What Do You Notice?

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What we pay attention to, we create.

If we’re in a good mood, we tend to notice good things and over look things that stand in the way of our happiness.

If we say we’re tired, we’re tired.

But what happens when we’re tired, and instead we say to ourselves that we’re not tired? What happens? Maybe we don’t pay attention to the feelings of being tired and keep on going anyway. That’s what I do. I’m not tired. Until my body shuts down and tells me I’m tired, then I believe it. Then I notice. But most of the time I refuse to give in to tiredness and keep going, enjoying all that life has to share. It’s a state of mind.

I believe in the power of the mind to create our reality, which is why I focus on sharing positive thoughts and happiness every day. I want to be happy and I want to create it for myself, for my family, my friends and my community.

Usually, I can stay in a positive state of mind, but sometimes I lose it. I don’t like myself very much when I give up and succumb to the negative feelings and let them take over. But that’s reality too. I know. I just don’t like it.

Tonight I was tired. I was also sick and up 4 times last night, so I know I was really tired. My body told me so. But I wasn’t paying attention and was very snappish tonight. I didn’t like that I lost my patience and got angry with one of my kids. It’s normal and real, I know, but I prefer the other side of me, much more when I can stay present and focused on the bigger picture of raising great, independent kids, patiently, and not overreacting to their childish behavior. Duh. They’re kids. I know. But I was tired. I noticed how much they were bugging me and paid attention there and reacted accordingly. *big sigh*

Some days are just like that. Even in Australia.

Luckily feelings are fleeting and we noticed we were both tired and snappish and said our sorries so that we could go on living and loving and laughing again. Ahhh… luckily that didn’t take too long.

And so it was. And so it is. Perfectly imperfect.

Hope you noticed more good than bad today and lived your happily ever after. Today. Namaste and good night.

5Jan2014

A Mirror

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It is what it is.

Here I am. There you are.

Today’s poem means to me that things aren’t always as they appear. We should see things as they are and not think that they have anything to do with us. We just happen to perceive it as something and make it what we want it to be in our mind, based on our own perceptions. Other people have different perceptions and definitions too. It’s a miracle we are able to communicate and connect, isn’t it?

This makes me think of the media again and how they try to make big deals out of nothing, such as Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton. I don’t understand why they are perceived as newsworthy in America. What do they symbolize and why do we care? The media creates these images and ideas that they try to tell us are important, when they are not. Just something to think about.

It is why it is also important to fill our minds with positive thoughts, ideas, and dreams because we get to choose to create and respond to our reality and we might as well think of it as good, or at least fake it ’til we make it. 🙂

I like to just be, without any real expectations or filters. I like to use up the entire day and I like to watch the changing colors of light from morning until night, and then do it again the next day. I like to learn from my experiences and from others and to have an open mind, and adapt, knowing that I don’t know everything.

I’m still learning! That’s what keeps life exciting.

Have a great week!

9May2012

Day 77: Acceptance

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The trees in front of our yard have changed and are filled with leaves and light. I love this view in the morning, and to think they were just bare a couple months ago. I like this change.

Now that we actually have committed to a house in Amstelveen, it feels more real, like now we’re really going. Not that we weren’t going before, but there was a mental shift and awareness that was good and a little uncomfortable. I guess that’s how it goes with any major change. There are layers, right? There was a news article written talking about the new offices in Holland – another layer. And the tax adviser that was hired, as well as the documents stating my husband’s new role and position in Europe – more layers of realness. I think we’re really moving. I know, I’m a little slow…even though I know, I really know.

Maybe that’s why I fill my days to the brim and over the top – so I don’t really have to think about the change. Hmm. There’s a lot to think about and do in just 77 days!!

The good news is that the kids are starting to internalize the change and are preparing on their own too, as evidenced by their conversation and artwork. Like they started arguing over which room they each were going to get and whether they would share or not and get bunk beds. Little C has been the most apprehensive, so seeing his art creation and hearing the story about how he was going to put this up in his room now and bring it with him to the new house made my eyes well up, but at least he didn’t see. I’m so proud of him and happy that he’s accepting the journey.

And my mini-me, I better remember to be a good role model. She likes to mimic me. So this week I’m working on a few things to be a better role model. I feel her watching and learning and growing up. We even went and got haircuts together at my salon today. I love her and all that she is becoming… just slow down time, please?