Learn to Dance in the Rain

It's been raining for the past three days here in FL and the radio now tells me that there is a Tornado warning in effect. Isn't life like the weather sometimes? You're going along minding your own business and then out of the blue the unpredictable storms of life begin to roll in!

We can choose to let those storms dictate how our days will play out or we can embrace them. Like the grass, we too need a little of both sunshine and rain in our life to stay balanced and although it's a bit of a disruption to our plans some days, it's usually exactly what we need to grow into all that we are to become.

Sometimes this process can be painful as we fear becoming uprooted, losing ourselves in the process or having to start all over again but every storm builds strength, character, love and a compassion for others that we may never have known otherwise.

What's the weather like where you are?

 

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It's Not The Circumstances, It's You!

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Do you feel frustrated by the state of the economy, your present weight, your job? Do you find yourself making excuses or blaming others for why you are in your present situation or circumstances? We've all been there and sometimes we recognize our actions more than other times. The great news is we are all capable of more and changing so we can take control of and better our lives.

Imagine what your life could be like if you stopped blaming your circumstances on other people and things and took responsibility of your own life. In Oprah's most recent e-newsletter, Mike Robbins gives you the tools you need to take control of your life and become more aware of your experiences.

Last year I subscribed to Oprah's Spirit Newsletter, while I don't read every single one, often I find some great little gems. Today, I wanted to share this topic with you because it affects ALL of us and determines how we live our life, experience our days and interact with those that we love.

This is a piece worth reading and reflecting upon inwardly. Since they are the words of Oprah's people and not me, I thought I'd create a link, you can read the full article HERE.

I also love this quote (which is also in the article) by Ben Franklin:

"Joy doesn't exist in the world, it exists in us." 

That is so empowering! How many times do we think about what we want, and sometimes feel sad when we cannot have it? That quote is proof that no matter what your circumstances, financial situation or present age, we are all capable of being completely happy and filled with joy, but it is our choice to bring that feeling and experience forth!

In a similar vein, I love this quote by spiritual teacher Byron Katie:

"The definition of insanity is thinking that you need something you don't have. The mere fact that you exist right now without that which you think you need is proof that you don't need it."


Before blackberries, iPhones, microwaves, laptops and big shiny SUV's came into our lives we got along just fine. We are always capable of living on less than we think or living without things we believe we need, it's just a matter of our comfort level and decision to do so.

Oprah's article really resonated with me as I can see some of these little things in my own life and the lives of my close family. I also realized that growing up, some of their thoughts and beliefs about circumstances shaped my life at an early age. Some great, some not so great.

I've definitely been guilty of that, in my own mind I had built up reasons why I haven't completed certain projects in our home or haven't spent more time at the gym. The truth is that I just didn't make time for it in the past. Nobody and nothing else helped me make those choices. I chose to do other things instead, it's my own fault and only I can make the changes I want to see happen. You might remember, I had a little wake up call a few weeks ago and realized that facebook was a contributor to some of these areas, as it can be a huge time sink. However, it is my discipline in using such social media tools and not the tools themselves that were the problem. Taking some time away however by de-activating my account for now, was just the discipline I needed in order to refocus and make my priorities exactly that.

Is there anything in your life you've felt as though you need (and can't presently have) that you truly know you can live without? Have you felt as though you've been blaming your circumstances, lack of motivation or results on someone or something?  Feel free to share anonymously if you like.

Have an awesome week!

How Was YOUR Weekend?

Hi Ladies! Sorry for the lack of posts, I've been MIA for the past few days. I'd love to say it was because I was super busy or because I went away for the weekend but neither are true. I just haven't felt like writing the past few days. It's funny, I get flurries of time where I jot down tons of ideas and can't stop writing and searching for fun photos online and times where I sit down with the best intentions but can't seem to type more than a couple sentences that seem to lead nowhere. It also happened to be a really nice weekend and I was thrilled for the warmer weather and spending more time outdoors.

Did you have a nice weekend? What did you all do? Mine was relaxing, I worked a little and played a little. I got to watch a fun movie called 'My Life in Ruins' which had Athens as its gorgeous backdrop which reminded me of our Europe trip last summer and I also caught a bit of the Olympics. I got to catch up with a girlfriend whom I haven't seen since her baby shower 8 months ago (her baby was a preemie and she spent a lot of time in the hospital), and finally got to meet her precious little girl. I love days like that. I got to cuddle little Ava and watch her play and smile, hubby took a few pictures too, here is one of us below:

I also enjoyed a weekend of no cooking-woohoo! I'm not sure how I pulled that one off, it just sort of fell into place. It was great while it lasted buy now I'm getting ready to make another home cooked meal tomorrow. I love Thai food and I think I may have to try out this recipe. It is so colorful and I love sweet Penang curry! Here is a photo. YUMMMMM!

PENANG CURRIED PUMPKIN AND PRAWN SOUP

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I'd love to hear what you did this weekend. Did anything outrageous or funny happen? Did you try an interesting recipe or write a great blog post? Share it with us! :)

I promise there will be more posts this week and we'll also have a giveaway too, so check back for your chance to enter and win!

Love Your Life & Fulfill Your Dreams!

I wanted to share a message that was on my heart this past week. I've always felt strongly about this but this week in particular I was even so bold as to use it as the post on my facebook page. I want to encourage others, especially women, to realize their full potential and live out their most desired dreams. These were my words:

"Karla is amazed at how enthralled people are with entertainers and celebrities. It's time for us to get excited about our own life and fulfill our dreams instead of watching others live theirs! :) "

We live in such a celebrity and entertainment culture where reality tv shows have now become the norm. Watching endless amounts of drama, diva behavior and shows that contain the name 'gossip' such as Gossip Girl are influencing the younger generations. It's time that we arise and shine to our calling and purpose in life and live out each day to the fullest; using our gifts, skills and abilities, contributing to the greater good and experiencing a sense of accomplishment that empowers us to live an even fuller life.

I'm not suggesting that television is bad or that we shouldn't watch it at all-we're only human and I believe that there are a great deal of shows that are not only entertaining but also educational too. I happen to DVR many HGTV shows as they fall into that category for me. Not only that, they provide inspiration as I'm constantly creating new ideas for my business clients.

It's important to surround ourselves not only with uplifting, supportive and loving friends and family, but also to empower ourselves by all that we read, watch and listen to. What we spend our time on is a true reflection of what we value in life.

I've been reflecting on this all week. With the vast array of choices available in the form of tv shows, I've found myself recording multiple shows and later watching them and then wondering where my evenings went  and why I didn't finish that book I wanted to read or the laundry I meant to fold. It can truly be a distraction, keeping you from experiencing what you truly want most out of life. I've been challenging myself to delete some of the shows  I once recorded so I can spend even more time on the things that I love and bring me the most joy. So far this week, I have felt as though my days are longer and I seem to have more time to get everything done.

I encourage you to spend more time in the coming weeks on building up what truly matters to you and what great things you want to see happen in your own life. Is it a business you've dreamed of starting or home projects you've been putting off, or perhaps more quality time you've longed to spend with your children? Maybe you feel a bit purposeless right now or lack the passion and zest you once had. Try starting afresh with a Goal list and add ten things that you've always wanted to do or accomplish. Start working towards crossing those off one at a time and putting the exact date beside each once completed. Stretch yourself-add something that you don't think you can do and keep working towards it over time.

A wonderful audio CD set that I really enjoyed is titled Love Your Life by Victoria Osteen. I highly recommend it and it would make a wonderful gift for anyone. I received my set as a gift and it is such an uplifting compilation of messages for any age. *I am in no way compensated for this suggestion, this is my personal opinion.

My husband is also an Author and has written several books on this very topic, with a life coaching background he has many e-books available for those that desire to live their dreams, become empowered and achieve greatness. Click here for more information.

I hope you will feel accomplished in all that you do this coming week and that the hours you spend in your days are put to good use, that you feel a sense of pride and truly love the life that you've been given.

Have a Blessed Weekend!

Life's Little Luxuries for Less!

I hope you all have had a fabulous week. I'm finally back from my week in Toronto and had a wonderful time! It's always amazing to me how quickly a week truly flies by when you're having fun.

Last night my hubby picked me up from the airport and had a card waiting for me (a belated b-day card since I wasn't around on the exact day) and inside he wrote a sweet message which included a voucher for a 1-hr massage followed by some cute gifts at home. He is so sweet. The appointment is set for later this afternoon and it is needed for sure! Sitting on planes, pulling luggage behind me and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed has led to some neck and back stiffness. Anyway, the place I am going to is around the corner from our house and it is really inexpensive!

Why am I telling you all of this, you might be wondering? Well, I have found a way to get great massages at a fraction of the price. It is a local University that offers massage courses and upon completion of their program, students must work a set amount of hours to earn their full certification before starting their career as a Massage Therapist. So, the school offers one-hour massages for just $25! During the Christmas season they had a special promo for regulars and it was just $20. You might be thinking they are less qualified or the massage may not be as good as a pro, but I have been satisfied about 98% of the time. In today's case, Paul paid a little extra for me to have one of the instructors, which I haven't tried yet, so it should be wonderful! The environment is very private, complete with soothing music and massage oils and the students are very professional. After your massage is complete you fill out a short feedback and rating form which allows them to identify where to improve, if necessary. Because they are being graded essentially, I find they really try to make it a great experience.

If you've been dreaming of a massage but feel you can't afford one, I highly recommend doing some research on google and looking into the Massage schools in your area to see what they offer. The same holds true for manicures via Esthetician schools and also Hair Salons too. Aveda in particular offers student services through the Aveda Institure for a lot less than their regular salons in select cities. I often pop over for a $15 manicure or $20 pedicure and I receive the same treatment and products used during a service at another Aveda salon.

I encourage you to find a great service online and carve some time out just for YOU and enjoy some of life's little luxuries!