tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29668181826881834432024-03-13T06:39:06.152-04:00The Willing SpiritDeborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-17815979222163848052015-05-03T15:03:00.000-04:002015-05-29T22:40:40.693-04:00Therapy on a Shoestring<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hi – how're you doing? You don't have to look behind you – I'm talking to you. Yeah, you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">How's 2015 working for you? Has the New Year been a good one so far? How's work? the family? your finances? health? Anything getting you down?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Don't look so surprised. If you've got challenges in any of these areas, you're not alone.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">With every new year comes expectations: Better this, improved that, more of something, less of something. Every year people think it's going to be different. Unfortunately, often it's either a mildly heightened or watered down version of the year before.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sorry. Don't mean to be a bummer, but it's true. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some say the bluest day of the year is the first Monday after the New Year. Lines start forming at therapists' offices soon after; people needing answers, a fix for what ails them. They suck it up and spend lots of money to talk ... and have someone listen. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Don't
get me wrong. There are many wonderful and talented therapists, but not
everyone can afford to pay hundreds of dollars a month to get emotional
relief. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Even as the year progresses and Winter resigns itself to Spring, and Spring to Summer, too many carry burdens that get the best of them. Life is a gift, but it's not always easy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Therapy on a Shoestring</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c07fOGv8jbg/VWkYT8tPpkI/AAAAAAAAAYo/ERWUglmfkQg/s1600/self%2Bsoothe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c07fOGv8jbg/VWkYT8tPpkI/AAAAAAAAAYo/ERWUglmfkQg/s200/self%2Bsoothe.jpg" width="191" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is why I've come up with a few free -to-inexpensive ideas to help you self soothe when it feels like life is getting the better of you. You may question how effective these methods are, but I tell you – they work! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you're feeling a little down, you may find some value in the options listed below. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm not a licensed therapist, never have been, don't pretend to be, but what if one of these simple ideas started making you feel better? Is it worth it? Only you can decide if it is or isn't.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let's Do This! Ten Great Ways to Feel Better</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Therapy on a shoestring reminds me of another one of my articles: "Love on a Budget." Ninety-eight percent of the population don't have deep pockets. There's a need for creative accounting, figuratively speaking. So, here goes...</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Hug Therapy</b>. This no-cost way of feeling better is unbelievable. And let me just stop you in your tracks if you're thinking, "But what if there's no one to hug me?" Hug yourself! You read right. Hug yourself. The heat that emanates from your own hands is soothing and therapeutic. $0!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Art Therapy</b>. Remember when you were in school and you drew pictures and colored and painted? Everything around you faded into the background as you delved into your artistic endeavors. Worries seemed smaller and happiness filled your heart. Under $5 for basic supplies!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Music Therapy</b>. Music has the magical ability to transition your mood almost immediately. What's the cost of electricity to listen to the radio? </span><span style="font-size: large;">Zero dollars to mere pennies. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJfGGUCkfvU/VWkUmGsPP7I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/KiI5JhoGij0/s1600/music%2Bbubbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJfGGUCkfvU/VWkUmGsPP7I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/KiI5JhoGij0/s1600/music%2Bbubbles.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Bubble Therapy</b>. Go outside and blow bubbles. You can buy them at the dollar store. One buck for 16 ounces! The ethereal bubbles float and escape into the sky, elevating your mood at the same time.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Laughter Therapy</b>. Joke. Watch comedy shows. Read a funny book. All are basically zero dollars, and as we all know, laughter is jogging for the soul.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Gratitude Therapy</b>. Have you taken the time lately to count the many incredible things in your life? Remember, there are too-many-to-count blessings that we often forget to acknowledge. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Art & Music Therapy</b>. Combine art therapy and music therapy and you get – tada! art and music therapy! Let the music lift your spirits and free you up to creatively draw or paint. Still under $5!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Think of Others Therapy</b>. When you realize just how good you have it and spend your energy and thoughts thinking of others, and doing good deeds, your heart opens up and your mind mellows. Ahem – another freebie therapy!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Physical Activity Therapy</b>. Most sports and activities require more than just the physical – they depend on mental acuity, as well. The mental focus and release of endorphins due to physical activity are a win/win. Cost depends on the activity, but it costs $0 to swim, walk or bike.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Focus on the Present Therapy</b>. If you aren't already aware, everything in life is temporary. That means the good moods and the bad. When you focus on the present you have a better chance of being keenly aware of the good. Dwelling on the past or stressing over the future deprives you of your present peace of mind.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Maybe now is the time to take stock of how you feel and how you ultimately want to feel. There are so many ways of calming self and finding solace, using simple and inexpensive methods. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">One last tip – if you want to find a mentor who can assist in helping you feel better, have a look at children playing in the park. Their joy at the little things in life is a lesson in itself. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">How will you be celebrating "<b><i>Positive Power of Humor and Creativity Days</i></b>" June 5–7?</span></span>
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Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-13210821858283873062015-04-19T18:25:00.001-04:002015-04-19T18:38:43.985-04:00Controversy is Liberating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3tXQLd41X8/VTQaIaaMd-I/AAAAAAAAAX8/k4NP56LWJuI/s1600/half%2Bfull%2Bhalf%2Bempty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3tXQLd41X8/VTQaIaaMd-I/AAAAAAAAAX8/k4NP56LWJuI/s1600/half%2Bfull%2Bhalf%2Bempty.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Controversy is everywhere... Is the glass of water half empty or half full?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Depending on an individual's perspective it could be either – or both - maybe even neither!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">The world has become a playing field for the opinions of everyone, and controversy reigns like a king on a throne.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of water, is it healthier to drink room temp or iced? There are "ye's" and "nays" for both sides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Does organic agriculture truly result in better quality apples and oranges, or not? Is drinking coffee good or bad for you? Does eating red meat mean you will have health issues? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is driving a compact car going to save our planet? Is deforestation still occurring - should we recycle our paper? Do our recycled plastics and papers really get recycled? Is orange the new black???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Controversy can feel stressful to some, but try thinking about it in these terms...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Controversy is freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and freedom of action. It may not be pleasant but it is freedom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friendships have been broken and lost over controversial topics and events; beyond the half-full, half-empty debate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Countries have fought wars over lines drawn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Household furnishings have been battled over and split in half in divorce disputes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">So how can controversy be liberating?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you pick a side, choose an option and believe in your choice, controversy is liberating. It's not always easy, but with time it can be the best thing you ever did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Choosing iced water over tepid is not earth shattering, while choosing to let go of a husband, wife or lifelong friend can feel like the world is coming to an end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Au contraire</i> - it is one of the most liberating things a person can do to move on to the next chapter. It is the beginning of the healing process and the indicator of new horizons and new-found freedom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Freedom of choice is given from the universe - a spiritual gift that supports our decisions and helps us process what we need to do to move forward. It boils down to the liberation of some of the most challenging controversies, and that liberation is what buoys us in the next phase of life.</span>Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-32025088803805503202015-03-16T10:02:00.002-04:002015-03-16T10:02:23.879-04:00Soothing a Savage Breast<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">14,856,187... 19,346,390... 8,658,191... 4,163,908... 17,946,107... 1,946,106... 18,733,207... 1,832,528... 13,318,997... 1,196,995... 6,296,938... 2,127,197... 4,466,861...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPwG_zgD5Do/VQbcZr4oV2I/AAAAAAAAAXg/YzP-ry-Rlnc/s1600/numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPwG_zgD5Do/VQbcZr4oV2I/AAAAAAAAAXg/YzP-ry-Rlnc/s1600/numbers.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Any idea what these numbers represent? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Are they statistics or demographics of some sort?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think you'll be surprised to learn what they're about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">But before I let you in on this, I'd like to share some statistics...</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a survey carried out between 2005–2010 it was found that about 4% of the adult population in the United States took prescription sleep aids</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">A market research firm has reported a</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> tripling in sleep aid prescriptions from 1998 to 2006 for young adults aged </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">18–24 </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">More women than men use sleep aids (5.0% and 3.1% respectively)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Two of the references for these statistics come from respected sources: The LA Times and a group of psychiatric researchers. Both attribute the economic slowdown as the culprit of stress and sleep disorders. So it would be pretty safe to say that people of all ages are suffering and need to find a way to calm down and breathe; to find a way to sleep and be peaceful while they're awake; to have an aid to help them cope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apparently there is, yet, I don't see any statistics on this coping mechanism even though the numbers are staggering. Conduct a basic search and you will find tons of statistics on prescriptions. Don't forget to keep reading your research until the very end - that's when it reveals the warnings, contraindications and horror stories of side effects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">A Groovy Kinda Music </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The values mentioned above are real time numbers – people who listen to a certain type of music on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/">You Tube</a>, which in turn, represents the number of people who are trying to remain calm and relieve themselves of stress, as well as to be able to fall sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Search under the headings: Calming Music, Calming Music for Stress, Meditative Music, Music to Relieve Stress, etc. If you search under: Calm, Meditation, Stress, Yoga, New Age and several other key words, hundreds of play lists come up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">What this tells us is that we are living in very challenging times. It tells us that many are seeking an alternative way to decompress; to be able to cope, and function, at the same time. Whether due to economics, family or personal relationships, this generation needs some serious help to restore inner peace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over a million hits is impressive, but many of these tranquil play lists have been host to multiples of millions - six, thirteen, eighteen million, and more. Hit after hit from those seeking healthier, more spiritually based choices to find tranquility, rather than from prescriptive meds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">This good news, that millions are finding alternatives to prescription drugs to calm themselves, doesn't seem to appear in mainstream statistics, as important and relevant as they are. You will find many articles on the benefits, but nothing on the hard numbers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did you know that meditating, doing yoga and listening to calming music can lower your blood pressure and heart rate by up to 10 points, and often more? Soothing music can aid in restoring your health - you would think that the statisticians and medical researchers would want to know more about this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">We've been sold on organic, grassroots and back to basics for our produce, clothing and building materials. Why not music as well?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank You, Mr. Congreve </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s872FLgiKUM/VQbcd8dJh-I/AAAAAAAAAXo/-kfusEcf2Zo/s1600/congreve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s872FLgiKUM/VQbcd8dJh-I/AAAAAAAAAXo/-kfusEcf2Zo/s1600/congreve.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast," is a line written by William Congreve in 1697, from his play, "The Mourning Bride." It's doubtful that Congreve had a crystal ball and looked into the chaotic future, however, he was on the right track more than three hundred years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">If it comes down to a choice between drugs and music, let's opt for the organic, grassroots of meditative, calming notes that have no side effects and only benefits of the best kind. The melodic strains of soothing music can bring you to a <i>Edenesque </i>place that no drug or artificial method can. Mindful meditation while listening to a tranquil playlist is a delightful <i>drug</i> of the very best kind. <i>Namaste.</i><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"></span></i></span><br />
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Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-15715663059397404362015-02-05T21:25:00.000-05:002015-02-05T21:28:35.381-05:00A Shoulder and a Second Glance<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Never mistake a look of determination; steely eyes and set jaw, thin lips in a straight line, for a cold heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't be too sure that crossed arms are staunch gateposts fending off and keeping out others from the body, mind, heart and soul hidden behind them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feet firmly planted, set below legs slightly parted and straight, knees locked in, tells you nothing. These are the covert tactics of the spirit's camouflage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_a3GSu1iXE/VNQfpVp8m7I/AAAAAAAAAWo/1PwiRn3M10A/s1600/Tear%2BDrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_a3GSu1iXE/VNQfpVp8m7I/AAAAAAAAAWo/1PwiRn3M10A/s1600/Tear%2BDrop.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did you notice the almost too bright glimmer in those eyes – a hint of moisture forming at the inner corner of one of them – swelling up to create one perfectly shaped salty tear?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Could you see the reddened crescent nail imprints on both arms as an internal struggle took place to not break down in public, as cruelty washed over that body, that mind, that heart, that soul?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Had you glanced down you might have noticed the pink and white mottled toe joints, scrunched up, fortifying themselves in their own tiny, fearful way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be a person, a human being who takes a second glance and isn't quick to judge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fear is often disguised as bravado, or meanness, or aggression. Steeliness is frequently the facade of sadness. Bracing against perceived and potential human storms is a reflex; a learned behavior from past hurts and disappointments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quick to judge others brings them more of the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEG1eUYkx1w/VNQiBbunlzI/AAAAAAAAAXA/tTaZJgYMH1c/s1600/Ice%2BHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEG1eUYkx1w/VNQiBbunlzI/AAAAAAAAAXA/tTaZJgYMH1c/s1600/Ice%2BHeart.jpg" height="177" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Patience can melt a frozen heart and heal a wounded soul. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Kindness</span> is the strong soul's way of giving attention to one who needs it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shrug off the indifference, poor attitude and cold shoulder of one who needs a shoulder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take a second glance to look beyond the arrogance and indifference of a suffering spirit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make a difference for one — Make a difference for many — Make a difference for you </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">February 9 - 15 is Random Acts of Kindness Week</span><span style="color: red;">, but it can start right now : )</span></span><br />
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<br />Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-9650217485311616012015-01-20T09:36:00.001-05:002015-04-18T14:52:39.180-04:00The Time of "Your" Life<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>ypically, sometime around August or September, I review and recommend books that are of the spiritual, inspirational and motivational genres. Well, this next one can't wait until the summer months. It is your next best read of the year – and no better time than at the beginning of the New Year to pick up a book that you won't want to put down because its insight, candor and wisdom takes you to a new place of understanding. </b><br />
<br />
<b> While "The Time of My Life," by Cecelia Ahern, is a work of fiction, it is so utterly open and honest it feels like you're reading a true story. Miss Ahern (also the author of P.S. I Love You, which was adapted for the big screen, starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler) has a unique way of opening up her characters and revealing their most vital organs. As uncomfortable as this sounds, you will find that it is a necessary part of the process, as Lucy Silchester (the main character) comes face to face with her life - literally. I will not be ruining the end by telling you they are stitched back together, better than ever, by the time you're on the last page; with Ms. Ahern's flair and style of writing, the end is just a way of closing off. The meat of the story is what will have you hooked and wanting more. If you're a rubbernecker, the excruciatingly painful collision of Lucy's private life with her hammy open Life persona will remind you of an accident in slow motion.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The series of events that leads to her metamorphosis are detailed, humorous, and arouse empathy. Cecelia has an uncanny way of describing emotions and thought processes in a way that we can all too easily relate to, so you might find yourself squirming now and again as the bare truth of the main character, Lucy, is revealed. </b><br />
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<b>To say that this book is thought provoking would be as simplistic as saying Big Ben is a clock. The brilliant psychological manipulation of her Life, used to enlighten the <i>deeply-entrenched-in-la-la-land</i> Lucy, allows the reader to have a front row seat to her own personal hell and heaven.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The unbelievably real message of this piece of fiction has you invested in the idea that <i>Life</i> might come knocking at your door any minute, and when it doesn't, you feel like you're missing out.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>If you read only one book this year... </b>Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-9426153704800519232015-01-14T23:14:00.001-05:002015-01-18T20:36:03.611-05:002015 – The Buck Stops Here<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span>onfetti, cork-popping champagne-induced embraces, and hoopla of the New Year, are already a thing of the past. We've arrived at the midway point of the first month only to discover an episodic clone of the previous year. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnGFe-1n6A/VLc83U37W4I/AAAAAAAAAWA/UWhvt13I-HI/s1600/New%2BYear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnGFe-1n6A/VLc83U37W4I/AAAAAAAAAWA/UWhvt13I-HI/s1600/New%2BYear.jpg" /></a></span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If this sounds somewhat somber (and sobering) it is.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Time to take a really serious look at what's ahead for us. To evaluate what must, should, needs to be done. <i> </i></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Pass the buck</i> should only be referenced between flirtatious doe<i> besties</i> as they flutter their eyelashes and strut their stuff while passing the hunky buck. </span></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eyes cast downward and limp-handed finger pointing is not the best method for coming to terms with or ignoring the state of the world. We are, all, small links in this gigantic chain of events that has managed to unforgivably repeat itself year after year.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are also halfway into this decade. Is this to be the remainder of the 2000's teen years? Maybe so. The teen years are known to be hormonal, self absorbed, angst-filled tar pits of misery. Should we brace ourselves until this century reaches the somewhat more mature mellowed twenties? Although, it's typically not until the late thirties or early forties that the sprinkle of snow atop the receding hairline brings us to the brink of maturity, and even then... </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exactly. Who says wisdom or a calm demeanor come with age? Haven't you ever witnessed an angry thirty, forty or fifty year old driver, bellicose and belligerent at being cut off in the passing lane?</span></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This isn't an age thing. This is a passing of time, history repeating itself thing. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In what decade will</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> the history books be rewritten to reflect enlightenment rather than war? When will we look back and say silent prayers of thanks that the world and its people have changed - become a kinder, gentler, wiser race of human beings? At what point will we know that the New Year bodes well?</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you have a bit of the gambler in you, you might wager that 2015 will do better in the aftermath of 2014, even with the shaky start it's had. But why should we have to gamble on world peace, or on the success of the New Year? </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm praying that 2015 is a loving and harmonious year; a prodigy of love. A mature fifteen year old that turns his back on turbulence and terrorism and washes his hands of it. A mighty, proud, world-altering year that says there's no more passing the buck - the buck stops here.</span></span></b><br />
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</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-63417855217630072392014-12-12T09:43:00.001-05:002014-12-12T12:28:03.922-05:00Infinity and Beyond<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2966818182688183443" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the most defeating conversations do not happen with others. They take place in our own minds, where our opponent is fiercer than any foe could be.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgcGnT1NrTU/VIr75b1f8AI/AAAAAAAAAVw/xEFrNGpERkE/s1600/Limitless%2BUniverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgcGnT1NrTU/VIr75b1f8AI/AAAAAAAAAVw/xEFrNGpERkE/s1600/Limitless%2BUniverse.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The universe is limitless – we're not sure where it begins or where it ends. When you consider that we are made up of </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">protons, neutrons and electrons</span>, as is the universe, why then do you think we limit ourselves?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Desire leads us to accomplish great things. While not everyone is on the same path as renowned trailblazers Einstein, Curie, Shakespeare or Yousafzal, the desire to create a path that leads to fulfillment is there for all of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Infinite possibilities.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Paths may change direction – offshoots of an original thought may manifest a hybrid plan, or one that is completely separate from the original concept, however, all is possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This season's holidays are often filled with great emotion as the year winds down and a new one appears on the horizon. Too often the focus is on what occurred and not on what is yet to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Set yourself free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Do not limit yourself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Go where your desire takes you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the journey and embrace the change.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Fear not why your direction's course has altered.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Accept the changes and stay the course only as long as it is productive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The best is yet to come and we are the navigators of our intentions and destiny.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With desire, certainty, confidence, acceptance, peace, love and presence, we will arrive at our place in the greater, external universe, as well as, in our internal universe. The two are one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Listen to your inner voice, the sound box of your gut instinct. There is no shame in changing direction. We control our destiny when we are present and mindful of what we truly want. There is no shame in wanting to have it all. There is a limitless universe and we are an essential part of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go forth and conquer. It's (y)our inalienable right.</span><br />
<br />Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-15782330039409659182014-11-21T19:08:00.001-05:002014-11-21T19:08:14.952-05:00One More Step - Happy Thanksgiving<div class="MsoNormal">
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-</style><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>his Thanksgiving, </span></span><span><span>when you give thanks for all that you have, remember to look within and give thanks for your tenacity, your willpower, inner strength, pluck, and spirit that lifts you and others, day after day, even when you think the well has run dry. Keep going. Success was founded on...</span></span><span><span> </span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><span>... One More Step</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3RQbmf8zTw/VG_MfcviUOI/AAAAAAAAAU0/H01cQtmNNk4/s1600/Walk%2BHumbly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3RQbmf8zTw/VG_MfcviUOI/AAAAAAAAAU0/H01cQtmNNk4/s1600/Walk%2BHumbly.jpg" /></a><span>I’d
rather walk humbly than put on airs Understand than be understood<br />
Be the foundation instead of top floor<br />
Do all the things I should</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>I’d
rather build up than tear apart<br />
The spirit of those I love<br />
Lead with no fanfare, quietly, calm <br />
Be the olive branch and the dove</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>I’d
rather stay in the game ‘til the end <br />Than bow out when the going gets tough<br />
Count my blessings from all things great<br />
When others cry, “It’s enough!”</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Success
is built by staying strong <br />It ascends the steps of hard knocks<br />
It’s not the goal or destination<br />
It’s life’s lessons and building blocks</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>I’ll
be strong and brave, won’t ever give in <br />
Will resist the temptation to quit<br />There will be times when the urge is to stop<br />
There’ll be times when there’s no more grit</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>To all
these challenges, I say to myself<br />
“Just one more step I take”<br />
One more step through the darkest of night<br />
‘Til the clock chimes dawn’s daybreak</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>One
more step and then I’ll rest<br />
One more step I go<br />
One more step to prove I can<br />
One more step to show</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>One
and one and one step more<br />
Ignoring burst blisters and pain<br />
Uphill, downhill, horizon bound<br />
Under blazing sun, through rain</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kumTsrLCHg/VG_MytEGlaI/AAAAAAAAAVE/_dd2B22IoOs/s1600/Wallk%2Bthru%2Bthe%2BDoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kumTsrLCHg/VG_MytEGlaI/AAAAAAAAAVE/_dd2B22IoOs/s1600/Wallk%2Bthru%2Bthe%2BDoor.jpg" /></a><span>I’d
rather walk humbly with strong reserve<br />
I’ll crawl on my knees to keep going<br />
I can cover the wounds on my knees and my soul<br />
I will do this without others knowing</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>And
when the last step is covered with grass<br />
And when the last breath is no more<br />
I’ll know in my heart that one more step<br />
Led me up to and through the door<br />
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Copyright©2014 D. Desser All Rights Reserved</span><span> </span></b></span></span></div>
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Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-55662374018933276402014-10-08T18:58:00.000-04:002014-10-08T18:58:17.917-04:00Calling for Sunny Skies<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7bqyzsOdmI/U7S2CSbDqAI/AAAAAAAAARg/su3T5PVGCbE/s1600/Fair+Skies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7bqyzsOdmI/U7S2CSbDqAI/AAAAAAAAARg/su3T5PVGCbE/s1600/Fair+Skies.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Last night called for sunny skies – light and breezy. Not a chance of rain. The perfect forecast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A magnificent day to look forward to. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This morning, after receiving a sombre call, the winds of change swooped in and proved it to be a day without fair skies. A day that bitterly cast aside sunshine and resolved itself to gray and gloom.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LH0ph4h9gAw/U7tFT---87I/AAAAAAAAASM/52Yx2Yrlf7c/s1600/Ill+Wind.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LH0ph4h9gAw/U7tFT---87I/AAAAAAAAASM/52Yx2Yrlf7c/s1600/Ill+Wind.JPG" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">One phone call received from an ill wind was all it took to allow the depletion of the soul and spirit. One phone call. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One Single Call</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How much power do we have? How much power do we give away? Why do we give it away? And how can we stop this intrusion that wreaks havoc with our disposition?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mahatma Gandhi said, "Nobody can hurt me without my permission." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a simple truth. What we allow to happen is an invasion of our minds by another's negative thoughts and words. Physical strength is important, but to be strong of mind gives strength until the very end of our days, when our physicality becomes part of a dim, distant past.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Think about what you will and won't permit in your own personal life. You may not be able to halt what goes on elsewhere, but you have the power to limit access of others to your mind and thoughts. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When you do your spirit soars with confidence as you empower yourself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Your disposition will be that of a spiritually strong individual.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cast off the mean spirited words of the less enlightened and continue to walk your path to inner tranquility - a victory of sorts. It takes practice and resolve, but what you gain is well worth it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are responsible for our own good feelings. By structuring our thought patterns to limit the negative and increase the positive, we create a shift in our own nature that can be far-reaching; benefiting others as well as ourselves.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Give yourself a few moments to reflect and rebuild your thoughts. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The skies are bound to clear up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-24839122604301684212014-09-01T22:02:00.000-04:002014-10-08T18:34:35.163-04:00Lemon Wedge Moon<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT69wak892w/VAUgLFZMsHI/AAAAAAAAAUM/rJX77L8afPo/s1600/Lemon%2BWedge%2BMoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lT69wak892w/VAUgLFZMsHI/AAAAAAAAAUM/rJX77L8afPo/s1600/Lemon%2BWedge%2BMoon.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>here’s
a lemon-wedge of a moon tonight, suspended in a deepening blue tranquil sky
that speaks of possibilities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
moon and sky are a part of the universe, which is a part of me, and of which we
are all a part. We’re connected as we hear unspoken words of longing, wishing,
expecting, thoughts of inner peace, gratitude, happiness, acknowledgements of
blessings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
particular twilight is our special moment, just moon and me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There's not a bird in the sky. No airplanes. Tree leaves are still. The pool
motor has completed its eight-hour run and is now silent. No low hum of
electricity from neighboring homes, not even a distant dog barking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
an intimate moment, one to be treasured.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Snugly
wrapped in a terry robe sitting upright on a poolside lounge, I am surrounded by the still air. I breathe in the scent of laundered towels, the delicate sweetness of blooms,
and a hint of chlorine. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Moon
and I communicate. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Moon rises, the star of the evening, but pays close
attention. Moon is a good listener. I bounce ideas off of moon and hear moon’s
message of quiet wisdom. I feel moon’s connectedness to <i>me</i>, a mere human, one
of many, but moon, moon is just one. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
feel special, chosen, singled out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Moon
is not illuminated by ego. Moon knows that without sun’s gracious gift, there’s no spotlight.
Yet, I recognize that without moon, romance could easily take a turn for the
worse. This is a part of our discussion, romance, and moon’s role in the June,
spoon of it. I hold my breath, waiting for pearls of wisdom. Moon does not
disappoint. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There’s
a lemon-wedge of a moon tonight, suspended in a deepening blue tranquil sky
that speaks of possibilities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tonight,
moon chose me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Copyright
© 2014 Deborah Desser. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-90107371792388856932014-08-30T16:26:00.003-04:002014-08-31T22:29:22.045-04:00Green Beans, Garlic and a Facebook ConnectionPost an item about GMO's or parenting and you receive a thumbs-up from 52 of your 3,074 Facebook (FB) friends. Success! Twenty dishes you can make with green beans and garlic was shared by 49 friends. Awesome!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdgxSpOfj6Q/VAIx9Swz6kI/AAAAAAAAAT8/GR9P69F7fes/s1600/Green%2BBeans%2B-%2BStep%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdgxSpOfj6Q/VAIx9Swz6kI/AAAAAAAAAT8/GR9P69F7fes/s1600/Green%2BBeans%2B-%2BStep%2B3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
A good many do this to stay in touch. It's a way of reaching more people with less energy. We can have mediocre to non-existent relationships with hundreds and thousands. <br />
<br />
Is this satisfying? Do you feel the same level of satisfaction as when you finish your plate of green beans and garlic? It filled an empty space of time or hunger, but just temporarily.<br />
<br />
It has been said more than once that quality trumps quantity.<br />
<br />
I'm reminded of the <a href="http://bni.com/">Business Networking International</a> (BNI) meetings I used to attend every Thursday morning at 7 a.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale. We shared leads and referrals with our business associates, the intent being to boost their business, as well as our own.<br />
<br />
Another thing we did to help increase our client base was to set up one-to-ones. The premise was, and still is, that when you get to know someone a little better, you often find that you can be the link between them and one of your own clients/friends/family members. Relationship building takes time, and more importantly, is an inroad to a more personal connection. Just by spending a little quality time you may find that you have much in common with someone you might never have gotten to know.<br />
<br />
Large gatherings and social events, both online and in person, are wonderful ways to network and socialize, however, intimate discussions and personal connections will never take a back seat to them. <br />
<br />
A tip of the hat to Facebook and other social sites that are linking people with long-lost friends.<br />
<br />
Now it's time to pick up the phone and make a call – your new acquaintance, or old friend, might know an even better way to prepare green beans and garlic!Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-68337527450985115542014-08-05T20:07:00.001-04:002014-08-05T21:42:36.943-04:00The Pushmi-Pullyu of the Middle East<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tyks4dvFQxs/U-FsRK6GolI/AAAAAAAAATg/fSHaZTDBeJU/s1600/gazelle+unicorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tyks4dvFQxs/U-FsRK6GolI/AAAAAAAAATg/fSHaZTDBeJU/s1600/gazelle+unicorn.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The "Pushmi-Pullyu" is a character from Dr. Dolittle - a two-headed animal joined by one body. At one end is the gazelle, at the other the unicorn. Quite an interesting combination when you consider the following:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The gazelle is known as the plucky underdog of the animal kingdom - fast and agile enough to escape the jaws of its predators; an intelligent animal that adapts, has keen vision and rather quickly senses enemies in its vicinity. They can sprint, stot (straight-legged bounce) and have permanent horns. They are resilient, graceful beasts.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The unicorn, while thought of in mythical terms as exceptional, appears in the Bible nine times, where it is mentioned that it is a wild and dangerous animal and cannot be tamed. It is thought that the unicorn is fashioned after </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">the wild ox and/or rhinoceros</span>. Myth states that darkness and winter will ensue should the unicorn's horn ever be broken or lost.</span></li>
</ul>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0aoiQUeUww/U-Fv-p9CI0I/AAAAAAAAATs/n572XDz31k8/s1600/two+heads.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0aoiQUeUww/U-Fv-p9CI0I/AAAAAAAAATs/n572XDz31k8/s1600/two+heads.jpg" height="224" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">That is how the Pushmi-Pullyu is portrayed in the first Dr. Dolittle movie. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the remake the beast is a two-headed llama, both heads at the same end.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Gaza Strip is one body of land with political and religious polarities not unlike the Dr. Dolittle character – the "Pushmi-Pullyu" of the Middle East, so to speak. One head chews its cud while the other speaks. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One group of people wants to maintain peace through intelligence and vision, and one group wishes to remain wild, untamed and oblivious of the terror and devastation left in their wake. One side brings improvements to health, technology and quality of life, the other snuffs out life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Israelis are plucky underdogs. They do not know the meaning of defeat and do not bow to any aggressor that wants to uproot their forward way of thinking and lust for life.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8eNjUZ0jxQ/U-FrMGvsz5I/AAAAAAAAATU/KeAog16Ik0Y/s1600/israeli+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8eNjUZ0jxQ/U-FrMGvsz5I/AAAAAAAAATU/KeAog16Ik0Y/s1600/israeli+flag.jpg" height="419" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">May the "gazelles" of the Middle East continue to combine their intelligence and agility to outwit the beast at the other end. Or even better, may they live as portrayed in the second version of the film, as two heads, two peoples in harmony, both on the same side.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-23462371730985573082014-07-09T21:56:00.000-04:002014-07-14T19:54:38.791-04:00Peace in the Middle East?<span style="font-size: large;">The only time I ever knew political fear on a national level was when my son was in elementary school. That morning my husband called from work and asked, "Have you turned on the TV?" I ran to the television set as he continued, "I just heard on the radio that the United States is under attack!" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It seemed ridiculous. The U.S. under attack? How was this possible? But we were. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the first and only time in my life, I felt vulnerable and fearful, easily reached with no place to hide. Parents were rushing over to schools to collect their children, in our city and cities all over the country. Bear in mind that the events were unfolding in New York, Philadelphia and Washington.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That didn't matter to me. It felt like it was in my own backyard. Right here in South Florida. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">September 11, 2001 changed the idea that the United States was impenetrable and a safe haven, protecting us from those who wished to bring us harm. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is frightening and disturbing. It denies every individual peace of mind, and relegates
hope to a completely different realm - an unfathomable hinterland - when one considers the complexities of hate and terrorism. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet, <i>my
fear</i> is on a separate level. I live in the United States
of America. Prior to the States I lived in Canada, where I was born and raised. In other words, a fairly peaceful existence. A co-existence of many different people.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Peace.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Will it ever happen in the Middle East as long as there exists a we and a them? Will there ever be a mirrored reflection of both sides as one? The absurd polarity of it is this – exchange sides and we become them and they become us. We are all interchangeable. We will never know peace until both sides recognize that we are, all of us, God's children.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"</span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">KILL THEM ALL A GOOD MUZZY IS A DEAD MUZZY" <span style="font-size: large;">is a comment posted on a friend's Facebook page July 8, 2014. I take serious exception to this kind of rant. Remember, turn the tables and that is what is being said of the Israelis by ignorant, terrorist radicals who have no concept of acceptance, tolerance, peace or love. Until the masses have an understanding that radical terrorists of a race or religion do not reflect nor represent all of their people, there will continue to be this insane behavior and attempted annihilation of an innocent group of people. Judging all because of a few has never bode well.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">The Israelis have only seconds before incoming missiles hit any number of targets. The <i>Iron Dome </i>launches rockets that have intercepted many medium and long range rockets, but not all. The Israelis live under constant fear, stressed for the safety of their children and their own lives. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">Does this mean that one's comment, as noted above, is legitimate? Wouldn't it be better to work towards raising the bar, rather than sinking to the lowest common denominator?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">How can this be done? </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">I wish I had the answer.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">Will there ever be peace in the Middle East? </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">I wish I knew, and that the answer was a globally resounding YES!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">What can any of us do about this sad and disturbing episodic travesty? </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">Let us pray for enlightenment. Let us meditate for morality and human consciousness. Let us vow not to turn into hate mongers. Let us continue to differentiate right from wrong and remain on the elevated side of right.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">May the Middle East know peace, now, in our time. Amen.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".gn.1:3:1:$comment10152141476621957_10152141653936957:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="font-size: large;">© 2014 Deborah Desser </span></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-65449442843671222772014-06-01T12:26:00.004-04:002014-06-01T12:26:55.440-04:00Peace<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPlRG7EdCbw/U4tOmznisII/AAAAAAAAARQ/I1zZOMzyRXM/s1600/+Lake+at+Dusk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPlRG7EdCbw/U4tOmznisII/AAAAAAAAARQ/I1zZOMzyRXM/s1600/+Lake+at+Dusk.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> can I find a little peace? is not an uncommon query. We hear it, we say it, we believe it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The truth of the matter is, peace is everywhere, when it is planted in the mind, heart, soul and spirit. When we pay attention to our thoughts, listen to our breathing, become mindful of our practices and acknowledge our blessings, peace forms and grows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As peace grows in our minds, it takes hold in our surroundings and situations, spreading roots, bearing new green shoots of optimism, love, happiness.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."—Jimi Hendrix </span></span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Nobody can bring you peace but yourself."—Ralph Waldo Emerson </span></span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Peace is its own reward."—Mahatma Gandhi </span></span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"The real and lasting victories are those of peace, and not war."</span></span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">—Ralph Waldo Emerson </span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies."—Desmond Tutu </span></span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peace be within you.</span>Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-25693522667423019982014-05-13T15:38:00.001-04:002014-05-13T15:38:17.622-04:00The Road to ? Is Paved with Good Intentions and Commitment, or How Emotional Release is Exhilirating! Good feelings abound as holidays and special occasions take place, only to dissipate once the calendar page is torn away. What does this mean? Basically that holidays come with more than festivities - they come with good intentions, too. And lots of emotions.<br />
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Let's take a look at the following, well-known holidays and what transpires before, during and after:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az3dgDP1Zc8/U3Jyb7UDvbI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/BzkSV6voZ6k/s1600/good+intentions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az3dgDP1Zc8/U3Jyb7UDvbI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/BzkSV6voZ6k/s1600/good+intentions.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>New Year's Eve</b>. Leading up to it we feel anticipation, excitement at the opportunity for a brand new start. During the evening we revel and speak of new beginnings - resolutions that will turn our lives around. The change is generally short-lived as, after New Year's Day, we feel the let down of the momentum and the reality that change takes place when we make a commitment to our emotions and intentions.</li>
<li><b>St. Valentine's Day</b>. Leading up to it we feel excited about love - having it, looking for it or finding it. We're convinced that our soul mate will manifest in response to our heart's wish and our mind's good thoughts. We assure ourselves that we will proactively participate in our relationship or open ourselves up to love, hence receiving our true love. Afterward, when the last petal falls off the delicate rose, we are left with no observable difference in our life because the momentum left and we did not commit to our emotions or intentions.</li>
<li><b>Independence Day</b>. Leading up to it we feel an enormous pride in our nation, community, family and those serving on our behalf. We buy the red, white and blue plates, cups and napkins, purchase colorful fireworks and go to town having a good time in recognition of our country's past, present and future. We vow to undertake duties not taken before, and participate in events that support our nation. What happens a day later is back to what is in front of our noses - no more, no less. The passion, pride and momentum falls off abruptly as the red, white and blue garlands are packed away; emotions and intentions packed away with the decorations.</li>
</ul>
The same goes for Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and personal celebrations. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AU9DwqqiFQ/U3JxrejHuuI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/pri5Ea--WFw/s1600/emotion+Mark+Twain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AU9DwqqiFQ/U3JxrejHuuI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/pri5Ea--WFw/s1600/emotion+Mark+Twain.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
The point is, emotions and ideals, of what we should be doing in the big picture and for the greater good, is short lived when it is based on sensory emotions: seeing the hustle and bustle leading up to a big holiday, hearing the associated music, smelling the special holiday foods and, of course, tasting them. The holidays play on our emotions like violin music in a romantic drama.<br />
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There is no way that the intent to commit to the moment will last. It's like walking out of the movie theater, eyes red from crying, and twenty minutes later chomping on a smoked meat sandwich with your friends, laughing at one of their inane comments.<br />
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Now, there is no right or wrong here. Just like having a good cry after a sad movie (or a laugh after a particularly funny one) is good for the soul, so are the holidays, and the emotions they evoke.<br />
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On the other hand, if you don't want it to be short-lived and disappear in a puff of smoke, try drafting a map for yourself. The greatest journeys have all started with one little step. This blog is more about having options and fulfilling your own personal needs than it is about redirecting. We all love to be the directors of our own movie. This is one way of looking at two possibilities during the year's many holidays and special occasions.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crfa6W1ujY4/U3Jw0zzMmqI/AAAAAAAAAQo/KT6ArUoq490/s1600/the+world+is+yours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crfa6W1ujY4/U3Jw0zzMmqI/AAAAAAAAAQo/KT6ArUoq490/s1600/the+world+is+yours.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Emotional release and personal change are both good things. Be open to either.<br />
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The<br />
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World<br />
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is<br />
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Yours.Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-29331367666178615662014-05-03T22:05:00.002-04:002014-05-04T16:32:58.397-04:00Tick – Tick – TickWatching the World Population Clock I witnessed 40 births documented within a span of 10 seconds.<br />
It was estimated, March 1, 2007, that by the year 2050 there would be 7.3 to 10.7 billion people on earth. Our planet's population is currently at over 7.230 billion, and it's only 2014.<br />
Life is doubling, tripling, expanding at a rate never imagined. Mother Earth has a heavy load, and as the world's population expands and (figuratively) explodes (or is it literally?) the collective consciousness is becoming more aware and questioning what life is, what comes after life, and is this the only life?<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SBMIezHnOE/U2WQMwJevLI/AAAAAAAAAQI/PGt8ao4B6XU/s1600/Butterfly+Cycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SBMIezHnOE/U2WQMwJevLI/AAAAAAAAAQI/PGt8ao4B6XU/s1600/Butterfly+Cycle.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a>If you think this is the only life, consider this: after an egg is laid, a larva forms and a caterpillar is born, after which the pupa (or chrysalis) emerges as a butterfly. The life cycle of the butterfly takes on many forms and never ends. From egg to larva, caterpillar to butterfly, and egg once more, the cycle continues.<br />
The World Population Clock documents births and deaths – the growth of earth's inhabitants surpasses deaths by more than two times.<br />
And if you know that energy is never extinguished, it only takes on other forms, eg. ice, water, steam, and you understand the life cycle of the butterfly, where do you suppose our energy (soul, spirit, life force) goes? Where does it end up – and does it ever end?<br />
Speculation as to life after death, reincarnation and a higher consciousness that never needs to return to the cycle of life, is ongoing. The greatest minds, and most inquisitive and creative thinkers, still cannot conclusively determine what goes on after our flame has been extinguished. <br />
Yet we know that the energy is never extinguished, and it is for this reason that we may want to focus on our eternal energy that is a continuum, linking from past lives and situations to more positive experiences that build to a point where energy is pure.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr-wiFUquhE/U2Wbqpft1BI/AAAAAAAAAQY/1wTmOiTG1gE/s1600/Stacking+Blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr-wiFUquhE/U2Wbqpft1BI/AAAAAAAAAQY/1wTmOiTG1gE/s1600/Stacking+Blocks.jpg" /></a></div>
Like stacking blocks, lower ones are bigger and more cumbersome supporting a size less massive, lighter and higher - reaching toward the sky. Can this be a model for our life force? Is our own personal evolution moving toward a time where we need never to return to physical form, only a mind – consciousness with no body, floating on the thin air between galaxies?<br />
Speculation, interpretation, creative thinking and evolution, both of the mind and the physical form, have not been able to arrive at a final conclusion.<br />
What we may wish to figure out is how to become lighter, higher more evolved to the point at which we mingle with the souls of our past and float forever in the vast universe.<br />
Is this the goal – heaven – panacea for the many lives we've lived? Maybe it's time we started thinking about it.<br />
The clock is tick – tick – ticking.<br />
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<br />Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-64842911254148107512014-04-06T12:47:00.002-04:002014-04-06T14:17:02.775-04:00I Cross a Stream, I Have a Dream<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you think you could jump from a second story window into a large body of water below? How about if there was a raging fire starting to burn through the door, and leaping off the ledge was the only possible way out of the room? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAyv7JRR3S4/UwF4DY2TdHI/AAAAAAAAAPc/sg2oVVQJbS4/s1600/JUmpin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAyv7JRR3S4/UwF4DY2TdHI/AAAAAAAAAPc/sg2oVVQJbS4/s1600/JUmpin.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thank goodness most of us will never be faced with a life or death situation such as this, however, every day hundreds of thousands of individuals deal with overwhelming situations that call for action and they find that they cannot make the transition. They're afraid to jump, yet to remain means to get badly burned, or worse. Rooted to the spot where they stand because of emotional paralysis, a fear based behavior, the ability to move forward evades them, and the deadly flames engulf them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The flames can represent almost anything – a rotten business deal, a marriage gone bad, unhappiness with your choice of college major, or experiencing buyers' remorse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Too many stay in their bad deal, allowing the flames to lick higher and higher, causing profuse sweating, blistering and pain as the fire overtakes them and snuffs out their lives. It's heart-wrenching, when all they had to do was take a leap of faith into the cool, life-saving water below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What's scarier is the fact that most of these decisions are not life or death situations – they're decisions that end up being either right or wrong for you, but death will not ensue. Action was never taken to find out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To reach your dreams and realize them in a big way, it takes more for some and less for others. Some people are looking for the next challenge in all aspects of their lives. And many shy away from the decision-making that can lead them to greener pastures (or failure). Now you might think that if they knew that there would be greener pastures and no failure, they would take the leap of faith but surprisingly, the idea of making a choice is just as difficult for a guaranteed good outcome than not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Fear of the unknown prevents many from having a full, well-rounded life. Afraid to travel, commit to a partner or job or move to a new city keeps these individuals in a pretty monotonous life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In Abba's hit, I Have a Dream, the lyrics are simple but evocative of a deeper belief system:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RXbmilzLbg/U0GCdfIs3_I/AAAAAAAAAP0/Ja099rS8YbM/s1600/I+cross+a+stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RXbmilzLbg/U0GCdfIs3_I/AAAAAAAAAP0/Ja099rS8YbM/s1600/I+cross+a+stream.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>I have a dream, a song to sing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To help me cope with anything</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you see the wonder of a fairy tale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can take the future even if you fail</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I believe in angels</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Something good in everything I see</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I believe in angels</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When I know the time is right for me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll cross the stream, I have a dream</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a dream, a fantasy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To help me through reality</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And my destination makes it worth the while</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pushing through the darkness still another mile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I believe in angels</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Something good in everything I see</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I believe in angels</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When I know the time is right for me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll cross the stream, I have a dream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll cross the stream, I have a dream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The line, "Something good in everything I see," is extremely important, as it underlines the concept that all experiences are valuable. Shutting out decision making because of fear of the outcome is shutting out life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Change your college major, try a new job, ask the young lady with the pretty smile to join you for a cup of coffee, book tickets for an adventure. Start living life. The worst that can happen? You add another experience to your list. Perhaps you do find what you were looking for. Until you open your eyes, mind and heart, you will never know.</span><br />
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<br />Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-83857788618608894702014-02-02T16:59:00.000-05:002014-04-06T12:10:34.224-04:00Mergers Under PressureIf you could write your own story, predetermine your life, what would it be? What would you be: teacher, astronaut, philanthropist, pilot, surgeon, author or artist? Would your story be without controversy or drama, pain free, fearless and inspiring - void of anything unsettling - perfect on every level and in every way?<br />
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The thing about stories is everyone has one. While we are living our stories, others are living theirs. We cannot control anybody else - what, why or how they feel or what they do. It makes sense then that regardless if we had a genie ready to grant us any wish, our wish would not necessarily turn out the way we envisioned it. It couldn't. There is an indeterminate amount of varying factors reliant on other people's stories.<br />
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Because it is impossible for our story to exist apart from an others story, <b><i>we are destined to be dependent upon others lives and actions</i></b>. A hermit living deep within the hills with no neighbors for miles shares the ripple effects of unrelated events. The hermit may become sick from a crop duster flying off course or be charged by an injured animal hit by a hunter's less than perfect shot. He may find himself host to a lost camper or receiver of a balloon with a message that pierces his heart with emotion. Each episode of life interacts with our own. We live in a never ending, continuously enlarging web of connections, whether we like it or not; whether we want it or not; whether we acknowledge it or not, other people's lives evolve and involve us.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmBNq3nqe7A/Uu6cN8txWyI/AAAAAAAAAPM/HvC7tvxItwM/s1600/Stellar+Collision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmBNq3nqe7A/Uu6cN8txWyI/AAAAAAAAAPM/HvC7tvxItwM/s1600/Stellar+Collision.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Brace Yourself </b></span><br />
When stories merge, they create other stories. Brangelina (Brad and Angelina) are living proof! They merged and have the offspring to prove it. Closer to home, we also meet our mates, procreate and build families. Trees drop seeds and create larger forests. On every level, it's the natural progression of all living things. It's not only about procreation, though. Businesses merge and forge new affiliations. Children join together at the beginning of each new school year and build new relationships with fellow classmates. Athletes come together and form teams. Workers form unions. Mergers are ongoing.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mergers with No Acquisitions</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Stories, events, happenings, situations - good, bad, or otherwise - take place whether you sequester yourself or socialize in a big way. Since this is the case, it would make sense that we would want to have our stories merge with good stories, positive energy and people who can relate to our initiatives and visions. These other people want, hope for and expect the same of us. How can we do this and guarantee that the merger is a good one?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">If there were guarantees, there would be no divorce, mistreated children, seniors or animals, no spousal abuse, no hunger and no pain. Businesses would only flourish and have positive cash flow. How can we create resplendent mergers, vital connections and live the life we know we were divinely meant to live?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Know thyself. Know what you seek. Know that every thought, word and action is going to interact with an others, consequently impacting your own life as well as theirs. There aren't acquisitions to be made. There are mutually beneficial, synchronous relationships ready to take off.</span><br />
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To repeat: <b><i>we are destined to be dependent upon others lives and actions</i></b>. Therefore, they are also dependent on our lives and actions. If every path that we cross is reflective of our own behaviors, it would make sense that the value we place on our own happiness and fulfillment needs to be placed on every other person's life. Our great stories and successes are dependent on every connection we make.<br />
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When we collide we create upheaval, when we merge we create unity. If we do end up colliding from time to time, let us hope that they are of stellar proportions, eventually merging into an even larger star.<br />
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Have a listen to David Bowie and Freddie Mercury perform Under Pressure. <br />
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<br />Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-88819152343631397802014-01-03T17:24:00.001-05:002014-01-04T10:03:43.547-05:00Dear 2014,<br />
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I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you, but also to let you know there's a lot riding on your shoulders. As 2013's replacement, you should be aware that it is not an easy road ahead. There were many events in 2013 that grabbed the world's attention, most of which were sad, unwarranted, unnecessary. <br />
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True, over-the-top business deals took place: Yahoo purchased Tumblr for 1.1 billion and Microsoft nabbed Nokia for 7.2 billion, as well as the China Moon Rover moon landing; but what took place in between was sadness, destruction and devastation as death, natural disasters and terrorism reigned. The list is too long and too negative to bear reporting. It makes the heart heavy.<br />
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2014, please sit up and take note of what is not only expected of you but <i>needed</i> of you.<br />
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We, the people, need to know that the next 12 months will be better. We are a sturdy lot - we don't expect to have anything handed to us, but we are in dire need of more of the good stuff. More love, laughter, balance, passion, healthy challenges, the arts, civilization, enlightenment, divinity, gratitude, empathy, more healing among the masses; and peace.<br />
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Above all, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>peace</i></span>.<br />
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No more harboring resentment, anger, accusations, ridicule, bullying, egos out of whack, cynicism, complacency, violence, needless words and hapless deeds. No more. No more. Pray thee, no more.<br />
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We're not sugar-coating your role. It is a tough job and you will hear many people's wrath as your term winds down. However, should you ride the winds of moral change and reveal fairer skies; should you place greater emphasis on kindness over final say, and mentor those who have no idea, who are clueless in matters of the heart (loving themselves, their families and strangers), you will go down in history as the greatest year yet.<br />
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Take this opportunity to be supreme. Take this challenge to lead the world in a different, more loving direction. Consider your term your legacy. Be the best year yet. We're counting on you.<br />
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With all sincerity and hope,<br />
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Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-31290798029420646912013-12-18T17:41:00.000-05:002014-12-04T23:13:24.953-05:00The Sweet Spot<b><i>You Can Never Go Wrong When You ...</i></b><br />
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<b><i></i></b></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Follow your heart</i></b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOc/vkNF8IYyR5g/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOc/vkNF8IYyR5g/s200/peace.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a><b><i>Share a smile</i></b><br />
<b><i>Find ways to improve yourself </i></b><br />
<b><i>Listen without judgement</i></b><br />
<b><i>Go the extra mile</i></b><br />
<b><i>Stand for something</i></b><br />
<b><i>Create beauty</i></b><br />
<b><i>Protect the innocent</i></b><br />
<b><i>Keep your word</i></b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOg/lbN0fYNaF-4/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOg/lbN0fYNaF-4/s200/peace.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a><b><i>Hold your tongue</i></b><br />
<b><i>Admit when you're wrong</i></b><br />
<b><i>Pay it forward</i></b><br />
<b><i>Think about others</i></b><br />
<b><i>Embrace the day</i></b><br />
<b><i>Mind your manners</i></b><br />
<b><i>Give without expectation</i></b><br />
<b><i>Rejoice in others success</i></b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOg/lbN0fYNaF-4/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOg/lbN0fYNaF-4/s200/peace.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a><b><i>Confront a fear</i></b><br />
<b><i>Say you're sorry</i></b><br />
<b><i>Play by the rules</i></b><br />
<b><i>and sometimes</i></b><br />
<b><i>Bend the rules for good</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I call it the 'sweet spot'</i></b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOg/lbN0fYNaF-4/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOg/lbN0fYNaF-4/s200/peace.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a><b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>When you know in your</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Heart </i></b><br />
<b><i>Mind</i></b><br />
<b><i>Soul</i></b><br />
<b><i>Spirit</i></b><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOg/lbN0fYNaF-4/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TiD0Pbvt44/UrIjYxsP14I/AAAAAAAAAOg/lbN0fYNaF-4/s200/peace.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a><b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>That good was created by your</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Thoughts</i></b><br />
<b><i><b><i>Beliefs</i></b> </i></b><br />
<b><i>Words<br />Actions<br />Mindfulness</i></b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-5Pq54zBws/UrIoZO73cjI/AAAAAAAAAOs/dfMHK2YBX6M/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-5Pq54zBws/UrIoZO73cjI/AAAAAAAAAOs/dfMHK2YBX6M/s200/peace.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a><b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>'Tis the season </i></b><br />
<b><i>To be more than just jolly</i></b><br />
<b><i>'Tis the season</i></b><br />
<b><i>To be all that you can be</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Wishing you and yours </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Blessings</i></b><br />
<b><i>Joy</i></b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-5Pq54zBws/UrIoZO73cjI/AAAAAAAAAOs/dfMHK2YBX6M/s1600/peace.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-5Pq54zBws/UrIoZO73cjI/AAAAAAAAAOs/dfMHK2YBX6M/s200/peace.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a><b><i>Happiness</i></b><br />
<b><i>Peace</i></b><br />
<b><i>Contentment</i></b><br />
<b><i>Love </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Never forgetting</i></b><br />
<b><i>Good will toward all men</i></b><br />
<b><i>Happens when you feel</i></b><br />
<b><i>The Sweet Spot in your Heart</i></b><br />
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Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-14818495297595989512013-10-13T15:28:00.004-04:002013-10-13T16:23:41.244-04:00Happiness in 3 Easy Steps - Third of Three Happiness Articles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--K9YtB1C9O8/UlroonFkqCI/AAAAAAAAAN4/1ma8eCfDwm0/s1600/Moment+of+Happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--K9YtB1C9O8/UlroonFkqCI/AAAAAAAAAN4/1ma8eCfDwm0/s200/Moment+of+Happiness.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b><span style="font-size: small;">appiness is a</span></span> warm puppy, states Charlie Brown of Schultz's <i>Peanuts</i>. According to The Beatles, it's a warm gun. This is taking creative or poetic license. We know that none of these things is happiness. So then - really - what is happiness?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some feel that happiness is as difficult to achieve as it is to see a particle of dust. What's up with these people that seem happy all of the time, regardless of what's going on in the world, their job, finances or love-life? Is there some sort of correlation between craziness and happiness? <i>Are they normal</i>? There's turmoil everywhere! Why Are They Happy?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are hundreds of thousands of people who guarantee that they can lead you to happiness through their books, CDs, life coaching seminars, healing workshops, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">True, some of these tools are instrumental in putting one on the right path, yet, many stray a short time after. How <b><i>does</i></b> one find happiness and have it become a constant in their life?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The Secret to Happiness <span style="font-size: x-small;">(yes, I truly believe this is the secret to happiness)</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here's the thing ... the secret to happiness is not necessarily found sitting atop the highest mountain with the most venerable guru, nor is it discovered while meditating and chanting words. All of these things may be a part of the journey and discovery process, but they are not what happiness is about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Genuine, deep-rooted happiness comes about in a very different manner - usually during the most mundane of routines. And there are three things that many overlook when trying to find and hold onto happiness.</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Identifying Happiness</b>. (<span style="color: red;">I see it!</span>) Have you ever driven past a street as you're looking for it? When looking carefully chances are you won't pass it. You are being careful and going slowly enough to see when it's coming up. If you're moving along at a good pace, it's easy to miss. The same thing goes for happiness. If you are being mindful of your life and expectations, you will discover that happiness is constantly within your reach, numerous times a day - you're just going too fast to identify it. By slowing down and keeping your eyes and mind wide open, you will see it in its many guises. It's there, in both the large and miniscule moments of your day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Attaining Happiness</b>. (<span style="color: red;">I'm experiencing it!</span>) Once you have identified happiness and recognize the impact it has on your mind, body, soul and spirit; you have only to continue watching out for it and embracing the metamorphosis that you experience each time it happens. As a point of reference, think about one of your favorite foods and how it tastes when you are leisurely eating it, as opposed to eating the very same thing when you're rushed and on the run. See? It tastes differently based on your state of mind. When eaten leisurely it satisfies more than hunger, it's pleasurable; when eaten quickly it just fills a void, relieving pangs of hunger.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Retaining Happiness</b>. (<span style="color: red;">I'm holding onto it!</span>) We all know that quick and easy fixes are momentary. Holding onto a valuable relationship or maintaining a healthy bank account are indicative of recognizing their importance and how they factor into your life. Divorce and financial ruin do not make for easy times. Retaining happiness is exactly the same thing. Going back to point 1, it takes identifying how it feels to be with it and without it. You can grab every opportunity for happiness, or miss the never-ending parade of opportunities in front of you.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
It's All in Your Mind</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--K9YtB1C9O8/UlroonFkqCI/AAAAAAAAAN4/1ma8eCfDwm0/s1600/Moment+of+Happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--K9YtB1C9O8/UlroonFkqCI/AAAAAAAAAN4/1ma8eCfDwm0/s200/Moment+of+Happiness.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">For some, the excitement of tearing open a beautifully wrapped gift is enough in itself. Regardless of what is hidden inside, the fact that someone was thoughtful and giving is enough for them, and fills them with a complete sense of satisfaction. For others, the joy is in the gift. What's inside. They do not identify that the giver of this gift values them and took time thinking about what they would like, how to wrap it and then present it to them. Do the math - that was four opportunities to be happy instead of one (the gift inside). And the gift could have easily resulted in disappointment rather than in satisfaction.</span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Happiness is a state of mind that results from forming a habit. Identifying, attaining and retaining the abundance of daily opportunities can become a way of life and your own personal "happiness habit." When you start to appreciate and find happiness in the details of everyday events, it's like wiping your smudged eyeglasses and putting them back on for a second look. Spectacular.</span><br />
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Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-48780626215599066402013-09-17T11:50:00.002-04:002013-09-17T11:50:55.995-04:00Powerful Books - Great Messages!
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<h1>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>2013 READING SUGGESTIONS</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the years I have posted suggested reading lists for
those seeking inspiration, motivation and spiritual guidance. One of the
interesting things about life is,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What attracts one may repel
another</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 26.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not every author or book is relatable for every reader. This
is why we have millions of authors and books – to fill the needs of every
individual.</div>
<h2>
<span style="color: windowtext;">And the Envelope, Please</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This season’s list is pretty awesome, by virtue of the
writer and their content.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Way
of the Peaceful Warrior. </b>Dan Millman, This embellished autobiographical
account of a young man’s meeting with his mentor, and the challenges that he
accomplishes both emotionally and physically, inspire and entertain. While it
is partially fiction, it doesn’t sugar coat his journey or detract from its purpose. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Three
Magic Words. </b>Uell S. Andersen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New Age</i> read
was written in 1954! Going on sixty years old, this significant book is
relevant and stays true to its metaphysically scientific roots, with no side
trips to religious realms. Though the cover has changed several times, the
easy-to-read informational content remains a constant, giving one much to ponder.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prayer, The Art of Believing. </b>Neville
Goddard. Another easy to read book on cause and effect, Mr. Goddard writes
simply and eloquently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking
quotes from the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bible, </i>he lends truth
to his explanations. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“He calleth things
that are not seen as though they were and things that were not seen become
seen.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book assists the
reader in passing through the dream state of prayer to arrive at the door of
practicality. </div>
<h2>
<span style="color: windowtext;">Esoteric Does Not Mean Extra Difficult</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These book suggestions are nowhere near “high brow” nor do
they talk down. They are reader-friendly and open up the mind to three great
writers who have selflessly opened up and shared their thoughts and experiences with you.</div>
Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-29133069049897301912013-09-14T00:58:00.003-04:002013-10-02T19:42:57.599-04:00Once upon a time ... Second of Three Happiness Articles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WF3ihUuB4O8/UjPlis41wgI/AAAAAAAAANU/lJVMjnzdqSE/s1600/Once+upon+a+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WF3ihUuB4O8/UjPlis41wgI/AAAAAAAAANU/lJVMjnzdqSE/s320/Once+upon+a+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
... in a land not so far away, there lived a group of people: old, young, tall, short, black, white, men, women, happy, sad.<br />
<br />
They could not change the fact that they were old or young, tall or short, black or white; or men or women.<br />
<br />
What they could change was whether they were happy or sad.<br />
<br />
The happy people did not want to be sad, but the sad people <b><i>did</i></b> want to be happy.<br />
<br />
The sad people couldn't understand why they were sad, so they decided to ask the happy people why they were happy.<br />
<br />
This is what they found out ...<br />
<br />
Happiness <b><i>is not</i></b> about what you have or want to have, nor is it a destination that you can point out on a map. It <i><b>is not</b></i> about what money can buy.<br />
<br />
Happiness <i><b>will never</b></i> be about your job, hairstyle, clothes, restaurants, marital status or if you have blue eyes instead of brown. No. Happiness <i><b>is not</b></i> about any of these things.<br />
<br />
Happiness <i><b>is</b></i> about choice. The choice to be reactive or proactive, mean or kind, angry or calm, hating or loving.<br />
<br />
The sad people said they understood about making choices, but still could not figure out how to be happy. What if you do want to be happy but continue to be sad: How can you make the sadness go away?<br />
<br />
The happy people tried, once again, to help the sad people become happy. They shared some loving pieces of advice:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Smile</b>. Smile a lot. Share your smile. Smile at strangers. The sunniness of your smile reaches out to others but also makes your insides feel good, too.</li>
<li><b>Keep busy</b>. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop" accurately describes what happens when you allow yourself to think too much about nothing.</li>
<li><b>Hang out with like-minded people</b>. You cannot expect to be happy if you hang around negative Neds and Noras.</li>
<li><b>Appreciate</b>. If you're not happy with what you have, you can't expect to be happy with more.</li>
<li><b>Live in the present</b>. Too much time dwelling on the past or being anxious about the future robs you of the joys of <i>Now</i>.</li>
<li><b>Think happy thoughts</b>. Not sure of what to think about? Go through each letter of the alphabet and find select words that are positive, joyful and serene. Examples: able, abundance, angel, etc.</li>
<li><b>Commune with God</b>. However you name the spirit or energy that lifts you, commune with it. It will never let you down.</li>
</ol>
... Once upon a time, not that long ago, happiness became a way of life; and on the hilltops and in the valleys, throughout the forests and the plains, there lived a group of people who at times became thoughtful as they tried to remember what it meant to be sad. Happily, the memory had faded.<br />
<br />
May your blessings be many and may you happily share them with others.Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-19216554159042927402013-08-19T22:30:00.001-04:002013-10-13T12:08:07.993-04:00Grab Your Happiness Where, When and How You Can! - First of Three Happiness Articles<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happiness is ...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Often experienced during the simplest moments in one's life.</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjtPEkxlUpU/UhLJQXoj4aI/AAAAAAAAAMg/3VAKyvOJrnU/s1600/happiness+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjtPEkxlUpU/UhLJQXoj4aI/AAAAAAAAAMg/3VAKyvOJrnU/s320/happiness+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">Happiness may be ...</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;">Completely opposite to what you had in mind or imagined.</span></i></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">Happiness can ...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;">Happen when you least expect it.</span></i></span></span> </span></span><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2vP-7vIMGw/UhLJhBE2P0I/AAAAAAAAAMo/KBrb0tvyNc8/s1600/happines+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2vP-7vIMGw/UhLJhBE2P0I/AAAAAAAAAMo/KBrb0tvyNc8/s320/happines+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">Happiness allows you to ...</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: black;">Refuel the soul and rekindle the spirit<span style="color: red;">.</span></span></i></span></span> Happiness is a result of ...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Internal contentment with what you have.</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Grab your <span style="color: magenta;">happiness</span> where you can!</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Enjoy your <span style="color: #674ea7;">happiness</span> — it's yours!</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QadwdVJ-FaE/UhLJvf3pgmI/AAAAAAAAAMw/TVbX83Jrk0s/s1600/happines+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QadwdVJ-FaE/UhLJvf3pgmI/AAAAAAAAAMw/TVbX83Jrk0s/s320/happines+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Take your<span style="color: cyan;"> <span style="color: #b45f06;">happiness</span></span> and thank God for it! </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Embrace your <span style="color: magenta;">happiness <span style="color: black;">and</span></span> others will feel good! </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Never feel that you need to explain why you're <span style="color: red;">happy</span>, but if you do want to explain it, be honest about its <b><span style="color: #38761d;">roots</span></b> and have gratitude that you are living it! </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: magenta;">H•A•P•P•I•N•E•S•S ....... <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">A state of well-being, contentment, joy, fulfillment, internal satisfaction.</span></span></span> </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">Happiness is not a "one size fits all" kind of thing. It happens to be many different things to many different people. When you are presented with <span style="color: #674ea7;">"Your Brand of Happiness," <span style="color: black;">embrace it and enjoy it. </span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;">It may be first discovered through ...</span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">A new job</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;">A promotion</span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">A proposal</span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;">A realization</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: magenta;">Giving when you really wanted to receive</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A commendation</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">A "letting go"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">A "getting it"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Being pregnant for the first time</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Finding out that you're not pregnant</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Discovering that age </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;">is</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> only a number</span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Fulfilling one of the items on your "bucket list"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Getting good news</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Hugging someone after they received bad news</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Embracing and accepting</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Erasing and purging the unnecessary and unwanted</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Understanding, for the first time, that happiness is internal and eternally yours if you take the time to accept the present and recognize that it is a gift</span> </span> </span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Happiness</span> — once you discover it and realize that it's lain dormant within your soul but is capable of appearing even during the <span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;">most</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">challenging</span></span> of times, you will<span style="color: #45818e;"> <span style="color: black;">never lose it again</span>.</span> Honest.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;">A <span style="font-size: x-small;">small disclaimer: Happiness may be discovered through a number of events and/or emotions, but make no mistake, it comes from within and can only be maintained when you discover your own true essence of being.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdUp4MRa40I/UhLP1fhXi8I/AAAAAAAAANA/jbbY0hxG4Zo/s1600/happiness+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdUp4MRa40I/UhLP1fhXi8I/AAAAAAAAANA/jbbY0hxG4Zo/s320/happiness+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;">Happiness<span style="color: #45818e;"> ... <span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #45818e;">the cooling breeze of angels' wings as they gather around to enjoy your victories over life's many challenges.</span> <b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: magenta;">sigh</span> ...</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Happiness makes us:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: magenta;">Healthier <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(there's scientific research)</span> </b><span style="color: blue;">Wealthier <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(a freer mind is more productive)</span></b> <span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: magenta;">& </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">Wise</span></span></span></span>r <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(when you have internal freedom, you have your wits about you!) </span></b></span> </span> </span> </span> </span></span> </span></i> </span></span></span>Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2966818182688183443.post-12145480318230846902013-07-19T01:24:00.003-04:002013-07-19T01:24:36.414-04:00I Think Therefore You Are<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you walk through my front door, the first thing you see is an acrylic abstract painting that I did about 15 years ago. It's not uncommon that interpretations are made when my guests see it for the first time. There are those who see the same thing and those who have wildly different perceptions. Some takes are at odds with what I knew, felt and attempted to express at the time. Today, cosmically, they make sense.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This painting was the first I ever had an inspiration to do and, to tell you the truth, I was a little intimidated of putting brush to canvas. I had never painted before. Yet, something told me at the time that this was exactly what I needed and was supposed to do.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl5ScOOF_kg/UeixZstRK-I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zU9y0o-brhg/s1600/Taking+Back+My+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl5ScOOF_kg/UeixZstRK-I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zU9y0o-brhg/s400/Taking+Back+My+Life.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taking Back My Life</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It started after we moved to Florida from Montreal. I felt alone and uneasy in my new surroundings. I was starting over in a strange place devoid of family, friends, familiarity and the culture I had known for my entire life. I became anxious at one point, and started suffering from panic attacks. On the verge of calling my doctor to get a prescription, something stopped me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To this day I still don't know how or why I came up with this, but I decided to go to the local art store and buy a canvas, brushes and acrylic paints. I chose the colors that attracted me and went home, already beginning to feel better. That night, after my son had been fed, read to and tucked in, I turned a kitchen chair upside down and placed it on the dining table - my first easel! Then I turned on the radio to a classical music station. Without preamble, save a quick drawing in a sketch book that I quickly transferred to the canvas, I began to paint.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Happiness, emptiness, defeat, love, escape, sadness, fear, elation, acceptance, anger, hope and angst," are some of my friends' takes on the emotions behind the painting. Then there are the comments about the subject matter; "I see two snails." "Are those two ovaries?" "It looks like an owl." "Is that a waterfall?" "Looks like fire and brimstone at the bottom."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone thinks they understand this painting. They do. And they don't. It is about happiness. It is about sadness. It reflects life and death. It conveys hope and defeat, elation and angst. Notice that the word <i>or</i> is of no consequence. Life is, after all, not one or the other. And what we see - at least what we think we see, is our frame of reference - nothing else and of no one else. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are times when we're so sure of why we didn't get the promotion or why a friend has become distant. We look at strangers on the street, in the store, at the bank and they seem unhappy, or angry. We decide they are, so they must be. The problem here is ... we're not inside their pictures or their heads. We think, therefore they are. We limit them based on our own preconceived concepts and assumptions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consequently, we limit ourselves while changing the course of history.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This happens when we assume that we know their story; we shut down the possibility of getting to hear it, first hand, from the author, the originator. Without ever realizing it we change history using our own observations to alter the course of life. We are powerful beyond our own comprehension. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy sharing your interpretations of modern art hanging in museums, or discussing the latest fashions paraded down a cat-walk, but tread lightly when it comes to matters of the mind, spirit and soul. I may be what you think I am, but chances are, I'm not.</span></span><br />
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<br />Deborah Desser-Herchanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05178361861969031653noreply@blogger.com0