The Inner Path: No Need For Disappointments

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

You're disappointed, again.  You failed your exam, your favorite sports team lost, you dropped your iPad, your heel broke.  Let's face it, your expectations were unfulfilled and the feeling of dissatisfaction that follows begins to manifest. You're angry, sad, hurt and fearful. You don't take disappointments well.  You just don't know how to deal with it and want to give in.  But don't let disappointments take a toll on you.  As the great poet and lecturer Dr. Maya Angelou says,  “If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.” So just how do you overcome disappointments? Know that disappointment is temporal and hope is eternal.

• Disappointment is temporal.  It is what it is. It happened.  But know that every disappointment, however real it may be to you, is temporary and can always be overcome in time, along with the hurt, the fear, and the pain that accompanies it. Only your thought about it is permanent. So change your mind about what has disappointed you and you will change your life.  
• Hope is eternal.  There is always hope. Hope erases doubts, clears your vision and makes you far sighted. Hope promotes the belief in a good outcome of events in your life and that things will turn out for the best.  Hope always returns, continually.
  Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning is from a quote offering hope.
  

No disappointment is permanent and hope can sometimes persuade you to haste across the finish line even when you are tempted to give up. When there is hope there is life, for hope is the oxygen that fuels the spirit.  Hope infuses courage and provides you the momentum to keep moving forward.  However, no one or nothing is perfect and remember we would never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world. So remember this, there's no need for disappointment, even in the midst of it.... it is what it is.

The Inner Path: No To The Ego

“The moment you become aware of the ego in you, it is strictly speaking no longer the ego, but just an old, conditioned mind-pattern. Ego implies unawareness. Awareness and ego cannot coexist.” ― Eckhart Tolle

Life and Stuff

The ego is a powerful thing. So many people have been snared by this conceptual element and don't even know it. The ego disguises itself as... you.  A conception your identity in a physical form.  Elements of the outside world and of personal experiences are mostly repressed by the ego... that's a problem.  The ego comes out as your character for all to see, not always seen as an overinflated sense of self.  It can turn up in feelings of inferiority or self-hatred also, because ego is any image you have of yourself that gives you a sense of identity.   That identity derives from the things you tell yourself and the things other people have been saying about you that you've decided to accept as truth. Yes, and that's why it's important for you to let go of the ego and be you. The ego is a protective and guarded shell for you, not protecting you, but separating you.  It's a barrier, cutting you off from other people and the outside world.  Separating you... from you.  

Life and Stuff: My Very Pinteresting Views

Here are some very Pinteresting views from my Life and Stuff Pinterest boards. I love this social bookmarking tool.  I think of it like an interactive, shareable scrapbook. I follow other users, share their content, make comments, and sometimes tag users.  I love sharing my pins on Facebook and Twitter too. Take a look at some of the pins from my boards.

 

MsLifeandStuff

on

Pinterest

 

It's spring, the weather is warming up so there's no need for those big meals.  I pinned this Pesto Shrimp with Mixed Greens to my Tasty Goodness! board from the William-Sanoma recipe site. Love it!

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I pinned these beautiful Healing Stones Bracelets of the Om symbol, Tree of Life, and Silver plated Buddha Head charms, to my The Inner Path board. Bringing in a little peace, awareness, healing and consciousness.

 

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The Inner Path: The Spirit of #Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67.  The word Kwanzaa derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" and is celebrated with the 7 core principles of  Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The greeting for each day of Kwanzaa is Habari Gani?, which is Swahili for "What's the News?" and you will in turn respond with the particular principle for that day; Umoja, Kujichagulia, etc. The core principles

Christmas Song: Silent Night...The Temptations Version

Merry Christmas.....The Temptations version of 'Silent Night.  This is my favorite version of this song. It just nourishes my soul and spirit and oh it's just the best.

Nutritionwise: Meatless Monday: Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

One day a week....cut the meat!

Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

Steaming, spicy, colorful tortilla soup somehow makes life bearable when the weather is dark and gloomy. It makes the day a little less dreary with steamy flavorful bites and a little more comfortable.

The Inner Path: Prerequisites to Making the Soul Visible To Living an Authentic Life

 The authentic self is soul made visible ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Being true to yourself, and living the truths and vision you find within. You may talk about living a happy life, a successful life, a meaningful life all the time, but an authentic life? You don't hear that too often, but it's a good question and one you should think about. Maybe you define success as earning plenty of money or having unlimited wealth, measured accomplishments, humanitarian efforts or peace of mind. Just as a successful life can be defined in many ways, so too can an authentic life. Being authentic means living your truths daily, not holding them only as thoughts. In other words, don't just believe what's truth, but live it...practice what you believe. To act out your deepest visions and to live a life that's filled with meaning and purpose.

Nutritionwise: Meatless Monday: Cajun Chili Cups

Meatless Monday encourages you to make healthier decisions at the start of every week.  Why Mondays?......Monday is typically the beginning of the work week, the day when individuals settle back into their weekly routine. Unhealthy habits that prevailed over the weekend can be forgotten and replaced by positive choices.  A weekly reminder to restart healthy habits also encourages success. 

Join the Meatless Monday Movement!

Tasty Goodness: Citrus Dessert Bread

Citrus Dessert Bread

As I was searching for bread recipes, I came across the

The Knead for Bread website with a delicious looking Citrus Dessert Bread recipe last month and since it is now baking season I will surely try it and thought you might like to as well.

This citrus dessert bread is filled with the smells and tangy tastes of lemon, lime and orange and can be topped with lemon-flavoured cream cheese icing. You don’t even have to slice it as it peels apart, making it the perfect dessert bread. This recipe makes two loaves.

The Inner Path: Growing A Healthy Attitude Through Mindfulness

 What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:4

Being mindful is paying attention on purpose, in the present moment with qualities like careful, compassion, curiosity, responsibility, awareness and acceptance. Mindfulness is a desirable quality which produces a healthy attitude. It can reduce stress, blood pressure and even anxiety. Growing a healthy attitude means you've gotten to a point where greed and hatred are absent from your mind and you're aware of whatever is happening in the present, without judgment.  Even Psychologist and Physicians are paying attention to mindfulness today than in the past.

The Inner Path: Use SMART Rules To Stay Spiritually Balanced During The Holidays

  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

 Roman 12:2 (NIV)

We're all undaunted with stress at one time or more during the year, but one of the most stressful times of year is during the holidays...Thanksgiving and Christmas, specifically.  Even though they are generally suppose to be happy and fun, somewhere long the way the stress; unrealistic expectations, unreasonable demands, too many responsibilities, and all their attachments show up and the next thing you know, you're depressed, over-tired, and dreading the whole "holiday season." So how do you prioritize all that's Christian about the holidays with all the other stuff creeping in over time?  Here are some smart tips to help you keep your focus on what's truly important during the season and still satisfy family and friends. 

Nutritionwise: Let's Get Ready for Meatless Monday

Taking it one day at a time a week!

This Monday’s Menu

Blackberry Pumpkin Smoothie

Breakfast

Blackberries and earthy pumpkin come together with vanilla soymilk in this sweetly spiced treat. Cinnamon and agave nectar meld the flavors together before this smoothie is finished with a touch of nutmeg. more >

Mushroom Pie

The Inner Path: Gratitude on Thanksgiving Day...and every day!

 Psalm 145:7
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (NIV)

 

 As you already know, long ago Americans dedicated a day during November for the sole purpose of inviting and expressing gratitude.  Thanksgiving Day was meant to pay our homage to the Almighty God for this plentiful and bountiful harvest.  Thanksgiving, no matter how you choose to recognize it, always holds the promise of renewed awareness for all our blessings. Look at the people around you and thank God that you're not spending Thanksgiving Day alone, and appreciate the food you are eating and the person or people who prepared it for you... be grateful.

DIYit: Make Your Own Rosemary Oil

Olive Oil

One of the fastest growing trends in DIY projects is creating your own essential oils for candles, liquid potpourri, or other aromatherapy fragrances for massages, is a simple project with sweet rewards....essential oils. You can use flowers, fruit, herbs, or spices... it's easy. Use the instructions below to make your own rosemary oil from the distinctively fragrant fresh herb, rosemary. 

Spotlight: November - Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice

Happy Birthday....Condoleezza Rice:  Born, November 14, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama, is an American political scientist, professor and diplomat. 

• She served as the 66th United States Secretary of State, and was the second person to hold that office in the administration of President George W. Bush. Rice was the first female African-American secretary of state
• Second African American, after Colin Powell, and the second woman, after Madeleine Albright. 
• President Bush's National Security Advisor during his first term, making her the first woman to serve in that position.
• Professor of political science at Stanford University where she served as Provost from 1993 to 1999.
• Served on the National Security Council as the Soviet and Eastern Europe Affairs Advisor to President George H.W. Bush during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and German reunification.

Nutritionwise: MENU for this week's Meatless Monday

This Monday’s Menu

Thai Spiced Omelet

Breakfast

Tofu is cooked in peanut oil, sautéed with cabbage and peppers and seasoned with ginger and soy sauce in this Thai fusion frittata. Shallots are caramelized sweet and incorporated into this omelet’s egg base, while jalapeños the eggs a kick of spice.

recipe>

Apple Basil Paninis

The Inner Path: Shape Up Your Life, Mind & Spirit With Some Simple Mood Repair Strategies

A bad mood is contagious and can block the peace of your inner spirit.  And, if not changed can lead to depression, low self-esteem and other problems in social relationships with others. But, just because you're in a bad mood doesn't mean you have to stay stuck in one.  Here are some mood repair strategies that will shift your mood from general sadness or clinical depression to a state of greater contentment or happiness and turn your frown upside down.

1. Drink Up - If you're cranky or sluggish, that second cup of coffee might not be the best way for you to perk yourself up.  Instead, try a glass of water or another non alcoholic beverage. Research studies show that even mild dehydration can cloud a sunny disposition.

Fashion: 5 Big Fashion Faux Pas

 “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

― Coco Chanel

Clothes do not make a person, but people reveal their identity through their clothes and appearance. There really is no prescribed standardized dress for people; men or women to wear, but we do follow fashion in our clothes and appearance. And while no one is perfect, some mistakes identify you and if you do not want to run the risks of making style snafus then here are fashion traps to avoid and the solutions to fix them.

1. Choosing the wrong foundation garments:  A foundation garment is not suppose to enhance your body's features, like, for example, a padded bra would.  It's purpose is to temporarily alter your body shape into a more fashionable figure.  Celebrities get stuffed and tucked into heavy-duty body trimmers, push-up bras, even sticky tape to look good in designer dresses for the red carpet, all the time, so just think what the right bra or support-top pantyhose could do for you. Solution: How to get it right underneath.
2. Choosing clothes that don't fit: Don't buy on-line unless you'll already familiar with the garment brand and size pattern.  Did you know that little details like the length of your jacket sleeves or the place your pants hem rest can make or break an outfit? If you have found a great deal and tried on a garment and still need some adjustment, then the best way to get that perfect fit is to have a tailor alter the garment. Solution: How your clothes should really fit
3. Relying too heavily on the fashion media: The fashion magazines, awards shows, newspapers and blogs, all keep us up to date with all the fashions.  The problem is relying too heavily on them to rule your wardrobe, you run the risk of being a fashion victim, rather the fashionista that you want to be.  Most magazines and TV programs present you with fabulous clothes you'll want to buy on fabulous models you'll want to look like....the problem: you probably can't afford any of the clothes they show and you don't look like a supermodel or a celebrity. Solution: Develop your own style .
4. Creating a wardrobe made up of odds and ends: It may seem like a good idea to buy random odds and ends on sale, but you could end up blowing your budget and even your wardrobe concept on all those minor purchases.  Without a plan, you can end up with tons of clothes and nothing to wear. But it's never to late to change your habits. Solution: Always have something to wear.
5. Getting stuck in a style rut: Sticking with classics has been conventional style wisdom for ages, and for women with full lives and limited resources this is still a sure way to investment dressing. The problem is that as we grow older, we sometimes become a little too comfortable wearing our old standbys (or just doing "replenishment" shopping each season). Sometimes all it takes is tweaking the basics that you already own to look fabulous. Solution:How to keep your look up-to-date. 

It's not your body shape or height that makes the difference. It's really the way your clothes are presented on you that can make the difference. The good news is that looking good, thankfully has little to do with the old fashioned idea of perfection, but knowing what looks good on you and how to wear it.  Check your closet or study your room decor and taste to help you define your signature style. just make sure it feels like you and fits your personality and lifestyle. And, remember, many people make fashion faux pas as they try to hard, or want to make sure they are wearing the latest fashions or styles regardless of whether they suit them or not, but now, you too, can present a stylish fashionable look. Good luck and let me know if this article helped you.

News: Oprah Launches HuffPost OWN!

We need to be in touch with our internal GPS -- the inner voice that knows right from wrong that's always guiding us True North. 

                               - Oprah Winfrey on her launch with The Huffington Post

 Oprah Winfrey now has a page on The Huffington Post  titled Huffpost OWN, where she and Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, are partnering, as she said, to focus on self-empowerment, healthy living for the mind and body, relationships, and deepening the conversation on, as Oprah puts it, living our best lives.

Oprah said, Understanding that we are all more powerful than we know -- that we are all connected to something bigger than ourselves -- is the real conversation I want to have. In many ways, it is the only conversation, I believe, truly worth having. So let's continue this conversation together here at the OWN section of The Huffington Post.

 

I like the work that Oprah and Arianna are doing and will surely be checking in on the Huffpost OWN page and hope you will too.

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