Monday Gets Writer’s Block

I think I have writer’s block today….Wikipedia defines it as “a condition, primarily associated with writing as a profession” (hmmmm…questionable though because this really isn’t my profession), “in which an author loses the ability to produce new work”.  It goes on to indicate “the degree this “disease” can escalate to “some ‘blocked’ writers have been unable to work for years and some have even abandoned their careers.”  Can you imagine just not been able to write anything that made half-way sense for YEARS??

It seems I’m in good company though….F. Scott Fitzgerald struggled with the affliction as did the amazing Charles M. Schulz.  Maybe I should just ‘go with this’ and just consider myself among the famous writers.  You know…kind of like a prestigious club member.

The scientific theory is that “under stress, a human brain will shift control from the cerebral cortex to the limbic system.  The limbic system is associated with the instinctual processes, such as fight or flight response.  Because the person is primarily thinking in instinctual (learned) behaviors, creative processes are hindered.”  Guess that makes sense.  Guess scientists don’t consider that a person is really tired….or maybe just lazy sometimes.

I think it’s funny how we have all the perfect words put together to say sometimes.  We rehearse them over and over before we’re ready to present them on our “chosen life stage”…..and then when the moment arrives….all those perfectly rehearsed words are just lost in space somewhere.  We all have this super brain that is capable to doing so much more than what we use it for in our daily lives….but most really don’t.  In fact, some people seem like they leave theirs at home sometimes.  My Dad use to say that some people just use that container where the brain is for a place to hang their hat!  I’m sure you’ve met a few people like that, huh?

Did you know that the statement we only use 10% of our brain is a myth?  If it were true, then surgeons could remove more than half our brain and nothing would be affected….not the case….something is ALWAYS affected…speech, walking, talking.  What is true, however,  is that most of us only reach the potential of 10% of our brain capacity.  That’s right….we all have the potential of becoming great inventors or scientist or even great writers or whatever we might want to pursue.  If we want to do that….we have to push ourselves…and our brain to work harder, longer, with more accuracy every single day.  I always bought into the myth of 10% brainpower, but now I’m thinking that I’ve just been wasting time.  Like now….in the same time that I’m “declaring” that I have writer’s block, I could have written the first few pages of a best-selling novel.  Right?!!

What masterpiece will you create today by using ALL YOUR brain?!!

You could be a famous painter or maybe you could discover a cure for some of the horrible diseases that one of your friends or family are suffering with right now.

A brand new symphony would be nice.  Or maybe a new Broadway play.

Whatever “masterpiece” you have in mind, don’t be afraid to, at least, TRY to start to create it. Everyone has SOMETHING that they have said at some point that they “wish” they could do.

How will you ever know if you can do something, if you don’t at least try to do it?!!

Start now….start today.  It’s Monday….a good day to begin.

Well, guess I better get busy.  I’ve got a masterpiece to produce.

Smiles,

Nancy

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Monday Gets Organized

pileI know it is hard to tell from this pile of garbage…..but I have really been busy getting organized this week.  I feel like I have been hoarding so many unnecessary pieces of garbage.  Some of them, I am still not certain why I kept them in the first place.  If it was a memorable experience, it must not have been too impressive because no details of the event remain in my mind!

I am cleaning out closets and files and cabinets and things I have stashed–all with the certain feeling they would be used one day soon.  Well, it just didn’t happen….so time to let them go.   This pile went to the recycling bin and bags of clothes and books and other no longer necessary objects went to Goodwill.

I’m not sure why I have kept so much junk.  I moved to California with just a small U-Haul trailer and somehow it seems that everything was like a compressed sponge and has swollen to 3 or 4 times its original size.stuffed house

Why do you think we feel we need to hang onto our junk?  Is it a childhood thing? or just a normal human thing?  And it seems we have such big plans for the things we do save….fix the broken leg on an old couch or refinish an old desk (even though it has never fit in any house where we have lived) or maybe write a book from old research papers from college we have saved?!!  Or maybe we  just continue trying to pretend all the stuff doesn’t exist so we don’t have to deal with it.

Well….today’s the day to start fresh and clean out that clutter in your life….and your garage, apartment, house or wherever you have stashed all that stuff!  Don’t even think of the current state of the disaster…rather visualize what it will look like when you are all finished.  Go pick up a bunch of boxes and containers to help with the process.  Label a few “donation”, a couple are for keepers and a few ‘to be determined’ are allowed.  Start early in the day and keep snacks and beverages handy so you will keep focused on the task.

Here’s some visuals for you to get started….

Before Organizing

Before Organizing

After Organizing

After Organizing

Before organizing

Before organizing

Okay…..so this is a little bit of an exaggeration but sometimes that’s just what we need to really see the true picture of something that we need to deal with……and deal with it in a positive way!

After Organizing

After Organizing

So while you’re going through all your things…ask yourself questions….like….do I really need this now?  or maybe picture another person or family using the items that need them more than you?  if you think you do, in fact, need something…..be sure to ask yourself ‘will I use this in the next year?’  If not, then there is a really good chance that you won’t use it in the next 3-5 years!  And, if it’s like some of my things….I hadn’t used them in the previous 2 or 3 years either!!

I read that if you’re really having trouble letting go of something that you should take a picture of it.  That way, you’ll still have something tangible to “hold onto” but without all the clutter.  I’ve never tried that but let me know if it works for you.  Be sure to take a picture of all the stuff you are donating too…..great tax deduction and much more valid if you have a picture of things.

So, where are you going to start?

Maybe even start with your car!

You’ll need it to haul away all the things you are getting rid of so better make space and be able to load everything up as you are sorting.  Once it’s packed in your car, it’s hard to change your mind…..especially when you start seeing areas that are already showing signs of being neat and sorted.

I’ve got to get back to my piles here.

I want to make 2013 the best it can be and be ready for whatever wonderful adventure might come along.

Oh yeah!  Sometimes, you find amazing treasures amongst all the clutter….hope that motivates you to get started!!  Wonder what you will find?!!

Smiles and Happy Monday,

Nancy

Monday Gets A New Start

It is New Year’s Eve and so many things to think about that have happened over this year.  “Where O Where has the time gone” is the sentiment of many!  Today is the day to begin our preparation for how the next New Year will play out….making lists, organizing, cleaning out, throwing away, thinking, reflecting, worrying and planning.  Many emotions go into this once-a-year happening.  But more than anything today should be…..

Monday Gets A New Start

How appropriate today is a Monday.  It’s what I’ve been saying all along… Just Start With Monday.  That’s all you have to do for this year’s preparation.  Just take today to be the first day of all the great things you would like to accomplish this year.  New Year’s Resolutions are great, but don’t wait until tomorrow to begin your new regime….start today.  You’ll be way ahead of the game and already on a path of meeting your goals.

So what do you have on your list?  Lose some weight?  Eat healthier?  Get a new job?  What about just trying to be a better person?  Or being a more patient and considerate friend?  One of my friends has planned to “contaminate the world with tolerance.”   I like it!  The world certainly needs more tolerance for sure.  Our resolutions should be more focused on not what we will be giving up, but rather what we plan to give back.

I am excited about what the New Year will bring.  Wouldn’t it be nice if Google had a calendar that could forecast what each day would bring for us?!!  Guess it would make life pretty boring though if we knew what was around the corner each day.  What we can “forecast” is today!  We can start this Monday saying….I’m going to make this a good day!  I’m going to make this day the very best I can!  I’m going to make this a GREAT day!  I’m going to make a difference today….in MY life and in someone else’s life!

So how about you….ready to start this year AND this Monday off with a great start?  I’m sure you can do great things if you make the choice.

I hope 2013 will be the very best year you have ever experienced in your entire life.

I hope each of you will have good health and experience many joyful moments throughout this year.

Happy New Year, Dear Friends.

You Matter to Me!!

Together let’s make the world a better place.

Just Start With Monday.

2013---It's Going to be a Good Year!

2013—It’s Going to be a Good Year!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets In the Christmas Spirit

Went out to do a little last minute shopping today and despite the craziness, actually, got a bit embraced by the Christmas Spirit.  Caught myself singing along to the Christmas music playing….probably much to the dismay of the people next to me.  Every one was hustling around to pick up those last minute gifts….it’s those ‘grab off the table as you pass thru the door’ ones or the ones that are always near the cashier that somehow you think at the moment that it is the perfect gift…..for someone.

As I was standing in line, I was thinking that’s what we sometimes do in everyday life too.  We get in a rush and just “grab” for things and don’t really take time to think about what’s going to happen further down the road.  We don’t even consider what we’re doing and whether it is the right thing for not just ourselves, but those that are closest to us that might be affected.  We barrel ahead and don’t slow down to look at what we are trying to accomplish or how it will affect everyone.   I guess we don’t slow down for fear, we might be on the wrong path and have to do twice as much to get back on the right one….or admit wrongdoing to those that we might have “stepped on” as we were rushing along.

That’s what I like about Christmastime.  It forces me to slow down a bit and just enjoy the moment and reflect on what has happened throughout the year.  It’s not about fancy gifts or big displays of holiday food piled high on the table.  Rather, it’s just about soaking up the magical moments of the holiday.  The most simple happening can bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart.  Unpacking an old Christmas ornament from days gone by can make you feel like you are experiencing that moment all over again.  I love the thought of believing in Santa and keeping his whimsical spirit alive.  We all like that thought, right?!! Christmas is a time to unbind the restrictions of age and find the child within.

If you are spending time with family tomorrow, I hope you take time to really enjoy the joy and love that surrounds you.  There may be some tired, grumpy ones in the bunch, but you can still love them and give them a big hug and tell them how much they mean to you.  That’s right!  Tell them “You Matter to me!”  Bet they smile.

If you are away from your family this year, I’m sure you can find friends or someone that could use a little holiday cheer and would enjoy soaking up the Christmas spirit along with you.

 Share the joy, share the love, share yourself.

Be in the moment and embrace the magic of Christmas.

It only comes once a year…..Don’t “rush” through the moment.

All my friends who have posted here and read my Blog throughout this past year have given me the joy of a big smile each time I’ve read your comments.

This has been a wonderful gift.

Thank you for caring.

Merry Christmas to You All!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets A New Lesson

Today, I was reminded of a lesson that I was taught early in my life that at the time seemed like just a big pain in my neck…. but turned into one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Monday Gets a New Lesson

My parents, particularly my Dad, would NEVER let me get away with just doing a job with half effort.  If I was going to do something, I had to do the best job I could.  One time, I took on this project to refinish an old desk.  I think I was 12 or so.  I started my project and after about 5 minutes was really “over” completing this grand idea, so pretty much just slapped the rest of the paint on.  My Dad was watching from a distance and if I recall correctly, even let me walk away from it while the paint was drying.  A few hours later, on my return to retrieve my project, my Dad (in his very quiet manner, with one eyebrow raised) informed me that the job was not finished.  He further proceeded to let me know that I needed to re-sand the whole desk and apply another layer of varnish.  I huffed a bit, of course, but (that raised-eyebrow scowl always scared me a bit), again sanded the desk and “slapped” the second coat of varnish on.  Again…he let me walk away for the desk to dry.  And….AGAIN upon my return, he gave me the same directions!!  More huffing and puffing on my part!

So….I am now a bit embarrassed to admit that this went on for the rest of the day and into the next.  As the project progressed (or di-gressed—whichever way you want to look at it), I stopped even get any words out of him, he would simply look at me and nod his head in a negative manner and walk back to his own project with no further words.

Well…..Thankfully!!….I finally “GOT IT”.  If I was ever going to be free to get on with my life (there’s so many important things happening in a 12 year old’s life, you know), I was going to have to resort to doing the job correctly…..and so I did.

FINALLY, I knew I was finished…..With the last try, my Dad just looked at me……and smiled…..and said “Good Job”!!

Well, that desk is still going strong….now, almost 50 years later.  Through the years NOTHING could permeate its surface with all the multiple layers of varnish….and I always felt a sense of pride when I looked at it.

So…..when I’m somewhere working whether it might be sitting at a desk job typing or washing my car or helping out someone else.  I think of this wonderful lesson I was taught early in life….If you’re going to do something, do it right and do the best job you can!  Not just because you might have to “do it again”, but rather because, in the end,  you can feel a great sense of pride about yourself and about the mission you have accomplished.

I wish everyone felt the same way about tackling projects.  It seems there are so many who just do a “slapped on” job.  Unfortunately, they will never feel that sense of accomplishment or pride about what they do.  Maybe that’s what is so wrong in this world.  Many people just don’t want to make that effort.  Very sad!

So everyone reading today….here’s your challenge.

No matter what you do…whether it is cleaning your house, washing

your car, wrapping presents, cooking dinner, digging a ditch or any

other kind of task you take on…..do the very best job you can

possibly do.  Then….Stand back and admire your work

and feel the sense of pride that spreads through

your whole body!!

And know that….You’ve just made a difference and the world is

a better place because of your efforts!

My Dad will be so proud of you.

He’s an Angel in Heaven now, so I’m sure he will be watching.

You Matter!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets Merried

No, it’s not a misspelling…just an acknowledgement of what today is about.  Got your attention though, didn’t it?  The holiday season should be a “Merry” time for everyone so today…….

Monday Gets Merried!

It’s not about presents and demands of buying and fighting crowds that look like they will wrestle you to the ground for that special sweater or mittens.  It’s not about whom to invite to your holiday party and wondering if you will be invited to all the “A” list gatherings.  No thoughts should be of whether the kids will get everything on their list from Santa, or if they will be angry at the ole jolly man for not fulfilling their every wish.  No stressful thoughts experienced of needing to max out your credit cards to purchase gifts for all the loved ones on your list.  Just don’t even go there!!!

Rather, it should be a simple time of reflection and gathering with friends and family to rejoice in the gift of love and friendship that you all share.  It is about the sheer joy of seeing twinkling lights everywhere.  I never get tired of passing house after house with their windows filled with multiple starburst lights.  It really doesn’t matter about the expertise level of the decoration…..it’s just about the world of fantasy that seems to be created.  I am sure there is something hidden in my childhood that makes me revert to that special place each time my eyes catch sight of a wonderland display.

Oh yes, and all the smells that come from doors you pass at this time of year….cookies baking, pies cooling and lots of “roasting” going on.  I’m not sure if it’s the cooler weather or holiday spirit that creates the fever of baking in people, but it sure adds a wonderful flavor to the air.  I’m not really one who does regular displays of baked goods; but at Christmas, suddenly I’m searching my archives for special recipes to stir up.

Today, I would like to send special wishes for a very joyful and merry holiday season to everyone who is reading this post.  Please take time to reflect on all the wonderful gifts you have in your life.  Be sure to count your blessings……. every one should be able to create a long list.  Instead of buying an expensive present for someone who already has lots (and maybe even way more than they need), perhaps, take some of that money and give it to a family that is struggling right now.  Christmas time should really be about taking the opportunity to make a difference in this world and bring joy and smiles to those around you who really need a boost.  Don’t get caught up in the frenzy of mandatory shopping…..instead look forward to being grateful for what you have right now and sharing that feeling with others.

A simple Christmas card filled with words of appreciation and good wishes can mean more to some people than an expensive present from Rodeo Drive, Louis Vuitton’s jewelry collection or one of Michael Kors latest creations.  Be in the moment and spend your time appreciating your friends and family instead of spending your money shopping for something that they may never use.  I think you will be surprised to find how it is a win-win situation for both of you.  One special friend started sending me Christmas cards in October.  Silly, but so appreciated!!  Smiles are priceless and she has given me many now.  Another one recently sent me a long note telling me how much she appreciated and enjoyed the time we had spent together.  I haven’t seen her in about four or five years, but it made those special moments come back to life and feel like it was only yesterday that we were together.

So, I sure hope your Monday is Merry and all the days that follow.

Be sure to share your merriment with others

and focus on what is really important right now.

Hope your holiday season for 2012 is

the very best ever…..it’s up to you to make that happen!!

Happy Holidays.

wreath

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets A Break

Sometimes, a person just needs to sit back and relax and take a break.  Tramp and I are taking time to ‘smell the roses’ with special friends and family this week; but wanted to let all my blogger friends know that I am thinking about you today.

Hope your day is special too.

 You Matter!

 Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets on the Scale

OK….I have a question.  If you have a driver’s license that lists your weight and height, are they accurate?  If not, are they off by 10%, 20%, Yikes! 30% or more???  If so, join the club.  Supposedly, most women lie about their weight and men lie about their height.  Not all states require the weight part, but I wonder why we have such an important document that we feel the need to avoid the truth?!!  Do you think that when other people look at our license that they check the weight or height and then snicker to themselves?  Obviously, it’s not important to DMV because I’ve never had to “weigh in” for them.  Have you?  Oh the horror, right?!!

What I find interesting about the weight part is that we know we need to lose weight, but feel the need to avoid dealing with it even when it comes to being a responsible and honest, license-carrying citizen.  I wonder if we had to weigh in at the DMV when we renewed our license if we would even avoid renewing it….kind of like we do when we need to go to the doctor.  How many of you have tried to make great effort to lose a pound or more the week or two before your doctor’s appointment?  I’m raising my hand because I’ve sure been there.  I even try to find the very lightest weight clothing sometimes….no heavy jeans or boots are on my body when I step on that scale!!  Let’s get honest…..

Monday Gets on the Scale

I went through years of professing my weight (the one of my choosing) to DMV or anyone else that asked, knowing that it was a huge exaggeration.  I knew I needed to lose weight and get healthy, but I continued to live in the fiction world.  Why did I wait so long to do anything about it??  I still can’t answer that question.   I guess we all have to “hit that wall” that makes us “look in the mirror” to make changes in our lives.  I am very thankful that I found info about the Paleo lifestyle this year.  I can say honestly that I am finally at the weight that I have proclaimed for years and less than I have weighed in at least 15 years or more.  What ‘clicked’ I wonder?  What makes us throw those bad habits out the window?

It is really intriguing to me to see someone seem to change, literally, overnight.  They do all the things that are wrong for them and then suddenly, one day, all the “lessons” they have been given miraculously make sense.  I wonder if it is something cosmic-like…..if all the stars are aligned in a certain manner and we “receive” information…that info suddenly will get absorbed??!!   Any scientist out there that can answer that question?  I have a bunch of other issues to work on too, so maybe I could start planning for that cosmic-alignment moment now.

What would you like to change about yourself?

How close are you to your DMV weight?

And, yes, what do you have on your “list” that you have not ever checked off?

I wonder what is going to have to happen in your life to get you to “look in the mirror” and see the reality.

Are you ready to change?

Well, whatever you would like to happen, be sure to stop saying:  “Oh, I could never give that up”, or “I just don’t have time” or even “I’ll work on that next year.”

How about changing your mantra to “I Matter” or “I care about myself” or even “I love myself”.  It is amazing to me to talk to people who are not able to say this to themselves…..AND they don’t know that others care about them either.

So today…..I’m saying it for you.  I’m going to tell you the truth because I care.

YOU MATTER…..YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON…..YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY BEING THE BEST PERSON YOU CAN BE!!

Did you hear me???!!

Are you ready to start?  Repeat after me….

I Matter.  I Matter.  I Matter.

Now, take the next step and make changes.  What do you see in the mirror?

Pretend the planets are in alignment and you can

do anything you want to do…..starting today…now!!

You can do it.

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets A Bucket List

I was recently posting on a fellow blogger’s post Y and Z ~~ or the end of another challenge http://onthehomefrontandbeyond.wordpress.com/   I was congratulating her on her initiative to challenge herself to writing a book.  I made the comment that I have always wanted to do that in my life…..Just one of those casual, off-hand comments that you sometimes make in friendly replies.  Her response:  “why not I ask with all seriousness.”

It kind of sparked something in me that made me realize that unless we continuously challenge ourselves in our lives, we never really grow much.  It IS very important to make that Bucket List, otherwise, we will never push ourselves to new heights and new adventures.  We often fall into a rut that keeps us on the same path and doing things that we not only have become comfortable in our own skins doing, but also in what others have grown accustomed to for us as well.  So today, I’m doing it….

Monday Gets A Bucket List

Should I start big???  I would love to try sky diving….but I did promise my son that I will wait until I am well into my 80s to attempt that…..I’ll put that near the end of my list.  I’ll definitely put the book writing on my list.  I would love to write a screenplay too.  Oh heck!  Why don’t I just plan to write an epic novel that turns into an epic screenplay while I’m at it!!  Think Big Bucket, right?  I think I would like to re-visit the South of France too.  I had a wonderful experience there a few years back and would love to return some day.  I have a really good friend who retired recently and decided she wanted to learn to paint….and she did!  I would love to know that every day of my life was filled with time to do some kind of art…painting, pottery or maybe photography.  The three P’s sound good to me.  And speaking of retiring, I think it would be great to have a little camper/RV type vehicle that would allow me to pack up minimal belongings and take off to travel the good ole USA with my ole dog, Tramp.

Home Sweet Home

Just stopping along the way to visit friends and seeing the beauty of this country. The national and state park services have part time/temporary jobs that you can do at various places.  They provide some housing and meals and give you a decent salary too.  Maybe just work a season and then move on to somewhere else.  I could combine the art with the experience too.  Okay….I’m ready to start packing!

So really, the bucket list is about dreams too.  And, if we believe that dreams come true, then  the next few years are already planned for me.  I’m looking forward to the adventure.

So what’s on your bucket list?  What kind of dream would you like to come true?  I know you’re probably sick of my list suggestions by now, but this is a really important one!

Sit down, close your eyes and dream big!!

Write your bucket list….and then commit to making it happen.

I NEVER thought I would be blogging…..but just a little challenge from others and it happened! And the best part is that I not only did I never envision myself sharing my writing with others, I NEVER thought I would love it so much.  Amazing what happens when we challenge ourselves a bit.

Well, I better get busy….Epics take a bit of work.

Chapter One…..

Smiles, Nancy

Monday Gets A New Hero

There is a lady who lives in my neighborhood that really inspires me.  She is an older lady….maybe in her 70s who is one of the strongest, most determined ladies that I have ever seen.  I say “seen” because I have not officially “met” her and I’m not even certain she can speak English and I only know her from seeing her as I pass by.  She is afflicted with some type of peripheral neuropathy that prevents her from walking faster than baby steps with very stiff leg strides.  But yet, I see her every day out walking and carrying her bags of groceries or goods recently purchased.  I know from the bag labels that she has walked at least 4 or 5 long blocks to the retail stop….there and back.  Time and time again, I have asked if I could help her carry her load to her final destination.  And…each time, she waves me off with annoyance it seems that I have even suggested that she might need any assistance.

I find myself feeling helpless and annoyed all at the same time.  I want to help her make her day a little easier and let her know that someone cares about her….but she refuses to allow it!  But then, when I take my needs  and wants out of the equation, I realize how strong she really is and maybe I am the weak one.

Monday Gets A New Hero

My lady Hero is like a determined soldier who probably knows as long as she keeps doing these things for herself that she will continue to function.  Her determination is her strength and in many ways, she is stronger than I am.  What appears to be stubbornness and aloofness is really power and others should perhaps fear her capabilities.  I swear I think she could climb a mountain if she wanted to accomplish it.

We all get so comfortable in our high-tech conveniences that make our lives easier.  We think that it is giving us more power; but it is, in fact, making us weaker.  Everything has to be built bigger and faster and with more gadgets.  I miss my old-fashion Schwinn that didn’t come equipped with any kind of multiple gears to change.  A bell was, however,  a must because I thought I was going so fast that I needed to alert others that I was coming down the road!  Awww! the good ole days, right?

Today….think about what gives you strength and the ability to get things done.  It’s not that new iPhone or iPad or the new software or that car with all the fancy gadgets.   Maybe we need to realize that the really strong people in this world are the people like my lady friend…..not the ones that just spent 3 hours at the gym.  They survive because they are focused on their goals and don’t let anyone get in their way.  They are not afraid to go it alone and rely on their own strength to get them where they want to be…..even if it is baby steps at a time.   Just because someone could make things easier for them, doesn’t mean they will choose that option.  Their focus is to survive and they are doing a great job for sure!

Who’s your hero?  What gives you strength?

Do you expect others to always help you out?

Maybe try to get through today and do everything without asking a single person to help you out……You do it All!  Think you’ll feel good about yourself at the end of the day?  I sure hope so.

We all need to dig deep inside the core of our being to find the ability to push ourselves to be the very best we can be.  It’s there!  You just have to believe You Can Do It!!

So go climb that mountain.  I hope you make it to the top!

See you there.

Smiles,

Nancy