tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40767261280576733762024-03-14T10:28:30.438-04:00Morning!Morning rants of a caffeinated writer.Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-36386273122955768302011-01-14T13:48:00.015-05:002011-01-14T14:02:06.584-05:00Morning has moved...<a href="http://gayleegayle.wordpress.com/"></a>Please note that this blog--Morning!--has moved to <a href="http://gayleegayle.wordpress.com/">http://gayleegayle.wordpress.com/</a> Go there now to see what's new!<br />
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<span id="goog_2113022848"></span><span id="goog_2113022849"></span>Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-53552046193317624932010-03-08T08:27:00.002-05:002010-03-08T08:31:36.486-05:00How to Be Certain in an Uncertain World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrW5CWTCh36g1RMYWoZ0xtYEhhwZTKa-romRuHsLg0LAvV20r1Xtc1WB8K9fNcItcSETLv3P_-4azD7IKzOlPEgVNoFxwcmIUdMuxGSgDUiwqvLLrhLdXqYprN_cfejR2SgkJU4V5sls/s1600-h/Safety2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrW5CWTCh36g1RMYWoZ0xtYEhhwZTKa-romRuHsLg0LAvV20r1Xtc1WB8K9fNcItcSETLv3P_-4azD7IKzOlPEgVNoFxwcmIUdMuxGSgDUiwqvLLrhLdXqYprN_cfejR2SgkJU4V5sls/s320/Safety2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Morning!<br />
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I am preparing myself for change because it’s inevitable. Spring is coming, the economy and job market are still in a slump. Even the planet seems to be behaving in a tumultuous way with so many earthquakes and other strange phenomena.<br />
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Like most of you, I've got a lot on my plate and a lot at stake. If we watch the news every day or listen to our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or anyone other than ourselves, we can become immobilized with fear. We start telling ourselves that trying is hopeless and paint a picture of doom. “There are no jobs out there!” “You can’t sell your house in this economy!” You had better not start a business now!” And yet, if you take a closer look, people are still getting jobs, selling their homes, buying new homes, starting businesses and doing amazing things.<br />
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I am choosing to close my ears to negativity, to do everything in my power to make sure that the things I <em><strong>am</strong></em> in control of are done, and taking intelligent risks because I believe in my heart that no matter what, <strong>I am going to be okay! </strong><br />
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Here are three things that I am doing that you can try too: <br />
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1- <strong><span style="color: orange;">Be grateful.</span></strong> Look around and recognize that you have so much to be thankful for. If you are having trouble figuring that out look at people who are so much less fortunate than you. When basic needs like clean water are a daily challenge, then you really have something to be concerned about.<br />
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2-Ask yourself, <span style="color: orange;"><strong>“What am I in control of?”</strong></span> and then write a list of things you <em><strong>can</strong></em> do like getting fit, caring for yourself, sharpening your skills, and get to work on them right now. <br />
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3-<strong><span style="color: orange;">Create order</span> <span style="color: orange;">and peace</span></strong> in the environment around you—your room, your home, your workspace. I guarantee you will feel better immediately.<br />
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So even if your own personal “Henny Penny” is telling you the sky is falling, put on your helmet, put a smile on your face and <em><strong>get moving</strong></em>.Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-58101722382009802010-02-12T18:15:00.003-05:002010-02-12T18:24:47.168-05:00Push Button for a Better You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Morning!<br />
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Most people could be better. It doesn’t matter if it is weight, fitness, manners, penmanship, school or work performance. The problem is that it takes effort to be better and self-motivation is in short supply. Rather than try, some people like to say, “That’s just how I am,” as though “how they are” were written in stone and you had better just accept it because they certainly have.<br />
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I met with a personal trainer the other day to evaluate where I am right now. Even in that evaluation session, he would not accept my perception of where I was and what I could not do. He pushed me to do more and somehow I did. <br />
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I was shocked and really a bit annoyed, not with him but with me for believing and arguing for my limitations. No one knows better than me that <strong>HABITS ARE JUST LEARNED BEHAVIOR AND LIMITATIONS EXIST 90% IN THE MIND</strong> and yet somewhere along the line I started babying myself when it came to pushing myself physically. <br />
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It began a few years ago with a badly broken ankle. I fell down the attic steps in my house into a lotus-like position and beyond that, I’ll spare you the gory details. After dealing with mind-numbing pain, surgery that involved more plates and screws than in your front door, and a year of physical therapy, I became a bit gun shy when it comes to pushing myself, but after what I just learned, <strong>I think it’s high time I raised the bar for myself.</strong><br />
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After all, you may <em>think</em> you can’t do something, but let Godzilla come after you and you’ll be amazed at what you can do. In fact, you will be leaping fences and running faster than an Olympic gold medal winner. You just need a little push.<br />
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<strong>Are you going to wait until you are chased, or are you going to start pushing yourself to be a better version of you now?</strong>Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-65538603373056619152010-02-04T08:59:00.004-05:002010-02-04T09:14:00.776-05:00Changing Roads<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzE_21wEXZOpTriaKTK0mo4Rk0RYOK19oAFocbC507I0OMk4kyWZIVOgdwy9vQ3L3ODRZrOgvqZkFU0GVHihEkeoUMxAUMOShj9MzjMAr3gwIjGGRINFi2dXQEJP9w0eCUvLZsHO9qkY/s1600-h/Stop+Sign+Down+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzE_21wEXZOpTriaKTK0mo4Rk0RYOK19oAFocbC507I0OMk4kyWZIVOgdwy9vQ3L3ODRZrOgvqZkFU0GVHihEkeoUMxAUMOShj9MzjMAr3gwIjGGRINFi2dXQEJP9w0eCUvLZsHO9qkY/s320/Stop+Sign+Down+001.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Morning!<br />
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Many years ago, through relentless persistence, I landed what I thought was my dream job. You see I understood “The Secret” long before it became a movie. In fact, there is nothing I have put my attention on seriously that I have not achieved. <br />
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My dream job lasted all of six weeks. I was not fired, I fired myself. Although the job only lasted six weeks, the affect it had on me for years was devastating. It was a defining moment and not in a good way. My faith and confidence in me was shaken. I forever judged myself and tried to make sense of what happened. As a result, I stopped trusting me. Everything I stepped into from then on was done with uncertainty and I then let my own internal naysayers take hold from there. <br />
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As a result, I fell into a deep depression and gave up on dreaming. With no goals and no direction I let life knock me around. I began taking temporary jobs anywhere and sometimes spent my lunch hour crying and asking God for guidance. Not long after, I received a one-day temp assignment and this note was tacked to the wall in the cubicle where I sat. “"Each of us has the right and the responsibility to assess the roads which lie ahead, and those over which we have traveled, and if the future road looms ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and, carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction. If the new choice is also unpalatable, without embarrassment, we must be ready to change that as well." Maya Angelou” <br />
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I stopped breathing and actually looked around to see if this was a joke. Wow. I asked and God really answered. I have read, so I thought, everything Maya Angelou ever wrote and never saw this quote before. It was so personal and so right for me. I learned so many things from that so-called “dream job.” <br />
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Today, I welcome change and a chance to take roads uncharted. I walk away from these experiences with baggage that is worth carrying and leave the stuff that doesn’t serve me behind. Change is not and never will be easy but it’s the only way to get new results and a life worth living.<br />
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Right now, you and I are at the intersection of life and the stop sign is down. Do you want to keep doing things in the same way or do you want to live your life differently? Make a change.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>“What kind of life do you want to live and how close are you to living it? ~Oprah Winfrey~</strong></div>Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-51369325562800903012010-02-02T08:39:00.003-05:002010-02-02T08:47:35.348-05:00Morning-The Breakfast of Champions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKx5d7YR5jKnD_stk6RK5Skb7leimgCHqEaa66k8_CYGUBmQb7Q9loNpXG4pZj-tG5q8lcUQX3O9QnG1l3iXH55gCdCZ68Yg2HeFdfu4grgROEnpDGYyk0lSBDj7w9zPJuYb-Qq5dy04/s1600-h/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKx5d7YR5jKnD_stk6RK5Skb7leimgCHqEaa66k8_CYGUBmQb7Q9loNpXG4pZj-tG5q8lcUQX3O9QnG1l3iXH55gCdCZ68Yg2HeFdfu4grgROEnpDGYyk0lSBDj7w9zPJuYb-Qq5dy04/s320/breakfast.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Morning!<br />
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Morning is the best time of day. I know there are a lot of night owls who will disagree with me, but please hear me out. Waking up before the business of the world begins is amazing. It’s quiet, not just in your immediate area, but quiet in your hemisphere of the world. This creates a quiet in the mind too and real thought begins to take place. <br />
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You can also witness some amazing things in the universe like watching the sun rise and hearing the sounds of nature responding to this event--but most of all, you can hear you.<br />
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Morning is a time, if you let it, where you can think independently of the influence of the world. No phone, no TV, no internet, no radio, just quiet. Most successful people became successful because they began to get up early and seize the day. <br />
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It’s hard to design the life you want when the phone is ringing, you have work to do and the distractions of the world are in full effect. <br />
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Amazing decisions begin before the light of day.Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-8682173517002813122010-01-24T13:40:00.001-05:002010-02-05T08:39:24.378-05:00Counting my blessings…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-T95dj8818-VIlx3xMrN4yPtdSVy8t-JqBoT3MZfhT_LAbDpI4Cja46RqziWDCMwEEnv1kDhiMxIOqo995Xh9J3hZRyGu4RaMb585tn5qSGKbSyOTs19DruG0QCwwQww5g7VTR76qlw/s1600-h/Counting+my+blessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-T95dj8818-VIlx3xMrN4yPtdSVy8t-JqBoT3MZfhT_LAbDpI4Cja46RqziWDCMwEEnv1kDhiMxIOqo995Xh9J3hZRyGu4RaMb585tn5qSGKbSyOTs19DruG0QCwwQww5g7VTR76qlw/s320/Counting+my+blessings.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>Morning!</strong><br />
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No matter how things are going in our lives they could always be better, but it sometimes takes a tragedy to make us realize they could also be worse. Just put yourself in Port Au Prince right now and I think you will get my drift.<br />
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I met a woman a few years ago in the Dominican Republic. Her standing home structure was about the size of two tiny rooms and a new cinderblock structure was being built around it about two maybe three times the size. She showed me her home with great pride and talked about what was to come with a glad heart. Her pride in her tiny garden that had a growing lemon tree and mint leaves shone in her eyes. <br />
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She went out of her way to welcome us. She had black sweet coffee, a Dominican favorite, and offered us some. Not wanting to put her out in any way, I thanked her but declined. Later on, we talked a little more about coffee and I mentioned that I liked milky unsweetened coffee. My husband told her he only drank tea. We continued to talk with her husband while she excused herself and moments later appeared with a hot cup of milky coffee for me and tea for my husband. She had slipped away to borrow a can of evaporated milk from a neighbor and picked leaves from her garden for my husband’s tea. Tears still come to my eyes when I think of this. I made a pact from that day on that I would always be hospitable to unexpected guests and never think of my home as not enough. <br />
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We do that often in our lives without thinking. We feel that others have so much more than we do. Better homes, better husbands or wives, better jobs, better lives. Our want lists get bigger and bigger, making us always feel dissatisfied with what we have. We find ourselves always looking to the next big thing that we can get and then wonder why it still doesn’t make us happy when it’s in our hands. <br />
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Stop and take a moment to really appreciate all of the things in your life right now. I mean really take the time and look at everything with a new eye. Appreciate that you woke up on the right side of the dirt this morning. You are breathing. You are here in this moment. So many people in Haiti are so very thankful today for just that, so ask yourself, “What could I possibly be complaining about?”<br />
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To help the people of Haiti:<br />
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Yele Haiti<br />
<a href="http://www.yele.org/">http://www.yele.org/</a><br />
To donate $5 --Text “Yele” to 501501<br />
To donate $10--Text “Haiti” to 501501<br />
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American Red Cross<br />
<a href="http://www.redcross.org/">http://www.redcross.org/</a><br />
To donate $10--Text “Haiti” 90999Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-7324583691961160602010-01-21T12:05:00.001-05:002010-02-05T08:40:19.490-05:00Fill Your Cup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zcv70DJyX5tsC85B605BV4Dbh_GG2gnFlm2QsdSTwztHzZUP0CGnA2p8-GLqFm18808fAXGIwPkfYI_US1mHtT-EIJIj_tYyAc97AwGhKqa9PPxZ9cTEm98KRI-hQO_M7eq01VMy69E/s1600-h/Tea+Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zcv70DJyX5tsC85B605BV4Dbh_GG2gnFlm2QsdSTwztHzZUP0CGnA2p8-GLqFm18808fAXGIwPkfYI_US1mHtT-EIJIj_tYyAc97AwGhKqa9PPxZ9cTEm98KRI-hQO_M7eq01VMy69E/s320/Tea+Edited.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Morning!<br />
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Yesterday was one of my worst days ever. Why? Because I forgot that Superwoman is not my middle name. I am not alone; most women suffer from this syndrome. Men seem to have a mechanism that does not allow for this kind of foolishness. <br />
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We have to remember that if we don't take care of ourselves in the midst of taking care of the world, we will eventually suffer a breakdown, mentally and/or physically.<br />
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What should we do?<br />
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Take time out for you, and I am here to tell you that shopping is not a part of this agenda. Think about this. If you didn't have a dime, what could you do for yourself? Last night I put on some relaxing music and sat quietly in meditation and gratefulness. Then I moved on to a bubble bath with candles and music. Add to that an early bedtime and you've got the makings of a great morning, but don’t stop there. <br />
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Spend some time with yourself. Get out and enjoy nature--it doesn't cost a penny. It doesn't matter if it is cold, raining, or snowing; just take a moment to marvel at the universe and its workings. Stay off the phone, shut down the computer and just be alone with you. Don't think, just breathe.<br />
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It's amazing how little it takes to refill your cup and feel whole again, but doing this regularly is required. And please, don’t make the mistake of waiting until your cup is empty. Take a few moments and make a list of what you can do for you right now. My sister just recently went ice skating, something she has not done since she was a teen and the result was not only exhilarating, it was empowering. <br />
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Now just like you take care of everyone and everything else, take the time to take care of you. Your cup is waiting for a refill.Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-12610833880792893112010-01-07T11:25:00.001-05:002010-02-05T08:42:43.232-05:006 R’s to Revive Your Dying Resolutions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF47gUXoVmfDTBwzNez3MB2r0A0iOG-ag4xZPaD1niHlerqdlvccZw8NSppvaX7dxC46OMSDRKuAYCo9iGwyTsgfIdtk_UjvRuFYp0vlnniqiiw5octTKe1Oo188cL8bZY-cnZICwshU0/s1600-h/Journal6-30+019.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424045543477942562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF47gUXoVmfDTBwzNez3MB2r0A0iOG-ag4xZPaD1niHlerqdlvccZw8NSppvaX7dxC46OMSDRKuAYCo9iGwyTsgfIdtk_UjvRuFYp0vlnniqiiw5octTKe1Oo188cL8bZY-cnZICwshU0/s200/Journal6-30+019.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<strong>Morning!</strong><br />
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<strong>Do you know where your resolution is?</strong> <br />
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We are seven days into the first week of January and statistics show that 25 percent of people that make resolutions have already abandoned them. The numbers only go up from there but there is hope. Here are six steps that will revive your resolution and make achieving the goal a given. <br />
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<strong>Resurrect</strong><br />
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Don’t give up. <strong>Resurrect your goal and this time, put you in the picture.</strong> Try to do this at a time where you will not be disturbed. <br />
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Close your eyes and imagine that you are hovering above, observing yourself. You have finally reached your goal. Now take mental notes:<br />
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• What does success look like? <br />
• What is your facial expression? <br />
• What are you wearing? <br />
• Where are you? <br />
• How do you feel? <br />
• What do you smell--flowers, perfume, a spring day? <br />
• What are you thinking? <br />
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Gather as much detail as you can. Enjoy this moment with every fiber of your being. Replay this scene twice daily, preferably upon awakening and before going to bed. <br />
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<strong>Revise</strong><br />
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<strong>When your current actions are not working for you, revise them.</strong> For example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds in 4 weeks, you might need to choose a weight-loss plan instead of doing it on your own, empty your home of everything that might derail your plan, and decide what workouts you will use. <br />
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If your goal is to stop smoking, you may want to decide upon your method whether cold turkey, a patch, hypnosis or some other method. You will also want to decide how you will deal with triggers and what action will replace the lighting of a cigarette or eating at a party. <br />
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<strong>Reschedule</strong><br />
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<strong>Reschedule your actions to times that work for you. </strong>Maybe trying to make an exercise class at 6 pm just isn’t working for you. Try an early morning workout or a lunchtime walk. Try working out at home. Schedule them and reschedule them until they work. Make it a priority. <br />
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<strong>Reinforce with Reminders</strong><br />
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<strong>Write yourself a note on a post-it or index card to remind you first thing in the morning about why you are doing this and the steps you need to take today.</strong> Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar says, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." Put it on the bathroom mirror or some spot you will see immediately upon waking.<br />
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<strong>Reward</strong><br />
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<strong>Plan a real reward for yourself.</strong> Make it something you will truly enjoy. Write down all the details needed to make it happen and once again, schedule it.<br />
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<strong>Repeat</strong><br />
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<strong>Lather, rinse, repeat.</strong> Repeat the 6 R’s daily--<strong>Resurrect, Revise, Reschedule, Reinforce, Reward, Repeat</strong>-- and your vision will soon be your <strong>r</strong>eality.<br />
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Okay, I’m done with the <strong>R’s</strong>. You can <strong>R</strong>elax now.Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-49061856007866122352010-01-03T08:57:00.001-05:002010-02-05T08:43:26.771-05:00Adding Value, Not Just Noise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLXykueCJ116AXzughU6EzoQKUIqaxBLzHcffiL_PxrjGLyZLekPtTPDWG-w4XBagZuBzs3KKDpsHZgMjHJuSftnSqoTvYOqIUAbm9-uY6ZvkXkR3yz2giBgA0sXTm6n3AiEgozx65t8/s1600-h/Video+6-3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422549530337683922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLXykueCJ116AXzughU6EzoQKUIqaxBLzHcffiL_PxrjGLyZLekPtTPDWG-w4XBagZuBzs3KKDpsHZgMjHJuSftnSqoTvYOqIUAbm9-uY6ZvkXkR3yz2giBgA0sXTm6n3AiEgozx65t8/s200/Video+6-3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Morning!<br />
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Happy New Year, it's 2010—that’s pronounced Twenty-Ten. Not sure who is making these rules but this is what I’ve heard. Another thing I’ve heard all my life is, “If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” When I read some of the comments on line, I would have to conclude that most people have either not heard this bit of wisdom or have chosen not to subscribe to this thought. The raw meanness of some people just continues to surprise me. <br />
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After a story about the accidental death of a child, I found comments blaming the parents, others saying the child deserved it, somehow linking the death to the Obama administration or being the fault of the Republican Party, and let’s not forget the obligatory links to the alleged Angelina Jolie sex tape or some dating or magic weight-loss solution site. <br />
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What, may I ask, is wrong with people? Could it be the anonymity that encourages people to spew whatever small thought is residing in the depths of their little minds or see it as an opportunity to give their totally unrelated business venture a plug? Frankly I don’t know, and really I don’t care. What I do care about is that the new year is already in full swing and if there is any truth to the rumor that the world is going to end in 2012, then we’ve got a lot of work to do before meeting our maker. <br />
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Let’s start by altering that time-worn saying I mentioned to “If you don’t have something of <strong><em>value</em></strong> to say, then don’t say anything at all," because 'nice' suggests giving feedback that is less than useful. It's okay to disagree, but spend time on your post supporting your position and ideas instead of bashing. Even if you agree, say why and support your position. <br />
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Let’s all be mindful and ask ourselves before we post, “Am I adding something of value to this conversation or am I just making noise?<br />
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Comments of value are welcome here.Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-62789454001680270222009-12-01T06:53:00.001-05:002010-02-05T08:44:26.575-05:00Leap of Faith Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZKq0cY-byz0cA7MTzAM00cnOUpYtX3xQhyphenhyphenewV6yQUU-oABWIW7q-Ok4HF8hxsyWHV6Ym0RYjx2aGkbVFNOvV96S5mZY0WeoT-iOXgJRZFkkDvP_8E7_sfvlSrcHqmlPryVNb7Xym_d0/s1600/Cousins.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410247214169924018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZKq0cY-byz0cA7MTzAM00cnOUpYtX3xQhyphenhyphenewV6yQUU-oABWIW7q-Ok4HF8hxsyWHV6Ym0RYjx2aGkbVFNOvV96S5mZY0WeoT-iOXgJRZFkkDvP_8E7_sfvlSrcHqmlPryVNb7Xym_d0/s200/Cousins.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Morning!<br />
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Staying safe is nice. It's comfy and cozy, but even a baby knows it must try new things that don't always feel safe. Observance of a baby can teach us everything we need to know about life.<br />
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They laugh when they are happy, cry when they are not; they learn quickly and don't stay stuck in a moment. They don't hold grudges or feel stupid and are always open to learning something new. <br />
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Think about what it must take for a baby to learn to walk. They constantly fall down and yet they never give up. They just jump out there and try until they get it. If they get hurt, a few minutes later, they are trying again. This is the way we should live life. <br />
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It is almost the end of the year. We don't have to wait until January to resolve to do things differently. Let's start now taking those baby steps toward something we really want to do. Imagine your joy on January 1st when you know you are not just making those empty resolutions. You know you have already started taking baby steps and it won't be long before you are walking strong.<br />
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I am challenging myself and you to take a leap of faith toward the life you really want to live. As Oprah says, "What kind of life do you want and how close are you to living it?"<br />
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I am taking the leap. How about you?Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-38304688513508268572009-11-08T12:37:00.001-05:002010-02-05T08:41:57.546-05:00Lions and Tigers and Quotas Oh My!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAbG7petp_ItET-8bQLUH1y-sAHZLyAQLu8ZrJ4_C0q8m4H6-h9UFZ4x3c3jetHtvIUqv8hsgXzbnEcT1XFt6k0vcpTH5S_QBPkpNQsKcj9PaHfFlaKrmCc3heO4C-ZL_AH7XnWhNeRo/s1600-h/2009_0629journal6-290009.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401798160585276274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAbG7petp_ItET-8bQLUH1y-sAHZLyAQLu8ZrJ4_C0q8m4H6-h9UFZ4x3c3jetHtvIUqv8hsgXzbnEcT1XFt6k0vcpTH5S_QBPkpNQsKcj9PaHfFlaKrmCc3heO4C-ZL_AH7XnWhNeRo/s200/2009_0629journal6-290009.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Morning!<br />
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November is National Novel Writing Month. During this month, a contest called NaNoWriMo encourages fiction writers to write a 50,000 word novel by midnight, November 30th. Now I am not a fiction writer but I am writing a book and I feel inspired by this contest to not only write more but also, to write more often than I have up to now. In fact, I've given myself a minimum quota of 1000 words per day. <br />
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I can't tell you how much this quota has helped me. Now let me clarify that meeting such a quota does not mean you are necessarily writing anything of quality, but it is forcing you to write, to pull out all stops and the end result is that even if you have a bad manuscript, the bottom line is that you have something to edit. If you write nothing there is nothing to edit and your mind piles on even more excuses for not writing. I in fact had put my book on hold, but I am happy to say, I've pulled it out and am working diligently on it.<br />
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So I offer you a bit of advice that in some form, was handed down to me. If you want to get something done, create a quota. If it is writing, how many words did you write today? If it is to get a job, how many resumes went out today? If it is to lose weight, how many calories did you eat today? You get the picture. The days results must fit in a very small space. The numbers will tell the tale in the end and can even predict the future. There is no space for stories or excuses.<br />
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Set your quotas and watch how even after just a few days, your life begins to change and if you are interested in participating in NaNoWriMo, visit www.nanowrimo.org.Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-8331472600658261552009-10-09T08:50:00.001-04:002010-02-05T08:46:02.293-05:00Grounded or Anchored?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibidSm6eSSoBOp2sTR1mrQUMvq7G-dBSqQx9vacgg3MAFt6g3JZZ9jA2tWAWU_Ttb7NQfysP5G6FGLoweBLbA8-GJMYc4wFe2SKroxS5CTpyPuM5x5rjpUShf9I2MJZ2QGmaI9eQYZFbE/s1600-h/DSCF3468.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390608210618673698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibidSm6eSSoBOp2sTR1mrQUMvq7G-dBSqQx9vacgg3MAFt6g3JZZ9jA2tWAWU_Ttb7NQfysP5G6FGLoweBLbA8-GJMYc4wFe2SKroxS5CTpyPuM5x5rjpUShf9I2MJZ2QGmaI9eQYZFbE/s200/DSCF3468.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Morning!<br />
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Dreaming is essential to life but you should also be grounded in reality. Yes, you want to follow your dreams but the reality is you’ve got to achieve them in the now. Some people let that thought kill their dreams. Those people might as well have an anchor tied to their ankle. They let life define them instead of designing the life they want. Their conversations are full of words like <em>but, I can't,</em> <em>that’s impossible</em>--you know the drill. <br />
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There are others that dream of pie in the sky, but there is nothing in the now that says they are working toward getting the ingredients let alone baking the pie. They are blowing in the wind like a runaway balloon.<br />
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And then, there are those that are grounded and at the same time dreaming a conscious dream. They can see the dream and yet, they ground themselves knowing or learning what they need to do to reach it. When the opportunities present themselves, they take them. The best visual of this is imagining that you are a small child standing on a bus looking up at the strap and when you see how high it is, you know you've got to grow before you can reach it. Get it? You've got to grow to reach your dreams. Now untie that anchor and do something today toward the life you dream about.<br />
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Get grounded.Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-54408868595547540882009-09-28T10:49:00.000-04:002009-09-28T11:58:54.931-04:00To the Ladies: Your Power Awaits!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0u8u0aMYmp-JCisxPV4p0itBUdCvzxZx7dMovTt52h7f2LrWoLnbdZ55pSmph4AV6IF4HHLH_h0NQc7e25ER6CGmBo3UMM2n-XFqvqqkRP-xuWukGHxFfmjcwW9aQuT_VyQRR_pjJxM/s1600-h/Look+Up.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386548182343395954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0u8u0aMYmp-JCisxPV4p0itBUdCvzxZx7dMovTt52h7f2LrWoLnbdZ55pSmph4AV6IF4HHLH_h0NQc7e25ER6CGmBo3UMM2n-XFqvqqkRP-xuWukGHxFfmjcwW9aQuT_VyQRR_pjJxM/s200/Look+Up.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Morning!<br /><br />Whenever I look up at the sky, I am totally blown away. I mean one minute I am walking along in my little world thinking that me and my problems are so big and my little band-aid solutions are all that is and I look up and BAM!<br /><br />I am reminded. Here is the sun heating us from 93 million miles away with these clouds that hang in the sky like solid, immovable mountains and yet can dissipate like a puff of smoke. The moon, the stars and the alignment of the planets with no visible means of support, dynamic in themselves, but then they work with each other with a mathematical precision, and never fail in this precision, day after day since the beginning of time. The messages there are many and powerful—an endless wellspring of wisdom from a source much greater than ourselves.<br /><br />I believe that we, as women, are more in touch with this sky show than anyone or anything on this earth. Our cycles are ruled by the moon. Our moods are affected by planetary alignments and <em>we</em> are as magical and mystical as the universe itself <em>yet we don’t see it</em>. As a result we don’t believe in ourselves--and <em>I</em> am no different than you.<br /><br />I, a proclaimed writer, have words for everyone else; especially when I see someone is in pain. I dispense them like a salve or an invocation to soothe, heal and motivate. But what people don't know is that my words are messages to me as well. I believe they come from the same source as that interplanetary, mathematically correct design and spill into my head. And don’t look at me funny because I am not special in this—you’ve got it too—you just need to listen. It is how I started writing because I didn't really know what else to do with them. I too am amazed at their power especially when I see that someone is physically moved by them to feel or do something differently.<br /><br />While looking for a document, I came across an old recording of an interview of me from the Valder Beebe Show (www.valderbeebe.com). Her tagline is "Changing the way we look at things so the things we look at will change." She is an amazing woman who is a source of light and positive thought in the world that interviews people who are doing things that she finds interesting. At the time, I was working my business and had put out a press release about a partnership I was forming with another entrepreneur, Charlene Turner. That seems so long ago right now, but I digress…<br /><br />One of the things I talked about throughout the interview was my experience with women and their lack of belief in themselves, no matter how educated, skilled or accomplished they are. The last question in the interview was, "What do you know to be true in your heart?” My answer was, "What I know to be true is that if women realized the power they possess, right now, without doing anything else other than believing in who they are, and what they are, some very potent and powerful things would be accomplished in their lives and in the world." Whoa--this is something I needed to hear right now, and I am the one that said this!<br /><br />I mean this is truly not a coincidence. I have been examining the word belief with a magnifying glass because I know that a lack of it will stop you cold just short of success every time. It is impossible to accomplish something unless you believe that there is even just a remote possibility that you can do it. It doesn’t matter whether it is to earn a certain amount of money, accomplish a task or start a business. Let’s break down the meaning of belief: “a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing.” Now you can sit there and count up all the reasons why you can’t believe in yourself, or you can sit there and count up all the reasons why you should. Which case do you want to make?<br /><br />Look up ladies! Your power awaits.</div>Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-19363260538397379172009-09-02T19:28:00.000-04:002009-09-02T20:35:52.352-04:00What's Your Pleasure?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFcTBD8h57eFynSxaffnFq6ue1RwafhsXxaSCXJHF3RGR_6sxYXgLGf6Ozur7_f0atT5RZHKlOtMCaqAxxov3iyOy_oKWWoTPt5U2mWpaRQfopJ8VKT__YIhQnfsinAjaWFj1EHk-nEk/s1600-h/ipod.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377032952387240642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFcTBD8h57eFynSxaffnFq6ue1RwafhsXxaSCXJHF3RGR_6sxYXgLGf6Ozur7_f0atT5RZHKlOtMCaqAxxov3iyOy_oKWWoTPt5U2mWpaRQfopJ8VKT__YIhQnfsinAjaWFj1EHk-nEk/s200/ipod.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Morning!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Found my Ipod after months of thinking it was gone forever. It was under the passenger seat in my car--go figure. This is a first generation Ipod Shuffle. You know the one that is about 4 inches long with no bells and whistles? Well in spite of that, it brings me the most pleasure. I mostly take it when I am flying. It relaxes and soothes me like a baby with a pacifier.</div><br /><div>Every now and then I play it around the house and always wonder why I don't do that more often. It really doesn't take much to make us happy and yet we don't take the time to reward ourselves with the small pleasures in life--a walk on a beautiful day, looking through old photographs, dancing to old tunes (can't say records any more).<br /></div><div>There are so many things we can do to enjoy life and be happy that don't require spending any more money than we already have, don't require gas, and don't require anything but our attention to the moment. </div><br /><div>What's your pleasure? Go enjoy it right now!</div>Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-65171047481204946112009-08-04T12:16:00.000-04:002009-08-04T12:31:50.841-04:00What's Holding You Back?<p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEbFJp3Od9EtmeZG13FDtp9FE5o-YPI6bWcRJbBoc50pkPKOwISvFqcnFM31_QxfsBpum8An6gnrC3pG0Pj20u53Ct0pdq82C1TKa8l24HJDDL0ohrTZyndfWrSMUopSmsqb3GPnYAqU/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366146137058455890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEbFJp3Od9EtmeZG13FDtp9FE5o-YPI6bWcRJbBoc50pkPKOwISvFqcnFM31_QxfsBpum8An6gnrC3pG0Pj20u53Ct0pdq82C1TKa8l24HJDDL0ohrTZyndfWrSMUopSmsqb3GPnYAqU/s200/057.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Morning!<br /><br />It's hard to let go of the controls of where your life is going, but that hold might be holding you back from the greatness you are entitled to.<br /><br /><br />Did you ever think about that? When we need to soar, we may not have all of the tools needed to get it done. But if we allow the universe to support us, we will have everything we need when we need it.<br /><br />Let's go!Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-89885983032149471872009-07-29T09:59:00.000-04:002009-07-29T10:13:22.100-04:00Success on My ScheduleMorning!<br /><br />There are so many things that we really want to do and yet we never get closer to accomplishing these things. Why? Because they are not part of our schedule or daily routine.<br /><br />If I want to lose five pounds but I never plan on how I am going to do it, let alone what time I will begin, how will I ever accomplish it? <br /><br />We have to remember that the only moment we have is this one. Make a concrete plan and then use <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>this moment</em></span></strong> to make it happen. <br /><ul><li>Put it in your planner</li><li>Make that call</li><li>Make a list of things you need</li><li>Choose a day you are going to pick them up</li><li>Set your alarm </li><li>Put out the tools</li><li>Leave notes for yourself in strategic places</li></ul>Take action now. <br /><br />Make success part of your daily routine!Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-4624923244544355522009-07-24T07:12:00.000-04:002009-07-24T07:32:45.570-04:00Overwhelm!Morning!<br /><br />This is a rough time of year for me. We've got so many family-related activities and events, my house always full of children/grandchildren, that solitude becomes a luxury or just non-existent. <br /><br />This is when I have to economize my time. I am not a night person--I am sure you got that already :-), and getting up any earlier will jeopardize my much needed, already not enough, rest time.<br /><br />Time to become more efficient with the time I have and quit multitasking. Single-minded focus. This is tough but necessary. <br /><br />Gotta go, they are here!Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-43856270496074954182009-07-23T07:26:00.000-04:002009-07-23T08:57:14.328-04:00The Source of InspirationMorning!<br /><br />I am always ecstatic when I wake up. Some people didn't make it to this day, but I am happy I did. And that is before I have my coffee.<br /><br />For two years straight, I've been writing about coffee every week for BellaOnline. It is not always easy coming up with something to write about and yet that difficulty only comes if I think lack--like I am not going to be able to do it.<br /><br />As long as I believe I will come up with something, something comes. Why? Because inspiration is everywhere. It helps that I really love coffee, but the wealth of ideas and the source of ideas is immeasureable. That's because it comes from God. You just have to open your heart and mind to it and know that the Universe is supporting you. It can come while reading, during a shower, a conversation, a walk, a moment of quiet, an argument--you just need to know it will come.<br /><br />The day after I post my coffee article is always just a bit sweeter. Coffee, writing and writing about coffee--could it get any better?<br /><br />Enjoy this moment--there is no other.<br /><br />Falling in Love with Starbucks<br /><a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33655.asp">http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33655.asp</a>Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4076726128057673376.post-75999866331090977042009-07-22T08:58:00.000-04:002009-07-24T09:56:43.668-04:00F5Morning!<br /><br />Morning is my best time of day. I always say it is our very own refresh (F5) key. No matter how exhausted, stressed, fill in the blank, I may have been last night, morning always gives me a clean slate.<br /><br />Deepak Chopra's description of the Law of Potentiality is a perfect description of morning for me. "...it is the field of all possibilities and infinite creativity."<br /><br />Carpe Diem!Gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08737882167417551421noreply@blogger.com0