Inspired by Kidney Donation

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/12/worlds_first_or.html

It was December 23, 1954 and Ronald Herrick was preparing to give the best Christmas gift to his brother Richard Herrick; the gift of life. Richard was Ronald’s twin brother and his kidneys had stopped working. Richard was dying. Ronald did it even though he knew he could die too. Organ donation had never been attempted before and nobody, not even the doctors, were sure it would work. Ronald was prepared to take that risk so his brother may life. He did and Richard lived another 8 years. Ronald and Richard made history that day. Thanks to them and those pioneering doctors, today we know have the opportunity to live longer and happier lives thanks to the advances in organ transplantation. Ronald died December 27, 2010.

Every year we are bombarded to buy, buy and buy even more. It is so refreshing to hear about those gifts that keep on giving. Recently my husband and I filled out our living wills and formally documented our desire to donate our organs once we have passed. I encourage everyone to consider giving the gift of life. For more information contact: http://www.donatelife.net

Inspired by Flight Delays

So today was one of those days when I woke up on the bad side of the attitude bed. I am fighting a cold along with my teething nine-month-old son. The ominous black cloud began to form over my head and by 7:55 AM it was pouring down on me. That was the exact moment when I remembered my son’s 8:00 AM doctor’s appointment. The next 10 minutes was spent running around the house trying to get me and my son dressed. In record time I was driving away and smiling that we might not be that late. Then the rain began to pour even harder when I remembered the doctor’s office just moved and I had no idea where the new office was. Of course they had a recording that only restarted if you pushed the zero key. Nice. I finally make contact with the front desk and attempted to take directions from a receptionist that didn’t know her right from her left or North, South, East or West coordinates. I managed to make it and was assured I would still have an appointment. The rain lets up.

The day only progressed to worsen as the doorbell rings when I am in the shower,  the cat cries at the door (still doesn’t know how to use the cat door), the phone rings and my son screams awake from his nap and then spends the next hour inconsolable crying. To top it all off I have a migraine. My frustration is at its peak. Then I read about those who are stuck in an airport trying to make it home for the holidays and the snow is making it impossible. I guess snow is worse than rain.

When the world seems to be raining down on me I like to think about “what could make my situation worse?” That usually brightens my mood and I thank God I don’t have those problems. So, I could be stranded in an airport with a cold and a nine-month-old teething son who is crying inconsolably. Yes, I have no problems!

Inspired By Those Who Sacrifice Their Dreams

http://www.happynews.com/news/1292010/keith-fitzhugh-chooses-family-football.htm?iframe=true&width=100%&height=100%

Most people these days are more concerned with achieving their dreams than worrying about who it hurts in the process. Open the newspaper and mostly what you read are stories of people who have nothing to talk about but themselves; what they want, what they need, what they feel…. I think this is why the stories of sacrifice and selflessness stand out to me. Just such is the case when I read about Keith Fitzhugh who said thanks but no thanks to the New York Jets. He has a job, a good job and it supports his parents. They have hid hard times since his father, Keith Sr., became disabled and unable to work.

It shocked the entire sports community. It made 3^rd page news in the sports section. Fitzhugh could care less about the spotlight; his main concern is that steady paycheck. He is looking to ensure his parents enjoy the final years of their lives by supporting them financially. One might think that professional sports could make that happen, but it’s a gamble. When the stakes are too high you don’t make that gamble. Way to go Keith Jr.! A true man in my book.

One thing I have found, destiny will find a way. Walking away from an opportunity for the right reasons indicates an even bigger reward down the line. Maybe not monitary but a grand reward just the same.

Inspired By Flag Presentation Practice

Today, my husband and I were driving on post. We drove past a few soldiers gathered outside a building. I didn’t think much of it but my husband commented “that is so sad.”

I was instantly confused and asked “why do you say that?”

“They are practicing presenting the American flag for a funeral.”

The truck became quiet and we both retreated to our thoughts. I began to remember all the funerals I had attended and most recently my Grandfather’s. The presentation of the flag is an honorable experience, and it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

Just a few moments before we were talking about Christmas and gifts we still needed to buy. Somewhere, someone is grieving the loss of their loved one. I looked at my husband and silently said a prayer that the day never comes for me to accept his flag.

Inspired to Donate

What goes around comes around. It is a saying I know well but never before attributed to giving. I always thought of it as Karma or treat others as you wish to be treated. I have donated sporadically throughout my adult life. In my mind it was always easier just to donate than waste my Saturday trying to sell my stuff. Besides, I knew it went to help others and some years I was able to claim it on my annual income taxes. I never did it for the money as much as I did it for the convenience.

This year I decided it was time to start donating to a charity on a regular basis. Making a monthly charitable donation to the Joyce Meyer Ministries has been a very rewarding experience personally. I have never been one to give to a ministry, but they are doing some really great things both here and abroad to help those less fortunate. I decided to go ahead and commit to a specific amount each month.

Recently I have begun to notice some interesting things. I have a rule of not buying too much stuff for my son. He grows way too fast and I hate waste; I want to make sure everything he has gets used. I was all set on clothes until this last growth spurt. He grew out of his winter supply and I was faced with a child wearing 18 to 24 month clothes and he is only eight months old!

A few days later my friend called me and said she had some clothes for Ian that her neighbor gave her. They turned out to be just his size and for the winter months. I remarked later how coincidental it was that I received something just when I needed it. She laughed and explained how the universe brings back to you what you send out, “it’s the law!” Hmmm. Never thought of it like that.

I am not one to expect anything in return when giving to charity. I always thought the warm and fuzzy feeling inside was my gift for giving. I never did it with the intention of what I would receive in return, but it is a nice surprise. I wonder what more I could do??

Inspired to Clean Out the Garage

I was at a party a few years back in this home located in a very affluent neighborhood. The owners had booked a live band, served expensive hors d’oeuvres and had the entire home beautifully decorated. I was looking for the bathroom when I happened to open the door to the garage. In front of me was a sight I will never forget. It was either a three or four car garage and it was filled about chest high with stuff. There were boxes, lamps, furniture, clothes and who knows what else. I couldn’t believe the amount of junk piled in one location. I quickly shut the door and decided to stop looking for the bathroom.

I never fully understood how someone could allow that to happen. Then I got married and my junk mixed with my husband’s junk and it was very surprising how fast we filled extra storage space. We donated quite a bit of stuff but our garage continued to accumulate stuff. Recently we purchased a freezer. I was thinking it would be no big deal since we had plenty of room in the garage.

The night before it was to be delivered we decided to make a path for the freezer to come through. After moving boxes and junk to one side, I realized how much we had. I began to feel exhausted just looking at the mess. We decided to get rid of stuff. Most of the things we have are not worthless; they just aren’t being used anymore. I took pictures of what I wanted to get rid of and posted it on Craigslist (love this site).

Today I sold one of the boxes cluttering up the garage. As I watched the stranger carry it to their car, I smiled. I may never have the most clutter-free garage, but I know I won’t be concerned about anyone accidentally looking in.

Inspired To Deviate From the Plan

My husband and I enjoy a wonderful relationship until we go on a road trip. I am fascinated by the side roads and small towns. Since we are on vacation, why not travel off the main highway and experience these unique treasures. Unfortunately, my husband does not feel the same way. He wants to drive straight from point A to point B. My suggestions are not greeted with great enthusiasm. Never mind the interesting places we have visited in the past, he only remembers the one time we ended up having to back track three hours due to road construction.

 While I can appreciate taking the road most traveled, I enjoy feeling the strong emotions, both positive and negative, that come with deviations from the plan. I have always held the belief that sometimes feeling the need to take that last minute detour could be a sign from God. Am I avoiding a crash or destined to help out a stranded motorist? One may never know for sure, but it never hurts to be open to the possibility.

I read this story about three teenage boys who “borrowed” a boat and found themselves stranded in the ocean for over 50 days. They survived on coconuts, rain water and a seagull that happened to land on their boat. The story gets better when it is revealed that the fishing boat that discovered them wasn’t even supposed to be going that way. According to Tai Fredricsen, first mate on the San Nikunau, “We generally don’t take this route and we were following the fastest line to New Zealand.”

The change in plans is now seen as a miracle by everyone involved.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6AP0BJ20101126

Inspired to Talk About Christmas

I don't understand why people don’t want to say Merry Christmas. Really? What is the difference of saying Happy Christmas versus Happy Valentine’s Day or Happy Thanksgiving? They are all names of the day on a calendar year. I wonder if in a few years on December 25^th calendars will read Holiday instead of Christmas Day. Can you imagine anything so sad? What will we call it when Christmas comes? Okay kids, let's open your holiday presents! How wrong is that?

This year I intend to tell everyone I see, Merry Christmas! This is a wonderful time of year and I won’t let the minority tell me how to celebrate it!  

Inspired to Look For GOD

I read this disturbing post on a blog yesterday. This woman was shocked to learn that her young child had announced that she did not believe in God. The mother was concerned that somehow she was responsible for this belief and wondered how on earth that could have happened. The mother was a devout Catholic. In the end the mother felt proud that her daughter felt strong enough to stand by her beliefs. What is wrong with this?

Too often people confuse religion with relationship. They think that if they dutifully go to church, and go through the motions, that they will go to heaven and all will be right in their world. They can’t understand why their children aren’t buying into this idea. Children are allowed to express themselves more freely than ever before. They are intelligent and have access to all kinds of information on the Internet. Unfortunately parents are less and less present in their children’s lives. Children are left to figure things out on their own. If parents do nothing but go to church, of course children aren’t going to believe. You have to bring God into your everyday life. You have to talk about Him, lean on Him in crisis and turn to Him for advice. Show how He exists in your life and He will exist in theirs. I have decided to look for God every day. If you have an inspiring story to share, please do. If not, continue to read and see if you don’t become inspired yourself.

Inspired by A Quote

This morning I happened across this quote and I smiled.

I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.
  - Douglas Adams

I was reminded about the other day when my phone rang. It was someone I used to know. He was sharing with me a big new business venture he was getting into and it was set to go GLOBAL! He wanted to know if I wanted to get involved. No thank you. I wished him well and hung up the phone. I was surprised to find I wasn’t even tempted. I really didn’t care to get involved. I was perfectly happy being a stay-at-home mom with a baby, two cats and a husband. My worth no longer revolved around how much money I made or how many hours of work I put in today. The stress is gone to succeed, succeed, succeed!

Not I mean to put down anyone who does have that kind of life, but I realized I was no longer that person. Ian and I are on a schedule and life is very predictable. I was not always like this. My life used to revolve around 16 hour days, using or 3,000 minutes on my cell phone each month and wondering when the next deal was going to close. I never considered myself successful and I was constantly depressed. Then I got married.

My husband was very clear about me not pursuing any business deals while we were married. He hated the person I became when a deal went south. He couldn’t bear to see me so low and not be able to do anything about it. I agreed. I was tired. Although there was a small part of me that still wanted to make MILLIONS, I knew it was not to be, at least not right now.

After I hung up the phone I grabbed Ian and gave him a huge kiss. He laughed and drooled all over me (got to love teething). While I don’t hold business meetings or spend my day researching anymore, I am happier than I could ever imagine. I used to think I would hate being at home, but I couldn’t imagine life any other way.

Inspired by Economics

I live in a town of about 50,000 people. I moved here about 2 years ago from Phoenix Arizona and I have to say life is pretty different here. Besides the culture shock of being in a smaller town, there was a lack of selection in regards to shopping. What you see is what you get unless you want to drive an hour and a half to the next major city. I constantly cringed at having to shop in the only two grocery stores in town. They were horribly over-crowded and filled with exhausted and overwhelmed employees. I heard they were the highest grossing stores for those chains in the entire state. Well no wonder. When you have to buy groceries, what other options to you have?

Rumors circled and council members did everything they could to prevent Super Walmart from opening. But economics prevailed and consumer demand won out over politics. I suspected the prices at both stores were inflated. It was always so crowded, there was hardly room to maneuver your cart. They were making bank.

Super Walmart opened up less than a week ago and I already see the impact. I went into one of the grocery stores today and found something amazing had happened. The store was cleaner, the carts were all put away and the prices were lower. I smiled. One has got to appreciate how economics keeps the playing field level.

Anytime economics is tampered with, the consumer loses. Government entities trying to protect small businesses, only end up hurting them more. They become ill prepared for when the large corporations move into town. They close up shop and good people lose out. It doesn’t have to be this way. There is a place in the market for every company. If not, then that company is no longer servicing the needs of the consumer and needs to dissolve anyway. Focus on the customer and they will come back, time and time again. Have outstanding customer service, sell brands the other stores don’t, and pay attention to the bottom line and the little man can survive.

Change is difficult but unstoppable. Welcome it, embrace it and find a way to prevail. It inspires me to accept the changes in my own life. Accepting what is to be and releasing what has been. Keep looking forward and use the lessons learned from the past to direct your future.

Inspired by Those Who Take the High Road

It was the dirtiest campaign I had ever seen. Almost daily my mailbox was filled with tons of flyers smearing her name. I had people knocking on my door and ringing my phone, telling me what a bad person she was. I had met her and I knew how hard she fought for what she believed in. She became known as the go-to person for anyone trying to fight for their rights against the government. In her campaign I never saw her resort to nasty tactics or attempt to throw mud on her competitor. She kept her head high and her shoulders straight. She took every punch with the grace of a lady and I am proud to see she has won by a close margin.

I became emotionally and physically exhausted from all the campaign propaganda. I can understand why only 44% of the registered voters even bothered to show up on November 2^nd. Who can you believe? How do you decipher fact from fiction? I give it the smell test. If all a candidate can do is trash talk their competitor, it is likely they don’t have a clue. How do they get the money for all that direct mailing? Who is funding their campaign? What do they want in return if their token candidate wins?

I am inspired by the way Gabrielle Giffords acted throughout her campaign. She got my vote based on her hard work, not on how bad her opponent was. I can only imagine the blood, sweat and tears she shed during her campaign. Her margin is slim but unofficially she has won by only 2,349 votes. See, every vote counts! How nice it is to see a candidate win on merit rather than on money. Thanks you Gabrielle for showing class through it all. You inspire me!

MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE: How often do you take the high road? What do your actions say about you?

Inspired by Voting Results

I am continually in awe over the power of the Internet. I am still in my 30’s and can remember the “olden” days before Internet came to be. I can remember having to wait days for official election results. Right now I sit at my computer hitting the refresh button and seeing the most current election results. I can only imagine what our founding fathers would think if they even knew the power we have today. I mean, women and blacks are voting! It is still crazy for me to think that just 90 years ago (1920) the passage of the 19^th Amendment to the United States Constitution granted "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any other state on the account of sex.”

I am inspired to know that as a woman not only can I vote, I can run for office, I can divorce my husband and I can work. All these things were nearly inconceivable over 100 years ago. I am inspired by the possibility of what is to come! Imagine one day 100% registered voter turnout! Imagine a capable government resulting from electing candidates based on qualifications and beliefs rather than party line and their campaign fund!

I am an independent voter. I am hoping the trend catches on!

MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE: Get registered to vote and make a difference for our future. If you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain!

Inspired by a Rough and Tough Old Biker I Met in Line

I was 19 years old and happened to be sitting next to this rough looking biker. He was all decked out in full leather and at first glance seemed like someone to steer away from. I engaged him in conversation. He turned out to be a very interesting person to talk with. I mentioned that I had a lot of friends. He laughed and said “I go through my list of friends each year and get rid of at least one.” This was quite shocking to me and I must have stared at him with my mouth agape. I couldn’t imagine not being friends with any of my friends, let alone consciously kicking them out of my life! A short while later my number was called and I left to continue on with my day. But I never forgot that conversation.

Seventeen years later I still remember his words and laugh. In our world of Facebook, Twitter and Blogging, it seems I know more people than ever! But just because you know someone doesn’t mean they are your friend. Time is our most valuable resource. If you have over 1000 friends, how much time can you possibly spend being friends? You would have no time for anything else, let alone work! What if they were all having a party on the same day? You would have to say no so someone, who would it be and how would they react?

Seems to me the more people we welcome in our life as friends, the more complex the problem becomes. So while I don’t plan on “unfriending” anyone this year, I have become picky on how I spend my time. Since the baby came, I can’t seem to find much time for myself, let alone anyone else!

MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE: Take the words of the rough and tough biker to heart; is everyone in your circle of friends a true friend or an acquaintance? Is there any room for new friends?

Being Barbossa: 6 a.m. Gross.

Being Barbossa: 6 a.m. Gross.

I love my sister, she is a character! This would happen to me...ha ha

Inspired to Pick Up Trash

A few mornings a week I take a walk with Ian in the stroller. It feels good to get out and smell the fresh cool air. Ian takes a nap and I have time to clear my head. After a while I began noticing the trash along the way and thought, “hmmm, someone needs to come and pick that up!” Every day I walked, I noticed more and more trash. I would silently curse those inconsiderate souls who pollute the world with their careless littering. One day a thought entered my head: you should pick it up. Interesting thought, I guess I should pick it up. I mean, who else is going to come along and pick it up? The trash has been there for a while. So reached down and picked up an old candy wrapper and stuffed it on the bottom of the stroller. I looked back and smiled, now that looks better!

I continued along my way and when I got home I threw it in the trash. The next time I went, I decided to bring along a plastic bag to hold more trash. I started to go out of my way to pick up cans, discarded junk mail and other trash items. Since I go the same route every day, I began to notice less and less trash. Hmm, I guess someone did pick up the trash…ME! I smile now as I know everyone who comes along this route may not know or care who did it, but I am sure someone appreciated it. Even if the only someone is me!

MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE: Bring along a plastic bag with you wherever you go and pick up just one piece of trash. Imagine what our world would look like if everyone picked up one piece of trash!

Inspired by Coincidence

Chile Miners Saved by White Butterfly

Jorge Galeguillos was 500 feet below the earth’s surface when he happened to see a lone white butterfly deep in the mine shaft. He and a co-worker slowed down to investigate further. It isn’t a common sight to see a white butterfly underground. That small action saved their lives. The sliver of time it took for them to focus on the butterfly was enough to spare them from certain death. The rocks caved in around them and their lives were spared.

How likely is it that a small white butterfly just happened to appear deep in the mine just in time to save two unsuspecting miners? Was it coincidence? Galeguillos is convinced the white butterfly was a physical transformation of his guardian angel. I wouldn't be easily convinced if I too didn't have my own story of coincidence. I was sleeping one evening and was awakened by an urgent voice in my head telling me to get out of my house. At that time I was working long hours and going to school full time. So when I slept, I slept! Anyway, I got dressed in record time and went over to my friend’s house who lived about 20 minutes away. I had just arrived when my roommate paged me (back before cell phones were affordable). She was letting me know that we had been burglarized and to come home right away. Apparently the intruder was running out the back as she was coming in the front. I don’t know if the voice I heard was God, an angel or a dream. All I know is I listened and I missed being there when the intruder entered our home.

Motivational Challenge:  Are you listening and watching for a coincidence today?

Inpired by Those Who Do the Least

The horrors of war are often unimaginable to everyday citizens, and we should be so grateful. I can’t imagine what it would be like to look out my window and see bombs exploding and hear the constant exchanges of gunfire off in the distance. I am so thankful for the benefit of sleeping without nightmares and for living a relatively peaceful existence. While our country is not without violence, we do not have to climb over dead bodies to get to the grocery store. I know I have our military to thank for that protection. The men and women who leave their homes, their families and put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Sal Giunta is only 25 years old, but he has more courage than most Americans his age. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded and is most often bestowed posthumously. This soldier lives with the guilt of surviving and being recognized for his efforts even though his buddies died. Remember that for every act of bravery recognized, there are countless others which are not.

As I read this story I am reminded of my grandfather and his memories of war. His name was William Gaskill and he flew P-38’s in WWII. The worst day of his life took place on Christmas Eve 1944 over the north coast of New Guinea.

“By then his engine was on fire. From the time the shell hit his plane, he had about 90 seconds to live. He couldn’t bail out because every time he turned loose of the controls, the plane would try to auger into the ocean. He was too low to bail out. The longer he waited to water land the less his chances of survival; as the fire was burning explosively. If he got out too quickly, he would not be far enough from shore and enemy would be out there in their motor launches to get him. I could only hold them off so long until I ran out of gas. Rescue planes were too far away. We lost radio communication with each other, but I flew right beside him for as long as I could. We both felt so helpless. I am sure we must have prayed. His plane got slower and slower until my plane was trying to stall. I pulled away in the final seconds. The reality of war became very plain to us. His boom was burning badly, also his gas tank - then the plane started getting out of control. He leveled it out several times, the last time he leveled it out it stalled and hit the water - exploded and burned. I stayed until the fire died away - nothing remained above the water….I am still very sad and blue about it all. (We had flown together nearly 10 months) Especially so because I was the flight leader. The best of wing men and a wonderful fellow. He was older than I, married and had a little girl.”

This excerpt was taken out of his book Fighter Pilot. I happened to hear this story again one year when I asked him what his most memorable Christmas Day was. His voice still cracked as he recounted that moment 60 years before on that very day. I could feel his pain as he relived it again so I may know the great sacrifices made to by those who served our country. My grandfather inspired his children and grandchildren to become people with honor and integrity. He inspired my brother to become the C-130 pilot he is today. I hope Sal is able to find peace in his survival and continue to live to share his story with future generations. Thank you to every soldier, current or past, for serving our country. Feel peace in what you do to help a fellow soldier, even if all you can do is be there for them as they take their last breath.

Read the Full Story: Medal of Honor Recipient Sal Giunta

Inspired by Recognition

I have struggled with my weight for the past 15 years. It seemed the extra 20 pounds I carried was there to stay. I knew what my problem was… I lacked consistency. I would start a diet on Sunday and by Wednesday I was “celebrating” my successes by eating whatever I wanted. I always would preface it with “but I have been doing so good!”

I left the workplace this year to stay at home and raise my babies. I thought to myself “no excuses now, I will have all the time in the world to exercise!”

Sure.

It doesn’t matter, if we want to find excuses for not exercising, we will find them! Even though I no longer had a job to blame, I did have a newborn baby. “I can’t exercise; I am taking care of the baby…all the time!” HA

I looked at myself in the mirror when Ian was about 6 weeks old and said, “everyone has the same 24 hours in the day, you have to plan or else you will never find the time!” I started making a list of things I wanted to get done. I found I had the most energy and time first thing in the morning. So instead of relaxing and enjoying the morning, I would attack the list. To my surprise things started getting done around the house, but I still wasn’t exercising consistently.

Then Ian turned 4 months old and finally was able to sit safely in the jogging stroller. First time I went out, I wondered why I had waited so long! The weather was cooler in the morning and I had more energy throughout the day. I wanted to create a schedule for Ian, so I made working out in the morning part of our routine.

Today as I was running down the paved trail near my house, I saw this couple walking towards me. I had seen them before; they were always out first thing in the morning. As I walked closer, they recognized me and my stroller (I am hard to miss with my bright green umbrella shading Ian from the sun) and smiled and waved a hearty “hello!” Like we had become friends or something. Hmmm. Had I become a member of some unofficial club that exercises every morning? Had I become one of THEM? I began to smile when I realized, I had become consistent. I am sure the couple had seen people come and go during their walks in the morning. But to see someone regularly is a real surprise. I smile and know, with or without 20 pounds, I am happy and healthy. But I am thinner than I have been in 15 years!

Inpired by Those Who Can Forgive

The Healing Power of Forgiveness Part 1


The above link is to download the video broadcast. If may take a while depending upon your internet connection. You can visit the website directly here and check out the broadcast for September 27 & 28.

Anne and Jonas Beiler shared their inspiring story with Joyce Meyer. They lost their 19 month-old daughter in a tragic farming accident; her aunt accidentally ran her over with the tractor. During the grieving process, Anne was taken advantage of by their minister and found herself in a destructive relationship. When she told her husband, he wanted to do whatever was necessary to save their marriage. A wise counselor told him to “love her as Christ Jesus loves you.”

To see them now you would never know of the pain and agony they have suffered. They radiate happiness and act like newlyweds. It created an opportunity to talk with my husband about their story. We shared our thoughts with each other and talked about what we could do to prevent it from happening in our relationship.

Motivational Challenge: I encourage you to listen to their story and see if it doesn’t inspire you to talk to your spouse about infidelity before it happens.

Inspire Others and Inspire Yourself

My life is super busy and sometimes I don't have the time to sit and chat with everyone I know. But I find much of my inspiration comes from talking with others. I am so excited to hear about someone’s goals and aspirations. Yesterday, my sister-in-law tells me she is thinking about writing a book, or ten for that matter. Seems she can't find the inspiration to get one started, as she has so many different ideas. I continued to think about her dilemma throughout the afternoon.

I currently am writing a book proposal and was looking through the list of recent book deals on PublishersWeekly.com. I kept coming across announcements of deals for young adult books. I remembered my sister-in-law once talked about wanting to write children's books. I sent her a quick email along with some words of encouragement. I told her to focus on her best idea and get it submitted. I also sent a copy of a recent book deal in which the author received a few hundred thousand dollars for a book series.

Today, I seem to be really tired and not ready for the week to start. (I know I am not the only one who hates Mondays!) My husband wakes me up and informs me my son is ready to get up. Oh, where is the snooze button on babies?? I make breakfast but it feels like I am moving in slow motion. Coffee isn't helping. My husband leaves for work and I decide to delay my morning by checking my email.

The first email waiting for me is from my sister-in-law. She expresses her excitement over the information I sent. After every sentence I read, I can feel myself getting excited too. She ends with the promise of putting words to paper and the words ‘Thank You’. All of a sudden I am pumped! (The coffee seems to have just kicked in) What goes around comes around. So send out some inspiration and see what comes back to you!

MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE: Find your inspiration today by inspiring others. Keep your ears and eyes open for opportunities to encourage others. Report back on what it did for you!

Inspired by Those Who Are Living Their Dream

http://www.lightningridgecellars.com/

This weekend a group of friends and us decided to take a trip to the Sonoita and Elgin area for some wine tasting. My husband and I are huge wine fans, and the day was perfect. Between the different wineries we visited, I found my inspiration for the day.

We went to visit Lightning Ridge Cellars, which has only been open for about 10 months. I happened to speak to Ron (pictured above), who runs the winery with his wife Ann, and he shared their interesting story.

“About 8 years ago we were living in the Bay Area and Ann was feeling unfulfilled with her job.”

 They were hiking, and after hearing her talk of owning a winery someday...again, Ron asked if she wanted to quit her job and open a winery.

“I just wanted her to be happy.”

Now Ann was not unfamiliar with making wine; she was already doing it in their garage at home. (A fact I found especially impressive!) She had talked about it for years, but now they were done talking and ready to go forward. It took about 2 years to find the right property, and 6 years ago they left the Bay Area and started growing grapes for a living.

“Then the hard work began, but you got to believe it will work well.”

10 months ago they were officially open for business and selling wine. Their tastings cost $7 but if your friends want a truly unique experience, ask about reserving a tasting in their wine storage room. It costs more but it is worth it.

“We want to recreate how tastings are done in Italy.”

I was inspired to hear their story and recommend visiting their winery. Ann makes amazing fudge (and I don’t usually like fudge) which is served with their dessert wine.

Finding Purpose in the Pain

Mississippi Woman Determined to Slim Down Entire Town

How do you deal with pain, real pain, the kind of pain only known when a loved one is lost? Linda Fondren was by her sister's side as she lay dying from cancer. Mary looked at Linda and said "I wished I had lived my life more for myself." It wasn't the cancer, it was obesity that kept Mary Washington from enjoying life. Mary was 4' 11" and weighed 260 pounds.

Linda became a woman on a mission. She used that pain to start a crusade and 4 years later Linda is being recognized for her efforts. To date the community has lost 15,000 pounds! Way to go Linda!!

Pain is often why people get motivated to make a change. A wise friend once told me "When the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change, it is then that you will change."

I repeat that saying every day. Pain is an indicator that change is happening or needs to happen. When I lift weights and my muscles hurt, I know things are changing for the better. When I have pain zipping up my pants, then I know I need to get rid of my excuses and start exercising again.

No matter what pain you have in your life, be it emotional or physical, use it to motivate you. Help others or just yourself, either way you will benefit.

MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE: What pain are you experiencing in your life? Write down five potential changes you could make to alleviate that pain. Pick the one that speaks to you and commit to making that change for 7 days. That's it...just 7 days. After 7 days, ask yourself, do I still feel that pain? Life only gets better when the pain you feel motivates you to make a positive change. Let me know how it goes!

Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Inspired By One Who Served Our Country

In times of peace and war, those who serve our country risk their lives so that we all may enjoy peace and prosperity. Although any life lost is tragic, it catches my breath to read about a young soldier who placed the welfare of others before himself. Although it is many years past, I am humbled to read about such a selfless and dedicated soldier.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.

When your last day on this earth comes, how will you be remembered?

Action Minus Thought Equals Motivation

I am staring at a half-ironed shirt as my son plays with his activity center on the floor. Where is my motivation? My head aches and my body is exhausted. My goal is to iron three shirts this morning - I haven't made it past the first one. But as I take a break from my morning, I reflect on everything I did do today: I cooked breakfast for my husband, made his lunch, cleaned up the kitchen, started my blog, fed my son, gave him a bath and got him dressed for the day. It is 10:00 a.m. and I am finally taking a moment for myself. Now that I think about it, I did a lot today! If I spend too much time thinking about what I need to do, nothing gets done.

Action gets me motivated. Too many times we need to feel like doing something before we get motivated to do it. If I waited till I felt like ironing, my husband would forever be wearing wrinkled shirts! So I get up and turn the iron back on and tell myself to just put iron to shirt and stop thinking about it!

MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE: Do ONE thing that you have been putting off doing and see how exhilarating it is. Shirts...HERE I COME!

Join My Journey

Everyday I am looking for ways to inspire myself into action. Come with me on my journey as I search for inspiring stories, motivational techniques and clean humor. Not everyday is rosy and I hope you laugh at my mistakes and mishaps, as I do!

Be sure and let me know what inspires you as I am always on the look out for great stories.

Make today a great day!

Carey