This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time… and remember that time waits for no one…

So stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off benefits, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you’ve had a drink, until you’ve sobered up, until you die, until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy… Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

~ Father Alfred D Souza

When we are faced with such hostility we can choose to react on instinct, to defend, to justify, to attack and ultimately to feed the ugliness of this dysfunctional theater, but in doing so we allow it to become a part of us. Eckhart Tolle¹ describes much of this beautifully, and may summarize it best in his words: “Whatever you fight, you strengthen, and what you resist, persists.”

-Today’s World – Karma, Reflection and Kindness.

It is disappointing that there are those few of you who find my success to be threatening. That feel you need to have your presence known with each degree of success I earn and that seem to feel that attempting to tear others down is a way to build yourself up. My success is based on a true and honest heart and most importantly it is based on integrity. Integrity is defined as an adherence to moral and ethical principles. For me this holds true in every detail as well as holistically. Any one of you have the potential to be as successful – but your first goal should be to apply the energy you use to attack me to improve your own life skills. I am well aware that some of “you” are individuals that are known in the WAHM community yet hide behind anonymity and innuendo. Sadly, there are also those few that are simply wanting to “belong” to something regardless of the ill intent, the falsehood or those it injures. As women, we should stand up for and encourage the success and empowerment of our gender. I will forever strive to be a champion for us as women; women who not only want to do meaningful work, but who also find great meaning and success in being wives, partners and mothers.

Many of you are aware that my niece was born prematurely last Fall. Pictured above is wee Felicity weighing just 14.7 ounces. The update we had hoped to be able to share is here! No longer confined to her world of many months, a plastic bubble, Felicity is now home and weighing close to 4 1/2 pounds. The pictures below show that the big new world, though exciting, can be tiring for one so small.

When we are faced with such hostility we can choose to react on instinct, to defend, to justify, to attack and ultimately to feed the ugliness of this dysfunctional theater, but in doing so we allow it to become a part of us. Eckhart Tolle¹ describes much of this beautifully, and may summarize it best in his words: “Whatever you fight, you strengthen, and what you resist, persists.”

Taking such words to heart, and in this season especially, I’d like to continue focusing on the good, the compassion, the caring and the love of those in my life. Building a business as a mother, wife and career woman has required investment, persistence and the sacrifice of precious time with loved ones. I could not make it through the trying times without the love and repeated support of those around me. I’d like to thank the many of you, customers and friends, that take the time to write, call and visit to express kindness and encouragement. It’s you that provide me motivation to continue when things are tough, and remind me of the rewards in pursuing my passion and dreams. The truth and light in each of you give back so much more to the world than you may ever know.

¹ Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth

The week before last brought our first snow here in the Rockies. Though beautiful, I shiver at the thought of days ahead when the temperature is well below zero and the power routinely goes out. That said, I relish in the thought of pulling out the family ski gear, as well toasting marshmallows over the fire pit.

So then, is imitation the best form form of flattery? With the emotional possession of an idea removed, yes. It confirms the idea was successful. Why are we not flattered then? That is where the concept of ownership comes in. It’s human nature when we create something that we feel we have certain rights to it, whether that be something tangible, or whether it be a unique idea. Most people are unable to separate the emotion. Regardless, it is commonplace for successful ideas to be emulated, and as an individual one must step back from the emotion and accept the flattery. On an AJ blog, Life’s a pitch, the subject was addressed and is a suggested read for any artist or idealist that may be taking things too much to heart.