movement

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.-Walt Disney

Movement may be the most powerful word in the English language. Defined as "The act or an instance of moving; a change in place or position." Isn't that exactly what life is about? If so, is it fair to assume that the opposite of movement is stagnant? I’ve experienced both of these conditions enough to understand the difference. Movement has made me feel uncomfortable, sad, lonely, uneasy, excited, glorious and proud all at the same time. This mixed nut bag of emotions has overwhelmed me many times and driven me towards a more familiar state of being…stagnation.

Stagnation is always there, lurking in the shadows of my mind waiting for an opportunity to trap me in it's cold, boney grasp. Even though stagnation is cold and scary, it offers an element of comfort and security for the familiar. There is a reason for this feeling of comfort, it is there to mask the flies that begin to swarm around my decaying existence. As a general courtesy, stagnation does not rob me of my life in a violent or sudden attack, but rather a gradual soothing approach, much the way I would remove my child’s security blanket.

I’ve learned that staying in a situation just because I do not have the courage to recognize the need for change is in essence death, it’s death by circumstance. And, when I die…I don’t want to have any regrets. I will continue to move forward…to love, grown, learn, forgive, accept, challenge and respect: myself.

What will you chose to do with your life?

omg

Pretty much the funniest guilty pleasure website ever!

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

Word....

happy things today...

Some of the things that are making me happy today….,

• Work pants that fit comfortably. Now that I’m down 12 lbs, the midsection of my pants seem to be a lot more comfortable and I don’t have to hold my breath all day at work. Which, is a plus that will help to preserve some of my brain cells..so yaay!

• Healthy and delicious snacks. I know, it probably sounds funny that I jumped from weight loss to talking about food…but, the two pretty much go hand in hand.

One thing that I’ve learned in the last few months is just how important it is to have a healthy relationship with food and ENJOYING snacks! Snacks are saving my life..literally. I feel satisfied with 2-3 light snacks throughout the day. Because of this, I can completely avoid falling victim to making high fat, high calorie, “fast and convenient” BAD choices.

Snacks keep my motor running and a smile on my face. Some of my favorites are string cheese, apples, pears, Clementine oranges, Fiber One bars, almonds and 100 calorie bags of popcorn.

• The holiday season! Usually, around this time of year I’m stressed out, tired, and ready to hang my hat on the last 12 months..but not this year. It’s been a great year for me and I am enjoying every single day that is left in 2009 while looking forward to next year! I expect next year to be even better. I’m thankful that I have made many healthy lifestyle changes this year. I know that it’s those choices that are providing me with the energy and high spirits to enjoy this holiday season.

And one final thing that is making me happy today….

• Good friends & family. I’m planning to spend a lot of quality time with my two best friends during this holiday season. Julie will be here visiting from Honduras next week, I’m so thankful that she always makes time to spend with us when she visits the US twice a year. Then, my parents are coming out to visit for a couple of days after Christmas. And, the fun doesn’t stop there. We will be heading out to Apple Valley to spend the New Year’s eve week with Hilda and her kiddos to break in their new home with cookie decorating, charades, laughs and fun.

I hope that you will take a moment today to reflect on the things that are making you happy too!

isabella

This blog post is in celebration of my youngest daughter, Isabella. With her loving spirit, bouncy curls and outrageous energy; she brings a smile to my face every day.

Isabella came into my life like the force of a steam engine locomotive, and hasn’t lost a lick of momentum yet! With a bigger than life personality and sweet smile; her charisma and charm command anyone in her presence into a hypnotic trance. But, not one that you’d want to break free from necessarily, rather one that you’re thrilled to be in.

Within this little bundle of cuteness resides an old wise soul. When I look into her eyes I can see the determination and the gift of perseverance in her heart. It’s as if she has been sent to teach us all, with great intensity, the lessons of love and happiness.

Daring, courageous, loving, explorative and simply fearless is she. Her delectable spirit has changed my life for the better. She’s added an element to my family that complements our existing strengths and brings joy to our hearts.

(Photo credit: Chris Meierling, Twitter @ChrisMeierling, Blog: http://ui.asu.edu/blog/)

adriana

This blog post is dedicated to my oldest daughter, Adriana; who views the world through lyrical lenses and soulful eyes.

Adriana exudes creativity from the top of her head, to the tips of her toes. She is a gifted musician, artist and singer. Her good judgment, whit, and charm are no match for me…even on my best day. Most often she can be found with her nose deep in a book, and when she’s not reading…singing and strumming along to her favorite Taylor Swift or Demi Lovato songs.

In school, Adriana is an incredible student, she gets mostly "A"'s every semester! She’s an activist and champion supporter of the causes and concerns for the environment and animals. Last year, she was named the most likely to start a non-profit organization by her Hip Hop Dance instructor.

I’ve watched her grow to be such an amazing young lady who keeps me laughing, challenges me and makes me very proud!

I cannot imagine what I did to be blessed with such a dynamically beautiful and talented daughter.

(Photo credit: Chris Meierling, Twitter @ChrisMeierling, Blog: http://ui.asu.edu/blog/)