Spring Cleaning Your Personal House

“Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.”
~George Bernard Shaw

This quote truly spoke to me.

My mental and emotional house is in need of a good spring cleaning. 2007 was a year of accumulation. It’s now time for me to get my house back in order. It’s time to toss negative attitudes, clear my head and let in new fresh energy.

And finally, I need to clean the house I call home, where all my stuff is. I’m going to clean the basement, garage, closets, and my desk. Wherever I’ve accumulated stuff that I don’t need, I’m going to clear it out and give it away. Clutter causes stress!

The physical action of house cleaning is symbolic of what we are doing on the mental and emotional levels. Clearing out old, useless stuff will get our energy flow moving, which really gets our “house in order.”

Affirmation: Good things are coming my way with all the order and space I’m creating.”

Stay positive about the cleaning and clearing process, and watch your life begin to sparkle.

Judy

Teaching Gratitude

Judy and I receive an e-mail daily when things pop up on the web related to gratitude. We were really impressed with one of the links and wanted to share it with you.

It is a great blog article that talks about ways to teach your teen gratitude. I don’t have a teenager, yet, but I know plenty of friends that are in that stage right now and it can be frustating. Growing up today is so different from even when I grew up. There are so many more challenges and stimulus that these children need to process.

Reaching this group is very important for Judy and I with our soon to be debuting t-shirt and hoodie collection. Putting aside all of the stress and anxiety that they are all under, they should be able to feel good about themselves and express that.

Be on the look out–our collection is being photographed next week! We can’t wait to share it with you!

In the meantime, check out this great blog: Dr. Robyn J.A. Silverman.

We’d love to hear what you think.

Make It a Great Day!
Deanna

Spring Has Sprung!

WOW! What a fabulously unexpected warm sunny day here! I had a wonderful day spending time with my daughter. We ran some errands and took time to go in to the Harbor area of one of our local towns to walk with the dog and get some ice cream. It was just delightful.

My husband and I took her to this area Thursday evening. Thursday was also a beautiful day. I was amazed at how warm it was by the water. It made me yearn for summer. I remember saying to him as we were walking the dog looking out at the beautiful scene before us, that it was remarkable to me how much appreciation I had for what I was seeing at that moment. I thought it was funny how I looked off in the distance almost in awe at what I saw and the warmth that I felt. I then said, “Isn’t it a shame that once the summer gets rolling we don’t see or appreciate this in the same way?” We get busy and it becomes common place.

I made sure to take the time to appreciate it that day and today and breathe it in.

As Spring is blooming take the time to be grateful for these moments. The earth is in a re-birth. Stop to take a few minutes to appreciate that beauty.

Have a fabulous weekend!

In gratitude,
Deanna

Pumping Out the Positive

I typically get my gas a local gas station. It’s really small, but a long time family owned business. It’s full serve and after a while you get to become friendly with the attendants.

The attendant that usually fills my tank is always so nice and friendly–even on a rainy day. Last week, I filled up on Friday which was a cold drizzley day. I pulled up as I normally do and rolled my window down. I got my customary friendly greeting, “How are you today?” “Great!” I said. “I just wish it wasn’t raining–but it’s okay–it’s a great day!” Well, we got into a conversation about this and I learned that this man who pumps gas is an avid gardener and loves to be outside. He loves looking at the positive side of life and spreads that sunshine to others. How remarkable! I felt like I found this gem in of all places, a small town gas station!

I was very struck by this last week and tabled it as something to write about. Well, today I needed to fill up again and there was the friendly gas attendant. I asked him if he was outside working yesterday on that fabulously warm day. He declared that he was with much excitement and said that he is just loving being outside and digging in the dirt. His passion for the outdoors was pouring out. I felt so happy for him!

I left as I always do, with a smile on my face. I found it truly remarkable that there are many people who come across this man’s path and they probably don’t get “it.” The “it” I refer to is this attitude. How amazing it is to look at life this way–it’s so much richer even if your checkbook tells you different.

I encourage you to take a look around you. You probably have one of these “gems” in your life that you encounter on a regular basis. Open your eyes to it, it’s amazing what you can learn.

With deepest gratitude,
Deanna

Giving Back

Last night was Idol Gives Back on American Idol. Judy and I both enjoy watching American Idol, although I must admit I’m so busy these days that this year I haven’t been watching regularly. My neighbor reminded me yesterday that last night was the Idol Gives Back episode, so I made sure to tune in.

Last year, we had Faith watch it with us so that she could understand how fortunate we are and see how to help others less fortunate. She was so moved last year by seeing as she called them, “the needy children” from Africa. She was stunned to see that some of them had no clothes or shoes.

We had her watch with us again last night and she was glued to the tv with us. I was watching it and planning to donate at some point during the night. When they got to the segment on the children from Africa, I was moved to run to my laptop and make my donation. I was brought to tears by the little family of 4 boys who lost both of their parents to HIV. The eldest was only about 15 and he looked so sad. Annie Lenox, who was the celebrity featured in this segment, was profoundly moved to tears (as was I) when she left the boys who were happily tested to be HIV negative.

I believe that this is a wonderful way to see all parts of the world and our country and the need that exists. I know it made us appreciate more deeply what we have. Faith turned to me towards the end and said, “so you mean some people don’t have a fireplace, a couch, a tv, or a rug?” Some don’t I said. It certainly puts into perspective the things we take for granted.

We have such a wonderful life to be grateful for! It feels good to know that you have and can help others in this way.

You can still donate to this cause by going to www.americanidol.com. Check it out or decide to help someone in your own way.

Deanna

Quick Tips for Meditation

It’s the middle of the week. Are you stressed and tired? The end is near as Friday approaches.

We recently read a great article on The Art of Meditation in a small regional newsmagazine called “Natural Awakenings.”

You may not be someone who has ever practiced meditiaton or you may be someone who does it frequently. Meditation doesn’t need to be long, but is a great way to focus your mind and soothe away stress.

We pulled some great tips from this article for you to read about:

“-Chant a mantra to yourself: (such as “om” or another repetitive word or phrase that can be personal to you). This will help to quiet your mind and get you focused.

-Breathe easy: Inhale and exhale through your nose, creating a rhythmic pattern that lengthens progressively. Inhale for four counts, exhale for four counts; then inhale for five counts, exhale for five counts, and so on.

-Move and Repeat: Along with your breathing, repetitive movement like walking, jogging, swimming or t’ai chi can be used to induce a meditative state.”

You can really do some of these anywhere. If you are at work take some time out at your desk to spend just a few minutes doing some deep breathing. It’s amazing what this can do for you. It also gets you to take a few minutes to slow down and practice being mindful.

The Art of Discipline

My daughter has been studying karate for several years now. In the Fall she graduated from the Little Ninjas program to Kickin’ Kids. The new program is much more intense and requires more skill and discipline. Faith absolutely loves karate. Her favorite thing is sparing where she has to wear a helmet and hand and foot gear. She looks forward to it every week and if for some reason there isn’t class she is truly disappointed!

Last week she had her first Kickin’ Kids graduation and she earned her orange belt. I was very surprised at the end of the ceremony when her instructor selected her as the “Student of the Semester.” When she left Little Ninjas last year she was selected as the “Student of the Year,” so when she was selected again I was truly moved to tears. You see, to me this isn’t just an award. She was chosen for her discipline, focus, and drive to help others. As a parent, what more reward could there be than to have your child recognized for these things?

Of course, if you know my daughter, she really doesn’t like attention (certainly not like her mom!) I told her how proud I was of her and she told me to stop that it’s no big deal! Well, it is a big deal–this wasn’t some generic trophy that everyone received. I know someday she’ll appreciate and understand this, but it was so rewarding as a parent to have your child recognized for those attributes that you want them to have.

In our own lives much of what we do requires discipline. If you want to exercise or eat a certain way you need to be consistent to see the results and you need discipline and focus to achieve that. Our minds and emotions work the same way. Thoughts are just thoughts. Negative thoughts can be changed–attitudes can be changed. It just takes discipline, focus, and mindfulness to do so.

Reflect on this in your own life. Start small–is there one negative thought that nags at you? It could be something you think and don’t even realize that you think about often. Try to counter it with a positive thought and keep doing so. Here’s an example, getting out of bed in the morning–do you drag yourself out dreading the day ahead? If so, try before your feet even hit the floor thinking, it’s going to be a great day! I’m not saying that things won’t happen to you during the day that can bring you down, but what a better way to start off the day on a positive note than a negative one? Try it for yourself and see.

In gratitude,
Deanna

The Simplicity of Sweet Sunshine

I write today sitting in my office with the sun beaming through my three big windows. I can see the ground to the beautiful sky. It’s such a warm feeling!

Thinking of something as simple as the sunshine, reminded me of this passage from the Louise Hay book that I have mentioned before, “Gratitude a Way of Life.” Sylvia Friedman, a contributor to the book, writes:

“I have always been impressed with the song “The Best Things in Life Are Free.” Gratitude is free–there is no cost. Nature’s miracles, such as the flowers in bloom, the leaves when they turn bright colors in the fall, or the sky when it’s blue, remind us of the simples pleasures in life. I remember a friend of mine who was going through a very sad time telling me: “I’m thankful when the sun is shining, as it gives me a positive feeling.” I smiled and told her, “The sun shines not on us, but in us.”

Today my gratitude is for these simple things that we often overlook or take for granted.

1. I am most grateful for the beautifully unexpected warm day we had Saturday.
2. I am most grateful for the radiant sunshine today.
3. I am most grateful for the beautiful blue sky with the puffy white pillow like clouds. It’s such a pretty sight.
4. I am most grateful to breathe crisp fresh air.
5. I am most grateful for my senses which allow me to take all of this in.

All of this reminded me of the years I spent teaching painting classes. When we started painting landscapes I would tell my students that when they look at nature now they will see things differently. When I first studied perspective, I remember how driving down the road seemed different to me. I could appreciate the perspective of driving down that road and what was ahead. I then could translate that into a picture.

Most days, it’s easy to find the big or obvious things to be grateful for. Take some time today to contemplate those small things that may not be as obvious. You will soon have a greater appreciation for those simple things.

With deep gratitude,
Deanna

Working Together Helping Others

I usually like to make our Saturday posts about something family related. The weekends are great times to reconnect in our face paced chaotic world.

I know in our house even with one child in just a few activities, there is little time at night after all of the “have to do” work is done. There are so many demands on our children at such a young age. I don’t ever remember homework or coursework like my daughter has in 1st grade.

My husband and I have sponsored a little girl from Columbia for nearly 8 years now. Recently, Faith saw her letter and her latest picture. She asked me about her and I told her that we help her out by sponsoring her. I told her of all the great things that organization does to help her.

She had so many questions and that night said to me that she really wanted to do something. She said she wants to sell something and give the money away to needy children. Like a lemonade stand, I asked? Yes, she said but I have to charge a dollar for everything. We can take all that money and all of your money and give it away to needy children. How profound for a 6 year old.

Thinking about this now, it made me realize that this would be a great activity to “connect” with your family. It doesn’t need to be a lemonade stand, but why not volunteer at a soup kitchen, help clean up a park, help an elderly relative–make them dinner or clean up their yard. The ideas are endless and great ways to teach lessons.

Of course, this all brings us back to gratitude and the goal of this type of exercise would be to get at the root of it all and appreciate on a higher level how fortunate we are. No matter how bad you think you have it, someone else is worse off. Take the time to get out and help others. You’ll feel good for it.

Happy Tax Day!

Yes, you read that correctly…Happy Tax Day. I’ve been procrastinating on completing my 2007 tax return. In the past 3 months I’ve put so much energy in thinking about it and little energy in completing the task, until today.

I received an email from Hillary Harris, founder of Soul Purpose which says:

Your bank account-whether it be personal or business-is like a living breathing organism- what goes in must come back out. This keeps it healthy, cycling naturally and functioning properly.

However, instead of seeing it as a natural flow, most of us, after paying our taxes, have a tendency to contract and withhold-financially as well as physically. In other words, we see the big tax bill, feel the fear, anxiety or concern and then decide to pull back, watch our spending or limit ourselves and others over the next few months to make up for it. We lose all sense of trust or connection to the knowing that there will be more where that came from…MONEY.

So, I’m going to shift my current money reality (taxes) right now by looking at it this way-the more I cycle out, or exhale, the more room I’m making to take in a bigger breath next time. Starting today-No More Negative Energy will be spent on taxes. They are a part of life, a part of the bigger picture and natural cycle of things.

Happy Tax Day!
Judy

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