Inspire

Each week I have been so grateful because I've been inspired by so much.  I am constantly seeing new articles, reading books, or hearing music in this beautiful world that surrounds me.  I also try to inspire everyone I come in contact with.  If we all took the time to think about ourselves less and focus on someone else, we might be surprised with the blessings that come forth.  Music, poetry, and art of course definitely keeps me inspired...but so do the people I meet.  I challenge you to inspire someone this weekend or in the week ahead.  #Nspirethought

Friday's Music: Enjoy! Kenny Loggins & Michael McDonald-This Is It

Friday's Music: Enjoy! Angel (Live)- Lalah Hathaway

Artist of The Day

Norman Rockwell

I don't think I was ever inspired more than any other artist in history as I was by Norman Rockwell.  Mr. Rockwell's characters are so iconic and illustrate life being lived so vibrantly and still showcases the daily normal.  It's fascinating to see these images come alive and tell us a simple and sometimes complex story of their occupations such as police officers, teacher's, mother's, father's, and even little children at play.  I used to stare at these paintings by Norman Rockwell when I was younger, and I could always recognize his signature style. 

Oh...the look on this woman's face says it all!

This self-portrait of Norman Rockwell shown above always amazed me.  It was so clever of him to capture himself in this way.  It still blows me away every time I see this painting.

Procrastination

How many times do we tell ourselves that we're going to do something and then we continue to put off the task way too long?  I have to admit, the old procrastination demon gets to me too sometimes, but I've gotten a little better about defeating it.  Whenever I feel procrastination rising up, I jump up and start working on the task that's been riding my back like a monkey.  Before you know it, I'm halfway done and then completely finished.  After finishing the task, I ponder why in the world did I put it off for so long?  It's amazing how much energy comes just from getting started.  I'm getting better each day at keeping procrastination at bay.  There's always so much to be done, but nothing will ever happen if one doesn't begin.  #GetUpAndGo

Five Ways to Stay Motivated

Five Ways to Stay Motivated:

There are days when one can dread getting out of bed and taking on the tasks of the world, however there are ways to get you going.  Here's a quick list of things that you can do to get you back on track!

1.  Exercise-A quick morning exercise routine like yoga or a brisk run or walk can bump up your mood and make you feel good about yourself.  Exercise also gets your blood and heart rate pumping and gives you added momentum!

2.  Dress Up-This is also an instant motivational method when you can dress in your favorite outfit and give yourself a new outlook on life.  When you look great, you usually feel great! 

3.  Affirmations-Keep a journal of daily affirmations and you can read them whenever you need a word of motivation.  There are also great apps that sends a new affirmation to your phone each day to lift your spirits.  Check out everydayaffirmations.org for some great positive quotes!  Look no further than your own "self" for encouragement!

4.  Eat-This sounds simple but we forget about our favorite things to do especially our favorite foods when we are ridden with dread and don't feel like ourselves.  Be sure to eat or drink one of your favorite foods.  Personally, my favorite food always gives me something to look forward to and enjoy!

5.  Plan-Get into the habit of planning your tasks in order to ensure that you are ready for the challenges of life.  When you feel organized and in control, you're less likely to feel as if life is too chaotic for you to deal with.  At the end of each day...list and go over the major tasks that you want to get accomplished the following day.  When you organize and prioritize, you become more in control of the things that may seem to weigh you down.  You have the power to DO Something...so plan ahead and the more you get done, the better you'll feel!

Health Kick

I'm trying to eat a little healthier these days.  Today I actually fasted until 2:00 pm because I'm finding that certain days I don't need to eat as much.  Society has taught us to believe that we must have breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Most of the time, yes...but sometimes I think it'll do us some good to miss a meal or two.  I love drinking coffee, but again I sometimes have to drink it a little less.  I think it's good to eat or drink some alternatives too.  Switching it up and getting a variety in our diet can help us with the nutrients our bodies are seeking.  As you're making healthy choices, don't be afraid to switch things up a bit.  Go for some extra fruits and vegetables, or just fast from meats for an entire week.  Give yourself credit for making wiser choices and proving to yourself how much you love YOU!  Happy Friday...#stayhealthyandhappy

Dealing With The Lemons

Okay...so we all know or have heard someone suggest we make lemonade out of the lemons that life has dealt us, but do they ever follow up with how?  Most of the time they don't.  Yes it's easy to use this cliche' but many of us like to know how do we get to the sweet spot with the lemonade.  It's been my experience to first make a list of what I would like to happen, and then back track as to how I can achieve the results.  If I can't obtain my desired results, I usually regroup and start over but I never give up or stop trying.  Things may take longer than we'd like but it's helpful to keep going, and stay occupied building on other aspects of our lives.  For example, one can do many things to build their career such as furthering their education, or get a certification.  Personally, I also enjoy reading personal development books or articles to help me stay motivated and focused on my goals.  Another thing that will aid in figuring things out is diet and exercise.  Drinking more water, getting good rest, and eating better helps you to feel better about yourself so that you can make other positive changes in your life.  Never just focus on that one obstacle, build on all the other things that you definitely have control over so that you will be ready to face the tougher challenges and pretty soon your "lemonade" will follow.  Though it make take longer than you expect, but you will eventually see progress.  #keepmoving!

Silencing Conflict

I remember how I use to always wake up and turn on the news or check my phone to stay in the loop for current events.  Now I find subtle ways to unplug just a little from the daily reports of conflict, struggle, and sadness.  I'm not saying I don't want to stay abreast of everything, just not all of the time.  This morning I got up at 5:30 a.m. and prayed first.  Then I proceeded to get ready for my day and grabbed me a cup of Earl Grey tea and just sat in silence for awhile.  This brought me some relaxation, peace, and satisfaction.  Sometimes I need to take some time for myself before I bring on the cares of the world to my mind.  I find that when I can do that, my day goes a lot smoother and I have an easier time focusing.  I feel that when we feed ourselves too much conflict, we stress more.  When our minds are cluttered, we can become conflicted within ourselves.  If there is inner conflict, then we lack the ability to find solutions to the problems that matter to us.  Take a moment every now and then to just "not" think, watch TV, or even meditate.  Just sit in silence and distance yourself from the chaos that surrounds you and that may lie within. 

Hotdog!

In honor of Independence Day and all the true foodies, I wanted to post one of America's staple food items...the beloved hotdog!  This weekend millions of Americans are enjoying hotdogs and dressing them just the way they like.  How many hotdogs have you eaten already?  I wanted to share an article about a few interesting facts about the hotdogs we love...hmmm interesting.

Weird Hotdog Facts

Independence Day

There's a lot to be said about Independence Day because we celebrate the heroes who fight for our freedom, and our country's break away in order to be free to have their own ideals, but what about our own individual way of thinking?  This 4th of July weekend I have to think about my own ideals and how much I try and follow my own heart.  I strive to live in independence on a daily basis, even if it means I may make a mistake or two along the way.  If we all decided to be independent and not have others force their way of thinking or living on us...we might find out that we can feel a lot freer and happier.  This country would be nothing if it weren't for individuals of all races and backgrounds having the courage enough to buck against the system and voice what mattered to them.  I know many are feeling patriotic by displaying the red, white, and blue but Independence Day is so much more than that and a cookout.  Dig deeper, and discover more of the layers that built the foundation of this land and I hope everyone has a very happy 4th of July...enjoy! 

In what ways are you an independent thinker?  Do you have ideas that you think would make our country a better place to live?  How are you contributing to your own independence?  How are you spending your 4th of July weekend?  Let me know in the comments...I'd love to hear from you.