I Hope You Dance

"I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance ..."

A young lady that I know, not well, but know, has always struck me as this powerful force, and I wondered if she had any idea how powerful and commanding and PRESENT she always seemed to be.  I saw her online yesterday, and decided to send her a short note, to let her know that I had this on my heart and wanted her to know that she was inspiring and powerful, and to never fear being herself. 
Anyhow, I let her know...and I was amazed that she told me she had been feeling mistreated and unappreciated, and that while she was natuarally positive, she had begun to feel like maybe she was givign too much of herself. 
I assured her, and I believe, although I am human and not always in an emotional or mental place to put it in practice, that the way to combat hate, dishonesty, mistreatment, or any other disturbing behavior someone exhibits towards you is by showing them love, decency, and positivity.  That is not the same as being weak, as being a doormat, or as being passive...it is just the opposite.  It is showing strength, courage, and aggressiveness.  It is a positive reaction, but a reaction nonetheless.
It is hard to be one's true self sometimes.  It is hard to really stay present and live in the moment.  There are some of us who just seem to always be living in sync with our pulse...alive and aware at every moment.  Fully engaged in life.  I wanted this young woman to know that I saw that in her...that God had helped me recognize that in her, and that I felt it was important to share.  So often we get so caught up in our own problems, attitudes, and reality that we forget to acknowledge those around us who manage to somehow shine their light on everyone, no matter what is going on in their lives. 
Take time out to do the things that count, to tell people how they have affected you, what they mean to you, and remind them to dance!

Simply Irresistable

"She's so fine, there's no tellin where the money went..."

Do you struggle with your looks...think your butt is too big, your nose too wide, your hair too wild, your stomach pokes out just a tad too much, your feet are big, your skin not tanned enough...whatever...well join the millions of women who feel that same way, or worse...and start turning those thoughts around. 

Have you ever seen a couple, an average man with a beautiful woman, and you can tell the man is awful pleased with himself...not because of her, but becasue of his own thoughts of grandeur.  Sure you have.  Well, take a cue from that guy, you know him...with the beer belly, man boobs, bad skin, and balding head...he knows his worth, so he is happy with himself, and knows that that woman is happy with him...because he takes care of her, keeps her well dressed, keeps her spa appointments, hair appoints, and manicure appointments paid for, and makes sure she has Frette sheets to lay her head on at night. 

Well...what is your worth?
You are a woman! 
You can take care of someone like nobody's business, cook a mean pan of mac and cheese, wipe your kids nose, wear 4 inch heels without tripping and falling, balance your checkbook, read the book on Oprah's book club list in under 10 hours, carry on a conversation about The Backyardigans, the Steelers, or the stock market, put on a dress and look like a queen, and at night, make your man feel like a big ole stud...even if he is just a muffin!

That big nose, those wide hips, and those big feet be damned!   Let your thoughts about yourself hinge on those things and traits that are important to you: success, career, family, love, health, etc. When we take stock of those things that REALLY and TRULY matter, very rarely does the size of our feet or our ass take center stage.  Take note of those things you would like to change, and work those changes into your life.  But at the end of the day...and as long as you are doing the best you can with what God gave you, you are simply irresistable!