Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won’t anymore…
And who always will.
So, don’t worry about people from your past,
There’s a reason why they didn’t make it to your future.

(Thank you, Joan, for sending this to me at a time I really needed it.) 

This past year has brought many new people into my life and a few have left as well.  I find myself contemplating all the relationship, old and new, and what they mean to me.  Friends are important to me.  Long term relationships are important.  People who want to the best for me are important.  People who know all my little quirks and triggers and like me anyway are important.   I am grateful for all the wonderful people I have in my life – thank you all for being there…for supporting me…for seeing me for who I really am, all of who I am, and still sticking around:).

People do leave for a reason and whatever that reason is doesn’t really matter.  They just aren’t supposed to be there anymore.  We don’t have to take it personally.

1. Live your life from a state of gratitude.
2. Find at least three proactive behaviors you can do any where, any time and in front of anyone such as taking nice deep breaths, asking questions if you’re in a heated conversation, or think of something that brings you joy.
3. Look at how balanced your life is.  What areas are suffering?  What can you do to bring more balance in today?
4. Focus on what’s really important.  If something is causing you stress but doesn’t really matter in the big picture – let it go.
5. Finally, ask yourself what YOU can bring to the table to make things better.  Don’t blame others!

Have a peaceful day full of joy!

1. I’m 42 but most people think I’m much younger and are very surprised to find out I have a 22 year old daughter.

2. My favorite food is the tomato. There’s nothing like a tomato that’s fully ripe and full of juice, so much juice that you have to eat it over the sink so you don’t get it all over your clothes but it still gets all over your face. I used to sometimes eat them with sugar but now I always eat them with Krazy Salt.

3. One of my favorite songs growing up was Mercedes Benz by Janice Joplin because my dream car was a Mercedes. I thought I would know I was successful when I had one.

4. I now know a car is no measure of success. My measures of success include making a difference for someone every day, knowing that I’m on the right path because I’m doing what I love and having fun, and being able to comfortably financially support my family.

5. I really miss my Bonneville. While I love my iPod hook up, my Bonneville had it all and the way her seats hugged me and made me feel so cozy and welcome every time I climbed in – nothing has compared.

6. I am proud of the fact that I had the courage to leave my secure job with a good paycheck to pursue my dream.

7. Even though my grandma has been gone for almost 30 years, I still miss her.

8. One of my all time favorite shows is Charmed because I want kick a** powers like they have. Wouldn’t it be cool to be able to orb from one place to the next? Blow up things with your hands? Stare hard at something and move it?

9. One of my other all time favorite shows is I Dream of Jeannie because I wanted to be her. I didn’t want to live in a bottle or have a master or where that funny outfit but I really wanted to be able to cross my arms, blink and get whatever I wanted.

10. Part of me believes that I can cross my arms, blink and get whatever I wanted.

11. I know I’m here to connect with others but that scares me at times because it feels so vulnerable.

12. I don’t like to be vulnerable because that’s how we get hurt. I’ve had enough hurt in my life.

13. I know I can’t truly give or receive love unless I’m choosing to be vulnerable. What a vicious circle.

14. I’m willing to be vulnerable.

15. My cat’s name is Shanti. It means peace in Sanskrit. Peace is what I crave in life. That and connection with others.

16. I also crave real conversations. I want to talk about who you are, what you love, what causes you pain, what your dreams are…the real you.

17. My dream vacation is a trip to Greece. I want a vacation. Right now, any place will do – preferably something warm.

18. My husband puts up with a lot and is very kind and funny. My daughter Amanda is strong and courageous. My daughter Kayla is empathic and social. My brother is one of the most generous people I know. My mom is also one of the most generous people I know. I love my family.

19. I have many great people in my life. I am grateful for each and every one of them. I am who I am because of everyone around me.

20. I don’t like surprises. I think it has something to do with control. Not that I’m saying I have a problem with control. OK, sometimes I kind of do.

21. I wish I knew what my pets were thinking about all the time. I wonder if they feel the same way about me.

22. I love 70s music. It feeds my soul.

23. I love to be pampered. I love my feet being rubbed. I love massages. I love going out to a decent restaurant and having someone serve me. I think we all deserve to be pampered once in a while.

24. I love technology. I love gadgets. I love the internet. Google is one of my best friends.

25. I’m ready to be who I really am and to let others see all of me.
I think learning random things about people is fun. I’d love to hear some random things about you.