Sometimes BIG STEPS allow us to go onto BIGGER THINGS

Original art by Jeannette Marshall #CalgaryBlogger (c) optioneerJM

I have butterflies in my belly.

Done. I am nervous.

We just signed away our house at the same time as submitted an offer on a new place - seems like one swift sweep.

There's a lot of things up in the air at the same time.
Its a big step after living where we are for 25 years for me, and 13 years as a couple.

Sure hoping there's nothing other major that happens.  I seem to be squeezing my eyes mentally constantly, waiting for the next bombshell in our lives.

Reading the Bible has been meditative for me.  It sheds light from understanding the reasons Christians have such strong faith.  Similarly, for others, the Q'ran or HINDU or Buddhists I'm sure.  

I have had to really work on faith and putting my trust in the hands of the lord.

On my knees begging for help and apologizing and asking forgiveness.

Taught by my sister that I am not being punished.  My mother keeps telling me to stop being so hard on myself.  My best friend says that I'm stronger than I think.  She's helping us make everything happen on the move.  A real true authentic angel.  I'm lucky I've known her 40 years.  That's a test of time.

I'm going to make a living from social media.  I've said that in the beginning in 2007 - March.  13 years ago.  It took me 10 years to build a following on Twitter, only for them to chop it away.  I have all the details and communications chain to create a separate blog - just another on my blog and other to do list.  

That seems to be mushrooming as my procrastination nature is being put to the test.  I can't put things off any more.  The sad part being that Rob is a much worse procrastinator than me, and we feed off each other.  Ironically, when we first met and were married we had a great deal of energy.  Blending 4 teenagers, 3 of them girls into a family of 6 over night.  That did expel a bit of energy, not going to lie.

(c) Jeannette Marshall

I've assessed, reviewed, asked questions a great deal.  Bored my daughter to bits re-iterating every detail to her and the hubby as well.  Separately, together, so they've heard the same things at least three times.  That's before the other daughters come for a visit and it's shared again.

They'd love to turn off the taps to the churn I'm under.  Recovering from breast cancer has been a bit more of an uphill climb than my delusional self ignored.  Be strong for everyone for so many years and being able to react under pressure has been my norm for most of my adult life.  Finishing college in 1981, starting a career in 1981, getting married at 21 in 1982, having a child in 1989, 2 more in the 1990s while my career took off.

I think the amount of stress you've lived under, your habits like smoking and or drinking all impact whether you'll get ill, especially with cancer.

Cutting back on my stress is most likely what the doctor should order.  

We'll be able to really cut back our living expenses as we currently live in a place where two salaries made things work and now one LTD only meant a lot of tightening up the hatches.  Cut back on to needs instead of wants.

I'm going to still continue writing and posting on social media as I continue to develop my art (per examples) but more importantly am looking to launch my own postcard business with my art images for blogs, profiles, advertising, social media posts since the feedback is that it was worth noticing and inquiring whether I could do animation (from instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/optioneerjm/

I do not own this nor did I create this image.

You can check it out just search my name Jeannette Marshall and go to my other blog on leadership, sales and social media -- I'm offering so that others can  either pay to use my content or pay me to place your tasteful ad inserted within a post (see content on right to highest views) on the pages (sidebars) or within the content inserted like the images on this post.  Cutting out the middle man.

A social media friend started a GO FUND ME campaign on Facebook - it got $18.  Unfortunately, inaccessible because it was set up on the US.  I don't really like asking for money from friends.  It's bad for business, friendships, families, relationships.  Period.  Then again, it is a very long term friend who is helping is move on to the next phase of our lives:  survival.

Perhaps one door ALWAYS OPENS when one closes.
I'm active on LINKED IN - I'd suggest you follow me there minimum so you see my posts regularly and set up your professional profile and reputation management control... and jump on board.

Jeannette

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Celebrate CREATIVITY

So many things to aspire to and be inspired by.  Here is a gallery of quotes blended with quotes, as I prove:  PRACTICE does make PERFECT [and I have a long way to go .... and will keep trying].

I hope you like one or two ... let me know which one is your favorite or if I missed one of your's.

I am celebrating creativity.  A form of coping in a unruly world of controversy, chaos and so many decisions in the life of opportunity.  Rely on nobody else.  There is no one more invested in YOU than YOU.

YOU, too, can be a *SUPERSTAR***

I really like the direction I am going in
after reflection, digging deep down and unmasking some goals, I have started to focus a bit better.

An interaction with someone
who could mentor me caused a chain reaction ::... stepping outside my fingertips and simply taking a stroll around.

What is the main message 
or how have I grown?  That being at the eureka phase of life where a treasure trove of happiness floats.

We can talk about karma
or charisma or vibe ::... falling short on real wonderful qualities that attracts both the gifted and the live-long learner.

The last kick at the cat
is where mid-life crisis collide with diminishing time ::... on the earth.  Can we safely and calmly say that we will leave the world a better place than when we entered it.

Borrowing the theme
from "It's a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart.  My favorite Christmas movie of all time.  WOW, and it isn't even half way past or to the Holiday Season we acknowledge by "Merry Christmas" greetings.

Let's borrow the theme then
regardless of age or gender.  Because if you are mature enough to read this PG blog, you should be able to understand the challenge being put forth.

Grab a notebook and a pen
or a tablet or anything with a keyboard that can capture your thoughts. 

Ask yourself this
very important question ::..... if you were no longer here tomorrow, regardless of cause, would you have left the world a better place?

Being honest with yourself
is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
Like one of my father's quotes:  "U may think ur fooling most of the people most of the time, the only person you are fooling is yourself".

Do not stretch the truth
if you feel compelled to list your many accomplishments, like having wonderful children, snug with the love of your life, in your big badass house, surrounded by oodles of material "things".

Will you leave the world
a better place? If not, you better get cracking and get at it.  In the peaceful euphoric world that one could ever imagine, many before have accomplished such a feat.

The few and far betweeners
on a very exclusive and minute list of great and honorable people who put there best out there every single day.   Almost with a goal to make every single today, better in tomorrows, from the being in that day to make that speach or say that quote, that inspires someone, holds the fallen upright, without fear or consideration on how it may affect them, personally, whether by prosecution, slander real or from fame.

The story of humanity 
in their words tell us tales of tribute, gratitude, humility, as they evolve and become storytellers.  Either stories about themselves and/or their great deeds, not dwelt upon their human failings, which we are bade to not judge others from any spiritual guide (i.e. The Bible, The Quo-ran).

Pope Francis
The Daili Lama
Mother Theresa
Nelson Mendella
Princess Diana
Queen Elizabeth
Mohammed
Jesus

Whichever order or fashion  
I didn't list by importance, just who came to mind.  Then there are those who were more clouded by controversy then the gifts they imparted:

Michael Jackson
Steve Jobs
President John F. Kennedy
Picasso
Matisse

Plenty more unknown to us
step out every day and help others without expectation of any reward.  Some may flourish with wealth and fame, while others toil towards their personalized end game.  Like George in "It's a Wonderful Life" everyone can leave their mark and sometimes can choose the Epilogue or Epitaph engraved on their tomb or urn or grave.  Who leave the world a better place

My sister, Diana
Gives of her time and attention and holy intervention is helping kids who would otherwise have been cast aside.  Lucky for us, the world no longer sympathizes if anyone is hidden away, institutionalized, or slandered.

Contrary to popular belief
People want someone to look up to, in admiration and not clouded by fame.  

People are smarter
than most scammers would admit.  Are antennae are  on high alert.  More and more each day.

Fearful more than optimistic
looking for someone, some thing, or some event to lift us up and restore our confidence in human kind.

Like the names before us
to whatever degree or shame.  They had faults like the rest of us, yet we held them to a higher standard, demanded perfection from our icons.

#ART of the day ... 
by Marcia Baldwin
 { insert link to website }

#WEBSITE of the day .... Thesaurus.com

Images inspire creativity and soul purpose

It occurred to me tonight, as we spring forward, that there are so many images and quotes that can inspire me.  Likely anyone for that matter.

Whether you be an insomniac like I can be so many times, or an early riser in other parts, one can enjoy peaceful solitude or united solidarity with talented people of the world, from around the world.

It should be impossible to feel lonely in this brave new world, where just about anything we do, is centered on a computer or television screens.  Our jobs, our entertainment, our creativity, our memories.

Like so many others, life is in control.  It sometimes leaves gaps on the online world when you become enveloped with warmth from real life events, family, friends.  

More often, you are in survival mode in the outside world:  juggling jobs, finances, commitments, obligations, taxes, crises, pushing dreams and goals to the bottom of the pressure broil of keeping things together, whether mentally exhausted or morale challenged.

So what do you do?  To find a release to avoid the pressure explode with stress, health ailments, energy depletion .... what can help?

Creativity can be an escape. 
Like exercise is optimum for ongoing health invigoration,  so can creativity be a great way to exorcise those demons pressing down on you from real commitments.  

Take a stroll through the universe .... online.  For images that appeal to your senses, make you smile, make you in awe.  Look for quotes that speak to you personally, that can inspire you to move on from just barely getting by to where you belong.

Your sole purpose in life makes your soul sing.  Finding images to escape to and enjoy can go a step further when merged with stimulating verses or quotes.  Be moved to create your own.  That can be creative.  That can be a release.

Be at peace every day.  Be satisfied with what you have.  Don't try to reach too far into the future so that you have lost the gift of enjoyment of today. 





It is in you to be enveloped in a positive enjoyable world.  To discover what it is will guide you to what others find similarly mirrored philosophy and talent unfolds, makes connection.

Mindfulness mindset

The following post was originally shared on  JMgallery where I curate art, photography, images that speak to me.  Today, these depictions focus on mindfulness which is an art within itself.  The above captures my positive mindset and peaceful focus to allow me to become present in the NOW.  To be appreciative of the WOW!  Yes the quote and the image harmoniously flowed together to create a positive vibe sent out to the universe.  I can't do anything constructive about my woes at the moment so you allow it to drift away.  Efficiently filed to be handled effectively, like you usually do.  



The art of mindfulness
Practicing the art of mindfulness is a lot harder than it sounds.  In principle, you are meant to focus on this minute, this second.  Building awareness of all things, people, events happening around you in the moment for the moment.  Discipline and meditation are definitely helpful to reach this art of being at peace with oneself in the universe.  Forgiving, forgetting and forgoing any despondency or regrets, do differently, and if only I had.

Visually, it is easier to center on yourself in the moment.  I've gathered some art to forget bitter memories, beating up one's self for mistakes and least of all removing worry about tomorrow.  All you have is this moment.  

You ARE lucky.
You are here, you are now.  What you do differently this very second can bring inner peace and thankfulness for what you have.  No allowances for reflections of moments gone past, or fervour on what you desperately want tomorrow.  All you have is today.

What can you do differently?
Discarding annoyance is a favor you gift to yourself.  Opening up your mind and heart to others that may seem different to you is a gift of mindfulness.  

Discover the secret
Let the past melt away.  Forget about goals, dreams, wants, needs.  What do you have in this present moment?  Eyesight to enjoy beautiful images, hands to create beauty, ears to hear melodies that sing to your soul.  

Beauty: from within
Is harmony between the heart and the soul, joined in symphony to bring inner peace.  The best thing you can do is listen to your favorite music and gaze upon and marvel at the little things that center you, dissuade you from dwelling on the past or striving for that which is beyond reach.