Busy sidewalks, city sidewalks, dressed in holiday style..

...and good tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, and good tidings of comfort and joy.

Once again, we are in the holidays! Here's some Christmas funnies and holiday cheer!

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nicole

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

 It's the most wonderful time of the year…

 December, December, December!! 

 I went to yoga the other day and of course at the beginning of class the instructor gave one of her many dharma talks and it got me thinking. Her talk was regarding Christmas presents.  Some believe in them some do not.

Sometimes  we get presents for people because we want to...or feel obligated to.  When we do, for whatever reason we will give them whatever, and usually when it is "whatever", that present more than likely will find its way into the hands of someone else or in the trash.

I feel as if a present is a way of saying, hey, I was thinking of you and wanted to get you this. After all, it's the thought that counts, right?  But here's the thing,  did you really want to give them what you did, or is it something that took you five seconds or maybe five minutes?

 

My point is, it doesn't matter if the gift is big or small. The fact that you stopped and took time to think of someone else is huge and much appreciated. You know what I mean. It's that feeling you get when someone is kind enough to get you something, and it's that something with thought behind it. That's one of the sweetest feelings.

So, if you are a giver during this time, don't worry about breaking the bank for a gift, just think of the person you're giving it to, why you want to, and take a moment to think about something that will give each one of you that feeling of love. And if they don't appreciate it, their loss. Just be happy that you have a great heart. I believe in karma, and it can strike back hard for some scrooges during the holidays.

 

Be kind, be you, and tis the season to think of others ( perhaps all year round)

Nicole

Love, peace, togetherness

 Why can't we all just get along?

 It's such a simple phrase and yet we somehow find it so hard to do.

I'm not a fan of violence never have been. OK, maybe when I'm watching a James Bond film I like a little action but that's about it. I prefer action on the big screen rather than in real life.

There are no comforting words I can give about the recent events that have happened in France and around the world other then, let's acknowledge and send our love and support for all the victims and their families, and everyone that was affected by these events.

Perhaps one day we can all just get along.

It's National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies DAY!!

 

 

 

Nicole

Thoughts for Tuesday

 

 

      

 

 

Nicole

Just a little story

When I was in college I was very focused on doing what I needed to do to get to where I needed to be. In a way, I guess you could say, I had blinders on. In my head, it was just me, and doing the task at hand. Oddly enough, my fellow classmates had the same agenda for themselves..

One day in dance class our  professor gave us this tough dance combination to learn and gave us ten minutes to reverse the entire thing and perform it in groups.  So automatically, everyone in the class scattered around the room to find a practice space and start piecing the dance together.

I, like everyone else in the room, went into tunnel vision and we were all just trying to get this dance combination together. About three minutes into our personal practice time, I saw a girl in my class confused. She kept going up to different people in class desperate for someone to just help her figure out this one dance move. Over and over again, I saw classmates shrug her off so they could focus on the task at hand, including myself. As I watched her get shrugged off over and over again, it hit me.  This girl really needs help. She wasn't asking for much,  she just needed a little perspective.

Sometimes we get so caught up with our own needs and what we want that we completely turn a blind eye to any and everything around us. In this case, it was completely obvious she needed help, but no one wanted to stop what they were doing to help. I thought about it for a second, and thought what if this was me, what if I was in her shoes right now? Well..I would want someone to help me. I took a deep breath, walked up to her and asked if she needed help trying to figure out this combination. Her eyes immediately got real wide as she replied "yes",  and I/we spent the remainder of our time going over the entire combination. One by one we each got up to perform the combination and when it was her turn I could see the confidence over her face because she now knew what she was doing.

 It's been almost a decade since that day and we've been close friends ever since.

 Look I understand everyone has their own agenda.  We have our own lives, our own problems, and our own tasks at hand. Although it only takes a minute or two to help someone.  Nobody paid me to help her,  I never got some major award for being kind,  but the satisfaction of knowing I gave somebody a better peace of mind is more rewarding than any piece of metal or  plaque I could ever received. I just thought, if I was in need of help I would want someone to step up and help me.

Taking those few minutes to stop and help, gained me a friendship that I will have for life. So take a moment out of your"me,me,me" mentality every now and then and lend a hand. It's worth it, trust me.

Nicole

October 20, 2015 National Face Your Fears Day

This is not a joke, I repeat, NOT A JOKE. This is real!! Today, October 20, 2015:

NATIONAL FACE YOUR FEARS DAY

Here's what I found out about the holiday according to http://www.giftypedia.com/National_Face_Your_Fears_Day :

About the Holiday

National Face Your Fears Day is a day to help people identify, face and overcome their fears. Many people are held captive by their fears, this day is to encourage people to discover more about themselves, and the ways to overcome their fears. Today is about courage, facing your fear and taking control. 

 

 

I couldn't have said it better myself. I think this holiday is perfect for this month, especially since Halloween is right around the corner with thanksgiving and Christmas close behind.

 

Face your fears! Be not afraid! You can do it!!

 

Nicole