Something to think about…

When you journey up a mountain path, you see many types of tree growth.  In the lower part of the mountain are small saplings just starting their growth, as well as towering trees.  Higher up, trees are smaller.  Some cling precariously to the side of the mountain, growing out of a small patch of earth between cracks in a rock.

Journey up the same path after a spring snowmelt and you may see a different view.  In the lower regions, once towering trees have been felled by the power of raging water, and small saplings have been snapped at their base.  But up higher, small trees are still firmly in place, steadfast in their grip between the rocks.

The lesson in this is that the strongest can survive.  Like the trees, you are ever-exposed to the storms and difficulties of daily life.  Will you be overwhelmed by life’s adversities, easily felled by such things, or will you develop an inner strength and resiliency that will enable you to work through each difficulty?

Today recognize that challenges in life are inevitable.  Brace yourself for them, hold firm to your position, and never let them dislodge you.

Source (modified):  Morning Light | Amy E. Dean | Hazelden Meditations

barnesandnoble.com/w/morning-light-amy-dean/1100184642

Gratitude is a practice.  Make it a priority.

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Cartoonist Leigh Rubin conveys a humorous look at boredom in his comic drawing of a goldfish in a bowl, entitled “Diary of a Fish.”  The diary runs from Sunday through Saturday and conveys the same entries about how the fish spent its day:  It swam.  It ate.  It slept.

Now, you may view your existence as one of dull routines, causing you to feel bored and disinterested in life.  When someone asks, “So, what’s new with you?” you may let out a sigh and mumble, “Same old, same old.”  But, your days can be transformed and refashioned to add freshness and richness to your life.  Being spontaneous can open you up to new experiences.  Taking a risk can offer learning and challenge.  Doing something out of the ordinary can provide an opportunity to grow.  Embracing unpredictability can strengthen your ability to flow with life’s challenges.

If you feel there is nothing special going on in your life, do something different from what you did yesterday.  Even simple changes can provide enough stimulation to make life more interesting and enjoyable.

Source (modified):  Morning Light | Amy E. Dean | Hazelden Meditations

barnesandnoble.com/w/morning-light-amy-dean/1100184642

If your head tells you one thing and your heart says another, which is the one you should listen to? When it comes to relationships, both play an important role. Here’s when you should listen to your head or your heart when it comes to love:

Follow Your Head

·        When you’re thinking of cheating. If you have a wandering eye and are considering acting on it, put your emotions on hold and think about what you’re about to do. Cheating can have serious consequences in your relationship so think long and hard about what you might be risking. Don’t let your attraction or emotions rule your actions.

·        When you’re attracted to someone off-limits. Maybe you’re attracted to your best friend’s ex or someone else that you know you shouldn’t pursue. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment when it means that you’re risking your friendship or another important relationship. Think about what acting on your attraction would mean for your friendship instead of acting impulsively and following your heart.

·        When they treat you badly. Don’t listen to your emotions when you’re in a bad relationship. Your emotional side will make excuses for their bad behavior and get sentimental about their good qualities. Instead, you need to use your head and look at the cold hard facts if they treat you badly, it doesn’t matter how many good times you’ve had together.

·        When you’re thinking about getting physical. Leave your emotions (and libido) out of the equation when you’re contemplating taking your relationship to a more physical and intimate level. Think clearly about why you’re doing it and make sure you’re not being pressured. Weigh the consequences of what potential ways your relationship will be affected and definitely use your head to consider health and birth control options.

Heart

·        When deciding who to be with. Forget what your head is telling you about whether or not someone is your usual type, or if your friends will approve. You can’t help whom you’re attracted to and if there’s someone that you just really want to be with, listen to your heart and go for it. Don’t worry about what your head or anyone else has to say about it.

·        When committing. If your heart tells you that you’ve struck relationship gold and you simply just want to be together, listen to your heart when deciding if you want to commit to someone. Don’t start weighing the pros and cons in your head and thinking about all of the reasons why you should keep your options open. If you’re really into someone and they feel the same, follow your heart and commit to them.

·        When it comes to long distance. There are a million reasons not to try a long distance relationship and it’s easy to talk yourself out of it. But sometimes it’s just the right person and you want to be together and make it work, no matter the distance. Listen to your heart to determine if they’re the one and you are willing to stay together even with a bit of distance between you.

·        When saying “I Love You”. Don’t let your head rule this one because it will surely talk you out of it. Expressing your love to someone is purely emotional. If you think about it too much you’ll likely be scared off by the risks. Take the leap and follow your heart if you want to reap the rewards of telling your partner that you love them.

Source

via FB: Existing Actuality

Hugging a blankey in his sleep. Cuteness!

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Grill Roasted Corn Salad | The Healthy Foodie.

MORE RECIPES can be found on the Recipe boards of my Pinterest page, plus posts in these other categories:  beauty, crafts, decorating, fitness, gardening, holidays and party ideas, practical magic, and needlework.

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If you can’t see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

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Dear God, Please put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.

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It’s no coincidence that the faces of Ralph and Abraham Lincoln bear some resemblance to each other — the men are 11th generation cousins. Ralph Lincoln works at Vitamin World in Johnstown. Abe Lincoln is being remembered on President’s Day. Photo of Ralph Lincoln by Steve Mellon.

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What may look like a series of unearthly photo-manipulations, is more real than it looks! Moscow-based physician Leonid Tishkov is actually traveling the world with his own personal moon. The artist created the moon 10 years ago for a contemporary art performance, after which he took it back to his apartment and eventually started traveling around the world.

“I have traveled Private Moon for ten years and each time the moon reveals more space to me. The moon is a shining point that brings people together from different countries, of different nationalities and cultures” – says Leonid.

Russian Travels the World With His Own Private Moon | DeMilked.

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Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth, and your Heart for Love.

The day God made dogs, he just sat down and smiled.

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