Our Lifestyle Articles will assist you in your journey to living your best life, through our Dare To Be Lifestyle philosophy.

Happiness is a Journey

There are days when I really have to remind myself that happiness is a journey. Have you ever said, “When I complete this task or finish this project I will be happy because I will have time to do all that I need to do.” As I write this I find myself laughing as I take a look at my busy life and wonder where the time goes and how I will ever get it all done. I am the mother of 3 wonderful children ages 11, 7 and 5. They are healthy, smart and strong minded individuals who bring many gifts to my life. I often find myself thinking of the things these 3 children are here to teach me as I run the gauntlet of parenting, filled with moments of joy, heartache, laughter, togetherness and all those other wonderful feelings parenting brings.

Life is a journey we all take; some of us are blessed to have children in our lives who often say things just as they see them. If I ever want an honest opinion on how I look, I warily ask my 11 year old daughter, who is all too happy to share it with me, whether I like it or not. If it is a reminder that I am spending too much time working, then it is my 5 and 7 year olds who, when told not to bother me when I am on the phone, inform me I have been on the phone all afternoon and that they need me, “NOW,” in their own sweet way. Thank goodness I have these anchors in my life to bring me back to the important things that I need to focus on.

I had the privilege of attending a funeral of a family friend this weekend, he was an 80 year old man who had spent his life devoted to his family, religion and anyone in need. As his adult children took the stand to share their thoughts on their father I couldn’t help thinking about what my children would be saying at my funeral. I then got to thinking of how I am living my life daily; am I walking the walk and not just talking the talk? Do I really give my children the time they need for them to know that I will always be there for them? Am I showing them that everyday is a gift and that we need to get as much out of each day as we can, that we need to show love for others through our thoughts and actions.

I remember a few years ago I would say, when my kids are in school I will have so much more time for me, I will be able to do all the things that I can’t do now yet as I send my 3 to school each day I find myself busier than ever. I have found other things to fill my time with, other things to focus my attention on. I have come to the conclusion that no matter where I am in life, I will always be busy and truthfully, I love being busy. I love having a purpose everyday and I love helping others. I know that today is a gift and that I need to take a moment to enjoy it and look for the good in each day. I am grateful for so many wonderful things in my life, it is in the moments of quiet reflection I realize that I have much to be happy about. My life is scattered with precious moments and if I really take the time to reflect, although my journey may be busy, it will be a happy one.

Just over a decade ago, I was at a time in my life where things were a little harder than I had ever imagined life to be. I was sad, lonely and wondered if a light would ever go on again in my life. I am pleased to tell you that of course it did, but it was during that very difficult time I learned to really count the good things that happen in my life. If you are going through a difficult situation I would encourage you as an individual, as a family, as a community to find one good thing in each day that you can be thankful for. Some days may be harder than others but write them down, share them and remember them because “Happiness is a journey not a destination.”

Dare To Dream February 2009

It was with a smile that I listened to a news report about 3 young children in Germany, found at a railway station alone. Two of the youngsters age 5 and 6 had decided they were going to get married and the other one was going to be the witness. They were on their way to the airport where they were planning on taking a plane, to Africa!!

These 3 children had it all worked out, the only things they had left out were the details. The lack of such things as tickets, money and other essentials for such a trip did not deter them and no doubt in their minds, such details weren’t that important. They had a dream and they were going to make it a reality. As I went about my day the story stayed with me and made me smile; then it made me think!! To us adults it is the details that are important and all too often our dreams are the victims of this. Instead of believing things are possible we all too often focus on the details and ask too many questions which inevitably destroy the dream. Of course for dreams to become a reality details are vital; but while in the process of dreaming we need to just imagine and let our hearts do the thinking. It is in those moments when we allow our minds and hearts to work together that we discover more about what we really want from life.

I love to dream and imagine the possibilities, in some cases my dreams have become a reality. But, if I had stayed focused on the details of those dreams and allowed them to consume the energy I received from having a dream, it is unlikely I would have gone further as I would have been bogged down with the details. Sometimes we just need to accept we have a dream, share it and bit by bit we may see it become a reality. Taking time to dream is an important part of who we are and what we can become. Remember, dreams have no expiry date and they are yours. When you share your dream with others be aware; the other person does not have the same vision and passion for it as you, don’t let allow anyone to trample on your dreams, they belong to you.

“Logic will get you from A to B, imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein

Begin With the End in Mind January 2009

Earlier this week I came across the statement ‘begin with the end in mind’ and it really got me thinking about the way I perceive my life and the things I do. We all want success in our lives but I believe we have to be moving towards making them happen and what a perfect line to live by as we start a new year.

Have you ever noticed that all great cook books have full color pictures of what the end result should look like? The pictures both inspire and give us hope that if we follow the details, we will have the same success. However, if we don’t have much success the first time around, we can always try again. Another great thing about a recipe is that we usually ‘begin with the end in mind.’ When we begin the recipe we have an idea formed of what we want the end result to look like.

It is with this thought that I enter 2009. Like you, I have hopes and dreams for the year to come; I have talents that I want to discover, and hope for family, work and play. As the clock ticks nearer to the year end, I find myself looking at my mental list wondering if any of those thoughts will become a reality. So, here I am just a few hours away from the milestone of another year trying to picture what the year may hold. I know for many, due to the economy and the world turmoil, we all have a little fear within us. I can’t control what the economy will do or the other world issues, but I do have control over my own thoughts and dreams.

The statement that I read, ‘begin with the end in mind’ has had a powerful effect on me over the last few days. I remember as a teenager my mom would tell me, “If you are going to do a job, it’s worth doing it properly.” That thought still rings through my head whenever I am tempted to cut corners on a job. So it should be the same with my own life; I should in fact begin with the end in mind and if I am going to do a job, do it well. What is the desired result; how do I picture myself during 2009, what are some of the goals I wish to achieve and how am I going to achieve them? Do I just hope for a great year and leave it at that or do I really believe that I can make it a great year for me and my family. Sure, some of my hopes and dreams are lofty, such as a place on Oprah’s couch sharing the story of Dare To Be…but most are quite small and involve what I can do to create a safe and happy place for my family. I also would love to lose a few pounds, go on a trip and make more precious memories with my family and friends. .

Like all of you I have no idea what 2009 will hold for me, all I know is if I want the desired result I need to have a picture in my mind of achieving it. Realistically it is unlikely I will lose a few pounds if I don’t consciously make an effort towards doing so and it is the same with everything else in my life. I would encourage you as you start a new year to ‘begin with the end in mind,’ with all you do. Make a picture board in your mind or one that you can look at each day and remember to dare to dream, dare to just be, dare to be YOU and dare to be the Change in your own life and in the life of others.
Happy New Year from Dare to Be!

Making Time For Memories December 2008

It has been a wonderful 1st month for Dare To Be, we have much to be grateful for. We are so excited at the response we have had from everyone and look forward to our plans for the New Year. We hope to meet up again with those we have met and look forward to meeting others too.

As I enter this busy Christmas season with my endless to do lists, I often find myself longing for the holiday spirit to enter my home and my heart. As women we are often the ones responsible for bringing that magical feeling into the home. We decorate, bake, clean, shop, plan and plan some more. As I enter the 12 days of Christmas I find myself wondering if I am ever going to get it all done, on time and on budget. Is this what it is all about?

I have much of my family overseas and at this time of year I long to step into their world if only for a day and visit with them. At this time of year I long to spend time building lasting memories with my children; so in 10 years time when my oldest is an adult we will be able to talk about the things we did together. It is at this time of year that I long to spend time with my friends and show how grateful I am for their influence in my life, and enjoy laughing together at the things in our lives we find overwhelming. At this time of the year I am aware of people who find this season difficult and I long to do something to brighten their day. Yet, as I countdown the 12 days of Christmas have I left time for these things to happen? Have I taken the time to plan or look for a fun family activity, or do I just expect it to happen? Have I scheduled a visit with girl friends whether it is over the phone or in person, or do I just keep thinking how nice it would be to get together? Have I figured out a way I can make a difference to some ones unfortunate circumstances or do I just say I wish there was some way I could help?

This year I am taking some things off my list and adding some things in their place. Sure, I may not have home baked cookies or goodies to deliver but I can do other things that bring joy.

So as my countdown to the big day begins, I want to remember that I need to enjoy the journey to this special day. Christmas for me is the whole of December and I hope to fill it with things that mean something to me and those around me. We all have too much ‘stuff’ and I know the gift of time is something we all appreciate and need more of. So here are my 12 days of Christmas things to do. I hope they inspire you to enjoy the season and Dare to be in the moment. Take it all in and remember you are special to someone and you are loved and admired for all you do.

My 12 Days of Christmas Countdown

Take time each day to reflect on the things I am grateful for.

Let my kids know I love them by giving them the gift of time. Color with them, play a board game, read a book etc.

Spend some quality time with my family and find something we can do together whether it is a visit to the movie theatre or playing in the snow.

Do an act of service and get my family involved. Help them to realize how great it is to do things for others.

Take a moment to call that person who I know will be thrilled to hear from me.

Play Christmas music loud and dance and sing like no-one is watching.

Meet up with my girlfriend if only for a short visit…time is worth more than anything.

Take time each day for me: read a book, watch a show, write in a journal or just be still

Instead of baking my Christmas goodies, make it a fun outing to pick them out at the store and think of all the time I have saved myself.

When I think of complaining about my lot, think of someone else who is in a far worse position than me.

Enjoy the time I am at in my life, I may not always have children in the house at Christmas.

When I am feeling overwhelmed over worked and overstressed take a moment to breathe and remember why I am doing everything I am doing.