LUCKY CHARM #9: Laugh! Tickle Me Thursday

Laughter is certainly the best medicine.  Humor is hoping healing, helping. Enjoy!

A man in a hot air balloon realized he was lost. He reduced altitude and spotted a man below. He descended a bit more and shouted, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him half an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man below replied, "You are in a hot air balloon hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You are between 40 and 42 degrees north latitude and between 58 and 60 degrees west longitude."

"You must be an engineer," said the balloonist.

"I am," replied the man, "but how did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to make of your information, and the fact is I am still lost."

The man below responded, "You must be a manager."

"I am," replied the balloonist, "how did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You made a promise which you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. The fact is you are exactly in the same position you were in before we met, but now, somehow, it's my fault."  Cheers!!

LUCKY CHARM #8: Be a light, not a judge

As I look back on my life I can see that sometimes I have been greatly influenced by others' points of view, perspectives, opinions - some positive, some negative.  A lot of my life has been determined by what is called the "social mirror" - reacting to external, extrinsic stimulus or factors.  Dancing to another's beat.  The majority of us have lived our lives this way not really having the independent will, self-awareness or the conscience to choose a different way of thinking befitting of our true selves. 

Architecture states that "form follows function" and in human relations private victories precede public victories.  The Bible says that you should "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."  But if you have no personal integrity, if you cannot trust yourself, if you don't know yourself, how can you truly love yourself?  I believe that many of us don't even like ourselves much less love ourselves. We don't know who we are.  We never really examined or explored our lives.  We just go with the flow - being controlled by the puppet master (the puppet master being someone or something other than yourself directing your life).  The master says wear this, we wear it.  Eat this, we eat it.  Think this, we think it.  Never stopping to question, reason, examine if it is something we want, need or even jives with our internal values.  A life not examined ain't fit for living.  We all must explore, analyze, dig deep within ourselves to find out who we are, what we want to be and where we want to go, what really matters to us, what legacy we want to leave behind.  So that we can share this spectacular aspect of ourselves with the world.  The world is just waiting for us to don our true selves.  To bring our gifts and contributions to heal and help humankind in our particular field, work or interest.

The process of self-reflection begins with our mindset.  We must examine our own paradigms, frames of reference, theories, perspectives - our belief systems.  This is not an easy, overnight, quick-fix process and it might even take years, but it is well worth the effort.  

We reap quantum benefits when the principles of fairness, integrity, justice, balance, compassion, leadership, courage, empathy, generosity, community, character, love, understanding, wisdom and abundance thinking guide our lives.  What principles guide your life?  Cheers!!

LUCKY CHARM #7: BE HAPPY!!!

I was just reminded of how important it is that we need to focus on the beauty and pleasurable in the world.  If you should ever find yourself down in the dumps or feeling a little bit blue -- just remember to smile and find something - anything - to be happy about.  Focus on what brings you joy.  It could be a favorite song, a plant, a picture, your fave color or food, something in nature, a pet, something humorous, your children, friends, a hobby.  I happen to love the color pink.  Not only does it go with my complexion, but it is a color that indicates self-love.  Maybe you've done some volunteer or charity work.  That especially counts.  It gets your mind off your problems and focuses on helping others.  The point is to find something to be happy about, big or small.  Enjoy your day, your world, your LIFE!  Cheers!!

SMILE & SAY CHEESECAKE!!!

One of my most favorite things in the entire world is cheesecake. Hey!  It's still holiday time (to me, - until President's Day - at least) LOL!!  I promise I will lay off the foodstuff for a while.  I better, because I can put on 20 pounds just thinking about food.  LOL!  

Anydiddles.  Most folk I know, which includes a few men, enjoy cheesecake.  Some like it topped with their fave fruits such as blueberries and strawberries.



Some may even like theirs topped with nuts.










Some may think that simple is better.  But whatever, however you enjoy yours -- ENJOY!  Cheers!!

LUCKY CHARM #4: Eat Chocolate

Found this pic on "The Kitchy Kitchen" blog that I follow.  Yum!  Doesn't it look scrumptious?  And who doesn't love chocolate?  I plan to bake this little treat for New Years.  

My funny story behind chocolate.  My daughter is a chocoholic.  I used to buy her many clothing articles in white.  Well, I stopped doing that because - without fail - she would dribble some form of chocolate (albeit ice cream, candy bar, cake) on her clothes, that wouldn't come out with washing.  By the way, she's the one who really got me into eating lots of chocolate.  Cheers!!

LUCKY CHARM #3: Own A Pet

This is Bianca, a black Labrador Retriever from the Daily Puppy.  
She is one hot little mama.  I grew up with dogs so they are my first love.  I also had a cat - they are my second love.  Whether a dog, cat, iguana, turtle or pig, I think having a pet is a good thing.  It lowers blood pressure, calms nerves and really is just so rewarding.  However, only if we can do so with responsibility.  Taking care of another living being requires a total commitment   So, if not some cute little thang like Bianca, perhaps fish.  Cheers!!

LUCKY CHARM #2: Love Yourself!

Many people - for many reasons - not feeling good about themselves, fearing solitude, settling for less than they deserve, or thinking no one else could possible love them if the other person knew the real them, get involved in relationships unbecoming to their true spirits.  

How many of us run from one relationship to another hoping that this one is "IT?"  Trying to make "it" work this time.  It's akin to making your size seven shoe fit into a size six.  It's not going to work.  This is really unfortunate behavior.  I read somewhere that we must love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  This is why self-love is so vital.  A quote by Yoruba Priestess and motivational speaker, Iyanla Vanzant, suggests we ask ourselves this question -- WOULD YOU MARRY YOU?  If not, why are you pawning yourself off on other people?  The late, great poet Audre Lorde spoke about us being the love we seek.   

I am of the mindset that we are perfect just as we are.  We don't need fixing, certain vocations.  We don't need to live in any particular neighborhood, nor do we need to look a certain way.  We are whole, complete entities.  Believing in your value -- this is how we must face the world everyday, every time we walk out of our homes into the world.  You have to know the value, the worth you bring to the table.  If you don't understand and realize your own worth, know one else will.  You will get your ass kicked in the world if you do not first love, accept, cherish, and treat yourself with the respect you deserve.  Only then will the universe respond in kind.  Cheers!!