Open doors & an anniversary.

The past few weeks have been mindblowingly wonderful. It is so easy to forget that EVERYTHING happens for a reason! After what seemed like a series of no's the past few months, I received the best kind of yes! Sometimes closed doors can be the best things for us because it leaves the possibility of bigger more beautiful doors to open. Never give up, keep working hard and have faith, and eventually things will fall into place.

On another note, today is the 1 year anniversary of M and I's engagement! On an even more exciting note, HE WILL BE HERE IN 3 DAYS! This time apart, although SERIOUSLY tough, has really brought us closer. And having to go through so much effort with his visa and us actually being together is a great reminder of how much we truly care and love one another. I remember hearing somewhere about how distance to love is like wind to a flame. If it is a small flame then the wind can easily put the fire out, but if the fire is strong enough it will spread and become even bigger. I find that to be so true.

Other recent thoughts that have crossed my mind recently have to do w/ love and communication. It baffles me how some people neglect to think about how their words and actions affect others, especially those that they love. When we love our friends and family, we care for their feelings, and therefore we should be very conscious of striving to ensure that our words and actions support and lift up their spirit. When this consciousness exists between BOTH individuals, the relationship is able to flourish. We must own our actions and our words and take responsibility for how we impact others. 

(A random photo that makes me smile and may look familiar. It was taken during class in Gulu, Uganda one day when us students were a wee bit bored and melting from the heat.) 

Who Moved My Cheese?!?

Recently I re-read the book Who Moved My Cheese. It is a short and cute little story that teaches a simple, yet valuable, lesson about letting go of fear, and embracing change in both your career/ business life and your personal life. It was all the rage a few years ago, and I find myself going back to it about every year or so.

It is so interesting to think about how often the biggest obstacle standing in our way is our own fears, and how we perceive and deal with change and things we are not so comfortable with. Fear of failure, of being alone, of disappointing others etc., can inhibit our personal success and stand in the way of our happiness and success.

The most wonderful thing about this predicament is that the solution lies in our own hands, as it is all a matter of perception, and that is something we can train ourselves to alter. By no means is this easy, but it all begins with a wonderful thing called reflection. Reflecting makes us aware of how we actually spend our days vs. how we WISH to spend our days, and enables us to figure out what exactly stands in the way of our own happiness and personal growth. I find that these 2 things are very related, as personal growth often leads to > happiness. The next part is figuring out what steps we can take, which although it may make us feel uncomfortable, push us to improve and reach our goals. For me personally, I  consciously force myself to do things I really do not want to do and doubt I will be good at anyways. It never ends up being as scary as I thought it would be, and the best thing is surprising yourself and learning that YOU CAN DO IT, and that the perceived fear was WAY worse than the reality anyways. So, reflection > plan of action > taking teeny risks that force us outside of our comfort zone >change! Make it happen. Take control of your life and your happiness. Because really, think of all the amazing things you would do if you weren't afraid!

                                      

(And if you ever need some encouragement, this image is sure to provide some bright sunshiney inspiration.)

Source for 2nd photo unknown - it was sent to me from a friend and is now the background on my phone :)

Leaps of faith.

Sometimes one of the hardest things in life is taking a leap of faith. Change is always hard and it can be so easy to become comfortable in a routine or sense of stability. The problem is that without letting go of what is safe and taking personal risks, we limit our capabilities and opportunities. Change, new circumstances, and new challenges in life, allow growth and progress. What is the point if we remain stagnant? Can we truly find happiness without growth? I find that dreaming big, having faith and believing in yourself no matter the challenges or what others may think = success and happiness. This does not mean that things will come easy, but with hard work, determination, positivity and courage, almost anything is possible. Perception is often reality, so don't limit your opportunities by focusing on your fears of how you could fail. Think about your strengths, where you want to be and all the ways you could get there, and just do it. Have courage, dream big, and fight for those dreams. YOU CAN DO, OR BE, ANYTHING.

Les Miserables & gratitude.

Last night I went to the movies with my friend to see the movie Les Mis. It really blew me away. I spent probably the second half of the movie bawling my eyes out. I left the theatre thinking about how truly precious life is and how I never want to take even a single second of it for granted. It made me feel so much gratitude for the comforts of life we often fail to appreciate or even acknowledge. It also helped me re-connect with this all consuming passion I have inside of me to stand up for what is just. The first minute of the movie made me burn with anger for injustices, pain and suffering that are often inflicted upon innocent people. Often due to economic status, gender, race - persecution in general. It will never be ok and I will never passively accept the injustices that continue to take place in the world I live in and am a part of.

All in all I feel extremely lucky. Grateful. And blessed. I have been given so much. And I plan to fill the precious days given to me with love, happiness, and standing up for what I believe to be just and kind.

(Haifa, Israel 2011. Being able to sit on these special steps at any moment of the day is something I will forever be grateful for.)

2013.

I love love LOVE the idea of a fresh start. A new beginning.  To re-focus, re-prioritize and re-new.

This years resolutions include:

1. More prayer, meditation and yoga.

2. More patience and kindness.

3. To go for more jogs/ walks outside in the sunlight.

4. To not be so hard on myself. To be kinder to myself and not demand perfection.

5. To breathe and let it go.

6. Be productive with my time and do things that enhance my happiness and quality of life.

7. Read more.


2012 has been full of ups and challenges. Hard to believe that last year I was celebrating new years in the little flat I shared with Taraneh in Bourla, Akko.

(New Years Eve last year in Akko)

2012 highlights:

 (Serving in the most precious place in the entire world with my sister)

(Naw Ruz celebration in Haifa with joyous souls)

 (Spending my days with these beautiful beautiful people)

 (Getting engaged to the most wonderful human being)

(Going to Brazil! Being reunited with my love in his hometown. Meeting his friends and family and getting to know his world)

This year has been good to me. And I am so excited for 2013. Bring on the new year!

Laughter is infectious.

(i spy so many happy faces).

For the past few months I have spent alot of time thinking about the influence we human beings have on one another. Whether we like it or not, we give off an energy and affect the environment in which we are in. I have noticed so many times, especially at work, how it only takes 1 persons negative outlook to impact the entire group. If one person is feeling tired, angry or upset, it can heavily affect the attitude of people he is surrounded by, and thus the environment and the quality of the work that is being done. I truly think that we must be aware of this capability that we have to deeply impact one another, and as a result, take responsibility for this incredible power that we possess. What a gift it is that by possessing a positive and loving attitude we can bring a smile to the faces surrounding us.  Laughter is infectious, and it is truly wonderful that by causing someone to laugh you can assist in creating a space that is warm, positive and loving. So even if I am having a bad day, I still do my best to smile and laugh with the people I spend time with. Having this approach applies not only when you are with your friends, but also with your co-workers and family as well. An uplifting environment is conducive to building healthy and strong relationships with people as well as a space for work to be done in a more productive and efficient manner.