"we tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

everybody's gonna love today.

This past week, I led a retreat called Kairos. I learned SO much about myself and about everyone else on the retreat. It made me remember how much I need to appreciate everyone I love and that everyone needs to remember that you never know what others are going through. Each and every girl that was on Kairos is AMAZING and beautiful just the way they are. I love them all so much and I hope they realize just how much they taught me and how much they all mean to me.

“Promise you’ll remember: you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

i would give the world to you.

Another year you made a promise

another chance to turn it all around

and do not save this for tomorow

embrace the past and you can live for now

and I will give the world to you

Speak louder that the words before you

and give them meaning no one else has found

The role we play is so important

we are the voices of the underground

and I would give the world to you

Say everything you’ve always wanted,

be not afraid of who you really are,

cause in the end we have each other,

and thats at least one thing worth living for,

and I would give the world to you

A million suns that shine upon me

A million eyes you are the brightest blue

Lets tear the walls down that divide us

and build a statue strong enough for two,

I pass it back to you

and I will wait for you,

cause I would give the world

and I would give the world

and I would give the world to you

This is the new year

A new begining

You made a promise

You are the brightest

We are the voices

This is the new year

We are the voices

This is the new year

“being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. it means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

music philosophy.

On Stumbleupon, I came across this site where this guy (Mico) puts music lyrics into creative posters... I thought it was pretty cool. Here are some of my faves-

handbook for life.

HEALTH:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is
manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to meditate.
6. (Breathe)

7. Read more books than you did in 2010.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.








PERSONALITY:


11. Comparing our lives to others is fruitless. We have no idea what their journey is about.

12. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones especially about things out of our control. Invest energy in the positive present moment.
13. Try not to over do. Understand limits.
14. Why take ourselves so seriously. No one else does.
15. Gossip drains precious energy.
16. Dream more while we are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. We already have all we need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Let go of our partners mistakes of the past. Focus on our present/future happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Make peace with our past so it won’t spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of our happiness except us.
22. Realize that life is a school and we are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons we learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. We don’t have to win arguments. It’s ok to agree to disagree.


SOCIETY:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is insignificant compared to what you think of yourself.
31. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends & family will. Stay in touch.


LIFE:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. (Higher powers) heal everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how we feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When we awake alive in the morning, be thankful.
39. Our Inner most is always happy. Release your “Inner Happy” on the world every day!

prana.

fat talk free week.

PLEDGE TO A FAT FREE WEEK. you'd be suprised at the difference.

why waste a second not loving who you are?

I used to care so much about what others think about

Almost didn't have a thought of my own

The slightest remark would make me embark

On the journey of self doubt

But that was a while ago

This girl has got stronger

If I knew then what I know now

I would have told myself don't worry any longer it's OK

[Chorus:]

'cause a face without freckles is like a sky without stars

Why waste a second not loving who you are

Those little imperfections make you beautiful, lovable, valuable,

They show your personality inside your heart

Reflecting who you are

Who you are

Who you are

Who you are

I wondered if I could trade my body with somebody else in magazines

Would the whole world fall at my feet?

I felt unworthy and would blame my failures on the ugliness I could see

When the mirror looked at me

Sometimes I still feel like the little girl who doesn't belong in her own world

But I'm getting better

And I'm reminding myself

[Chorus]

Reflecting who you are

Reflecting who you are

Hmmm

Whoooooo whoa hmmmm oooooo

[Chorus]

Reflecting who you are

do something extraordinary.

40 Extraordinary Thinsg Happening Right Now:

1.A soldier of sorts is diligently fighting the fight so you don’t have to.

2.Someone who suffered from a severe injury last year is back on their feet.

3.A small group of people are building something that will soon make the impossible possible.

4.Somewhere on Earth a double rainbow is stretched from one end of the horizon to the other.

5.One of the next Billboard-chart-topping musical artists is patiently rehearsing in her garage.

6.A piece of literature is being written that will eventually change your perspective on life.

7.Young children all over the world are singing and dancing before they even realize there is anything that isn’t music.

8.A friend is helping a friend rise above thoughts of suicide.

9.Someone is thinking what you’re thinking, but hasn’t said anything yet either.

10.Two people in your hometown are falling in love.

11.Somewhere someone is admiring a breathtaking sunrise, and somewhere else a surreal sunset.

12.People of various religious backgrounds are in temples, churches, mosques and other places of worship praying, wholeheartedly, for world peace.

13.Someone who has struggled with their weight for the last several years is standing on a scale and smiling.

14.Hundreds of cute elderly couples are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

15.A baby girl just took her first few steps without falling.

16.Two best friends are laughing so hard they aren’t even making any noise.

17.A future world leader is in grade school at recess.

18.Someone is in the process of sincerely forgiving a seemingly unforgivable act.

19.There’s a kid studying hard somewhere who aspires to get to where you are in life.

20.A firefighter is running into a burning building to rescue a perfect stranger.

21.Someone in your vicinity genuinely wants to be your friend.

22.A young mom is lying in a hospital bed and holding her newborn baby twins for the very first time.

23.Someone is taking a shower and singing happily at the top of their lungs.

24.There is someone out there who smiles when they think of a specific moment they once shared with you.

25.An alcoholic just celebrated one full year of sobriety.

26.Volunteers in major cities all over the world are working at homeless shelters caring for those who are less fortunate than themselves.

27.A young man is pulled over on the side of the road helping a young woman change a flat tire.

28.A high school athlete just broke her own personal record.

29.Two teenagers just received their very first kiss ever from each other.

30.A husband and wife who were drowning in debt five years ago proudly hold a balance of zero on their credit cards.

31.Someone is hugging a friend who desperately needs it.

32.A new small business owner just wrapped up his first profitable year working for himself.

33.A grandfather is holding his granddaughter’s hand and they’re both smiling from ear to ear.

34.Someone just placed their spare change in the charity collection cup at the grocery store.

35.A small group of friends are sitting around a table sharing funny stories and cheerfully reminiscing about the good old days.

36.A breast cancer patient just found out her cancer is in complete remission.

37.Someone out there is missing you and looking forward to your next visit.

38.Honest people are working for various government entities to help protect your basic human rights and civil liberties.

39.An emergency room surgeon is in the middle of saving his patient’s life.

40.Someone is holding the door open for the person behind them.

marc and angel hack life.

health habits that will change your life.

1.Exercise 30 minutes every day. Especially if you don’t do much movement while working, it’s essential that you get some daily exercise. 30 minutes every day are the minimum recommended for optimal health.

2.Eat breakfast every day. Breakfast is the more important meal of the day, yet so many people skip it. Personally, I like to eat a couple of toasts in the morning along with a fruit beverage.

3.Sleep 8 hours. Sleep deprivation is never a good idea. You may think that you are gaining time by sleeping less, when in reality you are only gaining stress and tiredness. 8 hours are a good number of hours for most people, along with an optional 20 minutes nap after lunch.

4.Avoid snacking between meals. Snacking between meals is the best way to gain weight. If you are hungry, eat something concrete. Otherwise don’t. Update: for clarification, I mean don’t eat junk food between meals, but eating real food it’s ok.

5.Eat five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. Our body and brain loves getting vegetables and fruit, so I highly recommend eating as much of them as possible. Five portions is the dose that’s usually recommended by many health associations.

6.Eat fish. Fish is rich of omega 3 and other healthy elements. At least one meal per week of fish should be enough for getting all these nutrients.

7.Drink one glass of water when you wake up. When you wake up, your body is dehydrated and needs liquid. Make the habit of drinking one glass of water after you wake up in the morning. Also, drink more during the day.

8.Avoid soda. Soda is often one of the most unhealthy beverage you can find. Limit your consumption of soda as much as possible and you’re body will be grateful for that.

9.Keep your body clean. I don’t advise spending your day in front of the mirror, but a minimum of personal care does never hurt.

10.If you smoke, stop it. There’s no reason to smoke anymore, and quitting is possible.

11.If you drink, stop it. Same as above. Don’t think that alcohol will solve your problems. It never does. The only exception is one glass of wine per day during meals.

12.Take the stairs. This is just a hack that forces you to do a minimum of exercise. Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs.

freestyle mind.

mature people truths.

(sorry kind of small)

find a reason to smile.

"Smile. This is not a drill. Please fasten your safety belts and restore your trays to their full upright and locked position. Dig into thoughts and memories until you've found power; that inner strength and the will to go on. Find the lingering smell that makes you think of that time... Look for the color that sparks the memory about... Show the world the person that can smile no matter what. Please keep all body parts away from the closing doors and prepare for take off. You know that in all darkness you will find a matching light. Conquer the fear of heights, spiders and ghosts. Take a shot of courage and march on through fire. Accomplish what you know you can do. It only takes a fraction of happiness and a moment of your time. Stride short and sweet with power in your footsteps. March to your own beat and rhythm. Excite the flip flops beneath you and fly on Hermes wings. Your time to shine is now, and aim that light at shadows below you. Light will stream out from you and catch others who will reflect it back. Your smile becomes there smile and show you every bit of comfortable strength it has to offer. Accept the offerings and be glad in this. This is a smile creeping across your face, and this is not a recording. Just don't forget to smile. You, this world and everyone in it is ALWAYS more beautiful when you smile."

inside is private outside is public.

the inspiration tree.

l is for the way you look at me.

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."

- bob marley

blahhh.

wear sunscreen.

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

-Mary Schmich

(compliments of gabby and bridgette thoma)