I always say I’m talking about design, life and anything else that crosses my mind…but what do I REALLY talk about? I found the coolest site that will pull all your tweets off of twitter and show the actual top ten words that you used over the last year. Apparently, I laugh alot…haha xoxox
Every summer that I can remember, I have spent a week at the beach. This year is no different as we packed up last weekend and headed to Florida with the kids and my parents. Several years ago, I started bringing along Anne Morrow’s Gift From the Sea. It’s my favorite book to read at the beach. Each time I find something different to inspire me and I am still amazed that it was written over 50 years ago. I was even more in awe of Anne Morrow when I discovered that she was Anne Morrow Lindbergh; mother of the baby that was so tragically kidnapped and killed years before. If you are looking for one book to take to the beach – this is always my pick.
This year though, I decided to bring three different books. All three motivational, all three pretty wonderful. Here are my thoughts so far…
To kick off the trip last Friday, I began with The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. It’s a book that everyone should read. Give it to someone as a graduation gift, share it with a friend, and make sure your kids read it. I really do believe that I am a glass is half full kind of gal, I take things in stride, and am overall a pretty happy person – but I was humbled by this book and truly inspired to live a little more aware of the moment. On Friday I heard that Randy passed away and my only thought at the moment is that because of his life, the world became a better place. It’s a must read.
On Tuesday I began The Winners Manual by Jim Tressel, head coach of The Ohio State Football Team. I have to admit that I’m a little biased – that I already knew I would love it. I got to page 7 of the prologue and had tears in my eyes. Why? Because as I read, I realized how truly blessed my son is to be able to spend 5 years of his life learning from this great man as an OSU Football player. You may not be an OSU football fan. You may love to hate the Buckeyes, but the Winners Manual is really not about winning a football game, but leading a winning life. Coach Tressel has been collecting for years stories of faith, family, and principles that he believes are important to becoming a winner. Every year he shares an updated collection with his players. Here he shares the people and stories that inspired him along with tons of great quotes. I’d tell you more, but my father stole the book right out from under me and being the nice daughter that I am, I moved on to my third book. I’ll get back to the Winners Manual on the way home. So far though, I think it’s also a must read and apparently alot of other people agree as it just hit #3 on the New York Times Best Seller list for Inspirational books.
The book that I’m reading now is Tony Dungy’s Quiet Strength. At this point you would probably assume that I am a huge football fan, and you would be correct, but I’ve actually never read a book about football. I’m really not reading about football this week either. All three books are about life, success, love, family, inspiration, and more. Two of them just happen to involve football. Well, actually all three do if add Randy Pauch’s dream of playing in the NFL. Even if you are not a big football fan, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy these last two books.
Tony Dungy interests me on several levels. Initially, he intrigued be because I think the Indianapolis Colts led by Peyton Manning are a really fun team to watch. Secondly, I saw Tony Dungy on the tonight show after they won the Super Bowl and I found him to be humble, interesting and inspiring. The third reason is really a mom thing. When anyone says my son is undersized for a linebacker, all I have to do is refer them to the Colt’s roster. I appreciate that he chooses players based on talent and heart rather than numbers.
I haven’t finished the book yet, but so far it is really very good. Tony Dungy is a man with a strong christian foundation who loves God, his family and the game of football. He writes an honest account of the role that they have all played in his life to date along with the people and events that have influenced his path in life. Yes, it’s a story thats written around football, but again, it’s not really about football as much as it’s about faith, honor, integrity, inspiration and life.
My thought is you just can’t go wrong with any of these books. I’d recommend all three. Even if you don’t love football I think you’ll walk away with a sense of renewal and energized to strive to do great things with your life.
As an Interior Designer I felt compelled several years ago to learn more about Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway) and took a class taught by Daniel David Kennedy, author of Feng Shui Tips for a Better Life. As a woman and entrepreneur, I am intrigued by the principles of The Secret, written by Rhonda Byrne, and recently discussed by Oprah and several successful woman who have applied it to their lives. What occured to me as I drove to the office this morning, is that both actually have a lot in common. If you aren’t familiar with either, I think they are both worth exploring. Here are my interpretations of each, how they relate to each other and how they might improve your home and your happiness.
Feng Shui is said to be a powerful, effective method of changing your environment to improve your life. Kennedy teaches a form of Feng Shui that focuses on the Ba-Gua, which according to him, “lets you identify 9 important areas of your home which relate directly to you. These include Wealth, Marriage, Career, and others.” Feng Shui teaches you to examine your space and offers simple changes (or “cures”) that can transform the energy (ch’i) of your home, enhancing your peace and harmony. Those that have implemented ‘cures’ often report increased income, improved health and relationships.
Interestingly, major corporations often incorporate Feng Shui into their offices and landscape – you just don’t realize it. If you see a fountain in the front of a building, beautiful fish tank in the lobby, or even artwork portraying fish or water, it may not be just because they look nice.
My interpretation of Feng Shui is this: It’s about examining your surroundings, knowing what doesn’t ‘feel’ right within your home, using simple principles to create harmony and postive energy, and just as importantly; making purposeful changes with the intention of turning a negative area of your life into a postive one.
Do I apply it to my home? Not as much as I would like, but here’s my Feng Shui story. Years ago, my husband and I decided to sell our first home and move with our children to another school district. The 3 kids and I moved into my mother’s house until the house sold so that theycould enroll in the new schools. My husband stayed at the house with the dog to finish some improvements until it sold.
At the time, I was taking Kennedy’s class, and decided to apply what I learned by painting the front door red with the intention of inviting happiness and intending a quick sale. I should add that my husband was not a happy camper when he drove down the street and saw that red door. Nope, not happy at all. Until that is…a few weeks later, someone drove down the street checking out the area and asked him if the house was for sale. In a nutshell, the house was never listed, we got our exact asking price, my husband fell in love with that red door and my mother and I are still speaking. Coincidence? You make the call, but I think intentions are very powerful and best of all they are free.
The Secret, as it applies to life is much the same. My interpretation of the basic principle of The Secret goes like this: Your thoughts and actions create energy that is either positive or negative. As you think, thoughts are sent into the universe and become your reality. Therefore, if you express gratitude daily; whether out loud or on paper and include statements of gratitude for what you specifically intend to come your way, you will be creating that reality.
Here is my experience with the principles of the secret. Seven or more years ago, I created a collage with pictures of things I wished for, was attracted to or represented the life I desired. I put it away when complete, but several years later I pulled it out and was amazed to see how many things became my reality. One example in particular stands out. I had purposefully included the word Oprah within my collage. I wanted to meet her and be on her show. Because of a couple of ‘coincidences’, I was actually invited to the show with Dr. Phil and was wired for sound as I sat in the audience. Coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidence, but I do believe in the power of intention.
Feng Shui and The Secret, in my experience are intriguing and definately worth exploring. It’s inexpensive and for some it can be lifechanging. At the very least, I promise that you’ll be happier just by the simple acts of expressing gratitude and stating positive intentions every day.
