On Parenting

Photo credit: art.com My child is a unique individual: thoughtful, perceptive, wildly inquisitive, fiercely independent. And while I believe I played a part in enhancing these traits and allowing them to flourish, I don't believe I am responsible for them. Oh no! He came here that way. Those things are just what make us compatible mother-son partners for his journey. I understand these aspects of his personality, and the truth of who I am allows me to relate to him, and to test him and to help him push beyond his limits. You see, I don't believe that as parents we are meant to try and turn our children into miniature versions of ourselves. Sometimes,...

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Prayer for Beauty

by Anita Revel, from The Goddess Diet, See a Goddess in the Mirror in 21 Days. I goddess, ask for the willpower to take charge of my life, my body and my habits, for the sake of my health, peace of mind and self-respect. I goddess, believe my body is sacred, a treasure and a pleasure, a luscious wonder and miraculous manifestation of the respect I have for my magnificent Self. I goddess, am ready to receive blessings of dignity and grace during my transition, good health, and renewed energy to do anything I set my mind to. With love to myself, and for myself. From PLP...

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Be About It

Remember how people used to talk smack on the playground when you were little? One of the things you could taunt that made you sound tough and fearless was, "Don't talk about it, be about it." Meaning "I'm not afraid. Do what you will. Bring it on!" As children, we had no idea of the power of those words, but lo and behold they actually ring quite true into adulthood. We have to be just as unafraid now as we were then, challenging life to "bring it on!" and do what it will, because we can certainly handle it. When you're going about making changes in your life, or reaching for your dreams, don't just talk about it, be about it: If you're sure...

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Do you see what I see?

photo credit: http://www.desicomments.com When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Your imperfections? Your big this or small that? Do you see a reflection of criticism, thoughtless comments and judgments? Is it easier to perceive your uniqueness as unbecoming than it is to own it as oh so right for you? Do you long for thicker hair? straighter hair? clearer skin? smaller waist? larger breasts? Do you see all the things you can't afford, haven't accomplished and the vices you have yet to overcome? Do you see all the people who have told you that you can't, you won't or you shouldn't? Do you see all the moving obstacles in your path?...

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About Labels

Often, when something happens in our lives that elicits a strong emotion like joy or excitement, we label this thing that has happened as "good". Likewise, when something happens in our lives that elicits a strong emotion like sadness, hurt or anger, we label this thing that has happened as "bad". The thing to remember though, is that these are labels, created by imperfect humans, that do not speak to the true definition of a thing. Often, we feel hurt or sad because of our attachments to people and things. There is absolutely nothing wrong with attachment as it is a very natural human thing. But, we have to be able to let go of these same things...

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The Art of Silence

By nature, I am a quiet, laid-back, thoughtful person. I’ve been called everything from shy and reserved to stuck-up and conceited, because at times, my silence makes people feel uncomfortable. I used to think something was wrong with me for being this way and that I should change myself to make others feel more comfortable. Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate my ability to sit back and peacefully observe people and situations. I try to choose my words thoughtfully, because once they are out of your mouth, you can’t take them back. We should all ask ourselves before we speak, “Is it thoughtful, is it kind, does it improve upon the silence?”...

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Spend Little, Live Much

photo credit: art.com It's that time of year, lovelies! Holiday shopping is in full swing, and I don't know about you, but I am not trying to overspend this year. I am on a mission to simplify my life. I am the only one who can do it, because I am the only one guilty of making it complicated. That's hard to admit, because I so badly want to point fingers, but it's true. I came across the following post at http://zenhabits.net/ , one of my favorite self-development and empowerment websites. It's kinda long, so I've shortened it for PLPT. To read the post in its entirety, click here. It's definitely a worthwhile read to help you get your mind...

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