Music Motivates Emotions

Just listening to the radio in the car on your way to work can be an emotional experience. A song comes on and suddenly your transported back in time; to a place in your memory that brings forth a flood of emotions. It's magical how you can remember exactly where you were or who you were with and what you were doing simply by listening to a song.

For me music has a really big impact on my mood. A few years ago I had a bout with depression. Listening to music, even that crappy elevator stuff they play when you're on hold, sent me out of control emotionally. It wasn't until then that I realized just how powerful music really was. I mean, obviously I was emotionally out of whack at the time, unable to gauge myself properly. But the point was made loud and clear how much of an impact music had in my life. Once I was healthy of mind again, I viewed listening to music in a totally new way.

Today I have learned to use music as a tool when I need it. Recently taking inventory and removing the clutter that was stored in the hallows of my mind, music played a big roll. Listening to the songs of my childhood/teens helped me find stuff in there that I needed to let go. One afternoon I put on the local oldies station. Just about every tune sparked some sort of memory or feeling in me. So for the entire afternoon I used the music to help me sort out the bad from the good. Some songs even made me think of other songs that mad me think of other memories. So I found myself on the computer looking them up on Grooveshark. By the end of the day, not only did I listen to some really great tunes, I had cleaned out a lot of old crap that was just collecting dust in my mind.

Music is great motivation. Heck, there is a whole section at the music store dedicated to motivational listening. And what would movies be without music/soundtracks? I checked it out, you'd be surprised at some of the movies I found with no soundtrack at all. Click Here, to see a list of 34 top movies with no musical score...blew my mind. A few of them I want to see again because I don't remember there being no soundtrack - especially '12 Angry Men'.

All this talk about music got me to think...would it be possible to name the one song that had the most impact on my life, emotions, memory, etc... I wonder if it would turn out to be one of my favorites, or not. I'm going to have to do some thinking about that one. For now I will end with naming one of my truest favorites of all time songs... 'The Rose' by Bette Midler. Have a listen to it. It's awesome.

What is one of your faves?

Overload

For three days I have been reflecting over my life and taking inventory. I have searched every cabinet and storage box in my brain. Wow, there was a lot of clutter in there. Once I started rummaging, I found some really old stuff, that I had forgotten about, packed away in the deepest, darkest corners. Scary stuff in there, stuff I thought I threw out years ago (Isn't that always the case when you clean out your closets, garage or drawers?), taking up space and collecting dust.

I spent quite a bit of time going through it all - too much time. I decided it was a waste. Why linger over things that didn't matter any more. Just get rid of it. So I consciously emptied out everything I found horded away, bagged it all up and dumped it into the 'No Longer Necessary' space of my brain. From there it would be forgotten forever.

I cried a little, I laughed a little, I got angry...there was a whole range of emotions packed in there. What a mess. And how time consuming it was, well never again. I vowed to myself not to let things build up; not to shove things into the darkness to collect dust. I vowed to deal with 'My Stuff' as it needs to be dealt with and do as is appropriate at the time. No wonder I was a confused mess, what with all the crap I had left un-handled and/or abandoned. I was amazed at how much lighter I felt; my spirit was lifted. What a great feeling it is to know I no longer have to drag around useless crap all day, every day with me. How could I have let it come to that- now that I know how good it feels to get rid if it all.

My motivation for the rest of the year: No more overload. Deal with things right away and take necessary action to resolve what needs to be resolved.

I even made room for a whole new 'Happy' space by ridding myself of all that cluttered junk.

It's not as hard as it sounds, taking inventory. You just have to make up your mind to make up your mind. What could be easier than that? Just kidding. I know it's hard as Hell, but well worth it to get to feel like I do now. Try it. It's a wonderful thing to wake up a little lighter in the head to start your day.

As Is...No Refunds or Exchanges

"Yes, I'd like to trade this for a newer model. When I got home I realized it didn't have all the features I was hoping for."

"I'm sorry, all sales are final. You should have read the packaging more closely before you made your decision."

"Well, is there some sort of upgrade I can install to change the functions and features more to my liking?"

"I'm afraid not. You'll have to choose a whole new model."

"Then what am I supposed to do with this one?"

"That is entirely up to you, ma'am. If you'd like my opinion, I think you should give it a chance. Keep it a while, though you may find it lacking in some functionality, if you explore and utilize it's features you'll find it can be quite an asset to add to your life. No product is 100% foolproof. Many people have been very satisfied to live with it's limitations."

"I'd really just like to change some things, is all. Are you sure there is no way?"

"Yes ma'am. Every model is individual, no two are the same. Programs are not interchangeable. You will have to learn to adapt to the one you have or start over with a whole new one."

"I don't want to start over with a new one, I've invested so much time and effort into this one all ready."

"I understand. If I could ask, exactly what is it about this model that dissatisfies you?"

"Well...it doesn't seem to meet all of my needs. Even with all of my input, it malfunctions from time to time. It's very frustrating."

"Are you sure you are entering your data properly?"

"I think so."

"You must make sure. Any improper data entry could create a conflict within the system and cause it to malfunction. It has to be able to understand what you are inputting into the system to respond accordingly. Here."

"What is this?"

"It's an input manual. It will help you learn more effectively how to input information so you will get the responses you're looking for. Read it over, I'm sure it will help solve many of your problems."

"Okay, if you think it will help. I'll try it."

"Good for you! I think you'll be quite happy, ma'am."

"Thank you. I'm looking forward to it.--Come on, Chester. Let's get on home, we have a lot of work to do. Would you like to drive, or shall I?--Good-bye now, thanks for all your help."

"Aw, you're welcome. You and Chester should communicate much better now that you have the manual. Good luck to you and have a nice day."

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People are not machines and they don't come with manuals. Every relationship takes motivation and work. The right communication skills within a relationship makes all the difference.

We can't expect people to 'get it', if we haven't really explained what it is they're supposed to 'get'. It's up to us to learn how to communicate with our partners or friends. It's not up to them to figure us out. We have to work on us, not try to change the other person. We will only fail if we try. Change can only come from within. We will be much happier if we remember that each and every day.

Weekend Sunshine

Even if it's raining cats and dogs, every weekend should have a little bit of sunshine. I took my own advice this weekend and I took the time to be thankful for all the wonderful things in my life. The week was a stressful one, it wasn't easy to look for a silver lining. My mindset was in a place that wasn't so bright or cheery. I was extremely negative...vibes flying everywhere.

My family followed suit with their own negative vibes (funny how that happens). That is when I realized I needed to bring sunshine into my own world. This weekend was going to be bright, all I had to do was change my attitude. Easy...NOT!

So last night I took a hot, oiled bath, exfoliated, moisturized, and every other 'ized' I could think of. I let go of all the tensions from the week. And I had a good talking with myself. "Do not sweat the small stuff, C.J.!", I said. Quite sternly, I might add. I was shocked with me. How could I talk to me like that? Because I needed it, that's why. I was creating a lot of negative energy around me and I was the only one who could change it.

This morning I put a smile on my face, even though I really wanted to scream at the World to go away. I had a cup of coffee, with my special hazelnut creamer. Before I knew it, my smile was no longer plastered on my face...it was genuine. The children ate breakfast like angels (really), and hubby was happy to chat about our plans for the next two days. Everyone seemed to feed off my new positive vibes.

The point is, some times we have to try hard but before you know it you won't even realize you were trying at all.

Some times you just have to give yourself a good talking to...you just might listen.

Is Harmony and Balance Possible?

How can you tell if there is true harmony and balance in your life? I used to ask that of myself often. I wondered how I would know if I had reached the zenith of balance and harmony in my life. I began to realize there is no zenith. It's a constant struggle to keep things balanced, so where is the harmony. The simple fact is, it is what we make it to be. What is for us may not be for others. So there is no real answer anyone can give but to themselves.

What does harmony mean to you? Answer that and you can begin to create balance in your life. For me harmony is a day to day thing. Every day has it's own song. Every week has it's own theme. Every month has it's own soundtrack. I am the producer in my own world. I have the power to edit the soundtracks of my life. I can carry forward with me any song, theme or soundtrack that fits into my life to make it balanced and right. I can leave out any song, theme or soundtrack that is not useful to my future balance and harmony. It is a complicated dance we dance to the music we create around us.

Find your rhythm and dance to the songs of your life. Every day has something new to offer. Are you listening to your own radio?

Where Are the Spring Cleaning Fairies?

Spring cleaning. Who needs it! Wouldn't it be nice if the Spring Cleaning Fairies would come while we are sleeping...we awake to a spit-shined, full of lovely aromas, home ready to welcome the new season? Yeah, I used to think the same thing about the Dish Fairy. A woman can only dream.

It's that time of year again. Mother Earth is coming back to life. The winds of March are blowing in some really pretty days now. Flowers are beginning to bloom, birds are making new nests, hibernation is over. As is true for us too...hibernation is over. Time to open up our homes and air out the dingy of Mr. Winter, and welcome the scents of Spring.

That means setting aside at least one full day to cleaning. I hate cleaning, as I'm sure do most average people (except my grandmother, who just lives to clean). Finding the motivation to get these tasks done is a tough one for me. I find that if I picture the end result in my mind it helps me to at least make a mental list of things to be done. The list seems endless...UGH!

Funny thing is, once I get started, I'm damn near unstoppable. I move about the house like a woman on a mission. And before I know it, Spring has sprung. I feel a sense of accomplishment, and am proud to have company admire my hard work. This year I promise myself not to put it off...I will get my Spring Cleaning done my very next free day. Yes, next free day it is! So looks like Saturday is the winner. Plus my six year old can lend a hand too. We might even have some fun, in spite of it all.

This Spring, don't go to bed waiting for Fairies to do the job...set aside a day and just do it! You'll be so happy that you did. You'd be amazed at how our surroundings affect how we face our days. If it's bright and sunny and clean, so is our attitude! Happy cleaning!

My Daily Routine

I find myself locked into this routine. It works, but I'd like to shake things up a bit. Add some variety to my life. I'm tired of feeling like I'm on auto-pilot every day. So I sat down to think what I could do differently without upsetting the apple cart. After much editing in my head, I realized that all most everything I do, people are depending on me to get things done by a certain time each day. Routine is important, especially for the kids. It seemed hopeless.

Then I realized that there were gaps in my day that were open. If I can't change up what I do every day, I can add some things to the mix. Maybe some real me time. Hey...not a bad idea.

So hear I am now, pondering all the new things I'd like to add to my day. I don't want to overload myself. I want variety, relaxation, enjoyment, and yes, maybe even a bit of work could get done. I'm sure if I thought about it, there are some things I've put on the back burner just waiting for me to start. There is that novel I've been thinking of writing. Too much? Maybe at first I could do smaller projects. A novel is a pretty big task to take on all of a sudden. I should ease my way into changing my routine.

I've decided to start an herb garden, clean out my closets, give myself a facial (once a week), and organize all my old photos. Not bad. Implementing those projects will not only allow me some me time, but I will also accomplish some things along the way. I might give my hand at scrapbooks if the photo organizing goes well, who knows.

Incredible the thought process I had to go through to add a little panache to my days. It's going to be worth it. I will be happier, and the people around me will benefit from my more relaxed attitude.