It has been weeks since I wrote my last blog. My only excuse is that I have been living Life! Each night, there is so much I want to share through my writing and then the dream world decides to engulf me.
Tonight, I decided to write.
A few weeks ago, while enjoying the sunshine and having a conversation with one of my best friends, she decided to spill the truth. Matter of factly, she said..."you are addicted to life." I could not not refute her observant comment.
Her words spoke the truth so elegantly. Some would have simply said that I am a crazy fanatic, who dives into way too many opportunities.
Each day, I wake up with a zest for life. I go out into the world, trying to make it a better place. Some days it is really difficult to do this. However, I do my best to put on a smile and exhale a postitive attitude. When the sun sets, I always take a moment to look into the sky above and be thankful for my blessings. If I waited until midnight when my head hit the pillow, it would never happen. I am always fast asleep before I can count to ten, only because, each moment I was awake, I was Living Life.
Living your Life is more than doing what is supposed to get done. It is about taking an extra step. It is about surrounding yourself with opportunities, taking chances, and believing in the possibilty of living an extraordinary life!
Tonight it happened again. Just it like it did a week ago. And four days before that. And this is my life...believing in extraordinary things happening and watching them unfold. To be honest, sometimes, I am in disbelief, how someone like me, can be so lucky.
I have won numerous contests, experienced incredible, unique opportunities, and have met fascinating people (some famous, some not but all of them are Rockstars to me)! The pictures are endless, the memories are priceless, and every moment it happens, I do not understand why but I grab the moment and run with it and cherish every single minute.
I am not a passive person. Some may even call me aggressive, a bit shameless. I decide what I want, then I believe in it happening. The truth is that I am Addicted to Life and I Love Making Things Happen. When opportunity knocks, I seize the moment.
I realize Living Life is about more than having extraordinary events happen to you. You must appeciate the everyday stuff too. Appreciating such blessings as having nutritional meals to eat, a place to call home, a reliable car, a strong, healthy body that allows you to run, a job that you are passionate about, your parents unconditional love, friends who you can be yourself with, a husband who would do anything for you, and three beautiful kids. If you forget about these things, then the really lucky stuff goes away too. And suddenly, your life becomes empty.
Never forget that Life is a vast colorful canvas. Go out there and do something! Anything! Believe in Possibility! The first step in making things happen is using your imagination. Albert Einstein said "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." To live a life of true potential, it is essential to open your mind and allow the opportunity to present itself. Once this happens, you will be amazed as you watch your life unfold into an endless ocean of rich experiences.
Just like tonight, when I was FRONT ROW with Chris Martin from Coldplay!! There he was, giving me a high five, in the middle of the audience. A very kind man, helped me acquire the best seat in the house and I will forever be grateful. My life stood still as I admired the presence of Chris Martin and the other Coldplay band members as they played right in front of me!! In an instant, I realized two things. I had imagined this moment earlier in the evening, even though I had No Idea HOW it would happen. Then, when I saw the opportunity, I went for it, not really sure WHAT would happen. Each step closer, and then suddenly, there I was, literally standing right in front of the makeshift stage that Coldplay had set up in the audience!! I was so close to the stage, that I could reach out and touch Chris Martin and the members of Coldplay! I stood in awe, soaking up the mesmerizing music and this amazing moment. It was truly an experience of a lifetime!
Whatever you do today, tomorrow, or the next day, be grateful you are ALIVE and then go out there and LIVE the life you always dreamed of. The more you give, the more life will reward you, surprising you along the way. We are only here once to experience Life so why not soak it all in? Snap, Crackle, Pop! Explore your imagination, believe in life's coming attractions, and be ready to become Addicted to Life!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Life Lessons from my DAD... #FathersDay
A Father is all about Being There. Unlike my biological father who ran away like a coward to surf the waves in Hawaii. He said "good-bye" to me before I was even born, and I promise, he will never say "hello."
I consider myself one of the MOST luckiest girls in the world because it was by CHANCE that I was blessed with the most AMAZING father.
I am not one to brag but considering my fate when born, unwanted, with a foster mother, it is quite remarkable that I was CHOSEN and because of this event, my life was forever changed.
Happy Father's Day to all of you Dad's out there. But who are you really??? You call yourself a DAD, a FATHER, a POP. But tell me, please, do you deserve this title? Being a Dad is a GIFT.
Who i am, a mere Mother?? I am by far, the PERFECT example, but I try hard. I only ask you to do the same.
But what if you have only THE BEST to compare yourself too??
I get it. Yes, a Father who gives endlessly, who never complains, who only wants to help, who is there for EVERYTHING!
My husband said he simply cannot do it. He will NEVER, EVER be my Dad.
He is on a pedal stool. But you only have to meet him once to understand how UNIQUE he is. People remember him for his kindness, the ability to carve out time to simply ask "how are you?" TO REMEMBER YOUR NAME. To give, to unconditionally love, to PROTECT your family, even if that means withholding information to protect YOUR feelings.
OK. Yes, I wanted to order him a white and shining armour suit for Father's Day. It is really the only appropriate gift.
My Father came into my life at 2 months of age. Get comfortable, sit down. I have life lessons that I want to share...
He scooped me up and never looked back. He accepted me for who I am. He never excluded me even when my two sisters were born. In his eyes, we were always ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY of FIVE.
He even said I had "Grandpa Pope's eyes." Silly Dad, I am not from THERE. I am part Dutch and Spanish and my last name was supposed to be Sanchez. But how quickly you forgot all that and you just ACCEPTED me into your family.
Did I mention how BLESSED I AM???
My dad has taught me so much about LIFE. A huge part of who I am today is because of him.
There is an old age argument about nature vs. nurture. I am living proof of nurture. Because of my Dad I am able to live life in a very unique way. I am giving, accepting of other's faults, careful to pass judgement, supplying kindness to those who I encounter. This was not innate. This came from a role model who has always beeen there...my Dad.
Endless examples of his unselfishness, his willingness to give, his quench to make this world a better place without him even knowing it. If I am able to do this, then I will consider myself a success.
Lesson One: You begin with the person you are speaking to. Be there entirely. Hang on to every word. Never look bored. Consider them the most important person in the world.
Lesson Two: It is NEVER about You. The minute you think about how this will benefit "me" is when you have lost everything.
Lesson Three: Pick your battles carefully. In my short lifetime, I could have consulted many lawyers but because of my father's advice, I have been given insight and an understanding on what you must devote your energy towards. If you fight every battle, then you have lost the energy to fight for the most important things in your life.
Lesson Four: Everyone is EQUAL. Be Geniune. My dad always knows everyone's name. He always asks about you and family members. He remembers the important things. He is not trying to impress you. It is because he truly cares.
Lesson Five: Be Grateful. Growing up in a miltary family, we never lived in the biggest house or had the fanciest car but I never knew the difference. If I expressed an interest in gymnastics or diving or modeling, my dad would find a way to make it work. On the flip side, I would always know to consider each lesson "a gift."
Lesson Six: Be Involved. I still giggle about the mustache/motorcycle boy that I dated for a brief time in high school. My dad nearly had a heart attack. He always met EVERY one of my friends and whoever I was dating. He wanted last names, phone numbers and a time when I would be home. This is why I am still here today.
Lesson Seven: Be Happy. Whatever life throws your way do not take it out on others. Be appreciative of what you do have and call it a day. Ugliness settles in the moment you decide your life is not enough to satisfy all that you want.
Lesson Eight: Never Give up. Strive to be appeciative while being productive. My Dad always encouraged me to live out my dreams. He believed in me and my sisters. He made sure we had college funds. He listened, even after my accident. The world shut the door on me and told me to forget about college, to go home, and that I'd never go to grad school. Because my Dad believed in me, I overcame amazing obstacles and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Creative Writing and a Master's Degree in Social Work.
Lesson Nine: Your friends are a part of who you are. My dad always jokes with me that I have a hundred Best Friends. The irony is that I learned from him that cultivating friendships is immensly important. Each friend that I meet in this journey called "life" brings new meaning to my world. I make huge efforts to stay in touch because I believe each friendship makes up a part of who I am and I am better person for knowing you.
Lesson Ten: The Most Important one of all...LOVE Unconditionally. Do I need to say More? My Dad did this from the beginning and continues to do this today. With his unconditional love, I have learned that, yes, we are human, and that yes, we can mess up but if you love me through the mess, I will ultimately be a better person. This is because I have learned from my mistakes and realize I can only rise up, from unconditional love, instead of passing judgement, which is only a guarantee of falling down.
If I was not adopted, who knows who I would be, where I'd be, or what I would be doing with my life. I am ever so thankful for my life circumstance, a moment of chance, that ultimately changed my fate and my very being. I have been wrapped in unconditional love since two months of age and only want to give back to the world what my Dad shared with me.
I consider myself one of the MOST luckiest girls in the world because it was by CHANCE that I was blessed with the most AMAZING father.
I am not one to brag but considering my fate when born, unwanted, with a foster mother, it is quite remarkable that I was CHOSEN and because of this event, my life was forever changed.
Happy Father's Day to all of you Dad's out there. But who are you really??? You call yourself a DAD, a FATHER, a POP. But tell me, please, do you deserve this title? Being a Dad is a GIFT.
Who i am, a mere Mother?? I am by far, the PERFECT example, but I try hard. I only ask you to do the same.
But what if you have only THE BEST to compare yourself too??
I get it. Yes, a Father who gives endlessly, who never complains, who only wants to help, who is there for EVERYTHING!
My husband said he simply cannot do it. He will NEVER, EVER be my Dad.
He is on a pedal stool. But you only have to meet him once to understand how UNIQUE he is. People remember him for his kindness, the ability to carve out time to simply ask "how are you?" TO REMEMBER YOUR NAME. To give, to unconditionally love, to PROTECT your family, even if that means withholding information to protect YOUR feelings.
OK. Yes, I wanted to order him a white and shining armour suit for Father's Day. It is really the only appropriate gift.
My Father came into my life at 2 months of age. Get comfortable, sit down. I have life lessons that I want to share...
He scooped me up and never looked back. He accepted me for who I am. He never excluded me even when my two sisters were born. In his eyes, we were always ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY of FIVE.
He even said I had "Grandpa Pope's eyes." Silly Dad, I am not from THERE. I am part Dutch and Spanish and my last name was supposed to be Sanchez. But how quickly you forgot all that and you just ACCEPTED me into your family.
Did I mention how BLESSED I AM???
My dad has taught me so much about LIFE. A huge part of who I am today is because of him.
There is an old age argument about nature vs. nurture. I am living proof of nurture. Because of my Dad I am able to live life in a very unique way. I am giving, accepting of other's faults, careful to pass judgement, supplying kindness to those who I encounter. This was not innate. This came from a role model who has always beeen there...my Dad.
Endless examples of his unselfishness, his willingness to give, his quench to make this world a better place without him even knowing it. If I am able to do this, then I will consider myself a success.
Lesson One: You begin with the person you are speaking to. Be there entirely. Hang on to every word. Never look bored. Consider them the most important person in the world.
Lesson Two: It is NEVER about You. The minute you think about how this will benefit "me" is when you have lost everything.
Lesson Three: Pick your battles carefully. In my short lifetime, I could have consulted many lawyers but because of my father's advice, I have been given insight and an understanding on what you must devote your energy towards. If you fight every battle, then you have lost the energy to fight for the most important things in your life.
Lesson Four: Everyone is EQUAL. Be Geniune. My dad always knows everyone's name. He always asks about you and family members. He remembers the important things. He is not trying to impress you. It is because he truly cares.
Lesson Five: Be Grateful. Growing up in a miltary family, we never lived in the biggest house or had the fanciest car but I never knew the difference. If I expressed an interest in gymnastics or diving or modeling, my dad would find a way to make it work. On the flip side, I would always know to consider each lesson "a gift."
Lesson Six: Be Involved. I still giggle about the mustache/motorcycle boy that I dated for a brief time in high school. My dad nearly had a heart attack. He always met EVERY one of my friends and whoever I was dating. He wanted last names, phone numbers and a time when I would be home. This is why I am still here today.
Lesson Seven: Be Happy. Whatever life throws your way do not take it out on others. Be appreciative of what you do have and call it a day. Ugliness settles in the moment you decide your life is not enough to satisfy all that you want.
Lesson Eight: Never Give up. Strive to be appeciative while being productive. My Dad always encouraged me to live out my dreams. He believed in me and my sisters. He made sure we had college funds. He listened, even after my accident. The world shut the door on me and told me to forget about college, to go home, and that I'd never go to grad school. Because my Dad believed in me, I overcame amazing obstacles and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Creative Writing and a Master's Degree in Social Work.
Lesson Nine: Your friends are a part of who you are. My dad always jokes with me that I have a hundred Best Friends. The irony is that I learned from him that cultivating friendships is immensly important. Each friend that I meet in this journey called "life" brings new meaning to my world. I make huge efforts to stay in touch because I believe each friendship makes up a part of who I am and I am better person for knowing you.
Lesson Ten: The Most Important one of all...LOVE Unconditionally. Do I need to say More? My Dad did this from the beginning and continues to do this today. With his unconditional love, I have learned that, yes, we are human, and that yes, we can mess up but if you love me through the mess, I will ultimately be a better person. This is because I have learned from my mistakes and realize I can only rise up, from unconditional love, instead of passing judgement, which is only a guarantee of falling down.
If I was not adopted, who knows who I would be, where I'd be, or what I would be doing with my life. I am ever so thankful for my life circumstance, a moment of chance, that ultimately changed my fate and my very being. I have been wrapped in unconditional love since two months of age and only want to give back to the world what my Dad shared with me.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Stay Calm and Carry On
"Stay Calm and Carry On" is one of my favorite life mantra's. Tonight was one of those evenings were I had to reflect and realize I MUST REMAIN CALM. I knew what needed to be done and had to diligentaly go about the task, when all I wanted to do was freak out. It was one of those moments when you dream your worst nightmare and then wake up, only to remember it was reality, the day before. I know this is what will be happening to me when the sun rises.
This will have to remain a mystery post for awhile. I cannot disclose the actual event, until, maybe, a year from now, when it is only a distant memory. It all had to do with a letter I received and enclosed was the kind of news that makes you think there is no way this is happening.
I immediately had to begin planning my course of action, getting the entire family involved. Later at 11pm, I joked with everyone, that a family that goes through this together, stays together! Our evening was dreadful but somehow we all managed to stay positive and not allow this sidetrack event in our lives ruin a moment of happiness.
I am exhausted. Emotionally spent. Too tired to move from this computer to go to bed. Truth be told, I have about a hundred loads of laundry to do and may stay up all night just to finish it. Too Much To Deal With tonight but that bowl of New York Super Fudge Chunk sure did the right thing! My husband asked me twice as I was scooping the ice cream into the bowl, "you do know it is 12:30am???" I knew it would help me stay calm and remain focused so I really didn't care what the heck the clock said.
I reflect back and I might have got a little upset, somewhat impatient, maybe once, okay, maybe twice? I certaintly had a lot of questioning going on, wondering out loud sometimes, "why? why? why?" does it seem like life likes to kick you in the teeth, when you have already received one too many TKO's already?
Stand up again. Don't whine. Don't complain. You must "Stay Calm and Carry On." I try to be a positive influence on my kids when the tough gets going. I never want them to feel like they are the victim. I want to empower them through my example and let them know that they have a choice on how they approach problems that are presented to them. My philosphy in life is that all of your doors are never shut. There is a solution if you don't give up. Researchers say positive people are the "lucky ones" because of this approach in life.
Tonight I would not have considered myself "lucky" with the situation I was in but I realized things could be much worse and many blessings were spinning around in my mind. Tonight I knew I needed to write. It gives me peace and a chance to reflect on what is truly important so I don't fall flat on my face in this race called "life."
When you wake up, remember to "Stay Calm and Carry On" no matter what is brought your way. You may surprise yourself what this simple attitude can do when the world seems a little less than cheery. The dirty little secret is that this attitude is also contagious! May you have a calm and peaceful day!
This will have to remain a mystery post for awhile. I cannot disclose the actual event, until, maybe, a year from now, when it is only a distant memory. It all had to do with a letter I received and enclosed was the kind of news that makes you think there is no way this is happening.
I immediately had to begin planning my course of action, getting the entire family involved. Later at 11pm, I joked with everyone, that a family that goes through this together, stays together! Our evening was dreadful but somehow we all managed to stay positive and not allow this sidetrack event in our lives ruin a moment of happiness.
I am exhausted. Emotionally spent. Too tired to move from this computer to go to bed. Truth be told, I have about a hundred loads of laundry to do and may stay up all night just to finish it. Too Much To Deal With tonight but that bowl of New York Super Fudge Chunk sure did the right thing! My husband asked me twice as I was scooping the ice cream into the bowl, "you do know it is 12:30am???" I knew it would help me stay calm and remain focused so I really didn't care what the heck the clock said.
I reflect back and I might have got a little upset, somewhat impatient, maybe once, okay, maybe twice? I certaintly had a lot of questioning going on, wondering out loud sometimes, "why? why? why?" does it seem like life likes to kick you in the teeth, when you have already received one too many TKO's already?
Stand up again. Don't whine. Don't complain. You must "Stay Calm and Carry On." I try to be a positive influence on my kids when the tough gets going. I never want them to feel like they are the victim. I want to empower them through my example and let them know that they have a choice on how they approach problems that are presented to them. My philosphy in life is that all of your doors are never shut. There is a solution if you don't give up. Researchers say positive people are the "lucky ones" because of this approach in life.
Tonight I would not have considered myself "lucky" with the situation I was in but I realized things could be much worse and many blessings were spinning around in my mind. Tonight I knew I needed to write. It gives me peace and a chance to reflect on what is truly important so I don't fall flat on my face in this race called "life."
When you wake up, remember to "Stay Calm and Carry On" no matter what is brought your way. You may surprise yourself what this simple attitude can do when the world seems a little less than cheery. The dirty little secret is that this attitude is also contagious! May you have a calm and peaceful day!
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