Love And Kisses

Hello, How are you? I am doing good, busy, but good! I have been thinking over the past week on how to write this post, because it is hard for me, but it is something I have to do. I have decided to stop blogging for a while, maybe permanently, I'm not sure yet. Reasons for this decision range from a bit of blogging burnout, to just being busy with work and family. I feel truly sad as I write this, because I have loved blogging and in the process made connections to so many people. I will still be in touch on Facebook and if we are not friends on Facebook, I will visit your blogs as often as I can to keep in touch. Thank you for always supporting me on this blog. You helped me so much when I wrote about the harder times in my life with your kind words and thoughts and really carried me through those hard times. You also delighted in my happy and joyful times, and for all of those reasons, you will always be in my heart. Take care and I'm not going to really say goodbye, because goodbye seems like a permanent end to knowing each other, and I hope that is not the case. Think of it as "So Long" from here-for now!
Janet :)

Love & Kisses to you!

Transitions Edited

Hello, I hope your enjoying your weekend. The past few years have been a time of many transitions for me. Maybe it's because I'm reaching middle age and this a time when they happen more, I don't really know. My transitions have consisted mostly of loss. Loss of my Mother, which was tough enough, only to be compiled with the loss of my Mother in Law, and two dear friends to Cancer within a years time. I've gone from jobless to job and back again! So I've experienced a wide range of emotions throughout these past few years, but I was so busy trying to stay positive and upbeat all the time, you know, just trying to smoothly sail through the changes, that I denied how I was feeling to myself and to others around me. In denial, I chose some unhealthy ways to sail through those changes, only to be left with regret and remorse. But I realize now, even more so after reading this article, that I needed to take the time to feel the losses, take the time to process the transitions in order to get back on with my life in a healthier way. By sharing this article I hope it helps any of you who are experiencing a less than positive transition in your life, because I know now from my own experiences that when your in one, your not always aware of what is really going on inside of you. Sometimes it takes an article like this to raise that awareness.
Thanks for visiting,
Janet :)



Change is the one constant in life. And yet, we are often surprised when it comes. Parents reward us for mastering routines of hygiene and self-discipline. Our educational system grooms us for progressive levels of security, reinforcing the belief that skill mastery yields the predictable comforts of a settled life. As we age, we are measured by our gains, not our losses, our stability, not our vulnerability.

That's why so many people are devastated when the temple of their familiar world is shaken through unemployment, divorce, disease, death, and similar forces of upheaval. We believe in change as long as the wheel of fortune spins in our favor. When change defies our expectations with unpleasant results, a lifetime of conditioning can become suspect, unleashing the dark designs of our imaginations.

Throughout the centuries, philosophers, theologians, and psychologists have attempted to illuminate the nature of change, from the ancient hexagrams of the I Ching ( the Chinese Book of Change) to the stages of loss identified in the last century by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D., who describes a non-linear progression through denial, sadness, anger, bargaining, and acceptance. One of my favorite frameworks, however, was written by a little-known English professor whose last name is practically synonymous with change—William Bridges.

In his 1980s groundbreaking book "Transitions," Bridges maps out the cycle of change into three discrete stages that is at once counter-intuitive and overly simplistic. According to Bridges, every transition begins with an ending and ends with a beginning. In between endings and beginning is a discomfiting neutral zone that most people would rather avoid but is essential for personal growth.

Why begin with the end? Writes Bridges: "Divorces, deaths, job changes, moves, illnesses, and many lesser events disengage us from the contexts in which we have known ourselves. They break up the old cue system that served to reinforce our roles and pattern our behavior."

Within the rubric of "endings," he identifies five fundamental tasks one must master in order to successfully move to the next chapter. They are disengagement (separation from the familiar), dismantling (letting of what is no longer needed), disenchantment (discovering that certain things no longer make sense), disidentification (reevaluating one's identity) and disorientation (a vague sense of losing touch with one's reality).

Once endings are complete, people progress to an uncomfortable but growth-filled neutral zone which Bridges describes as "an empty in-between time when... everything feels as though it's up for grabs and you don't quite know who you are or how you're supposed to behave."

Most people would prefer to skip this stage. However, by attempting to leapfrog past the neutral zone, they may miss important insights and gifts, putting them at risk of poor decision-making in the future. Bridges explains that, not unlike the concept of meditation or the Sabbath, "only by returning to the formlessness of primal energy that renewal can take place. We need it just the way an apple tree needs the cold of winter."

As the neutral zone is discomfiting, beginnings can be anti-climatic. Usually, there are no bells, whistles, or red carpets, just a "faint intimation of something different, a new theme in the music, and a strange fragrance on the breeze." Although some individuals may feel invigorated by beginnings, often it takes time to become adjusted to a new identity or situation. Even a beginning considered positive by societal standards—like getting married, having a child, or getting promoted—can be extremely stressful as those affected become attuned to an unfamiliar landscape.

Although no one can escape life's inevitable transitions, people's coping styles vary depending on a variety of factors from biology to their family of origin. Talking to a trusted friend or mental health professional can be helpful if you or someone you know shows signs of depression and anxiety. Reflecting on Bridges' framework, however, may help demystify transitions so they don't seem quite so scary or overwhelming. Liberated from our fears, we can dance courageously with the unknown, mining important life lessons from every little step.

Options

Hello, Isn't this a truth that we all need to hold on to in times of difficulties!
Thanks for visiting,
Janet :)

Release And Trust

Hello, In life, we have the power to release the past and trust in the future. Acknowledging the power is where it all begins.
Thanks for visiting,
Janet :)



I am willing to release my fears
I live and move in a safe and secure world
I free myself from all destructive fears and doubts
I accept myself and create peace in my mind and heart
I rise above thoughts that attempt to make me angry or afraid
I release the past with ease and trust the process of life
I am willing to release the need for this protection
I am now willing to see only my magnificence
I have the power to make changes
I am always divinely protected...
Louise Hay

Let It Be

Hi Everyone, Happy Music Monday! The other day I heard this song on a commercial. It was just what I needed to hear. I was feeling frustrated again with some of my life's circumstances, trying to find a job, and other issues that lie ahead of me, but then when I heard these three simple words it brought me back to a good place. I have to just let life be for now and what is meant to be will be. As long as I get up everyday and do my best and keep trying I am sure only good will come from it. So remember these simple, yet oh so freeing words when you find yourself in the same place as me. Have a great day,
Thanks for visiting my blog,
Love ya,
Janet :)

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the actual post link here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

Break Old Habits

Hi Everyone,
I hope you are doing well. I am doing good. This is a good loving kindness practice that I personally can appreciate. We all find it hard some days to accept ourselves unconditionally without wanting to change or fix a shortcoming. I often find myself not accepting life on life's terms. The world is just not the way we want it, our bosses, you know what I mean! Our bills, our siblings etc. Most of us are conditioned not react to pain by closing down our hearts. The common response is to react with unkindfullness, aggression and hatred. These eventually as we learn time and time again are nonconstructive and never change anything. Try these loving kindness phrases instead and it will help you to bring up positive feelings and help break old habits. "May I be held in compassion", "May I free from pain and sorrow." "May I be at peace". And to those who challenge you to abandon your heart and turn to anger simply say the the same phrases to them, "May you be held in compassion" along with the other phrases. I know it may take a while to truly break these habits, myself included. Even at 45 yrs of age my self development is like the saying, "Progress, Not Perfection". When I think of that saying in my head it allows me to take a deep breath and start over.
Thanks for visiting my blog,
Take Care,
Janet :)

99 Ballons

Hi Everyone,
I hope you are doing well, I am feeling better each day. Today on the
Oprah show I saw this video about a miracle child and his courageous parents. This will make you realize that each day is truly life. These courageous parents came on after it and announced in a few weeks they will be having a healthy second child. Keep the Kleenex near. Thanks for visiting my blog,
Take Care,
Janet :)

Feeling Free

Hi Everyone,
I hope you are doing well, I am doing good. Yesterday was such a beautiful day. I went down to Christa's house and visited with her and Briana. On my way home as I was driving it was so warm and sunny and as the breeze blew through my hair I could not help but feel soo free. It is something I haven't felt in a while. I felt free from the pain of the past two years, free to make a new start with my life. I have decided to get my Master's in Social Work and specialize in geriatrics. I realized when I was caring for my mother and mother in law how much elderly people need good care. I feel what I went through made me more compassionate and stronger. I will never forget my mothers roommate at the nursing home. She had a visitor once every six months. It was so sad. I use to make my mom homemade meals and when we sat together at the table her roommate would always look at us with a yearning for what we had. Soon I began making her a meal as well. She actually began to smile again, not much but somewhat, I don't know if it was the food or the fact that someone took a few minutes to care for her. The workers said it made her so happy. She passed away a few months before my mom. So for the first time in my life I feel this is what I should be doing. I am excited for the future like I never have been before. I will care for the elderly with the dignity and the respect they deserve in the end. I realized today as well that everything along the way has led me to where I should be. Every pain, every mistake, every joy. I found this saying and it fit me perfect. I loved it and I wanted to share it with you.
Thanks for visiting my blog,
Take Care,
Janet :)

Horray for Bloggerwood!

Hi Everyone,
And the Oscar goes to me LOL!!! Being the Academy Awards tonight and having planned on posting these awards tonight, which is truly coincidental. I thought I would use their theme with these awards I got from two of my best friends to start my post. But kidding aside I am truly grateful to the both of you who are a constant support and always inspiring to me. I appreciate you recognition of what I do here. I just wish I could have given them to you first. I have been given this award from Kat at http://candlesandcrafts.blogspot.com/ This award comes with some fun rules: List 5 reasons why you think life is "grand" and pass along the happiness to five fellow bloggers!!!!!
I think my life is grand because:
1.Life is grand because I have my health.
2.Life is grand because I have a loving family.
3.Life is grand because I am lucky to have loved all
the people who are no longer in my life.
4.Life is grand because I work with the most caring
people who are more like family, than a job.
5.Life is grand because I have met so many amazing and
inspiring people through this blog.
I pass this on to
Julieanne at http://beinspiredtodayjpaige.blogspot.com/
Ray at http://esoteric-journey.blogspot.com/
Kimmy at http://www.kimmysharinglight.com/
Henry at http://soulmerlin.typepad.com/reflections/
Maitri at http://maitrisheart.blogspot.com/


I received this award from Bing at http://www.pinklady-bing.blogspot.com/
This is what the "Let's Be Friends" Award represents:
These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award. I also pass this award on to
Julieanne at http://beinspiredtodayjpaige.blogspot.com/
Henry at http://soulmerlin.typepad.com/reflections/
Ray at http://esoteric-journey.blogspot.com/
Kimmy at http://www.kimmysharinglight.com/
Maitri at http://maitrisheart.blogspot.com/
Christine athttp://christine-livepassionately.blogspot.com/
Jane at http://janedoesmusings.blogspot.com/
Lea at http://www.oceanofperspectives.com/
Thanks for visiting my blog today, more loving kindness to follow.
Take Care,
Janet :)

Happy Birthday Karen

Hi Everyone,
Feburary 17th is my sisters birthday who I love so much and I wanted to dedicate this post to her, I wish I could do more for her as she has done so much for me and my family. I would not be the person I am without her in my life. So from my heart I wrote a simple poem.
Thanks for visiting my blog today,
Take Care,
Janet :)
Happy Birthday to the best sister in the world. You have always cared for me, when at times it was undeserved. You were the oldest when things in our house got heartbreaking, but you kept on caretaking. Your words were little, but your example said it all. Pick yourself up and carry on, love and forgive and move on. Appreciate each day as you never know what will come your way. Family is precious, embrace them and their faults, for in the end family is what matters most of all. Happy Birthday Karen and thank you so much for all you did for Mom and Dad and continue to do for us. You are truly an Angel on Earth and we are blessed.