We are all made up of the same materials. Bone, Blood, Tissue, Organs, Skin, Hair... Heart, Mind, Body & Soul.
Who cares what color my skin is or what God I do or do not pray to?
Am I not a person just like you?
There is no need for uniformity in a world as big as the one we live in. Each man and woman has a right to be an individual, practice what ever faith they choose and LIVE their lives. The freedom to choose our own thoughts and actions is what God, any god, intended when we were created; otherwise we would not have Free Will.
Is it really justifiable to hate someone because their views are different from yours? Is it any better to hate them because their skin is a different color than yours or because their religion has them practice their faith differently from ours?
Should a community of men be punished for one man's actions?
Fear and Ignorance only spread more fear and ignorance... try spreading LOVE and ACCEPTANCE and KNOWLEDGE and PEACE...
The lyrics of John Lennon's song "Imagine" still ring true today, even 40 years after they were originally released...
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
I think it's about time we listen to his message. We could change the world....
Friday, May 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Be the change you want to see in the world...
It is so easy to judge others, that we sometimes forget to judge ourselves. It is often times easier to point out other people's flaws then to acknowledge our own.
There is no such thing as perfection and we should be glad of that fact! If there were a concrete example of perfection in this world, none of us would measure up and think about what that would do to our self worth.
There are so many other, BIGGER, things going on in the world around us. Death, Sickness, Wars, Homelessness, Starvation, Torture, Hate, Disasters and the list goes on.
Do we really believe that all the little things that irk us daily are more tragic than the actual tragedies that take place on a daily basis around the world?!?!
We are minuscule in the scheme of things. In the population of our planet I am one of BILLIONS. Yes, Billions. My strife is nothing compared to the real life struggles of people far less fortunate around the globe.
So, if love and positivity can spread from person to person and become continuously contagious. Then maybe we could all learn to start leading by example.
Love begets love, just as hate begets hate and if knowledge begets knowledge, then ignorance begets ignorance.
This world, the whole world, could use a lot more love and a lot less hate. A lot more acceptance and a lot less judgment.
Change starts with one person. It starts with me and continues with you.
"Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
There is no such thing as perfection and we should be glad of that fact! If there were a concrete example of perfection in this world, none of us would measure up and think about what that would do to our self worth.
There are so many other, BIGGER, things going on in the world around us. Death, Sickness, Wars, Homelessness, Starvation, Torture, Hate, Disasters and the list goes on.
Do we really believe that all the little things that irk us daily are more tragic than the actual tragedies that take place on a daily basis around the world?!?!
We are minuscule in the scheme of things. In the population of our planet I am one of BILLIONS. Yes, Billions. My strife is nothing compared to the real life struggles of people far less fortunate around the globe.
So, if love and positivity can spread from person to person and become continuously contagious. Then maybe we could all learn to start leading by example.
Love begets love, just as hate begets hate and if knowledge begets knowledge, then ignorance begets ignorance.
This world, the whole world, could use a lot more love and a lot less hate. A lot more acceptance and a lot less judgment.
Change starts with one person. It starts with me and continues with you.
"Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Mental Nurishment
If there is one thing I have learned, it's that the only thing in this world that I have absolute control over is myself.
No matter how much any of us would like to control what happens around us, we ultimately cannot.
However, we can control the way WE deal with any given situation. The choices we make shape us as individuals and are a part of who we become.
I've come to terms that however much I may disagree with something, I have two choices; accept it or change it. That which cannot be accepted must be changed and that which cannot be changed must be accepted.
I'm content in the fact that as long as I am happy with the way I handle myself, then it doesn't really matter what other people think. There is no "right" way of living your life... but there is a positive way and a negative way. Your choices determine which side of that spectrum you fall on.
I intend to live mine on the positive side.
Just some food for thought.
No matter how much any of us would like to control what happens around us, we ultimately cannot.
However, we can control the way WE deal with any given situation. The choices we make shape us as individuals and are a part of who we become.
I've come to terms that however much I may disagree with something, I have two choices; accept it or change it. That which cannot be accepted must be changed and that which cannot be changed must be accepted.
I'm content in the fact that as long as I am happy with the way I handle myself, then it doesn't really matter what other people think. There is no "right" way of living your life... but there is a positive way and a negative way. Your choices determine which side of that spectrum you fall on.
I intend to live mine on the positive side.
Just some food for thought.
Friday, April 29, 2011
MUSIC!!!
I love that music has the ability to enhance your mood. I don't know if this is the case for everyone but I find that music can make my moods.
When I am happy and I hear an upbeat tune with inspiring lyrics, I can't help but feel that everything will be OK. That no matter what, you're attitude can totally change a situation for good or bad.
We're human, so of course we get upset or angry or down on ourselves... that's only natural. But if we can take a step back and gain some perspective on our situation vs. the world or any given person who has it way worse then we do... we realize that we can and will go on.
What I'm saying is music makes me happy when it's happy. I feel like it lifts my spirits and give me that extra push in the right direction.
Even when I am upset or angry and I am listening to music that lets me channel those emotions by singing along or even just blasting it while I clean my house... it helps me vent in a way that sometimes talking never could.
Even simply singing in my church choir lifts my spirits and makes my shoulders feel lighter.
My point? Music can make any given situation better, so long as you choose the right tune for the right moment.
So turn your radio UP people!!!
Have a great weekend! :)
When I am happy and I hear an upbeat tune with inspiring lyrics, I can't help but feel that everything will be OK. That no matter what, you're attitude can totally change a situation for good or bad.
We're human, so of course we get upset or angry or down on ourselves... that's only natural. But if we can take a step back and gain some perspective on our situation vs. the world or any given person who has it way worse then we do... we realize that we can and will go on.
What I'm saying is music makes me happy when it's happy. I feel like it lifts my spirits and give me that extra push in the right direction.
Even when I am upset or angry and I am listening to music that lets me channel those emotions by singing along or even just blasting it while I clean my house... it helps me vent in a way that sometimes talking never could.
Even simply singing in my church choir lifts my spirits and makes my shoulders feel lighter.
My point? Music can make any given situation better, so long as you choose the right tune for the right moment.
So turn your radio UP people!!!
Have a great weekend! :)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Recipe of the Day
Balsamic Chicken
w/ Baby Red Potatoes & Veggie of Choice
Chicken (Tender, Breast or Thin Sliced)
1 LG Garlic Clove (Pressed)- add more if you love garlic
2 Sm Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)
Pinch of Ginger
Fresh Rosemary (to taste)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Balsamic Vinegar
Place chicken in a shallow dish or large zip-lock bag. Add the Pressed Garlic, Pinch of Ginger, Rosemary and S&P and then add balsamic vinegar to just cover the chicken. Let it marinate for up to 30 minutes (or more).
Cut baby red potatoes in half. Place in a pot to boil. Add two cloves of garlic finely chopped to the water. Add fresh rosemary to the water. Put over medium heat and bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes are soft and then drain. Add one Tablespoon of Smart Balance Butter to the potatoes. Salt & Pepper to Taste.
Blanch or steam your veggie of choice as the second side dish.
Remove chicken from marinate and cook on the grill (or Foreman Grill) until done.
*As an alternative to the potato & veggie, you can also serve this chicken over your favorite salad.
w/ Baby Red Potatoes & Veggie of Choice
Chicken (Tender, Breast or Thin Sliced)
1 LG Garlic Clove (Pressed)- add more if you love garlic
2 Sm Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)
Pinch of Ginger
Fresh Rosemary (to taste)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Balsamic Vinegar
Place chicken in a shallow dish or large zip-lock bag. Add the Pressed Garlic, Pinch of Ginger, Rosemary and S&P and then add balsamic vinegar to just cover the chicken. Let it marinate for up to 30 minutes (or more).
Cut baby red potatoes in half. Place in a pot to boil. Add two cloves of garlic finely chopped to the water. Add fresh rosemary to the water. Put over medium heat and bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes are soft and then drain. Add one Tablespoon of Smart Balance Butter to the potatoes. Salt & Pepper to Taste.
Blanch or steam your veggie of choice as the second side dish.
Remove chicken from marinate and cook on the grill (or Foreman Grill) until done.
*As an alternative to the potato & veggie, you can also serve this chicken over your favorite salad.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Power of Positivey
It's been a while... sorry about that. April has been a crazy busy month for me and I am oh so grateful that it's almost over!
I have been doing well with my life style change and have been in situations where I have not had the best options food wise and I have managed to make the best of them and find the healthiest avenue within what was available.
Weight wise I have hit a plateau... I am holding at 161+/-... So now I think I need to kick up the work-out end of my deal. Went for a nice Jog/Walk this weekend.
My motivation (besides the obvious): We have a wedding to attend next month to which I would like to get a new dress BECAUSE my staple black dress is too big on me! :)
I have found myself letting the negativity of others get the best of me and plant it's seed. I am a fester-er... when something is bothering me it is almost constantly on my mind. I know it is a horrible habit, because often times I make more of a situation then I should or just worry myself sick from stress.
I have decided that Positivity has a lot of power behind it. I think if I make a conscience effort each day to begin it on a positive note and continue on a positive note... I might just be able to change this bad habit of mine into a good one.
I know that there will be times that I just get a little down or let a little of the negative come out... it's only natural with all these feelings and emotions flowing through me on a daily basis... but if I can manage to make the positive continue to out weigh the negative, then I might just make each day a little brighter.
Shut out the bad and let in the GOOD!!!!
I have been doing well with my life style change and have been in situations where I have not had the best options food wise and I have managed to make the best of them and find the healthiest avenue within what was available.
Weight wise I have hit a plateau... I am holding at 161+/-... So now I think I need to kick up the work-out end of my deal. Went for a nice Jog/Walk this weekend.
My motivation (besides the obvious): We have a wedding to attend next month to which I would like to get a new dress BECAUSE my staple black dress is too big on me! :)
I have found myself letting the negativity of others get the best of me and plant it's seed. I am a fester-er... when something is bothering me it is almost constantly on my mind. I know it is a horrible habit, because often times I make more of a situation then I should or just worry myself sick from stress.
I have decided that Positivity has a lot of power behind it. I think if I make a conscience effort each day to begin it on a positive note and continue on a positive note... I might just be able to change this bad habit of mine into a good one.
I know that there will be times that I just get a little down or let a little of the negative come out... it's only natural with all these feelings and emotions flowing through me on a daily basis... but if I can manage to make the positive continue to out weigh the negative, then I might just make each day a little brighter.
Shut out the bad and let in the GOOD!!!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Mornings, UGH!
I am SOOO not a morning person. I always snooze one too many times and make myself behind by just a few minutes. But those few minutes make me perpetually late for EVERYTHING.
Even if it is only by 5 to 10 minutes, I still feel badly. I just hate waking up in the morning... I wonder why that is.
Anyway, since I have been doing so well with the eating habits... still not an ounce of chocolate and I am OK with that... My new challenge is to start forcing myself out of bed when the alarm goes off. I want to be able to eat breakfast at home before leaving for work by the end of next week.
I hate rushing and I hate feeling guilty for arriving late on a regular basis. I will change this bad habit of mine!
I have a busy Friday & Saturday but I plan on taking it easy Sunday and doing some stuff around the house. As long as I get to bed early, I should be well rested to start this on Monday.
Also... Monday is week two weigh in... We'll see if I maintained and/or lost any more weight. I am excited and anxious... but I am being optimistic!
So until next time... Enjoy your weekend!
Even if it is only by 5 to 10 minutes, I still feel badly. I just hate waking up in the morning... I wonder why that is.
Anyway, since I have been doing so well with the eating habits... still not an ounce of chocolate and I am OK with that... My new challenge is to start forcing myself out of bed when the alarm goes off. I want to be able to eat breakfast at home before leaving for work by the end of next week.
I hate rushing and I hate feeling guilty for arriving late on a regular basis. I will change this bad habit of mine!
I have a busy Friday & Saturday but I plan on taking it easy Sunday and doing some stuff around the house. As long as I get to bed early, I should be well rested to start this on Monday.
Also... Monday is week two weigh in... We'll see if I maintained and/or lost any more weight. I am excited and anxious... but I am being optimistic!
So until next time... Enjoy your weekend!
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