When it rains ...

It's raining this morning. Makes me want to curl up with a book, a big blanket and a mug of hot chocolate.

When it rains, look for rainbows. When it's dark, look for stars.

Great advice - Reminds me that even during 'stormy' times, we can always choose to focus and find the good around us.

Happy Wednesday .... slow down and listen to the rhythm of the falling rain.

Beautiful. Refreshing. Romantic.

'Aliens' in the Desert -

A desert bloom - in pink.

 A hint of yellow ...

 The sun turned us into Aliens ...

The West and it's authentic beauty!

There are days when I wish I lived near more trees. I love trees. Especially pine trees and evergreens.
Alas, we don't live by trees! We live by tumbleweeds, dirt, sagebrush, snakes and creepy desert bugs.

If I focus on all the things that are wrong, I make myself extremely miserable.
(Note to Self: Life is too short and amazing for negativity!)

So I don't focus on what's wrong and/or missing.

Instead, I appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.

Like the blue skies, the nearby farms, the 'desert blooms' and the evening walks I share with my husband. Just last night, we discovered our 'alien forms' and laughed as we imagined ourselves on a Spielberg alien movie scene!
(Note to Self: Enjoy the little moments like these - this is where happiness is!)

Cheers to focus and the things we choose to see and appreciate in life!

Questions are the answer

I was recently re-reading Tony Robbin's Awaken the Giant Within and found myself on chapter 8: Questions are the Answer.

This chapter is my favorite in this book. Why? I'll tell you. (See? Questions are the answer).

The questions (and our willingness to answer them - prove we are seeking and open to the answers).

Tony Robbins offers power questions (for self reflection) for both morning and night. He teaches: Our life experience is based on what we focus on.

At the end of the day, I like to answer his 3 evening power questions -

1. What have I given today? (in what ways have I been a giver today?)
2. What did I learn today?
3. How has today added to the quality of my life or how can I use today as an investment in my future?

He has morning power questions too. These questions help the reader to focus on what's good and productive in life.

If you have not read this book, add it to your 2014 'to read list' ... you won't regret it!

Cheers to questions & answers and the ways we choose to focus our energy!

Proactive and Reactive Language ... what's your style?

I'm currently reading "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey.
This book is really amazing and with every word I find myself having little 'aaa ha' moments. As I was reading his segment about listening to our language (page 78), I couldn't help but think about the day the construction crew showed up at my house to install all the new windows.

Our old house (that we have been fixing up for over a year now) was built in 1944 and the windows had never been replaced. I can't begin to explain in words how excited I was about getting new windows. They truly transformed the place! And the view was significantly better with the new, clean glass.

Now back to Covey's book ... In this particular segment I'm reading he talks about the importance of listening to the language we use. There are two types of language patterns. The first is Reactive Language (this is the type used by people who often use excuses and choose not to claim responsibility for their choices). Some reactive phrases are: There's nothing I can do. That's just the way I am. He makes me so mad. They won't allow that. I have to do that. I can't. I must. If only.

The second type of language is Proactive Language... (this is a more empowering language used by people committed to being responsible for their choices and actions). Some phrases are: Let's look at our alternatives. I can choose a different approach. I control my own feelings. I can create an effective presentation. I choose. I prefer. I will.

Back to the windows - we choose how the world looks and how our lives will be. It's all about what we choose to focus on and ultimately do. And we choose what type of 'windows' we'll look at the world through. Our thoughts and language (empowering or not) determine our actions and the way things appear and end up.

This week - pay attention to the phrases you use and the thoughts you entertain.
Is it possible that you could use a new set of windows to see the world from?

If so - choose words and actions that will help you SEE with more clarity and positive purpose.