TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY

A Friend posted on Facebook today something that got me thinking, it said; "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you." The Cambridge English Dictionary defines Challenge as this, (the situation of being faced with) something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person's ability. How many times do we succumb to slowing our stride or detouring or completely getting off course because we just don't want to duel? Often times we are our worst contender. Perhaps it is deep rooted within our physcie that in our innermost parts of our Souls we lack the Courage to believe in Ourselves. But the invaluable truth is we all have the Courage, but for some of us it is simply out of shape and needs to be worked out and exercised. In order to Possess what drives us and ignites our Passion is to have the courage of your convictions,
to be brave and confident enough to do what you believe in. 

Think of it as a fitness routine, you can go to the gym all day long every day but not exert the Progression you will leave unchanged or hit a Plateau. No! In fact we are doing Super Sets, Interval Training, Isolation Exercises; adding protein and avoiding gluten we are Beasts about it but how often we avoid who we were designed to be in our Core in the depths of our Soul that embodies the Truth of who we truly are. Although we do not see our DNA that chemical, present at the centre of the cells of living things, that controls the structure and purpose of each cell and carries genetic information during reproduction that is who we really are. It is what defines us. Just as there are the many different body types, for instance the Pear or Apple shaped so are our Passions intricately woven unique to the each of us. We need to have the Courage to be Us. To be as Honest and Bare our Soul to Ourselves, liken to  as we stand in front of a mirror observing our outer body evaluating what needs to be "worked on" we need even so more importantly to do this with our Passion and Dreams within us. 

So come on! Get out of your Rut, Pack up and leave your Plateau and change up your Routine and get your Courage on! It is so intoxicating even more so than that rush of an incredible workout, it is effervescent which defined as an adjective it is A liquid that produces bubbles of gas and defined as a verb (I just love this) it is Active, Positive, and FULL of energy!! Holy Smokes! When we truly have our Passion chasing our Dreams in Shape, Possessing our Courage to be Confident of what we believe in,  it is Noticeable to all and that my Friends is The Wonderment of Life. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo-gB0_F2aE

TWO MINUTE WARNING

I read something last night by Joel Osteen that Sparked something, opened my eyes if you will and it said this, "There are goals that God has put in you. Dreams, (he listed others but for the sake of my point I'm listing only the relevant)  they're lying dormant. When you can't seem to get a good break, you have to remember that those promises are still alive. You have to start calling them out." I looked up the word dormant and it means; sleeping, quiet as if asleep, inactive.  ME? Inactive? No Way! Well let me just tell you, I couldn't have been more surprised by myself!  I looked up inactive nothing pivotal there, then went to the synonyms of inactive and the one that popped up to me was sidelined. BOOM! Well, well, with Football around the corner by George, I got it! 


On the sidelines means just this:

Observing rather than taking part, out of the action, 
This idiom comes from sports. The sidelines are the two lines defining the sides of the court or playing field and the area immediately beyond them where, in such sports as football, the non-playing team members sit. It hit me like a Concussion, here I thought I was the Super Star Quarterback in my mind, running to score my Dream and Goals and ironically I was merely observing.


The number one thing that attracts me to someone is their Gumption and their Passion to see it through. No Matter What. You know the ones,  they would rather get penalties or flags thrown than not go for that ball and take it to the end zone. I just love it, and I thrive to have it and see it as the air I breathe.  I don't know if you today find yourself tackled or intercepted but get back in the game and bench anything stopping you from calling out that Dream or Goal today! Relish in delight that you are going to dance in that End Zone and go all the way down that field with the cheerleaders and the crowds roaring with excitement to allow that Passion to Propel you to your Dream. This is the Wonderment of Life. 

Now here's a little something to light your fire...you don't wanna miss this one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEc1m-r_0gM

ROCK ME AMADEUS

I recently watched an old favorite movie of mine titled, "How Stella got her groove back." I have always loved this movie but it got me thinking about what groove meant. I looked up the definition and found myself all the more enthralled to it's meaning. It says groove is a long narrow furrow or channel. The spiral track cut into a phonograph record for the stylus to follow. A situation or an activity that one enjoys or to which one is especially well suited. I just love this! A groove is not something you halfhazardly happen upon as is a lot of life's moments, moreover, it is precisely designed and eloquently tuned. I truly believe that we just like these grooves, are made up of Desires and Dreams that are purposefully given to the each of us. I recently renovated my daughter's playroom and one thing I put in there was a quote, "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." I want her to read that everyday honestly. I believe a lot of us are not fulfilling our Dreams and Callings perhaps because we see the uniqueness of ourselves in comparison to those around us and if not careful we lose our truest selves all together. Just as there are different genres so the same is said of the each of us. Could you just imagine this world that we live in without Country Music? Then from there you have the Old Classic Country, The New Country, Mainstream Country and on and on. I relate that back because the complexity that we are woven together in the very depths of our existence are so unique yet blend together harmoniously just as the music. The thing about groove is that it is all our own. It is the manifestation of who and what we are in the deepest parts of our beings. Haven't you ever been out and just watched someone dancing that moved you?I mean they weren't counting their steps or robotically moving, it was soulful. There was a connection deep within and they were in their element and it radiated off of them. That is how I want to live my life. So focused on my long, narrow furrow or channel moving to the etched spiral track that the stylist is playing the music that awakens the depths of my heart and soul and my movements flow   without any hesitation or thought. I believe when we do this not flailing around amidst all the distractions and doubts that Life can sometimes blow in, but keeping that precise groove, we can enjoy ourselves even when our desired goal seems unobtainable. Furthermore, inspire all of those around us to get their own groove on.

Allow me to share an example of this. I am reading a book Titled, "Napkin Notes."It is written by Garth Callaghan and I highly recommend it. He is sharing how he himself grooved amidst a terrible illness but inspires on Creating a Daily Connection with those you love. My daughter is now aware that a lot of movies are written after books and novels and she was telling her friends that were over last weekend that she cannot wait to watch Napkin Notes! Them being girls were trying to find a movie that moved them and made them cry and she sees me reading this and alas she has been inspired. She is touched when I am reading and the questions just flow like a Mighty River from her. She is trying to figure out why this is impacting her somewhere in her being is my opinion because I have created this type of environment  as he shares within her own Home and she identifies with this. That is the Wonderment of Life to me that as we pursue our Lives and hone in to our specific callings, it will awaken and encourage those around us to live beyond the surface and go to the deepest of their beings and reside. So whether you are in the moments that your Dreams and Desires will never seem to happen or you are deliriously happy doing the back stroke swimming - just Groove. 


This is where I believe our Grooves are being etched in. I believe as we dig our heels in just a little bit deeper, strive just a little stronger, that long narrow farrow or channel is being dug within us. To be groovy the definition also stated it is  to take great pleasure or satisfaction; enjoy oneself. Allow me to add, in EVERY stage of our Lives. The good, the bad and the ugly are all there to teach and instruct us to prepare us. May we embrace the current Stage we find ourselves in this moment and may we have the Fortitude to get our Groove on and dance in the Rain if that is where we are today. Dare to dig deeper that furrow and find out what drives you and go for it and Get your Groove on, This is the Wonderment Of Life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KlRznM81Jw

LIFE IS BUT A DREAM

 As my eyes slowly opened this morning, I was not disappointed with all the Splendor my eyes drank in. The beach was drawing me,  the breeze, the sounds of the water reaching the shore and alas going back out. As soft whispers wooing,  they were awakening me to frolic with delight and granting me the permission to allow my heart the Merriment it longs for during the school months. Those months that restrict me,  causing my absence in those months to be felt instantly as I breathe in deep inhaling all the beauty around me. This moment embraces me and allows my being to stretch in its glorious splendor somehow trying to savor this enough to last me all the months ahead. My cup of coffee is more caffeinated it appears this morning, thoughts dance about and whisk me away, somehow stirring my Heart.  As we find ourselves on the downhill slide of Summer, I proclaim that I will delight in  Today and arise to meet the challenge of Making the last of this intoxicating time something to appreciate and long for next Summer. Such I liken this to Life itself. Oscar Wilde was quoted as saying, "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist." Although I will miss terribly the simplicities of Summer once school is back, I will be better by the discipline and structure. As to Life, so may times we want to whisk away from the humdrum and melancholy moments when we must choose to not Exist but to Live in those times as well. Maybe even more important during those times...


As the weekends wouldn't be as sweet if we didn't have the week, so is Life and Living not Existing. Make those goals, strive to obtain that which you first thought was not possible. Make a difference. The Wonderment of Life is allowing the Dream to emerge as it should. We do our due diligence but Life when Lived will shape it as it was Truly designed to be. I ponder over what Oscar Wilde meant, why did he find that to Live is the rarest thing? We all were designed with a purpose and uniquely created to be no one but our best self imaginable. A beautiful dear friend texted me the other day about me  being a mentor with her becoming a Mom herself with her daughter, as humbled as I was, it brought such acute awareness, if I were being anyone other than myself and not driven by my purpose I could not be this to her. Same applies to you, people are watching how you Live your life. I will share with you what she said to me because I believe I am not the only one this applies to. She said, " break down the iron walls and be who you are supposed to be." I needed that inspiration to charge after self doubt, inadequacies and the other blockades that prevent me from Living and cause me to Exist. Identify what is causing you from Reaching that Dream and LIVE this could be the last chance you get so this time might be the charm! Be a Trendsetter and go against the Norm and be one who truly Lives....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh1RBDBxMZY

DON'T STOP TIL YOU GET ENOUGH

I sit slumped down as if I have melted into my Porch Swing sipping on sleepy time tea allowing the herbs to help usher Mr. Sandman to my door, as everyone else in the neighborhood appears to be asleep. I am entranced, watching my new purchase of lights as these lights drip down in my tree in front of me, my mind begins to Dream.  I bought these lights from a spot that Inspires me, an Oasis for when I need that spurring deep within, for me to come back and impart in my own surroundings.  This place is located in Fairhope, AL and I encourage all to stop in, expect to be inspired at Green Gates.They know when I come in I shall get a cup of coffee and draw from all around me lingering over to the spots I find delight in and drinking it all in waiting for something to connect in my inner making.  Touching and smelling, envisioning this, yet adapting it  to the coveted spot I desire to impart it's charm. Now, I am basking in not only the spell bounding lightshow before me, I find my Inspiration has come to Life. Now, I allow my thoughts to stretch and take flight without my effort. Delighted to see where these thoughts may take me, I feel the excitement billow within me like a tickle in my stomach. Perhaps these thoughts will remind me of things I have forgotten or missed. Conversations, Moments, Places in time, but oh how I enjoy to see where my Heart takes  me. Its as if I too have the Peter Pan ability to fly, which we all possess we just have to allow ourselves to connect to Our Wonderments of Our Own Lives. Sometimes I am not going to the yonder years but trying to identify myself in the days or times to come. Not literally, but in my Soul, above all else I want my Soul to be Satisfied. 
In the day in which we live, what an impossible feat for most. Pompous and Arrogant if you whisper your Satisfaction, yet unappreciative and greedy if you are not.  


Truth is, isn't this the basis of most Childhood Tales and Movies?  I am rapidly approaching fifty and I am not through Dreaming nor should you at any age you find yourself now reading this. I have said having a daughter has allowed me to relive my second childhood as I go through Life with her and rediscovering all The Wonderments Of Life I had forgotten. Perhaps Life itself has taken my attention away from stepping out on that Living on a Prayer notion your heart stirs of. We hear this time and time again, Life doesn't stop until we take that last breath. I saw in a movie recently about the analogy of the Grave itself and how there are two dates you will see listed. Our lives, it said, are consisted between the dash of the two dates and to make that time matter. See, I knew back In December I wanted those certain lights I had seen in Green Gates, but it wasn't until May that I had them. Whether because I was saving the money, not sure where to put them, regardless the reason I am so thrilled that I waited now, because the timing could never be more perfect! I never sat on my front porch  until recently, upon finally giving in (and I am so glad I did!) to purchasing my porch bed/swing. Now we live out front and these lights couldn't make my view any more wonderful! So this is with Life. Strive for the  Dreams just be careful not to detour too early in hopes of arriving sooner, that you get lost from the Dream itself. Stay true to your inner compass and convictions and know that in the due time needed it will prevail. Noting that as you travel, you may be far from that Dream itself, or think you are; however you are making your story and fulfilling your Destiny within your Dash. What could be more Satisfying than this?! 


I leave with you the one and only Bon Jovi, you cannot be in a bar, at a Mardi Gras Ball, or shoot even in your car and this not Excite you, Motivate you and Fire you up. When hearing this song with others, strangers even; it is like the Hope of All Mankind is Sparked and United.  It is as if we are linked arm and arm  as woven and knitted together for the betterment of us all. Everyone is dancing and jumping with hands in the air and at the top of our lungs we proclaim -  We are only Half way there, living on a prayer! This is the Wonderment of Life...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynHQf3Bv0-0

MORE THAN A FEELING

I read today, "It will cost you Nothing to Dream and Everything Not To". The needle on the record player just scratched immediately to a halt during the middle of the song and had all of my attention saluting. The thing about this statement that stuck with me is this; it's the safest investment yet. No collateral, just only the chance of dividends to be collected as in an Annuity. Why in this world would I not pursue more of my Dreams if this is true? Why do I not see people lined up in droves as in the day after Thanksgiving to race through the store doors, taking the risk of being trampled to the ground to just have the opportunity to attempt to grasp that hot deal that there were only a few of? Then there are the people who are lying back in their favorite recliners, rubbing their bellies stuffed full, agonizing over why I ate just a little bit more, half awake yet in their food coma gazing into their News Stations on Television shaking their heads at these Ridiculous Souls waiting for ghastly amounts of time just to gamble on the victory of obtaining that coveted prize. I have to ask myself, which would I rather be? 

I saw something this morning that excited me; like a Pop as JJ Walker on Good Times would say DY-NO-MITE! Someone posted this on Social Media "If you can't figure out your purpose, find out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose. Beautiful. This is like the Map with the Greatest Hidden Treasure. I would love as I leave my house today to be bombarded by people in the masses to be Searching for that Clue that is undeniably confirmation of that which stirs their hearts and leads them yet closer to obtaining that which they seek. Maybe I am just an overgrown kid in an old lady body but this is where you will find me. Purpose defined is this-

: the reason why something is done or used : the aim or intention of something

: the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something

: the aim or goal of a person : what a person is trying to do, become, etc.

In my life I have a Daily Purpose that fuels me so that by the end of my day I can judge or measure how efficient I was with what I was given and by how much I desired. Furthermore, how that day perhaps helped sculpt or shape my Larger Purpose. Sometimes we have Life so mapped out in our heads, that when it goes contrary to our ideals, we just pull over to the side of the road as in a car that ran out of gas. I remember and shall never forget that when I was pregnant I was ill. Like all day, every day, horribly, putridly ill. I was the happiest Pregnant Lady ever seen I am quite certain amidst it all, well maybe not this day. I think Pregnancy had not only sought havoc on my body but now my brain.  Picture this if you will. I was teaching Vacation Bible School at my Church and I had to leave because I was so ill. All I wanted was to get home, I am in my neighborhood, like I can see my house and as I am pushing the gas pedal my car started slowing down. The harder I pushed, the slower it went! I didn't even think about it being the gas situation. I being the mechanic I am determined my engine blew. I had to call my nephew to come and I was out of gas! It was raining horribly like a Monsoon outside and I just cried like the baby I was carrying, having the biggest pity party imaginable. Out of Gas?! Now I felt even worse because I was senseless sick as well as physically. I think I began to cry harder at this moment.  Now I could have gotten out of my car and walked to my house. Instead there I sat dreadful and bleak. It was Pouring inside and outside of my car. But what I am trying to relate with this is; I was almost there. My end was in sight all I had to do was recalculate my actions to get there. Even though it was my own negligence that got me in this situation, I still could fix it and get back on course. And you can too...

Ask your self Am I Strong in how I am going through My Life? The Wonderment of Life here is when Passion is Defined, all three definitions started with Strong. When JJ would spout out his Famous word, it was Strong. It was felt. We were all created with Purpose and Passion. Just like no two Finger prints are alike neither are we. Whether you are at home in your recliner rubbing your belly or out in the masses pursuing that golden ticket, I hope you will be inspired and feel that even though you might be in that moment of out of gas, use that time to look over that map again. Pour over it, get out that highlighter and chart a new path but just don't let Life and what it throws you to stop you. Chances are these "pit stops" are there for our betterment we just don't always see it at the time because we are only looking at the prize. The Journey is sometimes the most rewarding part. I believe when I am old and gray, I will have many a story of my Life's "pit stops" and laughter is sure to follow but it will be felt. Not just by me but by those who hear my stories.  I will not allow myself to stop from going after ALL that drives my Passion and Purpose. Get that Gas Can, grab that Map and Go after Life and all you were created to experience. Can you feel it?

https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVAjytH6Guw

JEANIE IN A BOTTLE

I read today "you get in Life what you have the Courage to ask for" by none other than Oprah Winfrey. I love her because she has been bold in going after her Dreams and making a difference in so many other lives in the process, mine included.  It is as if she has the internal make up of Steve Austin or Jaime Sommers better known as the Six Million Dollar Man or the Bionic Woman.  She has been able to outplay the expectations of all around her and she is still at it. Recreating and diversifying her interests and talents and leaving behind yet another goal to be checked off  and  still another one made. That is someone who has my full attention on High Alert. I love that it is from the Passion within her driving her to dare.


We all possess a  Competitiveness and Zeal to surpass the "Norm." Everyone has the "Ideal" they are striving to meet at countless levels. But who has their hand up that they are exerting the energy with the tenacity that forces them to not give up? As my Best Friend will always say, "Retreat is not an option." Number one requirement is you have to know what you are driven by. Now let me share with you another example, this one more personal to me... One of My Grandmother's encompass my heart. It is as if "Polly" (this is what her Father would call her) is alive within me. What I want to share with you about my "Gran" is that she was true to herself. She knew what her talents and interests were and she imparted them into me and so many around her. That is what set her apart and made her different. Christine Cranwell Elmore lived  a life that to most was nothing more than Ordinary perhaps; but I am convinced she found at the end of her long lived life that she was one of the fortunate ones that  lived a life of effervescence and drank in the glorious riches that so many miss all because she followed her own Ideal Direction.  This meaning of Inspiration excites me, it delights me and it is delicious to my soul  : something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create : a force or influence that inspires someone

: a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do or create something

: a good idea
My life was changed by her simply living her life. By embracing her own Ideal, her Life will perpetuate  not only in my life, but already in my daughter's and countless others yet to be discovered. 


“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt. As spring has sprung around my boarders I am continually enthralled with Nature. Returning Birds have found their beloved coveted spots and some to give life to their babies. My heart dances as I hear their chirps of unison bellowing out for their tireless parents return yet again and again with nourishment for their young bellies. It is such a Beautiful Wonderment of Life and I breathe in to inspire others and to allow myself to be inspired to nourish my own soul. As with the birds, may we chose not to Fear or Lack the Courage to leave our own Nest, but, may we strive for more Inspiration and Reach Those Goals that Life has Awaiting us.

 "Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it."
 -Oprah Winfrey 
I screen shot this picture and I LOVE IT. Try moving and grooving to some of your own "Homemade Jam" instead of dancing to someone else's song and see what happens....


 
Rock on to this Inspiring Tune....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN_pmV1Sfy4