Be one who CREATES Happiness!!

Your Inner Compass ...

About 6 months ago, we moved from our house of 10 years to our present home. Just today, I emptied the last of my boxes. I had some amazing little ah-ha moments as I unpacked and thought I would share … (Just so you know, the last boxes were mine – in my office).

“The Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

Why do we take so long to take the first step?
For six months, I’ve looked at the boxes and thought I need to empty those.
Have you ever done that?! :)

“It's never too late ... to reinvent yourself”
~Patrick Lindsay

What was it about today that made me take action and clean out the boxes?
I found myself drawn into the office and I said out loud: "Something must be done in here!"
I opened the windows (let the sunshine in) and got to work! The cleaning out/organizing took half the day! And here it is 10:00 pm and I’m still in here – only now it’s clean (and I don’t want to leave). Funny how that works ...
Note to self: it’s never too late to start.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life,
the more there is in life to celebrate.”
~ Oprah Winfrey

What was it about the last 3 boxes that I dreaded so much?
First of all, the thought of going through anything more (after the move) was just too much to handle. Secondly, I didn’t want to deal with what was inside of them. Thirdly, I have been too busy to even attempt opening them up!

Are those excuses? Maybe – but it’s real.

So, today I had time, I had a need and I took the first step… In one of the boxes, I found some old letters from my family when I was in college. I read them and remembered some very fun and challenging days. I took a moment to pause and realize how far I’d come since that time. I even smiled at the thought of where I’d been, who I am and who I hope to become. It was a little celebration (of sorts) for my current place in time.

Today was a great day to clean out the boxes - I had time to truly appreciate the stuff inside them (and the stuff inside of me).

Note to self: When the time is right – you’ll know what to do.

Listen to your inner compass, take the first step and celebrate who you are.

What is life? ...

WHAT IS LIFE?

Life is an Adventure ... Dare it
Life is a Beauty ... Praise it
Life is a Challenge ... Meet it
Life is a Duty ... Perform it
Life is a Love ... Enjoy it
Life is a Tragedy ... Face it
Life is a Struggle ... Fight it
Life is a Promise ... Fulfill it
Life is a Game ... Play it
Life is a Gift ... Accept it
Life is a Journey ... Complete it
Life is a Mystery ... Unfold it
Life is a Goal ... Achieve it
Life is an Opportunity ... Take it
Life is a Puzzle ... Solve it
Life is a Song ... Sing it
Life is a Sorrow ... Overcome it
Life is a Spirit ... Realize it
~ Anonymous

Here's what I would add -
Life ... LIVE it!

What is life to you?!

Invite Happiness IN

Invite –
To request the presence or participation of
in a kindly or courteous way

Dear Happiness,
I invite you to join me today
in all my little moments!
(Try saying that out loud!)

How did that feel? Have you ever simply invited happiness in? Happiness is a sensitive creature it comes and goes (in most people’s lives.) I believe many of us have forgotten how to treat ‘happiness’! I like to think of happiness as a dear friend. And without her, my life would be quite empty and dull.

Close your eyes and picture in your mind someone who is very dear and special to you. How do you feel when you think of this person? Now picture yourself without this person in your life. It’s probably a hard thing to imagine!

That’s how I think of happiness! I can’t imagine life without it! So, in order to keep it and have it – I must treat it special. And my little, unique and creative way to do that is to simply invite her to join me all the time!
(I think ‘happiness’ likes that and is more apt to stay.)

This little moment matters –
Here’s the invitation I use (feel free to borrow it – or make your own!) You may want to post this around your home or in the car.

Dear ‘Happiness’,
You are invited to join me in my journey called LIFE!
When – Always!
Where – Everywhere!
Time – 24/7
Place – My home, my heart, my LIFE!
Thank you!
I’m so glad you’re part of my little moments.
Love,
(Your name here.)

Excerpt from It's the Little Moments that Matter
by Wendy L. Christensen © All rights reserved.

Inspiration on a Thursday ...

"Life is the art of drawing without an eraser."
~ John W. Gardner

Feeling Groovy in my Shamrock Shades!!

Groovy shot #1
Groovy shot #2

Wishing everyone a happy St. Paddy's Day :) ---
Cheers to celebrating the moments that matter!

My theme song for today: Feeling Groovy
...I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
Life, I love you, All is groovy.
~ Simon & Garfunkel

Happiness is a choice

And the little tree looked up at the giant shade tree and said: "I know I can."

I’ve often had people ask me – “How come you are so happy?”
My response: Happiness is a choice.

Have you ever met someone who was constantly blaming outside sources for their life?

Here are some examples –
I hate my job
If the weather was nicer I’d be happier
I don’t have time to do anything I want to
I’m not talented
I can’t get out and exercise

Buddha said: “With our thoughts we make our world.”

And if our thoughts are filled with I can’t, I won’t, I don’t and other negative feelings – our lives will be filled with those types of actions as well.

Let’s visit the optimistic/happy side of the brain shall we?
I make a difference at work
I’ve got an umbrella – let’s walk in the rain
I can do that!
I love to learn and try new things
Lets meet at noon everyday and walk

happiness is a choice and we can choose it at any moment.
Where will your thoughts and actions take you today?

{An Award ...}

"When life throws you Lemons ... Make PINK lemonade!"

Eva's house sent me this award today - Thank you :)! Apparently, this little 'lemonade stand' is given when someone thinks your blog is positive/filled with happiness ...

As part of the fun, the lemonade stand logo has a few instructions -

1.- Put the logo in your blog/poner el logo en el blog
2.- Nominate 5 - 10 blogs for having great attitude!/ Nominar de 5 a 10 blogs
por su buena actitud!/
3.- List and link the nominees/listar y poner link de los nominados
4.- Comment this award in their blogs/Poner un comentario en su blog
5.- Nominate your favorites and link to your post/Nominar los favoritos y poner el link en el post

My Pink Lemonade Winners -

1. Shaela - Love her creativity, upbeat attitude and positive posts!
2. Jennie - My sister, friend and happiest artist around
3. Kami - My old college roommate, my web designer, awesome fiction writer, true friend
4. O. Joy - Takes beautiful photos, lover of life, big heart, she is an expert on Gratitude!
5. NaDell A go getter, a great mom, happy in the kitchen and very organized!
6. Mr. & Mrs. Slug The cartoons on this blog make me laugh out loud - love it!
7. Rebecca - A beautiful singing Librarian - love all the info this lady shares...
8. Alyson - She and I go way back ... I think she was one of the first people to ever comment on my blog posts:) I love her writing style and her gorgeous photos...
(To those I have not met face-to-face - I can hardly wait)
One of these days we'll have a HUGE blogger reunion (imagine the hugs!!)

Ladies - Thanks for sharing so many wonderful moments via your blogs!
You make a difference ...!!

Curiosity ...

Inspiration for a Wednesday ...

"Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long.
We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things…
and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” -
~ Walt Disney

Tidbit - The above quote was used in - "Meet The Robinsons"
Where is your curiosity taking you? ...

Dwell in Positive Possibility - There are benefits!

"Tulips" by Wendy Christensen 2009

Are you a fan of positive quotes/books/ideas/people?! Me too!
From what I can tell, being positive has the following benefits –

You stay younger, healthier
You welcome more smile lines around your eyes and mouth
Invitations abound – for everything!
People want your ideas
It’s easy to make new friends - positive behavior is contagious
You wake up with vigor and passion for each new day
Life has meaning and purpose
Laughter is more abundant
Love is everywhere
Miracles are evident
Being positive makes you more free to give of your time, energy and talents
Your eyes sparkle
You dance
You’re not afraid to take chances
Fear does not keep you from attempting your dreams
Hugs matter
Friends and Family have more importance
Each day is a gift


***
My list could go on and on … :)
This week – dwell in positive possibility!
(You can do it – one positive thought and action at a time)

For the record - negativity is poison.
....

Hold your light high ...

When was the last time you stopped to really think about the people who BELIEVE in you?

Has it been a while? ... Today, I had a few moments to reflect on the people in my life who have been a light of hope, support and inspiration to me. There are many. It felt so good to appreciate the people who have been the lighthouse for me during my 'stormy' times - to them I send my thanks and love.

And on this windy Saturday in March I send my light out across the water to anyone who could use a RAY of hope, love, inspiration or support...

Please remember that YOU make a difference and that YOU matter.

With love and light -
Wendy

PS: Hold your light high - you never know what 'storm' another person may be fighting their way through.

{A Beautiful Mess}

Tory and Wendy Christensen
"Green Eggs and Ham" breakfast at the Elementary School

A Walk by the River ... Wendy & Kade

"Look! I found a lizard!"
Kaleb...

I spend a great deal of time in the car these days. It’s funny how the journey of motherhood evolves. When the kids are little it’s a miracle to get everyone packed up and out the door. Now, it’s a miracle if we have a day when we can stay home!

Luckily, we have some great options for filling the air via our everyday commutes. Sometimes, we’ll listen to a book on CD, sometimes random radio shuffle, often times the 80s, and occasionally its quiet.

Earlier this week during one of the random radio shuffles, I bumped into a really great song by Diamond Rio called – “What a Beautiful Mess.”
Later – when the kids were all in bed and the house was all quiet… I thought to myself -
I love the beautiful mess I’m in!

Lauren ...

Teaching History (with a Cyndi Lauper song)...

The first album I ever bought
Cyndi Lauper / She's So Unusual

Yesterday I was driving had 2 of my kids in the car with me and a song came on the radio … I was immediately transported to my past.

What song do I have to thank for the time travel?
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.

{flashback to 1983 …}
I was in the 5th grade
I was employed as a paper carrier for the Tri-City Herald
I had my own money -
I bought the record
I dreamed of being Cyndi Lauper …

My wonderful visit to the past came to an abrupt end when I heard -
“Mom what are you smiling about ...
Do you like this song?”

My response:
“I love this song! Let me tell you about 1983, and how fun it was to be
a girl with a paper route and a record player!”

Cheers to time travel via the songs from our past!

:)
Don't you love how you can teach history with a song?! Me too.

My book blurb (soon to be in bookstores everywhere)!!

Congrats to Kersten Campbell author of Confessions of a Completely In*Sane Mother ... Her book was recently released and will hit bookstore shelves in March! When you grab your copy of this very funny book make sure you check out the back cover! :)

I wrote the blurb that is on there ... :)
Cheers to books, blurbs and kids who sell rocks door-to-door!!

PS - Kersten is featured on my Author Beginnings blog - jump over and read her author blogVIEW!! http://authorbeginnings.blogspot.com/

Enjoy ...!

Authentic Style (you've got it!!)

(He's got Style ... So do YOU!)

Have you ever stopped to think about the things that make you authentically YOU? If not, give it a try ... Today grab a napkin, sheet of paper, grocery receipt (whatever is handy) and jot down the stuff that makes you YOU.

Here's a few from my list -
(Authenticity)
I love to send stuff to people in the mail - love it!
I'm always looking for a way to add pizazz to my house
(fix the mailbox, add a pillow, hang some cards)

I really enjoy going to Pier 1 (that store inspires me) ... And when I find something way in the back I just can't live without (on clearance) - I do a little dance and song right in the store!

I love sappy love movies and books - I weep like no other!

I am a big fan of Twitter

I try to do at least 5 happy things everyday :) - one of them is to SMILE ...
(at strangers)

My list goes on :)

Cheers to you and your authentic style ...

Happy Wednesday!!

Up next: Authentically YOU Awards ...
Stay Tuned!!

A Valentine for the Homeless ...

My kids are convinced that the homeless guy we see walking on the streets each day lives in the park behind our house. (This particular park has a row of trees that would provide the perfect shelter for the hobo).

Tonight, they asked if we could all run down to the park and play for a bit. So off we went to the park with the ‘forest’ full of giving trees.

Once we arrived at the park … my daughter (who is 6) said: “Be careful Mom the hobo lives down here and we don’t know if he’s home!”

It was freezing and getting dark – I walked down to the trees to round everyone up for the walk home. My son Kaleb shouted:“Mom, come see what we built!”

There in the little forest in the park behind our house, was a house (made out of an old tree and some boards they found) for the homeless stranger. My kids informed me that he would now have a nice place to spend Valentine’s Eve.

Happy Valentines Day! ... And homeless guy if you do happen to stop at the park tonight for a place to sleep - feel free to use the little house built by my kids!! :)

Thanks Kade, Kaleb, Colby and Lauren for reminding me that Love makes the world go round ...

A Life that Inspired Mine ...

Photo: On the left - Travis Lichfield (my big brother)
He inspired me from 1973 (year I was born) until he died in 1988

There are people in our lives we never forget.
We never want to ...
And that's a good thing!

Special thanks to Elaine Williams for featuring a letter I wrote to Travis as part of her blog Tour: Virtual Blog Tour of Sites Related to Loss, Grief and Bereavement ... Writing this letter was so therapeutic for me. Yup the tears fell freely!

My hope is that if you have ever lost someone you love - you'll stop for a moment and remember him or her and the tracks they left on your heart (feel free to write them a letter) - it feels so good!

And (maybe just maybe) this letter will cause you to stop and thank the Lord above for another day to live, love, laugh and LEARN!!

My letter to Travis - http://www.littlemomentsthatmatter.com/travis.html

PS: I love you.

The Valentine Aardvark ...

Do you know about the Valentine Aardvark? ...

Here's a quote from him:
"All we need is love and ants!"

For those of you who don't know about him here's the inside scoop -
PS: This is something fun for the entire family!

All you do is make a Valentine pouch (think back to grade school days)
Each family member makes one ... then lay the pouches out on Valentine's Eve and the Valentine Aardvark comes and fills them with treats and suprises (similar to Santa Clause).
So the parental participation is pretty important!

We did this last year as a family and had so much fun with it!

Learn more at www.valentineaardvark.com
(Great family site with games, free eCards and you can even order t-shirts)

If you decide to make the pouches - take pictures and post them up on your blog
then leave a comment on the Valentine Aardvark blog so they can know you joined in the fun!

Happy Aardvarking!
:)

The Fish Bowl Winner is ....

{The names ... The anticipation ...}

... The winner! O. Joy (Get ready to Wiggle)
Visit her blog at: http://ajoyfulday.blogspot.com/
Hopefully you'll love her site as much as I do - It's inspiring and full of beautiful photos ...
***********

Special thanks to all of you for stopping by - I plan on doing a giveaway each month so keep coming back for more exciting stuff.

:)
Happy Friday - I'm off to plan a birthday party for my brother!! He likes pumpkin pie better than cake so I'm up to my elbows in pie and balloons ...

Cheers to birthday parties, blogging friends and the little moments we share together!

February Giveaway - Wiggle Like a Fish CD!!

Do you need something fun to give to that "little" Valentine on your list?! If so, simply leave your name and your email (in the comments section below) and I will be drawing ONE lucky winner from the Wiggle fish bowl! You have until the stroke of midnight on Wednesday (2/04/09) to enter.

A little info about the CD -
This album contains 11 original positive, catchy songs for families and kids all written and performed by The Singing Superman ... AKA Tory Christensen!
(He's also my husband) - Lucky me! :)

http://www.wigglelikeafish.com/
Feel free to visit the Wiggle Like a Fish website

"Wiggle Like a Fish makes the room get up and dance without the hype or frenzy.
Great warm energy and delightful lyrics ..."
~ Ann Bergman Publisher and Founder Seattle's Child Magazine

PS: The winner will be notified by Friday (2/6/09)

Thanks for stopping by --- :)!
Get ready to Wiggle