Moving Forward – Page 19 – Reclaiming LIFE

Thoughts On Love

Published on August 31, 2010 by Christine1 Comment

Holy life lessons this year! I’m so thankful for that!

Before I lost the weight, I was miserable. You might think that the weight was the reason I was miserable but it was not. I lived in a cloud of negativity, judgement, and anger and I didn’t understand that I brought all of that into my life. Sometimes you don’t see a lesson clearly until you’ve lived through it, get to a better place, and then look back. It was so obvious, I’m not sure how I missed it.

So here are my thoughts. These are just my opinions based on the life I have lived (and I have so much more life to live!) Take them or leave them! 🙂

I believe the only person I can cast a judgement upon or try to change is myself. If there is negativity in my life, absolutely I should do what I can to remove it; however, casting judgment, criticizing in a negative way, or putting another person down actually hurts me more than the person I am directing it towards. Anger can eat a person alive and most of the time the person I am angry at is oblivious to it.

If I truly love myself, and focus on bettering myself as a person, it is then that I can truly love others and accept them for exactly who they are. I may not like everyone I meet, but that’s my right and I can then establish boundaries or chose how much I allow them into my life.

I believe there is a purpose for every single person that comes into my life. Some are close friends, some are comic relief, some bring me peace…and yes, even the ones that have hurt me in the past are there for a reason. They teach me to cherish what I have, not to sweat the small stuff, and to value what’s important in life.

Forgiveness is essential for true inner happiness. That doesn’t mean I am passive, it means that I need to let go of the anger and put it behind me. I’ve learned that it is impossible to understand where another person is coming from because I haven’t lived their life or walked in their shoes. Let go of the anger and move forward. That’s true freedom.

I have learned that when I let go of expectations I impose on others, then I am no longer disappointed in people. If I’m angry at someone, I just have to look at the root of that anger to realize that it’s often because I “expected” something from them that they didn’t deliver. People are busy, life is busy, I’m busy…I most likely disappoint someone somewhere daily! I remind myself often to simply drop expectations.

I’ve heard this saying “You do you, and I’ll do me”. It’s so true! Why should I worry myself with what someone else is doing? Who cares!!! If the only support I give another person is understanding, love, and acceptance, that’s all anyone can ask for in a friend.

I have learned, that it is COMPLETELY FREEING when I focus on the good. The positive. The Love. The Kindness. The brighter side of life. I don’t live life with rose-coloured glasses, I just search for ways to find purpose, wisdom, strength, and good through every negative event that comes my way. And I’ve also learned to be thankful for the negative because it’s only through times of adversity that I have come to appreciate the positive so much. Say you are trapped in a dark room for months and suddenly there is light. You don’t focus on the darkness you have experienced for months, you embrace and are thankful for the light!

Life is good when you let the goodness in and share it by lifting others up!

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” I lose sight of the golden rule sometimes. I continue to pray for humility, understanding, and a heart full of love. Life is meant to be lived with joy and it’s hard for that joy to come in where there is anger standing in the way.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

The Beginning

Published on August 20, 2010 by Christine2 Comments

It’s been a pattern this year to learn a life lesson from a few people all at once.

This week I’ve had the pleasure of real honest conversations with a few friends, all of whom want to make a change. I realized that I may not be putting out there the reality of how things began for me. The place I was in when I started this journey.

It hasn’t been easy. I didn’t make the change overnight, and I still have a long way to go. Changes on the outside begin first on the inside. There were days, and there still are days, that I wanted to give up and go back to the familiar lifestyle that I lived for years…because there was a part of that lifestyle that felt safe.

Back when I weighed 242 pounds, even though I was miserable in my own body, I also felt comfortable in other ways. I was OK much of the time with living on the sidelines and feeling invisible. I was always the big girl among my group of friends and it was a role that I was used to and had accepted in many ways.

The first major hurdle when I finally decided to make a change, was realizing that I COULD make changes. I recently found my old journal that I started in 2003. When I read through the pages of daily records of what I ate and what I did for exercise, I realized that even at the beginning I had resigned myself that I was always going to be overweight. I randomly chose a goal weight of 180 pounds as I had a memory of once weighing that in high-school. But even beside that declaration of goal weight, I wrote “I’m very out of shape” and “I would love to be 165 pounds” but I didn’t believe that I would actually get there. I only wrote 180 pounds because I had read in a book that I needed some sort of goal to work towards. In my mind, I just wanted to weigh under 200 pounds.

I remember that I tried not to think of the end goal, and would just focus on the day at hand. Focus on upping my daily steps, fitting in a workout every morning, figuring out how to eat healthy. I had no idea what eating healthy was about. No clue! But I was determined to figure it out and poured over books, health magazines, and resources online. I was so confused over everything I read. There were so many different opinions out there.

I decided to use common sense. I would eat foods that came from the earth as close to their natural state as possible. As far as the meat protein was concerned, I had read that if it swims, runs, or flies it’s more lean and has less fat content. Made sense to me!

I also had no idea how much food to eat. I had spent so many years never being hungry, that I didn’t really understand what it was like to just eat the proper amount to fuel the body.

I remember sitting out on the deck at our acreage, and looking out at the wildlife around me. How is it there are no overweight animals (unless they are raised by humans)? Because it’s instinct to know how much to eat. We lived in a society of super-size portions and we have forgotten to listen to our bodies to tell us when we are full. I read that it takes about 20 minutes to realize you are full when eating a meal. I started eating my meals slowly and really paid attention to when I was full…not stuffed…but rather not hungry anymore.

Drinking enough water was another issue I had! I had no idea that my body would confuse hunger for thirst. So I started drinking 8 glasses of water a day and I just naturally ate less.

Exercising was not easy at the beginning. I felt big, clumsy, and was worried what people would think about seeing a big girl “trying” to work out. I worked out in my basement at the beginning and chose to jog on country roads by our acreage as it was private. I don’t think I went into a gym until I was under 200 pounds. Looking back, it’s too bad that I didn’t feel I had a right to be in the gym with everyone else. When I go to the gym now and see a person struggling through a workout I have so much respect for them. It takes real courage to put yourself out there for others to see in an area that is difficult and unfamiliar.

One of the most important steps was to find a support system. To actually declare out loud that I was going to lose the weight by changing my lifestyle. I didn’t want to say it out loud because I thought there was a good possibility that would fail. I forced myself out of that comfort zone, and started sharing publicly my intentions. It was the first time I admitted to others that I wasn’t OK with being the big girl, that I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin, that I was sick of being scared to try new things.

But the truth was, I wanted to go swimming with my kids, to go to a gym and feel comfortable, to ride a bike, to walk up stairs without being winded, to walk into a clothing store and buy clothes off the rack, to feel confident when I walked into a room full of people, to wear shorts!!!! I didn’t wear shorts for decades!

So every time I feel like I want to go back to the old way of life, I have to remind myself of where I came from, and of the sadness I carried inside that I rarely showed to others.

I exercise today not only for my body, but more for my mind. I have NEVER felt such joy and pride within myself until I began exercising. It just clears the mind of negativity.

So as much as I want to say that losing the weight was difficult, I also have to tell you that it was easy at the same time. It was easy because my zest and love for life was awoken and for the first time I challenged myself to never give up, to quiet the negative self-doubt, and to believe in myself. The loss of the weight was just a tangible visual result of finding out who I was.

It doesn’t make life easier or less confusing at times but it’s a journey that continues on today. There is more life to be lived and I am lucky that I have my health and the knowledge that I am the one in control of how I chose to live it through good times and bad times.

I have this song on my iPod, and often listen to it when I run. I’m not sure what it is about the song that is so meaningful for me, but it gives me shivers every time I hear it. Maybe it’s because for much of my life I felt like I needed someone to “fix” me. But I have learned that although it’s important to lean on others for support and motivation, the responsibility to “fix” the areas of my life that require change ultimately comes from within.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Why Out comes before In

Published on August 10, 2010August 10, 2010 by Christine5 Comments

I can’t remember if I shared this story with you yet! If I have, pretend I haven’t and politely nod your head while I babble on. At the end of it all, you can inform me that you have already heard this before and I will blame my bad memory and worry what I’m going to be like when I get really old.

Since moving to Leduc from my home town Vermilion (which I lived in for most of my life prior to the move), I’ve been told a few times that I have found great friends that are just as weird and crazy as I am. I am an odd duck…this I know. I had (still have) great friends in Vermilion. They are amazing and I love them, so I had my doubts when I moved to Leduc that I would be able to make great supportive friends in a new town because I’m not that outgoing. Well, I’ve forced myself to be outgoing since I’ve moved. It just doesn’t come naturally to me.

When I first moved to Leduc, my husband and I stopped into a Piano bar. At the piano bar, there was a table of crazy, fun chicks sitting together with balloons at their table laughing, singing, dancing around. It made me smile, but mostly it made me envious. However, the reason I remember that moment at the piano bar so well is because I had the WEIRDEST vision of one day sitting there myself with a bunch of fun-loving friends. Still even though I saw that in my future, I felt a challenge of how that was going to be a reality since I have never been one to put myself out there much, especially when it comes to meeting new people.

It was around that time when we first moved here that I started realizing that it was up to me to bring into my life all those things that I wanted…non of which were material possessions. In the past, there was a lot of drama that surrounded my life. It hit me like a ton of bricks that I was the reason for a lot of it. The changes and realities that I was craving in my life were right in front of me.

I also had a hard time putting out there exactly the person I am. Which is a reason I started this blog months and months ago. I know now that I missed out on a lot of great friendships back in my home town because I didn’t put myself out there.

It’s easy to be envious of the things I want to bring into my life, but what good does that do? If I want it bad enough, I should go get it.

To me, that’s why “positive OUT” comes before “positive IN“. You have to put it out there. Do you wish you were more outgoing? Than be more outgoing! It may not come easy to you, but the only way you can change patterns is to make changes. I guess part of the reason that it’s hard to be outgoing is there is a fear that people may not like who I am. But do I like every person I come in contact with? No! So why should everyone like me? If you are truly yourself, you will bring into your life like-minded people. That’s the best part about it!

I just returned home from holidays with a mission to get back into my exercise routine. It’s a big part of who I am today, because of what it brings into my life…clarity, a sense of control, and a feeling of power and pride. It just enables me to see things in a more positive light. It enables me to put Positive Out.

And guess what happens when you put the positive out my friends…the positive comes in 10 fold. That’s great news!

Oh and by the way, I had that night out with friends at that same Piano Bar a year later. When I walked in, the table that was reserved (complete with balloons) was the very same table I saw before. We celebrated the birthday of a friend who has become one of my very best friends in Leduc. Our crazy table of friends laughed, danced, and sang. It was a blast. I am grateful.

Below: pictures from that night at the Piano Bar two years ago.

And just for fun…Pictures from last night:

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Living in the Moment

Published on July 23, 2010 by Christine2 Comments

I was talking to a dear friend of mine the other day, and I was immediately struck that what I see within her and what she sees within herself are totally different.

This is how I view her.

A stunning and talented self-less mother who would do anything for her family. She puts the needs of everyone else before her own. Her vivacious personality is matched to her beauty. She has no idea how amazing she is.

I have had conversations over the past two weeks with a few women. There was a universal theme for all of us. We feel stuck in some area of our lives, and don’t know how to move out of it.

It happens so often to me. I’m in a stage of life, and rather than enjoying the stage I’m at now, I’m looking ahead to the next stage. The problem with that is I don’t live in the moment and miss valuing the great events happening NOW. It’s only after I’ve moved onto the next stage that I realize I should have enjoyed the previous stage because now it’s passed me by. Does that ever happen to you?

It’s tough sometimes to find the balance between moving forward and enjoying the moment. When you are constantly looking ahead and wondering how you are going to arrive at whatever destination you’ve deemed as the “end goal” it’s overwhelming. It also brings with it a feeling of failure because we aren’t at the stage we want to be.

I realized this week, that sometimes moving forward means focussing on the now. The stage of life I am in at this moment. When I say that out loud, I feel freedom to just enjoy life rather than wish I was doing something more with it. There are so many ways to enjoy the now.

Here I go again, pushing the exercise wagon…but seriously, it only takes a 1/2 hour of exercise to change my mindset. Eating the right foods gives me energy. You couple exercise and eating healthy and it’s a recipe for feeling value and pride in ones self. As moms we often put ourselves last, but taking time for ourselves is essential and allows us to give more of ourselves to those we love. Really, the most important thing in life is family.

Find the things that bring you the most joy to your heart…and run with it. We only have the one life to live…we often forget that until we’ve lost someone we love. It’s completely in our control how we chose to live it. Life is about choices and we know deep inside which choices are the best for ourselves and those we value most. Pay attention to that inner voice, and enjoy the ride.

For the Bon Jovi fans out there… 🙂

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Confessions of a Former Couch Potato

Published on June 29, 2010June 29, 2010 by Christine2 Comments

I went for a run a few times these past couple of weeks. The hardest part of any run is taking the initiative to put on my running shoes.

The last couple of times I ran my 5 Km route, I found it tough for a couple of reasons.

1. I was chased by a flock, a pack, a herd (whatever they are called when there are too many to count) of hissing Geese. Add to that my fear of birds and feathers and it was quite the traumatizing experience. I gave them my crazy eyes and ran for the hills screaming on the first 10 strides. On the upside, I improved my pace on that particular Km by a minute.

2. I had a hard time running the entire time. My legs felt like I had strapped weights to them. I forced through it, but it wasn’t easy where it has been easier on other runs.

As I pushed through it, the discouraging thoughts kept running through my head…

“Run faster”

“Your pace is slow, pick it up”

“Other people run this route minutes faster than you”

Yes, my internal banter is odd. But a few minutes after all of the discouraging stuff I realized this and actually said it out loud…

“You’re a former Couch Potato, be proud, you are running 5K”

When I first started this journey I couldn’t run more than 30 seconds without everything in me screaming to stop.

Running does not come naturally to me. I worked up to running 1 minute, walking 5 minutes over the length of 30 minutes. Then I worked up to 2 min. run/5 min walk. Then 2 min. run/2 min. walk. Then 5 min. run/2 min. walk…and so on until I could eventually run for 10 minutes straight…then 20 minutes…then 30 minutes…then 45 minutes…and my next goal is to run for a full hour.

I used to live my life on the sidelines. I didn’t think there would ever come a time that I would be a runner, or a writer, or a photographer, or even confident in my own skin for that matter.

I believe healthy competition is good for the soul and can drive you further. But comparing yourself to anyone else is not productive in anyway.

We are all different, have different strengths and weaknesses, and different goals.

Last night during my run, I spent the first 2.5 Km discouraged, and the last 2.5 Km proud at the progress I’ve made over the past 5 years.

I can tell you that the first half of my run was harder than the last half. I actually ran the last half with a big smile plastered on my face and pride in my heart.

Life is good, especially when you stop looking at it from the sidelines and actually jump in and live it.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Finding Beauty in the Everyday

Published on June 17, 2010 by ChristineLeave a comment

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Herman Cain

This quote is so true! When I think back to the time in my life when I demanded change from within, it was because I wasn’t happy with the choices I was making in life and as a result, it translated negatively into many areas of my life. When you finally get to the point where your desire, need, and vision of a different future is greater than staying on the same course that clearly isn’t working, that’s when change truly happens. When your desire to pursue your dreams to be the person you KNOW you can be takes over, there is no stopping the wheels of change. The positive momentum carries you forward and little by little life begins to take shape in a way that it hasn’t in the past.

I’ve needed some extra motivation and inspiration lately, and I’m so thankful that I have amazing people in my life that continue to support and constantly remind me what is truly important in life.

I have to confess that I’ve been struggling lately with finding the almighty, seemingly unachievable balance. My life is overwhelmingly busy right now. It seems that the only time I have to myself is after the kids are in bed, and by then I’m tired! I have missed out on my workout nights for a while now. I decided last night, I needed to drop everything and go for a 5K run. It took seconds for a huge smile to return to my face. There’s a feeling when I run that I can’t get from anywhere else. It’s both uncomfortable and completely freeing at the same time.

I’m once again reminded to do the things that bring the most joy and pride to my heart. It’s important to create an environment that is the most conducive to keeping the positive in, while at the same time keeping the negative out. Sometimes that feels selfish, but it’s an area that has taken me years to realize is essential in order to maintain a positive and healthy lifestyle. But I also realize that positivity starts first with me. I haven’t been as positive as I should be lately.

If you are struggling right now, I want to encourage you. We are all stronger than we even realize. We rarely tap into our true potential for fear of failure or because it’s difficult! The best rewards in life come with hard work, dedication, and stick-to-it-iveness (yes I’m sure that’s a word). I believe you have to embrace failure to not only be successful, but to truly appreciate it! It takes time to figure out the right path because we are all unique, so it only make sense that each of our paths are different. We all fail! It’s part of life and the sweet taste of success is seasoned with failure.

Change can be so scary. I so often hold back because of fear of the unknown. But change is necessary. A good life is about learning, earning, and yearning (I think I read that somewhere once).

So, today I am going to stop in the midst of the busy, and find a bit of peace that’s essential to the heart and soul. I think the reason I’m so completely addicted to photography, is because it’s the constant drive to find beauty and magic in the every day. To walk into a venue that is common to the eye, and find angles and yummy dreamy light that you miss unless you look for it is mighty delicious. We so often miss the beauty that is all around us.

You see, one of the greatest blessing photography has brought into my life is that many people don’t realize how unique, amazing, and beautiful they truly are. Their eyes hold a story…some of pain, some of innocence, some of wisdom, and some of joy…but all are authentically beautiful and deserve to be captured.

Different is Beautiful.

Coming through adversity a better person is Beautiful.

Change and growth is Beautiful.

Quirky is beautiful.

I have great memories attached to this song (although there are many opinions about what this song is really about)…it makes me break out into shoulder dance…that’s a good thing! 🙂

I hope you find beauty in the everyday.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Define “Succeeding”

Published on May 20, 2010 by Christine2 Comments

I just have to post this today! So often I hear people get down on themselves in the area of weight loss because they aren’t seeing the results they were expecting. Yes, I’ve been there, and still go there from time to time BUT one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you have to redefine what you class as “Succeeding”.

What if succeeding is defined as challenging yourself and taking positive steps towards a healthier you? What if you felt like you were succeeding just by lacing up your running shoes and going for a walk or by choosing a healthier choice for lunch?

The problem with viewing being successful in relation to a goal as getting to the finish line (whatever that is for you) is that there is long journey to get there. No wonder people feel like throwing in the towel before they start. It’s too much!

Choosing to live a healthier lifestyle means living! Be proud of yourself daily when you make positive choices. The idea of feeling pride only when you reach the end is depriving yourself of so many celebrations along the way.

Here’s what I know.

If you continue to make positive choices…you will see positive results. Positive In, Positive Out. It’s a fact. They may not happen in the time frame your mind wants them too, but they WILL happen.

If you want results a little faster, than move more..eat less. It’s that simple. Find out what works for you. Pursue it with passion and drive.

Sometimes we just have to redefine success in our minds. There is no “end”. It’s a lifetime of taking better care of yourself but guess what?! That’s exciting! The moment you wrap your mind around that, is the moment you have succeeded. Isn’t that powerful?! I’m excited for you!

You will feel successful every day you treat yourself a little better…and that can come in all forms through: The mind, the body, and the soul. Find those things that bring happiness and meaning into your life and enjoy them!

I will leave you with some music I love! Mumford and Sons are so different and the lyrics within their music are so powerful! Also give a listen to “Little Lion Man” by Mumford and Sons. Love, love, love them 🙂

From my heart to yours,

Christine

5 Year Anniversary!

Published on May 19, 2010 by Christine6 Comments

Today marks 5 years of being at my goal weight! I am so thankful and happy that I’m still there!

It seems fitting today, that I recount some important life lessons I have learned over these past 5 years.

I have learned…

I COULD do it! What a revelation after years of being stuck at a place I didn’t want to be.

I was waaaaay stronger than I realized. I had no idea I could exercise with results and actually learn to love it. I finally found the courage to challenge myself, and soak up the benefits.

I am not defined by being the fat girl. What I portrayed on the outside did not match what I felt on the inside. It’s not about what I weigh now or then, it’s about taking control, loving who I am/was, and taking the steps to being the person I wanted to be.

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was my negativity and the way I used to cast blame on others. It’s all on me. There will always be a reason not to do something that is difficult. Life is busy. So what. I had to put my big girl panties on and just deal with it. Ha ha! There will never be a “right” time. The right time is now.

I am weak, and I am strong….It’s OK to be weak because on the flip side of the coin, I am strong. Yin/Yang.

Judging others based on how they look, what they wear, how they chose to live their lives is just plain ridiculous and takes away from the only thing I should worry about…and that’s my own choices.

This is me now….a girl that still sports tummy rolls and stretch marks. They are a story of where I have come from. I earned them.

There will always be some people who don’t support your goals and dreams…but there are many people who do. Value the ones who do, and don’t worry about the ones who don’t. You have no idea where they are coming from and what they have been through in their lives. Most of the time it isn’t even personal.

Positive OUT…Positive IN. The best things in life have come when I put the positive out first.

It’s not about losing weight. Losing the weight is a result of taking control back. I prefer to think of it as a bonus.

I am thankful for the place I’ve come from….

And for the place I’m at now…a place where I get to support others in their goals and dreams while I continue to pursue my own.

Thank you to everyone that had a part in supporting me. I appreciate you and your giving hearts.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Beauty from Within

Published on May 9, 2010 by ChristineLeave a comment

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers who are so selfless with their time and generous with their love & devotion. I had an amazing day with my family today. I am one lucky Mom!

This past week, my heart was touched by an experience I want to share with you! It seems appropriate to share it on Mother’s day. During my childhood/teen years I struggled with self-esteem issues, as many teenage girls do. It wasn’t until I was close to 30 years old that I really figured out who I was and owned it!

I have a daughter and I realize more than ever how important it is to lift her up, to tell her she’s beautiful, and support her as she grows and realizes who she is. Who is she to me? She’s a smart, beautiful, funny, inquisitive, lively yet introspective, loving little girl. I can’t wait to see who she will become as a tweenie, as a teen, as a young woman.

The job of trying to raise a daughter who values who she is, weighs heavily on my shoulders. It’s so important. Everyday as I drop my kids off at the doors of their school I tell them to “Just be the best YOU you can be”. That’s all I can hope for.

My sister Roxy has this amazing friend Michelle whom I met a few times during my teen years. I hadn’t heard from her for years until a couple of months ago my phone rang and her cheerful voice greeted me on the other end.

She works with youth in Edmonton. She was inspired by a program ran in Alberta called “Beauty from the Inside Out”. She has tailored her own program here in Edmonton, where over a period of a few weeks, she works with a group of preteen girls to boost their self-esteem. She works with the girls to explore the art of self-expression through play, communication, and positive thought. She empowers them to be exactly who they are and embrace their beauty inside and out. What a wonderful program, the world needs more wonderful people like Michelle!

She asked me if I would volunteer my photography services for the girl’s graduation day. They had several other services donated for their graduation: Clothing, hair, and makeup. I jumped at the opportunity!

As I drove to the shoot, I prayed that I would be able to capture each girl’s unique beauty both on the inside and on the outside. I met 11 beautiful, lively, giggly girls! They were incredible! I brought a dry-erase board with me and asked each girl to write something empowering about themselves….they wrote statements such as

“I am Beautiful”

“I am an Artist”

“I am Smart”

I took pictures of each girl proudly holding up their statement. They had a lot of fun posing for me, and I was so drawn into their sparkly eyes that carried within them so much wisdom and strength for their young years.

I left the shoot feeling so empowered! I watched their confidence grow with each click of the shutter. These young girls will grow up to be amazing, confident, strong women. I am reminded once again, to empower my children to be the best version of themselves they can be.

From my own experiences, I have learned there is power in words…both uplifting and demeaning. There are damaging messages all around in magazine and T.V. ads that support the idea that women/girls need to change who they are to meet a certain standard of beauty…yet the pictures we stare at are airbrushed and manipulated. They aren’t real!

So, I just want to thank and encourage all you Moms that take the time to uplift your children daily.

To all those Moms…

Who kiss their kids on the forehead when they fall, and encourage them to get back up.

Who impart the wisdom they have learned over the years, and support and nurture their children to figure out their unique path in life.

Who encourage their children to go after their passions and dreams and to make no apologies for being themselves.

Who show their children what compassion, love, and kindness looks like.

Who teach their children that a true measure of beauty comes from what’s in their heart, not what’s on the outside.

What a gift children are to all of us and what a blessing it is to make a difference in their lives. Happy Mother’s Day!

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Bottling Happy

Published on April 10, 2010April 10, 2010 by Christine7 Comments

I just returned from our trip to Couples Negril, in Jamaica. I need to attempt to put into words what I learned (or will attempt to learn) with you.

Click HERE to check out the post from my photography blog to view pictures.

Because we traveled to our resort under the veil of humid darkness, we couldn’t see the country side of Jamaica. But when we arrived at the resort, I was hit by beauty. Gorgeous scenery, happy people, chill attitudes.

I enjoy people watching, people are fascinating aren’t they? Being that we were at a Couples resort that is devoted to all things love, I was surrounded by lovey-dovey traveling couples; HOWEVER I was most drawn to the Jamaican people…the staff, the vendors that would come with their handmade treasures to sell along the beach, and the musicians that would come and sing softly to lounging holiday-ers. “One Love! One Heart! Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright.”

I found this YouTube video of the gentleman pictured above. He has a great voice.

The people I met from Jamaica are Happy. I watched them. They are truly happy. They laughed and smiled a lot while they worked. Some even sang and whistled while they did their daily tasks, and they work their butts off let me tell you.

At one point I looked over from my beach chair perch and noticed a scene that hit me with another one of those life lessons that seem to come to me at the oddest times. There was this American man who was really really tanned. Like tanned beyond belief. I called him Cigar Pacer and I’ll tell you why. He must have woke up pretty early to get the same loungey chair by the pool every day (or he was King of the loungey chairs, and no one dared to take his). I watched his extra tanned self with unlit cigar in one hand and a cell phone in the other, pace around his loungey chair like a lion in a cage. Pacing back and forth, back and forth, around and around while he conducted his cell phone business with the pent-up energy one would hope to lose while on a holiday. While his tense pacing was going on, I looked to my right and saw one of the servers collecting empty cups that stacked to the sky and she had a huge smile on her face. She hummed a little tune under her breath and let out a little giggle when she saw a co-worker pass by that had a bigger towering stack of empty glasses. A towering stack of glasses much like this one…

Now people have energy that comes off of them. You can feel it as soon as you are around them…or at least I feel it. There I was looking at two people obviously conducting their daily business and the energy from Cigar Pacer almost gave me hives and made me contort my face in stress, and the energy from the lovely Jamaican women made me want to play a flute (not that I can) and dance around the beach grinning from ear to happy ear. lol

How is it that every Jamaican I encountered carried with them this amazing energy? I talked to several of the staff members and many of them work 6 days a week and some travel by bus over two hours to get to work…yet they carry with them this unbelievable happy, chill, calm energy. I wanted to collect their beautiful energy in a bottle and take it home with me.

As we left the resort to fly home, I was able to see the country side in the daylight, passing by villages that I recalled hearing about as places many of the staff members lived. Along the 120 km stretch of road back to the airport, I saw many homes that were shanties really. The stores in the villages donned hand-painted signs summarizing what they had to sell. Goats ran freely and grazed around abandoned buildings. Many little tarp-covered shade shelters offering fresh fruit for sale, dotted the country side.