Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Nothing more...

Is there something more? Many of us are striving for that perfect life. You
photo credit - flickr.com
know the ones you see on television where everything seems flawless and surreal...


Or when you're at the grocery store or mall and it's like an ad for a breakfast cereal, with the perfect (well-behaved) kids, GQ husband, modelesque wife (with the perfect figure after multiple kids) and a home out of HGTV...

Well you know what they say: "the grass is always greener on the other side." But we need not look at what our neighbour has (or is doing) because you don't know what they did to get it. You don't know what they sacrificed or is enduring to get where they are. You don't know what their life is really like when the party ends, people leave and the doors are shut to the outside world. 

We ought to focus on the good in our own lives, which may already be pretty perfect if we really stop to consider it. We need to continue to work hard for what we want to see come to fruition and live every moment with the matched joy and exuberance of our happiest moment. Nothing comes easy. Things that are worth it, require a lot of effort. So live with creativity, colour and splendour until we believe that we indeed have a perfect life and there is nothing more!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

It's Now or Never...

What a rainy week we’ve been having on this side of the world! I stayed indoors all day and hibernated, did laundry, made lunch and drank loads of tea and hot chocolate! It was heavenly. It’s now night time and still raining… hasn't stopped since last evening. But after many episodes of the Big Bang Theory, Anger Management and BBC followed by a very entertaining rounds of swapping voice notes via bbm, I decided it’s time to do something constructive like blog, finish a presentation for work and continue my second book! It’s gonna be a long night…
photo credit - www.shutterstock.com

With that said…it’s time for some #ThinkingOutLoud...

Sometimes things can be going great in your life and by all appearances, people looking on from the outside may think that you have a wonderful life yet…however, an inner impulse may prompt you to have other thoughts and strive for something more. It’s not being ungrateful, but I would like to think it’s a normal human reaction. Things may not be bad per se, but how do you surpass your former level of satiety? Is there something missing or perhaps have things become mundane? How do you change the routine aspects of your life to make it a fabulous day-to-day existence worth living and jumping out of bed for each morning?

I’ve been speaking with a few people over a period of time and I get the impression that sometimes people are comfortable with the way aspects of their life are, whether it is work, family or social facets of life. And though they are not completely satisfied, they do not really want to change the way things are. Many people are not risk takers, they are fearful of the unknown, fearful of change, of what lies ahead or fearful of loss in one form or another. Some of us are fearful of failure or fearful of rejection.

It is the truly adventurous, brave and strong-willed among us that can start over from scratch, leave familiar territory and go boldly where few decide to tread. Sometimes it’s not the wisest thing to do and may depend on how much you have to lose or how badly you want something…how badly you crave change.

Many of us stay in jobs we are unhappy at for years on end without attempting to find alternative means of making a living or sometimes giving up on our dreams for comfort or commitments. The same can be said for friendships or relationships. Sometimes we don’t know what is preventing us from making that step, making a conscious effort to bring about that change we desire. But we need to look within and evaluate our life. 

Try to picture ourselves in a different place where things are how we would like them to be. Don’t visualize a fairy tale where things are perfect, but weigh the pros and cons and imagine the realistic or perhaps worse case scenarios that can occur. Perhaps we can compare it to our present life and think of ways we can make ourselves happier with our present circumstances. Then measure this against our imagined "ideal life with changes” and determine which way is best to indeed live our best life yet.

Remember life is short. Life is unpredictable. Things can all change drastically in the bat of an eye. You only have one chance at it. So make the most of it now before it's too late. It's now or never.

If only I can take my own advice in all aspects, then indeed this would be a “Beautiful Life!”

Time will tell what the future holds:)

Peace & Love

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Audio book - Thinking out Loud

The moment I've been waiting for is (almost) here....

I have before me the artwork for my audio book of Thinking out Loud!

What do you think?

Coming to bookstores and available digitally soon!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

We are all connected

When we allow others to see the true us, we realize our true worth and value to humanity. We reach in and
photo credit - photobucket.com
discover what life is all about. We reach out and extend ourselves, beyond what we are accustomed to and therein find ourselves in the
 process. When we evaluate our connection to others, we realize our importance in a global context, as it starts within our immediate circle and quickly spreads to the wider reaches of "our world." It must of course first begin within. Yours is a power of vast proportions. Look to your Creator and therein you will find your strength.
You can find more by "liking" my author's page on facebook>>>

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Blessing or curse

With all the mayhem, doom and gloom going on in the world today, we really need to be thankful for our blessings and safety of ourselves and our loved ones. Life is so unpredictable; you never know what’s in store for us. 

It’s sort of sad and uncertain, that at times we don’t want to venture past our front door or turn on the news for that matter and just live in a bubble. But indeed we cannot be prisoners in our own home and live in fear. We need to have faith and trust that we would return safely in one piece to those that matter most.

Recently I have been #ThinkingOutLoud about the things I want to do with my life and been getting really excited and anxious. The mind is really a wonderous thing. I’ve been setting goals and making plans and before I get carried away by my imagination, it hit me: I only have so much control. 

I don’t believe that I have total control of my destiny. Yes, I can put the balls in motion with eagerness and enthusiasm, but despite all the lofty ambitions in the world, there is a Higher power controlling the course my life takes. 

I think I was led every step of the way to where I am today because of my faith, and this moment is indeed my divine providence. Nothing could have prevented me from being in this place at this point in time, except if I lacked faith in God to change my life path.

I had a minor setback recently and in the beginning I was beating myself up over it, trying to figure out why it happened and how I could have avoided it, then I realized this: It all happened for a reason. I also remembered the words of a friend before this all happened: “Nothing before it’s time.” At first I didn’t think much of these words, but yup she’s always right. Instead of trying to fight it and get depressed (which I must admit I did), I have embraced this delay and tried to find the silver lining. 

Indeed I am beginning to feel a little better knowing that it will all work out better in the end. People have already begun to enter the picture, to assist in making the bigger picture better. Though I would have preferred an earlier start, I have faith that this too happened for a reason.

Yes, so in the final analysis, there are people placed at every interval of our lives for a reason. Don’t ever forget or take them for granted. They were sent for a purpose and vice versa  Many persons enter your life on a daily basis, some stay longer than others. Some you are stuck with for a period of time or indefinitely in some cases, due to circumstance. Although they may be a pain, you never know when you would need them, or they would need you, so it is wise to exercise some tolerance. 

Others you may need to determine if you need them more than they need you and act accordingly to avoid unnecessary hurt. The true gems, you ought to value them and treat them right before it’s too late, because good people do not come along every day!

To my new followers on twitter and facebook, thanks for joining me on my journey! Please feel free to comment, like or share my posts. If you haven’t already, check out my book on amazon - Thinking out Loud >>> http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382 .

Until next time,

Cheers!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Thanks for 25,000 hits!


Thank you!




If you fancy this, you can be sure to also "like" my author's page on facebook>>

We've come a long way!

I know it's been a while but I've been super busy! Working almost 24/7. Thin line...they say be careful what you ask for. Indeed. But what's a girl to do. I rather be busy than underutilized. Just have to strike a balance somehow, someway...

In my down time I did manage to work on my audio book, do some site-seeing, catch up with friends who I haven't seen in a while and watch some good movies in between sleep and wake. Movies, television and music does indeed play a number on you sometimes! It makes your mind wander off into remote places and sets the mind adrift. Technology is wonderful. It allows us to live vicariously through the lives of the actors and perhaps awaken a deep memory, desire or dream. Sometimes movies allow us to learn about ourselves or others...things that we may not have been able to visualize for ourselves. Music too. It's surreal.

In the age of bbm, whatsapp, google chat and skype...we can keep in touch with our loves ones at the touch of a button (free of charge I might add). It's comforting especially if land and water separates you. On the other hand, it can replace the real thing which is cause for concern as persons may use this as an excuse for not being there physically. It can sometimes cause unwanted connectivity with others which may interfere with our day-to-day life, which is another blog altogether. On the other hand, everything used in moderation with discretion by all users can work for the benefit of everyone involved.

Ceteris paribus (all things remaining equal) technology is great. We have certainly come a long way globally. Wishing everyone a great week ahead. No holding back...your future is now!

I'll leave you with a quote and pic of my Easter weekend gone. You can like my facebook page for more>>https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

Cheers!

Tomorrow is promised to no one. Make the most of today. Show the people you love, that you care and value them. Do what you can and make the most of the opportunities available to you now before it's too late. Don't let people and opportunities slip through your fingers. Make time for the things in your life that really matter and forget what anyone says. The rest is not important. Follow your instincts and listen to the guiding wisdom within and therein you will find utopia.