Finding Joy!

It's Time to Exhale!

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to do a Road Trip. I love hitting the road, map in one hand, destination in the other. There's something about spending time on the road in great conversation, good music and also in your own thoughts that you just can't get on a plane.

So, I did it. Just like that; I woke up one morning and decided it was time to get back on the road; set the destination  in one day. Got a map, filled my Thermos with Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee,  jumped into the Sahara,  Jazz CD's,  and headed to Cape Cod.

The Enroute Gas, food stops and Cracker Barrels became like Light House Beacons, calling drivers of the Interstate highways to fill up, stretch and grab a fresh cup of hot coffee for the journey ahead!

This was living the dream for me. Although I loved road trips I had given them up, but that day I realized that I  had made up my mind that my life was mine to live.

Hyannis, Province Town,  Martha's Vineyard, sand dunes, cedar houses, lobster and crab cakes, mmmmm.

Life Lesson; enjoy your life, it is a Blessing!

Live On Purpose!

Travelling Music

HAPPY MONDAY

It's Time To Exhale!

Whenever I travel on a long Road Trip I like to have a few things along; a Thermos, a map and good music. It seems that when I'm travelling on those long roads, certain songs permeate my journey. I just know that in the future, when I hear that particular music, I'll remember exactly where I was when I was listening to it and the joy it brought me. Whether on the I-90, 407, 401....where ever! 

Music  compells the senses and crystallizes memories.

Another great thing to listen to are audio  books and stories. On a few trips we took old radio shows like The Flash, Alfred Hitchcock, The Twilight Zone....amazing! They bring out your imagination through sound and dialog.

Finding Your Joy is a self discovery  journey unique to you. It's not about your parents, spouse, child, or friends. It's essential to good emotional and physical  health.

If you like to drive, then plan a trip now and go for it. Visit a friend, family, re-visit or find someplace new that you always wanted to go to.  Take someone along and enjoy wonderful conversations.  The act of planning will bring you joy, excitement and increase those feel good endorphins!

Live  On Purpose!

Isn't It Time You Exhaled?

Happy Monday!

In every life there comes a moment when you have to make a decision to  EXHALE...

Exhaling is the choice to Let go and move forward in your own life.

The 1995 iconic movie, Waiting To Exhale based on a book by Terry McMillan exemplified this term.

Four friends; Savannah (Whitney Houston), Robin (Lela Rochon), Bernardino (Angela Bassett) and Gloria (Loretta Devine) each had differing perspectives on relationships. All begin their stories New Year's Eve. We follow them through one year; ending the subsequent New Year's Eve.

All friends seeking love eventually come to the realization, over that year, that they must truly love themselves in order to find the right man for their life.

Whether it's a relationship, career or any other major decision in your life, it's important to know who you are first  to make a choice that's best for you. You will have various opinions and thoughts from others but ultimately you must do it alone.

By doing this you will truly know what's best FOR YOU.

Isn't it time you EXHALED?

Live on Purpose!

Empathy vs. Sympathy

I had the opportunity to research on the topic of Empathy vs. Sympathy.

I would like to share this clip with you by Brent Brown...It's short, sweet and life changing.

Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw

Live on Purpose!

That Trial is The key to Your Destiny

I remember watching a story of a woman who was incarcerated for a crime. She was so distraught because she believed that she had ruined the rest of her life. In this despair she asked if there was any hope for her.

The answer was profound. She was advised that it was this adversity that would be the foundation to her greatness.

Only she could speak to others who had committed a crime and needed a second chance.

Only she could relate to those in despair because of a crime they committed.

Only she could show that you can rise above that particular circumstance.

There were steps she had to do first though:
1. Recognize what she had done; be honest
2. Apologize to those who she had hurt if possible and if they would allow it
3. Forgive herself
4. Attempt restitution if possible
5. Be open and honest about her life going forward, within reason...no big secrets
6. Look for the Life Lessons from her experience and learn from them
7. Begin to help others; be intentional
8. Despite and in spite, be determined to live a great life!

There would be no easy way around it; she had to go through it one day at a time.

This is a lesson for all of us. We all have trials and circumstances that we would love to change but there are no 'do-overs'.

Work through 1 to 7 and then embrace number 8!

Live On Purpose!

🎵You're Gonna Make It After All🎶

HAPPY MONDAY!

If you're old enough you'll remember this T. V. Theme song...it's actually called Love is All Round by Sonny Curtis. 

Can you guess the show?

Yes, it's the Mary Tyler Moore Show!  For those of you who don't remember or never knew,  the program, named after its name sake, MTM is about a thirty-ish young woman named Mary Richards. She moved to Minneapolis after a break up and begins working at WJM-TV as an associate producer.

Unlike today's sitcom which focus primarily on sex and relationships, this 1970s program was a significant show of its era due to its female lead. It depicted an independent woman who strove for career significance  in a male dominated news room. Although she had male interests from time to time, she appeared to enjoy her singleness in her Studio apartment.

Louis Grant, Murray Slaughter, Ted Baxter, Sue Anne Nivens, all co-workers at one time or another needing direction and sage advice from Mary. Who can forget Rhoda Morgenstern her beloved friend upstairs.

Life is not a sitcom but, as a woman you may be able to relate to her character; single, a lost love, a new job, a major life change, no mister right, financially making it on your own..... it's tough but, you're resilliant, smart, courageous and cute too!

Dont give up! Dont quit, your best days are ahead!

🎵"Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Well it's you girl, and you should know it
With each glance and every little movement you show it

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can never tell, why don't you take it
You're gonna make it after all
You're gonna make it after all

How will you make it on your own?
This world is awfully big, girl this time you're all alone
But it's time you started living
It's time you let someone else do some giving

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can never tell, why don't you take it

You might just make it after all
You might just make it after all"🎶

Live on Purpose!

It's Time To Get Ready For Summer

Happy Monday!

I can't believe that the first long weekend of the summer is almost here.

Take some time this week to map out your summer activities; concerts, road trips, festivals, events, getaways, vacations, activities, great restaurants and picnics.

Planning a BBQ? Send out your 'Save The Dates' now, summer weekends are few and precious. On that note, don't leave all the fun for the weekend; Tuesday is the new Thursday and Thursday is the new Friday....in the summer, every day and evening feels like a Saturday!

For starters check out:
Seetorontonow.com
Ontariotravel.net
150th anniversary of Canada https://g.co/kgs/ggUlTG

Most of all, have fun. The act of planning stimulates endorphins in your body; the 'feel good'  hormone that's great for your mind and body. The sunshine increases Vitamin D.

This is all about Finding Your Joy!

The summer count down is on☉