Your Home is Your Symphony
December 31, 2004
“Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Although Dr. Sagan was commenting on the wonders to be found in the vastness of outer space, there are also incredible design possibilities just waiting to be discovered right in your own home. In fact, your home’s overall design represents a symphony, and the individual design details are the musical notes you use to compose the melody and harmony for the symphony of your living space.
Your home should always bolster feelings of happiness, serenity, and comfort, and once you’re aware of a few simple rules, composing a home symphony that supports positive emotions and encourages joyful living is easy.
Begin composing your symphony by choosing the color of your walls. All of your home’s colors should harmonize, both inside and out. Once you’ve chosen your exterior colors, bring subtle shades of those same colors inside, using them as accents throughout your home. Harmonize your colors with ones you see in the natural world surrounding your house. Use colors that blend with the lighting from the natural environment and support a feeling of serenity and cheerfulness.
Next, add carefully-crafted lighting, which is an important factor in all residential design. Well-designed lighting is both a science and an art, and when used in conjunction with color, sets the emotional atmosphere for the home. Too little light in a room can cause people to feel depressed, while rooms that are too bright can cause uneasy feelings.
Like the color of your walls, your lighting choices should also harmonize with the natural light that surrounds your home. The amount of light should vary, just as it does in nature, to give rooms a more natural feel and to evoke a note of harmony and peace.
The next movement in your symphony involves the textures you choose to employ throughout your home. Studies have shown that emotionally pleasing patterns based on nature encourage feelings of happiness and contentment. Undulating patterns, combined with gentle swags, lend an upbeat, natural feeling to a room, while rooms with no patterns feel boring because people are accustomed to the multitude of patterns displayed by Mother Nature.
Many other design details in your home also come into play when creating your home symphony, such as sounds, furnishings, and furniture arrangement. But regardless of which movement of your symphony you’re working on, always keep in mind that balance is the key. And just like the combined elements of a symphony, your home must have some sections that promote quiet and rest–remember, it’s the vacant spaces between the notes that make the music.
If you look at decorating your home as if you were creating a symphony, in all of its complexity and harmony, you’ll be able to make design decisions that are always in concert with your overall concept. If you continue to bear the complete work in mind, you’ll choose design elements that resonate in harmony with each other, and your home will make joyful music for all who enter.
(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
For more information about Jeanette’s “Joy to the Home” eNewsletter, see http://www.joytothehome.com/
For information on Design Psychology, visit http://www.designpsych.com/
Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery Unraveled
December 31, 2004
Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years.
Celtic Cross Jewelry
One of the most enduring, and coveted “gifts” of Celtic culture is jewelry featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.
For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God’s love. It can even represent a halo emanating from Christ.
Some say the four “arms” of the Celtic Cross represent the elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes the four directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of human existence - mind, body, soul and heart.
Celtic Knots
The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate patterns and design?and the debate as to the meaning of those designs. While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had some significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location.
Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a way to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as to the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal.
Claddagh Rings
Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with the giving of a Claddagh ring is “Let love and friendship reign.”
It’s not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriage band. In Celtic times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to show that the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show he/she was “spoken for.” If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart turned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in marriage.
Celtic Then and Now
At one time, Celtic people could be found throughout Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examples of Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire encroached on the lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who were forced to move to abandon their homes and relocate in remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southern England.
Despite their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celts endured, thrived?and continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remained strong for centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a huge resurgence in their homelands and with “ex-pats” around the world, as people seek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.
Learn How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off. This informative Special Report reveals little-known facts and insider trade secrets that many jewelers would prefer you didn’t know. To get your FREE copy please go to http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.
Tips For Singles on Surviving (And Enjoying) The Holidays
December 31, 2004
Here you are, facing the holiday season alone. Have you been thinking about?
*how alone and lonely you feel
*excuses you can give family members as to why you can’t come this year
*what friends may be available to spend those long days with
*how another year has passed and you are (still) single
*how unfair it is that everyone else seems so happy and connected
*how you will handle the office holiday party- single, take a friend, not attend
*going to a far away (tropical?) place to escape it all
*hiding out, alone, in your own home
If these thoughts sound familiar it is probably time to reflect on your feelings regarding this holiday season. If your goal is to hide out and endure it alone, you won’t need to do too much planning. However, if you wish to experience at least a measure of the "peace and joy" associated with this time of year, you need to make and follow through with plans that allow you to participate in ways that are meaningful to YOU.
Remember, your senses are bombarded from October to December with music, images and Hallmark verses depicting the "right" experiences and expressions for the season. Remind yourself, every day if necessary, that there’s nothing wrong with being single. You have the same need and right to enjoy this season as any couple or family does. How you choose to do this is up to you.
After you have done some serious reflection, consider the following list of holiday tips designed especially for singles.
Don’t make plans out of a sense of obligation. This is also your holiday season. Set limits, make good choices and enjoy. You may ask yourself; "do I really want to go out"? If so, make your next question something like; "does it sound like something I would enjoy or be interested in?" Or, "will I have the opportunity to meet and mix with other singles?"
Avoid unrealistic expectations from others, from yourself and from the holidays themselves. Relax, enjoy and don’t expect so much that you will feel hurt or disappointed when things don’t turn out just as you had imagined. This will defeat all the positive feelings and experiences that you may have already gained.
Make sure you give thanks for all the blessings you do have in your life. Focusing on what you don’t have only encourages negative thoughts. Add a prayer of hope for the things you would like to work for in the coming year.
Don’t overbook OR overstay a good amount of time with relatives/friends. Sometimes a shorter stay works best and leaves you energy and space to get back to your own home and decompress.
Look for ways to give to or do for others. Feeling useful and appreciated will provide a great boost to your holiday spirits. Check into volunteer opportunities at local shelters and nursing homes or through any local church or non-profit group.
Don’t plan to spend the entire holiday season with married /coupled family and friends. Seek out other singles and singles groups/ activities where you can feel relaxed and able to share with folks you have more in common with at this time. Better yet, plan a get together with other singles for one of the holidays. A festive potluck meal, tree trimming party or other holiday event would probably be much appreciated.
Do avoid using food, alcohol or drugs to cope with holiday stress. Nothing is worse than the feelings that follow the use (or wrong use) of these things. This way of coping leads to depression, low self-esteem and a greater sense of isolation and despair.
Do decorate your home with any and all things that make it feel more festive and fun for YOU. Tune into all those wonderful traditions you grew up with. It does not have to be very costly or time consuming to begin your own traditions in your own place. Don’t put off or deny yourself those happy holiday expressions, as you wait for your significant other. Make your life all it can be right now.
Consider emphasizing the more spiritual aspects of the holiday. Go to a concert featuring religious holiday music or attend a church (or other) service, (even better with a friend).
Finally, going away to an exotic place may be just what you do need. Look into tour or vacation packages for singles. This may provide plenty of rest and relaxation and help you meet new friends and develop new interests.
Whatever you decide to do for your holidays, have fun and enjoy them. Focus on taking care of yourself and doing what is right for you. This way you will also be giving your best to those around you. Happy Holidays!
Toni Coleman is a licensed therapist and relationship coach in private practice in McLean, Virginia. She specializes in working with singles that want to create lasting, intimate relationships. Toni has over 20 years of post-masters experience in relationship counseling and coaching with singles and couples. She is the founder and President of LifeChange Coaching and Consum-mate Relationship Coaching. She developed and teaches the Creating Lasting Relationships Training, a tele-workshop designed to help singles to define, implement and fulfill their life and relationship goals. She has also written numerous email classes for singles on all aspects of meeting, dating and relating. She is the author of the email newsletter, The Art of Intimacy, which goes out to thousands of subscribers monthly. http://www.consum-mate.com
Viburnum
December 31, 2004
Viburnums are related to the honeysuckles, so it should come as no surprise that many of them have fragrant flowers. But that’s not all they have in their favour. No, this genus includes plants for all seasons and all reasons; foliage, flower, autumn colour, scent, groundcover, shrub or small tree, evergreen or deciduous, it’s all there among the 120-odd species and the many hybrids and cultivars. Indeed, they’re so variable that it would be quite possible to have an interesting garden of viburnums alone.
Although viburnums can be found over much of the temperate northern hemisphere and even South America, most of the common plants in our gardens, with the exceptions of the Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) and the Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), occur naturally in temperate Asia or are derived from the species of that area.
About the only drawback with viburnums is that because they are so adaptable and easy to grow, they seem to have suffered from the ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ syndrome that sees common plants, however attractive and useful, relegated to the lower divisions of the garden league in favour of something more ‘exciting’. Well, don’t fall into that trap - every garden needs at least one viburnum.
Foliage
While the obvious division in the genus is between the evergreen and deciduous types, it’s not quite that clear-cut. Some of the more popular plants are hybrids between evergreen and deciduous species and are semi-evergreen. This can actually be an advantage because they retain enough foliage to not look bare over winter while also developing vivid autumn tones in the leaves that fall. The very popular Viburnum × burkwoodii is the best example of this behaviour.
The foliage varies, but is in most cases a pointed elliptical shape and deeply veined. Some of the deciduous species, such as Viburnum opulus and Viburnum dentata, have lobed, somewhat maple-leaf-like foliage. Variegated foliage is not common, but where it does occur, the patterns and colours can be striking. The variegated form of Viburnum tinus is very popular.
Flowers
Viburnum flowers are nearly always white or pale pink, but within that limited colour range is found a huge variety of blooms. Although the individual flowers are small, they’re massed in heads that in some types are very large indeed. Most often the flowers are all fertile, but some species have hydrangea-like flower heads in which small clusters of fertile flowers are surrounded by large sterile ray florets. Cultivars have been raised with flowerheads entirely composed of sterile flowers. A sterile Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’ [syn. ‘Sterile’]) in full flower often droops under the weight of its huge flower heads.
Although spring is the main flowering season, many of the most fragrant viburnums start to bloom in winter, or even late autumn. Because their flowers aren’t brightly coloured and insects are fewer in winter, they presumably use scent as a means to attract from a greater distance those pollinators that are around. Some, such as Viburnum × burkwoodii are rarely without a few flowers.
Fruit
In all cases, except for the sterile cultivars, the flowers are followed by berry-like drupes. While usually interestingly coloured, the drupes aren’t always show, though when they are, they can be a real feature. The steel-blue fruits of Viburnum davidii are very distinctive and the black drupes of Viburnum grandiflorum are particularly large, but my favourite is the so-called High-bush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum), which covers itself with bright red fruit in late summer and autumn. It seems that just about any plant with showy red berries gets called a cranberry, but although the fruit is edible and can be used as a substitute for cranberry, it isn’t the real thing. For the record, the real cranberry, the one of jelly fame, is Vaccinium macrocarpon, a plant more closely related to rhododendrons than viburnums.
Cultivation
There isn’t much to say here; viburnums are easy. Except for all but a few in the very coldest of New Zealand gardens, hardiness isn’t a problem; they’re not fussy about soil type; most will grow perfectly well in sun or part shade and some will grow in very dark corners. Good drainage helps but they will tolerate soil that’s damp for a while.
Success with viburnums is not so much a matter of getting them to grow but directing and managing the growth they make. Although viburnums are plants with an in-built resistance to formal shaping, try to establish a good framework of main branches when the plants are young or they may develop into a mass tangled twigs rather than neat bushes.
As soon as possible after flowering, thin out any congested or weak stems and shorten back the main branches. There’s nothing complicated here, it’s just matter of letting more light and air into the centre of the bush and directing the plant’s energy into productive wood rather than spindly growth. If this is done for the first five years or so, you should have well-shaped, heavy flowering plants.
What’s available
There are many viburnums out there but garden centres tend to be rather uninspired in their selection, sticking pretty much to the tried and true. However, pester your local garden centre enough and they should be able to get hold of any of the following.
Viburnum bitchiuense
Found in southern Japan and Korea, this 3m tall deciduous shrub is beautiful in its own right while also being a parent of several attractive hybrids. It has large, strongly fragrant pink flowers that fade to white. They open in spring and are followed by black drupes.
Viburnum × bodnantense (Viburnum farreri × Viburnum grandiflorum)
A hybrid between two Chinese deciduous species, this 2.5m tall bush has rounded bright green leaves and small clusters of white flowers with a faint pink tint. The flowers are very fragrant and appear from late winter to early spring, very fragrant.
Viburnum × burkwoodii (Viburnum carlesii × Viburnum utile)
Viburnum carlesii is deciduous and Viburnum utile is evergreen, so in the spirit of compromise, their 3m tall offspring is semi-evergreen. Its rounded, bright green leaves have greyish undersides and in autumn those that fall develop intense yellow, orange and red tones before dropping. In mild areas the flowers open from late winter, elsewhere they appear in spring. They are white, opening from pink buds and are carried in ball-shaped clusters in spring. Their fragrance can scent the entirety of a small garden. Several cultivars are grown, of which the compact ‘Anne Russell’ is probably the most popular.
Viburnum × carlcephalum (Viburnum carlesii × Viburnum macrocephalum forma keteleeri)
Sometimes called the Korean Spice Viburnum, this deciduous hybrid grows to around 2.5m tall and its flowers really do have a spicy fragrance. They open in spring, the first blooms being pink while the later flowers tend towards white-flushed-pink. The flower heads are up to 15cm across and complement the large, rather glossy leaves.
Viburnum carlesii
At first sight this native of Korea and Japan resembles the more common Viburnum × burkwoodii, which is not surprising as it one of that hybrid’s parents. However, it is fully deciduous and a more compact plant, rarely exceeding 1.8m tall. Its flowers, in ball-shaped clusters, pink in bud opening to white in spring, are very fragrant. There are quite a few cultivars of which ‘Aurora’ (flowers in various shades of red pink and white) and ‘Cayuga’ (orange autumn foliage) are the most popular. Others, such as the widely grown ‘Chesapeake’ are hybrids with Viburnum utile.
Viburnum davidii
While capable of growing to 1.5m tall, this western Chinese evergreen species is more commonly seen as a mounding groundcover. It has bright mid green, glossy, heavily veined leathery leaves up to 15cm long that overlap to form a dense foliage cover. Small clusters of white flowers open from late winter to mid-spring and are followed by steel blue drupes.
Viburnum dentatum
Known as Arrowwood because of its use for that purpose by native Americans, this large deciduous shrub or small tree has rather unexciting greenish white flowers and is often rather an untidy grower. However, this eastern North American species comes into its own in autumn as the black drupes ripen and the foliage develops vivid red tones.
Viburnum erubescens
This early summer-flowering, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub is native to the Himalayas and found in mountainous areas as far south as Sri Lanka. The flowers are white flushed with pale pink and are followed by red fruits that blacken when ripe.
Viburnum farreri
Although less common than the hybrids raised from it, this 3m tall, northern Chinese, deciduous species is well worth growing for its very fragrant pink-tinted white flowers that open from mid-winter. If pollinated the flowers develop into red fruit that blackens when ripe.
Viburnum japonica
Like V. davidii, this evergreen shrub is most often seen used as a large-scale groundcover, though it’s capable of growing well over 1m tall. A native of Japan, it has deep green, glossy leaves and bronze new growth. Loose clusters of white flowers in late spring are followed by red drupes. Regular trimming after flowering will keep it compact.
Viburnum lantana
The Wayfaring Tree, a species widespread in Eurasia, is a deciduous, sometimes tree-like shrub with heads of rather dull creamy-white flowers in spring. It is grown more for its fruit, which is red ageing to black, and its foliage. The leaves are attractive at all stages, starting out deep green and velvety, aging to dark green fine hairs coating their undersides, then developing gold and russet tones in autumn before falling.
Viburnum opulus
Found from Europe and North Africa to Central Asia, the Guelder Rose is a large deciduous shrub with mid green, deeply lobed, maple-like leaves that redden in autumn. Rounded heads of white flowers in spring are followed in late summer by red fruit. The bark contains a glucoside, viburnine, that has uses in herbal medicine, particularly in the control of spasms and cramps. ‘Roseum’ (syn. ‘Sterile’) is a cultivar with large heads of all-sterile flowers. It is known as the snowball tree because of the size and colour of its flowerheads and is far more widely grown than the species.
Viburnum plicatum
From China and Japan, this deciduous shrub grows to around 3m tall and has rounded, mid green, hazel-like leaves with serrated edges. Flattened clusters of white flowers in open in spring and may be followed by red fruit that blackens when ripe. The tiered branches are tiered make this species very distinctive and are a feature that is particularly apparent in the cultivar ‘Mariesii’. ‘Rosacea’ is a cultivar with bronze young foliage and pink-tinted, all-sterile flowers in large heads.
Viburnum rhytidophyllum
While this late spring- and summer-flowering Chinese species has reasonably attractive heads of creamy-white blooms, it’s really a foliage plant. The leaves are up to 20cm long and very heavily textured. The upper surfaces are slightly glossy and the undersurfaces are heavily coated in a grey to tan felt. ‘Variegatum’ is a cultivar with gold-splashed foliage. If the flowers interest you, look for ‘Roseum’, which has pinkish red blooms.
Viburnum tinus
Once one of the most popular hedging plants, though not so common now, the Laurustinus is a 3m tall, evergreen shrub from southern Europe and North Africa. It has leathery, bark olive green and in late winter and spring puts on a good display white flowers that often develop pink tints. Variegated foliage cultivars often have brighter pink flowers.
Viburnum trilobum
As described earlier, the High-bush Cranberry is a 2.5m tall, deciduous North American shrub. It has lobed, maple-like leaves that often turn bright red in autumn. Flat heads of white flowers open in spring and large clusters of very bright red berries in late summer to autumn. It is one of the best hardy shrubs for colour and quantity of fruit.
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A little searching, especially through mail order catalogues, will yield quite a few more species, hybrids and cultivars. Or you could try propagating your own. The species may be raised from seed, which is usually best stratified, but hybrids and cultivars must be propagated vegetatively, most commonly by semi-ripe cuttings.
I am a garden book author and horticultural photographer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I run a stock photo library called Country, Farm and Garden (http://www.cfgphoto.com). This article may be re-published provided this information is published with it and is clearly visible.
Hot Colors for Cooler Days
December 31, 2004
Labor Day not only marks the end of the summer season, but also summer fashion as well. I’m sure you’ve heard the old fashion adage, “don’t wear white shoes after Labor Day!”. Does this same restriction apply to pink lip-gloss? What about lime green eye shadow? Always wanting to be cosmetic-ly correct, I enlisted the help of hair stylist & make up artist extraordinaire Shea-Shea Johnson co-owner of Thaanx 2 U Hair Salon. Shea-Shea’s impressive celeb list of clients include Alicia Keys, A.J Johnson, Gary Dourdan, Kellita Smith, Kerry Washington, Spike Lee & Tisha Campbell. Anyone talented enough to powder fine @(#* Gary Dourdan’s nose is definitely qualified to share beauty secrets with a wanna be like me. Read on as Shea-Shea offers us some “MAC-nificent suggestions to transition beautifully into Fall.
Changing Faces
Q. With cooler days ahead, I asked Shea-Shea if wearing hot, bright colors on our eyes and lips is breaking “the rules”?
A. “Simplicity is key. I don’t follow “the rules” but I do believe in keeping it simple. If you want to wear a bright eye shadow it’s important to apply it in moderation, and make sure it is blended well. The object is to not let the eye shadow over power your face.
Fall into Beauty
Q. Can you recommend any essentials as we transition into Fall?
A. “Hydrating the skin is essential! Drinking water is the first step to having healthy, dewy skin. Also, it is important to continue to use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. Sunscreen not only protects our faces from sun damage but also acts as a barrier against cold winter weather. So skincare first, then makeup. For fall I prefer natural, earth tones like Samoa Silk eye shadow. Tan-Ray eye paint, Peaches blush, & Oh Baby lip glass, all by MAC Cosmetics.
Beauty Express
Q. With the end of summer also comes the beginning of school. For many moms with school age children, that can also mean less time in the bathroom. Any advice for looking polished in say 10 minutes?
A. Definitely. Starting with a clean face and groomed eyebrows.
1. Lightly dust face with a MAC SPF 15 Foundation.
(Remember the key is moderation. You don’t want to over powder)
2. Apply 2 coats of mascara.
3. Apply blush or bronzer. (Peaches by MAC works on just about every skintype)
4. Apply lipgloss. (Oh Baby by MAC works on just about every skintype)
What’s in Your Makeup Bag?
Q. Your going to be stranded on a desert island. What do you definitely pack into your makeup bag?
A. Definicils Mascara by Lancome, Pink Freeze eyeshadow by MAC, C-Thru Lip Glass by MAC, MAC shadow brushes #’s 224, 252 & 266 and Fashion Fair Skin Treatment Program (Cleanse, Rinse, Moisturize) because it is so important to wash off your make up before bed!
Face Painting
Q. Thank you Shea-Shea. I’ve enjoyed talking “shop” with you and I’ve definitely added a few items to my beauty-shopping list. But I also need help with makeup application. Do you teach makeup application?
A. I do. I give makeup consultation as well as workshops on makeup application. I also do makeovers from head to toe, and I do make up for bridal partys, special events, etc. I can be reached at (510) 262-9220 or (510) 812-8602 for an appointment.
There you have it ladies?pro tips on Fall Beauty. Of course, inner beauty is the best beauty because it doesn’t wash off! But if you need a little help painting your face don’t hesitate to give my girl a call?who knows you just might see Gary!
Cathy Gatson is a freelance writer and owner/operator of a hair and body salon in Northern California.
Relax. Its Just Your Life
December 31, 2004
What am I supposed to do with my life? Shouldn’t I be doing something…well…more?
These questions haunt everyone from time to time. Personally, I can’t count the number of times my acquaintances and I have batted this philosophical shuttlecock around a conversational circle. More often then not, the discussion gets bogged down in the seemingly immiscible oil-and-water struggle between the “idealists”, who are sure anything is possible if you just believe, and the “realists” who claim that between taxes, child-rearing and battles over tenure and seniority there simply isn’t time for belief in the promise that “your check is in the mail,” let alone anything more esoteric like living the life of your dreams.
I can’t help but feel that most of us are going about this issue the wrong way - simply trying too hard to get it right the first time and ending up doing nothing out of fear that we will get it wrong, and not find out until we’re too far down the road to find our way back to the starting point. Unfortunately, by the time we realize that we haven’t actually chosen anything we often discover that the choice was made for us long ago by our inattention.
Instead of trying to figure out the eternal (and unanswerable) question of, “What should I do with my life,” consider just living life, and living it well. There’s nothing wrong with simply picking up a comfortable mix of jobs, hobbies, causes, volunteering and fun stuff that you really want to do and enjoy doing, and then doing them to the best of your ability with no intent to be anything other than yourself at your best. If you do this, one of two things will most certainly happen:
1. You will eventually stumble across something you want to do while you’re out enjoying your life.
2. You won’t stumble across whatever it is you want to do, but will enjoy living your life anyway, creating a warm, cheerful and loving environment for those around you in the process.
Either way, you will have a happy, enjoyable life that you can be proud of reliving in the hereafter, and you may end up coming across something wondrous. One thing I do know is that while all of us are capable of doing great things, not too many of us realize that not everybody has to climb to the top of the mountain and be a hero to do this.
Even if you just spend your life being kind, happy and pleasant, puttering around at your hobbies, helping others when you can and generally just making the world around your little sphere of influence a little cheerier by virtue of your smiling, whistling presence, that’s a great work in and of itself. Too many people, feeling that pull to “make something of themselves,” fail to realize that who they already are is enough.
So why not just relax, enjoy your life and let it unfold as it will. Many who believe in reincarnation believe that some lifetimes are just for enjoying the view, a vacation of sorts, and many others believe that it is as much a sin to forgo permissible pleasures as it is to avoid the forbidden ones. Surely our Creator would not create such a beautiful world as this and then be offended if we were so taken with it that we spent our lives enjoying it and each other. Enjoy your life and enjoy the lives of those around you. And if you just so happen to find “great work” while you’re at it, well that’s just the icing on the cake.
(c) Soni Pitts
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Soni Pitts is the Chief Visionary Butt-Kicker of SoniPitts.Com. She specializes in helping others reclaim “soul proprietorship” in their lives and to begin living the life their Creator always intended for them.
She is the author of the free e-book “50 Ways To Reach Your Goals” and over 100 self-help and inspirational articles, as well as other products and resources designed to facilitate this process of personal growth and spiritual development.
