I Am _____________ Enough

09/19/2011

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Everyone has his/her own specific vocation or mission in life to carry out, a concrete assignment which demands fulfillment. Therein, he/she cannot be replaced, nor can his/her life be repeated. Thus, everyone’s task is as unique as is his/her specific opportunity to implement it.” – Victor Frankel, Man’s Search for Meaning

My mom says that my purpose is to be the cute, sweet, lovable me that I am… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

I Am Sweet Enough

 

 

 

 

xoxo

 

Good morning Mintdom!

I have a question for you this morning. I know, I know, it is early LOL! The question is, in what ways do you feel you are “not enough”? You can fill in the blanks, mine are in parenthesis.

I Am Not…

____________________ Enough (Focused)

____________________ Enough (Assertive)

____________________ Enough (Confident)

I think that one of the obstacles to attaining my goals is when negative thinking creeps its way into my mind. One of these is thinking that I am not enough. I couple of years ago; I took a class called “What’s My Purpose – A Journey of Personal and Professional Growth” with Jim White, PhD (I highly recommend it). One of the chapters talked about this very thing. One paragraph from a worksheet in particular struck me:

“More often than not, you feel as if you are not enough when, in fact, YOU ARE ENOUGH! Do you remember the story of The Wizard of Oz? The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion were all seeking something they did not believe they had. A funny thing happened when they got to Oz and met the Wizard. They each discovered that they already had what they were seeking.  They just had not acknowledged it. Is it possible that you have all that you need?

Look over your answers again with the eyes of someone who has just visited The Wizard of Oz and now answer these questions.

I was “enough” when to each of your previous statements.

I was “enough” when___________________________________________________________

I was “enough” when___________________________________________________________

I was “enough” when___________________________________________________________

My answers were as follows:

(Focus) I spearheaded and chaired a committee to get a community center built in my town (it was state of the art!).

(Assertive) After many meetings and a court battle, I got the voting laws changed in my town to include open registration (and landed on the front page of the Washington Post and in People Magazine)

(Confidence) I applied for, and got my dream job with an International Trade Association (The Supermarket Association)

I am saying the same thing that Victor Frankel and Minty said, only I took a lot longer to say it!

Maybe this evening when it is quiet, you might think about these questions and fill in your own blanks.

AffirMINTion: I am enough for whatever I want to do in my life!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

PS You can Google Jim White’s ‘What’s My Purpose?’ Life Mastery Course if you are interested in taking it – I highly recommend it.

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Beginnings, Middles, and Endings

09/06/2011

 A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus

My mom says that September is another new beginning… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

My hair is unmanageable!

 

 

xoxo

   

 

PS My mom and I were on vacation on Monday, and she said that I could do Minty Monday on Tuesday. 

Good morning, Mintdom!

September is an awesome month for many reasons, but the biggest reasons are that I get to celebrate so many birthdays!  My sister Becky celebrates on the first day of the month and my mom celebrates on the last day of the month.  In between those days this year, my Auntie Jean celebrated 90 years, my youngest daughter, Kelly celebrates 32 years today, and my son Michael, will celebrate 34 years on the 14th. Finally yet importantly, my good friend, Ann celebrates _ _ years on September 8.Happy birthday to you all – I love you.

I also like September because, like Mondays, it feels like the start of something fresh. I know, I know, summer is over and the leaves begin to turn and fall off the trees. They sure put on a spectacular show before they fall though. September is the start of a new school year and new routines.

September 1, I started Dave Ramsey’s, Total Money Makeover and I am keeping track of where my money goes. Yesterday, I took my list to the grocery store, and stuck with it.  I had only $20 in cash with me I spend $19.91! I would have won something if I were on the Price is Right game show. LOL

I know there is an elephant in the room right now as we come upon the tenth anniversary of September 11. That is the one mar on September. That horrific day marked the end for many, and the beginning of a new way of living for the world. The events of that day also shined a light on America and the many heroes of that day, and there were many from all walks of life. What an amazing country we live in!

As I read this post, I feel like I am all over the place. Maybe I am like September with its beginnings, middles and endings. In any case, I hope that you have a GREAT one!

“I love September, especially when we’re in it.” – Willie Stargell

AffirMINTion: I appreciate my life and all that it brings to me.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

Lazer Focus on Each Day!

08/31/2011

Good morning Mintdom

Can you believe that today is the last day of August? Even though it is not the official date, I always consider August 31 the last day of summer and September 1, the first day of fall. Anyway, the summer sure has flown by quickly. My Mom used to tell me that the older I get, the faster that time passes. My dad always says that we have 24 hours in a day, how will we use our time.

Last week’s earthquake and hurricane and brought my focus back to how we could have a lot less time in this world then we think. We really need to make the most out of each day. This week a friend landed unexpectedly in the hospital. It shows me how we need to appreciate the people in our lives, and all that we have because we never know if today will be our last day or theirs. I do not mean to be morbid; I just feel this sense of urgency to make the most out of each day. I cannot tell you enough how grateful I am for you, my family and friends, and for my health. I hope that I never take any of you or anything that I have for granted. I am truly blessed.

I keep what I call a little celebration / prayer journal. On one side, I write down three things that made me smile the day before which, actually turns out to be three things that I am grateful. Sometimes, it is a big thing like settling on my new house, and sometimes it is a very small thing, like watching Minty playing with a toy. On the other side, I write my prayers although I always start with, thank you God… It sure is a GREAT way to start my day, to focus on the good in my life, and to remember those that are in need. It is interesting to look back at the things that I was thinking in past years. Yes – years – it has been years since I started this; it seems like yesterday.

What are some of the things that you do to keep you focused and appreciative all that you have in life? I think today, one of the things that I will do is to call my Mom and Dad to say I love you and I am grateful for every moment I have had with you – even when I was a teenager! LOL

AffirMINTion: I appreciate each day and all that it brings

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Life is short, God’s way of encouraging a big of focus.” – Robert Brault

My mom tells and shows me every day that she loves me… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
 

xoxo

 

I am grateful for my cousin, Brandy!
This photo was taken when we were just puppies – see how time flies?

Minty Monday: No Worries

08/29/2011

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace, harmony, health, love and abundance. Then, whenever doubt, anxiety or fears try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal – and soon they’ll forget my number.” ~Edith Armstrong

Even though there was, an earthquake and a hurricane where I live my mom said not to worry because it would only get a busy signal… AND I LIKED IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
 

xoxo

        No Worries

Good morning, Mintdom

An earthquake and a hurricane in one week would probably rattle most people’s cages, but actually, Minty and I remained fairly calm throughout last week. I think part of it was that I have not been watching TV and so I missed a lot of the hype. I DO get national and local alerts on my phone so I am not totally out of the loop, and I DID peak at the news a couple of times over the weekend to see where the hurricane was and where it was going. It was easy to find as it was on all local and news channels non-stop. I did prepare for the worse (brought in light stuff from the patio, including the glass top to my table, got my flashlight and candles out and made extra ice for my refrigerator) and was hoping for the best.  That is probably why Irene passed over my county! LOL!  Anyway, I am happy that I did not spend my weekend worrying. I kept thinking of that verse in the bible that has always helped me in the past.

Matthew 6: 34 Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

You do not have to be a Christian to appreciate this verse.  I DO like Minty’s telephone visual. So if you call me and get a busy signal – you will know why!  How do you keep from worrying?

AffirMINTion: I keep my head and heart full of positive things.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

PS Of course, I had to include this song today http://tinyurl.com/NoMintyWorries

Minty Mondays!

8/22/2011

I declare that from this day forward that I am changing the first day of the week known as Monday to Minty Mondays! This means that Minty will begin the week with her message first. This will make those folks happy that scroll down to her message (and photo first) LOL! It also means that I will write more than once a week.

 

 

 

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention.” ~Greg Anderson

My mom says that she loves Mondays because it is the fresh start of a new week… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
 

xoxo

Ready to take on the week

Good morning Mintdom,

Focus is a big word in my life.  The things I focus on matters.

“If you focus on what you have, you will end up having more. If you focus on what you lack, you will never have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

When I was a teenager, I hated Mondays.  Monday meant that the weekend was over and I HAD to wake up early to get ready for school. Mondays meant that I HAD to catch the bus outside my front door it meant that I HAD to do homework.  Today, you will often hear me say that I love Mondays, and I REALLY DO love Mondays. I GET to wake up in my own home and I GET to say good morning to Minty (of course that is every day) I GET to go to a job that I love and I GET to attend our staff meetings with an awesome group of people. Monday means a fresh new week filled with new ideas and new challenges that keep my job interesting.

Today, think about where you put your focus because what you focus on expands.

One more thing – Today is a special day for my friend Erin who is one of my big supporters.  Today Erin GETS to take on a new role in leadership at a new office.  Erin, best of luck in your new position and office – you will be missed!

AffirMINTion: I focus on the positives (and the fun) in my life!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

I LOVE MONDAYS! (Shouting)

08/01/2010

Good morning Mintdom

I love Mondays; it is the start of a brand new, fresh week! This Monday is even better because not only is it the start of a new week, it is the start of a new month, and I have had a GREAT start for this week and month.  I got up early and walked, a mile. I just got new shoes so I am breaking them in. By the end of the month, I hope to be walking at least 2 miles in the mornings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, my plan is to swim or do water aerobics.

August is a good month in other ways too.  This month I am attending with my sisters, a personal growth seminar.  I can hardly wait!  Dave Ramsey and author, Jon Gordon (The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, The Seed – and others) are the speakers!  I am so excited!  In addition, it is my youngest sister’s birthday and Becky and I will be on hand to celebrate with her!  Whoo hoo!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ~Maria Robinson~

I cannot tell you how excited that I am at this new prospect. I think August is going to be my month to make great strides towards a healthy, balanced life! What kind of week and month will you have?  Are you in need of a fresh start? You can start today, Monday, August 1, 2011.

AffirMINTion: I am creating a fresh new ending today.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

My mom says that we can start our day over anytime… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!

I love my life!

xoxo

I love my life!

Treasured MoMINTs

Good morning, Mintdom!
 
Leading a healthy lifestyle is not only the physical; it is also about being healthy in my spirit, mind and my heart. This weekend, I had my fill of all three! It was beautiful – not only did I get to spend it with my two sisters, but also the three of us drove to Richmond to visit GREAT friends and attend their church.  It was one of those times where I felt like I was really living my life. . 

This weekend filled me up in so many ways. On the way to Richmond, we ran into a torrential rainstorm. The rain came down in sheets! Not only did it slow us down; it showed me the power of Nature, and how little control we have over life.  Saturday night we met with our friends for a fabulous dinner.  It was great food and even better conversation.  Sunday, my sisters and I ‘bloomed’ with coffee and went down for a delicious breakfast.  Our friends picked us up for church. The message was on the book of Ruth in the Bible. After church, we our friends took us to their home for a fabulous lunch. Their home was so warm and inviting. I think almost everything in it had special meaning to them.  They are truly special themselves.  She is a philosopher and a writer. He is a musician and they both work together in real estate.

Laughter and deep conversation filled the car on the way home with my sisters. It was such a precious time for me, and one that I will treasure for years to come.  We are very fortunate to have each other. I think we all need be purposeful about taking time out of our busy lives for moMINTS like this. I know that when I am in the throes of work or keeping up with my life, I will have this time to draw on. Can you remember a special time that you have had – a time that you treasure? If not, my strong suggestion is that you take some time out and create your own treasure.

“God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.”  ~J.M. Barrie, Courage, 1922

AffirMINTion: I make time for precious moMINTS!

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

My ‘uncle’ Bob and his friend Lauren took care of me while my mom was away and even though I missed my mom, I had a GREAT time. My mom says that it is nice to have treasured moMINTs to remember… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
       

On my way home

        

Visiting is Fun AND Exhausting!

Priorities – Do You Know What Yours Are?

07/18/2011
 
Good morning, Mintdom,
 
It was a beautiful weekend here. Although I love Mondays, I hated to see this weekend end. The weather was perfect, I went to a wonderful party for a couple filled with the love of their family and friends, I had a nice conversation with a friend of mine, I went to water aerobics and I accomplished a couple of chores around the house.
 
Looking at the above paragraph, I can certainly see where my priorities are. Almost everything I do has to do with people except for the chores and they are at the bottom of the list. LOL Unfortunately, exercise is at the second bottom item on my list.  That is telling for me. The good news is that exercise MADE my list! It also shows me the power in writing. My question to you is… do you know what your priorities are? 
 
AffirMINTion: I make my plans according to my priorities
 
Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.
 
What are you waiting for?
 
Life is good!
 
A Mini Minty MoMint
 
“If you want to make good use of your time, you’ve got to know what’s most important and then give it all you’ve got.”~ Lee Iacocca
 
My mom says that I am one of her main priorities and I know it cause my mom spends lots of time with me… AND I LIKE IT!

Life is Minty Fresh!
xoxo

 

My mom plays with me

Do You Know Your ‘Why’?

6/27/2011

Good morning, Mintdom,

I am running late this morning so this will be short.  I was supposed to walk with my girlfriend this morning no matter what the weather was like (we decided last night to walk indoors if it was raining). We did not make it. My friend was up all night with a sick dog and I had a headache, and nothing seemed to help it.  It has mostly subsided this morning. My girlfriend and I will try again on Wednesday.

This morning, I was not going to write, but then I started thinking (are you smelling smoke?) and remembering ‘my why’ I write to you.

My mission is by sharing my journey towards a healthy balanced life; it will encourage and empower people to take charge of their own lives.

I want to share my entire journey – the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Here are my questions to you this morning:

Have you forgotten why you are doing what you are doing?

Do you turn to your ‘whys’ when you are ready to quit?

Do you know why you are working on today’s plan?

Can you directly relate tomorrow’s schedule to the ‘why’ of your goals?

I am asking myself these same questions. Stay tuned for more for my answers. I can tell you this; just writing these questions has helped me to focus. 

Here is my new theme song http://tinyurl.com/uglybadgood  LOL

AffirMINTion: I keep my ‘whys’ in front of me.

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.

What are you waiting for?

Life is good!

A Mini Minty MoMINT

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out…”~ Robert Collier

My mom says that I am one of her ‘whys’ for leading a healthy lifestyle… and I like it!

Life is Minty Fresh!

I was so little

 

 

 

xoxo

My first day with my Mom – I was little. Yesterday I went for my one-year checkup and I now weigh a whopping 8.9 pounds!  I am a big girl!

Happy Father’s Day to ALL the Dad’s!

Happy Father’s Day to all the GREAT Fathers in Mintdom,

I know there are some great dads out there and I would love to hear from the sons and daughters about their dads.  Please feel free to share your dads with us here.  I do not think that Dads get as much recognition as they should get, especially these days. So come on… celebrate your Dads this week! 

Of course, I think that I have the BEST dad in the whole world.  The top five words that come to my mind when I think of my father are Integrity, Dutiful, Family, Provider, and Courageous.  

My dad spent most of his career in the association business. His career allowed my mom to stay home with us (five kids) growing up. I think one of the best things about my dad is that I always knew that he loved his family. Even though he traveled a lot, I never doubted that he was thinking about us. I cannot remember a time that he went on a trip and did not bring us all some little trinket.  After attending a convention, he would make us stay out of his room while he spread out all sorts of doodads on the bed and then call us into the room to let us take turns picking things out until they were all gone.  It was so much fun! 

To be perfectly honest, things were not smooth sailing for my dad and me.  We always had family dinners together.  Now my dad did not get home until about 7:00 most nights.  I do not remember that dad had a lot of time to decompress between work and coming home to five kids, and to be perfectly honest, things were not always smooth sailing at the dinner table when I was a teenager.  I can remember many times, my dad saying something sarcastic that would send me flying away from the dinner table in tears, stomping up the stairs and slamming the door to my room. My dad would make me come back to “finish the nice dinner my mom made”. Things eventually evened out at the dinner table, probably because I grew up or maybe it was something that my dad showed me years later when I had my own children. That is when he gave me a book that he said helped him a lot. It was called ‘Between Parent and Child’ by Heim Ginott. As I was leafing through it, I saw paragraphs that my dad marked that talked about how harmful sarcasm could be.  There was also a note in pencil that said something like, “I will stop sarcastic remarks”. 

One of the most dramatic moments, I had with my dad was when he sat my brother, Jon and I down one evening and told us that mom had cancer. At that time, just the word cancer meant probable death. He said that she had gone to several expert doctors (one said that he would amputate her arm). The doctor that they chose was going to cut the cancer out.  My dad and my mom had five kids at the time and I think that the youngest was only two years old. I could tell that this was serious, but my dad was so reassuring that I did not realize that mom had the worst kind of cancer you could have. He never let on how scared he was. That before the age of 40, he could be a widower with five kids.  It turned out that mom had malignant melanoma and she was her doctor’s only surviving patient with that kind of cancer for over ten years.  Thank God, my mom is still healthy and happy today! 

On a lighter note – I have always felt that I could go to my dad with almost anything.  For instance, I went to my dad to ask him what a ‘wet dream’ was.  I figured that it happened to boys so he would be the one to ask.  I do not know how my dad felt about it, but he barely skipped a beat and just gave me the answer. 

My dad shows his love to his family and country.  My dad votes every election, he has definite political leanings, yet he allows all of us to share ours. My dad is still active in his 82nd airborne group.  He still takes mom on romantic trips to Europe. It is so nice to see them both holding hands and going out on dates together.   

Today, dad is out fishing with my cousin all day.  I sure hope he catches his limit – he deserves it!

AffirMINTion: I am grateful to have the BEST dad in the world. 

Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to. 

What are you waiting for?

Life is good! 

A Mini Minty MoMINT 

I love my mom’s dad too.  He takes me for walks and brings me treats when he is home… AND I LIKE IT! 

Life is Minty Fresh

Hanging Out and Waiting for a Treat!

xoxo