It's been proven...Dreams are not impossible!

Wise words shared by some wise women (Denise and Alisha) in my life this week...
"You can get through a difficult situation, if it's the right thing to do."
"Breaking through is hard. Hoping for something more, something better and working like crazy in that direction...it doesn't come easy, going after something better."

3 tests in one day, 5 hours of "busy work" homework, one presentation, clients, a welcomed-out-of-town guest, and an 18 page researched care-plan due plus life...that's what was on my plate this past week. I cite this list, not for pity's sake, but as a reminder to myself to keep perspective.

I was feeling a bit overwhelmed last Thursday when I had 2 conversations that put my perspective back in place. These conversations with dear people (that are having some real life challenges thrown their way) made my heart take a step back and decide to leave it's woe-is-me moments behind and choose gratefulness. It is the season.

I'm thankful to be at the end of my second semester of nursing school - with only 2 semesters left. I'm thankful to own a business that gives meaning to life and has great potential. I'm thankful to have a super, supportive husband and family...and I can't forget to be thankful for my oh-so-amazing rock-star girlfriends. I'm so grateful!

This article posted by one of my girls on facebook really gave me a grateful heart and a new perspective (not to mention brought tears to my eyes). "WOW", this woman gives new meaning to triumph.

www.tiny.cc/triumphantdreamer

What dreams do you have that seem impossible? That's not a rhetorical question. I dare you to take a moment to answer it.

As the author says, "Any time anyone tells you that a dream is impossible, any time you're discouraged by impossible challenges, just mutter this mantra: Tererai Trent." Thank you Tererai Trent for giving us perspective. Thank you for giving us hope.

Grateful,
Cindy

P.S. I couldn't resist this picture of Thanksgiving. Everyone loves Big Bird, right?



cindy@lessdrama.com
www.lessdramaqueens.com

Do we get what we ask for?

What little girl doesn't want a pony? I know I did. After reading books like the Black Stallion and Misty of Chincoteague in 3rd grade, I longed for a pony. Guess what? My parents didn't have the money to buy me a pony and there weren't really any stables close to my home in Miami, so I settled for toy horses. In retrospect, they are so much work anyway =) I know my friends, Brittanie and Alley can attest to that =)

Here's a short commercial I'd love for you to watch (please forgive me in advance for supporting the cause of "the Man" by passing along one of his advertisements):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qb0vquRcys

It's classic. That little girl didn't even know she could ask for the real deal. Are you asking for the real deal? Are you asking for what you want? Sometimes, I wonder if I know what I really want. Sometimes, I know and I just don't ask. Sometimes we need to take a step back and get some perspective. I dare us to just that. Take a moment and ask yourself:

What do I really want? Am I asking for it? Am I willing and ready to ask for the real deal?

Pondering,
Cindy


cindy@lessdrama.com
www.lessdramaqueens.com

The Power of Girlfriends - Who's in Your Room?

I love when one of you sends me an idea for our Truth or Dare. Kate sent me this one a couple of weeks ago. Thanks Kate!

This will be a fun little exercise to highlight the power of girlfriends...
I'm gonna ask you to tell the truth.

So the "truth" this week is to choose 12 women (who have touched your life). They don't need to be in the same town or even the same country. Take some time to ponder who you would ask to join you if given the opportunity and then jot down their names on a piece of paper.

Think on this: If this unique and special group of women were ever to be in one room together, there is nothing that would be impossible. Imagine the possibilities. What would you do? What problem would you like to solve? What gift to the community could you envision? The opportunities would be endless.

Here's the quote that was attached to the email Kate sent. I liked it, so I included it.

"May today there be peace within you. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Who did you choose? Do you want to let them know they were chosen? If so, I dare you to forward this onto them with a little note of thanks and wonder.

Yours,
Cindy

P.S. Kate - you are definitely one of my 12 =)


cindy@lessdrama.com
www.lessdramaqueens.com

Rx = Laughter

I just got off the phone with one of my best girlfriends. It was so good for the soul - we got to LOL (not quite "my side hurts" kind of laughter but definitely the tears were flowing-belly laugh kind). I needed that. I think we both did.

Earlier this week, I read a great blog on the benefits of laughter (physically, spiritually, and emotionally). I dare you to take time to read this fun blog entry:

www.tiny.cc/bellylaughs



I double dare you to be on the lookout for some belly laugh moments this weekend. Laughter is such good medicine for whatever ails us.
I'm so thankful that my family laughs well together =)

On the lookout for laughter,
Cindy

What's on your happy list?

More time, more joy. Want some? What's on your happy list? What can make you feel happier and takes less than 30 minutes? Please take 3 minutes to read this article:

www.tiny.cc/happylist

It's simple. I dare you to do one of these things on the list this week and report back to me via email - did it work?

I double dare you to come up with your own happy list of 3 simple things that energize you or give you joy that don't cost more than $5 or take more than 30 minutes to do. If you're up for it, send me your "happy list". I'd love to compile "our" happy list and post it.

First thing on my list is picking fresh flowers:

Building a happy list,
Cindy

Inside OUT!

Simply daring you to remember...It's what's on the inside that counts!

This 1 minute video makes an impression:
http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/home_films_evolution_v2.swf

Enjoy these beauty tips from humorist Sam Levenson
(they were a favorite of Audrey Hepburn and she often quoted them):
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.

And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!

You are a treasure!

Behold your beauty,
Cindy

cindy@lessdrama.com
www.lessdramaqueens.com

Put "fun" on your to-do list today!

I don't know if you're like me, but when I hear the words "stress reduction" my ears perk up. Stress reduction - I ask you, "Who doesn't need that in their life???" I know I do. I read about a stress reduction technique that coaches often use in my nursing text today.

After getting off the telephone with one of my clients, I was doing some homework and came across these words. They struck a chord with me because my client had just been asking me if she was taking on too much and as every good life coach is taught, I answered her question with a question. "Of all that you are doing, what gives you life?"

So, here's what I read:

"The next step is restructuring and setting priorities, which involves shifting the balance from stress-producing to stress-reducing activities. A recent study indicated that the daily occurrence of pleasant events had a positive effect on the immune system. In fact, adding pleasurable events has more benefit than simply reducing stressful or negative ones (CBS Health Watch, 2000).

Essentially, learn to replace time-consuming chores that are not really necessary with activities that are pleasurable or interesting. Making time for recreation is as essential for healthy living as is paying bills or shopping for groceries."

Did you read that? I'll say it again for effect, "Making time for fun is as important for healthy living as paying bills and shopping for groceries." The daily occurrence of pleasant events has a positive effect on our immune system. Wow - that's good news for those of us who love to have fun and want to live healthy lives, don't you think?

I dare you to make time for fun this week! Put it on your to-do list if you're all about healthy living.

Planning for fun,
Cindy



P.S. I can't believe I'm quoting my textbooks - what has my world come to?

Varcarolis, Elizabeth M., Verna Benner Carson, and Nancy Shoemaker. Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing A Clinical Approach. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2006. Print.