Christmas in July

When my children were young, I would start Christmas shopping in July.  

I wanted to be finished before Thanksgiving, including all wrapping.  

If I accomplished this it would take the stress out of the holiday.  

We could listen to Christmas music, watch the tree lights, snuggle, decorate cookies and just have fun.  

(That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

I would begin by brainstorming and making a list.  I had categories for gifts that were in place since that first Christmas when Lexy was born.  The categories included a doll/stuffed animal, jewelry, educational toy, toy, music, book, sister gift, a big Santa gift and stocking stuffers.  If it didn't fit into the specific categories it became a stocking stuffer, sometimes sitting beside the stockings in a pile.  

It was all too much!

I also needed to find the "perfect" ornament for each daughter.  It needed to be meaningful and identify something from their year.  Oh, and there was also the Christmas Eve video and pajamas too.  Dennis usually had to work on Christmas Eve day and to make our day easier to handle "Santa" left a video on the tree to occupy time and reduce the "When is Daddy coming home?" questions.  We would snuggle in with popcorn and make it a celebration.  After Christmas Eve dinner was the annual pajama gift, to start the winding down of the evening and get ready for the Reindeer Food sprinkling.   A lot of these traditions evolved and then were gone.  The video tradition was deleted when there was so much arguing over what video they wanted that there had to be two. 

It was all too much!

The decorating has also become less and less and last year there was none, not even a wreath or table centerpiece.  No one wanted to sit and watch the tree lights or even help put on the decorations anymore.  We would remember to do the advent calendar every few days.  It became my "job" only.  I do miss the Christmas tree smell.  

It was all too much!

Presents evolved also.  No more categories.  We moved onto drawing names for the 4 of us and had a limit of $25.00.  We have now gone to no gifts or stockings at all.  We started our "no gifts for our family" tradition by sending holiday boxes to Marines serving our country.  It was my daughters' idea to said send some more boxes and don't do gifts for our family so that became a tradition.  The last few years we have donated gifts to the UC Davis Children's hospital.  It is fun and we help so many sick children.  We love doing this together and will continue this tradition. We are finished with our shopping before Thanksgiving and don't wrap anything.  

Christmas in July is part of my Right Size project.  I am going through all our Christmas boxes and passing on what we don't want or use which is most of it. However, I won't be giving away the stockings (I really like the stocking tradition! HINT! HINT! It could make a comeback this year?).  There are stuffed animals, books, advent calendars, santa plates, santas, decorations and so much more.  

How much is enough?  

What do I really want to keep? 

But as you know, all these "things" don't make Christmas.  

Christmas lives in our hearts all year long.  

It is a season of love and giving. 

As I go through boxes and decide what goes and what stays, I will be reminiscing.  

I will be reliving those fun moments.

  

I am thankful that we have those special memories. 

I am thankful that we have kept some of the traditions. 

I am even more thankful we have evolved and changed our traditions to fit the family we are now. 

Are you happy with your 

Christmas season 

and traditions?

Do you need to release traditions 

that aren't working anymore?

What can you embrace to make it a special year?

I wish you love and peace during this Christmas in July "right size" project time.  

I won't be sending cards!

  

Week 26

We are halfway through 2014!

6 months

26 weeks

175 days

4176 hours

250,560 minutes

15,033,600 seconds

That is a lot of living and loving.

The summer solstice was this weekend.  

It is a time to slow down.

It is a time to take a pause.

It is a time of reflection.

It is a time to contemplate.

Ask yourself:  

How is life going for you?

What is creating stress in my life?

Take those answers and and look at each one.

Figure out what you can change.

You are in control.

Or if not, why not?

Maintain boundaries for your sanity.

Stress is a socially acceptable form of mental illness.

-Richard Carlson

We have to make choices about our life and what we want to achieve.  

Make a list of what you've already done and become in these 26 weeks of 2014.

Celebrate what you have done.

Is this the way you want the rest of the year and next 26 weeks to go?

If yes, great.  Keep going.  

If not, make a change.
Think of what you can release.

Think of what you want to embrace.

Ask yourself again:  

What do I want to do with the rest of 2014? 

(This isn't another to-do list.)

MAYBE I WILL:

Balance my life.

Surrender and let go of old wounds.

Receive love and self acceptance.

Practice self care.

Learn to slow down.

Time to reflect.

Stop...listen...celebrate...love.

Whoosh...those 26 weeks flew by!
This is your life.

Be in the moment.

Savor.

Live.

Lessons from Death

In April I wrote a blog about death and dying.
Here is the link: Death and Dying blog from April
It was about dying well and having a conversation on what is important.

This blog is not about being sick or having a conversation about last wishes.  
Quite the opposite.
It is about how death is there waiting for each of us. 
It is about how we need to be thankful for each day we have.
Last week there were three deaths in my life.
I didn't know all of them personally, but each touched my life or those of my loved ones and friends.

One was murdered.
One died in the line of duty.
One was a suicide.

Their lives will be honored and we will not forget them.  Mothers are crying, fathers are grieving, family and friends are shocked and uncertain.  Lessons from death are important to learn while living life.  Every day we have a choice on how we will live, which in turn has a part in how we die. 

My lessons learned:

• Life is short, make every moment count.
• Savor those people you have in your life.
• Other people matter.
• Reach out, you might save a life.
• Visit a friend in the hospital.
• There is no right or wrong way to feel when someone dies.
• Hugs are sometimes the only communication needed.
• Don't give up.  Keep trying.
• Offer help and figure out what you need to do.
• Listen.
• Love.

I will be attending a funeral this week.  I don't like funerals (not that anyone does) and generally do not attend them.  It isn't the way I "do" death.  But I will attend and honor someone who died in the line of duty.  I will support my loved ones who are grieving and sad.  His death has devastated so many.  He died too young.  But there is a bonding of his partners, co-workers, friends and family as they gather to remember and honor his memory.  He will live on in all of our hearts. 

RIP Officer Scott Hewell and thank you for your service, dedication and sacrifice.

Your decision today...

How will I live my day to day life?  

In a rut, same old thing

or

Jump up and keep moving.

These three deaths have changed me.

The world will never be the same.

Death makes you stop:

and think,

and honor,

and remember,

and slow down,

and finally to 

choose to live your best life.

Live out loud.

Find your place.

Do your thing.

RIP

Salvador

Scott

Ja'Nice

Nowhere to Now Here

This weekend I was listening to the Hay House Summit.
There were many speakers, from Tapping to Numerology.  
Wayne Dyer's talk was Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. 
He talked about a book called the Tao Te Ching. 
It says when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
He made a little play on words and nowhere became now here.  
Same letters but with a totally different meaning.

It's an amazing way of looking at life.  When we live our life with a negative outlook we often feel like our life is going nowhere.  When we turn our thoughts into positivity we are now here.  When we are in the here and now we are living our lives, sometimes messily but always now. 

Now brings you everything you need.

Now is where you can be who you really are.

Now can be pleasure or pain but you are feeling it for real.

Now is not easy or hard, it just is.

Now is not yesterday to regret.

Now is not tomorrow to worry about.

Now is love.

Now is truth.

Now is you.

How do we get from nowhere to now here?

Choose:

• Happiness
• Positivity
• Light
• Quiet
• Laughter
• Now

Try it - you will like it.

Now here!

Wellness Retreat

What is a Wellness Retreat?

When I told my co-workers that I was attending a Wellness Retreat they asked me what it was.  My flip answer was, "If you don't know, then obviously you need to attend one."  But I didn't really know what it was either or what it expect.  I just knew I was attending and I was excited.  I felt like I would get what I needed from it.

I spent the last few days attending my Wellness Retreat.
It was in Colorado with my online Boot Camp group.  Info on No Excuses Workouts
I did not get a massage.
I did not have a facial.
I did not have make up artistically applied.

But what I did do was so much more........

I flew to Colorado on Thursday but my journey started way before that flight.  It started the minute I pushed the button to sign up for the retreat.  It took courage.  I needed to make hotel reservations, book a flight, and trust that it would all work out. Then as the time came closer it was about my feelings towards the upcoming weekend.  Should I buy all new clothes?  Why was I going?  Since I didn't know anyone, who would I hang with? 

I am brave. 

I made a card for my backpack that said I create a bubble of ease around me when I travel.  It was from my I Can Do It calendar from Louise Hay.  It was my attitude for the trip.  That intention became my mantra for the weekend.  

I flew a day early to give myself time to adjust and explore.  
I met many people and made new friends that day.  
I felt brave as I went through the day, tackling obstacles and finding my way.   

I am brave and adventurous.   

The first event of the Wellness Retreat was a Meet and Greet.  I spoke with many people and hugged them all.  I felt like a handshake was too impersonal.  The hugs became my signature move for the weekend.  Who doesn't like or need the energy from a hug?  It was fun meeting the people who post on our community hub.  I felt like I already knew them.  Meeting the coaches was the highlight of the evening.  I have been involved in the Boot Camp workouts for about 10 weeks and it was an honor to hug these coaches who lead me in exercise every day.  Coach Jonathan was so excited and committed to the vision of wellness for the world.  Coach Eric lives out loud every minute, except when he is hugging you and sharing a quiet breakthrough.  Coach Stephanie is wise beyond her years and walks the walk.  I couldn't sleep that night.  I was so jazzed to continue the journey of wellness.

I am brave, adventurous and caring.

There was a workout the next morning at 7:00 am. It was amazing.  It was 30 minutes, as are the workouts at home, but it was pumped up a level with the coaches and other participants.  There was laughing, music and dancing.  Oh and sweat.  But it was fun.  As Jonathan says, "Mood up, energy up and stress down." 

I am brave, adventurous, caring and an athlete. 

As the day continued we listened, shared our hearts, danced a little more and felt hope.  My mission for this weekend was to find tools to become the best me that I can be.  How do you live wellness?  There were many topics including potential, success and the negative voice in our head.  There were small groups, much sharing and many insights.  We ate lunch sitting in the sunshine while visiting and admiring the mountains.  Dinner was a group of new friends and a shuttle adventure in the rain.  As we ate dinner, smiles, laughter and change was the theme.  One of our generous boot campers treated us to that dinner and gratitude flowed from everyone. 

I am brave, adventurous, caring, an athlete and thankful. 

The next day we continued with information about nutrition, goal setting, awakening your inner genius, fear and coming up with an action plan.  There were snacks, water from HYDRATION BOY (Jonathan, not in disguise), dance breaks and tears.  

We felt connected and heard.  
We were absorbing positivity.  
We were learning to listen to our inner ding. 
We were being brave.
We were digging deep. 

I am brave, adventurous, caring, an athlete, thankful and on fire. 

The day was not over yet....next was the hike.  I chose the "mellow" hike instead of the medium or more advanced.  I am not at the beginning of my wellness journey and I have been exercising.  I could have done the medium hike for sure but felt the need to slow down and absorb the peaceful setting.  And that setting was such a blessing.  It was so beautiful in the Colorado mountains seeing the majestic height, blue sky and puffy clouds while watching the sun set.  
It was a moment in time.  
NOW! 

I am brave, adventurous, caring, an athlete, thankful, on fire and peaceful.

The next day, a few of us did a workout in the hall before saying our "see you soons" not goodbye.  I packed and another adventure awaited.  We ate lunch in Denver, walked through an amazing park and flew home.  My bubble of ease continued.  It was an fun filled day.  It was also good to be home.  My home water, my home food, my home bed, my home family.......love.

I am brave, adventurous, caring, an athlete, thankful, on fire, peaceful and content.

Sometimes when we are trying to make a better life we bog ourselves down with lists, expectations and shoulds.   I learned so many things this weekend that I could probably write a book.  But for me, the entire Wellness Retreat  can be summed up by this quote from my retreat book, "Seeking to feel outstanding in the moment awakens your power to take inspired action and happily achieve your goals." 

I am me. 

We can all have a Wellness Retreat.  
You don't have to fly to Colorado.  
You don't have to have breakthrough moments.  
It is about being the real you.  
It is about feeling outstanding in the moment.  
It is about using your "power" to change the things that need to be different.  
It is about taking inspired actions, one at a time.  
It is about choosing to be happy. 

What can you do today to become who you always wanted to be?

You can do it.

Believe in yourself.

Be brave. 

It's not about attainment of goals, but who you become in pursuit of your goals.

-Jim Rohn

Thank you to Coach Jonathan, Coach Eric, Coach Stephanie, the support staff, and my new boot camper friends for traveling together on our wellness journey. Information on No Excuses Workouts 

     

Memorial Day

Memorial Day 

is a time to 

remember, honor and reflect. 

  

In the past I have been confused about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day or if Memorial Day is for all those who have died or just the armed forces serving our country.

• Memorial Day is a day of remembering men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Services.   
• Veterans Day celebrates the service of all United States military veterans.  

Now you know the difference.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday.  It is the final Monday in May, thanks to Congress, which passed the Uniform Monday act in 1968 to align certain holidays on Mondays for three day weekends.  Leave it to Congress to make it convenient.  This holiday was originally know as Decoration Day.  It originated after the American Civil War to commemorate  the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.

People visit cemeteries  or attend a patriotic parade to honor those who have died.  
Volunteers in national cemeteries  place American flags on each grave.  
Homes are flying the flag to show respect for this day of remembrance.  

One day a year 

we are asked to stop and reflect

on those who died in service to our nation.

While always appropriate to honor our other loved ones, and remember them, it is not the point of Memorial Day.  Memorial Day is not supposed to include everyone who died-only those performing their duty in the time of war.

This three day weekend typically marks the start of summer vacation season.  It is filled with barbecues, parties, and family get togethers.  I hope we take the time to think of the patriots and their families and send them heartfelt thanks and gratitude for their sacrifice.  There are too many that have fought and died for our country.

This saying is so true-Home of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Take time to think of the brave soldiers.
Honor and reflect about the importance of patriotism.

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

-Mark Twain

It is not National Mattress Day Sale. 

Or Day of the BBQ.  

Or Yippee, I Get a Day off Work.  

It is MEMORIAL Day....

Let's treat it with the respect these beloved soldiers deserve. 

LOL

I am sitting on the fence...........

about what to post........

And I haven't seen the light......

so.....

Have a great week.

Be happy!