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Intuition (Archives)

The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as: “an ability to understand or know something immediately based on your feelings rather than facts.” In other words, it is often referred to as your gut feeling and it is a powerful tool and if you pay attention to it, it has the ability to stop you from getting into dire circumstances. It all boils down to, if we pay attention to it but as humans that is a hard thing to do.

It is that gnawing sensation within your gut which tells you something is off or doesn’t feel right. It is that innate sense of knowing between right and wrong and it is the truth within that speaks louder than words. Listen to it because it only has your best interest at heart.

I know I’ve turned my back on it many a times. I’ve heard it whispering, “Listen to me. Pay heed because you’re treading in dangerous waters and you will get hurt.” Yet, I chose to turn my back on it all because I thought I knew better or simply put, I wanted something I couldn’t have. When I found out my ex was cheating on me, my intuition knew way before the truth ever came out. Looking back, I heard it roaring inside me and still I had blinders on until I came face to face with it but if truth be told, I KNEW long before I found out. Knowing that didn’t make it hurt any less. It has been said:

A Women’s Intuition is Dangerous

“If she keeps questioning you about a specific topic, over and over again, she isn’t looking for an answer. Most of the time, she already knows the truth but wants to see if you’re going to be honest with her.” M. Sosa

Even now and many years later since I got rid of the cheater, I still find myself in situations which tells me that taking my “intuition” seriously doesn’t come easily. I can often hear it ROARING loudly but I tend to choose the other route, more specifically the path of my own making and lo and behold, there I am again stuck knee-deep in a mess of my own making. If only I had listened…..

So, the next time, you hear that little voice within, or that giant roar that booms loudly telling you to jump ship before it is too late, HEED IT, PAY ATTENTION TO IT and say thank you. It is only looking out for you.

“Never discredit your gut instinct. You are not paranoid. Your body can pick up on bad vibrations. If something deep inside of you says something is not right about a person or situation, trust it.” Simple Reminders

Or else you’ll keep seeing this over and over again.

“TOLD YOU SO!”

Sincerely,

Your Intuition

Have an amazing day.

What Bothers Me?

Lots of things bother me but I’m not sure if you want to hear about them. Life is a whole bunch of “bothersome” things! However, it is how you deal with them that makes a difference in the way we lead life.

Let’s see, at the top of the list are people who don’t stand by their word. This bothers me because I’m the total opposite. There is an idiom that goes something like this. “My word is my bond,” and it means that a person’s promise is their guarantee. It also means their spoken word is binding and that they are trustworthy. Unfortunately, I’ve met many who have shown that their word is like the wind, here one day and gone the next.

INTEGRITY, this is as important as your spoken word. Strong moral principles make up who you are.

“Integrity gives you real freedom because you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide.” Zig Ziglar

It also means that you are honest and you are uncompromising when it comes to the truth and what you stand for. Here again, there are many who are sorely lacking in this aspect and that bothers me royally.

Punctuality is something I do take seriously and expect from people. Being punctual shows that you care enough to show up on time and if you can’t or are running late, you call to let the person know. There are those who walk to a different drumbeat one of utter carelessness and disrespect. However, I must say that the girlfriend who was used to showing up late, sometimes as much as 30 minutes late, has reeled it in and has been showing up on time or even 10 minutes earlier. Did the leopard change its spots? I don’t know folks but I’m enjoying this new found adherence to what is right and this showing of consideration and respect is going down well with me. Hope it stays that way!

Men who profess love one day and run off the next day are at the top of my list too. It is to be expected if you are on the dating sites and expect to find your one and only there. The problem is, these guys go by the motto, “So many women, so little time!” Still I find it more than bothersome but I’m learning that not all who say those three little words mean them. Take it with a pinch of salt or more appropriately a whole sack! You’ve got to develop a thick skin and a, “I don’t give a flying flip attitude,” to survive online dating, just saying.

So that’s it for now. I’ve got more bothersome things but I’ll leave it as is. Enough said….and on to more positive stuff. It’s going to be a beautiful day here, much cooler with a slight breeze, the kind of day I love.

Daily writing prompt

What bothers you and why?

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Life’s Certainties

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BIRTH

It is a biological event which remains a constant and therefore, a certainty.

DEATH

We will meet our maker at some point and this is a certainty. It is an inevitable aspect of human existance.

TAXES

Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

LIFE

It doesn’t stop for anyone. Life goes on regardless of birth, death, breakups and grief. It moves and if you want to keep up, you’ve got to move too or be left behind.

TIME

This commodity is precious. Not realizing that time is precious is one of the things humans do and we do it with relish. However, there is a limited amount of time that is allocated and putting it to good use is of the utmost importance.

LIFE IS FLEETING

This is a certainty because everything in life eventually changes and comes to an end.

PAIN

There are no ifs or buts about this one. Pain is a certainty of life. It can come both in the physical or emotional form and it is a natural part of the human experience.

CHANGES

Nothing stays the same forever no matter how much we want it to. Changes are part and parcel of life.

WE DON’T KNOW ALL THE ANSWERS

This is a part of our human experience. Life would be easier if we knew why some things happen the way they do but no chance there. Maybe at some later point in time, the answers will be revealed to us.

THE PAST HAS AN EFFECT

Last but not least, the past does leave its mark on us, good or bad, it has an effect on us and this too is a certainty. Our past experiences do shape our present thoughts, behaviors, and emotions AND our reactions to life.

Wow, that was a long list! Time for three cups of coffee. Mornings are not made for this much thinking!

Daily writing prompt

List 10 things you know to be absolutely certain.

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Simplify (Archives)

A few weeks ago, I wrote about cleaning out my shoe closet, bagging up and getting rid of tons, yes tons of shoes that were taking up space. They were no longer needed because all they were doing was simply staring me in the face and living rent-free in my closet. It was time for them to go. Decision made but it was with a heavy heart that I gave them their freedom. They were free to go light up someone else’s eyes and perhaps more appropriately to go where they were truly needed.

“Fill your life with lots of experiences, not lots of things. Have incredible stories to tell, not incredible clutter in your closets.” Marc and Angel

I think life is simply an accumulation of holding on to things. It is a collection of things taking up space, emotions that surge and thrive on shaky ground and a constant struggle between the two. Clutter helps to shrink your physical space and minimize your mental capabilities. Letting go is hard and for someone like me who holds on for way longer than it is needed, decluttering is an almost impossible task to do.

“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor – it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.” Peter Walsh

The problem is you can’t move on when you’re holding on to all that is not needed. There must be a conscious decision and effort to “clean house” meaning letting go of things that no longer serve you. Things and emotions that wear you down, make you lose track of where you need to go, which direction you will have to take to get there and most importantly a decision has to be made to let go, get rid off and open up space maybe for new clutter but the truth is, there is no moving forward if you’re standing still. You can’t do both.

“Simplifying your life isn’t just about decluttering your physical space, it’s also about clearing mental and emotional clutter.” Unknown

Understanding that, you’ve got to declutter. Most of us tend to have an iron grip on things that don’t matter and then we wonder why it is so hard to breathe at times or to feel free. If it is not adding value to your life, let it go. If it is just taking up space, dump it. If it makes you feel like you’ve got to do something about it, that’s a clear signal that action is needed.

Focus, declutter, simplify, simplify, simplify. As for people and emotions,

“If your presence can’t add value to my LIFE, your absence will make no difference.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.

Security or Adventure?

Hmm….it used to be adventure but I tend to seek security nowadays. Those adventurous days are over with. I’m not a risk taker, never have been but I did do some stuff I wouldn’t do today!

These days life is on an even keel and I like it that way. The adventurous spirit is still somewhere deep down inside but it seldom shows its face. The calmer one is front and center and life is not about the adrenaline rush anymore, but more about how to find the peace I’m seeking. To do that, I need to find out what gets me going in that direction. Security is at the top of my list. I like feeling safe with a safety net below me. It got ripped apart with the death of the good friend because he was always there to make sure I was safe and I felt safe with him. Now, that he is gone and after free falling back to earth, I needed to find my footing again. It took some time but I am learning to stand back up and to feel safe within the safe zone I’m creating for myself.

It’s hands down security simply because I breathe easier and feel calmer when I know that I don’t have to worry about what is coming up. Okay, life has its own thoughts on that but I’ll deal with it when it shows up!

Daily writing prompt

Are you seeking security or adventure?

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Scammers (Archives)

Update: Scammers are everywhere not just on the dating sites. It is a jungle out there in more ways than one. My phone has been ringing non-stop from long distance numbers and they offer anything from lowering my utility bill costs to I’m a winner! There are several who call on a daily basis and I usually don’t pick up when the numbers seem familiar. However, it is frustrating and more than agitating having to deal with these people. Get a JOB and earn money that way. Nope, they want to do it the easy way, that of scamming others out of their hard-earned money. They come on sweet, they have pity-party stories and they know how to get at your heart and to make you part with your money. Beware because it is a jungle out there.

“There are so many scams on the internet now a days. Send me $19.95 and I will tell you how to avoid them.” Unknown

Sounds funny doesn’t it but if truth be told those that have fallen prey to this group know that it is far from it. Heartbreak, sadness, feelings of loss not only of money but emotionally as well are the aftermath of being tangled in a scammer’s web of lies. There are plenty of these wolves in sheep’s clothing on the dating platforms and spotting them takes knowledge, know-how and treading carefully.

The men and women who prey on the weak, vulnerable and the lonely know exactly how to go about setting their nets and if you’re out there looking for true love online, be very careful.

Here’s how to spot these losers. According Aura.com, “Americans have lost over a billion dollars to romance scams in the past year alone,” not to mention world wide. It is a lucrative business for these unscrupulous individuals who don’t give two hoots about your heart, let alone your well-being. It is all about what they can get for nothing.

“The first step towards avoiding scams is to learn how to spot them.” Unknown

They have fake profiles and more often than not the photos are usually of attractive individuals with great smiles. Most of these photos are not their own.

They are quick to call it love even before having met you. Taking it to the next level in a short amount of time is their game plan. “I want to spend my life with you!” or “You are the woman of my dreams,” are the ploys used and for the lonely, it is a definite lure.

They push for personal information and try to move the conversation off the dating site and into somewhere more private so that they can skim personal data or information and use it to their advantage.

Once they have you hooked, the plan goes into action. Suddenly they need financial help and you’re the cash cow. Please send gift cards or cash to help me out of the predicament I am in is their usual battle cry and believe it or not many fall for it.

They will never meet in person and they will come up with numerous excuses for why they can’t. Usually they are on an oil rig faraway with only a cellphone but they can’t make calls but they can write you. So please add me to your social media platforms will be next. This will be followed by this is their last contract and they are retiring after that. Suddenly something goes wrong and they have no access to money so they need your help. It reeks of stupidity but not to people who fall for it. The scam continues as long as they can get something out of you but stops as soon as they realize it’s a dead-end.

How to outsmart a romance scammer? If you belong to the Lonely Hearts Club, remember that these lowlifes are looking for money, your money. Love is the last thing on their minds.

Ask for a current photo.

Request to meet in person.

Ask detailed questions because, “the devil is in the details.”

Request a video chat, this will never happen.

Ask for their phone number and if you do get it, it will be a fake number.

Their motto is:

“Let’s cut to the chase, you give me money and I’ll disappear faster than a magician with a rabbit.” Famstatistics.FM

If all else fails, remember what is too good to be true, usually is! Or you can say,

“I’m sorry, my scam detector is ringing.” Unknown

Whatever you do, know that they are out there in more numbers than you think possible so be cautious, get savvy and stay safe. It’s a jungle out there!

Have an amazing day and don’t fall prey to a scammer!

What Gets Better With Age?

Good question but I have no clear-cut answers for you. One thing I know is that my perceptions of certain things have changed with time. I also know that those things I thought were important at a certain stage in my life are no longer as important as they were.

In my younger days, I used to think that “looks” were important. If he was good-looking, dark and handsome I was all in. Add a gorgeous smile and I was hooked. Later I found out that sometimes looks are deceiving. There isn’t much there when you dive deeper. Sometimes intelligence is sorely lacking and after two dates, there is absolutely nothing to talk about but the mundane and the boring!

I’m older and wiser now. Looks don’t matter as much now. There has to be a minimum but it doesn’t make or break a relationship. What gets better with age? I think it is wisdom. You learn from your mistakes, you try not to repeat them again and you just know more about life and how it works. Not that you can get an handle on it, but you get adept at dealing with what life throws your way and that is a good thing. I also have the wisdom to know when to leave a table especially when nothing good is being served there. This is something new because I used to be like a dog with a bone and now it rolls over like water over a duck’s back! Perhaps it is wisdom or perhaps “aging’ brings on a new persona, one that is not all based on drama! Anyway, there is a difference in how I deal with things and it seems to be in a more mature way.

Daily writing prompt

What do you think gets better with age?

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Where Are You Going?

Do you know? Do you know where your next destination is? Do you have a plan in mind? Or are you thinking, I’ll take whatever comes my way? Here’s the problem.

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” Lewis Carroll

Is that where you want to go? Just anywhere? I think you want better just as I do. Any road is not going to take me to where I want to go. I want better, I want better than what I left behind and I KNOW where I want to go. Having a destination matters and even if it’s not clear as it should be, having a plan, albeit a vague one, helps you to get moving towards your goal.

“If you don’t know where you’re going, how are you going to get there.” Unknown

Good question but often we are caught between the past and the future. We have one foot in yesterday, or maybe for some of us both feet back there, and we’re pretending like we’re moving on when in actuality we are staying put where we are, holding on to the memories and mistakes of yesterday. You can’t move on when you keep looking at that closed door. It’s not going to open and if by chance it does open, it will bring more of the same because it hasn’t changed but it has the power to hold you captive for a long, long time.

“Each season of your life is here to help you write a different part of your story. Stop living inside past chapters.

You’ve learned lessons and you’re better for them. Honor where you are and soak up everything this season has to offer you.” Unknown

Each season has something to offer but you’ve got to keep moving to find out what is waiting for you in the next one. So, where are you headed today? Are headed somewhere nice or are your feet moving forward but you’re eyes are trained back to where you came from? Letting go is not as simple as it seems. You can say, “I let go,” but really doing it is another thing altogether. Been there, done that, and still doing it! Only you can do the act of “letting go” and only you know when the right time is for you. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. They are not walking in your shoes. Take your time but do it. Moving forward and letting go of the past requires that one monumental step, that of closing the chapter behind you.

“Keep going, because the best is yet to come.

Keep going, because you’re stronger than you think you are.

Keep going, because every step forward brings you one step closer to your goals.

Keep going, because you deserve to see what happens when all of your hard work pays off.”

Have an amazing day, breathe and keep moving forward.

Bedtime and Wake Up Times

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Why do you want to know? Just kidding. I go to bed early and some friends say it is way too early because most of them go to bed at around 11 or 11:30 p.m. or much later. I would like to stay up later but when 8 p.m. rolls around my eyes and my yawns tell me it is time to head to bed for a goodnight’s rest. Some days it is easy. My head hits the pillow and I am off to dreamland. Other days, well, Chachi comes into play. The little brat wants to play and when he sees me dozing off, he jumps over my head. He is a precisionist and I don’t know how he does it, but jumping on the bed and missing my face by mere inches is a skill he has mastered. However, it doesn’t calm the nerves and when he has my attention, my full attention, he jumps off and goes on his merry way. Those days, it takes a little while longer for me to fall asleep.

Wake up time is usually 5:30 in the morning. Not because I want to but because Little Macho dictates it that way. This morning it was 5 a.m. and I was ready to wring his neck but instead he got a kiss, a few kisses actually. At this rate, he’ll never learn but who cares. We headed downstairs and it was still dark outside. By 8:30, I had finished everything I needed to do! So I took off to the convenience store in the village to pick up a few things, made small talk with a neighbor and came back feeling like my day was almost over!

Nothing set in stone but that’s the routine most days as far as going to bed and my waking up times. What do I do the rest of the day? I’ve got to keep moving so I find things or places in the house to clean out, go for walks, write and sip on tea. I have a laid-back vibe going and I’m liking it because it is giving “stress” a run for the money AND winning!

Daily writing prompt

What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?

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Rise Up and Stand Tall

“Every morning you have two choices; continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them.” Carmelo Anthony

I’ve found that it’s easy to stay where you’re at. It doesn’t take much effort and it is comforting. You can mope, scream at whoever wants to listen and sometimes look for someone to blame for all your woes but what does that bring you? You’re not going anywhere if you stay put. It takes strength to stand back up. It takes courage to fight the battle and it takes the fire within you to keep on going. There were times when I wanted the world to go away and to leave me be. Let me wallow in misery was what I screamed but when all was said and done, I stood back up as I have done many times before. It takes putting one foot in front of the other and to just keep moving. I didn’t know where I was going, I only knew that I couldn’t stay where I was.

“It’s ok if you fall down and lose your spark. Just make sure that when you get back up, you rise as the whole damn fire.” Unknown

One thing is for sure, standing back up is not for the weak of heart but there is no other choice. You can claw your way back up, grasp at a helping hand to give you the boost you need or you can do it on your own. Whichever way you choose, there is only one way to go. Rise up and stand tall. It’s scary I know and it takes superhuman strength to move even an inch at times and that rabbit hole is inviting. If truth be told, it is not a permanent solution. If you want to feel the light back on your face again, you’ve got to move. You are fully capable of doing it.

“Do not forget who you are and where you come from. You are made of the brightest stars and the widest oceans. You are made of the highest mountains and the tallest trees. You are made of magic and dreams, wishes and light. You have heroes, warriors, kings, queens, gods and goddesses flowing through your veins. You come from infinite possibilities and incredible odds. You are here for a reason.” Nikki Banas

Make that reason count. You, my friend, are invincible. There is magic within you and that wand you hold in your hand, invisible though it may be, it has the power to change your life. Put it to good use and don’t give that rabbit hole a second look, it’s a thing of the past. You are meant for bigger and better things. You are powerful, you are beautiful and you are enough as you are.

“Fall seven times, stand up eight, and with each rise, you’ll find your strength will multiply.” Unknown

Have an amazing and powerful day.