Inspired

Main Entry: in·spire
Pronunciation: \in-ˈspī(-ə)r\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): in·spired; in·spir·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French inspirer, from Latin inspirare, from in- + spirare to breathe
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a : to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration b : to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on c : to spur on : impel, motivate d : affect
2 a archaic : to breathe or blow into or upon b archaic : to infuse (as life) by breathing
3 a : to communicate to an agent supernaturally b : to draw forth or bring out
4 : inhale 1
5 a : bring about, occasion b : incite
6 : to spread (rumor) by indirect means or through the agency of another
intransitive verb
: inhale
— in·spir·er noun

It is my goal to inspire and motivate my clients, my friends, and also my family. They also inspire me greatly. Each one, in different ways.

Many months ago while setting goals for Rossi; a wonderful and active 67 year old woman that I am fortunate to train, she expressed the desire to be able to do a pull-up one day.

That zeroed in and placed a limiting belief of my own in the limelight. "I have a weak upper body and will never be able to do push-ups or pull-ups."

Rossi had no such belief and set a lofty goal. That, in turn, inspired me to act and alter that limiting belief.

Fast forward to today and no longer do I have a weak upper body. I can do pull-ups. I can do push-ups. Not only can I do them, I do them well and frequently.

I have shared Rossi's inspiring goal with other people that I train and have in turn inspired them as well.

We are all connected. Set your sights high. It is contagious.

-Nicola Byrne

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
-Epictetus

Enjoy While You Can

Today I congratulated my sister on closing on her first home. This should have been a joyous and momentous day for her. I know that I was so thrilled I could hardly contain myself! However, she was so worried about the future she had not yet paused to be happy or thankful or to just enjoy the moment. It was all just massive worry and she worked herself into having a huge headache as a result.

My words to her were to take it one day at a time and be happy now. To not be so far into the future that it was scary.

In return she said she was afraid to be happy for fear it would be taken away.

My mind churned that up a bit and spit out ... then enjoy it while you can.

Ultimately everything is temporary. Even our lives. The simple point of being mindful of now and grateful for now is for that very reason. Now truly is all we have, tomorrow is promised to no one.

Appreciate every little thing today. Every big thing today. Even a green light when driving. The small things surround us, there is simply so much to appreciate.

To miss anything because it may not be there tomorrow is to waste the present. Then you really have nothing.

I need a reminder from time to time as well.

-Nicola Byrne

Thoughtfulness

Wednesday's are busy for me. They are also a fun day because all my wonderful people that come in for training make me smile or laugh out loud. It is a fast paced day and it is over before I know it.

The highlight of yesterday was a late lunch. One of my most favorite people dropped off a bag for me before her training session and in it was two little cooler packs, a small container of her delicious chicken salad with dried cherries and pecans and cranberries, and utensils wrapped in a napkin with a bow wrapped around them. So so so sweet!

Perfect timing. Perfectly thoughtful and caring. I had a little picnic in between training sessions.

It is so ironic to me to remember that when I moved to Vegas I was warned to not trust anyone, that I would only meet people who were going to stab me in the back, that I would get road rage, and that I would not make any friends. It seemed odd to me then, because people are the same everywhere. Vegas is not Mars, people are not different here, and I have met and made friends with genuinely giving, caring, interesting, wonderful and fun people. I feel fortunate to know the people I do and to have the friends I have out here. And back East too!

"Money might make you wealthy, but friends makes you rich."

I am blessed.
-Nicola Byrne

"The making of friends, who are real friends, is the best token we have of a man's success in life."
- Edward Everett Hale

Grateful for Green Lights and my Favorite Parking Spots

I am learning to see more occasions for gratitude in my day than I have ever been aware of in the past. And to express it.

This is a sign of increased mindfulness of the present moment. No longer do I drive to work and arrive without remembering the trip. Today I had so many green lights it was uncanny. Each one I said a "thank you Universe I'll take some more" for and continued along to the next one and said it again.

Every single day when I pull off my block and get a view of Red Rock and the sunshine that lights it up like a priceless piece of art I can only think one thing.

I love my life and I am grateful for it. It may not be perfect but it is perfect for me.

-Nicola Byrne

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey

A manicure, a pedicure, a massage and a should/shouldn't complex

Friday night I made time to go for a manicure and a pedicure. Saturday I had a massage which was arranged for me by a close friend who personal trains with me.

All week I looked forward to the pampering and down-time. This is certainly not a norm for me and for the past few years it wasn't even a once in a while indulgence.

Driving to my appointment Friday night I witnessed a negative thought process brewing and felt my mood change. I tried to head that off at the pass, so to speak, however the appointment itself didn't go smoothly at times (poor Lana was having a very rough night and was overbooked).

The negative thoughts all stemmed from using the word should. Should. Shouldn't. Every time I see myself use those words I realize I am passing judgement on something. A negative judgement no less. Actually it doesn't stem from the word should so much as from me judging myself as selfish and undeserving of giving to myself or receiving from friends. Hmm.

I shouldn't spend money on myself. I should be saving money. I should be working more. I should be doing something more useful with my time instead of sitting on my fanny being pampered.

Basically it means I still have some work to do when it comes to loving myself. I would never, in a million years, ever pass such a judgment on another human being and find fault with them having a Mani and Pedi once or twice a month. I judge myself too harshly, too often, and it is time to be a bit kinder.

Last month I had a massage. This month I had a massage. Physically my neck and back are a bit of a train wreck. Like the rest of the world I carry my stress there and have enough knots to secure a fleet of boats. After both massages I felt physically better yet mentally worse, I felt guilty. Who am I to deserve this gift from my friend? The first time I felt guilty I did not really understand why. This weekend, on the heels of the should-ing incident, I understood. I am really comfortable DOING for others and struggle with and against anyone doing for me.

My friend Bobbi Jo is like that as well. I see it so clearly in her and just noticed in myself. Do you see that in yourself too?

It is time to start treating myself like a valued and appreciated friend. It is probably high time anyone reading this does the same with themselves, as well.

I work hard and deserve a little pampering a couple of times a month. To replace the word should with want in my vocabulary will suit me well, and it probably will do the same for anyone else who chooses to do the same.

I want to appreciate me, just as I am.
-Nicola Byrne

Loving yourself allows you to see the beauty in others. It opens your senses to the brilliance of divine light, to the sweetness of your own life experience and to the power of your focused incarnation. Loving yourself allows your consciousness to assume the shape of love, which makes you at once loving and lovable. But most of us are very stingy with the love we offer ourselves.
-Rebbie Straubing

Being Prepared

It is January and working at a gym means there is a certain insanity that this time of year brings. All those wonderfully good intentioned New Year resolutioners descend in force. The gym is packed. Equipment has a line three people deep waiting for it. Towels are all over the place. Parking? What parking? Every January I go through a phase of being unable to find my car because all my normal spots are taken.

I knew today was going to be a very full day, I had seven sessions back to back at one point. That meant making sure I was prepared. It was either that or run around like a chicken without a head and feel frazzled or hunker down and get ready. I prefer to feel ready and prepared. I put in a couple of hours the day before to plan my day from start to finish. Food. Water. Exercise. Every single program written out ahead. A trip home to let the dogs out. Food and water for the four legged creatures too. A folder for my new client with highlighted fields for information I need and a checklist so I did not miss a thing.

That made all the difference in the world. I had a day that was long and busy. I also had a day that was fun, engaging, challenging, and rewarding. It pays to plan ahead. A little time before leads to a far better time during.

I even found my car on the first try ...

Really thankful for post-it's and highlighters today!
-Nicola Byrne

I love it when a plan comes together.
-Col. John 'Hannibal' Smith (The A-Team)

Om Mani Padme Hum

One of my favorite stories shared with me in yoga class pertains to the Tibetan Buddhist Mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. I reread it from time to time for a smile and for a reminder.

The True Sound of Truth

An old story speaks about a similar problem. A devoted meditator, after years concentrating on a particular mantra, had attained enough insight to begin teaching. The student's humility was far from perfect, but the teachers at the monastery were not worried. 

A few years of successful teaching left the meditator with no thoughts about learning from anyone; but upon hearing about a famous hermit living nearby, the opportunity was too exciting to be passed up. 

The hermit lived alone on an island at the middle of a lake, so the meditator hired a man with a boat to row across to the island. The meditator was very respectful of the old hermit. As they shared some tea made with herbs the meditator asked him about his spiritual practice. The old man said he had no spiritual practice, except for a mantra which he repeated all the time to himself. The meditator was pleased: the hermit was using the same mantra he used himself -- but when the hermit spoke the mantra aloud, the meditator was horrified! 

"What's wrong?" asked the hermit. 

"I don't know what to say. I'm afraid you've wasted your whole life! You are pronouncing the mantra incorrectly!" 

"Oh, Dear! That is terrible. How should I say it?" 

The meditator gave the correct pronunciation, and the old hermit was very grateful, asking to be left alone so he could get started right away. On the way back across the lake the meditator, now confirmed as an accomplished teacher, was pondering the sad fate of the hermit. 

"It's so fortunate that I came along. At least he will have a little time to practice correctly before he dies." Just then, the meditator noticed that the boatman was looking quite shocked, and turned to see the hermit standing respectfully on the water, next to the boat.

"Excuse me, please. I hate to bother you, but I've forgotten the correct pronunciation again. Would you please repeat it for me?" 

"You obviously don't need it," stammered the meditator; but the old man persisted in his polite request until the meditator relented and told him again the way he thought the mantra should be pronounced. 

The old hermit was saying the mantra very carefully, slowly, over and over, as he walked across the surface of the water back to the island. 

---

The four words of this simple mantra are said to contain ALL the teachings of the Buddha and yet it cannot be translated into an exact phrase. If it contains so much in so few words I imagine that is why there is no simple translation. It has a beautiful sound though and a very lyrical flow to it.

It is interesting what I wake up thinking about on some days.

-Nicola Byrne


All happiness comes from the desire for others to be happy. 
All misery comes from the desire for oneself to be happy.
--Shantideva 

A New Year?

I understand the concept of the new year and although it takes me a few days or weeks sometimes to actually get the date right, I really don't feel like anything changes beyond that. There is no burning need to make resolutions and make huge changes.

That wasn't always the case, in the past I made resolutions and like the majority of humanity, did not keep them.

Instead now I make adjustments on a daily basis. Life is like driving a bus, I make adjustments in how I steer it and stay on course. Not so much focused on a particular destination, instead I focus on enjoying my life and being grateful for everything. A green light driving to work. A parking spot that I favor. The special people I encounter every day. Conversations with friends. Reading a good book. How happy my dog and cat are to see me, any time of day or night.

Those are easy to be thankful for. It takes a little more determination to be thankful for the things that don't go "right" or "according to plan". To see past the initial knee jerk assumption of failure; to look for and appreciate the lesson hidden there as well. There have been a few of those this year, and I have learned a lot about myself, my decisions, my strengths and my weaknesses.

If I find myself going off course and worrying about something or spinning my wheels thinking about things I have no control over, I steer myself back to what I have to be grateful for or repeat one of my two reliable mantras. Affirmations.

"I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy."

"Every day, in every way, I am getting better, better and even better."

I've seen it said that a belief is simply a thought you think over and over. Therefore, I can recreate my beliefs as I see fit. Why should I believe I'm a klutz when I can just as easily believe that I am coordinated? Personally I prefer having the belief I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy. It covers everything I want to be, feel, and experience.

-Nicola Byrne

You can have anything you want if you will give up the belief that you can't have it.

-Dr. Robert Anthony

Goodbye 2011 Hello 2012

This past year has taught me many valuable lessons and through it I have seen myself struggle, stumble, regain balance and grow. For all that has happened I am grateful. The challenges were daunting at the time, the lessons learned are priceless and will stay with me in all my years to follow.

Along with the challenges and growth there were many wonderful experiences as well to look back upon. Moving to Las Vegas has been a tremendous gift to me. There is so much more to living here than I would have ever imagined. Great trips to the strip - amazing hikes - making new friends - trying new restaurants and foods - the list goes on.

The mountains out here give me perspective and help maintain a certain mental balance. When I feel concerned about the future, or I get stuck dwelling on the past, it is time to take a good long look at the mountains. To remind myself that what I am thinking on is temporary, as most things are, and to let it go. To return back to the present moment, that everything will be just as it is meant to be.

-Nicola Byrne

Ask yourself this question:  "Will this matter a year from now?"
--Richard Carlson, writing in Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Saturday Morning Hike

I'm a big proponent of getting out into nature to feel more at peace. Today I went on a hike at Calico Basin near Red Rock. The hike was named Guardian Angel Pass. It felt appropriate this week ... 

When we reached the highest point in the hike, I saw several rocks placed on top of a boulder. The boulder was red so the white rocks stood out a bit. They were holding down a piece of laminated paper.

As incongruous as it may seem the piece of paper was a translation of the Buddhist Heart Sutra.

THE HEART SUTRA

Om Homage to the Perfection of Wisdom the Lovely, the Holy !

Avalokita, the Holy Lord and Bodhisattva, was moving in the deep course of the Wisdom which has gone beyond.
He looked down from on high, He beheld but five heaps, and He saw that in their own-being they were empty.
Here, O Sariputra,
form is emptiness and the very emptiness is form ;
emptiness does not differ from form, form does not differ from emptiness, whatever is emptiness, that is form,
the same is true of feelings, perceptions, impulses, and consciousness.
Here, O Sariputra,
all dharmas are marked with emptiness ;
they are not produced or stopped, not defiled or immaculate, not deficient or complete.
Therefore, O Sariputra,
in emptiness there is no form nor feeling, nor perception, nor impulse, nor consciousness ;
No eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind ; No forms, sounds, smells, tastes, touchables or objects of mind ; No sight-organ element, and so forth, until we come to :
No mind-consciousness element ; There is no ignorance, no extinction of ignorance, and so forth, until we come to : There is no decay and death, no extinction of decay and death. There is no suffering, no origination, no stopping, no path.
There is no cognition, no attainment and no non-attainment.
Therefore, O Sariputra,
it is because of his non-attainmentness that a Bodhisattva, through having relied on the Perfection of Wisdom, dwells without thought-coverings. In the absence of thought-coverings he has not been made to tremble,
he has overcome what can upset, and in the end he attains to Nirvana.
All those who appear as Buddhas in the three periods of time fully awake to the utmost, right and perfect Enlightenment because they have relied on the Perfection of Wisdom.
Therefore one should know the prajnaparamita as the great spell, the spell of great knowledge, the utmost spell, the unequalled spell, allayer of all suffering, in truth -- for what could go wrong ? By the prajnaparamita has this spell been delivered. It runs like this :
gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha.
( Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond, O what an awakening, all-hail ! -- )
This completes the Heart of perfect Wisdom.

(Translated by E. Conze)

After continuing on we came to the Guardian Angel carved into one of the rocks. The hike leader says no one knows who did the carving and it is good luck to touch the angel. I am happy to have a little more good luck in my life.

It is amazing the variety of things there are to do living in Las Vegas. I feel very fortunate to live here.

-Nicola Byrne

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.

--John Muir

Friday's Sunrise

I'm starting out my day sitting at the kitchen table listening to Sixto make little huffy yaps at nothing, having a cup of coffee and looking at the sky change from night to day. It is a beautiful transition, amazing blues and pinks and yellows. A desert sunrise is a special thing indeed.

So is my the delicious pumpkin spice coffee from Trader Joe's that I get to enjoy this morning. I love October and the fall when flavors change to spice and colors change to orange and yellow.

Yesterday I thought I was going to have a very hard day, I woke up with anxiety and battled it with some cardiovascular exercise. There was a very challenging situation I had to work on and it was creating this anxiety. My inclination was to postpone the whole thing.

My friend would not allow that to happen though. Then another one jumped up to help as well. Thanks to both of my friends the three of us accomplished a huge undertaking in just a couple of hours. Afterwards I felt lighter, the anxiety was gone, my outlook was and still is so much brighter and instead of feeling trepidation I am filled with gratitude and peace.

Friends really do make the load lighter. Whatever kind of load it is be it physical or mental ... friendship helps you carry it and set it down somewhere else.

Today is going to be a good day.
-Nicola Byrne


If I had to sum up Friendship in one word, it would be Comfort.
--Terri Guillemets

Today's Gmail Inbox Messages

Today I found an old email from Rhonda Byrne's site and a new email from Tut.com waiting for me. Having not had computer access somehow I missed the Rhonda Byrne site email until today. Or I was meant to see it today and not sooner.

From The Secret Daily TeachingsNever let a day pass without looking for the good, feeling the good within you, praising, appreciating, blessing, and being grateful.

Make it your life commitment, and you will stand in utter awe of what happens in your life.

 

May the joy be with you,

Rhonda Byrne
The Secret... bringing joy to billions

Great timing for me to see that.

And from Tut.com in my inbox a cute message that made me smile:

How about, Nicola, next time you go to work, the mall, or a labyrinth,you glide, slide, and twirl a bit? Wink, smile, and wave? Dip, bend, and high-five?Strut, saunter, and beam?
Just a bit?
Teeny, tiny?

The Universe

There are lots of positive messages if we look for them. Some aren't as obvious but they are there as well.

-Nicola Byrne

Starting Over Again

I'm starting over again ... in a new home - on my own. During this time when fears, doubts, emotional pain and confusion try to get a foothold I am grateful to have this blog to direct my focus elsewhere.


There have been many reasons I have been unable to post for a while. The silence did not mean I had forgotten. In fact often I continued to scan my day for things to write of. Experiences. People. Questions. Answers. Lots of ideas would come up and drift away.


Now however it is time to dust myself off, dust off my keyboard and start to focus on the good stuff again. I know I can do it and it is important I choose to do so. Sinking down into a state of depression won't help me and it is a very destructive state.

Here's to a new start ... an a new day. Every one is a chance to learn, grow ... and in this case to heal.


I'll end with some gratitude. We can never have too much.

• I am grateful I came to live in Las Vegas.
• I am grateful for all the friends and family that support me.
• I am grateful to have a home.
• I am grateful to be healthy and strong.
• I am grateful for all I have learned and experienced.

Gratefully,
-Nicola Byrne


Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break. 
--William Shakespeare

Day One-Hundred and Thirty-Seven ... Three Interesting Questions

I have had a busy and congested few days and there have been many, many experiences to be grateful for. Many people to be grateful for.

Listening to a CD about clearing negative emotions, letting go of negative feelings I heard the speaker ask three questions and as I pondered the questions I felt something I would call an expansive feeling of peace and unity with everyone around me.

What are we?

The questions are:

If I'm not my mind, and I'm not my body, and I'm not my ego, what am I?

My answer came easily. I'm not going to share it because I think we should all allow our own inner voice to provide the answer.

The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment.
-Pema Chodron

Day One-Hundred and Thirty-Three ... Entitlement Versus Gratitude

I see a great many people struggling with life and some days I struggle with mine as well. I started working in Las Vegas September 6th as a personal trainer. My first job in the first place I lived outside of NY. I'm still there and rapidly approaching my one year "anniversary". I have seen 17 or 18 trainers (trainers only, there have been other coworkers leave as well) leave in that time.


Even outside of work I meet a great many people who are very unhappy with their job, their life, you name it. I hear it in conversations. I catch myself perpetuating it at times as well. Almost like a third person standing beside myself hearing words I'd rather not say, knowing as I say them that they do not improve my well being, state of mind or add to my happiness. On top of that they surely cannot add to the happiness of the person kind enough to listen to me. What does venting really solve anyway? Does having someone agree with you when you're upset at something or someone change anything?


Isn't it better to think of something good, and there is always something good, and let go of the negative energy? I said better mind you, not easier ... I know that isn't always the easy course.


There seems to be a rash of entitlement that is contagious. Entitlement is so very different from gratitude. When I hear people focusing on the negative, especially when I experience myself doing that, I want to give a nudge and point out that gratitude feels a whole lot better.


The reality is nothing is owed to anyone. We are given life but how we fill it is up to us. Waste it or experience it. Thrive or exist. Love or hate. Feel entitled or feel grateful. When I write in my gratitude journal at night I see that no matter how many opportunities or challenges the day is filled with, there is always a tremendous amount to be grateful for if you take the time to look around. This blog helps me take the time to look around. It is a great reminder.


After not having written for a few weeks I realized I was slipping. My attention wasn't scanning for good. I'd sit down at night and write what I was grateful for but the day wasn't filled with constant sifting of opportunities for blogging about.


I want to continue to grow as a person and continue to see the better side of all situations ...


When I'm angry at someone instead of airing it I want to turn my attention to someone who makes me feel good and thank them for it. That will feel better and it will also make someone else feel better.


When I have a challenging or stressful day at work I want to take the time to be grateful I have a job when so many wish they did. That switch can change the day, I know it can. I am so very lucky I get to help people every day and I get to meet the most spectacular and interesting people.


Instead of feeling sorry for myself for the things I may not be able to do right now I want to be thankful for all the amazing things I have done and the experiences yet to come.


 Expecting miracles,
-Nicola Byrne




There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle. 
-Albert Einstein

Day One-Hundred and Thirty-Two ... Getting Back to a Good Habit

After a few weeks of not sitting down and blogging it doesn't feel as natural to jump on the computer and do so. Seems it did not take too long to drop the habit. That surprises me.


Perhaps I just need to put a little more effort into focusing on the good stuff again. I am still writing all the things I am grateful for and have had many opportunities to write thank you notes. Good things to be sure.


Today I saw a wonderful affirmation on Facebook and that is what I want to share today:

Marianne Williamson

Affirmation for the day: "My present happiness is all I see." (A Course in Miracles). This affirmation instructs the subconscious mind to select the perceptions and data that support your happiness. It is an exercise in positivity, which then attracts what it affirms...




I am going to try affirming that as often as I can think of it tomorrow.


Good night,
-Nicola Byrne


Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King

Day One-Hundred and Thirty-One ... I'm Baaaaaack!

I'm back and I have an internet connection once again! What jumped out at me for today's blog was something I just received in my email box in a newsletter. It is priceless and something I was talking a friend about last night.

In a funny aside a week or so ago my husband was watching South Park and there was this episode where the entire town was without internet and everyone was going crazy and screaming. They were jumping into cars to drive to California to "find the internet". It really made me smile. While I didn't like the lack of internet I didn't go crazy, I did however read a lot. That was a very enjoyable trade-off for me.

And on to the story ...

THE STATION

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision.
We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the
continent.  We are traveling by train.

Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars
on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing,
of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke
pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn
and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and
rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination.
On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into
the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving.

Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come
true and the pieces of our lives will fit together
like a completed jigsaw puzzle.

How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes
for loitering - waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

"When we reach the station, that will be it!" we
cry. "When I'm 18."  "When I buy a new 450SL Mercedes
Benz!"  "When I put the last kid through
college."  "When I have paid off the mortgage!"
"When I get a promotion." "When I reach the age of
retirement, I shall live happily ever after!"

Sooner or later we must realize there is no station,
no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true
joy of life is the trip.

The station is only a dream. It constantly
outdistances us. "Relish the moment" is a good motto,
especially when coupled with Palm 118:24: "This is the
day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be
glad in it."

It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. It
is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of
tomorrow.  Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us
of today.

So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles.
Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go
barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more
sunsets, laugh more, cry less.

Life must be lived as we go along.  The station will
come soon enough.

~ By Robert J. Hastings


Happy to have the internet once again!
-Nicola Byrne

Day One-Hundred and Twenty ... Recapping the Week

Our modem or something that connecting the phones and computer to the internet is not functioning, today I am at Whole Foods sharing their generous free WI-FI and a cup of delicious (but not free) French Roast Coffee. This is why the blogs have been non-existent. It is very difficult to do so over my phone which is surprisingly temperamental for such a little gadget.

Monday ... I experienced that letting go, not complaining, not forcing, and simple acceptance of the way things are can create the change or desired outcome I would like. Without any of the unpleasant boomerang effects of complaining, forcing or grasping. It was a powerful example of why swimming downstream feels better than swimming upstream.


Thursday ... Focusing on gratitude brings more to be grateful for. Last night Tom was given free tickets to see Viva! Elvis at the Aria. While sitting down in our seats, which seemed quite good to me, I was mentally saying a thank you to remind myself to put it in my gratitude journal. Next moment an usher came over and asked if we would like to move up a few rows. We said yes and he took us to the very front row. What an amazing way to see a fantastic show. I am grateful.


Friday ... Writing thank you notes is rewarding. Keeping in touch with friends and people who have had a positive effect and influence in my life is rewarding. It feels good and I am happy I am focusing on this.


The posts may be infrequent until my internet is up and running but I will be looking for things to post as I go about my days, as always.

Happy Friday,
-Nicola Byrne


See everything; overlook a great deal; correct a little.
-Pope John XXIII

Day One-Hundred and Sixteen ... Progress Report

To recap my goals after completing "Focus on the Good Stuff" I chose to put into practice the following:

• The Sunshine Folder for positive accomplishments, achievements, thanks you's, etc...
• Writing in my gratitude journal daily
• Practice changing my state when that state is less than I want it to be
• Sharing gratitude openly
• Making ME time
• Choosing something about me to appreciate daily
• Writing at least one heartfelt thank you every single week

It has been ten days after posting those goals and I think this is a good time to share a progress report. This is mostly for myself, to keep the goals fresh in my mind. All too often we set goals and they are forgotten within the week. New Year's Day Resolutions for example ... 

I have written in my gratitude journal almost without fail every day.

My sunshine folder is a large shoe box ... I am ever optimistic that a folder just won't be big enough ... And I already have several things in it.

I have been taking a lot of walks to change my state ... I find that appreciating nature is an excellent way to improve my state of mind and my mood. Even a good mood can become a great one with a nice walk and appreciation of all that nature has to offer.

I have given myself me time. A yoga class. Lots of reading.

Writing thanks you's has been so rewarding I actually think it should be considered me time as well.

I have practiced being more vocal with my appreciation of those I interact with. 

One more thing I am doing for "me time" is meditating 15 minutes a day. There is an application on my phone called Insight Timer. It has an assortment of bells to start and stop the sessions, a journal to write down your thoughts about it, and last but not least there is a community aspect to it. Everyone that meditates and uses this application is listed online as meditating or having completed meditating. You can have a profile and a phrase. I am practicing on increasing my mindfulness and have set my own phrase and mantra as "right here, right now, in this present moment". This application is available worldwide and I find it so interesting to see how many people are meditating around the world after I have finished ... and their own chosen phrases.

The one thing I have not had much success with is finding one thing to appreciate about myself every day and focusing on it throughout the day. I simply forget. It is possible there is nothing deeper to it than that. I just don't remember to start and if I do pick something I forget about it as my day progresses.

This does not mean I gave up on it. I have chosen a different route to accomplish the same thing. When I write in my gratitude journal I write down at least 5 things I am grateful for. Then I write down 5 things about a person I'd like to show more appreciation towards and catch myself thinking negatively about. Lastly I write down 5 things I either accomplished in the day or appreciate / like about myself. I believe that embodies the spirit of the activity even if it isn't the exact same step.

All in all I feel good about what I am accomplishing.

Calling it a night,

-Nicola Byrne

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.

-Michelangelo

Day One-Hundred and Fifteen ... Getting Grounded ... Practicing Being Present ...

My cable modem is not functioning right which means I am unable to access the internet regularly now ... Last night I could not get on but while walking the dogs I had what I wanted to write about all figured out. Now that I have a connection ... if it lasts! ... I will write.


I watched a movie on Thursday night ... it reminded me to be more present.

I bought new shoes on Wednesday ... they have increased my awareness of being grounded.

The movie Peaceful Warrior is based on a true story and began as a book. I look forward to reading the book as well. It is a movie about living in the present moment, fully. A quote I particularly enjoyed from the movie and was turning over in my mind last night while walking the dogs is:

“There is never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments.”

 As I was thinking of it I became aware that I wasn't IN the walk. I was walking but I was not experiencing it. Then suddenly I heard the crickets, the sound of the cars, the clinking of Mugsy's metal leash, I felt the ground under my feet, noticed the lack of breeze and felt my breathing. I realized I had been distracted and was as far from being present as possible, and how much being present changed my walk. It was very revealing.


The shoes are new for me, they are Vibram Five Fingers and are basically like gloves for your feet with a strong protective bottom so that you can experience being barefoot without concern for injuring feet outdoors.  I am much more aware of how I stand and move in these shoes. I feel far more grounded than I have in any other pair of shoes and I am incredibly aware of my toes and using them. It reminds me a lot of yoga. I really love these shoes.


Practicing being grounded and present,
-Nicola Byrne


Knowledge is not the same as wisdom. Knowledge is knowing, Wisdom is doing.
-Quote from Peaceful Warrior