Addicted to Google!

Having a blog (especially on google where it's oh so easy!) you become addicted to checking your stats...well at least I am. It's like a drug..."gotta, need to, have to see who's viewing my blog" whenever I log on to check my mail. Ok so I can't see exactly "people" who are viewing it, but one can see the number of hits, which countries, which posts are popular and receive the most hits over time. In the beginning I used to go to sleep dreaming about who's reading my blog! lol :-D...Long story short...I just love me some google analytics! It's amazing. Thank God for technology. This is not a self-absorbed post but you will soon see where I am going with this...

photo credit - fowardmultimedia.com

It must be obvious by now that I love to write, but what drives me more is the fact that if people can relate to my writing....what they thought of it, if they can apply it to their life or if it has helped them (cope/adapt/get motivated) in some way. Sometimes it is not always apparent, since I do not receive feedback via a plethora of "likes", retweets, shares or comments (unless I'm covering a really important event), I do find comfort in the fact that I get constant hits over time. While some hits may be automated and "many" is relative...for a newbie, inspirational blogger with a full time day job and who lives on a dot on the map...I'm elated! Hits means I must be doing something right! Even if it's 2 likes or shares, it means I have 2 fans and it also tells me that I'm not speaking in a vacuum as readers are feeling what I'm saying...I guess in time, 2 likes will translate into 20 then eventually 200,000!! (If you're reading this and you fancy what I'm saying, pls LIKE, RETWEET and SHARE!!)

I don't know why I've been in denial all this time, but I just realized tonight that writing is indeed my passion, it's in my blood and this is where I belong....everything else is just window dressing. The expression of words/thoughts/ideas/affirmations on a page/screen fuels and energizes me beyond which words itself can describe to you right now. Speaking engagements may soon follow but that will take some more getting used to. Although I've done it so many times and I'm told I'm pretty good at it, there's still a fear...of what I'm not quite sure...maybe it's the challenge. But I'd soon find out and slay that dragon. I know great things are in store for me. And in God I trust, that all will be well going forward into the future. I will be able to face my fears, conquer my demons, be a better person and reach for my dreams. Yes I will! The positive reactions of my readers all makes it worthwhile...Yes my readers inspire me to be a better person! 

Stay tuned to this space...change is coming...

What's your dream for the end of 2013 and in the new year 2014?

It's never too late...Cherish the moment...Make it last...Free your mind and LET GO OF THE PAST!...You have the power to bring change to your life!

Welcome to my world...Thank YOU!

These are the top viewers of my blog...

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When Do you know when Enough is Enough

Earlier tonight I was thinking what to blog about...hmmm....I think for once I may have had writer's block however brief it lasted...

We'll see where this leads...here goes...

First I must say that it's soo great connecting with people that you haven't seen/spoken to in a while...it's really good to know they still care. While some on the other hand, just fade into the sunset and that connection dies a natural death as quickly as it began...we don't know why or how or where but it's some of life's harsh realities...#FakeVsReal

Which brings me to a fact of life that I haven't quite grasped...how do you know when to draw the line?

photo credit - charliesays.it

How many of us take and take and let things slide, ignoring things that are right in front of our faces...whether it be professional or personal...how do we know when enough is enough and it's time to confront our problems head on?

It may be an annoying habit or behaviour or perhaps just blatant disrespect and disregard. Do you ignore and channel your angst elsewhere or do you confront your friend/spouse/family member/boss/colleague? And at what point do you realize that it's overbearing and impacting on you in a negative way, so much so that you have reached the point of no return?

Personally I deal with things of this nature on a case by case basis. It's weird but it depends on the situation. Usually I have a very short fuse when it comes to disrespect, but I've realized that my propensity to ignore have grown over the years. In the past, partly due to shyness, I would give persons the benefit of the doubt as they often got away with murder. Over the years however, my personality has morphed into a complexity so rare sometimes it amazes me. Nowadays, I treat with different people differently based on how our personalities mesh, their temperament, the setting and also the relationship I have with them which dictates how much leeway I have to express myself freely. 

With that said, I will make a general statement. Sometimes we accept rotten behaviour because of fear. Fear of loss of something whether it is our ego, self-esteem or something more tangible. Or perhaps we choose to ignore the transgressions of others because of the fear of conflict. It may be easier to ignore things because we don't want to create strive and be seen as the bad guy. But then this also causes us to suffer internal conflict because of our non-confrontational stance. 

When we have the guts to fight our battles to the end, we overcome our fears and regain our respect as we acknowledge to others that we feel wronged. The ball is now in their court to respond to our feelings. If they don't, it's a chance we take to have our situation resolved. The odds are both parties may be able to work out their differences and come up with an amicable solution. Worse case scenario, you meet a deadlock and you are forced to make a decision to either stay in the not-so-pleasant situation or call it a day and throw in the towel. The latter may be a risk in itself, but some risks are worth it to find your rightful place in life.

Food for Thought:

• Sometimes we have to find the guts to stand up for our rights. When we do, we know whether we're walking on solid ground, rather than feeling our way around on eggshells. We find courage to find our voice and fight for what's ours - respect.

• We need to choose our battles. Some people and situations are simply not worth the time spent in struggle. Weigh the pros and cons and move forward with faith and purpose.

• When you meet a fork in the road, it's like bells go off in your head. You feel it in your soul what's the next step. It may be a risk, but it's all the risk you need to make a purposeful decision about your future and carve your space in the world. It just may be the best decision you ever made.

What's your next step?

Peace & Love

35,000 hits!

                                                                     THANKS FOR 

                                                                            HITS

Happy November!

Happy November 1st!

November is here...

Another month to behold...

Time to put plans in place for your future...

A brand new year is right around the corner and what better time than today to start the ball-a-rolling to make things happen...

Listen to the signs, they are all around you...

Your moment is now!

We're also getting closer and closer to that special time...

Soon it will be Christmas again!

Whatever you do, Remember to Make it Count!

Make it Count!

October is soon to be over....Did you make it count?

2 more months for year's end...still time to end it with a bang...

Close your eyes, focus on your purpose and mentally release your intentions to the Creator...

You have the power to make it happen

Anything is possible once you believe...

November here we come...

Stuff Happens...Life Changes

Heya...It's that time again...my after-midnight blogging ritual...#InspirationEscape

After a long tiring week, the weekend is a wonderful and refreshing escape from it all. I must update readers with the continuation of my movie ratings before I begin...earlier tonight I saw The Counselor...a fabulous cast of actors, but another disappointing end to a movie that started with such promise...a bit gory but I don't want to spoil it for many of you who may want to see it. I'm afraid it gets only 2 stars.

photo credit - hcwbenefits.com

Sometimes in life, we go through changes, transitions and exchanges with different people that enter and leave our life. We learn from one another and grow and evolve as time goes by. Sometimes we have expectations about different situations and people. Some of us expect life to be always fun and exciting and that people will always remain the same. We expect different people to react the same way to the same things...or for different people to react the same way as us. We expect our feelings to remain the same over a period of time and when they don't, we search ourselves for a possible reason why, sometimes even blaming ourselves for things that we think shouldn't change have. 

Being a person that often questions things, I feel that I can perhaps share my insights into this phenomenon. Some of us sometimes carry with us preconceived notions about people we encounter based on our past experiences and interactions. We let it affect how we view that person and sometimes places obstacles in our path when dealing with them. We forget that everyone and every situation is unique in some shape or form and we share different backgrounds, histories and hangups which dictate how we relate to each other. 

When our feelings about something changes whether it is a job, relationship or place, at times it is through no fault of our own. It could be due to a number of factors including factors surrounding the said subjects. It could be that we have evolved based on our growth and development and experiences, or the fact that our priorities have changed and we want different things out of life which that job, relationship or place are not capable of providing. Perhaps we have fulfilled our purpose/goal where these things are concerned and it has run its course. Although these things may have remained the same for someone else, it just means that person is not in the same place as you are or due to the fact that they are simply a different individual with different things going for them.

Although I once thought life needed to be flowing like a song all of the time and always be fun and exciting...maturity and tolerance have stepped in and over time, I've grown to have patience and marvel in the mysteries and challenges of life. They are all opportunities for something greater...for transformation...for the development of character. Fun and excitement are relative and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder: What may be fun for you, might be like watching paint dry for someone else and vice versa. That's why comparison is never good and we ought to desist from this practice because it will only drive us crazy and make us insecure about our own accomplishments, talents and blessings.

Food for Thought:

• Life and priorities change through no fault of your own. Don't blame yourself if your feelings change about things while it doesn't change for others. Live with abandon according to your own rules.

• Live your own life and forget about measuring yourself to others. When we focus on what's important to us, we enjoy life more and realize the value of what we have.

• Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Make your own reality fabulous and revel in the simple things that make your own moments magical.

Warning: This is an inside joke for some of my friends: So sometimes "overthinking" pays off in the end!! (I like to call it my form of meditation...:-)

Peace & Love xo

What Do You Do When You Don't Have the Last Say?

photo credit - C. K. Correia All rights reserved

Alas it's parang season! For the seasoned visitors to my blog, you would know that I love Christmas and parang and you would also know what parang is....

For my new visitors, in Trinidad parang is Christmas music sung in Spanish...something we inherited from our Spanish ancestors. 

(We are a multi-ethnic melting pot of races and cultures with a rich heritage including African, Indian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese and more.) We also have our own variety of parang with a soca twist...called soca parang sung in English or sometimes Spanglish. 

Yup it's that special time of year...and I plan to savour every moment. I have been playing it in my car, at home and occasionally at the office since September...Christmas is near...Can you feel it? October is almost thru and soon it will be November...My! Where is the time going?

It's almost 1 a.m. and I have the munchies, so I decided to blog....Between trying to fight the urge to eat and avoid finishing clean my apartment at this hour, I have found solace in my laptop and reruns of Sex and the City, Old School and Made of Honour! Today is the odd day that I decided to stay in with all the rain and catch up on some good old tele. 

I have forgotten how good television and movies can be...sometimes it's all you need to distract yourself from reality. Have you ever tuned into your favourite show and been able to readily identify with the exact issues that are happening on screen?! It's kind of eerie but reassuring all at the same time. Film makers and script writers are truly a Godsent, blessed with a very creative and talented mind.

For the past few weeks I have also been catching up with the latest flicks on the big screen...Prisoners, Runner Runner and Baggage Claim. They have all lived up to my expectations. Haven't had much time for my movie blog for a long time, so I will give my ratings here....with the exception of Prisoners which gets 3 stars, Runner Runner and Baggage Claim gets 4 stars. 

The only reason that Prisoners didn't get a higher rating is because of the abrupt ending which left movie-goers in suspense and even irate! lol...It was hilarious to hear persons storm out of the movie theatre visibly and audibly upset. Which brings me to my point....do you ever wish you could find closure to a situation that ended abruptly in your life? 

Maybe you thought someone got the upper hand on you and left you wanting the last say...but you didn't. Perhaps years would go by and thoughts would still linger somewhere in your subconscious. 

What do you do to find closure?

• Find closure in your own way. Inject humour into the situation and try to see the light side of it all. Sometimes when you change your perspective things aren't half as bad as you think it is.

• After one time is two...and this too shall pass. Time is said to be the healer of all wounds and soon life catches up with you and this situation would mean little in the whole scheme of things.

• No man is an island. When you socialize, you realize that other people share similar experiences as you. Soon your angst doesn't seem that bad anymore as you are able to identify and draw support and empathy from each another. You may even learn a thing or two...in the process harnessing real power!

• Curb destructive thought patterns and find ways to distract yourself. Use activities to act as a placebo to replace your ill-feelings. Imagine a different outcome in your mind as a way of dealing with the situation and find the closure you need.

It's nearing that time though....Sleep is now calling my name, incidentally so is food...so I will succumb to the urge to nibble on something since I plan on sleeping in tomorrow. One of the joys of living on your own. Yes I'm weak when it comes to food! shhh! I will make it a healthy choice though;)

Until next time...

If you can relate to my posts, please share on google or by "liking" or retweeting. You can also LIKE me on facebook>>https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

Cheers!

A Still Tongue Keeps a Wise Head

TGFW - Thank God for the Weekend!

So, I've made a commitment to update my blog and continue working on my book at least once a week for the rest of the year. There's no gym in my routine anymore so I have no excuses...hoping to start my cardio routine soon...will keep you posted on my progress.

It's been a while since I sat outside and soaked in the cool sights and sounds of nature...so for the first time in months, I am doing just that. I've slowed down long enough to enjoy it. I've missed this: hummingbirds, blue birds, doves and birds of all variety, the trees and the cool afternoon air is so relaxing. I can even hear the odd sheep and goat way into the distance:) I've grown so accustomed to it over the past few months that it's almost a part of life now.

Based on my different interactions, I've come to realize that perception is a hellava thing...Sometimes you never know what someone is thinking, why they may do or say certain things or react the way they do. Certainly 'you give what you get' most times but despite your good intentions, not all the time people may respond favourably to what you project. Your gestures may be interpreted incorrectly or people may carry with them their own biases, insecurities and misgivings that may impede a smooth interpersonal relationship. When two people do not see eye-to-eye however, only rationale and calm communication can quiet the waters...along with one party putting aside their ego for a brief moment to bring peace.

Then again, others may feign affinity for a number of reasons based on the situation. Perhaps because of fear, or tolerance or just for the sake of getting along. The question is: do you play along, or do you draw the line between peaceful relations and deceit. I guess it depends on the individual and the situation, so as to determine what is the wisest thing to do given the circumstances. Many times we may have to make a conscious effort to hold our tongue but as we realize as time progresses that life is a game. The winners are the ones who learn all the right lessons in time for the test(s).

Yes life is about lessons. I am learning daily...along with the next person I would imagine. We learn from each other whether we want to admit it or not. Many things remain an enigma to me...but I'm figuring out the mysteries as I grow and evolve from one year to the next. When we stop to listen...really listen, we can harness the power within and around us to work in our favour.

Food for Thought:

Life is short: Soak in every last drop. Don't procrastinate with your dreams and ambitions.

Everything in this life is temporary...except for the trees, birds, seas and flowers. Don't waste your energy fighting petty battles, make peace not war. After one time is two. "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalms 30:5

Spend time with the people you love the most. Don't pay lip service: show them how much you care in small but meaningful ways. Exercise tolerance and empathy with others. Make peace with your God at the end of every day. And bring change to your world with love.

Cheers

Friend or Foe

Sometimes what you don't know can't hurt you and you're better off not knowing. Your interactions with people may be varied based on the level of comfort of both parties. Sometimes it may be superficial, other times you may have a genuine connection. Still other times the lines may be blurred and one or more party may not be able to tell the difference. Years may go by and you may be none the wiser until an event happens to bring enlightenment. When this happens, what does the wronged party do to bring closure? Perhaps closure is not necessary but rather forgiveness. Only the truly mature can learn to let go and let bygones be bygones. For most of us, it's easier just to sever ties and move on. In the end, when you discover the truth, you have God to thank that He revealed this person for who they are and you are able to separate friend from foe before it is too late. Sometimes all it takes is a simple "I forgive you" for both parties to find peace. In time we would come to realize that sincerity is better than ignorance and find the closure we need.

For more you may "like" Thinking out Loud on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia