Revitalize Your Soul – Imagine…

…what you can accomplish if you just set your mind to it.

You can be anything you want:
An astronaut
A singer
A professional wedding designer
A teacher
A clothing designer
A pro-hockey player
A brain surgeon
A vet
An actor on Broadway
A writer
A weatherman OR woman! J

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
What are you doing now?

Something for us all to think about for the upcoming New Year.
We can imagine, but what’s an imagination without an outcome?

Hoping you are who you imagined you would be (or on your way there…),
Jess

Supporting our soldiers...

Revitalize has adopted three Platoons consisting of about 100 soldiers. They are currently stationed in Afghanistan and Revitalize will be shipping care packages to them as often as possible. We would love for you to be a part of this wonderful cause and community movement. Any contribution you can offer sends a message of love and hope to these brave men who will not be returning home for several months. These care packages mean more to them then we could ever imagine.

With thoughts of peace,
Jess and Ami
myspace.com/revitalizeorlando

Pictures and Donation details are below....



Drop off Locations for January 2008 TBA:
If you would like to give a donation, please feel free to contact us at revitalizeorlando@gmail.com or 407.399.7589

Donation Guide (a list of items recently requested):

Food and Beverage:

Lots of Snacks (crucial) – no chocolate (this will melt in the mail)

Instant Coffee (Automatic Drip)

Creamer

Sugar

Energy Bars (come in useful when walking all night)

Beef Jerky

Canned soups and stews (starting to get really cold)

Powered drink mix (Propel, Crystal light, Red Bull, etc.)

Clothing:

Socks (wool only in black or green) – Army Navy Store

Toiletries:

Soap

Liquid Soap

Baby Wipes (they use these a lot)

Hand sanitizer

Q Tips

Shampoo

Deodorant

Hygiene products (all kinds)

Misc. and More:

Chap Stick

Fly swatters

Pipe Cleaners (To clean equipment)

Batteries (AAA, AA, and D cell )

Silly String (use to detect trip wire and also for fun J )

Hand and Boot warmers (Winters in Afghanistan are very cold)

Back Scratches

Letters can be written for encouragement, to thank them, etc.

Cards can be sent from you and your family for the holidays, etc.

Pens (the locals feel that pens represent education and constantly ask the soldiers for them)

Entertainment

Magazines – all kinds

Movies – all kinds

Music – all kinds

Board games

DVDs of recorded TV shows (haven't seen a T.V show in 8 months) – any prime time sitcom, especially "Lost" and shows from the Discovery channel, History channel and the Military channel are also great.

Books - all kinds

Remember your angels…

Life has a funny way of challenging us. Right when things couldn’t seem better, something happens that instantly makes us forget how wonderful things have been. I believe it’s like the devil and the angels on the shoulders of our lives. The angels grant our wishes and desires; while evil tries it’s best to take it all away. Through all our challenges, we need to remember that the angels have the strength to overcome any evil that tries to take over. We have the power to choose to live our angelic lives!

I loose myself sometimes and indulge in evil, feeling like every little thing is horrible in my life and taking everything for granted. Somehow I realize that I am the one causing all these terrible feelings. I am so grateful that I always find myself again and let the angels of my life take over, creating an amazing journey full of love, peace and happiness.

I promise myself to always remember my angels and allow myself to live in their presence, no matter what comes my way.

With hopes that you all find your angels,
Lovebug

Revitalize Your Soul – Spread love, not stuff!

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, make sure to take a moment for you. You are just as important as any gift you may buy for a loved one or co-worker.

Also, don’t let the pressure of gift giving overwhelm you. The point of giving material gifts is to spread love and joy.

Why don’t you just let your presence around a loved one be the present?

Forget about the malls, the “marts” and spending countless hours in front of a lifeless computer screen looking for that material something that you (and most all of us) think will make those in our lives happy.

Your smile, laughter and love being right next to the important souls in your life will always be the greatest gift of all. (Wait, did I just quote a Whitney Houston song? HA!!)

Spreading love, not stuff,
Jess

Never loose touch

Over the past years, I have lost touch slowly with numerous people that are important in my life. With everything that I have going on in my life right now – M&A Creations, Revitalize, my relationship with Adil, my friendships and my day job, I feel like I have let some key relationships slip through the cracks.

One of which is my dad.

My dad and I had not spoken since father’s day this year, and even that conversation was short and to the point (I was at Bonnaroo at the time). Although he only lives in Jacksonville, I never make the effort to go and spend time with just him. With my parents being divorced for years now, I still find it difficult to go home to Jacksonville and not stay with my mom in the comfort zone of the house that I grew up in.

But my dad is part of that comfort, and I often forget that. Growing up, we had an amazing relationship – I shared everything with him (the good and the ugly), and he with me. We’re very similar and could always relate to one another. We used to talk for hours on end about our philosophies on life.

So, on Monday night, my mom called me and asked me for an early Christmas gift – to call my dad. They still are friends and he let her know that he was so sad that we haven’t spoken in such a long time. I then let my ego get in the way – “WHY CAN’T HE CALL ME! HE’S MY DAD!!”

After letting my ego stop controlling me, I decided to give Daddio a ring. Just before I called him, my phone rang. It was my HIM, and I was thrilled and my heart warmed. We talked for hours about everything under the sun. He even told me that he was missing me so badly that he went to the wedding business website just to see what I’ve been up to.

My point in sharing this very personal story with all of you is that we never know how long any of us will be on this Earth. Although our lives can become overwhelming to the point that we brush relationships aside, we cannot expect those special people to always be there when we are ready.

Make sure you connect with those that are important to you. Let them know how much you love and care for them. It’s so much more imperative to tell them while they are here with us, then to lament when they are gone.

With hope that you share your love,
Jess

Things can only get better

Do you have a dream? What is it?

For my whole life, I have been following other people’s dreams. I always did what I thought my parents wanted me to do. I have never been brave enough to admit what I really want to do in life. I have taken many paths only to discover they are not right for me down the road, and then I have to start over. And since I cannot change the past, I am going to change the future.

I have finally figured out what is right for me. I finally know where I want to go and what I want to do. I’m not sure how to get there but at least now I know where I am heading. Knowing is half the battle... I am ready to take on the other half.

Clarify your vision so you can grow into it. I finally have and now I will.

Do you feel scared - I do
But I won't stop and falter
And if we threw it all away
Things can only get better
--Howard Jones, Things Can Only Get Better

Wishing you the courage to follow your dreams,
Becky

Allow Mother Earth to Embrace You

Today, Adil and I are leaving for Ocala, where we're going to camp at Juniper Springs. The anticipation of feeling the wind whisping through the beautiful tree branches has me more excited than I can explain. Sounds of birds, falling acorns, and trickling water will sooth my soul.

I've been going through a ton of personal soul searching lately. Something this week has helped me find my spark again. This weekend, being embraced by our dear Mother (and Adil), will only further help me find the real Jessica again. The light shining from the sky in the morning and the light radiating off the burning embers of our camp fire will put my soul at ease.

All of that being said, What Have You Done for HER Lately??
Please take a moment to pick up a peice of trash that you may so easily step over today.
Take home your plasitc water bottles from work if they don't have recycling available.
Learn more about what is really happening to our precious land, and find out what you can do to help.

Dear Mother Earth will be there for me and you, to calm our souls and bring peace to us, but we have to take care of her, so that she will be able to take care of us.

Have a super weekend everyone and enjoy the beautiful weather!!!
Lots of love,
Jess xoxoxo

Snap out of it

"Sorrow comes to all... Perfect relief is not possible, except with time. You cannot now realize that you will ever feel better and yet you are sure to be happy again."
-- Abraham Lincoln

"I am not concerned that you have fallen -- I am concerned that you arise."
-- Abraham Lincoln

"Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
-- Chinese Proverb

"I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better."
-- Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

"Out on the border of a changing skyline
We put hope in front of fear
And all the heroes have gone east of eden
We all need new frontiers"
Journey -- Frontiers

Hang in there. Snap out of it. Change things for the better. Be strong. Keep moving. No worries.

xoxoxo
Becky

Change

Change can sometimes seem scary and overwhelming, but try to view it as a chance to start fresh and accept it into your life with open arms. Without change, everything would always be the same and we would be filled with boredom. Change can bring you new opportunities, a chance to live life differently and experience new beginnings. Embrace it!

Much Love Always!
Lovebug

The Communication Assumption

In many of my friendships and working relationships, I have been exeperiencing miscommunication more often than usual. Reflecting on this, I'm trying to make sure that I am as clear as possible on my side of the conversation...listening with open ears and acting on my promises.

Edwin H. Friedman wrote the following and I am finding it particularly valuable to my life right now.

"The Failure of Syntax"

"The colossal misunderstanding of our time is the assumption that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change. Communication does not depend on syntax, or eloquence, or rhetoric, or articulation but on the emotional context in which the message is being heard. People can only hear you when they are moving toward you, and they are not likely to when your words are pursuing them. Even the choices words lose their power when they are used to overpower. Attitudes are the real figures of speech."

I guess we could all work more on saying what we mean and doing what we say. Actions are the backbone to words.

Peace,
Jess

Saturday, November 17th - What Have You Done For Them Lately?

Click for larger image

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Revitalize presents:
What Have You Done For Them Lately?
A Party for our Troops

Click here for a list of items our troops have requested!

Music provided by Becky, Adil and Cub

10PM - 2:30AM
Crooked Bayou
50 East Central Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32801
$5 suggested donation, 21 and up

Hope to see you out!

Stand on your good leg

Things aren't exactly peachy keen jelly bean in my life right now, especially after re-injuring my already damaged leg last week. But instead of focusing on everything that isn't going well, I will concentrate on everything that rules. I refuse to give in to any sort of sadness or despair; rather I will opt to direct my energy into completing projects that will enhance my future. A wise woman once said, "If you have time to be depressed, you're not busy enough," and I believe she was right. Now is not the time to wallow in self pity, or wish things were different; now is the time to act and fix the things that are broken. I will put all my weight on my good leg as I move forward through this crazy life of mine.

Maybe I will never be
All the things that I want to be
Now is not the time to cry
Now’s the time to find out why

-- Oasis, Live Forever

Sending love to your bad leg strength to your good one,
Becky

xoxoxoxo

Our first volunteering experience - It warmed our hearts!!!

This past Saturday, Ami and I had the opportunity to take part in a Second Harvest Food Bank event - Corn Gleaning in Zellwood. Gleaning was a new term to us so we weren't quite sure what to expect! It turned out to be an amazing way to help the homeless.

We arrived to the farm early that morning. Armed in our overalls, bandana and straw cap, we grabbed two buckets and jumped in the back of a pick up. From there we were driven through the muddy terrain and into the corn field. Eagerly we jumped off the back and went into the field. Basically, we were picking after the machines had already gone through the field. These "leftovers" are then taken to different homeless shelters within Central Florida.

Ami with her first pick of the day:


Some of the other volunteers. According to Amy (one of the head volunteers from Society of St. Andrew) we picked 12,000 lbs that day!!!:


It was so amazing to see all of the kids that were involved!!! It was very empowering. Lugging those buckets full of corn wasn't an easy task, but anytime the going got tough, we smiled and laughed, knowing what we were doing was so important and helpful.

Me with my bucket:


Working together to help the community is one of the things we are all about. It felt so amazing to be up at such an early hour on a Saturday to help. We left feeling accomplished that by giving our time, we are adding hope to someone's life.

Be on the lookout for our next opportunity to help make our world a better place! Next time we hope to see you there. You'll definately get a big high five from us!



With lots of love,
Jess

Picnic in the Park!

With the season changing and the weather becoming much more bearable, we figured it was time for a picnic party!! We hope you can join us for our first Picnic in the Park!!

And this isn't just any old picnic -- it's a picnic with a purpose! Revitalize has adopted three Platoons stationed in Afghanistan and we are collecting items to send them! They've requested some specific items: energy bars, toiletries, videos of recent TV shows, board games and beef jerky to name a few. For more details and to view a list of items you can donate as well as photos of the soldiers, click here.

As the date gets closer, we'll update with more info about our exact location within this beautiful park! We hope to see you there!

2PM - Dark
Langford Park
1808 East Central Blvd.

Click here to view the Evite and RSVP!

A message to all women....

IF A MAN WANTS YOU
If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.
Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be.
Slower is better.
Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.
Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.
Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you.
If something bothers you, speak up.
Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.
You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within.
Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...even if he has more education or in a better job.
Do not make him into a god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.
Never borrow someone else's man. Oh Lord! If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.
All men are NOT dogs.
You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two-way street.
You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship
You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...look for someone complimentary...not supplementary.
Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr.. Right.
Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always knows where you are, and your always readily available to him- he can take it for granted.
Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.
Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

BY THE WAY, THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A MAN ;-)

Always remember what you are worth. xoxoxoxo~Lovebug

Live to give

So often I'm so consumed with my own challenges that I don't open my eyes wide enough to see what's happening around me. From large scale issues like the environmnent, to friends in emotional need to the woes of hunger in my neighborhood, nothing seems to be as bad as what I'm going through.

Sort of sad, huh? But we are all like this at times. It is so easy to try to fix you, and turn your shoulder to what's going on around you. It's easy to think the world revolves around you. But really, you revolve around the world. Helping others can honestly end up helping you.

These next few weeks are pretty hectic for me, but when I really break down what I am doing, my heart warms. Volunteering, adopting a Platoon and reaching out to the community are just a few important ways I'll give back. And although I don't feel the best and may want to whine about not having enough time for anything (it's just how I feel sometimes), I will live to give.

All of the positive energy I give will come back to me ten fold. Not only will that energy strenthen my soul, but it will help solve my own challenges.

Hoping you choose to give,
Jess

You Rule!

One of my favorite messages ever!

A community service reminder... from the Universe:

YOU RULE.

Your gifts are innumerable.
Your insights are profound.
Your choices are endless.
Your touch is healing.
Your thoughts become things.
Your power is indescribable.
And you are loved and adored, on moment to moment basis, more than you can now understand.

YOU RULE.

xoxoxoxo
Becky

Peace Rally - Downtown Orlando 10/27

United for Peace and Justice is coordinating an eleven city- simultaneous Peace Rally.

At 12:30, meet at Lake Eola with your peaceful and positive vibes. It's important that we voice our thoughts of peace when we actually have a chance.

I'll definately be there, and may be joined by the rest of the Revitalize Crew. Come out! Get involved! It can do nothing but help.

Check out their website for updated info: http://www.oct27.org/orlando

Peace,
Jess

Do It!

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You
There comes a time when you must stand alone.

You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.

You must be willing to make sacrifices.

You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.

Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.

There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.

Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.

Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.

Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.

Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

Big Hugs!
Lovebug

Revitalize Your SOUL

"If you got soul, nothing can keep you down"
- Anonymous

xoxoxo,
Jess

Expect the unexpected

The most random things happen when you least expect them. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, unexpectedness is lurking around every corner. I can't even remember how many times I have looked through my 20/20 hindsight goggles and thought, "Wow, if only I had known that was about to happen, maybe I would have done something differently."

So go ahead and just let go -- you have no clue what is about to happen to you.

xoxoxoxo
Becky

Is the Grass Greener?

Sometimes life can be tough and we mislead ourselves to assume that almost everyone around us has it better or easier. We think the grass is greener on the other side and most of the time we are completely wrong.

Try to remember that everyone has their struggles and probably a lot of the same struggles you sometimes feel or experience. Try your best not to think that others have it so great and you have it so bad. Try to ignore those thoughts whispering in your ear …"she doesn't have self esteem issues, because she is thinner" "he has it so much easier, because he makes more money" "they are not lonely because they have each other" …. the list goes on and on.

Know that you are not alone and that we all have great moments in our lives as well as hard times. We all go through difficult experiences, we all have moments when we feel like we don't have enough money and we all have times where we wish we looked differently. The goal is to try not to compare yourself to others and try not to concentrate on what may not be going right for you at the moment. Instead, be happy for people when it seems things are going great for them and be happy for yourself for the things that are wonderful in your life. No matter how hard things may seem, the wonderful things still exist. Sometimes we just let ourselves be blind to the beauty that surrounds us, because all we let ourselves see is what we are unhappy with.

Do not be blind anymore. Then maybe your life and everyone else's life around you will make you SMILE!

Much Love Always!
Lovebug

29 and Feelin' Fine

This past Saturday dawned the beginning of the last year of my 20's. With this monumental birthday behind me, I'm 29 and feelin' fine.

It would be really easy for me to fall into the trap of society's expectations of where my life should be now... a house, married, children... the whole nine. But that's not me, and that's not the path which I choose to walk.

Not allowing social expectations to stand in my way, I have decided to continue to live life to my full potential and do what is best for me.
I will continue to grow in all aspects of my being.
I will continue to grow within our wedding design business.
I will continue to become more aware of who I really am!!

This year is going to be another phenomenal one, I can just feel it. Ringing in this birthday last weekend with the amount of friends that I did was such an amazing feeling. Knowing that I have so many special people in my life will help me keep going during those days that are a bit darker.

With my spirits soaring,
Jess

Take Care of Yourself

Be good to yourself always. Take care of your health. Remember to make the time to exercise, cleanse, pamper and protect your body. Most importantly, accept, love and cherish every little nuke and cranny. Every part of you is where it should be and how it should be. Look in the mirror and love yourself with your eyes, with your heart and with your soul. Do not speak badly of yourself, because that hurts your body. Say wonderful things always, because you are beautiful, your body is beautiful and it deserves to hear beautiful words from you. You are your body's God, so show it love with all your might and be one with yourself so you can experience the magnificent connection that will bring you everlasting happiness and the beauty you possess will always glow to the rest of the world.

Big hugs and warm kisses!
~Lovebug

Happiness in solitude

A little over a week ago, I was staying with my father in the not-so-exciting town of Springville, NY, located about 30 minutes from Buffalo. The town was quaint in its own way comprised of one Main Street, about four restaurants and a Wal-Mart. There are a little over 4,000 uninteresting people living there that have all known each other since birth, and whose conversations consist of their kids and the school system, tractors and their performance, construction and how it affects traffic, the road that is the best route to take to Buffalo (without aforementioned traffic and construction) and the new quarterback/running back/tight end (or whatever) for the Buffalo Bills. Not quite my cup of tea. Needless to say, I was antsy to explore a more stimulating environment on my week-long vacation.

Luckily, Springville is about two hours away from Toronto, a city (and country) I have never visited but has topped my list of "Cities I need to get my ass to see right away." And coincidentally, there happened to be a few DJs from Paris that were playing there who had also been on the top of my list of "DJs I need to experience right away, especially if they are from Europe." But since my dad could not accompany me to Toronto, I was faced with the option of going solo to Tha Deuce City or possibly dying of boredom in a small town. I opted for the former.

Toronto was everything I hoped it would be and more. The Parisian DJs did not disappoint and I had an incredible time on my own doing whatever my heart desired -- considering it was agreeable with my wallet, of course. It made me feel free and liberated to discover a new city by myself and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Upon my return to Springville (and even Orlando), I was surprised by the number of people who couldn't believe I had gone alone. I kept hearing things like "I could never do that" and "Wow, weren't you lonely?" and "What did you do all by yourself?"

Sure, there were times when I was reminded of my friends and there were certain things that I wish they could have experienced with me, but for the most part I was completely content being alone. I found it motivating and enlivening and wonderful.

Lately I have been pondering being alone and the importance of being comfortable with being alone. The way I feel is best illustrated by the quotes below:

"Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone." -- Paul Tillich

"Solitude is strength; to depend on the presence of the crowd is weakness. The man who needs a mob to nerve him is much more alone than he imagines." -- Paul Brunton

"Being solitary is being alone well: being alone luxuriously immersed in doings of your own choice, aware of the fullness of your won presence rather than of the absence of others. Because solitude is an achievement." -- Alice Koller

We were born alone and we will die alone. So be your own favorite person and find happiness in your solitude. It feels pretty damn awesome.

xoxoxoxo
Becky

The World is at Your Fingertips

I just returned from a week long trip to Western Canada. Staying three hours North of Vancouver, my eyes feel wider than ever. This trip made something inside of me tick – it brought a new spark to my soul.

Over the past year and a half, I've decided to live my life differently – to revitalize my mind, my body and my soul. Through my traveling adventures to New Hampshire, two Bonnaroos, a wonderful cruise, an unforgettable road trip for weeks and numerous shorter trips in between, I've realized that the world is at my fingertips.

Something about the mountains, the amazingly fresh air and the old, yet wise trees trees in Canada took this thought to a whole new level. My past travels made me realize that I am never stuck. No job, relationship or responsibility can hold me down. This particular trip cemented this new found belief.

My life is evolving into a beautiful place. My soul is growing exponentially and I will continue to feed it with positivity, love and hope; always knowing that I am constantly creating my own reality.

Life is way to short to think you're stuck.
Do what you want!
Live your dreams!!!!

The only thing that stands in your way is YOU.

Hoping that you choose to live life to the fullest,
Jess

Stay True to You

"Believe nothing just because a so-called wise person said it. Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held. Believe nothing just because it is said in ancient books. Believe nothing just because it is said to be of divine origin. Believe nothing just because someone else believes it. Believe only what you yourself test and judge to be true."
-- Buddah

Wise words, huh?
What do you believe?
xoxo,
Jess

Continue to be Grateful

Exactly a week ago today, I got Lasik Surgery done on my eyes after years of consideration. I can't believe it is finally done and over with. It is absolutely amazing that 4hrs after my surgery I could see the world with brand new vision...... Clear, crisp, sharp vision.

I have never known what it is like to wake up in the morning and just see everything clearly without having to put on my glasses or contacts (oh those dreadful contacts...ugh!). It's only been a week and I have adapted so quickly to my new vision that I already can barely remember what it is like to not see clearly. Isn't that insane? It's made me think about how afraid I am that I will completely forget. Why? Because I feel I will take my new vision for granted, if I forget what it was like before I had it.

This really made me think about many other things. It made me realize how much I don't appreciate things about myself. How often I concentrate on the things that I want to change that I barely acknowledge the things I am grateful for. The things that are such natural blessings to us that sometimes other people do not get to experience in their whole lifetime. My hearing, my ability to walk, my mind, my health....on and on

So as I continue my journey of a grateful life, I will try not to forget the little things, the simple things ...which are in fact the most marvelous of all!!!

With warm hugs!
~Lovebug

Revitalize Your Soul

...Speak with Integrity...

It is so easy to fall into the trap of gossip at work, in our different circles, and within our families. Often, we do not realize the power of these words. As we circulate them within the universe, we are contributing with negativity. Instead of using words to gossip, speak positively, or try not to indulge in gossip at all.

Not only does the integrity of our word matter with others, but it affects us as well. The more we speak down of ourselves even by joking and saying things like, Wow, that was stupid of me, we are creating a negative connotation and making this true. I used to specifically have the issue of saying, Im sorry, instead of Excuse me, when I bumped into someone. I realized that the more I said Im sorry, the sorrier I felt about myself. Although in the moments, I did not mean this to be a negative statement about me, my psyche heard, Im sorry over and over, my subconscious began to believe that as truth.

Remember, say only what you mean. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love!

Much love,
Jessica

Fighting the Green-Eyed Monster

I don't think a lot of people would look to the Beastie Boys for insight, but today I found it in their song Pass the Mic:

"I give thanks for inspiration
It guides my mind along the way
A lot of people get jealous, they're talking about me
But that's just 'cause they haven't got a thing to say
Everybody's rappin' like it's a commercial
Acting like life is a big commercial
So this is what I've got to say to you all
Be true to yourself and you will never fall"

This past weekend, a friend and I were discussing jealousy. When someone achieves something great, it seems there is always another person who is jealous of the accomplishment. This envy can breed contempt and low self-esteem, which can lead one to gossip in an effort to feel like a bigger person.

But we're all human and it's virtually impossible to avoid the feeling of jealousy. So the next time you feel jealous, ask yourself why. Figure out what you need to change about your own circumstances to get yourself where you want to be. Focus on yourself and your own goals, rather than the person who ignited the envious feelings. Because if you have time to talk shit about what someone else is doing, you're probably not busy enough working toward your own objectives.

Be true to yourself and you will never fall. Thanks, M.I.K.E. to the D.

-Becky

Friends – How Many of us Have Them

Friends RULE!

Today I feel especially warm in my heart. I have been thinking a lot about each person that is the closest to me....that has a strong impact on my life. Although I always have you in my thoughts, today seems different. I feel a new sense of realization on what each of you mean to me, my life, my survival of everything. You are my angels, my joy, my love, my strength. I hope you all know how much you mean to me and I will always do my best to show you. I LOVE YOU!!!!


xoxoxoxo
~Lovebug

Life is Dope

Today is Friday and I am in the best.mood.ever. There are so many wonderful things looming on the horizon for me and I am eager to experience them all. Days like today are perfect to look back upon in times of darkness and gloom, to help us remember why life is totally dope.

And since one of the awesome things on the horizon is the Erykah Badu show on Sunday, I will add some of my favorite lyrics from her song Appletree.

"See I picks my friends like I pick my fruit
My ganny told me that when I was only a youth
I don't walk around trying to be what I'm not
I don't waste my time trying to get what you got
I work at pleasin' me cause I cant please you
and thats why I do what I do
My soul flies free like a willow tree
Doo wee doo wee doo wee"

And another awesome thing to look forward to -- hope to see all you beautiful ladies at the Jammy Jam on Saturday!!!

<3
Becky

Take the Negative with the Positive

In my recent quest to keep my chin up, I've been tucking away some of the negative thoughts that come my way. Instead of dealing with them right then and there, I've chosen to overlook them; possibly to subconsciously hope that they go away.

Well, they don't.

The negative thoughts just sit inside my soul until I'm vulnerable to let them out in a way that may not make sense. While working on this renewed strand of positivity, I'm learning that without the negative there is no balance.

So I figure, don't just swallow the negative and let it fester. Deal with it in that moment, then continue on with your glorious smile – chin held high….

Feelin' happy today and hope you are too.
<3,
Jess

Hope Is a Four Letter Word

Wikipedia defines HOPE:

"Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope implies a certain amount of perseverance - i.e., believing that a positive outcome is possible even when there is some evidence to the contrary.

Hope as an emotion produces a motivation to act. For example, if one has hope a bus driver will wait for him, that person may be motivated to run towards it; but if the bus begins to pull away and the person loses hope they can catch that bus, they lose motivation and stop running. Similarly, if standing at a bus stop hopeful a bus is soon forthcoming, one may be motivated to remain at the stop. If that one loses hope that a bus will come shortly, that person might lose motivation to stay waiting and might try to hail a taxi or just walk."

I strongly believe that what drives each one of us is an underlying hope for a better tomorrow. We have come so far because we all have it deep within ourselves, and we will continue to strive for something better with the hope that we will get it.

Like a long lonely stream, I keep running towards a dream, moving on, moving on,
Like a branch on a tree, I keep reaching to be free, moving on, moving on.
Cause there's a place in the sun where there's hope for everyone,
where my poor, restless heart's gotta run.

--- Stevie Wonder, A Place in the Sun

Sending you love and hope for a brighter day,
- Becky
<3<3<3

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for.........

Take the time everyday to be grateful. Grateful for all the beautiful things, experiences and people you have been blessed with. I promise it will make you smile.

Today I stepped out of bed, took a deep breath in and the first words out of my mouth were "I am so grateful to be alive". It was the perfect start to my day. As I walked to the bathroom to do the daily routine, I kept reminding myself of everything I am grateful for. As my day continues, I continue to be grateful. And as I continue to be grateful, I continue to have a peaceful heart and a smile on my face. I am SO lucky and SO grateful for SO many things. My goal is to make this a daily routine, that will keep me from ever forgetting how great life is no matter what bumps I hit along the way.

Give it a try. It feels wonderful!!!

Much love always!
Lovebug

Combating Illness with Positivity

"Affirm the positive, visualize the positive and expect the positive, and your life will change accordingly." - Annonymous

Right now someone very close to me is falling ill once again. During these times I find it hard to think as positively as possible. Knowing in my heart that those positive thoughts can turn any sickness around, sometimes I subconsciously choose to wallow in despair.

Yesterday I made the decision to not wallow but to refocus on my strength and his as well. Although sickness is testing him and us, I am choosing to fight negative thoughts with beauty and love.

Positivity can heal thoughts, hearts, sickness and even that sour attitude that loves to linger when times are tough.

With hope for a healthy tomorrow,
Jess

Revitalize Your Soul

Life is a one way street ain't it?
If you could paint it,
I'd draw myself going in the right direction.
So I go all the way, Like I really really know,
but the truth is, I'm only guessing.
--- Gnarls Barkley - Just a Thought

No one knows what the hell they are doing in life. Even the most motivated, driven and successful people don't know what the fuck they're doing. Everything is a guesstimate. It's all a game. Don't get down on yourself if maybe you're not doing what you're "supposed" to be doing. Who the hell knows what that is anyway?? Ask yourself what is really important to you. Follow your instincts. Do what you think and feel is right for you. No one can tell you what that is. You'll have to figure it out on your own.

I have heard people say, "If only I had been more focused and didn't party as much when I was younger, I would be in a better position today." While that may be true, would you have had as much fun in your life? It's important to find a balance between completely slacking and working yourself to death.

For those of us who are approaching, or are already in our 30's, the pressure is on. Time to conform to society's views of marriage, 1.5 kids, house ownership and a successful career. When did the American Dream becomes more of a burden than a fantasy -- more of a requirement than a desire?

All in your own time. Don't feel like you have to have the salary, the house, the car, the kids by age ____. Don't put limits on yourself. It will come eventually. Keep working towards the goals that YOU want to achieve and you will ultimately find what you are looking for.

Try not to take life and all its massive confusions and stressful situations too seriously. Because in the end -- what does it all mean? Make sure you are really taking the time to enjoy your life exactly as it is right now... because it will never be the same again!

"Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted." -- John Lennon

Enjoy your life!
-Becky