Making a difference...
Can one person make a difference in this world? YES! We all have the power to make changes and make this world a better place.
YES...it can seem overwhelming at times. In the grand scheme of things, our input may seem of little consequence....but we can make a difference.
Here is an example of how easy it is to make a difference:
Did you know by simply replacing 17 light bulbs in your home with energy efficient bulbs, your energy conservation is equivalent to taking ONE WHOLE AUTO OFF THE ROAD FOR A YEAR! - and an added bonus is those energy efficient bulbs are standardly guaranteed to last for 5 + years and will be replaced at no cost to you if they don't. SAVE MONEY, SAVE ENERGY, HELP SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT. That's what I call a "WIN - WIN - WIN!
Small things do make a difference.
So...Now I'm going to ask for your help in changing something that means a lot to me personally.
As a CUSHING'S DISEASE survivor, I am passionate about creating awareness in the general public and the medical arena about this rare disease and hopefully preventing someone else from extensive suffering.
YOU CAN HELP TOO! HOW?
Please take a moment to read and sign this petition to raise awareness for CUSHING'S DISEASE:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/CushingsDiseaseAwareness
Your support and understanding have been a priceless blessing to us as we have battled and continue to deal with the effects of CUSHING'S DISEASE and the effects on our lives.
I hope that you remember that whatever you passions are, you can make a difference! Find a what to reach out and help! The rewards are amazing!
Health and Happiness to you all!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Type A? Type B? (12/19/2006)
I always thought I was an "A" Type personality...
Who of us hasn't taken a personality test? Whether just for fun, or for a company we worked for...we have all had many occasions to take such tests. BUT I recently had a personality test done again....and I was shocked to see that it said that I was a "B+" type. Here is what it said:
You Have a Type B+ Personality
You're a pro at going with the flow.
You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer.
A total joy to be around, people crave your stability.
While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity.
Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done.
You're passionate - just selective about your passions.
SO....Why the change I wonder? Well, I think that the process of reevaluating your life while facing your mortality makes you stop and think. It makes you contemplate the value of life and the quality as well. Soon to follow is the determination of where you are in your life and then you may start to make efforts to change and redefine your priorities. I feel pretty stable in my life – always have. I've always believed in standing up for myself, my dreams and my desires. I was raised to believe that it was "my life" and that I had the ability and right to make the choices that would change or enhance my life. I know that this statement in itself sounds a bit self-centered. BUT - somehow, my parents were able to instill in me the quality of empathy.
You know that “little voice”…That little voice that tells me that it isn't ok to ignore or interrupt someone when they are speaking. That little voice that tells me to be genuinely concerned about what my friends are going thru and what they are living and saying. That little voice that tells me to remember that small things in the lives of people that I care about. That little voice that says to apologize when I hurt someone's feelings...even if it isn't solely my fault. That little voice that says to buy someone a gift without reason, just because it makes me think of them. That little voice that says to extend kindness to those who aren't kind to me. That little voice that says to give to those who have less than me. That little voice that says to always remember who I am, who I represent and the consequences of my actions. (XO-D)
Where did that little voice come from? I think that we all have a little voice from the moment we enter this world. The trick is to have it trained and nurtured. My parents nurtured my conscience as a child and helped train the voice that guided my actions. My parents taught me to believe in myself and to stand up for what I believed in regardless of any opposition. My parents actually "PARENTED" me in the beginning of my life. They nurtured my soul. They shaped my "being."
I am forever in awe of them. AND, when finally I look at my personality "type," I can always read what a random test might say, but what I have to know is that I am ok with who I am and that I have faith in the kind of persons that my parents are and the kind of person that they raised.
I'm not saying that I have a grip on life, or that I have any of the answers in the big scheme of things. What I am saying is that I will enjoy each moment as a gift and treasure the journey and the small things, knowing that I have chosen my path based on strong intuitions and some solid thought process. I have concluded that it is the small things and the small moments that really stick with you and make the solid basis of a stable life.
Keeping this in mind, I think that it is vital to our existence to be willing to get to know others. If we care, we have a responsibility to make an attempt to honestly understand where someone is “coming from” in their thoughts and ideas. People are different – That is what makes the world go around – But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t know why someone does something or why they feel the way they do. We should never assume that we know what someone is about. Most likely we have no clue. We should ask and most importantly, LISTEN to what they say. We don’t have to agree. But we do have to respect what they think and what they feel. Honestly, we don’t even have to understand….BUT, we still have to respect a person’s thoughts and ideas. And if we care about them, we will take the time to know.
So…who in your life cares about you? Who in your life knows you? Who in your life is too self-absorbed to take the time…those questions are probably easy for all of us to ask and answer. BUT…more importantly, Do I care about those in my life? Do I know them? Am I too self-absorbed to take the time?
In a season that is supposed to be based on giving, peace, love and joy…We would all do well to ask ourselves this question:
What have I done to promote love, joy, peace, and giving?
Change begins with the smallest of actions, not just intentions.
I hope you are all able to find a way to show those in your lives that you care about that you do in fact CARE about them and wish them LOVE, JOY, and PEACE.
Who of us hasn't taken a personality test? Whether just for fun, or for a company we worked for...we have all had many occasions to take such tests. BUT I recently had a personality test done again....and I was shocked to see that it said that I was a "B+" type. Here is what it said:
You Have a Type B+ Personality
You're a pro at going with the flow.
You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer.
A total joy to be around, people crave your stability.
While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity.
Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done.
You're passionate - just selective about your passions.
SO....Why the change I wonder? Well, I think that the process of reevaluating your life while facing your mortality makes you stop and think. It makes you contemplate the value of life and the quality as well. Soon to follow is the determination of where you are in your life and then you may start to make efforts to change and redefine your priorities. I feel pretty stable in my life – always have. I've always believed in standing up for myself, my dreams and my desires. I was raised to believe that it was "my life" and that I had the ability and right to make the choices that would change or enhance my life. I know that this statement in itself sounds a bit self-centered. BUT - somehow, my parents were able to instill in me the quality of empathy.
You know that “little voice”…That little voice that tells me that it isn't ok to ignore or interrupt someone when they are speaking. That little voice that tells me to be genuinely concerned about what my friends are going thru and what they are living and saying. That little voice that tells me to remember that small things in the lives of people that I care about. That little voice that says to apologize when I hurt someone's feelings...even if it isn't solely my fault. That little voice that says to buy someone a gift without reason, just because it makes me think of them. That little voice that says to extend kindness to those who aren't kind to me. That little voice that says to give to those who have less than me. That little voice that says to always remember who I am, who I represent and the consequences of my actions. (XO-D)
Where did that little voice come from? I think that we all have a little voice from the moment we enter this world. The trick is to have it trained and nurtured. My parents nurtured my conscience as a child and helped train the voice that guided my actions. My parents taught me to believe in myself and to stand up for what I believed in regardless of any opposition. My parents actually "PARENTED" me in the beginning of my life. They nurtured my soul. They shaped my "being."
I am forever in awe of them. AND, when finally I look at my personality "type," I can always read what a random test might say, but what I have to know is that I am ok with who I am and that I have faith in the kind of persons that my parents are and the kind of person that they raised.
I'm not saying that I have a grip on life, or that I have any of the answers in the big scheme of things. What I am saying is that I will enjoy each moment as a gift and treasure the journey and the small things, knowing that I have chosen my path based on strong intuitions and some solid thought process. I have concluded that it is the small things and the small moments that really stick with you and make the solid basis of a stable life.
Keeping this in mind, I think that it is vital to our existence to be willing to get to know others. If we care, we have a responsibility to make an attempt to honestly understand where someone is “coming from” in their thoughts and ideas. People are different – That is what makes the world go around – But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t know why someone does something or why they feel the way they do. We should never assume that we know what someone is about. Most likely we have no clue. We should ask and most importantly, LISTEN to what they say. We don’t have to agree. But we do have to respect what they think and what they feel. Honestly, we don’t even have to understand….BUT, we still have to respect a person’s thoughts and ideas. And if we care about them, we will take the time to know.
So…who in your life cares about you? Who in your life knows you? Who in your life is too self-absorbed to take the time…those questions are probably easy for all of us to ask and answer. BUT…more importantly, Do I care about those in my life? Do I know them? Am I too self-absorbed to take the time?
In a season that is supposed to be based on giving, peace, love and joy…We would all do well to ask ourselves this question:
What have I done to promote love, joy, peace, and giving?
Change begins with the smallest of actions, not just intentions.
I hope you are all able to find a way to show those in your lives that you care about that you do in fact CARE about them and wish them LOVE, JOY, and PEACE.
My Soul Test (12/19/2006)
My "Soul" Test... (12/19/2006)
These are the results from a test that I took to help define the type of soul I have. I laugh because I think that it is kinda funny to try and define a persons soul, their most inner being, the essence of who they are, the purest form of themselves. BUT....it was fun and I think that the results are at least true in that I aspire to be like this. Happy day to everyone!
You Are a Prophet Soul
You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone.
These are the results from a test that I took to help define the type of soul I have. I laugh because I think that it is kinda funny to try and define a persons soul, their most inner being, the essence of who they are, the purest form of themselves. BUT....it was fun and I think that the results are at least true in that I aspire to be like this. Happy day to everyone!
You Are a Prophet Soul
You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone.
Selfless and kind, you have great faith in people.
Sometimes this faith can lead to disappointment in the long run. No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way.
You are a good interpreter, very sensitive, intuitive, caring, and gentle. Concerned about the world, you are good at predicting people's feelings.
A seeker of wisdom, you are a life long learner looking for purpose and meaning.
You are a great thinker and communicator, but not necessarily a doer.
Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Sharing a Smile (12/12/2006)
Sharing a smile........................................
Today, I passed a "smile" on to a random stranger. This is so much fun! Try it you may find that it makes you smile as well.
While waiting in line at a drive-thru window for a warm cup of energy, it occurred to me that it would be fun to pay for the person behind me too. So, after paying for my own order, I told the guy at the window that I wanted to pay for the guy behind me. He looked at me for a moment and then smiled. When he handed the receipt to me he asked what to tell them if they asked why. I simply said, "Tell them that I was sharing a smile...PASS IT ON!"
I've done this before. My friend Denise and I used to do it in Denver at the Taco Bell all the time. Since then, I've done it a few times myself and have found that it makes me feel GREAT!
You never know who that gesture of kindness may affect. It might not be the person receiving the free item. It might be the person at the window taking the order, or someone over hearing inside, or maybe even someone that they tell. It doesn't matter if it doesn't effect anyone but me....the point is, it is a positive thing that brings good energy into the world and that can never be a bad thing!
Like my dad used to say, "Try it! You might like it!"
Today, I passed a "smile" on to a random stranger. This is so much fun! Try it you may find that it makes you smile as well.
While waiting in line at a drive-thru window for a warm cup of energy, it occurred to me that it would be fun to pay for the person behind me too. So, after paying for my own order, I told the guy at the window that I wanted to pay for the guy behind me. He looked at me for a moment and then smiled. When he handed the receipt to me he asked what to tell them if they asked why. I simply said, "Tell them that I was sharing a smile...PASS IT ON!"
I've done this before. My friend Denise and I used to do it in Denver at the Taco Bell all the time. Since then, I've done it a few times myself and have found that it makes me feel GREAT!
You never know who that gesture of kindness may affect. It might not be the person receiving the free item. It might be the person at the window taking the order, or someone over hearing inside, or maybe even someone that they tell. It doesn't matter if it doesn't effect anyone but me....the point is, it is a positive thing that brings good energy into the world and that can never be a bad thing!
Like my dad used to say, "Try it! You might like it!"
Monday, October 16, 2006
Because My Friends and Family Mean So Much To Me... (10/16/2006)
Because my friends and family mean so much to me....
Dear Friends and Family,
Yesterday, as I tried to get in touch with a dear friend of mine who is vacationing in Hawaii, to make sure that her, her husband and 3 year old were ok after the earthquake, the reality of how fragile life is settled in on me.
At the same time, I thought of my best friend who is, after almost 3 weeks, still standing strong while watching her mother's health slips in and out of ICU, still not knowing what they may be up against.
I thought of Doug's father who has been putting up a fierce fight against leukemia for quite a few months; I thought of my great-grandmother who is as strong as a rock but fighting her body and it's breakdown; I thought of Grandma Katherine and Grandma Fran who keep smiling and keep active despite the aches and pains that continue to mount a war against them; I thought of my mom and the amazing strength that she displays each day; I thought of my brother and his amazing heart and the brave face that he puts on each day; I thought of my friend and neighbor who is sick; I thought of a friend who just put her cat to sleep; I thought of a friend who is taking charge, making a leap of faith for her children and being a GREAT single mom!
I kept thinking of all those in my life that bravely face each day despite different battles....Whether it be a quest to find time and self in a busy mommy life, or the friend who worries about a husband being shipped overseas. There are so many precious people in my life, and despite the journey that each of you may individually be on, despite the places that you may find yourself in that journey, I just wanted you to know that I love you all and am thankful for the role that you play in my life.
We all evaluate where we are and where we want to be. We all make choices to ensure our own happiness. Sometimes it means that those we care about are further away than we would be ideal. That is life, and as I continue to learn amazing things from my mom, I'm discovering that distance and the menial trials of life don't change the bonds of family or friends. This isn't a forwarded message, or a quick click of my entire email address book. I chose to contact all of you to share a special wish for you - Know that I am thankful that you are in my life. I wish you nothing less than everything you want and all the happiness that you can imagine!
Life is too short to have regrets! Friends and family like you are a treasure!
XOXOXO
Autumn
Dear Friends and Family,
Yesterday, as I tried to get in touch with a dear friend of mine who is vacationing in Hawaii, to make sure that her, her husband and 3 year old were ok after the earthquake, the reality of how fragile life is settled in on me.
At the same time, I thought of my best friend who is, after almost 3 weeks, still standing strong while watching her mother's health slips in and out of ICU, still not knowing what they may be up against.
I thought of Doug's father who has been putting up a fierce fight against leukemia for quite a few months; I thought of my great-grandmother who is as strong as a rock but fighting her body and it's breakdown; I thought of Grandma Katherine and Grandma Fran who keep smiling and keep active despite the aches and pains that continue to mount a war against them; I thought of my mom and the amazing strength that she displays each day; I thought of my brother and his amazing heart and the brave face that he puts on each day; I thought of my friend and neighbor who is sick; I thought of a friend who just put her cat to sleep; I thought of a friend who is taking charge, making a leap of faith for her children and being a GREAT single mom!
I kept thinking of all those in my life that bravely face each day despite different battles....Whether it be a quest to find time and self in a busy mommy life, or the friend who worries about a husband being shipped overseas. There are so many precious people in my life, and despite the journey that each of you may individually be on, despite the places that you may find yourself in that journey, I just wanted you to know that I love you all and am thankful for the role that you play in my life.
We all evaluate where we are and where we want to be. We all make choices to ensure our own happiness. Sometimes it means that those we care about are further away than we would be ideal. That is life, and as I continue to learn amazing things from my mom, I'm discovering that distance and the menial trials of life don't change the bonds of family or friends. This isn't a forwarded message, or a quick click of my entire email address book. I chose to contact all of you to share a special wish for you - Know that I am thankful that you are in my life. I wish you nothing less than everything you want and all the happiness that you can imagine!
Life is too short to have regrets! Friends and family like you are a treasure!
XOXOXO
Autumn
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Beauty (9/14/2006)
A thought about BEAUTY!
Today in my yoga class, we were asked to think about BEAUTY. It means different things to different people. But beauty is everywhere, it is just a matter of taking a moment to acknowledge the beauty that exists around us and in everything.
A couple of things that struck me that we all take for granted:
The beauty of our bodies. Our body does so much for us each day and because of the commercial world we live in, we get focused on an image of beauty that is so far from reality and created by someone else. Isn't beauty an individual thing? Shouldn't we all learn to see the beauty that we are...just the way we are?
Secondly, take the time to see the beauty in things that "are." Things that don't have a purpose other than to simply "be." A great example of this is a POEM. It just is and it is beauty in its own form.
My hope is that by reading this you may slow just a bit and take in the unremarkable beauty all around us, that is, in reality - QUITE REMARKABLE!
Today in my yoga class, we were asked to think about BEAUTY. It means different things to different people. But beauty is everywhere, it is just a matter of taking a moment to acknowledge the beauty that exists around us and in everything.
A couple of things that struck me that we all take for granted:
The beauty of our bodies. Our body does so much for us each day and because of the commercial world we live in, we get focused on an image of beauty that is so far from reality and created by someone else. Isn't beauty an individual thing? Shouldn't we all learn to see the beauty that we are...just the way we are?
Secondly, take the time to see the beauty in things that "are." Things that don't have a purpose other than to simply "be." A great example of this is a POEM. It just is and it is beauty in its own form.
My hope is that by reading this you may slow just a bit and take in the unremarkable beauty all around us, that is, in reality - QUITE REMARKABLE!
Under Pressure (9/14/2006)
Pressure...We all know it!
Sending you all love and light!
~Autumn
This is a great thought to help COPE with the pressure of life that we undoubtedly all feel at one time or another. What a wonderful way to see the positive of a difficult thing like "Pressure"
"Even a lump of clay thrown on the potters' wheel undergoes pressure. It is the pressure of the potter's hand that coaxes the beauty out."
"Even a lump of clay thrown on the potters' wheel undergoes pressure. It is the pressure of the potter's hand that coaxes the beauty out."
Sending you all love and light!
~Autumn
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Peace, Peace and Always Peace (8/10/2006)
Some things in life are hard.
We never know what another person may be going through. We all get wrapped up in the webs that are our lives. Not one of us can claim to be entirely selfless. It is in fact healthy to look out for our own wellbeing.
However, along the path that we travel, there are bound to be pot-holes and trouble. Many times, these conflicts can not be ignored. It is HOW we deal with these conflicts that define the kind of person we are, and how the remainder of our journey in life will be.
In tripping ourselves up, many times we stumble over others and may even injure them. Despite these situations being uncomfortable, simply walking away will only cause continued pain, making the weak, weaker yet.
The good derived from working through the pain is that we come through the other side knowing more about ourselves and having the opportunity to express to others how much we treasure them and care about them.
In life, I believe that everything happens for a reason and that there is something to be taken from every experience. The key is being willing to recognize and accept the message - whatever it might be. That is what growth is about.
Sometimes we aren't ready for the next step as is evident in the way we choose to not deal with issues in our lives. But that is ok too. When the time is right, we will see clearly the actions needed and the alteration in our steps that must happen. Until that time, we can take solace in knowing that we are loved.
Today I send healing thoughts and positive affirmations to all those in my life. I am comfortable in my skin and I feel my soul expanding as I grow in each experience. I have no delusions as to my imperfections. I am constantly tripping myself up. But, I feel good in saying that I am willing to get up, dust myself off, offer a hand to those around me that may need a boost, and should they turn their head away, I can be ok with knowing that I tried and that I will offer again when they are ready to heal and continue in their journey.
My wish today is one of peace. I am thinking of all those who touch my life, and sending this wish to them.
May your souls be well and may your mind be clear.
No matter what, I hold you dear.
Peace, Peace and always peace.
~Autumn
We never know what another person may be going through. We all get wrapped up in the webs that are our lives. Not one of us can claim to be entirely selfless. It is in fact healthy to look out for our own wellbeing.
However, along the path that we travel, there are bound to be pot-holes and trouble. Many times, these conflicts can not be ignored. It is HOW we deal with these conflicts that define the kind of person we are, and how the remainder of our journey in life will be.
In tripping ourselves up, many times we stumble over others and may even injure them. Despite these situations being uncomfortable, simply walking away will only cause continued pain, making the weak, weaker yet.
The good derived from working through the pain is that we come through the other side knowing more about ourselves and having the opportunity to express to others how much we treasure them and care about them.
In life, I believe that everything happens for a reason and that there is something to be taken from every experience. The key is being willing to recognize and accept the message - whatever it might be. That is what growth is about.
Sometimes we aren't ready for the next step as is evident in the way we choose to not deal with issues in our lives. But that is ok too. When the time is right, we will see clearly the actions needed and the alteration in our steps that must happen. Until that time, we can take solace in knowing that we are loved.
Today I send healing thoughts and positive affirmations to all those in my life. I am comfortable in my skin and I feel my soul expanding as I grow in each experience. I have no delusions as to my imperfections. I am constantly tripping myself up. But, I feel good in saying that I am willing to get up, dust myself off, offer a hand to those around me that may need a boost, and should they turn their head away, I can be ok with knowing that I tried and that I will offer again when they are ready to heal and continue in their journey.
My wish today is one of peace. I am thinking of all those who touch my life, and sending this wish to them.
May your souls be well and may your mind be clear.
No matter what, I hold you dear.
Peace, Peace and always peace.
~Autumn
Friday, July 21, 2006
Joy From My Flowers (7/21/2006)
I derive so much joy from flowers and my own form of gardening. I can't help but smile when I see beautiful things in nature, and flowers are "queen" of natures beauty.
These are all flowers from my garden beds around the house. I hope you see a smile somewhere in them for you too! Enjoy!
These are my favorite flowers - STAR GAZER LILY
These are all flowers from my garden beds around the house. I hope you see a smile somewhere in them for you too! Enjoy!
These are my favorite flowers - STAR GAZER LILY
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