I read an article today in The Toronto Sun.  I receive both The Sun and The Star to my house and this particular article in The Sun, which I hardly ever read, caught my eye: Believe and You Shall Receive: http://www.torontosun.com/life/2009/11/20/11841306.html

It basically talks about the belief that we have angels watching over us.  They're there to guide us, protect us and provide unconditional love for us.  The article also discusses ways in which we can call upon our Guardian Angels for answers when we are stuck in a situation.  While we can't expect them to work overnight miracles or be like a genie-in-a-bottle figure granting us our every wish, angels will always be there to show us the right path in life.  I found this article particularly interesting because I am in a point of my life where I am in a constant struggle over identity, career and even my love life.  I like the possibility that angels exist whom can eventually steer my life into a positive direction.

My mom read this article this morning after I did and she told me that she regularly prays to an angel - her cousin Pina who passed away from cancer at a younger age than my mom.  Mom says that she believes Pina is an angel watching over her everyday as she's always had a strong connection to her (despite that Pina lived in Italy all her life) and whenever she prays to Pina, a result/answer comes to my mom almost instantly (or within a day or so!).  I never knew this until she told me today, but it got me thinking:  Is there really someone out there always watching over us?  Could we go by what the article suggests and learn to contact our watching angel for help?

I find that when planning for future events, I can easily get excited! Like today for instance. As a work assignment I had to look up new years eve events to write about in our magazine and that got me thinking about my plans for New Years (and the Holidays) with friends and family.  I couldn't help but strike a wide smile that stretched across my face because the possibilities are endless for what I can do during the Holidays! 

Planning for something is really thrilling! It may be a bit stressful because gathering everyone, waiting on people's answers and trying to figure out who is "in" or not can be a timely process but in the end, it's what's going to happen - the end result, the creme de la creme, the icing on the cake - that gets me really revved up.  It's the clinking of glasses, sharing of laughter and great times that I am looking forward to, not all the hassling of planning but what will come from it.  I know that the stress of planning for this will have an amazing outcome, no matter how it goes. 

I have tingles going up my back just thinking about all this excitement!

Every moment counts. From beginning to end; when something happens in your life that makes you feel good, always count that treasure in your life and hang on to it.

Today I hung out with four of my greatest friends.  But of course, while I consider all my friends to be wonderful in my life and I am so thankful I have them all, four of them in particular came out with me to Buffalo, NY today to enjoy an all-ladies shopping excursion.  The sales were going strong, glittering jewelry and flashy clothing was tried on and echoes of "ooh" and "ahh" were heard as we walked through each of the stores in the shopping centres we visited (which were only three: Target, Walden Galleria and Niagara Outlet mall).  I couldn't help but think: "I want to ensure that every second of this is remembered."  Although it feels like the day zoomed by so fast, each moment that I was shopping I was also thinking to myself, "I am enjoying every second of spending time with such wonderful people and I wish I could let this moment last."  I have memories of the laughter we shared and what clothing we thought looked good on the other, discussions over the lunch time break at Subway ...but what counted the most was that I was truly living in the moment - in every moment that was shared.  I am very glad I got to spend some quality time with those I care about.  These little breaks we take with the company we enjoy the most says so much about the importance of having positive company around and engaging in activities every once and a while that warm the soul. 

I know I am sounding poetic here but I couldn't help but feel this way the entire time - about how truly happy I am among those I care about. I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon these great memories of today.  Thanks girls, I had lots of fun today.

You're having a bad day; everything from the boss yelling at you to the bus coming late, today is just not your day.  Until you flip on the radio, your favorite song comes on and suddenly your day doesn't look so bad! Everything becomes a blur and you're in a complete trance with your favorite song.

Yes, what I am talking about today is finding that "switch" that gets you going from "bad-day-mood" to something that keeps you going and forgetting all about the negative in your life.  Recently, I've found that when I am having a bad day, I put in my new David Guetta CD (I loveeee David Guetta!!) and immediately I am taken into a trance of amazing music.  Something about his tune just drives me away from the bad feelings and negative drawbacks to something upbeat and energetic.  Yes, I've found my "switch."  While I can't say it will last forever (afterall, I just got his new CD! Eventually I will find a new muse when the time comes) I can safely say that tuning into something that you really enjoy just instantly lifts your spirits! I can't believe how simple it is! It could be a song, a television show that you wait all week for, an exercise move or just moving from one room to another.  Instantly, using your switch has you going from off to on, negative to positive. It's not just a cliche!

What's your "switch"?

Ever have this happen to you: when you think something's not working out and you're ready to give up... then suddenly to your surprise, something occurs to make you realize that your hard work has paid off some how and something works out to your liking?  This happened to me today.

For the past year-and-a-half that I have been writing in this blog I've believed that no one has been reading my entries.  I wanted to literally give up on blogging for a while (today, actually!) because while I try to maintain a positive outlook on life and enjoy writing it as a means of encouraging others, the only people who really know my positive attitude are my closest friends ...not in a million years who I think some random readers would believe this online. While I want to spread the word about living positive and being the best you can be... it seems like my words and thoughts have been going into outer space and affecting no one.  Until now.

To my surprise I find that someone by the user name of 'Blake' posted on my tag wall today letting me know that he considers me a winner of the blog award of the week, an award issued by Bravenet (the hosting service of this blog), and that he too thinks my positive thoughts have been a real impact! I will treasure that comment for a long time because for once I feel that my blog entries have been going somewhere and I am not just posting into outer space.  I am creating a real impact - even if its for one person - with my positive thoughts and words.  I hope there are others who are as equally affected by this as our world can always use a touch of positivity!   Thanks again!

I'm sure you all want an update on how I am doing since my job after 4 and-a-half years, along with several co-employees, has been terminated due to the economic downturn.  I have to say, I am handling this loss quite well.  I cried a lot before, I really let out all the pain that I have been experiencing, but I have been proactive about the situation. Coping with loss is tragic and never something easy to overcome. Losing a job during such economic turmoil has not been easy for me at all since I was used to receiving a regular income at a job I absolutely enjoyed working every minute of - and I know many people can agree with me on this, losing a job is like losing a person close to you. But the great news is that a past job I had in retail a while ago has taken me back, so I do have a new part time job to look forward to.

I think there comes a time in every loss where you have to accept it. Not to repeat the common notion of the "5 Steps" to overcoming a loss with denial, depression, anger, realization and acceptance but I strongly believe that you never truly get over a loss.  I believe, whichever way the steps go, it will always end in acceptance.  Of course, there is never really anything I can do about this loss, I can't turn the clock backwards, I can't march into head office and demand my job back till they get security to escort me out, I can't even beg for an alternate position! I just have to... accept.

You ask yourself all the familiar questions: could I have done anything? was there anything I should have done? Most often you'll find that the answer to that is "no."  It's unfortunate but once you know that you've already done all you could, believed in the best possible outcomes and lived each moment leading up to the loss with a good outlook, that's what can keep you going: knowing that you lived the best way possible and whether or not this outcome was expected, it happened and you walk away with no regrets.

"Move on," "let go," "set it free."  "If it was meant to be it will return."  We've all heard these sayings but are we able to actually consider that when something suddenly happens to us? Well, that's a different story.

Recently, a job I've had for over four years has been discontinued as the current economic downturn has affected the workplace.  It was not only my job that was terminated, but all jobs surrounding my position except for Head Office. I really enjoyed that position I held there - well duh, I lasted there for more than four years! I was saddened by the unexpected loss of my job and realized that I, too, now in a way fall under that unemployment category that so many people are facing today with the economic crisis (although I have another part-time job... two part-time jobs equaled a full-time job in my eyes!).  It was so sudden, unexpected, I didn't know what to do but cry and feel this emptyness.  I felt like everything in my world was moving in a slow pace and I felt stuck.  In the words of Bella Swan from the Twilight Saga, "New Moon," when describing her breakup with Vampire lover, Edward Cullen she says, "it is as if someone punched my chest in and I now have a hole in my heart."  Hm, now reflecting back on that book, she went months feeling this way and it actually made me believe that she had a serious form of depression that wasn't solely from the breakup itself.  Okay bad example, anyway!

I know there will be another path for me to take.  This isn't the end of the world as I have a great job elsewhere in a field I am interested in and very happy to be working there (although it is part-time, three days a week).  Among that, I have the tremendous support of friends and family who understand that this difficult time is quite upsetting and have been a great sounding board for me. I just feel stuck in a rut at this moment with the loss of such a great job that was part of my life for so long. I know I will have to let go, but until then, this is the sad journey I must overcome. Eventually I will find what I am looking for. Eventually.

I thought I'd all share with you that my 48-year-old aunt exchanged vows with her boyfriend of 4 years yesterday.  This got me thinking about another blog idea: the notion that we have to do things at a particular time without slowing down and taking the time to enjoy all the qualities life has to offer.

The common sayings like, 'there are plenty of fish in the sea' or 'if something's meant to be, will be' can sometimes resonate as cliche or be a discouraging concept to someone because we've placed time frames for when something should happen or major emphasis on something happening in a certain way.  With referring to my aunt's recent wedding at her age, it really made me feel that being 25-years-old shouldn't have to be scary to me when it comes to preparing my life for major changes.  While lately I've been undergoing changes and doing things that go toward my future, such as starting a business and making a career move into a slightly different field I can't help but be scared about such common fears like, "will this work out?," "am I doing the right thing?."  Lately, the concept of marriage has crossed my mind "should I be considering marriage or finding the right person because I am getting 'old'?"

I think what I should also consider is that there will be a time for anything (whether you believe in fate or meant-to-be) and it will happen at the time it does.  For my aunt it was the age of 48-years-young and for others it could be at 25 (or even less!).  What I have to really consider about is living and enjoying my life as it happens.  Worrying about the future will always happen but I must follow my heart for what I feel is right at this current time.  I've made some decisions that I am not too proud of, even let go of a person I've believed was 'The One' from the moment he walked into my classroom three years ago (including gushing to friends about it... probably one of my mistakes!).  But I think in instances like this, I should leave it up to the ol' saying: "if it's meant to be, it will be."  If certain things are not "meant-to-be" then the time when everything becomes clear will come eventually! Point is, there is no time frame of when things should occur.  They happen instantaneously, especially when you're caught off-guard.... it's the sponteniety that makes living in the present a constant surprise that rejuvinates your life in so many magical ways!

Don't say "I'm waiting for my life to happen".... instead say, "It's happening now... what happens next will be a great surprise when it arrives!"

Some of the world's greatest concepts started from this.  Ideas, revelations and even interpretations all come from one simple thing: that domed part in your head, the mind! But how does it get put into action and become something great?

It's no wonder that we have instincts, fears, ideas, and things to share with others.  They all derive from past events and learned behavior that your mind stores for you.  But how about putting your mind to work for you in the future? As you all know by now, I am a big fan of the book, The Secret.  Part of this blog derives from the fact that this book has in some way changed my life.  Not that I believe it in its entirety, I am a skeptic like all of you and think that the mind couldn't possibly give you absolutely everything your heart desires, but the idea behind it just about living the simple way of life and appreciating everything in life.

That said, the main topic of today's blog boys and girls is about how by changing your mindset, something that seems so simple can really have an impact on your life.  This was brought to my attention not too long ago when I was discussing some of the life changes that have recently been going on in my life; from a new career, to planning on going back to school, to even the launch of my small business.  How did these things all happen?  Well, as The Secret suggests, start off by picking your self up from whatever wronged you in the past. Whatever happened, happened and hate to break it to you harshly, but you cannot go back into the past and correct it no matter what you think you can do.  Just as simple as calling someone an inappropriate name because you're angry, you can't ever take it back (of course, you can apologize and mend the ties... but the idea that stands is nothing can be taken back, and you can't do anything but move forward).  But put it in your mind that, yes, you  can create change in your life, no matter how big or how small.  Use The Secret as a guide book on how to live a  better life.  When you're only thinking about the good things in life, the bad things tend to disappear.  Even the small things can snowball into something big!  Like this blog... which I hope someone somewhere out there is actually taking the time to read.  Put it in your mind that you can achieve success! 

Yeah right, Nike... your slogan is getting old.

There, I said it.  The slogan is getting old.  Maybe not to Nike, but the concept of the slogan.  Yesterday I spoke about determination, finding the passion in things... of course, I concluded that it is hard often times to bring out the best of any position or situation, yet always know that there will be an outcome that can be in your favor.  But what about those times you're faced with a difficult decision? Most of the time, we turn to past decisions, if the decision at stake involves other people, how are we taking into account a win-win situation for all? What if sacrifice is involved?

I find that when I am faced with a decision, I am always weighing all the options like anyone else would do, but I get stuck at that nagging question "how will this work out in the future?"  I find we're always concerned with our future and the "what next" these days that we don't stop to even consider that the actual days we're wondering and worrying about what to do next are the days that are in fact shaping our future and allowing us to live in the present.  I personally find, if you want a bit of my advice, when I am faced with a decision, leaving it be and forgetting about it - even if you're pressed for time - allows the answer to come to you.  The more you worry, the more the anxiety builds up and anxiety is known to shrink the brain in times of distress... thus, allowing you to probably make a poor decision.

I know from experience, I tend to make decisions to make everyone happy - everyone happy except myself.  In the end, it backfires because once it's caught up to me that the decision I've made was the wrong one - one that doesn't end up making me happy in the long run - it's already been too late.  I do this a lot.  And while it's good to make others happy, or get caught up in a situation where all you seem to worry about is ensuring everyone's okay, you also need to count "number one" in that mix: you.  Often times we're interested in pleasing the boss, agreeing with everyone when we have work meetings just because we're afraid of sharing our thoughts or getting our opinions out there, or even when making decisions when it comes to love.  We don't want to miss out on important decisions by making the wrong one because at the time it "seemed like the right thing." Go with your gut instincts.  Cosmopolitan (yeah, of ALL magazines I read as the magazine-whore I am!) has a great article on learning to discover your gut instincts: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/advice/tips/trust-your-gut?click=main_sr

I think all-and-all we should stop and think about the self too.  Today's blog is about the self - in an un-selfish way of course.  When making a decision, no, don't just "do it," think about it critically, but take some time apart from the stress of worrying what will be next.  Live for the moment and know when the time comes, the decisions you make we're meant to be and there will always be many chances to shine.