Wordless Wednesday ~ October 23, 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ October 16, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - October 9, 2013

Back to blogging: the journey continues

It has been many months since I posted here, and the reason is simple: I was busy saving my own life. After being diagnosed with cancer in February, I underwent major surgery, minor surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I'm happy to say that I am now cancer-free and eagerly getting back to living my life!

One of the things I missed out on this summer was spending time at the beach. Luckily, we've had a fairly warm fall, so I've been able to get out and walk the beach. There is NOTHING more relaxing for me than being by the ocean.

I've got a lot of big, BIG dreams I'll be pursuing from here on out. To help me stay focused and pumped up, I've made a new vision board and am reading several inspiring books.

It's fun to contemplate my bright future! I don't know how often I'll be blogging, but check back here occasionally to see what I've got going on.

[All photos here were taken by me at Hills Beach in Biddeford, Maine]

Wordless Wednesday

Challenging times bring blessings

Hello, blog visitors! I have been MIA for quite a few months, but I am back, at least briefly.

There’s been so much going on in my life since last fall: I moved into a new space, worked a temporary job and commuted 75 miles round-trip, and recently I have been dealing with some health issues. I’ve learned a lot about myself and life in general, and I’ve decided to share some of my insights with the hope they might benefit someone else.

 

 

What challenging times have taught me:

• Let go of expectations. Hold onto dreams.
• If someone offers to help, let them.
• If they ask what you need, tell them.
• Pay it forward. If you can help someone now, do it. If you can’t do it now, do it later.
• Believe in something. It doesn’t really matter what it is – yourself, a higher power, the power of love, medical miracles, etc. You will immediately feel more empowered.
• Take time to digest what is happening and then choose how you want to think about it. Don’t just react.
• Be braver than you thought you could be. There is a core of courage within each of us if we just reach in deep enough to find it.
• Stop trying to control outcomes. It never works, plus it wastes precious energy that could be used for more positive and uplifting things. I think it was Einstein who observed, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”
• Be creative. It’s the perfect outlet for your emotions and also offers the opportunity to immediately improve your day.
• Forgive everyone, including yourself. Especially yourself.
• Live without regrets. When it’s over, let it go.
• Stop complaining. It’s counter-productive.
• Take time to daydream. It feels good and lines up your energy for a better tomorrow.
• When people express their support, take time to feel the love. It’s one of the silver linings that come with challenging times.
• Challenging times can be the catalyst for powerful personal transformations. Consider not just what you are going through but what you are learning and feeling and how you want to live your life from this day forward.
• Take time to appreciate what you have, because no matter who you are or what you’re going through, you have so much.

Whether you're experiencing challenging times or not, you can grow stronger, become more clear-minded, and express your creativity today! What are you waiting for?

 

 

The heart of a plum

Photography on the fly: When I cut open this plum and it formed a heart shape, I was inspired to grab my camera and do a little photo shoot right there in my kitchen.

I think this is what people mean when they say beauty is everywhere. You just have to be open to it. And I guess you have to be someone like me who appreciates the smaller things in life. I love the big things too! But while I'm waiting for the big things, I'll continue to enjoy those small things that enrich my daily experience.