Embrace Life

tgif :: 02.09.11

I'm trusting my choices. Currently every one has been mine alone and I think I'm getting the hang of it. I have to say, it's nice to not be told I'm always wrong. So far (fingers crossed) I haven't been!

I'm grateful for my friends. They have been such wonderful, kind and thoughtful sounding boards and source of comfort as I go through this draining journey. 

I'm inspired by my children who, by all accounts, are content to simply put one foot in front of the other. They all look toward the adventures ahead with hearts full of anticipation.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

tgif :: june 2011

I'm trusting my instincts. For the first time in a long time. It's working.

I'm grateful for the risilience of my children. They have gone through a whirlwind month of emotional and physical changes and they are all still kind and positive. I am grateful and relieved.

I'm inspired by the people in Vancouver who came out to clean up the day after the riots - plenty out with brooms to care for the place they call home. That is what I want to hear about in the news, not endless sensationalized coverage of stupidity.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

tgif :: may 2011

What a difference a couple of months make!

I'm trusting the world will not end tomorrow; though, I find it fascinating that it is on some kind of schedule where it actually ends in October. I'm equally fascinated that there are a bunch of fear mongers handing out pamphlets. To what end? Have everyone in a complete panic.

I'm grateful for the kindness of my friends and family who now, armed with facts, better understand the whys and wows of the last 15+ years. Wow is putting it mildly. Grateful the fog has lifted and the future is clear.

I'm inspired by the enthusiasm of my kids who embrace change with a positive and hopeful attitude. The four of them are a force! They are supportive of each other and don't selfishly believe the world revolves around them. They remind me, every day, how fortunate I am to share that attitude. Learn the lessons, be kind and move on.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

tgif :: march 2011

I'm trusting our Rangers will make the most of their weekend in Kingston. They rocked the SCTAs in Welland - with only a few scary moments - and I am sure they'll rock again in the next five games. They know what they're doing, all they need is faith and support.

I'm grateful my younger kids are so gentle, kind and patient. They really enjoy helping out with the younger siblings at the rink and this will be their last opportunity this season. It is a joy to watch them and I have to admit, it is nice when the parents appreciate them.

I'm inspired by so much, every day. Though I have been embracing the idea of purging and cutting back, I am so happy to have found Pinterest! A cornucopia of visual goodness. Positive energy. Kindness. So good!

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

tgif :: february 2011

I'm trusting Spring will actually arrive and with it melt the ice and maybe wash away some of the snirt (snow/dirt). I hate to wish time away, but as much as I'd like to enjoy the waning days of winter, I'm really looking forward to longer days, safer driving conditions and some more sunshine. (I'm getting really anxious, it was +11C yesterday!)

I'm grateful my big little boy enjoyed his time on his school trip to Kingston and Ottawa - even considering the outdoor camping and crutches. I'm sure we haven't heard all of the stories yet (he just got back yesterday), but know lifelong lessons were learned and he was left with plenty of questions to answer. Now to get him rested and fed and ready to get back to the grind. Though, I am additionally grateful for this 4-day weekend. We all need a bit of a break if for no other reason than to catch up on some laundry when we are not in a rink - for Caden's games!

I'm inspired by so many people around me. So many women deal with their lives - the joys and challenges - with such poise and grace. I don't want any other life but the one I have - well, with a couple of tweaks here and there - but I admire those who are able to live through adversity and challenge with such warmth and kindness. I strive to be like those I admire every day and am grateful for their example.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

tgif :: december 10

I'm trusting all of the gifts that I'm making for events this weekend will actually be made - and wrapped - on time!

I'm grateful that my kids are motivated to get good marks at school and I don't have to harp on them to study hard for their exams.

I'm inspired by my boy who was put in an unfamiliar position as a forward in his Rangers hockey game last night. He held his own, and then some. The lesson in it? Sometimes when we stick with the familiar we become complacent and make the same mistakes. Taking on a challenge really changes things up, especially if, when we return to the familiar, it is approached with new energy and enthusiasm.

tgif :: starting over

 

I've missed participating in TGIF each week. It is a great way to take stock in what's going on in my life, my ordinary extraordinary moments. A few minutes of mindful never hurts, right?

I'm trusting that the plans I'm putting in place for the next few months take me on a positive journey of knowledge, understanding, compassion and reward.

I'm grateful that my "land of the unfinished project" is slowly becoming finished. By one. Gilles should have the the basement bathroom done by next week. So far it looks gorgeous! Small victories.

I'm inspired by the unconditional generosity of time, energy and spirit from a number of unexpected sources. I am blessed to have surrounded myself with such wonderful influences, both in person and virtually. (A repeat, but I feel now exactly the same way I did last January!)

*  *  *  *  *

Why the twinkle lights? Back in mid-April 2009, the brilliant Brené Brown decided to start TGIF. According to her post:

"T.G.I.F is based on my theory on twinkle-lighting. I think twinkle lights are so universally loved because they are the perfect metaphor for joy. In our culture we're taught to believe that joy and happiness should be a constant. They're not. Joy is glorious precisely because it comes in moments - mostly ordinary moments. Most of us tend to miss out on those bursts of heart-light because we're so busy chasing down "the extraordinary light" or we're too afraid to enjoy them because we know they are fleeting. A joyful life is not a "flood light" of joy. That would eventually become unbearable. I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, and inspiration."

Wow. I had to join. I was compelled by such perfect words and purpose.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

TGIF: 15.01.10

(I'm disappointed I haven't written my TGIF since December! I have so much for which to be grateful, I must be more mindful to express it regularly.)

I'm trusting that this January thaw will give way to winter again, but I will enjoy the above-zero temperature for as long as it hangs around. I'm also trusting I will have to buy more squirtz for the truck today. It's more than a bit icky out there!

I'm grateful for the lack of drama in my life right now. It is a direct result of good choices, hard choices, but good.

I'm inspired by the unconditional generosity of time, energy and spirit from a number of unexpected sources. I am blessed to have surrounded myself with such wonderful influences, both in person and virtually.

*  *  *  *  *

Why the twinkle lights? Back in mid-April 2009, the brilliant Brené Brown decided to start TGIF. According to her post:

"T.G.I.F is based on my theory on twinkle-lighting. I think twinkle lights are so universally loved because they are the perfect metaphor for joy. In our culture we're taught to believe that joy and happiness should be a constant. They're not. Joy is glorious precisely because it comes in moments - mostly ordinary moments. Most of us tend to miss out on those bursts of heart-light because we're so busy chasing down "the extraordinary light" or we're too afraid to enjoy them because we know they are fleeting. A joyful life is not a "flood light" of joy. That would eventually become unbearable. I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, and inspiration."

Wow. I had to join. I was compelled by such perfect words and purpose.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

TGIF: 18.12.09

I'm trusting Claire is having a wonderful time in NYC with her grandparents - shopping, shows and delicious eats!

I'm grateful my parents thought to share such a wonderful experience with Claire as celebration of her 14th birthday (on December 20th).

I'm inspired by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the three children who remain at home with me. They are equally thrilled for Claire and her grand "big city" adventure. No jealousy or hard feelings, they are genuinely excited for her and anxious for stories upon her return.

* * * * *

Why the twinkle lights? Back in mid-April 2009, the brilliant Brené Brown decided to start TGIF. According to her post:

"T.G.I.F is based on my theory on twinkle-lighting. I think twinkle lights are so universally loved because they are the perfect metaphor for joy. In our culture we're taught to believe that joy and happiness should be a constant. They're not. Joy is glorious precisely because it comes in moments - mostly ordinary moments. Most of us tend to miss out on those bursts of heart-light because we're so busy chasing down "the extraordinary light" or we're too afraid to enjoy them because we know they are fleeting. A joyful life is not a "flood light" of joy. That would eventually become unbearable. I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, and inspiration."

Wow. I had to join. I was compelled by such perfect words and purpose.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

TGIF: 11.12.09

I'm trusting I am on the right path for me and a number of upcoming choices will be made taking all important aspects, especially people, into consideration, with kindness and patience.

I'm grateful for stumbling on occasion, sometimes those there to pick me up are the perfect choice, by chance. Serendipity!

I'm inspired by the determination of my son Cole. He is so focused and driven to be the best he can be, I've been regulated to being chauffeur and cheerleader. I can learn a lot from my boy, though he says he's learned a lot from me :)

* * * * *

Why the twinkle lights? Back in mid-April 2009, the brilliant Brené Brown decided to start TGIF. According to her post:

"T.G.I.F is based on my theory on twinkle-lighting. I think twinkle lights are so universally loved because they are the perfect metaphor for joy. In our culture we're taught to believe that joy and happiness should be a constant. They're not. Joy is glorious precisely because it comes in moments - mostly ordinary moments. Most of us tend to miss out on those bursts of heart-light because we're so busy chasing down "the extraordinary light" or we're too afraid to enjoy them because we know they are fleeting. A joyful life is not a "flood light" of joy. That would eventually become unbearable. I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, and inspiration."

Wow. I had to join. I was compelled by such perfect words and purpose.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!