Signs and Messages... I DO BELIEVE!!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

How ironic that I found this in my e-mail ... good reminder to me (and perhaps to others)... so I thought I'd share:

Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change. Life's too short to be anything... but happy.
- Anonymous


Another philosophic one Enjoy

"Believe
A Birth Certificate shows that we were born

A Death Certificate shows that we died

Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I BELIEVE...

That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other..
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe.....
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.

Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life..

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them..

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe....
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That if we let the busy work of daily living take all our time,
we miss the simple pleasures and laughter with those around us.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time..

I Believe...
That if we allow the little frustrations of everyday life to built up resentment,
We can quickly breakdown the Best of Relationships.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe ...
your adult children will say things to hurt you, and it makes your heart sad, but no matter what you still love them.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe....
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when
A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in, I just did.

'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything they have."

So here's to making the most of TODAY ... and Letting go of the guilt...

Thanks my SPark Friends!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MIMICOTO 1/16/2010 5:20PM

A beautiful blog Helene - I needed these words today. Thank you Report Inappropriate Comment

HICALGAL 1/14/2010 8:13PM

enjoyed and absorbed this wonderful message. we should all be blessed for reading this. thanks for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

THEQUEENBEE333 1/12/2010 10:51PM

Thanks for sharing! Have a great Wed tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUSTYNA7 1/12/2010 10:27PM

Some good thoughts to live by. Check out my Velveteen Rabbit blog from yesterday... I think you will REAL -ly like it. Justyna Report Inappropriate Comment

KISHEGER 1/12/2010 7:35PM

Beautiful and inspiring. Erika Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 1/12/2010 7:01PM

i will use some of these Report Inappropriate Comment

VEMAN1 1/12/2010 5:06PM

I believe... That somebody who knows herself will always land on her feet. Report Inappropriate Comment

JENARAGON 1/12/2010 4:27PM

SOme great quotes in there, I've written a few down for future use, thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

SI1V3RBACK 1/12/2010 2:11PM

oooOOooo lots of goodies in there. Thanks for sharing this! Report Inappropriate Comment

2010_BRENDA_LEA 1/12/2010 2:00PM

Thanks for sharing this. I hope you don't mind if I put it in my notes on Facebook to share. ENJOY LIFE TODAY; YESTERDAY IS GONE AND TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME!! Love ya!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZ_NR_HEATHROW 1/12/2010 1:49PM

So true Helene great blog, live and love 2day, who knows what 2moro may bring! Report Inappropriate Comment

Feelings of Guilt

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I came home last night feeling very sore and had the sinus headache happening. I was so tired that I didn't even feel like bringing my daughter to Brownies so I didn't. I asked my daughter if she would mind missing (and now I feel a bit guilty of course) and that I would make it up to her by bringing her out for a treat after school on Friday and bring her swimming again this weekend.

Then I got changed into my pj's and had a couple of drinks and was in bed by 8pm. So of course I wake this morning feeling guilty for not being AF, for not bringing my daughter to her Brownies, for just NOT DOING!

So I woke up to my regular routine of reading my "angel readings/prayers" and the last book of the dream series about Living a Rich Life. It's a constant effort to stay positive and I debated about what to blog but need to be honest with myself and although I have promised to never post negative thoughts, I need to post that yes I dissappointed myself BUT (Believe, Understand, Trust) I am human and it's never too late to make changes.

So today I feel less sore than yesterday from the BodyPump class and intending to go to the 7pm BodyJam class which is cardio/dancing type class. I love dancing so this one should be good.

I am noticing my weakness and my old patterns of that lag time from when I get home to when I have to get out again to DO THINGS. So this is my challenge for tonight. I know from re-reading my 2009 Blogs that I need to finish this month strong and practice more AF days and perhaps total Abstinence from alcohol... the dreaded thing that is stopping me from doing so many things.

Thanks to Mimi for the suggestion on getting that book from Allen Carr so I can finally tackle this final hurdle in my transformation. Having overcome so much in 2009, this is truly the last big challenge for me.

I'm incorporating a new thing with the Gym but I know myself and unless I kick that other 'habit', I won't stick with going out to the gym and then I will be upset with myself for paying for something I won't be using. I just can NOT do that.

I'm finally going to be in a position where my debts are behind me and I know the value of money so have to make this investment in myself WORK. I have to be responsible and accountable to ME ... When I give my word to someone else I don't break it and so I have to do the same for ME! I have to let go of the guilt and take action to make amends. I have to balance things out and ensure I don't let my kids down either (like not bringing my daughter out to her activity last night).

So my blog is my therapy as many of you know. My intentions are down on paper and I'm moving forward. Off to start with my morning workout. Thanks as always for listening and always being there my SP Friends!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CMBELISLE 1/12/2010 12:51PM

We all have down days, the key is getting back up. It seems like you've already got that key, so keep at it. As parents, especially when single, we do all we can and sometimes we just can't do it all. I too have a lot of guilt for things I've missed with my daughters, but I have come to the conclusion that I literally (and figuratively) can't be in two places at once. Also, when your body is telling you it's time for a break, you really should listen. From the sounds of it (the headache and the body aches), your body was telling you something. If I don't listen to mine when I'm like that, I end up sick and then I'm off track with everything. Report Inappropriate Comment

WOODSYGIRL 1/12/2010 10:04AM

You are doing so well, Helene! Having down days is really ok, so long as you don't stay there...and you don't. You write down what you're going through, process it, and then you look forward to what you can do to change the situation. THAT is positive!! I think sometimes we can fall into the pattern of denying our true feelings because we feel that unless they are positive, somehow they are not worthy. When in truth, if you face those feelings head on (like you are so good at doing), it allows us to move forward in truth. One of the amazing things you are teaching your girls is that down days are just that...a day. You can wake up the next day to a fresh start and begin anew. Your girls are seeing this and are taking inspiration and learning much from you. And that's pretty darn special. Comment edited on: 1/12/2010 10:04:17 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

VEMAN1 1/12/2010 9:35AM

Helene keep being true to yourself. Feeling guilty can be confused with seeing only one side of the coin. Stay true to your priorities. Obviously your daughter is very high on that list. To make yourself feel better ask yourself a simple question,"What would my daughter and I enjoy doing together?" To most children (regardless of age), time is equated with love. The things you do together will far outweigh all the gifts given over a lifetime. So this dissertation of something you already know should put those feelings of guilt in perspective. Be at peace... Report Inappropriate Comment

SI1V3RBACK 1/12/2010 7:29AM

Well all have nights we aren't feeling 100% and need a little more me time and a little less family time. It is healthy once in a while to focus on yourself a bit so you don't get lost in life's shuffle. There are so many demands and expectations as a parent, employee, friend, you can be consumed by it all if you don't take some time for yourself. So last night was a night where you took care of yourself, so you will be able to take care of your family later. Seems like a good decision. Otherwise you may too little left for everyone when they really need you. Report Inappropriate Comment

KISHEGER 1/12/2010 7:26AM

Don't be so hard on yourself Helene. We all learn from our patterns of behavior and that is part of the journey. Be kind to yourself; the fact that you are reviewing your actions and re-evaluating how you want to do things, only makes you a better person in the long run. Give youeself a chance ; you are going in the right direction and have accomplished so much already. Get rid of that guilt- guilt only makes us feel bad and often immobilizes us. All the best Erika Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZ_NR_HEATHROW 1/12/2010 7:25AM

Hi there Helene Don't beat yourself up hun, stuff happens and sometimes we just have to change plans. Sunshine made a great suggestion. Keep your pecker up and stay positve don't let this get out of proportion xx Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNSHINES3 1/12/2010 6:37AM

Hi Helene Don't be so hard on yourself. Not sure if this is an option but...can you talk to other parents and maybe take turns with the brownie night. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 1/12/2010 5:33AM

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First Visit at GoodLife

Monday, January 11, 2010

Well I went to my BodyPump class yesterday. I was nervous about going but happy to see that one of the associates was there as promised to help me get setup for the class since it was my first time. I was right up front by the instructor and she asked "anyone new?" and I raised my hand and she said "good for you for being right up front". I didn't use too much weights - on average used 2.5 to 3.5 on each side (with the bar) but I am feeling it today!

I didn't sleep so well last night. Tossed and turned and woke to a sore body lol. I'm glad I didn't use any heavier weights. I also met my other goal and went swimming at the recreation center with my daughter so got the 60mins of BodyPump in and 20-30mins of swimming (and relaxing in the swirl pool).

This morning I'm going to do my gazelle and/or elliptical. Tonight I will do some stretches. My daughter has Brownies so I'll drive her over and head back to GoodLife since I forgot my card at the desk. I want to check out the other location which is closer to my home but is co-ed. The one I went to yesterday is a Women's Only location which I think is good for me to start (given I'm shy about going in there).

I do eventually want to check out the one near my workplace but not for classes at lunch but maybe to do the bike, treadmill or elliptical since it's harder to get out for my lunch hour walks now with the weather.

I have scheduled my orientation for Wednesday night to become familiar with the cardio machines and to learn the weight circuit (Fit-Fix machines). I will not be able to get a class in tonight but that works out well since I'm sore today. I will however go tomorrow to a class, Wednesday is the orientation and going to make sure I plan to attend on Friday (which is my day off). I have a free week pass and going to take full advantage of it. Can't make it Thursday as I have my Chapter meeting, but I may get a cardio workout in for 30mins at lunch or after work.

I have the class schedule from the 3 locations near me including the work one. What I like is the variety and choices available. Going to do the Zumba class again on Friday but through them.

I am still nervous about going in to the new locations for the first time, but going to push past my shyness and get out there. I know the benefits will outweigh my hesitation. Another 'out of my comfort zone' move to gain so many benefits. I will be purchasing my memmbership come Jan 20th when I get my payment and will also sign up for the personal training (the Ultimate Result package) which includes 12 sessions with a trainer. It's a standard program they use, but I feel it will be a good base for me to start with and I can pick the trainer's brain while I'm working at it. One of the other 'freebies' I received was the founders book "Living the Good Life" and it's a great read to get myself motivated to keep going.

With my first goal of getting back to 160Ville and wedding reception event coming up at the end of February ... I can say with confidence that I will be achieving my first goal. Although I spent 6 months in 160Ville, I've been back at the 170Ville now for 4 months and it's time to move back!

Here's to week 2 of January and continued success! Wishing all my SP Friends a fabulous week!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DOOBRIE 1/12/2010 4:52AM

You're doing so well, Helene - glad you're enjoying all the exercise. Report Inappropriate Comment

SCHATZI4MO 1/12/2010 2:16AM

this sounds so cool. i really like your options ... working out with just women or coed, close to work and home, variety of classes AND a personal trainer! 160ville here you come!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEIDIODIE123 1/11/2010 12:43PM

You are AMAZING! I love how well you plan it all out! I wish I were more like that! :) (I'm working on it!) Hope you have a GREAT week! ((HUGS)) ~Heidi Report Inappropriate Comment

SI1V3RBACK 1/11/2010 7:38AM

Yeah, time to leave that dump and head back to 160ville!! Classes sound great!! Hope you find the rest of the week as rewarding. Report Inappropriate Comment

NHGRL68 1/11/2010 7:18AM

Good for you for going out and trying this new gym, especially since it is out of your comfort zone. I think a gym and doing a variety of classes and exercise is really going to get your weight moving, get you healthy and keep you motivated. Plus you might meet some new friends. You're doing GREAT, Helene! I can tell you're really serious about taking the weight off. ~Melissa~ Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZ_NR_HEATHROW 1/11/2010 6:55AM

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MUSIC66 1/11/2010 6:00AM

i joined up with an all female gym its great i do zumba classes on friday too , cario , strength training and a wow class so i go there four time a week they even have a day spa and you can have breakfast there if you want up and till 10:30am.It also have a suana and a spa. Comment edited on: 1/11/2010 6:06:49 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

TOTHEFUTURE1 1/11/2010 5:50AM

Well done Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 1/11/2010 5:34AM

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TENACIOUSTRISH 1/11/2010 5:15AM

I love how detailed you are about your plans and wish you good luck out of 170ville to 160 ville. I am in 160 ville with you and aim to enter the 150ville shortly.Good luck! Trish Report Inappropriate Comment

On FIRE with Passion!

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Boy from the start of my day and things not going the way I'd hoped with financial stuff.... I chose to not let it get me down and call after call, reminder and testers.... I kept strong and stayed positive and it pays off!!!

I was upset about things not happening on time, but I TRUST that it will happen. In the mean time I did not let it affect my day. I went to work and although I was tired from the sinus cold and having stayed late the night before for my board meeting... I pushed through.

I had the sinus headache and felt like - urgh ... I should just go home but I pushed through! I went to get some Advil Cold & Sinus Plus and it took care of the symptoms and then I kept on working.

What did the effort result in?!!! Well I managed to negotiate a deal with a boutique hotel that wanted to charge us for cancelling more rooms than we stated we needed (a savings of just over $200 for my company), I got this amazing educational brochure and found the 'sign' (our IAAP Ottawa Chapter Logo on the back of it)... and all the amazing conferences it offered and told my boss about it who told me... let's find out more.

I pursued and pushed about trying to get a new venue for our Chapter meetings for next year which I think will increase our visibility and give more access to upcoming potential students!

I took this survey (a link my boss shared with me) and it gave me the results of my 5 top strengths (which I must say are really ME right now):
Your Top Character Strength
Gratitude
You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

Your Second Character Strength
Kindness and generosity
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.

Your Third Character Strength
Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

Your Fourth Character Strength
Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Your Fifth Character Strength
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

if you're interested in trying the free link go to: http://www.viacharacter.org/VIASurvey/ta
bid/55/Default.aspx

If nothing at all it makes you more aware of who YOU are really are!

The work day flew by and I left and as soon as I got home, called Good Life and asked if I could move up my appointment and they said "That's great - come on in!" and so I did. I met with the general manager of the Women's Only location near my home and got the schedules, the book (for free) "Living the Good Life" and schedules for their location and the one near my workplace and another near home.

I got a free week trial and I'm going to make the most of it. It starts tomorrow with the Body Pump Class I've heard so much about! So YEAH - I'm on fire baby!

Life is just totally amazing! I came home to relax and had a few drinks (after 3 days AF) and will enjoy some today too. Back to AF Sunday to Thursday though - have to be in form for free week I signed up for! I'm going to check it out and evaluate if it's for me (but I think it is!!). Then I'll sign up come Jan 20th.

So my SP Friends... I hope some of my energy and passion makes it way over to you! Let's ROCK January! to the amazing first week of 2010 at work being so amazing and to so many other amazing things!

Happy Saturday!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MEADSBAY 1/10/2010 9:25PM

Spark on, Helene!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCHATZI4MO 1/10/2010 7:30PM

helene ... YOU ROCK! and i'm going to rock january with you. love your character strengths. so happy to be your sparkfriend. hugs ~ april Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMGRAM2 1/10/2010 1:40PM

Sounds like you are set with your goals. I hope that you have a fantastic SUNDAY and I pray that your sinus clears up real soon for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

SI1V3RBACK 1/9/2010 9:21PM

On balance, aside from those financial issues, life is going pretty well. I do hope the financial issue gets resolved quickly, it will be on less large worry nagging at you. The year is moving along nicely for you. Soar away !!! Report Inappropriate Comment

REZZER 1/9/2010 1:13PM

Hit me with a shot of that passion! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXSGIRL1 1/9/2010 10:45AM

hope you really like the gym love the positive attitude Report Inappropriate Comment

CMBELISLE 1/9/2010 9:49AM

Sounds like you had a really terrific day - Congrats! I'm going to check out your link and see how it goes. Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZ_NR_HEATHROW 1/9/2010 9:46AM

Hey Helene as always you're turing your day around and remaining positive. Hope the sinus problem improves soon hun xx Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 1/9/2010 8:46AM

Great to hear you're doing so well, despite the sinus problems. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and I appreciate that! Always great to hear from you. Thanks for blogging!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TGIF... First full work week flew by!

Friday, January 08, 2010

I can't believe it's Friday! The week was busy but flew by! It was a very productive and positive week. I didn't get home until past 8:30pm last night and the symptoms from my sinus cold were intense by the days end...

Woke this morning to find a few things NOT happening ... like my support payment not being in (and being overdue and behind by a month's worth of rent) and me being 'late' paying my January rent... these things would just ruin my whole day but now I look at the situation for what it is. Some things are out of our control. All we can do is make the best of it and be responsible. So I have written to my property manager to explain my situation and will do the follow-up I can to find out why payments are not coming through.

I choose to no longer let this rule my life. For sure it's stressful and I don't like the fact that this is the 2nd month I'm late for rent but alas, there is nothing I can do about it. SO I let it GO! I trust that it will work out and I KNOW that things will only be better starting January 20th when some matters get settled up and I receive my money (which I have been waiting for since July)... it's only 12 days away now!

So I switched off my frustration right away and went on to start my day as I do. I woke to read my angel inspirational messages (I read a couple every morning) and more of my Dream University free e-books - which anyone can download from: http://www.amazingdreamers.com/

The book I'm reading is about "Taking Time" and it's truly revealing about how we are so ruled by time, but I'm happy to confirm that I'm making the most of mine now. I am living in the "Present" (the GIFT) and enjoying the NOW moments and taking time to 'smell the roses'.

I downloaded some more free e-material from Peggy McColl's www.destinies.com on Goal setting and was recently inspired by Bob Urichuck's most recent blog about keeping your resolutions link: http://www.bobu.com/blog/personal-goal-set
ting/are-you-keeping-those-new-years-r
esolutions#more-188

The more I surround myself by these readings, the more I stay on track with my focus and I recommend it to anyone. I am a sponge for this stuff and it has really made a HUGE difference in my life and outlook.

I hope you can take some of what I share and that it will help you too! Life is a gift and we are so lucky to be here.

I'm off to my morning walk (on my Gazelle) ... I just love MUSIC too and how it motivates me to keep on going! Looking forward to my Good Life Fitness visit tonight too at 6pm.

TGIF All! Enjoy the day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SI1V3RBACK 1/8/2010 4:41PM

It is great you are able to not let the things that used to drag you down not bother. Well I'm sure it is worrisome but then like you said, somethings you can't do much about except take some positive action and hope things will get resolved promptly. Enjoy your weekend and bask in your new found inner strength!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKLINGDAWN 1/8/2010 11:03AM

I must respect the fact that you are able to cope with your challenges the way you are. It is impressive. I will go in and look at the links. Thanks for putting them up here Report Inappropriate Comment

NHGRL68 1/8/2010 7:41AM

Sorry to hear about your financial problems. Those can be VERY stressful and it sounds like you are handling it VERY well. It sounds like you are reading some very motivating books. Thanks for sharing the info. I'll have to check them out. Music motivates me and keeps me going too:-) Have a GREAT weekend. ~Melissa~ Report Inappropriate Comment

CAZ_NR_HEATHROW 1/8/2010 6:17AM

Morning Helene Hope you feel better soon! You've coped well with a setback I hope it's soon resolved. Why can't admin bods get things right these days eh? AARRGGGHH HAGD Luv Caz xx Report Inappropriate Comment