Welome to my Blog!

Welcome to my blog! A blog about living an authentic life, enjoying the journey with all of its joys & obstacles and maintaining a positive attitude and a sense of humor through what ever is thrown our way! We all wear many "hats" in life but in order to live an authentic life we need to "TAKE OFF OUR MASKS"! This is a process of living, growing, learning lessons, overcoming hurts, tearing down walls, showing compassion, sharing kindness and loving deeply. After all, we are all "works in progress"!!



Saturday, August 20, 2016

Friday, June 3, 2016

Wounds


You can’t move forward holding onto old wounds. Many people are addicted to their wounds.
They cling to them like a security “blankie”. They take identity in their bad story and continually tell the story from a victim mentality perspective to anyone that will listen. The story owns and defines them instead of them owning the story. Perhaps to gain sympathy or attention, but it will never project them forward into their authentic life as long as they keep picking open the scab and having people watch them bleed. It will drain the spirt, the body and make them feel like they are treading water. The only time one should be referring back upon a bad story is to remind oneself of how far they have come or to help someone in a similar situation.

There comes a time when you have to say “I don’t want to feel like this anymore” and then you have to feel your way through it to heal your way through it. Healing is a choice. You have to be willing to do the inner work to reconnect with your inner truth. This is not always an easy task, but there are a few things that can help you start.
1)       Force yourself to forgive. This does not condone the hurt but rather frees you from the suffering. Whether it is someone else you need to forgive or perhaps it is yourself. There are no mistakes, just lessons learned and wisdom acquired.
2)      Everyday get up, get dressed and show up. As miserable as you may feel, just do it. Start walking through everyday challenges one minute, one hour or one day at a time. Your record for surviving up until this point is remarkable…Celebrate small victories!
3)      Inner dialog is vital. Stop asking why this happened and start asking what you were supposed to learn from it. I bet you can at least list three things that you have learned from this experience. Sometimes little mantra’s that you repeat to yourself will help rid the negative monsters that want to fill your head. Don’t speak anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to your best friend.
4)      Create a path for the future. Start getting involved, take a class, join a meetup, work on a hobby. Getting involved in doing things that make you feel good. This keeps your mind focused in a positive direction and an opportunity to surround yourself with new experiences and like-minded people.
5)      Surround yourself with supportive, positive people. Sometimes that means walking away from people that you have known along time or shared some life stuff with. Don’t be afraid to walk away from toxicity and people that no longer fill you with worth and encouragement. This is YOUR journey through life, not theirs! Sometimes this can be lonely, but trust me you will thank yourself in the long run by making room for anew. Your tribe will gather and these people will always have your back.
6)      Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude. When you get stuck in the negative thoughts, STOP, find a quiet spot, breathe and replace with a thought of the things you are grateful for. Practice will make this easier and eventually this will become second nature in pushing the bad vibes away. There is always something to be grateful for. When you start showing more gratitude you leave more room for abundance in your life.
7)      Perspective goes hand in hand with gratitude. Perspective gives you a broad spectrum view and allows you to see the eagle’s eye view rather the ant’s view. Whether you look at the glass as half full or half empty is irrelevant as long as you KNOW that you can refill the glass at any time! The view from the top of the lighthouse is always better than just looking through a telescope. You get to focus on the big picture. Perspective allows you to see that this wound is so small compared to the rest of your life.
8)      Get rid of anything that weighs you down. Unclutter your life. Whether it is your mind, your house, your closet. Get rid of the excess and stick to the basics. Keep it simple. Collect memories, not STUFF!!
9)      KNOW THIS….YOU are loved, YOU are valuable, YOU have a purpose, YOU are special, YOU are worthy, YOU are empowered. and YOU GOT THIS! Great mantras to say to yourself!
10)   FREEDOM and HEALING feels so much better then FEAR and PAIN.  Let your empowered Soul soar!

Just Sayin',
~Christina

Monday, March 14, 2016

The Cigar Box


The other night I was out and about with my honey. After a grueling 30 minutes at one of our least favorite stores to pick up a new patio set we were worn out. Not only was it Friday and the week had caught up to us but exhaustion was setting in. We decided to stop at the local cigar shop. It really is a beautiful location with a comfortable patio with fire pits, a very masculine sitting area inside with a fireplace as well as a small bar that serves local craft beers to enjoy with your cigar of choice. Every once in a while we stop in to pick up a Macanudo for my honey to sit back and savor. I actually enjoy going to this location as it very friendly and low key and the humidor shop is filled with the wonderful aromas of fine tobacco. I actually find the humidity within very calming as well.
We entered the giant humidor and since we are familiar with the set up, we went right over to the Mac section and picked a few to take home. As my husband is paying for his purchase he is chatting with the cashier.

There was a pile of cigar boxes on the counter that customers can use to carry their selections through the store. I picked up one of the cigar boxes and turned to the other sales associate that had been making small talk with me earlier. She noticed me picking up the box, closing my eyes and taking in a giant whiff. So she didn’t think I was off my rocker, I commented to her that I love the smell of cigar boxes. I shared with her that when I was a young girl I loved to sketch with charcoals. My charcoals were kept in a cigar box that my mother’s boss had given to me for my art supplies. I remember fondly the aroma of tobacco each time I opened the box to sketch. It truly brought me back to being a child and what a great time that was. As I stood there sharing my memory with the women, she started to get tears in her eyes. I don’t know if I triggered a memory she had or that fact that she totally connected with the fact that the olfactory nerve connects our sense of smell with the brain thus triggering memories. Perhaps she had a memory of her mother or childhood. As I took in the moment continuing to enjoy the aroma and the memory, she reached over, handed me a beautifully crafted cigar box and filled it with a few cedar liners. She said, “take this home and enjoy”, as more tears welled in her eyes. As I thanked her for her generosity, I asked her if I could give her a hug and then gave her a hug for her kindness. At that time my husband had finished paying for his purchase and caught the last glimpse of what had just taken place. He asked if everything was okay and we exited the cigar shop. All with a huge smile on my face!

You see, for those few moments, this woman and I connected. This woman and I had a “moment”!  
Human connection is vital and kindness is contagious. I will continue to smell the cigar box that now resides in my home and I will continue to remember and be grateful that sometimes even strangers can touch your soul and fill you with joy!

Just Sayin’,
 Christina

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Lessons From The Beach

I just got back from a much needed vacation. A great opportunity to relax, unwind, cross stuff off of the bucket list and take time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings our planet has to offer. All in all a great time was had! I have been with my company for six and a half years and it was the first time I had taken off a full weeks vacation! I had always taken long weekends and odd days, but never a full week. So, when I stated this was much needed, I was not exaggerating.
 I am trying to take some of the peace and tranquility from the past week and cling to it before the onset of the daily grind and routine sets back in and the reality of working another few months without a break sets in. In doing so, I want to reflect on lessons learned from my beach vacation.

The weather was beautiful but due to the storm off of the coast, the surf was a bit rough and the waves extremely high. Due to this, the no swimming red flag was raised. Being with a man that is most likely part dolphin, he was a bit disappointed. However, like in life, sometimes circumstances and rules are designed for our safety. Kind of like when we pray for something and  the response is "not now". Timing is everything and everything happens in its good and perfect timing as it is designed. Whether it is to prevent us from being hurt or put into an uncompromising position, we sometimes have to accept a "no" answer. Sometimes things don't unfold they way we want them to for our own good. So the lesson in this is to understand that we are at times being redirected and protected to keep us safe.

Now, about that red flag... A simple and visual warning to let you know that you need to take heed. In the past few years one of the lessons I have learned is to pay attention to the red flags that are placed in front of you. It kind of falls in line with the saying, when someone shows you their true colors, don't try to repaint them. I was always taught and will continue to live my life looking for the good in others, but when the red flag is clearly flapping in front of you, pay attention. No matter how much you want to believe in the goodness of others, let your intuition guide you and steer you to believe more in their actions than mere words.

No matter how rough the ocean can be, there is still a beauty and majesty in it. The respect I have for the power of the water  is great. It can be soothing, relentless and overpower you if it wants. The lesson I received from the hours of sitting on the balcony overlooking this mighty blue power reminded me that no matter how rough the seas are in our lives, eventually the waters will calm and we will find the stillness we are seeking. Occasionally the rip tide can steer you off shore and pull you in another direction then you wish to be going, but you have the ability to ride it out and swim it out if you just go with the current.

Sometimes we are blessed to witness an amazing moment in nature. I was sitting out on the balcony one morning reflecting on the years I lived in Florida. Remembering how much I enjoyed taking a few hours on a Friday afternoon and sitting out on the jetties and watching the dolphins swim by. I remembered those moments as an escape from the craziness of everyday life and to clear my mind.  Thinking that I most likely would not see any off of the coast of  NC, all of a sudden appears two fins swimming closely off shore. Now I know that they were close since I did not have my glasses on and they were as clear a day right in front of me. Just as the fins swam directly in front of my view, two dolphins leapt from the water as if displaying a rehearsed private show. They continued swimming down the coastline until turning for deeper waters just before the pier. I gave a glance up to the heavens and gave a nod of gratitude for the scene I had just witnessed. Just a reminder that we are sometimes given glimpses of wonderment and we need to take it all in and enjoy the magical moments when they present themselves.

One of the bucket list items was seeing the Hatteras lighthouse. It stood there dwarfing me as I stared at it's beautifully and newly painted black and white stripes. I knew it would be a hot climb on that August afternoon, but was determined to make it to the top and step out onto the walk way. I am not a lover of heights, but have made it a mission to look fear in the eye and conquer. After what seems like five thousand steps, I made it to the top and took the step out onto the lookout walk way. Suddenly looking out at what seemed like the edge of the earth, I no longer was overwhelmed by how high up I was, but rather how spectacular the view was. A true birds eye view complete with the wind whipping through my hair. The rush I felt through my body as I took in the picture in front of me really reminded me that it is important to remember to look at the big picture in life. We can allow our fears to take over and be consumed by the small stuff but a big picture view can put everything in perspective.

So, just as I was reminded in a glorious beach setting, I remind you to remember:
Timing is everything and things will unfold in their perfect timing.
Pay attention to the red flags in life and let your intuition be your guide.
No matter how rough life can get, nothing is permanent....just roll with it.
Enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us and embrace the magical moments.
Take a step back and look at the big picture to regain perspective.
Most importantly, recognize that sometimes we need a break to create new moments that turn into great memories and remind us and reinforce life's little lessons. They can be found all around us, even at the beach!

Just Sayin'
Christina

Thursday, August 7, 2014

One Year Ago...

Wow. A year has past!
I took a year off from blogging. It's amazing all of the evolving one can go through in  a year. Relationships ending, new friendships formed, children growing and leaving the nest and becoming engrossed in new work projects. Most of all, taking a break from some aspects of life to concentrate on rediscovering oneself can be an awesome, inspiring and amazing journey.

  We are constantly evolving and if we choose to embrace this process and have acceptance of the life we are creating it can be one hell of a growth process. Discovering the preciousness of who we are and where we are and what we are becoming is a magical experience. In the last year I have made a conscience effort to embrace all that I am and all that I will be and made so many positive changes. Even the not so positive times have lent a gentle lesson in life and I have come through victoriously. You see, ending relationships that hold you back, learning to live with children moving on to create their own adult life and taking time to be alone with my thoughts has brought my to where I stand today.

I have learned that we sometimes spend so much time trying to control the outcomes that we loose sight of accepting that life is supposed to unfold in its wonderful and perfect timing. Acceptance of this is allowing yourself to grow through things instead of fight the natural unfolding process. What a concept!

One of the best things I love about writing/journaling is the ability to go back and read what I have written. One of the things I usually ask myself when I am having "a moment" is, will this matter in a week from now, a month from now or a year from now? I have the ability to see such growth and change in others and to celebrate their overcome obstacles and victories, but forget to reflect back on my own passing of time. I recently came across something I had written exactly one year and four days prior. Wow! What perspective! I have truly realized how much difference a year can make! A rush of gratitude came over me as I read these words I had written just over a year ago and made me realize that no matter how many obstacles we must hurdle, life is a beautiful, precious unfolding. Again I had confirmation that everything unfolds in its good and perfect timing according the plan and purpose that is intended for our lives. It also made me extremely grateful for divine intervention, a few dodged bullets and personal growth. So here is what the page said...


"The ultimate goal is happiness. At the end of the day we all just want to love and be loved.
I just got off of the phone talking with my best friend. What an amazing blessing it is to have someone in your life to remind me that I deserve to be happy and that I am worth it.
These are things I know, but on those days when my thoughts are overwhelming and the frustration overtakes me, it is nice to be reminded. The road to happiness is not easy. God promises that the things that have been taken from us will be replaced tenfold. Is it wrong that I am reminding God of this? That my frustration in the waiting period is withering? I do realize that the road may still be being paved or that that paths are not in line yet, but I long for the arrival.
I was reminded to keep day dreaming. To imagine being in the midst of the place that makes you feel alive surrounded by people that love and support you. Those people that know your truths, your struggles and your aspirations.
 Will happiness elude me. Will I look back a year from now and have the hindsight that I dream of? I know it is all a process. But how many more years will I be stuck. How do I trust in the timing of this process when it has been years in the learning.  Feeling like I am at a place that survival and struggle becomes the norm. Only since I have realized my worth do I realize that clinging to what once was is much more painful then risking it all and moving on perhaps to only end up alone. Is believing that it will all work out in the end enough? Yes, my hope is steadfast.
Okay so I will continue to send out the good vibes to the universe and pray that it all comes together, the planets align and that my soul will find the happiness it craves. Here's to the good life. "

Perspective...
So to answer my question to myself, YES, I can absolutely say, YES, I will look back in a year and have the hindsight I was dreaming of!!  A year can make a tremendous difference!

It all started with a choice, a plan, learning to put myself on the priority list, following my intuition, meditating, stepping out of my comfort zone, finding my passion again, living my purpose and trying each day to be better than the person I was yesterday.
I could never have planned or imagined....
But, then again it was never really my plan to begin with. I merely learned to take each moment as it comes and embrace the unfolding of the divine plan..... Blood, sweat, tears, break downs, do overs and uprisings....
Again I say, here's to the good life! No, strike that.... Here's to the GREAT life!

Just Sayin',
Christina

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Mama, Where is Home?

Where is home?
A question I have pondered many times. I have lived in three different states, moved many times and all have been my home. No matter what the location or what the walls surrounding me looked like, wherever I was, there I am.
Originally a Jersey Girl, born and raised, I do refer to my visits back to NJ as "going home to visit the besties", but if I am going for a visit with family in FL, I refer to that as "going home" for a visit. I suppose after living in NC for almost ten years, NC is my home now.
It occurred to me recently when my sons came home for a visit. The oldest had move across the country for work, the other traveling around the world with the military. Since the last time all of the children had been here, the family dynamics had changed, my four walls that I come home to everyday were different and the house in which they spent many years being raised in was no longer the same. Life had evolved and unfolded and things changed.
I was speaking with one of my boys and said that the next time he came "home" we would spent more time together. I understood this, as when I go back to places I've lived for visits, I sometimes feel pulled in many directions and time seems to never be long enough to see all of the people I want to see and do all of the things I intended to accomplish while there.  I am always grateful for those visits, but always feel like no matter how many minutes and hours I was there, there was never enough time.
So the question comes up... "Mama, where is home"?
Here is my conclusion..... Home is where you go to be with those that you carry in your heart. To be with those that have your back, where you can reminisce about times gone by, laugh at stories of where you once were and feel like you are a part of something bigger then yourself. It makes no difference of the location or the walls that surround you. It is about the feeling that stirs within you as you are amongst those that love, accept and appreciate you. To spend time with people that embrace your dreams and support your journey. To both give and receive love that is unconditional and feel the comfort of knowing you are loved without a doubt. To not have to question intentions or ulterior  motives of the precious souls surrounding you and to feel understood. To be in the embracing arms of one that loves you and feel those emotions of comfort and adoration being conveyed with a mere hug.
The saying " home is where your heart is" rings very true. That was my answer to my child as it has been from my Mother to me on many occasions when I asked, "Mama, where is home" ?
Home is the  place we carry in our hearts and minds, the memories we fondly recall and the place we go to create new memories and feel safe. No matter where I am, when we are together again, this is HOME.

Just Sayin',
Christina