Affirmations are important! Why?

Affirmations are statements or propositions that are declared to be true.

(1)Affirmations bolster positive thinking.

They help you to stay in the light. Reading, writing and listening to your own affirmations, help you to be the best "you" possible. You are what you say you are! "I am an intelligent and capable human being."

(2)Affirmations quell your negative self-talk.

Upon waking, you hear that tiny voice, "Oh boy, it's Monday. I hate Mondays." So you reluctantly roll out of bed and see your affirmation posted on the bathroom mirror: "It is a beautiful, Monday morning! I am off to work, blessed to have a job..it's going be be a great day!" Energized, you kick the negative talk to the curb!

(3) Affirmations motivate, helping you to reach your goals.

Training to run the annual 10k race for the first time? A month before the race post affirmations around the house, leave them on your desk at work, record them on your mp3. Continuously hear and see, "I am a winner. I reach my goals effortlessly and fearlessly", and winning will "win-out".

Affirmations contribute to forming a strong, self-esteem. They will work in your life, if you work them!     

over it.

smooth seas

produce a sweet ache after a bitter swim:

alas,the sharks go hungry today....

past scars heal in gorgeous juice

as time passes,

water flows,

peace lays...



paulabrown

Black Soap~ Beauty from the ground!

When I want to give my whole complexion a "lift", I turn to Black Soap for it's healing properties. African Black soap is made in West Africa from palm oil, palm kernel oil, and water.It has zero chemicals and zero alcohol. It gives a nice rich lather and has an earthy smell. If you don't care for the smell, you can add essential oils as it does not change the helpful properties of the soap.

Although it's good for acne, blemishes, eczema and chronic dry skin, it can also be used as a hair shampoo. "It has no lauryl sulfate, which is added to commercial shampoos to make lather. That chemical is drying and causes damage. Black soap is healthier for all textures and types of hair." (1)

Black soap is pliable and can come in small tubs (around 8ozs.) or it can be purchased in bulk, by the pound. For a reputable dealer, see africaimports.com. Add Black soap to your life for a clean, chemical-free wash from head to toe!

(1) African black soap.net

Look good...feel good, baby boomers!

As baby boomers, we must start thinking about maintaining a healthy mind and body. It will simplify our lives! Antioxidants and colon cleansing, on a regular basis, plays a major part in making us feel better. Antioxidants fight the free radicals in our bodies and colon cleansing, on a regular basis, makes us feel happier because we are not weighted down in our intestines. The results will show as a glimmer in our eyes, strong nails, more elasticity in our skin and more shine bouncing off our hair! More importantly, stressful will be something, "we used to be."

What do you think? What can you add?

Have a nice day and please visit: www.facebook.com/ardysslifeforgracefulaging~ TODAY!

Lavender Baby Powder

Lavender Baby Powder

The lavender essential oil used in the formula will help to reduce redness and inflammation caused by skin irritations and to prevent the occurrence of diaper rash. This powder also pampers parents during warm weather!

2 cups cornstarch
2 cups arrowroot powder
3 tablespoons French clay
1/2 cup powdered calendula flowers
6 drops lavender essential oil

In a large mixing bowl, blend the cornstarch, arrowroot powder, French clay, and calendula flowers. Sprinkle the lavender essential oil into the mixture and blend well. Store the finished powder in tins, short glass jars, or plastic containers with shaker tops.

reprint from~ Monterey Bay Spice Co.

Be on Time!

When you are late for appointments and meetings, you bring business to a standstill, because we can't move forward without you. You have information, notes and plans that we need before we can get started!

                                                   Please be on time!

Here are 3 P's of Punctuality:

1) Prepare for the next day, the night before.

    Pick out your outfit, doing any mending and pressing, and pack your lunch. Have children? Check homework, bake cookies for the P.T.A. bazaar... Getting ready the night before will make room for the unexpected interruptions that can keep you from arriving to your destination on time.

2) Pace yourself.

    Get up early enough, so you won't have to rush. Rushing invites accidents and accidents (from spills to falls) will throw your schedule off. Late again!

3) Play out the day.

    After dinner and while relaxing, play out the next day in your mind. Picture the alarm clock going off and "see" everything that will happen thereafter. Line up the day's events with everything running smoothly and in an "on time" way.  *The universe will give it to you that way, if you claim it.

These three tips will help you to be on time. What can you add? There is no excuse for lateness. Do you agree with that statement? Please leave your helpful comments below and thank-you!

*See Chris Assaad's article, "You are good enough, if You say so."

blue moons run above white worship...

                                                                                    "reign and watch"

Take time for humor everyday!

Some people look as if their face would crack if they smiled....but I also know that some of us are experiencing severe times. Illness, debt, bad relationships haunt. Force yourself to turn away, take a few minutes to view something guaranteed to make you laugh. For example, the internet has a multitude of sites: www.jokeswarehouse.com, coolfunnyjokes, jokejam.com, and aha jokes.com are just a few sites to check out.

No, it won't take your problems away, but the space between Ha-Ha can momentarily revive and renew!

Sugar?

It's important to use tact when communicating our needs to family members and others. When approaching individuals to discuss matters, more than likely, we don't know what they're going through or have been through. Let calmness and empathy rule.

A simple example: I enter a train car and a passenger already sitting in a seat, has his packages in the unoccupied seat next to him. The train is crowded. Which would be the more tactful response?

1) Growl and tell him, "I'm tired..move your stuff out of that seat so I can sit down, NOW!  

                                                               OR

2) With a smiling face, "Thank-you for moving your packages, please, I'd like to sit down.

Which response is the one that will keep an argument from developing?

A complicated example: You want to bring an extra guest for dinner. You call home and inform your mate, at the last minute, to set another place. Do you say:

1) I'm bringing an extra guest for dinner. See you soon.

                                                  OR

2) I know it's last minute, but it couldn't be helped...I've invited Dennis to dine with us tonight. Do you need me to stop at the store, for anything, before we come in?

Which call would you appreciate more?

When we approach people with taste and consideration, it breeds understanding and light. Be easy....

less diamonds......more sun.....

When the world says, "Give Up,...." HOPE whispers, 

                        "Try it one more time"

 anonymous

5 ways to show gratitude beyond a thank-you note!

Sometimes we want to say a little more than a thank-you note can express, when a friend does a special favor. In those times, use the suggestions below to say I appreciate your love and thoughtfulness (and offering these gestures of gratitude won't break the bank!)

1) Gift certificate for a favorite desert.

     Whether it's a pint of premium sorbet or an exquisite cheesecake pie, it'll be a delight in the life of the person that did you that special favor.

2) Movie tickets for two.

     An inexpensive way to show someone you appreciate their nice deed."Wind down, relax and take a guest on me."

3) Subscription or renewal for their favorite magazine/newspaper.

     There is no better way to say "thank-you!" A.M. home delivery of the newspaper...what a great way to start the day!

4) Pen and pencil holder for the desk.

     Give a holder with a motivational quote and it will encourage, your friend, during the work day!

5) Colorful oven mitt or pot holder.

     Although you may not know the color scheme of the kitchen, you can't go wrong by giving a bright, neon-colored oven mitt or pot holder. Thank and uplift the cook, all at the same time!

 Going above and beyond a thank-you note, to say "I appreciate your kindness", doesn't have to hurt your pockets!

Realize that your message is not for everyone. Don't be discouraged; you ARE an effective communicator. Although our enthusiasm makes us want millions to see "it", only a few will see your vision....

Donnie McClurkin- I'm Walking

purple drools a goddess suit on a frantic sun.....

Spring recalls a sea storm....

I ache of rainbows swimming behind me

as He watches from above...

Esfera necklace with Tuareg pendant from the Medina Fez

This is beautiful and I hope it encourages you to make something by hand!

A Happy Pause

Go all the way!

For any number of reasons, our elderly neighbors are not always going to ask for help, if they are in need. Engage them in conversation, playing emotional detective, and extend a hand if any aid is needed! Although helping your elderly neighbors CAN put you two, at risk and vulnerable to the foolish, move forward, eyes open.

If walking an elderly neighbor( holding their arm) down the street to their house, stay alert looking on all sides. A thief will take advantage of the fact that you're distracted and try to steal your pocketbook/wallet.

When accompanying an elderly neighbor to the bank,  whether they're making a withdrawal or deposit, make sure you take all bank slips, account numbers, documents and other correspondence with you, when you leave. Some individuals make it their business to collect loose papers from the floor, desks, etc. for criminal activity. Collecting all paperwork will protect against identity theft!

While at the grocery store with your elderly friend, examine the area for suspicious "do-gooders" lingering near the check-out counter. Many times their desire to help, is just them waiting for an opportunity to walk off with your items. Keep your wits about you; have roving eyes!

Don't let the fact that there exists an element just waiting for you to "drop your guard", keep you from taking your elderly neighbor around to take care of their business in a friendly way. If we stay alert and aware, we can help our elderly, while staying safe.

Strength, Peace and light...step out of the shadows!

What is the reason the upright hold back their light? I'm sure one major reason is the extreme filth and darkness of the enemy. But know this- one tiny candle can light the darkest  room. One positive and radiant person can come into a gloomy crowd and uplift; no matter how dim the crowd, the light will never be engulfed!

Find the courage from inside yourself, where the highest good dwells. Align with like-minded individuals and step forward to represent an alternative way. Dark deeds is not the only path one can take. Show and tell that you can acquire long-lasting prosperity and live a profitable life on "front street".

Gather together...MOVE FORWARD! Your humanity, kindness and sincere generosity is much needed!

It is All good!

How we come into a situation, will determine the end. If we approach any situation with positivity, the end result will be positive.You have to be pro-active to see light and goodness, if you expect to reap rewards for living this type of outlook on life. For example,homelessness, loss of job, divorce, illness all appear to be dire, but they signal new beginnings:

Homelessness  comes to mean a new residence, a new start, new people, a second chance.

Loss of job  comes to mean a better job, being an entrepreneur, going back to school.

Divorce comes to mean living a free, single life, a new loving mate.

Illness comes to mean paving a lighted way and being a model, holding and comforting another that is experiencing the same thing.

You say, "Really?" YES, but it takes steady practice to live like this! Start small...then when the "big" things come, you can "rise above it!"

Try this today: You're running late for work and you miss your bus interval. Don't fret and complain. See it as an opportunity to stop and relax with a cup of coffee while waiting for the next bus to arrive. Call your office and inform of your tardiness, relax and ENJOY your mini-pause!

Look up, in all situations, and you'll only go higher!

Begin positive and finish positive!

How about me? Tip Tell #7

Does it look like everyone is being blessed and moving on, leaving you behind? That's an illusion. We all experience our own miracles in our own lives,at different times. Never compare your journey to your neighbors'. We move and groove to different beats....

Cut negative people out of your life!

Negative people are poison; wean them out of your life. Why?

1) When you are struggling to stay afloat, negative people will never throw you a lifebuoy.
               Negative people never have anything good to say. There is goodness in them...they've just decided not to cultivate it.

2)  Negative people live with a cloud over their heads; they carry no sunshine.
                There is no bright side to any issue, as far as negative people are concerned. Because they choose the dull and unexciting way, being in their presence saps your energy and happiness.

3)  Negative people tear down; they don't build up!
                 The words can't, won't and don't rule their lives.Encouraging you is NOT their desire, because they don't believe "it" (your dream) is possible.

You know the negative people in your life. MAKE A PLAN TO RID YOURSELF OF THEM TODAY! YOUR BRIGHT FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!

Scent it!

The air in your cubicle can become stale and musty. But there is a fun and economical* way to change the atmosphere! Even if you're not going to be a full-time mixologist, it would be to your advantage to invest in some essential oils.  Start blending and create a fragrance mist!

(1)"Essential oils are any class of volatile oils obtained from plants, possessing the odor and other characteristic properties of the plant."   Get a feel of what smells good to you by experimenting with a few oils at a time. My experiment consisted of peppermint, lavender, rosemary and patchouli. Purchase a spray bottle ( find one at the beauty supply store) and mix equal parts of essential oils with a desired amount of water (less water for a strong mix, more water for a weaker mix).

A few sprays toward the ceiling, after lunch, can cause alertness (peppermint) or calmness and relaxation (lavender). Be creative. Spray a few cotton balls and stick them in the back corner of your desk drawer. Spill coffee? Spray with your essential oil mist, then towel up! Mist your hair and when the wind changes direction, be pleasantly stimulated!

Your handmade fragrance spray concoction is a handy and inexpensive way to enliven your space, ESPECIALLY your work surroundings!

* your own original fragrance mist is more potent(spray for spray) than a commercial aerosol.

  (1) essential oil definition taken from www.dictionary.com

....your love is my love!

If you know how to do something...teach somebody else how to do it.

Are you a crafter? You have an awesome well of knowledge about making things by hand! Why not call your local community center to make arrangements to teach jewelry design, knitting, painting, etc. to the youth in the neighborhood? Opening a new avenue in a youth's life, blesses you both!

Do you sell Avon or Mary Kay cosmetics? Post a flyer in your local job training center, announcing a make-up tutorial, that you'll  teach. Show young ladies, who are preparing for that first job interview, how to apply make-up for the workplace. If you approach the training center administrator, he/she may set aside a room and time for your lesson. Ask.

So you say, "I have no specialties or "great" things to teach." Can you tie a tie, change a tire, bake a souffle, add foreign applications to your computer? We all have something to teach...offer to give it and get so much more in return.

Although my pockets may not be full....

True wealth lies in having a sound mind. Peace is present when the mind is settled and at ease. Of course, we'll have issues that will try to weigh on our minds and cause worry. But if we can gain control over our thoughts (by praying, meditating, or by seeking therapy) worrying will be a thing we used to do!

Money, friends, family are only as good as the MIND we have to enjoy them!