Doubt

I do not remember if I have ever talked about how much I dislike doubt. When doubt creeps into our heads, we question everything. We second guess things we didn't think twice about before. Sometimes, that doubt comes from a gut feeling about something we are unsure of and teeter-totter back and forth about what we should do. Other times, doubt comes from something external. Something someone said, a gesture that was made, or some other sign that we interpret to be a negative one. Something like that was made earlier this week and it has been bothering me every since. I had done something that I was very comfortable with that made me vulnerable. I was very comfortable with my decision until I interpreted something a friend said so I changed my decision. Soley based on her comment. I trust her completely, so of course, I value her opinion. However, I also feel like I need to be true to myself and my original feelings about my decision. One person told me that I should go back to my original decision, but have DOUBT. Here is the irony of this post...I was visiting with a 14 year old daughter of a co-worker yesterday and I told her to not let outside sources influence our decisions or our feelings. I became a hypocrite at that moment and didn't like that either. What to do...what to do...Too many times we question when we should just go and do what our heart tells us to, but we take time to stop and think. Go with your gut - that is usually the best anyway, or so the story goes.

Can one person change the world?

This thought came to me on my vacation as I was running along the beach in Cancun. As I was focused on my run, I noticed a guest of the resort taking his time to pick up trash that had either been left on the beach or washed ashore. His actions stopped me in my tracks as I processed what I was seeing. His selfless act of taking his time to do something that perhaps others might not ever notice that would make the world better. Do you believe that YOU have the power to make such an impact on others? I believe we all do. Look at Oprah - 25 years ago, she was just another talk show host like Phil Donahue (before Dr. Phil) and Sally Jesse Rafael. Now, people cannot say her name without thinking of what she will do next. What project is she involved in, what book will she recommend, what celebrity will come and stand on her couch, etc. She was not satisfied with the status quo or said, "It is what it is" and has changed the world we live in. We are can inspire each other to be more, to do more, to give more, to love more. We should not settle for anything in life. If we want something different, then we have to be willing to work for that change. More homework - how can you change your life to impact the world? Now, the world does not have to mean the whole world - it always starts smaller. No one ever changed the whole world in one day. In fact, it is still a work in progress. Believe in yourself, follow your heart, and keep yearning for better and accept different. Nothing experienced is ever as you expect it anyway. Most times, in reality it is better. Enjoy the life you have been given and welcome it with open arms and treasure every day. Smile more, feel more and show it. You are one person and you have a purpose. Never, never, never, never give up. Every day, strive to make today better than yesterday, because before we know it, tomorrow will be here. Together, we can change the world.

Refreshed and feel groovy!

I hope this finds everyone safe, warm, and with loved ones during this wonderful holiday season. Our family just returned from a (much needed) vacation and enjoyed our Christmas Day as well with my mom. Next weekend, we will be off to the in-laws for a visit. This vacation was the first one in a very long time where relaxing on the beach for 8 hours was what we intended to do and therefore, the perfect day. Our boys would stop by and check in, get something to eat and head back to the pool. I highly recommend a visit to the Cancun, Mexico area for everyone. In fact, we are already planning another trip back there within 5 years. I got up and ran 3 times on the beach at sunrise - which was absolutely breathtaking. Every time, I wished Rocky was with me - she would have loved the view and seeing the sun come up on the horizon is one of my favorite memories from this trip. One friend dared me not to run, so I guess I lost on that one. She knew I would not be able to resist. We also included somethings into our vacation that I might had been a little nervous about (ziplining from tower to tower high above the jungle), but I did it and loved every minute of it. I am not sure what my attitude towards those new experiences would have been a year ago, but I sure enjoyed it this past week. I felt alive, with no worries, and loving every minute each new day would bring. Fear was not something that I felt as I climbed down three stories into a fresh water cave to swim. You can see the absolute joy on my face in some of the pictures. I am home now, getting ready to head back to work tomorrow and anxiously awaiting life's new quirks with open arms. I hope that your New Year brings you much joy as you celebrate your life and the story it tells to those around you. When you are not at your best, remember that you are loved, treasured, and mean the world to at least one other person, but usually more than we think. Be refreshed and take time to also laugh and be groovy, too. Life is more fun that way. Happy Holidays.