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Saturday, June 23, 2012

Flower Arrangements

Flowers are symbolic of recognition and appreciation.  Sending flowers is a simple, yet thoughtful, gesture to let someone know you are thinking of them.  When you receive flowers, how do you feel? Do you like the fragrance that emanates from the bouquet?  Or does the beauty of the blooms appeal more to you?  Do you have a favorite flower?   Your floral preference may provide a clue about your personality.

The Society of American Florists has compiled a list of flowers and their historic meanings.  It is interesting to see what attributes are associated with each flower.  There is a color distinction for the flowers.  One flower may have multiple meanings as it is commonly found in several colors, or shades.  There is also a section that tells you the flower for your birth month.  Just as each month is assigned a birthstone, it also has a designated flower. 

Visit the site, http://aboutflowers.com/flower-a-plant-information-and-photos/meanings-of-flowers.html, and answer the following questions:
  1. What is flower for your birth month?
  2. What does it mean?
  3. Does the meaning fit you?
  4. What is the flower for your state?
Leave a comment and share your answers with other readers.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Pep Rally

Did you go to pep rallies when you were in school?  The cheerleaders, band, and student body were usually all assembled to encourage one of the athletic teams before a game.  You can have your own pep rally to help you reach your goals. 

P.E.P stands for perseverance, endurance, and position.  You may not have a pep band to play at your rally.  However, there are certain songs that may inspire you to keep going.  These are some suggestions that have lyrics that will keep you focused on getting there and winning.

Perseverance - Get Here by Oleta Adams issues the memorable directive, "I don't care how you get here, just get here if you can".  This statement is uttered after she suggests several transportation options.  While she is speaking about a romantic relationship, the words can also be applied to your dreams and destinations.
   Get Here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hB16oDxpbc

Endurance - Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Diana Ross lists obstacles that will not impede her progress.  When you hear "no rain, no wind, no winter's cold can stop me", the determination to succeed is evident by the choice of words.  The description is symbolic of a storm.  Push through the elements to reach your prize on the other side.
   Ain't No Mountain High Enough:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph5iadqH3Eg

Position - Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Patti Labelle references a place that she is trying to go.  She states "That's where you will find me".  The confident declaration implies that she believes she will find a way to get there.  The target is identified.  Sometimes you might be vague about the location of your finish line.  Where will you be found in victory?
   Somewhere Over the Rainbow:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2LDNIYxzUQ

Leave a comment and share a song that helps you persevere, endure, and strive toward your desired position. 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Say When

When someone is serving you food or drink, they may tell you to "say when" to indicate that you have enough.  In that type of situation, saying when is a signal to stop.  However, the word "when" can be a powerful declaration for self motivation.  Instead of talking about "if" certain things happen for or to you, reference what you will do "when" opportunities or obstacles present themselves.  The word "when" indicates a confidence that you will get the chance to meet the challenge.  It is the beginning of an affirmation of what you can do.


When you look in a mirror, reflect on what you are looking forward to and/or what went well that day.  You control the content and flow of your thoughts.  Send them in a direction of anticipated accomplishments.

When you make a request, be clear, concise, and specific.  Don't make others wonder what you are asking for or what you need.  You only get relevant answers and sufficient help when those providing assistance understand what is required of them.

When you listen, pay attention to what is not being said.  Sometimes the absence of a word or statement is significant.  Realizing what was not said can help you determine the relevant follow up questions to ask.

When you are frustrated, recognize it and release it.  There will be times when things don't go your way.  Acknowledge that you are bothered and move on to something else that needs to be done. 

When you are overwhelmed, stop, drop, and roll.  Those are the commands to help someone that is on fire.  Fire can be an appropriate analogy when multiple problems are occurring simultaneously.  Stop to prioritize your responsibilities, drop the things that are not urgent, and roll with what's left on your list.

When you give advice, be willing to invest in it.  Words have power, but actions produce results.  When others see that you use the same principles that you speak to them, it adds validity to your suggestions.

When your size is not available, verify your measurements.  Maybe you have outgrown your current box.  It may be time for you to expand your expectations.  If something seems too large for you, tailor it to fit you.

When you lack energy, focus, or motivation, plug in and recharge.  Connect yourself to people and activities that will remind you of what you want and what you need to do to get it.  Take a balanced approach to reduce the chance of burnout. 

When you think you are right, it doesn't mean someone else is wrong.  Consider that their background, consequences, and ability to see the big picture may differ from yours.  It doesn't mean that they are stubborn or misinformed.  Those attributes may apply to you.

When you achieve one goal, use it as a building block for the next one.  Capitalize on the hard work and sacrifice that were required to get to the finish line.  Don't start over to reach the next target.  Note the relationships, lessons, and creativity that helped you previously.

Leave a comment share which "when" statement stood out to you.



Monday, June 4, 2012

Laugh Lines

Do you have laugh lines?  When you hear that question, you might think of lines around your eyes that indicate that you have laughed a lot.  Laughter is therapeutic.  It is contagious.  Sometimes just thinking about laughter can lighten your mood.  This week the phrase "laugh lines" will refer to quotes that deal with laughter.  When you read them, it may trigger a humorous memory for you.






If you can't make it better, you can laugh at it.
Erma Bombeck

I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful.
Bob Hope

To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.
William Arthur Ward
Nobody says you must laugh, but a sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected, and smile through the day”
Ann Landers


We don't laugh because we're happy - we're happy because we laugh.
William James


A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows, and bubbles all around”.
 Carolyn Birmingham


A laugh, to be joyous, must flow from a joyous heart, for without kindness, there can be no true joy.
Thomas Carlyle 

Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
 
Mary Anne Radmacher

Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.
Kurt Vonnegut
 
 
The best way of removing negativity is to laugh and be joyous.
David Icke

Who or what has made you laugh recently? Did any of the quotes motivate you to view laughter differently?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.