see it, don't pretend to be who you aren't.. Just be yourself.. Get to where you need to go or be on your own merit.. If you don't have what it takes, then empower yourself with the knowledge that you need.. But going around kissing butt, just to get you further than you can go on your own, is not good.. People do notice what you do and how you do things..

Self acceptance is key.. If you can't be happy with your own self, don't expect anyone else to be.. If you need to go thru life being "fake", there is definitely an issue that you need to deal with.

The Busy Life..

 Have we realized that more and more we are to busy for our friends and family!!!.. How many times have we stopped calling people and we just text, email, facebook or even just instagram others??!!! When was the last time that you actually took the time and spent time with someone that you lost contact with?? I sometimes see myself texting more than actually speaking or seeing people.. I know that it's so much easier to text than to actually call or write or even go and see...

I have come to the point in my life that I do a "spring cleaning" of my phone contacts, facebook contacts, email contacts etc.. Sometimes, I have names and numbers that I have no clue who the people are and when was the last time that I actually spoke to them. We all lead a busy life, and we have such short amounts of time that taking the time to see others is virtually impossible.. Not to mention that in this electronic day and age that we live in, its so much easier to just text than to sit there and have a whole conversation...  I remember when my cell phone didn't have a Qwerty keyboard, and i had to press all the numbers just to be able to text.. I would give up and call the person.. Now that I have a Droid, forget calling.. I can swype, type, dictate, so why call!!

The point is this.. We go thru life thinking that there is always tomorrow and that we will be able to contact people in our life.. We are not promised tomorrow.. So, let's make it a point to actually go and see people and call them to hear their voice and not just text..

Are we Happy???

I attended the open house at my son's upcoming University and they asked this question.. "If you had the choice to study what you like and be happy would you"?? That question really hit home.. How many times have we chosen a job or schooling and done it not because we loved it or it made us happy, but because we had to??? Yes, I chose to start my family early and maybe I graduated with a degree so that I could attain a better job.  All that was done because that is how we have been conditioned to do things.. but I'm not happy... I know that I would be happier doing the things that I love..

 I questioned this and came to this conclusion.. We get jobs that are just that.. Jobs.. They don't excite us, motivate us or bring us happiness.. It just pays the bills... We do it because we have responsibilities and it's the right thing to do... Not because we are geniunley happy.. There is a small anount of people that are truly excited about getting up in the morning and going to work.. That small percentage is not the norm.. The rest of us, dread having to wake up on Monday and drive to that office and deal with those people..

 I understood what the speaker was talking about.. We live in a society that we need to have stuff... The new car, the bigger house, the private school education, the clothes, the shoes, etc etc.. So, we go day by day to a place that lets us have that status symbol but in the end we still aren't happy.. Looking at the life that we presently live, how would you answer these questions. Would you take a chance and do what you love?? Would you give up not having all the material stuff?? Would you work towards your happiness??? Would you care what people thought about your decision???

Take a chance and make a difference in your life.. In the end your happiness is what matters.... I am convinced that I need to do what makes me happy... At the end of the day, no one is going to make you happy but yourself...  

Funny How Life Changes

On a daily basis our life changes. One minute we are thinking and doing one thing and then all of a sudden we are doing something different. I call it the "roller coaster"... How many times have we sat there and made all these plans and gotten all our stuff together and BAM!! it all changes.. It may be a job, a relationship, going back to school, trying to make it in the music business, buying something new, etc.. We make all these plans and for what!!! It's funny how sometimes we try and look at the "end result".. We fantasize on it, we imagine how happy we are going to be, we can literally see ourselves in that new change.. Then all of a sudden something or someone burst that bubble... The hardest part is trying to figure out why?? Why did it have to change?? Why aren't I as happy as I was?? What is life trying to tell me??? What did I do wrong??? All these questions are hard to answer at that point in time.. We need to let go and see the bigger picture.. It's hard sometimes to see the bigger picture, because we had our heart set on something else.

My best friend is an awesome singer... He has trained classically and when he sings, your feel the passion and emotion.. Enough to say that you get goosebumps... I have had the pleasure of seeing him sing live.. I tell you that I have never heard anything like it... His life has drastically changed in many ways.. Sometimes, you have to go thru a lot in order to get to what your future is going to bring you.. It's hard to accept that life throws you curve balls, it tests you, it brings you to your knees, and make you feel like you are the most insignificant person out there.. Aside from all of that, he continues to persevere and push forward.. No matter what... It's so impressive and I'm so proud of him to keep trying.. I know that when life has given him lemons; he has made great lemonade...

Life has changed for a lot of us.. We are different because life has made us different.. We view things differently, we are more cautious than others.. I hear people say, "throw caution to the wind"!!! We would love nothing more.. We all have big plans, goals, and things that we want to achieve.. When life changes and it's not what you had visioned or planned, just try to rise above it and look at the bigger picture.. No matter how hard that may be.. If not, we become stagnated and that isn't the way life should be lived..

Life's Baggage

Life's Baggage....  This is something that most of us have, a lot of us try to hide and some of us try not to judge others with.. We all come with baggage.. It takes many forms in our life... I myself have a couple of bags.. I do realize that when we meet others and share our baggage it sometimes takes over the new journey that we are going on..

In speaking with others, you come to realize that baggage has ended relationships, given you a different outlook on someone and even made others re-think wanting to start something because of the baggage.. Our baggage is what makes us unique and special.. When you think about it, it's kinda like a "life badge".. You have lived life, and life has happened, and you get the baggage.. Anyone who doesn't have any, in my book is weird..

Let's talk about the types of baggage.. Many of us have emotional, physical, mental, spiritual & lets not forget the most important one of all "the kids" baggage.. In all of these there are types that can be dealt with and others that you just wanna leave alone. In our journey thru life, I'm sure that we have met people that have one or many bags... The issue here is how to deal with it and how not to let it bring you down or make you feel less than anyone else...

My baggage is my kids.. Many people have treated me differently because of the fact that in my life my kids come first.. I know that maybe that way of thinking is what has kept a lot of people out of my life.. On the other hand, that kind of thinking has made me realize that the ones that are truly special in your life, admire you for being that way.. I love my baggage and yes it's hard for me to accept others that have way more baggage than I do..

Baggage is baggage and will always be that until we die... We should work with our baggage and not let it overpower our life.. As long as we acknowledge that we have it, it doesn't make us different.. It reminds us that we have lived and that life happens and we should never take it for granted.

First Impressions

First Impressions are deemed the most important view out there. I started thinking about first impressions since my son will be having his first University interview... Having a great first impression might be the one thing that gives you that opportunity that others might be seeking. In speaking with my good friend Ashley, first impressions can make or break you...

 Let's think about it.. Say you are going to your College/University Interview, you are not the only candidate out there. The first impression that the interview board gets of you might be the saving grace that is needed. How about that job interview. Hey times are tough, and you need an edge... Sure there is the fact that hopefully your are better qualified than your constituents and maybe you have some life experience but nonetheless you need the edge.. Now let's say that you are lacking in a certain area.. Let's say that you don't have the "right qualifications", you might just get the job if you make a great First Impression..

We all have some sort of individuality that separates us from the others.. It can be a tattoo, piercing, long hair, gold grill, accents, you name it we all have something... Unfortunately in trying to make the best first impression we need to be able to put all that stuff away, or as much as possible so that we aren't judged wrongly. I know that it's hard.. and sometimes we say "who cares!! if they want to give me the job, they need to accept me for who I am".. Yes, that might work in some places but in others it doesn't. Sometimes, the interview panel sees you as a reflection of how others will see their company.. It might not be what they are looking for.. So why loose something really great, just because you don't want to give the best first impression???

I've known people to go to a job interview and loose a great job because of the first impression that the company got.. It's a horrible feeling to be qualified or have the life experience and because of how people see you they judge you... Others I know will actually wait until the people they are interviewing with tell them something about either a tattoo or the way that they dress... Don't wait for someone to tell you, you need to make the change before its noticed.. You never know what you can loose because you wait for others to tell you...

First Impressions are important.. Don't loose out on a great opportunity, just because you didn't want to make a slight change...

Where did Relationship's go??

The other day, I was having lunch with my aunt... Very good looking woman for her age and very funny... We decided to go and see Magic Mike & have a light dinner afterwards... Had a great time with my aunt... While at dinner we were talking about how complicated dating life has become. Its' funny we are about 10 years apart and we both seem to have the same dating issues.. It seems that at this day and age people are only looking to "hook up" (in other words booty calls).. What ever happened to the times where you wanted to get to know someone and actually be in a relationship?? Does that even exist anymore???

Case in point... We were approached by a pretty decent looking man, and he started conversation.. (why do I always have to try and see what people's angles are??) He started to boast about what he did and where he lives and how he lives life and what he is looking for... HUH!!! I definitely felt like he was handing in a verbal resume... So, my dear aunt (being so nice) starts to nod her head and smile politely.. I on the other hand seize the opportunity at hand.. (hey if your going to give out your info I hope you have enough to back it up with).. So, in true illy fashion, I started to dig a little deeper into his resume... I asked him specific questions.. It's funny how people start off with good "game" and end up with nothing to say.. It was obvious that he was making up stuff... After a while, I dissected his job, his residence and came up with the notion that he was trying to impress two women that have their own lives and are not easily impressed.

He then blurted out, the ever so impressive phrase of "well what I'm looking for is to hook up"!!! I almost fell of my chair and spit my drink out when he actually spoke those words. Seriously!!! Is this the best that you can offer???? WOW.. Ok, so let me get this straight... You are in your late 50's, with a made up job, live in an efficiency that isn't depicted of what you say you do for a living and your looking for a hook up???  AMAZED... I guess that I was expecting that in your late 50's (if your single) that you are looking for someone to share the "golden years" with.. You have worked hard, you helped your kids out,  maybe your a grandparent, and you want that special someone to share your life with.. What I seriously was not expecting was the "I just want a hook up line"!!! 

I do know one thing.. If I'm still single in my late 50's and I haven't found my someone special that I want to share my life with, then I will stay single.. Never in my wildest dreams would I say to someone "hey you wanna hook up"?? What is that??? It goes to show the sign of the times... I rather enjoy life and be single than to be that desperate to tell people that I'm just looking for a hook up.. That totally shows that you have nothing to really offer and that at your age you still haven't grown up....

So the question still is out there... Why don't people want relationships?? Why are people in their late 50's asking for hook up's?? What happened to sharing your life with someone and not just casual sex??

Helping Others

Helping Others.....

In life we are put in other peoples way for a reason... It is a great honor to be able to help others... We are always helping others; either by listening, acting, or just plain being there for them. I know that sometimes we sit there and wonder, "why did this person come into my life"?? Maybe, they were sent to help us in some sort of way..

I have the honor to help out a family member who is close and very dear to me.. They are in need of some good old fashion "unconditional love"...

After careful consideration and lots of mulling it over, my kids and I have decided to pay it forward. We have always helped others in their time of need, so why not now!! Especially with family... We all know that sometimes we need that little something to make us feel better.. We need to feel like we are needed... So as a family, we have decided to share our Jade (our 6 month beagle) with our family member.. Who better to share Jade with!!! She has soooo much love to give and I know that she will take care of them... 

Yes it's sad because Jade is very much loved at our home... Something inside me tells me that this is the right decision.. Paying it forward is super important.. Like I told the kids, "it's not sharing our dog with just anyone" our family member will love her and take care of her as much as we do.. Not to mention that she stays withing the family and she's helping someone thru a tough time. It's hard to accept sometimes, but we need to help others.. Even though we are sad, we are bringing light into others lives... 


Challenge:  Pay it forward.. Do something for someone.. No matter how big or small.. Bring a ray of sunshine to that person.. It will all come back to you bigger and better...

"What IF"

"What IF"......

How many times have we said those two words??? Those two words that mean so much and can make us have different emotions all the time. I remember talking to my sister in law stacy and saying "why do we always say what if"? Why are we always having some sort of regret?? We were both stumpped on that question..

In my own personal life, this year has been rough.. Thoughts do come to  mind on what I could of done and what was left undone... and there goes the "WHAT IF"... These next five months that are left of the year are going to be different... Changing the way that we think and do things, so that we don't have that many "WHAT IF's"... Is it fair to say that "WHAT IF" is more of a regret???  We all know that we can't be going thru life regretting stuff. In all realization there are things that I would have done differently ofcourse and things that I would have taken the risk of doing.

My challenge: 

• For the next five months do what makes me happy
• Have less "What IF's"
• Stop looking back and wondering
• Move forward and with conviction stand my ground
• LOVE MYSELF AND MY DECISIONS

I hope that in doing these, a difference will be made in our lives... Have fun and most of all keep reaching for the stars...