A Memory of the Beautiful Atlantic Ocean from CT

'If you realized how powerful your thougts are, you would never think a negative thought.' 

- Peace Pilgrim

More on the Peace Pilgrim:

http://www.peacepilgrim.com/

Truly,

Amber

Dream On...

Have you ever wondered what happened to the people you knew who had dreams?

Do you wonder whether or not your high school classmate ever purchased that piece of land in the country and started a farm on it? Do you secretly hope your old friend Patty opened up that consignment shop she always dreamt of?  Are you hopeful that your neighbor from ten years ago finished law school and has their own firm by now?

Or… 

Have you spoken to all of them since and you’re pretty sure they ditched their dreams a long time ago because Patty is now a stay-at-home mom and claims she is too busy to open a store… your old classmate works downtown 80+ hours a week, and your neighbor quit school because of a rough semester…?

These folks had dreams….

Did you? 

Well, I know I did.

For at least ten years I’ve been saying I will one day write a book. (From what I understand this is a common problem among many writers...’oh phfew, I feel so much better now'…NOT.)

I will someday write that book and I won’t write just one; I will write many books. 

I know this, because it’s my dream and I’m not about to abandon it. 

It might be taking me a while, but I am still holding on to it.

Our dreams I’ve realized-- only die when we let them.

It sounds terrible, but it’s true.

When we stop believing in our dreams … is when they will never happen.

I have, at times, doubted my dreams; telling myself that people really don’t want, or need, what I have to share…but that is not true.

If I think about positively: all I have been through, I have a lot to share with others and I have a way to help others.

 - I was married for ten years

 - Divorced for five

 - I am successfully parenting three amazing children of various ages who are excelling beyond my wildest dreams.

Additionally, I have majorly turned my life around from multiple mistakes due to a majorly dysfunctional adolescence.  

You may think the world doesn’t need your dream because you imagine your idea won't  make a difference.

But, think again…

 -Where would you be without your microwave?

 -How often do you use toothpaste?

 -How important is your phone?

 -Do you utilize air flight?

These are things…and I know that not all of us are into inventing things…

So, then, ask yourself these: 

-How many people has the Red Cross helped?

-What has the Peace Corp done for the world?

-How much of a difference has the United Way made?

Whether it’s a product or service…or even just a quote, which could better the lives of others…

Don’t you dare give up on your Dream.

The world needs you.

So if you are like me and have not yet fulfilled all of your dreams, don’t stress…timing is everything. 

Purpose, vision, and belief are everything else. 

Who knows, maybe time is on your side. 

You might just need the experiences of today to achieve your dreams tomorrow.

'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.' - Elenor Roosevelt

Truly,

Amber

A Relationship Funny

I am a woman, but I do not always agree with the stereotypical statements about women...
Although this cartoon is quite funny.

I will admit that I might have a tendency to be a little confusing from time to time...

But that has nothing to do with me being a woman ;)

Because men can be just as difficult to understand.

Happy Friday and Enjoy this Comic!

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2bQkpB/themetapicture.com/media/pros-of-being-a-psych-major-540x615.jpg

Truly,

Amber

Better Decision Making with Patience

At church this past Sunday, our pastor was talking about patience.

You and I both know that many of us do not have patience, and the companies that sell us products are in no hurry to talk us out of this.

We have phones with email. We instant message and we have call waiting (which must really irk the guy who’s waiting for someone on the other end to pick up).

It seems as though nothing, or no one, can wait these days.

Pastor said the same thing.

He used microwaves as an example and he referred to the ‘close-door-button’ in elevators.

The close-door-button thing got me. I had to think about that one. 

Why do we have a close-door-button on elevators?

Like Pastor pointed out, the door closes just seconds after we press the button for which floor we are choosing to go to. But many of us stand there with our fingers glued to that button, pushing it, like no tomorrow.

I don’t know why we do this and I have no idea why elevators have this button.

My hunch is this: elevator sales people kept telling their higher ups that if the engineering department were to design elevators with close-door-buttons as a feature, they would sell more, because they know we all hate to wait.

It makes me laugh, but this lack of patience thing is so true.

Take for instance decision making.

How many of us take our time making decisions? 

 

Generally when we are out purchasing a vehicle or TV, the salesman has a ‘today only’ special. Or when picking out toothpaste at the grocery store, someone is always behind us waiting to pick out theirs too...

in both instances we feel pressured to choose.

Most times it's possible we end up coming home with something that we didn’t quite want.

But, it's all about now. 

We have to do it now. Get it now. Buy it now and decide it now.

Why?

What will happen if we don’t?

What would happen if I decided to go home and ‘sleep on it’ (like our parents used to say)?

What would happen if I said no to that TV?  Would they stop making them?  Doubt it.

What if I didn't buy that shirt today? Would I miss the greatest deal of a lifetime? Probably not.

I’m beginning to learn that better choices (and thinking) come with time.

Ever hear the phrase ‘to make an educated decision’?

It takes facts and research to become educated; which essentially takes – you guessed it- time.

We just need to relax and realize that a decision that is not obviously life or death is not actually life or death.

And nothing is going to happen if that decision is not made right-this-instant.

Some of us, like myself, are eager to say yes to everything. (I just had this discussion with someone today.) We always feel that we have to do, and accept, everything someone offers us.

Well, we don’t.

And the world will not end if we wait and respond with, ‘let me sleep on it’, ‘let me give you my answer tomorrow’, ‘let me think about it’, or ‘when do you need to know by?’.

Life is what we make it and each day and decision should not be chosen hastily.

Use these tips:

When preparing to purchase something:

• Write the item down in a notebook and don’t buy it. Come back to it in a month. If you still think you need it, buy it. But you will possibly forget about it by then.

When asked to do a favor for someone:

• First take a breath, count to 5 and ask yourself this question: is this person a good friend, would they help me, will this interfere with my family/friends/work and the things that really matter in my life- i.e., do I have time for this? (Consider that maybe this favor could be performed at a different time so that you may still be of help.)

When making a life changing decision:

• Discuss it with people you trust, people who have done what it is you are thinking about doing (or have experience with it).

And, as with any decision, being honest with yourself is key. 

Writing the pros and cons down on a sheet of paper will sometimes spell out the truth.

Spend no more than a few days to a week educating yourself on it and then take a break. 

Stop talking about it, put it away and live life as you were. (There is a potential to obsess about it and create a fictitious need for something-especially if you test drove it;)

So, take a break and then come back with a fresh perspective the one you had before you began daydreaming.

Once you try this, you might think it’s magical.

Okay, maybe it isn’t quite magical in the wizardly sense, but it is an amazing concept.

Try it and see.

 

Truly,

Amber

Memorial Day Thank You

It was not what they planned...

But a risk they were willing to take.

...For the freedom of you and I.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the men and women who have served this country and lost their lives in the process.

And Thank You to all of the men and women still serving today.

We are ever so grateful for your continued dedication and sacrifice.

The American people will forever be in your debt.

Truly,

Amber

I Park Like an Idiot

I would actually like to think that I do NOT park like an idiot.

 BECAUSE...

1. I have never parked diagonally in the hopes of preventing other drivers from opening their car doors into my car (I have the dents to prove it).
2. I have never illegally parked in a handicap spot.
3. I have never taken up two parking spots in a parking lot (unless of course I was pulling a trailer).
4. I have never parked my car in a tree (well at least not on purpose).
5. I have never parked so close to someone that they could not open their door enough to get into their car.
6. I have never tried passing a stopped school bus with it's lights on, and ripped a hole down the side of my vehicle (which someone in our neighborhood did this spring)...

Okay, so the last guy wasn't exactly parking....but it was worth the mention.

Check out this link of people who (apparently) park like idiots:

Picture from StumbleUpon.com

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1hE00O/iparklikeanidiot.com/
I am not completely sure that these bumper stickers are truly for sale, but boy let me say that they look like something worth keeping in my car for those people who don't know how to park.

Happy Friday!

 

Truly,

Amber

One of My Most Disliked Quotes

On Monday I shared one of my most favorite quotes.


It was a long one, but I love it, and I try hard to live by it.


But, there is one quote that I am not always a fan of...


It's this one: 
'WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN, OR CAN'T, YOU ARE PROBABLY RIGHT'

Grrrrr.... this statement always gets me.


Why?


Because it's true!

The quote blatantly states that if i think I'm not going to do something...

I'm not.

And every time I remember this statement I tend to want to to try harder.


So, it urks me- but I like it. Sounds weird-but think about it.


Working hard and accomplishing something that you didn't think you could do, leaves you with a great feeling.

But, there are those times when you just know there is an easy way out and you're tempted to choose it.


You know the type I mean...


The road where you will not meet fears or challenges and no elbow grease is needed...which inevitably will lead you down the path to 'Your Comfort Zone'?


(Yes, I knew you'd remember...)

There are so many times in our lives when we think we cannot accomplish something. We imagine the work that it will take to get somewhere- and we think it will be so unbearable that we just cannot stand to even think about it.

Instead, we choose the easy road and call it quits early on.


Why? 


Because it's easy to justify...

We can always find a million, or more, reasons why we should just:

1. Forget about it
2. Let it go
3. Not worry about it today
4. Wait until next time

But what I have noticed with myself is that if I just say this simple phrase (the one I dislike), it will give me just a bit more of a push and I will realize that I CAN DO IT!

It's almost as if it spurs a little healthy competition with myself. (Don't tell Me I cannot do something!)

It's similar to the story of The Little Engine That Could. (I know we allllll remember THAT story.)

Can You?

Sometimes we can make tasks seem so monstrous, but if we push ourselves to try just a little harder...think a little more positive...and work just a little longer.....


We CAN DO IT!

'WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN OR CAN'T YOU ARE PROBABLY RIGHT'
(From BoardofWisdom.com)


If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you are dare not, you don't;
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't;
It's almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost;
For out in the world you'll find;
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise;
You've got to be sure of yourself before
you can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go;
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins;
Is the man who thinks he can.

- -Anonymous

I think you can, I think you can, I think you can...
YOU CAN!!!!

Truly,

Amber 

One of My Favorite Quotes

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882) American Essayist & Poet

 

Truly,

Amber

Cannon Ball Run or Geocaching Anyone?

In the early 80’s Burt Reynolds starred in a movie called Cannonball Run.

Fast and Funny, this movie was very popular. The object of the game was to race the streets in fast cars; the first one to the end (and solving the clues) won a pot of money.

The movie was so popular, in fact, I think some kids from my senior class decided to make up their own Cannonball Run. It was Illegal and I don’t believe it turned out very well.

But, if this type of adventure interests you, there is good news!  

You can do it legally!

See World Cannonball Run: http://www.cannonballworld.com/

‘ The U.S. dates for the Cannonball Run Rat Race are set for Sept. 3, 2011 in New York City's Central Park and will end about 3,000 miles away in Southern California on Sept. 9 or 10, 2011.’(Quoted from the site listed below) 

 

 http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20059771-48.html#ixzz1LmITEdSQ

The Rat Race ’11

‘Drivers and their machines will roll out of Central Park, New York – 3rd September, 2011. Drivers will be handed Mission Packs along with a key. This key will gain you access to a hidden locker on the West Coast. Mission packs containing clues will navigate drivers across the country. [...]’ (Quoted from the site below)

http://www.cannonballworld.com/events/

So if you have a fast car and like scavenger hunts here’s an event for you!

Maybe you could win some money! (Though there is an entry fee - the pot, I’m sure, is huge.)

Now, if you don’t like driving fast but enjoy thinking fast, try Geocaching!

I just learned about this myself and it sounds quite fun. I know somebody who does this every year and they love it!   

You can travel anywhere, seeing the sites while using your GPS to search for things people hide.

Check out Geocaching  at: http://www.geocaching.com/

(Also, some Geocachers around the world enjoy doing good for the environment with Cache In Trash Out.)

Check it out here: 

http://www.geocaching.com/cito/default.aspx

Either way, these two events tell me that no matter how grown-up we grown-ups are supposed to be, in the end we still like to have fun!

HAPPY FRIDAY TO YOU!

Truly,

Amber

Self-Esteem So Simple, It's Childs Play

How many people do you know have great self esteem?

I know several and they are very happy people.

They are fair, kind and always giving.

On the other hand, I also know a few people who really don’t have any self esteem at all. 

They don’t particularly like themselves very much. They are mean, condescending and very competitive. They love to challenge that you are, and tell you what to do but can never figure out who they are or take care of their business. 

They’re hard to be friends with.

And they’re sort of like bullies. 

Bullies bully because they are trying to gain a sense of self-worth. And always trying

to accomplish it by using short-cuts.

They enjoy trying to make people feel bad so that they may feel better.

A bully comes in all shapes and sizes, and contrary to popular belief, bullies aren’t just kids.

They can be adults as well.

A bully is just feeding a monster. One that will never be satisfied.

And no matter what they do, it will never be enough, because self respect and self esteem come from the inside.

It is about who you are; not what you have, who you know, how much you make or what you’ve accomplished over others.

In such a materialistic, commercialized America and in a celebrity obsessed society, it's easy to see how hard it might be to grow up understanding what truly matters. In this day and age it’s hard not to think about what we have or don't have...

But imagine a natural disaster came-and it wiped out everything you owned…

Would you know who you were?

And more importantly would you like yourself?

In a time where it’s getting harder and harder to afford the extras and job losses are at an astronomical high, people everywhere have been forced to sit back and take stock of what really matters. They are seeing that who they are is not about what they have.

Here is a website someone suggested to me. The video on the home page is a great one.

http://www.s-teamkids.com/

This site is meant for parents and children. The philosophies seem to support this: 

• Do what’s right

• Treat others kindly

• Treat people how you would like to be treated

Such a simple philosophy.

But yet, is so difficult for some to put into practice.

I like this quote I saw taped to the principal’s desk at my child’s school:

'Will someone else's life be brighter tomorrow because of what you have done today?' 

           -William Arthur Ward

Be kind to someone today... just because....

Believe it or not it will increase your self-esteem.

Truly,

Amber

Get Motivated Now!

A Bill Cosby says, 'Get up! Do It!'

Last week I attended the Get Motivated Conference in downtown Cleveland and it was amazing!

I am a self help guru for sure and I imagine that most people who attended the seminar are similar to me; I can’t get enough of absorbing motivational feedback. We could all use a little pep talk now and then– no matter what stage we are at in life and no matter what we are trying to accomplish.

Truth be told, we cannot do it alone either. That is why there are things like this event to go to where people, who started out just like you and I share what they learned along the way…likewise there are books and audio tapes, TV Shows like Oprah and the Biggest Loser to encourage us.

During the conference I had an opportunity to hear from several different people about what they thought I should know. I would like to share some of what I got out of it.

Twelve Things I Learned From Get Motivated:

1)      Your Drive Determines Your Destiny

2)      We All Have Amazing Ideas (But most of us do nothing with them)

3)      Don’t Be a Victim! (Quit Waiting to Be Rescued.  

4)      Do Right  (Do everything to the best of your ability and always show people you care)

5)      You have 2 Choices in Life: Stay down or pick yourself up

6)      Don’t Let People Who Don’t Care About You Ruin Your Day-Lou Holtz

7)      Take Risks (You may regret what you do, but you will surely regret what you don’t do more.)

8)      In Life You Need a Plan: If you don’t have one, you are merely a Fan (not a Player in the game of life)

9)      God Puts People on The Planet for You to Bless Them

10)   Invest as Much into Your Mind As You Do In Your Car Yearly

11)   Have Goals!

12)  You are Rich Without Fame, Fortune and Stuff (I knew this already but wanted to share it;)

5 Questions to ask yourself:

1)      If you didn’t go to work tomorrow, didn’t come home who would miss you? Think about how special you are

2)      What are your goals?

3)      Who is your role model?

4)      Do you see opportunity?

5)      Are we creating a sense of disruption around us from fears and insecurities?

Something to tell yourself: Winners are not whiners.

 Truly,

Amber

AIM HIGH...

 Failure is not the crime - low aim is.

-John Wooden

Does Motivation Work? - Not Always...

Some people say that motivation is unsuccessful. Claiming it’s just a bunch of  pep-rally, mumbo jumbo.

There are people who think ‘The Secret’ has something to do with Voo-doo and that Tony Robbins is taking too much speed.

I personally do not believe these two statements, but I do think motivational tools can be useless.

Because no one can make you do something…

You know that saying, ‘you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink it’?

Well, people need to want to be motivated,  for them to actually do something more than they are today.

Without desire, motivation is nothing. (It’s a whisper. It won't move you.)

I am attending the Get Motivated Conference in downtown Cleveland today and I have been looking forward to this for a while.

I have been to several events like this one and the one that stands out in my mind the most is actually a Tony Robbins seminar. 

I am hoping that I am as inspired and energized and the power in the room today is as amazing!

It won’t be Tony, but there will some amazing speakers with tons of experiences to share (both successes and failures). There will also be thousands of enthusiastic people coming together for the same reasons- they are looking for motivation. They WANT it.

They would like an extra spark of thought and creativity. A re-lighting of their fire.

Most people looking to be inspired are already on a journey...they just need a little push.

Inspiration and motivation kind of work like bumper cars.

They come along just bump you a  foot or two forward.

You were already on the road you wanted to be on, and it has and always will be your own, but a little motivation just helps get you there faster.

It doesn't matter who you are, what you do or how much drive you have already, we are all human, and could use an extra hand now and again; to keep us going.

'Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal-a commitment to excellence-that will enable you to attain the success you seek.'
    - Mario Andretti

Truly,

Amber

What's Inspiring Me This Week

I am inspired by reading books, especially those written by leaders.

The most recent leadership book I started reading is ‘The Mentor Leader’ by Tony Dungy. 

Tony Dungy was the first NFL head coach to defeat all 32 NFL teams and he was the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl, just to name a couple.

He is the author of two other motivational books and two children's books.

In this book so far, Tony is discussing the difference between a Mentor Leaders and  a typical leader.

He talks about how the focus and goals of the Mentor Leader are quite different from other leaders and I  already admire Mentor Leaders because I can respect them.

Mentor Leaders are team players who lead by mentoring and by lifting everyone up around them.
They pay more attention to the people than they do the bottom line.

From what I understand, a Mentor Leader wants everyone they come in contact with to be better and stronger, and successful at reaching their goals.

Wow, what a week this will be...
I am reading this fantastic book and then I attending the Motivational Conference in Cleveland this Wednesday! I don’t think I will be able to sleep for months after this!
(I remember what it was like attending a Tony Robbins event.I received enough energy to last me for years….I think this week might be have the same results and I could really use it!)

I will keep you posted on what I learn at the conference and what else I gain from Tony’s book!

(If you have not visited Tony Dungy’s Blog – I have it listed on my Family Matters Blog - So check it out!)

 'People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing-that's why we recommend it daily.'-Zig Ziglar

Here is a link to Amazon to review ‘The Mentor Leader’: 

http://www.amazon.com/Mentor-Leader-Secrets-Building-Consistently/dp/141433804X

Here's  Tony Dungy's website link:

http://www.coachdungy.com/

If you are interested in attending the Motivational Conference on Wednesday, May 11^th 2011, click here:

https://www.getmotivated.com/city.aspx?a=5300

If you can't make it to Cleveland for Wednesday’s Conference? Click here for other dates/locations:

http://www.getmotivated.com/

Truly,

Amber