The Brighter Side

It's hard to stay balanced when darkness overshadows light. Yet, I know this isn't me. I'm the "see better", "look deeper", "try harder", personality - not the negative, "why me?". So, I turned to a song, to remind me:

You're only as tall as your heart will let you be.
You're only as small as the world may make you seem.
When the going gets rough, and you feel like you may fall,
just look on the brightside and you're roughly six feet tall.


I'm quickly reminded of what I told one of my student's just today, "The greatest thing about life is that you are in control of you. You decide what you want, and how bad you want it. You decide how you're going to respond in any given situation. You decide what to put energy into. This may not make sense to you yet, but some day you'll see that you can decide what becomes of you."

Maybe I thought for a minute I was talking to myself, or maybe the universality of experiencing moments of uncertainty and confusion was crying out, but either way, I know that I must believe this for my own well being. To stay balanced I must recognize my losses, accept my realities and embrace each opportunity as it comes. This is the extent to my control.

It is a work in process, and for the day by day challenges I seek the Serenity Prayer:

“Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference".

Que Sera, Sera

On my way home from work today I found myself belting out an old tune my mother used to sing to me by Doris Day.

Que Sera, Sera.
Whatever will be, will be.
The future's not ours to see.
Que Sera, Sera.


I can honestly say, this has been the greatest moment of my week. After being sick for almost a week and putting a lot of energy into a project at work, nothing feels better then to sit still and say, "Que sera, sera".

I trust in my future, and that whatever will be will be. This song reminds me to take one moment at a time, and that I must learn from yesterday, hope for the future, but live for Today.

Now, for the encore, accompanied by my dearest friend, Sir Pino Noir...

Making Choices

I've never been good at saying, 'No'. I've also always believed that there is nothing that I can't do, and that the more I can do, the better a person I am. These things I know are no longer true.

Instead, it is important to make choices. The more wisely you choose to commit the more fully you can be present. The more reasonable you fill your schedule the more you can enjoy each minute, without always thinking about what is next. This is the greatest lesson that I've learned through the art of juggling multiple roles and I strive never to forget it. Every day.

It takes a constant commitment to remain fully present in each moment of the day and I'm still working towards mastering this art. On the days that I do, I breathe much more easily and find rewards around every corner.

What about you? What do you maintain your balance?

Early to Rise...

I got up an hour earlier than usual today and it is amazing how great my day was. I was focused, calm and productive... all day!

Benjamin Franklin may have been right on when he said, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise." Even though I know what he meant was Woman!

A glass of tea and to bed for me. Going to see how long I can keep this routine up. Any wagers?

Today

Found this in an old journal of mine... Thought it would be a good first post on this beautiful sunny day! It reminds me to slow down and enjoy all the little moments in the day.

Today

Look around you.

Life is Beautiful.

Smile; breathe easy.

Focus on the small things.

Let the natural rhythm of your heart guide your way.

Believe that serenity will find you.

Don't let life slip away with the clutter that makes one day TODAY.