Inspiration: Humanity

Hi guys! I just wanted to share some inspiring videos I came across this morning. Check them out - they'll definitely make you want to make someone's day.

I'm spending today curled up in bed / on the couch, trying to get rid of a cold before Christmas. I'll use the down time to finish my book, knit some Christmas presents, & watch lots of The Good Wife (I watched two discs of it yesterday - so good!). What are you doing this week? Are you finishing (or starting) Christmas shopping? Working up to Christmas Eve? Or throwing a big holiday party? I'd love to hear what you're up to!

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Quite a Quote: Let it go

Difficult words to live by, but oh-so-true.

Bring to mind the biggest grudge you're holding.

Hold onto it for a moment; really feel it.

Then, say good-bye. Just let it go.

Don't judge yourself if it doesn't work the first, second, third time. Just feel pleased with yourself for trying.

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Quite a Quote: Backbone

"Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be." -Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

I'm currently listening to this book on audiobook, & it is giving me imminent inspiration. Every word lightens my soul. I wish I could share the whole thing, but for now, here is a quote. Be strong, be your own, don't wait for what you want/need. What better day than today?

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Ten Holiday Faves

In response to Arianna's post about things that make her happy during the holidays, I've put up some of mine!

1. The air: crisp, cool, fresh.
2. The smells: fires, evergreen, cinnamon.
3. Christmas lights: I love a tastefully done holiday decor, especially if it's simple white lights with a winter wonderland type theme.
4. Autumn seasonal produce: many varieties of squash, persimmons, tangerines, cranberries.
5. Layers: Style made easy (& cute).
6. Scarves: Fun to make, lovely to wear.
7. The attitude: Smiling strangers wishing a merry holiday season always brighten my day!
8. Comfort food: warm soups, homemade breads, hot apple cider.
9. Holiday gatherings: 'Nuff said!
10. Ugly Christmas sweaters: so out they're in.

What are some of yours? Head over to Arianna's blog & send her a link to your post!

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Quite a Quote: What Others Think

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I try not to re-post other bloggers' stuff too much, but this post-it from Things We Forget rings so true with me right now. Ever since I started my job, I've put so much of my energy into trying to decipher what my co-workers, boss, & customers think of me, when I should just do my best & what I think is right. This is a great thing to keep in mind, especially with the holidays (e.g., family time, gift giving) approaches. Let's try to be our best, not the best in anyone else's mind.

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Quite a Quote: Be Yourself

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." --Oscar Wilde

More yoga class wisdom. Take it in, my friends.

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The Power of Positive Thinking

At the end of Vinyasa class yesterday, my yoga instructor left us with some fantastic parting thoughts:

"You should know that you have the ability to change your body so that it will do what you want it to do, & you have the power to change your thoughts, to put a positive force into the world, & to get a positive response."

These words are so important, & they really hit me today. I've been in a bit of a funk lately, & these were just the words I needed. We are infinitely capable. Our attitude to life has so much influence in what we get out of it.

My instructor told us a before class that, at the restaurant she works at, customers who come in grumpy always tend to have a messed up order, & then they leave in an even worse mood. As we end our week, let's try to remember not to be like those customers.

You have power over your thoughts. And your thoughts shape your world.

Jonty & I are seeing a couple of our favorite bands & attending a Halloween party or two. What are you doing this weekend? Have a great one!

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Inspiration: Originality

I love this scene from Garden State. Lately, I've had a bout of Blah, the disease of lack of inspiration and motivation. When Jonty & I watched Garden State the other day, though, I could tell that the Blah was starting to subside - thank goodness! I hope this scene gives you the same heart-pumping, exhilarated feeling that it gives me every time I watch it.

And this next video is for a fantastic song called Radar Detector by Darwin Deez. It is seriously kooky, in a mind-bending way. Enjoy!



My inspiration this week is originality. What's your inspiration?

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Worry Wort

For the next couple of days, I'm in Portland, Oregon visiting my little (20-year-old) sister. (We call each other Sissa.) Anyway, my sissa & I were chatting before bed last night, & she made a remark that was exactly what I needed to hear in a way that only she can. She told me that I worry too much.

I worry too much.

I'm sure we can all say that about ourselves, to some extent or other. But lately, worry has really been affecting my life: my mood, my happiness, & my productivity. Starting today, I want to concentrate on clearing my mind of unfounded stress, of problems that I just can't solve, & of responsibility for other people who can & do take care of themselves. We all deserve to cross a few worries off our list.

Also, the lovely Persis over at Miles of Style posted this quote today, & it did its job of inspiring me. I'm usually not one to re-post, at least not this quickly, but I really wanted to share.

"Bunkum and tummyrot! You'll never get anywhere if you go about what-iffing like that. Would Columbus have discovered America if he had said, "What if I sink on the way over? What if I meet pirates? What if I never come back?' He wouldn't even have started."  -Willy Wonka, Charlie & the Great Glass Elevator

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