Fear.

To define it: "A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid."

What if there is no immediate obvious danger looming? Is it then our imagination to blame for the hollowness that it creates? The unknowing, the fear of the unknown.

Where does this emotion come from? Why do we feel it as often as we do? It is our natural instinct to protect what we have, and our loved ones. Protect: "To defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss; cover or shield from injury or danger". We often protect out of fear.

Fear is natural, it makes us human. It is important that we are aware of it, and understand that it comes from a place of love. In the meantime, we should keep remembering that "The only thing to fear is fear itself".

Today, I choose to not allow my fears to take over. I choose to belive that my loved ones are safe: "Free from hurt, injury, danger, or risk".

To all the Mama's....

My Mamma's.....you know who you are. You are amazing women. Your bodies have been through amazing things. You have managed to survive 9 months ++ of growing bellies, back aches, feet aches, head aches, heart aches, cankle aches, leg aches, and various other aches that should not be listed here.

You have gone through the incredible emotinoal roller coaster from finding out you were having a baby (For some planned, and others...well....a pleasant surprise!) to reading about each trimester, and then actually experieincing it for real. Your hormones have taught you new levels of ups and downs. Your daily contemplations of "Am I doing this right?" have always been proven correct when you surrender to your natural instincts.

Like thousands of women before you, spread over centuries of time - you have learned how precious and utterly amazing motherhood is.

I have watched you all. I have listened, and I have learned. Each day is a blessing, and every moment I spend with your bundles of love and I am thankful to be a part of your changing worlds.

The 10% Journey

So far, my blogging has mostly been about personal things, little comments, observations about life, ups and downs. Another topic to discuss, which is one of the main reasons that I started blogging in the first place, is my choice to re-focus my lifestyle by following the Weight Watchers program. I am one of those "Loose 30 lbs, Gain 30 lbs" kinda gals. Always have been. (Mind you, the gaining and loosing always takes place over 2-3 year span each time - which, from what I have been reading - is quite common). However, I would like to stop buying the larger pants, and just continue getting smaller ones.

Regardless, here I am - trying it again. I will succeed, I know how to. I have done this before. I just wanted to mention it, because I may have comments about it from time to time. The ups, the downs, the wins, the losses, the celebrations.

The 10% Journey. As of today, I am about 1/3 of the way there. This is my first goal. Loose 10% of my total body weight. Then, I see how I feel - and re-evaluate. Maybe go for the 2nd 10%...?

Welcome to the Journey.

Wishin' and Hopin'...

The traffic light is red as I approach, I slow down to a rolling pace. If the light turns green before I stop - then I release my wish.

Numbers. Counting cracks in the sidewalk, stairs in the flight I am walking, number of cables on a bridge, odd numbers. They are the best. If it ends at an odd number, then I release my wish.

Birthday Candles, always a classic.

A favorite song comes on the radio at the perfect time, when I am in desperate need of a smile, and I release my wish.

Opening the door to the crisp night's air, and taking in a deep breath. I look up for a shining star, if I see one immediately, then I close my eyes and release my wish.

I use to wish often. Quite often actually. It may sound silly, but this is something that I have always done, ever since I was a little girl. I am not a superstitious person, I just like to think of what is "Out there". I send my good vibes into the universe, and wish for them to come back to me, and enrich my soul.

Why is it that I don't wish as often as I use to? Most likely because I am in a great place in my life. I am happy. Content. Safe. Less guarded. Blessed. Most of all, I am greatful.

I am living the wishes that I have longed for. There are a few within me still to be cast, but I know they will appear when I am ready to release them, but for now, I am greatful to be living and experiencing the things I have been wishin' and hopin' for.

Make your wish. You have to acknowledge the things that you want in life in order to make them happen.