August is almost done.Summer is nearly over.The beginning of a new year is jusat around the corner.And though I never actually liked new beginnings or changes, this year I'm actually looking forward to them.Changes keep us alert and urge us to keep growing spiritually anad mentally. It seems it will be important to make changes in my work schedule this year.My little girl is growing and is definitely going to be needing more of my presence and help.Third grade this year.Can't believe how much she's grown.Curiously, despite all the changes that will need to take place, I feel a strange sense of tranquility and love.Maybe it's because in the past few months I've been getting certain signs-however odd and superstitious it might sound to some.I've been seeing hearts all over the place.Coincidence, some might say.Maybe,maybe not.I believe too much to disregard those signs as mere coincidence.I am definitely no chuchgoer.But I believe firmly and unwaiveringly.That's why I consider those divine signs.They give me comfort and they unfailingly put a smile on my face, every single time. These are from my every day life.I can't help feeling happier and a bit more positive about life, no matter what curveball I've been thrown, no matter how difficult things are.It's a gentle nudge, a reminder that nothing is permanent,not even pain and hardships.When I see these hearts I am always reminded I am loved, no matter what.Isn't that what we all crave?To be loved unconditionally, despite our many shortcomings and flaws.I feel and understand it fully now.If a heart in a cup of coffee or a breadcrumb is enoough to feel the love, I don't really need to be reminded by anyone how much they love me.I am loved,even if the rest of the world gives up on me.I am loved, even if I make a big mess of my life or inadvertently hurt someone.And that is true for all of us.We are all loved,beyond our understanding.Love is everywhere if we but open our hearts to it. I hope you take this message to heart and put it to use in your life.Yes, it is necessary to put action and hard work to make things happen but it is imperative we not forget to keeep our eyes and soul open to the subtle messages the universe- or God if you will-sends us.Life gets much easier and colourful if you do.It helps you feel grateful for being here and realise we are all connected,not separate entities.We are one. That reminds me of a poem by Walt Whitman.More sepecifically Oh me oh Life.One of my favourites.So much meaning in a few lines.The very fact that we are here,is a sign we are loved.We should be grateful we are alive and are able to contribute,even if it is just a verse. Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring, Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish, Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?) Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d, Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me, Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined, The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life? Answer. That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. Robin Williams is definitely more convincing in the movie Dead Poets Society. ... I hope you have a great remainder of your day.Be happy and grateful to be alive.If life gets you down, look out for a sign from the angels or the universe to keep you going.What will your verse be?Even if it is a small one, make sure it makes profound impact.Even if you touch one person's life in the smallest of ways, that already is a huge difference.
With love and Light, Lia
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Reality is a vast ocean of possiblities.Every day offers a vast array of oppportunities for the taking, so long as we are aware enough to perceive and grab them.So, if we go about our day lost in thought, we will not even notice them, so much as using them to our advantage and personal advancement. Ok, I've started out all wrong.....here I am, babbling and ranting again.Where are my manners? Good morning all! Just finished my yoga practice and rather intense meditation session and sat down before my keyboard, unsure once again of what to write.But as you might have noticed from the first paragraph,I am very much affected and troubled.I heard a speech by Deepak Chopra not long ago.This sentence stuck with me and it only seemed right I share it with you.It is something all of us do.Absorbed by our problems and personal dramas we withdraw within instead of noticing the signs around us.God knows I've lost numerous opportunities in this way.What I intend to do from this day on, is not wallow in my self-pity, not fear when a chance literally slaps me in the face.I'll grab it and run like hell.And then go make the most of it.I commit to this. On a lighter note, I told you a couple of days ago,I would start watching Game of Thrones.Many of my former students and colleagues urged me to watch it, and told me how great it was.I was rather cautious though.I had heard about it, but never given much value to the exalted praise it received.I have gotten to the third season by now and all I can say is I am stunned and hopelessly hooked.I love everything about it....the superb cast, the costumes and the very realistic sets.Every actor gives a stellar performance, so convincing that you would actually believe they are the character.The direction, production.....just excellent.All these combined make for an excellent representation of the imaginary world they are portraying.The story just draws you in and keeps you there.And I definitely have no intention of going anywhere until I have finished with all 5 seasons.Then ,I will have to wait patiently for January 2016 I guess.Season 6 is just around the corner! So, that was it for today....I have breakfast to prepare for the little tornado in my life and myself.I need some coffee and get ready for the day.I wish you a very happy, productive,opportunity-laden day.Stay alert and aware.I will leave you with some beautiful music...with who else?Deepak Chopra, of course. With love and light, Lia
Good morming all!It's definitely cooler today, sky overcast after tonight's torrential downpour.Nevertheless, it is a most welcome change after all the heat of the past few weeks.So, as usually, I'm sitting here contently sipping my cup of green tea.I just finished watching a talk by British therapist Marisa Peer.I would never have thought that self-change could be so easy,so ground-breaking.It actually brought to light what I already knew.When emotional needs are not met,that triggers the feeling of not being enough. When we talk to our kids using harsh, hurtful and critical words, they are bound to get depressed or act out and resort to other means to feel bettter or attract our attention.Bullies are a great example.They are mostly children of parents who raised them in harsh, brutal conditions, full of cruel judgment and worse, subjecting them to beating and abuse of all kinds.Another example, which I often encounter in my classes, are the kids whose parents are never satisfied with their children's grades.These poor creatures have to suffer constant criticism, the feeling their parents don't accept them for who they are.They are constantly after the highest grade, for fear their parents might judge them again.All they want is to feel loved, accepted by the people who brought them to this world and whose only mission is to love and accept their child unconditionally and without any prerequisites.What's worse, and personally I believe it embarrasses and shames other teachers, is when teachers actually degrade their students,humiliating them instead of lifting them up and teaching them lovingly without any criticism, like they swore to do. Sadly, over the past decades there is an oganised campaign of the media against women and girls.We are told we should look like the zero sized models of today.That is indirect bullying, manipulation and brainwashing of the worst kind.It is excruciating to see teenage girls suffering from anorexia, and many even dying in the process trying to live up to the modern beauty standards.These girls should be told that they are enough, that they are lovable.They should be told it's Ok to love their body no matter what its size is.Self- esteem and beauty stem from within, from our soul.Noone should be judged solely on their looks or size.Thankfully there are some voices that have started protesting against this status quo and they are becoming louder.More and more plus-sized,curvy, luscious girls are becoming models and speaking out about the significance of loving yourself the way you are. About the significance of body diversity. That's after all where all the change will come from.A society of diverse individuals, both in body type and character,accepting themselves,accepting others.A place of love. As adults we tend to behave to ourselves as unlovingly and harsh as if to a person we loathe, usually as a result of our parent's illogical expectations and beliefs that got ingrained in our minds and which we tend to reproduce in our daily lives-rather unconsciously. We hoard things around us to make up for our lack of self-esteem and self-love.We find it unbearable to accept praise, because we never got used to receiving it from our parents.We overeat to try fill the emotional void in our hearts.We indulge in substance abuse of all sorts.We cling to a specific image or behave in a certain way, trying to fit in and be accepted by others,when all we really need is to accept and love ourselves unapologetically.Praise ourselves like we would praise a friend in need.We need to believe we are more than enough and we don't need to conform to the rules of society or other people. All it takes is affirming this to ourselves daily.I AM ENOUGH.Say it like a mantra.Believe it.After all the mind, your very powerful servant, will do what you command it to do.It can influence your body and your reality.Choose consciously to alter the way you speak to yourself, choose to believe you are enough.Choose to believe you are a good person.Choose to believe you like eating healthy.Choose to believe you like the work you do, what you contribute.You get the point.You are the master of your mind.Instruct it wisely.You shape your reality.Make it a good one.And never stop saying and believing that you are ENOUGH.Love yourself enough to do so.YOU ARE ENOUGH.You don't need anyone's permission for that.
These two videos are highly inspirational and educational.Watch them and why not, apply some of the concepts presented.After all, you've got nothing to lose, but everything to gain if you do.Remember,you are enough!
With love, light and beauty, Lia A very happy, productive new day to you all out there!The sun is shining, there is a cool breeze and the kids' voices echo in the street.I am sitting staring at the keyboard before me and wondering where all the inspiration went.So I'll restrict myself to just sharing some music with you, a cup of white tea and a positive outlook to life. Love my balcony......filled with flowers and their heavenly scents.It never fails to make my day! When the night falls and the air is cooler, it is paradise to sit outside.It is a very sensual experience, in every way.The intoxicating scent is permeating the air, the body.The breeze caresses my face and I feel loved all at once.The stars above me twinkle mischievously. It may sound romantic and exaggerated,sappy even.I don't care.It is my most treasured moment in my day, a moment when I'm alone with all Creation.I can literally feel angels floating around me.This is second only to putting my daughter to bed. I am listening to one of my very favorite artists,Tarja Turunen and her latest album Colors in the Dark, as I am writing.I would like to share her magical voice with you and hope she will manage to take you to tranquil places or wherever you need to be taken.Enjoy! https://play.spotify.com/album/3u3tYP3TjexWPMtSlb9DfH As always with love, light and beauty, Lia I have to state something before writing anything else.I'm not a chef, and by no means can I be considered a nutritionist or a specialist.There are many people out there who are much more knowledgeable and therefore more qualified to give nutritional advice than me. I do enjoy eating healthy though,and I have read and researched extensively on the subject. I am saying this so as not to be misunderstood by anyone.What I have come to know today has been gained with a lot of effort over the past five years. In this way I have lost considerable weight, about sixteen kilos.I've gained some of them back due to my bad mental state over the past year,but hey, I'm still here and persisting.I need another eight kilos.So, by now you are wondering,what am I babbling about,right?Well,tonight I whipped up a fruit salad of my own device and I liked it so much that I thought it was worth sharing with you.It is after all very hot,so the thought of food was something that completely nauseated me.I decided on a fruit salad.I can tell you it was yummy and very refreshing, What you need in order to prepare this salad are simple ingredients and fruit we all have in the fridge in the summer.After all seasonal fruit is healthier,fresher and definitely contains all the necessary vitamins.You may decide to omit some of the ingredients if they are not your cup of tea.So, here are the basic ones. 2 small pears, peeled and diced 1 peach, peeled and diced a small bunch of grapes(without the pits) 1 cup of Greek yoghurt(about 200 grams) 1 spoonful of raw honey some fresh lemon juice a pinch of cinammon a pinch of ground clove half a teaspoon of ground ginger a handful of goji berries some chia seeds (according to taste) some sea-buckthorn Peel and slice the fruit In a bowl.In another bowl mix the yoghurt,honey, lemon and the spices thoroughly until it's fairly thick.Pour it over the fruit until it is completely covered.This is the basic recipe.If you like the taste of goji berries, sea-buckthorn and chia seeds, then sprinkle them over your salad to taste.Enjoy! So, wishing you all a great summer night....I think you will all agree there is a certain kind of magic to summer nights,something almost mystical.The wamth of the atmosphere, the intoxicating scent of flowers and the occasional breeze are the very things that make the Greek summer so special, no matter how much we whine and moan about the heat.Besides, it has been said that the temperature is likely to drop a bit.A short breather in a way. Anyway,I'm rushing off to enjoy my first episode of Game of Thrones.Been looking forward to it for ages.Enough ranting now. Do let me know if you tried out the salad and if you liked it.Any comments are most welcome!!! With love, light and a cool summer breeze, Lia The song seemed pretty relevant....very upbeat,not too sappy and just a bit of sexy in it...Come on, join me!!!Get up on your feet and let's rock the night away!
..........my personal Nemesis.That and lack of proper time management.It's throwing my days off course and I don't get to do things that I want to do or worse things that need to be done.The days slip away like water and at the end of the day I'm left wondering where the hours, the minutes went.Of course, it goes without saying that leaves me frustrated and miserable,not to mention feeling an utter failure. I hate feeling that way.It drains my energy and my self-esteem.It makes me feel I'm not enough when deep down I know I am more than enough.So I made a solemn vow to myself.The holidays are over, so time to recruit.I set out a rigorous timetable,one I will stick to no matter what.Craig Ballantyne, a highly accomplished Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and my personal mentor(virtual but highly influential nonetheless), has some rock-solid advice on this thorny issue.Truth be told, I had never taken his advice on time management.Thought I was above it.Only recently did I realise how useful and to the point his advice was.Careful planning of the day,waking early are seriously conducive to getting things done. So,as of yesterday,rising early is a necessity.7.30 it was today and I'm aiming for 6.00 a.m.Yoga,meditation, writing are next.Preparing for classes.Doing the loathsome but unavoidable household chores and errands.Work out.Then I can go to work to do my favourite thing:teach and interact with the new generation.If it's a free day I can have some precious time with my little tornado or simply some me time. So far, today has been a success.I did my yoga and I meditated.As I'm writing this post I feel on top of the world and light as a feather.But I will keep the boasting down until the end of the day.See if can stick to the schedule until nightfall.Let you know tomorrow.For now,as my daughter requires my attention in a rather demanding way,I'll leave you with three amazing articles that actually fuelled this change.I hope they will inspire you to make the changes you need in your life. http://www.earlytorise.com/how-to-stop-procrastinating/ http://www.earlytorise.com/12-rules/ http://www.earlytorise.com/how-i-get-so-much-done-personal-info/ I will stop here.The little one got even more restless...time for breakfast!Enjoy your day and make it a productive day, full of contribution and good habits.Don't forget to squeeze in some fun moments too.....I'm off to do some serious tickling...!!! A song to start your day.... just in case you don't feel like doing anything(which is quite alright sometimes!) The essence of procrastination lies in not doing what you think you should be doing, a mental contortion that surely accounts for the great psychic toll the habit takes on people. This is the perplexing thing about procrastination: although it seems to involve avoiding unpleasant tasks, indulging in it generally doesn't make people happy.
James Surowiecki Talk tomorrow. As always with love and light, Lia You know how it goes...especially if you are a woman.You get up in the morning.You shuffle to the bathroom.You look at your image and usually the first thing that pops to your mind is "God, I look awful...." or something similar.Instead of smiling at yourself, thanking God for having yet another day to live, enjoy, contribute, you berate yourself for not looking like a goddess -to say the least.I am equally guilty of this.Of course,it is logical that you don't look perfect the moment you wake up.That is no reason to belittle yourself.Smile to yourself.The sun in the sky is a wonder in and of itself.The birds are raising their chirps and songs to the heavens.The flowers are spreading their mesmerising scent all over.Be grateful. That is not to say though that you should not take care of yourself, your body.I am just pointing out that, in a time when external appearance has become an issue of primary importance, we have completely neglected our inner world, our spirituality, our soul.Yes, we should take care of our body in every possible way, mind our health and well-being.Our body is the vessel,the vehicle if you will, that will assist us in our goals,to live our life optimally.The healthier it is, the more we can accomplish, the more we can contribute. I am a firm supporter of the belief that women should take care of themselves and their feminine nature.It had been quite a while since I started doing it again.Nutritious food to give energy and glow to the skin.Lots of exercise to keep the body strong and push it beyond its limits.Relaxing baths to relax body and mind from every day concerns.Pampering yourself with body lotions.Wear something beautiful to enhance the feminine within.And most importantly, don't forget to play.Play is the spice of life.It keeps you young, curious and in that way you have to smile.With a smile you can deal with every obstacle more positively.Naturally, as I don't want to sound sexist, the same applies for men. But please, let's not forget that true beauty lies within.In our heart.Our soul.The child within that we suppress for fear we don't appear adult and responsible enough.Everything we need is already ours.Beauty, wisdom, knowledge, love.It's all there.The light of our soul shines brighter than every other superficial beauty and appearance.The brighter it shines the more beautiful we become.So, tomorrow when you wake up, stretch generously and smile at the sunlit sky.Listen to the music of the birds.Smell the flowers.Allow yourself the luxury of enjoying the beauty of the day to come.Offer your thanks to the power that woke you yet another day and gave you the chance to live. Then, get up and look at yourself in the mirror.I have a feeling you will look at yourself differently.Your stride will be lighter,you stance more confident.Your smile will light up your image-from within.And then, go out and do something,anything that will add value to somebody else's life and give yourself yet another reason to smile. P.S. What gives me another reason to smile these days, are the English lessons I started with my daughter.She's so great at it,so smart and it is such a pleasure to give her something else apart from being a mother to her.Now I can get to be a teacher to her as well.She has taught me so much already...time to give something back.We started with the alphabet.....so far we got to I,J,K,L.Going strong! What a beautiful song to end this post with......keep the light in your soul shining bright to the world.See how that will change your perception of yourself and the world around you.Shine bright and don't forget to smile!
With love to you all, Lia |
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August 2021
CategoriesAuthorI am a passionate English teacher.Aspiring writer and speaker.I take educational matters to heart and hope to bring about some positive change in the field of education. |