Friday, April 29, 2011

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Whatever time zone you were in, the world looked on -- many camping out in front of their television sets (if not in person) to catch every moment unfold of yet another British royal wedding. As Prince William exchanged vows with Kate Middleton, time stood still as one threw their mind back to another place and time of that of his parents wedding, imbued with similiarities that took place some three decades ago (1981). As before, every detail was planned and played out perfectly as the crowd gathered in the cool April air to take in the spectactular event. Screams of excitement could be heard as they cheered them on just as they did with Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The fairytale came alive for those present, as they celebrated with the couple on the long, symbolic  journey on horse carriage from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.  It was a nostalgic and historical moment that has forever etched a special place in our memories and hearts. ©


photo credit - ibtimes.com

As they prepare for their receptions and countless engagements to come as the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, congratulations are extended on their matrimony -- may their life together be rich and blissful in all the ways that count. ©

Cheers!
Moments in time...
photo credit - anglotopia.net

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Are you living your dream? | Intent.com

Are you living your dream? Intent.com

I am new to this. I'm a bit excited about my first entry. I stumbled upon this amazing website on twitter tonight and decided to sign up. What can I say about myself...I wear many hats but writing is my ultimate passion. I am at a crossroads in my career and in the process of switching fields or even starting up my own business. It’s a slow process that takes time, a bit of luck and courage. I believe that everyone has a gift to share with the world –something unique and intrinsic to them and only them and when they find it, they will find ultimate joy and liberation that will create a chain reaction of happiness for everyone that comes into contact with them. Today you may plant a seed but once we follow our passions steadfastly we will witness a transformation and reap a harvest in time. Although you may not see it now, all of the moments before this one has prepared you for this journey...so buckle up and prepare for the ride of your life!

Are you living your dream?

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Beauty is skin deep

google image
We often hear this statement but what does it really mean? Is it a preconceived notion that “beautiful” people are supposed to also be nice on the inside? Well recently one of my friends told me that everyone is beautiful in their own right. It is also often said that we have been brainwashed to believe that beauty is based on societal or cultural norms/ideologies and certain parameters, and if you don’t fit within this cookie cutter image you don’t belong or aren’t deemed universally beautiful. So many young girls are falling into this trap and destroying themselves to fit into this mould --whether it is to be thin or a certain body type, to have a certain colour hair, eyes or skin. There comes a time when we have to realize that we are perfect just the way we are and were created in the image and likeness of the Creator whose love for us is endless. Ironically when we exhibit kindness and love for ourselves and one another, we also radiate it outwards and attract love and kindness to ourselves. We are indeed diverse, unique and beautiful creatures and you would be surprised to know that there may be many others who may admire something about us and yet others who love us just the way we are.

Love for oneself is based on a feeling that comes from inside when you know yourself inside out and are secure, confident and happy with who you are and consequently the decisions and choices you make in your life. It may be contingent upon what stage you are in your life or your immediate environment, family support, inner circle or upbringing. Circumstances can affect your opinion of yourself to an extent but should not determine it since these things are to some extent material and subject to change. Your physical or emotional "make-up" or genes may perhaps also play a role, but at the end of the day you have to take responsibility for your own life and your own happiness. In order to separate yourself from all of these factors, you must first find your center. Find quiet moments to reflect and meditate on “you.” Get to know yourself and pin point your likes and dislikes. What makes you happy and what makes you mad or sad. What your passions are and the things you want for yourself. What causes you to react a particular way to certain situations and if you are pleased and comfortable with it all and lastly what you need to work on. If someone points out your flaws -- do you get upset or do you take from it what you can and move on? If you are content with who you are and all of your quirks, strengths and weaknesses then you are either very secure (or vain) depending on which angle you look at it from! As human beings we all have things we need to work on but it’s good to recognize it, only then will you know how to fix it and in turn improve your relationships with others. I am by no means perfect and am a work-in-progress. Each day I am learning and growing and with small steps I will be exactly where I need to be in time. ©

It's a beautiful life people...let it unfold within each of us!




Friday, April 22, 2011

Happy Easter!

photo credit - catholicforum.fisheaters.com
Today is Good Friday and this day commemorates the Passion and death of our Lord on the cross centuries ago. On this day most Christians abstain from meat and other indulgences and pay homage to Christ’s suffering by fasting. Holy Thursday also marked an important tradition in the Christian community, which is the washing of the feet of the disciples and the Last Supper where Jesus broke bread with them, known today as Holy Communion. In our life we too undergo sufferings and sacrifices, which allow us to enjoy a benefit later on. Sometimes others make sacrifices for us as well and it is important that we show our appreciation. We may be using this holiday for catching up with family and friends, going to the beach, camping or perhaps we would be spending it in church. However we celebrate we must find meaning in the feast of Easter so as to appreciate what it represents. No matter the denomination we belong to, we can derive meaning from it as the values hold true for all aspects of life.

Today is a day of mourning but tomorrow we usher in Glorious Saturday where the 40-day fast of Lent is broken. And on Sunday we celebrate the resurrection and rebirth of our Lord. ©

Happy Easter to one and all!!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Renewal

As we join with the Christian community to commemorate Holy Week, we reflect on the many sacrifices that have been made for us and offer thanksgiving. Whatever religion or denomination we belong to, let us take an introspective look  within and make an effort to remember the reason for our salvation and continue to live life with this in mind. Hope you had a great Palm Sunday and let us all make a conscious effort to pay our respects for life and humanity this upcoming week as we await in anticipation renewal this Easter.
photo credit - treehugger.com

Are you trapped in TV Land??

Sometimes we need to be mindful of the message the media sends to us…. song lyrics, videos, movies and TV shows can all be entertaining but it leaves us wondering what is the meaning of it all ---especially for impressionable minds it can be a bit misleading. Not only the young ones are susceptible to this but also persons who may not have a firm grasp of reality or knowledge of themselves. I love music, movies and TV (some) as much as the next person but does it really alter our perception of real life and influence our judgement? Although it is sometimes a microcosm of our world ---we need to be careful that we don’t get consumed by it all. Be that as it may, when I first started
photo credit - tbs.com
typing this post, it was really my intention to pay tribute to TV shows of today and yesterday. One of my earlier posts made mention of 80s shows but there are some from the 90s and today that were memorable. I don’t get a chance to watch much TV anymore but when I do these are some of my favourites…can you think of anymore? ©



Le Femme Nikita (1990s)

Highlander (1990s)

Saved by the Bell (1990s)
My so-called life (1990s)
Relativity (1990s)

Melrose Place (1990s)
Beverly Hills 90210 (1990s)
photo credit - guardian.co.uk
Sister Sister (1990s)

The Parkers (1990s)

Blossom (1990s)

Full House (1990s)
Who's the Boss (1990s)

Living Single (1990s)

Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990s)

Party of Five (1990s)

Mad About You (1990s)




Nikita (present)
photo credit - tv.ign.com

Gossip Girl (present)

The Game (present)
Girlfriends (recent)
Friends (recent)
Will and Grace (recent)

The New Adventures of Old Christine

The Big Bang Theory

Two and a Half Men

How I met your mother
The Simpsons




Saturday, April 16, 2011

A Diamond is Forever

photo credit - tvseriesfinale.com
At the moment I feel very blessed to have such great friends. Some I’ve known for over 10 years and some less -- the common thread however is that we all understand each other almost to a “T.” Now I have been through my share of friends and I believe that it is important that you establish each type. One of my nearest and dearest friends of about 6 years told me today between bbms and during one of our marathon tele conversations is that you have to know what type of friendship you have. Some people may just be around for a reason or a season. Some may be more needy than others; some may not really be “for you” but stay around for whatever reason. Others are just “liming partners” to hang out whenever and then others are just there to serve a purpose in your life and then they’re gone.

I am lucky that I have some that have stuck with me thru thick and thin and vice versa. Sometimes you can have a friend that you have only known for a short period of time and they seem to know and understand you better than some who have known you your whole life. You know you have found a diamond when that person without judging accepts you just the way you are with your idiosyncrasies and all and allow you to be yourself, yet you both contribute to the other’s journey to become better and more wholesome individuals inside and out. They are not competitive and are free from pettiness and haughtiness. Nobody’s perfect and at the end of the day if you can’t be yourself around your friends and family who can you be yourself around? When viewing friendships you want people within your immediate circle who share similar interests, beliefs and are healthy to be around and can augment each other. It’s a give and take and it takes patience and kindness, tolerance, understanding and appreciation. You know you have a good friend when sometimes words are not necessary and when you're having a bad day they automatically know and can cheer you up with just a smile. ©

photo credit - livesinabox.com

 So to all my true friends that have made it this far (smile:-) here’s to you: Cheers!


 “True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare, fake friends are like autumn leaves found everywhere.”  – Author Unknown


Sunday, April 10, 2011

It's all about Perspective


photo credit - kenlauher.com
Is the glass half full? or half empty?
Life is funny. You can look at something today and then a year or 5, 10 years from now you may feel differently about it. It can add a whole new spin on things. It’s called maturity, experience and wisdom.

You may look at something today and someone else may view it in a totally different light. This can be a matter of contention for a lot of people but that’s just the way the world is and we have to learn to live with it. You can do all the arguing in the world that you want but sometimes if two people don’t see eye to eye on a subject – there’s no reasoning and no backing down from one’s point of view. It could be family, friends, colleagues or world leaders...sometimes it’s difficult to figure out why educated people can’t just agree on one issue when everything seems clear cut and black and white in your mind or maybe to an outsider. It’s like watching a movie and shouting out the obvious but yet the actors not being aware continue blindly on because they have a role to play. A point to consider is that if everyone were alike then there would be no diversity in the world, no freedom to choose…we would all be clones/machines that walk, talk and look alike with the same hairstyle, choice in clothing, sense of humour and mannerisms. There would be no difference in culture or opinion. The fact that I have chosen this particular photo for this article can also influence a person's perspective. But sometimes that is just the chance you have to take.

It can be a job, or a boss, company policy, legislation, a parent or a game. For simplicity we'd use my blog as an example…some persons tell me that they find it inspiring and brilliant work that make them think and brightens their day or offers a solution to their problem….I was even encouraged to publish books. I have gotten repeated "hits" from all corners of the world --as far as Australia, Indonesia, Slovenia, Netherlands and Russia to name a few. When I wrote for the newspapers persons of all different ages and denominations also told me how much they can relate. Yet to others it’s open to interpretation --- some may prefer some posts more than others --some may just not "do" inspiration—some may like fiction or true stories --or it may just not touch others in quite the same way. No matter people’s interpretation however it does not faze me because I am doing what I love and will continue to do it regardless. It’s how we deal with our differences that set us apart from the actors in the movies. Do we get offended or annoyed or do we try to determine what is the reason behind a person’s opinion and take it in stride extracting from it what we can and deciding for ourselves what is our own truth? It takes a really big person to see it for what it’s worth and move constructively forward.

Some things are timeless. Maybe your perspective won’t change on some matters. But when we can look back at our “past selves” and recognize that we have flaws and have made mistakes then we realize how much we have really grown and only then can we move on and avoid making them again. It’s good to change your perspective sometimes. ©



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Universal Language of Musiq

photo credit - search4tutors.ie
They say music is the “heart of our soul.” This is so true, I’m sure there is a song for every possible emotion we experience and for every symbolic moment in our life…first dances, graduations, first dates, new car, new job/promotion, wedding day, new baby, anniversaries…even in times of anger and sorrow—music can heal a wounded heart and ease grief in times of loss of a loved one. Music is timeless…it’s therapeutic and it’s the lifeblood of any party. I personally like 80s music…but I have an appreciation for all genres spread over the many different decades. Music can make anyone feel that they are the best singer or dancer in the world and music can make people do strange things! It can arouse feelings of nostalgia or produce a montage of emotions. Let’s face it --without it our life would be silent, apathetic and mundane…. well maybe I’m being a bit extreme but as you can tell I love musiq!! View my profile for a list of my favourites and share some of your own! ©

I would leave you with a quote from one of my all time FaVouriTE artistes:


“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
Bob Marley (1945-1981)


How many of u remember this one!!!???

Friday, April 1, 2011

Come Follow Me:)

photo credit -contentrix.com
Hey folks...I just added a new gadget to my blog....it's on the right of your screen---if you scroll across & down. If you like what you're reading, show your support by becoming a "follower" of my blog!!

Have a great weekend...whatever time zone you're in!