Posts Tagged ‘Love’

March 17, 2016

Go Sailor

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”– John F. Kennedy.

You may not be the Captain of a ship, but you still need to know in which direction your rudder is pointing! Except in this instance the ship is your life and the rudder is your thoughts. Your life will go in the direction of your dominant thoughts. However, if you’ve aimed your ship at the cliffside rocks, there is still a way to turn it around. It’s possible to take your thoughts captive and replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. Because, whether you’re aware of it or not we all have an enemy whispering into our ears trying to derail us from the great and fulfilling future we have ahead of us. All it takes is a steady stream of “you cant’s,” “ it’s not going to happen,” and “ this is impossible,” to derail your ship from reaching its destination. Nowhere in your life did anyone ever tell you that you simply could not do something, besides your Mother when you were a child, yourself, and guess who else? The enemy! The one who comes to kill steal and destroy your dreams. Therefore, we need to recognize when we’re being lied to. Because, if we fall prey to these lies the cost is too great. The cost is the future you were(and are) meant to have. What many of us have not been privy to our entire lives is the truth about who we are. We are beautiful, capable, strong, intelligent, and first and foremost LOVED. You see, this enemy of ours who loves to tell us the opposite of all those things celebrates when we actually believe them. In nearly every instance of human failure you can find a place where someone believed those lies. Because if you believe them how could you succeed!? By convincing you that you’re weak when your actually strong, you’ll let life and its challenges run right over you. However, once you have the enemy’s tactics on lock down you’ll easily overcome them. Why? Because you’re capable,you’re beautiful, you’re strong, you’re loved, and that’s the truth! Now go out there and make the enemy be scared of you.

Sail on strong!

bleu

March 13, 2016

I am a lost boy

“The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.”

-Max Lerner.

This song has been haunting me, echoing through my mind like a voice down an empty hallway. We have all been “lost boys,” at one point or another. Whether we’re lonely, trying to find our way, or just plain old mischievous and free of obligations. The funny thing is, the lost boys actually had a large group of friends, yet were still considered lost.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3m_V1XNPxA&w=560&h=315%5D

Perhaps you too have been part of a crowd but still felt like you didn’t quite belong. I first heard the song wafting over the radio airwaves on a dark night time drive, and again at a beautiful dance recital that was punctuated with the feeling of endings(a last dance for High School Senior students. I love music because it has a way of expressing and relating nearly every emotion through it’s sonic landscape. I always said when I died I wanted to become a music note. As a musical note I could weave in and out of space and be emitted over waves of sound. As well as touch people’s hearts. When you’re a music note your essentially immortal and always a part of something beautiful. Of course we can’t talk about Peter Pan without mentioning Captain Hook. What is your personal Captain Hook? Because we all have one. He comes in the form of opposition, negativity, and hardships. When we’re looking to find our way and having hope for a future each of us becomes a “lost boy.” Then, we grow up much to our chagrin and the tribe of lost boys scatters. No longer do you have that adolescent camaraderie and sense of adventure. As the world becomes less new and your feet change sizes, so does our reality and the people in it. Suddenly adult obligations or responsibilities begin to seep into and take apart the tribe of lost boys. However, the invisible thread that at once connected us is always there. We may grow and change but our hearts and spirits remain largely the same. Sometimes the wind will carry a tune to my ear or a familiar smell to my nose and gently remind me of my tribe. Although they’re scattered about I know that their still there. Having a stroke has displaced me as a lone tribe member looking for the path to our hideout in the woods. As I wander I keep an eye out for it to emerge once again from the shrouded trees. Dear friend, may We all discover that path and find our way back to belonging.

pals & pixie dust,

bleu

March 12, 2016

The Great Escape

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“Faces that have charmed us the most escape us the soonest.”- Walter Scott.

Everyone had left the room, so in earnest my Grandmother and I made a rope of tied together bedsheets,and I put Her on my back and threw the sheets out of the window. Then together We scaled down the side of the building and away to safety and into a world of happiness. At least that’s what I envisioned as I sat next to my dying Great Grandmother in a rehab facility bedroom. The family had come to the conclusion that She was soon to be departing Earth, so everyone had come to visit Grandma before She left. However, when I was left alone with Her with this vision in my head, I started to describe the adventure We’d have together while She giggled. Of course in reality both of us were pretty much stuck in that room. I could no better sling Her on my back as much as She could make Herself young again. Sometimes, as hard as we try it seems impossible to change ourselves. Even though I wasn’t able to make our comic book adventures come true, it doesn’t mean that nothing else is possible. In reality We can’t all jump out of windows, even though in our dreams we can. Luckily, in this World our dreams are possible if given the right environment and the chance. Even though I may not have been able to whisk my Grandmother away, Her wisdom still remains. One that taught me to to get up and get dressed to meet the day even when no one is going to see it. There’s something to be said for an effort that doesn’t beg for attention but is simply for ones self. This illustrates that you don’t need validation from others to be complete. At whatever age until She was 97, my Grandmother got ready and dressed for the day even if She was alone just watching television. How appropriate that a Woman that had lived through the depression taught me to have class and to value what you have. By enduring an era that was so well acquainted with lacking She learned to value and appreciate what She did have. That’s something we all need to realize and work on.

stay classy!

bleu

March 3, 2016

Here

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“Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” -Bil Keane.

You hear it often “be mindful, be present, and you should meditate.” These aren’t just new age guru mumbo jumbo beliefs but they’re actually right! I’d venture to guess that I’ve spent most of my life somewhere else, and definitely the past two years. In fact, the majority of us are not where we actually are at any given moment. Whether our minds are adrift or not, many times were wishing we were elsewhere. Either we are looking to the distant past or the near future. Our “modern society,” is really talented at keeping most of us discontent with where we are, always wanting more. The funny thing is, when you stop wishing to be somewhere other than where you are, suddenly life becomes much more enjoyable! When you let the mind wander less and focus in more on your present surroundings, it allows you to savor life and be in the moment. As an example, for many months I only wanted to be back in my beloved city of New York. However, once I chose to silence the noise, I realized that I was actually enjoying where I was. It’s easy to lose sight of where you are when advertisements and social media frequently remind you that you could be somewhere better. It’s as if we’re a rat running through a labyrinth of distractions, all the while completely missing the point that lies in the center. When you take away all that noise suddenly the point is much easier to find. What I realized is, that New York City will still be there when I’m ready to return, but my Parents(with whom I live) won’t be. As much as I have griped and protested about my current situation, the fact is I have had invaluable time spent with my family. One of whom supports and loves me through it all. Therefore, I wish(not again!) that I’d realized this sooner. For if I had, the past few years would’ve been far less painful. When your mind wanders away from the present moment it really hurts you. Not only do you miss out on a part of your life, but also lose focus on your present goals. In a way it’s like self sabotage! By looking in a different direction you lose track of your chosen path, and lose ground(ie time. If your particularly goal orientated this is crucial to know! By being present and focused on your current situation, it allows you to see clearly the bull whose horns your going to grab.

focus & conquer!

bleu

January 12, 2016

hunger strikes

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America is full of conveniences and fast food yet were starving. There are many countries that harbor starving citizens, and America is no exception. It would appear that the whole world is starving, but not only for food. There is such a lack of kindness or acts for the common good, that when it occurs it either seems out of place or people clamor to witness it. We think we want fame, food, and riches, but what we need is more love. We may be at the top of the food chain or consider ourselves highly evolved but were actually quite simple. If you took away all the distractions and noise of social media, advertising, and mass consumerism, We really only need basic things. Amid all the hustle and bustle for what we think we want we’ve forgotten the most important thing, each other. In losing consideration for our fellow man we also lose ourselves. Perhaps many won’t understand this, unless they’ve been in need of help themselves. When we’re selfish it doesn’t benefit us but actually harms us. In nature, it’s been shown that when a member of the animal kingdom is selfish, they actually lower their ability to survive. It seems fit to argue then, that when people are selfish they don’t flourish. Indeed it’s when we help each other that society as a whole gains. In a city of millions, it’s not a popular web series that goes viral, but an act of kindness. Below, you too will witness the results of a person choosing to be selfless rather then selfish.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xiKgeqUDDY&w=560&h=315%5D

I know many starving artists(or actors) that would kill for the number of views this video received. Yet they’re not the ones getting all the attention, instead a simple act of human kindness is taking the cake. Clearly, we desire more then entertainment, but to have a real human connection. Therefore, don’t be afraid to let down your walls and extend a helping hand!

reach out and let in,

bleu

December 16, 2015

How

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“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.”

-Albert Schweitzer.

We have a problem with matching our thanks to the level of the gift given. Oftentimes we feel that We cannot fully reciprocate or convey gratitude properly, when were given something big(see here!)or a priceless act of kindness. I’ve not only received loads of physical help, but also the gift of a nice meal out, gifts of someone’s time, and help from kind strangers. Among these have been the gifts that are priceless and bear no feasible value. It’s when someone gives a part of their life in order to make yours better, that requires an acknowledgement that it seems we cannot

match. Is a thank you card sufficient? A hug, a gift card, a favor, a nice dinner perhaps? No, none of these will do, because the best thank you is to live fully and well. The reason this is sufficient is because when someone pours themselves into you, pour all that you can of yourself back into your life. People help in these priceless ways because they sincerely want to see you triumph in life. My friends, family, and some strangers didn’t give of their time and money when I was in an ICU to witness me die, but to see me survive and thrive. Of course, when someone gives from their heart they don’t expect or even want something in return. However, the best and only way I can thank them is to live well. The life that they put into me deserves to be given a return. This return on investment can be achieved if I put my spirit into achieving my dreams and living the life they want to see me have. Because of what they’ve given me, I will not quit, give up, or waste any of thier priceless gifts. Therefore, thank those that have given to you by living well and enjoying each day you have, because as I learned you never know when those days could end.

work on your dreams!

bleu

October 9, 2015

Warning: Perspective changes ahead.

“True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen.”

-Francois de La Rochefoucauld.

Is my life better since I almost died? I don’t think so, or at least I didn’t see the value or purpose of the last three years. I believed that I would’ve been enjoying life more (and having successes, and had plans) had the ordeal not occurred. How true it is that life happens while your making other plans. However, there is still gold to be found amongst utterly horrible unenviable circumstances. When life attempts to knock you out, you have to come back at it with fists flying. Even though you may be weary, there is still strength to be found in the indomitable human spirit. Even professional fighters with bashed in faces can still see. I’ve come to find that material belongings have no real value in the big picture. Money itself is just paper. It is not material goods, not gossip, social status, some daft guy, nor pridefulness. Instead it is the people and relationships that come to your aid. Nothing brings about true gems like a death defying situation, or dire need. It is those people who remain in your corner of the ring, that are priceless. How they shine in the noon day sun of love to be seen from miles around. It is those that stay in your corner, the friends, and vehement supporters that deserve your recognition and time. Therefore, don’t wait until you nearly die to see them for what they are.

-Cheers wherever you are,

September 20, 2015

Brooklyn or Bust

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” ― J.K.Rowling.

It wasn’t all that long ago(or so it seems) that I had a daydream, which like most daydreams seemed unlikely to happen. While I wobbled along in a rehab building on an indoor track, relearning how to walk my mind wandered to a less dismal place. For motivation, I would imagine myself walking across the Brooklyn Bridge(my favorite) towards a more joyful and better place than my current reality. At the time walking at all was a feat, much less completing over a mile walk across an iconic bridge that was over 600 miles away from where I was. Just like hope can pull you out of a dark place; having a daydream can pull you forward towards your goal. It’s so important that you be around and supported by people who don’t find your daydreams to be preposterous. When you share your vision, it’s wonderful to be met with a vote of confidence, offers of help, or even those who treat it as a perfectly normal statement. Your dreams will have a harder time of being born into reality, if they’re planted in harsh soil. Therefore, share them with those that will encourage and help them to grow. Once I built up the endurance to walk a long distance, I then needed the funds to make the trip. Through an online fundraiser and with the help of a number of friends

and family, I was able to raise enough money to take the trip to Brooklyn. Not to mention ride Jane’s Carousel!

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The support not only financially, but emotionally helped bring a baby daydream to its full term reality. Without the backing from the numerous people that believed in me, my daydream would’ve withered away. On my own I could not have reached my goal. This is proof positive of how important it is to plant your dreams in fertile soil. The seeds born from your imagination, do best in supportive soil. Therefore, keep them safe from the thorny grounds of disbelief,negativity, worry and doubt. I am very fortunate to have had so much support. It is because of that, I can now tell you I walked all 1.1 miles of the Brooklyn Bridge with those very same supporters. Of course I had to leave a memento, so I made my own love lock(see here) for the occasion. Nothing is impossible my dears.

-cheers and plant in good soil!

September 5, 2015

feedback.

“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”

-Bill Gates.

You can’t wait for other people to step up and be nicer than you. Why not just take it upon yourself to be a good person? As a long time buyer and seller on Ebay I’ve noticed some people won’t give you feedback until you give them a review. If everyone on Ebay did this no one would have any feedback! This apparent practice by some people exposes a selfishness among the community and people in general. If We all waited on another person to be more kind then We are, all of us would be at some sort of stand still. The majority of people are not all that nice, although they have the capacity to be. Not everyone will go out of their way for you. Therefore, why not let yourself be the one to make the first move, even if others choose to stand still. The mob mentality is a very real thing, if none of us broke from the crowd, nothing would progress or change. Throughout my recovery it has been the good samaritans or those willing to take notice of others needs around them, that have helped me the most.Simply put, things would cease to function if no one was willing to step out and

have a less self centered perspective. Or if We only helped others because they helped us. Likewise if We only gave to receive. You aren’t always going to get something in return and that’s okay. The satisfaction We feel from giving becomes marred, if We only do it expecting something in return. The spirit of giving is one of love and selflessness. If our motivation is to get something back for it, We simply turn it into a meaningless exchange, like buying goods from a store. The World needs more people that are willing to step out from the crowd, even if it makes them feel uncomfortable or vulnerable. Usually if something creates discomfort in you, then that’s a good sign that you’re on the right track. Because comfort zones rarely breed progress or large successes.

Cheers and get more uncomfortable!

August 13, 2015

the golden touch.

“Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.

– Charles Dickens.”

How many friends do you have? I’m not speaking of Facebook, Instagram or social media, but actual friends. We cross paths with and touch hundreds of people every year. This didn’t become so obvious to me until I landed in the ICU of an upstate New York Hospital. An online fundraiser was started for me, and who were the majority of donors? Well, not many of them were close friends, surprising? Yes! Instead, they were the girl I had crossed paths with once in my work and charmed, the group of lovely friends in Brooklyn that I played beer pong with once in their loft, a group of pretty girls I took a pin-up class with in New York City, family members and best friends of people(ie my boyfriend at the time) that loved me. Even people I worked with or had worked with contributed. As many of my friends that gave, so did people who I had crossed paths with before the stroke occurred. Some of these near perfect strangers even wrote in loving(some funny)things with their donations. Not only was I peasantly surprised by the outpouring of love,but even more so the reactions I received from those I had met only once(or twice). I couldn’t believe they remembered me, much less that I left such an impression. What if I had been grumpy,unfriendly,or unapproachable that day instead? It was obvious that you never know who your going to meet, and how they’ll react to(and remember) you. Little did I know at the time, that each of these beautiful souls could easily have been some of my very close friends! This also begs the question “ How would you like to be remembered? We all want to be remembered fondly, and I just happened to get a glimpse of my own rememberence. This clearly showed me that, you should not take your presence for granted. Because you affect far more then you know. I left a lasting impression not because of what happened to me, but rather because of who I am as a person. These people remembered a friendly,fun,relatable girl. We can all leave such impressions. How? By waking up each day, embracing it, being grateful for our lives, and holding onto our childlike wonder. Moreover by letting go of our fears or worries and taking life head on, because after all We only have one!

go out and cause a positive effect,

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