If you’re looking for LOVE you’ll find it.
On the last day of 2012 I’m feeling very grateful for all the wonderful people in my life. Thanks to all of you who read this. Wishing you a 2013 filled with love, laughter and gratitude. Happy New Year!
Source: facebook.com via Lila Cheekytree on Pinterest
Source: bumblebee907.tumblr.com via Lila on Pinterest
I came across this poster by Kate Moore on Pinterest today and absolutely love the sentiment. It just made me stop to think how lucky I am to know so many wonderful people who make my world a beautiful place.
“Are you an ugly duckling or a swan? Because the choice is yours you know. Belief is half of being. That’s just a fancy way of saying if you believe you’re pretty than you will be pretty. You’ll see.”
Anne Bancroft in Point of No Return
I believe that the secret to a long, happy life lies in simplicity and beauty and this short film reaffirms that belief.
Shot in Fire Island, New York, this inspiring short film (4 min. 23 sec) created by artist and filmmaker Julia Warr captures the secrets of eternal youth as Maia Helles, a Russian ballet dancer turns 95 but still remains resolutely independent, healthy and as fit as a forty year old.
“My secret to long life is simplicity, work and enjoyment.” Maia Helles
Maia’s beauty shines not only from within, but inhabits her home and everything she makes. She’s my kind of role model.
Have you ever had a mentor? Some of the best mentors I’ve had in life are people I’ve never even met; people who have shared their experiences and wisdom with me by writing a book.
One mentor of mine is Derek Sivers the author of Anything You Want. This book is for entrepreneurs, but his simple, very direct advice can be helpful to all of us who want to feel excited about work and life. This quote from Derek really made me stop and reflect on my own little distractions:
“Don’t be on your deathbed someday, having squandered your one chance at life, full of regret because you pursued little distractions instead of big dreams.
You need to know your personal philosophy of what makes you happy and what’s worth doing.”
So how can we tell what’s really worth doing?
Derek suggests that when we’re deciding to do something, if we feel anything less than “HELL YEAH!” about it, then we should simply say “no”.
Sure, I know that’s not so simple. We all have things in life we must do that aren’t exactly thrilling:
But there are lots of things we commit to doing, just because that little voice in our head tells us “I should”.
I wonder. If we busy ourselves doing all the “right” things, that in the end leave us feeling frazzled, who are we really making happy?
We can’t please everyone in life, so at the very least, please yourself. Now that’s something I can emphatically say “HELL YEAH!” to.
Is anyone with me?