A little inspiration to brighten your day…
Image Courtesy of Pixabay
Inspiring Quote for the Day…
Category: Quote
Normal is Only an Illusion
I ran across a very profound statement a while back, and felt compelled to share. I hope that you like it…
Image Courtesy of Pixabay
“Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.”
-Charles Addams
Think about that…WHAT IS NORMAL FOR THE SPIDER IS CHAOS FOR THE FLY. What a great way to look at it!
For starters, let’s determine what “normal” actually is. Are you jumping on the band wagon and classifying “normal” as what is considered acceptable in society or do you have another outlook toward it? Is “normal” a massive home with a white picket fence, a manicured yard, and a minivan sitting in the driveway? Is “normal” a home with a subservient Barbie doll trophy wife who beckons to her husbands every quim? Is “normal” walk in closets, shoe obsessions, salon appointments, and tennis matches once the children head off to school? Do you feel as though you OR your family would be classified as “normal?” Mine sure wouldn’t, from present day all the way back through the blood line!
I realized years ago that to be “normal” or to be “in control” of a situation was really just a figment of our own imaginations. There is NO such thing, and they are indeed illusions, as we all have different backgrounds, beliefs, goals, dreams, priorities, and perspectives in our lives. God made each of us unique, not robotic clones, so don’t beat yourself up for not “measuring up” compared to your neighbors, Facebook friends, or your peers. It’s not a competition! The only thing that you’ll gain from this is a freaking ulcer, and WHO has time for that?!
Just because your car or home isn’t as fabulous as Samantha’s down the road, or you can’t afford a month long European vacation like Robert, that does NOT mean that you are inadequate! It simply means that your “normal” is on the other end of the spectrum than theirs is. Be gracious, humble, and happy for others. Believe it or not, there are aspects of your life that they wish they had in theirs. My first marriage looked appealing to the outside world, but no one ever saw what went on behind closed doors. Severe alcohol addiction, neglect, mental and physical abuse, screaming matches, pornography addiction, and the list goes on and on…
EVERYONE, regardless of how perfect their life may seem, live with their own set of demons. The grass is NEVER greener on the other side, and when you shake up your way of life, you are ALWAYS trading one set of problems for another! There are SO many people who feel trapped by this or that, those that loathe their spouses, while others fear theirs. There are a multitude of addictions and mental illnesses that seriously impair the strength of a family’s foundation, and this is only the tip of the iceberg. To live a “normal” life is most assuredly an illusion, and the only certainty is death and taxes.
What are YOUR thoughts on this topic?
Inspiring Quote for the Day
“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.”
-Sonia Ricotti
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Inspiring Quote for the Day
“I love rumors. I always find out amazing things about myself that I never knew.”
-Author Unknown
The Secret to Having the Perfect Marriage
There are 5 SIMPLE STEPS that I am going to share with you today that will provide a healthy and well balanced marriage for you and your love. BUT, keep in mind, it requires an ongoing team effort. If participation is not put in by BOTH parties, your marriage/relationship WILL suffer! Without further ado, let’s begin…
Image Courtesy of Pixabay
Step One: Be strong where they are weak.
If you have the ability to step to the plate and take over in areas where your partner is weak (and them do the same for you-NO ONE is perfect after all!) then your relationship AND home life will benefit from it.
Step Two: Become partners in crime.
Always work together and make important decisions as a team. You know the old saying that two heads are better than one? Well, it’s true. When you make decisions together it opens the floor for different perspectives and suggestions. When you agree to discuss the pros and cons of each situation prior to making a final decision, your life together will ultimately run A LOT smoother. Who wouldn’t want to simplify their everyday life, right?!
Step Three: Constant Communication is VITAL to the success of any relationship!
The more you talk and involve your partner in matters of the heart, the healthier your union will remain. Share your thoughts, your feelings, and your experiences with them. Discuss your ideas and plans. Keep the air ways open and available during all hours of the night and day. If the ability to communicate is lost, your relationship will be doomed.
Step Four: Total and complete honesty is key here, regardless of whether or not it hurts.
If you have to concoct stories (and then keep track of them), then you are doing yourself and your spouse/partner a huge injustice. Do them a favor and cut your ties now. If you are incapable of being honest with them, then you aren’t ready for a serious relationship. Don’t waste their time; allow them the chance to meet who they were destined to be with. Life is too short after all! Any relationship that caters to this fresh approach can withstand any long-term situation…Trust me!
Step Five: Sharing intimate moments together is extremely important for a marriage!
While sex is fantastic, it is NOT what I’m talking about here. Intimacy is kissing, caressing, joining together as one. The connection that forms during these moments are fuel for that unquenchable flame in your heart. Feed that flame every chance that you get and keep it vivacious; give it all the nourishment that it needs.
“We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!”
-Unknown Author
So, that’s my take on it, and so far these steps have allowed me a rewarding and happy marriage. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Do you have any steps to add?
Inspirational Quote of the Day
“Throw me to the wolves and I will return leading the pack.”
-Author Unknown
Image Courtesy of Pixabay
Mama always felt that she was sending me off to the wolves when I went to school, and in a way, that’s kind of how it was. I didn’t exactly attend the most “Desirable School” in town! But, I had enough head on my shoulders to survive, and ultimately thrive.
I have NEVER been a follower…
Inspiring Quote for the Day
Words to live by…
Your life is made of two dates and a dash. Make the most of the dash.
-Author Unknown
Inspiring Quote for the Day
I just love this quote. I hope that you do too…
“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours – it is an amazing journey – and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”
― Bob Moawad
Implementing 5 Changes for a Successful Year
For those of you who are unaware, my grandson was finally released from the hospital. YEAH!!! He was one day shy of turning a month old. Things are FINALLY getting back to normal here, and with a few days off of work (Thank You Snow!), I am finally able to form a rational thought. I’m about a month behind in my “Goal Planning” for the year, but better late than never is what I say!
So, I have been giving this year A LOT of thought (as this is Year 3 of my 5 Year Goal), and I have decided on 5 changes that I want to implement. I feel that these changes will REALLY help me in obtaining my ultimate goal, and this is the year for diving in head first.
So, let me give you the little run down of my list…
- #1 My “Studio”
This past weekend I dug into my craft studio with the full intention of making it work FOR me, rather than against me. I have been SO busy these past couple of years trying to get this ball rolling, that my craft supplies have managed to get extremely jumbled and disorganized. Prime example: I went on a hunt for my hole punch a couple of months ago. Not only could I NOT find my one hole punch, I couldn’t even track down my 3 hole punch! That thing’s HUGE! You would think it would be easy to find, but nope! I spent the entire weekend going through things, and I have yet to run across either of them. Instead of having my beading stuff here, and my paper crafting items there, and so on, I am simplifying it. Remember those awesome plastic drawers I was telling you about? Well, those bad boys are being filled with “Tools” in one drawer, “Adhesives” in the next, “Paints and Inks” in the next, and so forth. Enough of this, “That clay tool would sure make this distress job easier!” Now, I’ve got it ALL together; I’m loving it! Still have a little work left to do, but she’s coming together nicely.
- #2 My Editorial Calendar
Putting this binder together has been one of the best things that I have ever done! Not only does it hold the posting schedule for my blog, but I have all of the ideas for my creations contained inside as well. My craft supply wish list, my book ideas, my sporadic thought process scribbled in the margins, my marketing plans, and the list goes on and on. This book has proven to be a life saver on quite a few different occasions! BUT, I do believe that by re-evaluating and then re-organizing it, I can create an even more valuable resource.
- #3 Commitments to Projects
I have thousands of creations stuck in my mind that are screaming to be released. But, I have decided that I need to hone in on just a few specific projects, and take the extra time necessary to make these creations top notch. I have been dabbling with my book (which this blog is based on) for some time now, and I have decided that the time has come to get stubborn and make it a priority. The path/keys to my success will be contained in those pages, and I want to share them with others around the world. I have decided to STOP procrastinating, and just get the thing written all ready. The sooner I can release this book from my mind, the sooner I can get to all the others. My list is massive, and my time is short. I have SO much that I NEED to share!
- #4 Breaking Free from the Comfort Zone
When I started down this path, I definitely detoured away from my comfort zone, but the time has come to shake things up just a bit more. I have decided that this is the year that I am going to really make my presence known to others. I am planning on reaching out to my local media, getting more involved on my social media, getting my YouTube channel out of the crib and into school, and sharing some of my creations around town. I would love to start teaching some local craft classes, but I’m still rolling that one around. I have been giving a lot of thought into putting together some eCourses; just have to work out the kinks. Being successful doesn’t happen overnight after all!
- #5 Re-Evaluate My Schedule
I work non-stop and stay SO tired that when I finally do have the opportunity to get some productive work done, my brain is too fried to make it beneficial. I believe that I need to take a step back from my work, and establish a healthy balance in order to be successful, and capable of creating more. I honestly believe that if I do less, I’ll become more, which will be a WIN-WIN for everyone involved.
So, there you have it; my list of changes for a successful new year. We’re only a month in, let’s make this the best year yet!
What changes are YOU implementing this year?
3 Day Quote Challenge-Day Three
Mansi over at Drowning Wings nominated me to participate in the 3 Day Quote Challenge. As many of you know, I LOVE partaking in these challenges! If you have never visited this fantastic blog, you need to make the time. Thank you Mansi for including me in this fun challenge. I sure do appreciate it!
Rules for the challenge:
- Thank the blogger that nominated you.
- Share one new quote on three consecutive days on your blog. They can be from anywhere, anyone, or anything.
- On each of the three days, nominate three more bloggers to carry on with the fun! No pressure; nominees are free to decline.
Quote for Day Three:
Life is like a Camera. You focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negative, and if things don’t work out, TAKE ANOTHER SHOT.
-Author Unknown
My Nominees for Day Three:
Shilpa over at I Am A Blogger Too
Just a Small Town Girl…
Jenny over at The Bloggess
I had a great time with this challenge! Thank you Mansi!
From Food Stamps To A Future 