Thank you disillusionment

All those motivational quotes we pin, and songs we echo in our cars, the adages of generations past, the lingering words of your mother - They all arrive at one central idea- that giving gratitude for daily mercies and  lifelong blessings is the root to all beauty and happiness.

I am quick to complain about so much. I worry about my dreams not being met. I constantly calculate my income to bills ratio with anxiety and frustration. Sometimes it takes another's humble surroundings to really give you that slap of reality. I have a home to go to; one that I own. I have a toilet and running water so that I need not relieve myself in the mud. I am able to purchase food when there isn't a home cooked meal on my stove. I had the opportunity to receive a high-class education. I was able to quit my job and pursue my dream career. I have parents who have given me everything without the expectation of anything being returned. It does not always click to me that there are thousands of people living right next to me who look to these basic abilities as though they are unreachable.

There is a very special woman who is currently going through a seriously trying time in her life. I have never met someone so loving and kind and thoughtful and bright and honest and gentle-- and today I went to her home. If such a grateful and beautiful soul could survive in such surroundings, then I have no excuses. Our hardships make us stronger and better people. Instead of complaining about them we should be grateful to have overcome them and look back with appreciation.

Alanis was on to something- One of the most beautifully written songs.

"How bout getting off these antibiotics?
How bout stopping eating when I’m full up?
How bout them transparent dangling carrots? 
How bout that ever elusive "Could have"? 

Thank you India. 
Thank you terror. 
Thank you disillusionment. 
Thank you frailty. 
Thank you consequence. 
Thank you, thank you silence. 

How bout me not blaming you for everything? 
How bout me enjoying the moment for once? 
How bout how good it feels to finally forgive you? 
How bout grieving it all one at a time ?

The moment I let go of it was the moment 
I got more than I could handle. 
The moment I jumped off of it 
was the moment I touched down. 

How bout no longer being masochistic? 
How bout remembering your divinity? 
How bout unabashedly bawling your eyes out? 
How bout not equating death with stopping? 

Thank you India. 
Thank you providence. 
Thank you disillusionment. 
Thank you nothingness. 
Thank you clarity. 
Thank you thank you silence."

What a woman said about women who look at other women and wish to be different women

Source: mega-upload.me via Brianna on Pinterest

Smile for your own good!

I came across a great article online, written by Mark Stibich Ph.D
Thought I would share with you!

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in (avoid these smile aging habits to keep your smile looking great).

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.