I Am Thankful

It seems as though I often find myself thinking about the things for which I am grateful. Every day when I wake up, I peer into the bedrooms of my sleeping children and my heart overflows with pride and complete adoration for the two of them. I am so thankful I have them in my life! I realize that even though the day-to-day routine of raising children is a tiring and sometimes thankless job, I would not trade it or them for anything! They are a gift from God. They are my present and my future. They are what drive me to work hard to move forward in life. I will always love and provide for them, teach them the lessons of life and pick them up when they fall. Being a parent is not always fun. It is not always enjoyable, but it is always rewarding and worth every bit of energy you put into them. I hope to guide them appropriately in life and when it is time to set them free, I want them to soar freely to conquer every dream they have ever had! The will know I will always be here to celebrate their successes and comfort them when life throws them curveballs. Thank you for reading my thought for today. I hope you are able to stop and reflect on those who mean the world to you. The love you feel for them is what will sustain you, real soul food.

Something to Live by...

My life is blessed and great things will happen to me and all those I take a long during my journey. I just need to keep the self-talk positive and always remember to be thankful for everything and everyone in my life. Most importantly, I need to say it. Thank you is very powerful and will bring more meaning to each moment of each day. Thank you for the opportunity and freedom to share my thoughts. I appreciate you for taking the time to read the thoughts that pass through my head. Have a blessed day!

Remembering Your Inner Child

I took a day off, just for me. I felt as though I deserved it. After all, I had been hard at work and feeling a little burned out with life and all its demands. I packed up the car and headed off to my favorite beach. After finding the best spot there, blanket perfectly placed on the warm sand, cooler within reach, sunscreen applied and a great book in hand, my attention was drawn to two children playing at the surf’s edge. I was close enough to observe them, finding myself drawn in by their interaction. What captured my attention was their effortless ability to enjoy the moment and find excitement in the smallest details in their surrounding.

It was obvious their child-like approach to the day served them both extremely well! One child shrieked, “Look! Look what I found!” He then proceeded to hand over a small pink seashell to his playmate. As he passed the shell over for observation, the second child said, “ Let’s start a pile for the best seashells on the beach!” The two searched and discovered one small miracle after the next. Before long I realized I had been delightfully watching them hard at work in search of nature’s beauty for more than an hour. They never tired of their adventure.

The simple ease of their actions made me wonder how different life could be if I practiced simple child-like living. I am not insinuating we should be irresponsible with the way we live our lives. Conversely, what if we treated each new day as a beautiful journey filled with curiosity and spontaneity. How wonderful would it be to just notice the little things in life and recognize them as small miracles? If only we could slow down long enough to be mindful and present instead of plowing through every day in anticipation of it coming to an end. Treat each day as a gift. Life can be wonderful adventure. Live well. Laugh often. Love each experience as your story unfolds. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed with all that life throws in your path, stop and observe a child and learn how to live in the moment. Cherish the gifts in your life.

By Melissa Naborowsky, RN

This is a blog I wrote for work. Check out the website: www.advwellness.com

A Simple Opportunity to Make a Difference

Today a co-worker and I were riding down the road discussing a road construction project that is currently being done in our area. Every time we travel this one stretch of road it becomes necessary to stop and wait in traffic for varying lengths of time. In the recent past and on several occasions on my commute, I was forced to stop, but found my self greatly humbled while observing this one construction worker. His job was to flip a sign from stop to slow, allowing traffic to pass. What really struck me was his attitude. He was not just a guy standing on the side of the road in a hard hat, sweating to death in the blaring sunshine. He was much more than that. As each car approached to drive by, he purposefully made eye contact with his passers-by, smiled and waved. He greeted each person he saw with a thoroughly sincere expression of what we should all be practicing more in our lives; authentic love and respect for others. It is as though he was put there to make all our days brighter. Simple acts of kindness go a long way. This perfect stranger is someone I will not easily forget. I will try to live by his example, simply because I experienced what his simple gestures had to offer. He made not only one day, but many days better in my life, for that I am grateful.

Sunshine Brings New Hope

There is nothing better than waking in the morning to the sound of the birds chirping and the sunshine streaming in the window. To me, sunshine gives new hope for a day filled with endless possibilities and lots of positive energy. There really isn't much better than being outside soaking in the sun. It's warmth on my skin somehow relaxes all the tensions and normal anxieties of life away. Get outside and get some sun. It is the best therapy for busy people. While you're out enjoying the summer weather, slow down and feel the slight summertime breeze and also take note of the aroma of summer blossoms or of fresh cut grass. There is nothing better. Be mindful of the moment and all that goes on within you. That is the kind of calm and peace you deserve in your life. Sunshine brings new hope to you just because you took the time to notice and then deeply sense its effects. Have a wonderful day! Oh, don't forget the sunscreen.

Help Others, Help Yourself

Today my message will be short and sweet. I think that we are put on earth with the miracle of life to serve others. It is not all about all about figuring out what we want and need. To live a full life and never go without begins with the act of giving. I am not talking about money, but rather a gesture to help a family member or complete stranger in need. Hold the door for the person entering the store behind you. Pause long enough to offer a smile and a hello. Build your life's work around helping others in one way or another. This kind of positive energy always comes back around. I challenge you to do something nice and out of the ordinary for someone today. Do this every day and see what happens. Take note of how different you feel. Helping others is the best way to help yourself achieve a better quality of life. That is what living is all about.

Inspired To Tell The Stories of My Life

I start most days perusing my facebook page. I happened to read one of my friend's blog postings and it reminded me of my love of writing. I found myself wondering why I don't take some time each day to use my blog as a venue to express my thoughts and feelings. Someday it may prove invaluable to my children. I want them to always remember me for who I am, both as a parent and as a person.

Today I want to make the simple statement about gratitude. I am so thankful for this opportunity to be heard. Sometimes life is so busy and people never really feel heard. I am saying I am a lucky lady. I have my health. My family is together. I have a great husband, who loves and supports me. My kids are uniquely gifted and they make me proud every day. My life is not perfect. We definitely ride the rollercoaster called life around here, but it is a ride I would not miss for anything. I look forward to starting each day expressing my thoughts, my dreams and my many life lessons. Until tomorrow.....be well.