Word of the Week: Focus

FOCUS

 

It's so easy to get distracted, isn't it?

To have our thoughts go in all different directions, instead of being focused on one thing at a time. This is an issue I am constantly working on.

But I know how important it is to be focused. In theory at least. ;<)

If we are going to do our best work on any kind of project or task, we can't also be mulling over: what to make for supper, whether the plants need watering, filing nails at the same time...the list goes on and on.

 I have also been making an effort recently not to get signed up for too many "extras" online, that take up time and often in rather trivial ways including: too many newsletters, email alerts...lots of distractions. I'm also not a fan of Facebook or Twitter anymore. I know a lot of people just love these social media sites but for me, they were just more ways to waste precious time.

On the other hand, I don't consider blogging a waste of time, at all. I find it energizing and stimulating. Writing posts and visiting my (many) fav blogs. These pursuits add to my day, in a positive and productive way. Within reason for blogging time, of course!!! LOL 

I have a number of wonderful and diverse creative projects on the go right now that I am really excited about. I'm swamped, but in a good way! But in order to proceed with all of them productively, I need to have a plan each day what I'll be working on.

 Focusing...instead of randomly trying to work on several tasks and getting diverted and distracted along the way.

Multi-tasking appears to be productive but apparently it isn't. That's been proven again and again. I blogged about multi-tasking vs chunking  previously here.

I hope you find this word/mantra for the week helpful with your own creative pursuits.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE WEEK!  :<)

Word of the Week: Grace

                         

The picture of grace...

And the power of grace...

"Grace is the effortless flow of existence; love and favor freely bestowed on us.That comes when we are living in harmony with life, when the rhythms of your body-mind are in synch with nature's rhythms. To live in grace is to experience that state of consciousness where things flow and your desires are easily fulfilled. Grace is magical, synchronistic, coincidental, joyful. It's the good-luck factor."

from the book: Power. Freedom and Grace by Deepak Chopra

I recently read this book. This quote truly seemed to be speaking to me. I've read it over again and again.

If I could have just one wish come true for anything, it would be to find and continue to live in a state of grace, as described here. This truly sums up the desires and wishes of my heart.It sounds like pure bliss, doesn't it? Inspiring.

Wishing you a wonderful week, filled with grace.

Here Comes the Sun!

                                     
Found this fun (and very popular) YouTube video featuring the Beatle's :

Here Comes the Sun

The graphics on this one are so cute!

It also got me up and moving.

 I hope you are singing and dancing along too!

Wishing You a  Happy Day and Lots of Sunshine too!  

                                                

Word of the Week: Bliss

This is one of my favorite photos and bliss is one of my favorite words. I hope you enjoy the haiku too.

Bliss...such a lovely state of mind and word to contemplate and reach for. Sometimes it seems unattainable but I don't think that's ever really the case. It's just a state of happiness taken to the next level, isn't it?

I hope you find your own special BLISS this week!

A Beautiful Spring Photo to Share (with Haiku)

                          

I added the words. My thanks to Caroline Brown for sharing this inspiring photo.

One of my all-time favorite spring photos.

                                 

April showers will bring May flowers!

Finding Happiness in Every Day Events/Things

                             
I really enjoyed this list from the TripBase Blog:

101 Ways to Be Happy .

Happiness can be a choice that we make every day and throughout each day.

I found a lot of good reminders on this list. I hope you enjoy it too.
                             

Wishing you a day filled with simple pleasures, great surprises and abundance.

Want to Live Longer? Lighten Up!

Just found this interesting article about a very inspiring 104 year young woman!  You go Dot!!!


Yet another plus of being happy, taking life as it comes, going with the flow, putting on a happy face...you can actually add YEARS to your life! 


This is just one of many articles on this topic and again and again the results conclude: happy thoughts and an optimistic outlook = a longer, healthier life. It's another good reminder to not sweat the small stuff and keep things in perspective throughout each day.


Does it really, REALLY matter if you burnt the toast this morning? What about finding a stain on your favorite blouse that you were planning to wear today? Getting caught up in traffic on the way to work...the list in a given day can be endless. Small, annoying delays, set-backs etc. Negative energy that can slowly but surely change a good day into one that you just want to end.


When an annoyance or delay happens, deal with it as quickly as possible and move on. Put it behind you.

Speaking of  traffic jams  put the time to good use, not dwelling on frustration:

• Sing along with the radio.
• Take some slow, deep breaths.
• Think about a pleasant event coming up.
• Catch up with your knitting or a good book.
• Gaze at the sky and the scenery that usually flies by in a blur.

                     
the list goes on and on...

Think about how lucky you really are to: have that toast to eat (personally, I like a bit of burn around the edges!), that special blouse that your best friend gave you that will still look great to wear again after a wash. And wow, having your own car and a job to go to and get paid for! Triple bonus! A lot of people who would be happy to have those and don't.  

Choose happiness today.


Make it a better day for you and everyone in your life. Living a longer and healthier life is kind of a nice plus too, don't you agree?

PS: Mr. Cheddar has also been busy today. He has a new cat treat review (there's a dog- variety available too) you might enjoy. As the Ched says: Chiao for now!!!

A Gerber Daisy Haiku

                                                            

This beautiful gerber daisy was a pretty and thoughtful gift that I received from a couple of friends. They dropped it off, as a much-needed "pick me up" for the day (I was having a less than happy one). It certainly did that and went on to weather the winter on the bathroom window sill, leaves crumpled and flowers nowhere in sight.

And then, to once again emerge in all it's loveliness.

Daisies of all types and colors, always make me smile.

                               

Wishing you a Wonderful Spring Day!

Also submitted for: Today's Flowers

Find Your Passion, Follow Your Heart!

                                  
"Live your life on your own terms.

To the beat of your own drum.

And to the rhythm of your own heart."


GHH 

Isn't that what it's all about?

What or who (or lucky to have more than one) makes life exciting,unpredictable (in a good way) and worth getting up for.

Here's to following your heart, your passion, your calling.

 Whether it's a talent, a person, a journey, a pursuit, a dream....whatever or whoever it is, it is so worth it.

It's what makes life a technicolor experience that we will invent and re-invent for ourselves, every second, minute, hour....a life well lived.

     Seize the day! 

                                                                            

Also submitted for the OSI prompt: Passionate

Word for the Day:Abundance

The abundance of beauty in nature.

                          

Recently, I have felt the abundance of life flowing towards me once again after a very long "drought" of feeling a lack of it, on many levels. It is a very good feeling.

When I look back to years ago, I have had so much to be thankful for and often didn't realize or acknowledge it all, at the time. I will not make that mistake again. I truly believe that abundance comes and goes in our lives for many reasons. And not just in terms of material things although those are important too.

                                   

If you have abundance in your life in it's many forms: love, success, wealth, friendship...treasure it and never take it for granted. If  you feel the need for more abundance in your life, dwell on it, make it your mantra and believe that it is on it's way to you, in whatever ways you need it.

                                            

NEVER give up, never give in that all is lost. It will return.

                                          

Wishing you abundance in your life!

Good Day and Lots of Sunshine!

Found this beautiful tribute to the Beatle's classic:


Good Day Sunshine over at YouTube.

(click to sing and dance along!)

After all these years, their music is as fresh and vibrant as ever.

And this song, one that always brings a smile to my day.

Today it even got me up from my chair for a much-needed exercise break!

Good day, sunshine!!!!

Rooftop Conference!

" Hey gang, the sky looks pretty clear.

 Maybe we should stop and rest a spell."

                       

                                   

"Daaaah gone it, wrong again!"

                         

                    

These birds seemed to be discussing the weather. 

 They waaaaaas country birds!

Hope it's clear sailing, wherever you are.

Welcome to My New Happiness Blog!

I hope you will stop by every day for a "happy break" here at my new blog.

Dedicated to good vibes, positive energy, encouragement, happy thoughts and lots of laughter too.
                     

There is so much focus on sadness and the harsher realities of life shared endlessly online and elsewhere in the news. This is my attempt to spread a little of the sunshine and optimism that life is also all about. To strive to make each day worthwhile and positive. To focus on all the good things. 
                                     

In addition to my own posts, I hope to include many "gems" from other bloggers, writers and friends. If you have an idea for a post to share here send me an email, I'd love to hear from you.
                        

We can never have enough positive, energizing thoughts. They are what we become, what can change a bad day into a better one. A good day into a great one. 

Even a smile can change, sometimes even transform someone's world so share one today!
                          

I plan/hope to post every day (Monday to Friday) so stop by soon and often. Subscribe or bookmark and spread the word. 


We all deserve more happiness...hope to see you soon!
                       

PS: Flowers always make me smile. I'll be sharing a lot of them here too!

New Blog Launch!

I'll be posting here starting on Monday February 28th. Hope you'll stop by then and often!

Have a wonderful weekend. G