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“The moment inbetween what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place.” ~ Barbara De Angelis "Nothing happens without personal transformation." I decided one day I wanted to change. I wanted more from life. I realized that if you want more, YOU have to make it happen. You have to go to it and create it. The most powerful weapon against a mediocre life is practice. And just like a fire, the human spirit needs to be lit again each day.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

this really clicks with me right now

“The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place.” ~Barbara De Angelis

Thursday, January 13, 2011

7 Important Vital Choices for Happy Relationships from Tiny Buddha - Daily Wisdom

7 Important Vital Choices for Happy Relationships

1. Practice self love first.

It seems like you can only have happy relationships if you can be happy with or without them. ~Erika Gonzalez

Know that it is not the other person’s job to make you happy. The only person who can do that is you! ~Christi Emmons

The ultimate kicker: be honest with yourself about who you are. ~Kelly Bell

Know that you can be yourself and still be accepted. The best relationship is when you bring out the best in each other, and you are purely content when neither has anything to say. ~Stephanie Schwenning

Take it off the page:
• Make a list or mental note of all the things to appreciate about you. Realize everyone has flaws, and there’s a lot more right with you than wrong with you.
• Work on forgiving yourself. The past is the past and you deserve to put it behind you, but no one else can let it go for you.
• Be good to yourself today. Practice yoga, meditate, or take a walk.

2. Focus on compatibility.

Be best friends first. ~Wendy Nicholson

Have an incredible “like” for each other. ~Diane Bateman

Have shared (or at least compatible) values and communication. Everything else can be forgiven, accepted, or put aside, however values are the root of how we relate to all beings. ~Frank Ra

Find the person who inspires you to be a better you, and always encourage them to become the best them. ~Corinne Morrill

Take it off the page:
• If you’re single, do something social that you love. You’re more likely to meet compatible people if you get out there and foster your interests.
• If you’re in a relationship, spend some time sharing something you both enjoy. My boyfriend and I met at karaoke, so singing together is a great way to connect.
• If you’re in a relationship with someone and it always feels like hard work, ask yourself: are you trying to jam a square peg into a round hole? It can be scary to walk away from the wrong person, but it’s the only possibility of meeting someone who will feel right.

3. Practice acceptance.

Accept that not everyone or everything is perfect. We are all perfectly flawed. ~Simon Kirk

Be non-demanding of your partner—partners don’t tell each other what to do. ~John Bigl

Mutual adoration and acceptance of the differences that make each of you individuals are keys to a phenomenal relationship. ~Casey Kimes

Happiness is a choice, as are all things in life. I choose to see and feel grateful for all of the best qualities in my partner, rather than focusing on shortcomings. ~Emily Roberts

Take it off the page:
• If you feel yourself focusing on everything someone appears to be doing wrong, ask yourself if there’s something else upsetting you. It’s easier to blame other people than it is to look in ourselves, but oftentimes that’s where the problem is.
• If you feel like changing something about someone else today, ask yourself what change you can make in yourself instead. If you feel unappreciated, show appreciation. It’s more empowering and productive to show people how to treat us than to complain about what’s lacking.
• If there’s something you just can’t accept, ask yourself if you’re willing to walk away because of it. We can’t change other people, but we can change our relationship to them.

4. Have realistic expectations.

Don’t expect it to be happy all the time. ~Stephanie Goddard

Don’t sweat the small things and speak up when it really is important to you. ~Elizabeth Sadhu

Remember that it isn’t always happy, but get through those not so happy moments together or apart, whichever is needed. ~Jessica Duff

Keep realistic standards for each other. ~Ashna Singh

Take it off the page:
• Eliminate the word should today—how a relationship should work, how people should act if they love you.
• Notice when you’re projecting something onto the other person that has nothing to do with them, like a fear from a past relationship. Then make an effort to let it go.
• Recognize when you’re looking for that person to do something for you that you need to do for yourself, like make you feel lovable or take care of your needs. Then release those expectations and do it for yourself.

5. Be kind in words and deeds.

Think about the person’s feelings before you speak or criticize them. ~Dana Brewer Covey

Have a fast ear and a slow tongue. ~Mark Ward

Have compassion and grow together, not apart, as the years go on. ~Krista Tverdak

Love must be bigger and stronger than anything else. Never keep any record of your partner’s mistakes and faults and be ready to forgive. ~Mel Escobar

Take it off the page:
• Make an effort to really listen—not just wait to talk.
• See the other person as if for the first time. It’s all too easy to take someone for granted. Really notice all the wonderful things they do, and let them know what you see.
• If you get frustrated with each other, ask yourself, “Will this really matter after I’ve cooled down?”

6. Be honest.

Talk about things that leave you vulnerable from the heart. ~Cheryl Floyed
Compromise and dream together. ~ Becca Stinson

From my grandparents, who have been happily married for 60 years: the three C’s: caring, communication, and compromise. ~Emily Larsen

Don’t sweat the small stuff, and if something really is bothering you talk about it in a calm controlled manner. Leave drama in the theaters and movies. ~Ben Reyna

Take it off the page:
• Open up about something that you’ve been keeping to yourself. It doesn’t have to be big and dramatic. People can only be there for us if we let them.
• If something’s on your mind, express it without implying the other person is responsible for your feelings.

7. Remember to act.

When you’re bored, do something about it. ~Ernie Somers

Adjust to change. Adjust to moods, lifestyle changes, and new additions, and always remember to love. ~Elysia Cordero

The rest comes and goes as we change and grow and struggle, but being able to laugh together brings you back together. ~Kerry Kokkinogenis

Have rich individual pursuits and pursue things together. ~Laura Texera

Take it off the page:
• If you haven’t in a while, take time to do your own thing today—completely on your own or with friends.
• Take time to laugh together, whether it’s watching funny YouTube videos or trying something new together.
• If you feel dissatisfied with your life, don’t assume it’s your relationship. What other adjustments could you make to feel happier with your place in the world? Maybe you need to take a small step toward a hobby or more fulfilling job.

And lastly…
Start over again and again. ~Miguel Angel Carrillo Infante
It’s a new day–a new chance to practice giving and receiving love.

***This content was taken from the tinybuddha.com website.

Monday, January 3, 2011

2010 in Review

I found more zen in my 2010!

I finally got to climb at Laurel Knob. Finally got to climb at The Red River Gorge in KY and at Tennessee Wall in Chattanooga as well. Awesome!

I actually bouldered some this year and sent problems! And I ice climbed again.

I learned how to climb offwidths and a water groove. I also got to practice my crack climbing technique...still needs work.

I also learned the most ever about placing gear. Hopefully this year in 2011, I will put that to use.

I made a ton of new friends and got closer to old ones.

I already knew but got reminded again that the best climber in the world is the one who is having the most fun! :)
I did not quit climbing, instead, I am having more fun with it now than ever. I just had to change my perspective is all.

I challenged myself this year in 2 muddy obstacle course events. I started running again and power walked a shit ton of miles. I also survived a 1 hour CrossFit class. LMAO!!! I have once again challenged myself both mentally and physically. I found out that I really can be all that I can be.

I went on the most awesome adventure vacation EVER to Kauai, Hawaii.

I stopped fooling around and enrolled my ass back in school. I start on Jan 11th.

I finally bought that camera, took some classes and am loving photography!

I learned that expectations lead to disappointments and limitations hold me back. I will forgive the past, and not worry about my future. As my feet are firmly planted for 2011, I am aware of where I am and who I have become. As I look around in awareness, I will lift up and grow, opening my heart fully to this new year. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!

2011, bring it!!! I don't need a clean slate. Instead, I thank Life for the way that it is...IT IS WHAT IT IS. I am ready!!! I am focusing upon what I really want this year, and I am not going to worry about the how's or about charting a course. Besides, what I want is already mine because I own it now. I refuse to worry about my first steps. I have been inspired this year, and my instincts and impulses are showing me the way now. I am getting busy. I am going all out, and I am gonna go hard...(train smart and study hard)!

Monday, December 27, 2010

looking forward to a new year

I have two weeks of freedom left! Hahahaha
I start school on the 11th.

I decided to take Anatomy & Physiology I first. I will take Anatomy & Physiology II after. Both are required for the two different programs I am deciding on going into later. I definitely want to be in the field of physical therapy. I'm just not sure yet if I want to go the full route and do the DPT (grad school) or do the PTA program at tech and be an assistant.

The PTA is definitely cheaper and would take less time to complete. I don't know. We'll see.

I'm really excited about going back to school. I'm a little nervous too. I went back to school though in 2002 for paralegal, and I got a 4.0...so I'm not too worried. I took 2 classes each semester at night and worked full-time. This time, I can only afford one class at a time at night. I will still be working full-time. I hope I will still have time to climb and do all of my workouts. Exercising is very important to me. Where there is a will, there is always a way! It will all fall into place.

2011 will bring a lot of newness for me. I am really stoked!!!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This pain gets really old! Had another massage today. Wish I could afford them every two weeks.

I know some people think FMS is all emotional...most docs still don't even really know what it is yet. To me, to have a better understanding of myofascial pain syndrome really helps me. I know it isn't all in my head. The pain is real folks. Frankly, it sux!

I have felt better though since 2006, when I started making lifestyle changes. The keys to success are: exercise, pain meds, massage therapy, stretching and stress reduction. I have found that certain foods I avoid also help.

Here is a link about FMS and Myofascial pain: www.healthcorner.org/articledetails.php?aid=215&tsrc=gc&ppceng=google&kw=myofascial%20pain%20fibromyalgia&id=26312&gclid=CLyuyryO_KUCFYHc4AodpTq3nw

I keep reading up on it. I wish there was a cure.

Friday, November 19, 2010

my TUT message today!

Not ever, not once, Sue, not since time began has there been someone who's actually made the kind of choices you've consistently made, year after year, your whole life long, in spite of fleeting fears, lingering doubts and moments of despair. Yet now, for the countless multitudes waiting on the sidelines for their turn, there's a path, an example to follow, and a light to show them the way.

Jolly good show,
The Universe

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tiny Buddha

CONTACT Tiny Wisdom: On Seeing Good
Nov 16, 2010 01:22 am | Lori Deschene

“Always be mindful of the kindness and not the faults of others.” -Buddha


It’s easy to focus on someone else’s faults and flaws–we’re all human and we all have them. But shining a light on someone’s weaknesses doesn’t help them improve; it merely reminds them you’re more attentive to what they lack than what they have.

We all want to be appreciated for who we are and the good we do, regardless of our shortcomings. We want to believe that what we do is enough–that we’re enough, even if we don’t do everything perfectly and still have room to grow.

We can’t control how other people treat us, but can we show them how in the way we treat them.

Whose kindness can you acknowledge today?

Thursday, November 11, 2010

a 35 year old undergrad

Well, I'm registered for Biology 101 in the spring! I have 8 undergrad science classes to take before I can apply to grad school to work towards a doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Wow, it is going to be a long road from here. I am looking forward to it though.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Cats not Cancer

http://catsnotcancer.tumblr.com/

This is my friend, Nikki...her blog.

She was just recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm following her blog.

She is very inspiring to me, and I think she is an amazing person.

Good News!!!

Good News!

There is a website now called www.SeniorPeopleMeet.com

I guess I won't have to grow old and grey all alone afterall!!!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Action v. Apathy

Posts from Tiny Buddha for 10/29/2010
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Oct 29, 2010 03:57 am | Lori Deschene

“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept responsibility for changing them.” -Denis Waitley

Sometimes complaining, stressing, analyzing, and fantasizing can seem proactive, but they don’t actually change anything. Visualizing or planning may help you take action, but nothing changes unless you actually do.

Today if you feel aggravated with your circumstances ask yourself these questions: Am I willing to do something to change them? And if not, what can I do to enjoy today instead of dwelling and letting it slip away?

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Scared

So I am getting advised soon for school. I'm a little nervous about going back, and this time it is for something totally different. It will be a huge decision too, compared to when I went back to school for paralegal.

I have been wanting to go to school now for cosmetology for quite some time as far back as I can remember. That is all I have talked about....however, now I have once again changed my mind.

I really want a fulfilling career that is very rewarding. I want to help people...from the inside out, not just from the outside.

Lately, in the last few years, I started getting more active. Active in the gym again and active outdoors. I've been working out and running. I've entered 10k's and mud runs, etc. I also power walked a marathon and a half and raised money to fight breast cancer. I started rock climbing back in 2007. Now, I like to backpack as well, and I have now tried ice climbing twice. I love being active. Along with being active comes a price. PAIN! Hahahahaha

This past spring, I had to get some physical therapy. I have Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome. Bascially, this is the result of the lateral maltracking of the knee cap. There are many things that cause this problem, and it is very common among women. I saw an Ortho and had an MRI. Based on the results of the MRI, I was sent to physical therapy for patella maltracking.

I learned so much from PT. It's sad to say I loved leaving my desk job for an hour to go "work out" at clinic twice a week. I realized, while I was in physical therapy myself, that I too wanted to help folks that are trying to heal and recover and get back in shape.

I know my body was not meant to be at a desk for 7.5 to 8 hours of my day either! Sitting at a desk is really bad for me, and it literally hurts.

I really want to be a physical therapist. I would like to work in a clinical environment helping patients one on one. I want to help patients that have come out of car wrecks or those who have injured themselves playing sports or maybe work with children. I also want to get my trainer's license and become a personal trainer on the side. I really want to make a difference in someone's life.

So now begins the basic prerequisite courses...and once I have completed those, I can begin to apply for grad school to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Tiny Buddha

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Oct 28, 2010 01:30 am | Lori Deschene

“You can’t be envious and happy at the same time.” -Frank Tyger

When you’re fixated on everything someone else has that you lack, it’s near impossible to notice and appreciate everything that’s working in your favor. There’s always something, even if you’re not where you’d like to be professionally, romantically, socially, or personally.

You’ll get there–that doesn’t change that now is a perfect time to be happy.

Envy is disease of resentful dissatisfaction. Gratitude is not only the anecdote–it’s also a choice to accept and enjoy your world as it is.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Why?

Why do I never listen to my gut?

Why can't people give honest, straight forward answers?

I'm a moron.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

from tinybuddha.com

“He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.” ~Raymond Hull

It’s human nature to want approval from other people, but it can be exhausting to compromise yourself to influence or manipulate other people’s perceptions. No matter how much you try, it simply isn’t possibly to control what other people think.

If you’re being true to yourself, at least a few people will judge, question, or dislike you. No one can please the whole world all at once while honoring their own needs and truths.

Today if you feel the need to people-please, ask yourself, what’s more important: knowing you’ve done your best to make everyone like you, or knowing you’re strong enough to stay true to who you are?