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