To worry, or not to worry...that is the question!

Summer is suppose to be a time of rejuvenation, a time to relax while enjoying the warmth of the sun and the energy it provides us with. Especially for students, the summer is a time to leave those school woes behind and bask in many well deserved adventures and memories alongside some neglected ol' pals. But why is it, that even with school finished for the year, and with May temperatures already reaching 35 degrees C. many people ( at least in my life, including myself) can't find the time or reason to relax. I know this blog is supposed to be one of the uplifting kind, filled with funny anecdotes and lighthearted stories and thoughts, but, I need to bring attention to this matter and the fact that we're all in it together! I promise to end on positive note...or at least, I hope to. ;)

Life moves so quickly. Even during those long, drawn out days; you may not realize it at that moment, but your life is passing you by. The old saying comes to mind, "Don't forget to stop and smell the roses," and personally, I often do forget. It seems I'm always in rush, or in some kind of panic over money, time, friends, family or just situations that I create in my head because I apparently have nothing better to do. LOL I think we as a society, don't take the time to breathe, to feel fully without criticism, or to think-through situations. When we feel a wave anxiety come overhead, we panic. We forget at that moment, to ask questions:
What has caused me to react this way?
Why should/would this affect me?
What can I do right now to help this situation?
These questions can provide some relief, but are often forgotten about.

Anxiety usually rears its ugly head after a build up of suppressed emotions that can no longer stay in hiding. There is too much pressure and criticism put on emotional release. THIS IS WHO WE ARE! We are people, humans, beings that are meant to feel pain when you scrape your knee, the betrayal of people you thought were your friends, the sadness when someone close to you passes away. These are all normal reactions and emotions. We have to be less critical of ourselves and of each other. If we dealt these emotions when they first surfaced perhaps we wouldn't have a full blown release at work or in the middle of dinner. Even so, we should be there for one another, not judge each other and think, "God, what a drama queen/cry baby!" Be gentle and have a little empathy.

One way of combating this "disorder" is in your breath. A great, big 'ol belly breath! I know we've all heard that ten full breaths will calm your heart rate.....and it's true. So do it! We take breathing for granted. Its automatic; we do it without thinking. But actually try to be mindful of how you breathe, of how your body wants to naturally breathe. Perhaps it needs a really deep, full grab of air, or maybe a few stable short breaths will do it...just tap in, be aware, and respect yourself.

The thing about life is that things always seem to work out! I'm not saying to NOT take any responsibility for your life/actions, but to place trust in your family, friends and most importantly yourself. We're often to proud or ashamed to ask for help or guidance, but to no surprise if we, ourselves, were ever called upon, we would help without a second thought.

Looking over this entry I realize, I need to take my own advice! haha These thoughts and tips are nothing new to any of us. But sometimes we all need a little reminder from time to time. :)

And the Summer Begins....

First allow me to apologize for slacking in the blogging department. I got a little swept away with school this past month and didn't have much time or energy to try and think of positive anecdotes or stories to write. lol
But as of tomorrow, my first year of Humber PR will be completed, I move to Kensington this Saturday and then my summer of love, music, and soul can begin!
Mmmmm summer! There are so many beautiful things about that season that I enjoy. Do not be fooled though, I was not always a fan of summer. I mean, I don't think I could live in a country where it is essentially summer all year long. I appreciate summer because it is part of the four seasons that us Canadians are blessed to have and experience.

Things I love About Summer:

flowy dresses
birkenstocks
golden sun-kissed skin
cottaging/camping
drum circles and impromptu outdoor dance parties/jam sessions
spiced rum
ice cream!
long summer hours of sun
Bonnaroo :)
summer flings
skinny dipping
smores'
orchard blossoms
local fruit and veggie stands back home
wine tastings at local wineries
and the list goes on......

I know I should enjoy the season at hand, but when its this close, I mean, you can smell summer is just around the corner....you can't help but pull out your summer clothes and sandals, sangria pitchers and sun tan lotion. I can't wait to experience a summer downtown in the heart of Toronto. Magic....absolute magic :)

We are all a child of destiny

I think it was at the end of last summer that I came to this conclusion....now,this is merely my own opinion, and in no way or form am I trying to push my beliefs upon anyone....

As I sat down one day reflecting on that summer, that year, all my travels and experiences, I realized that it is not our lives that are predetermined, those in fact we are in control of. It is the people that walk into our lives that are destined, and there for a specific reason or lesson. No matter how brief the encounter, or how minimal the conversation is, they are there on a secret unknown mission. It is up to us whether we want to acknowledge their teachings, and it is up to us whether we want to apply those teachings to further ourselves along in the creation of our own destiny. When you think of that old flame who broke your heart, that co-worker that walked all over you, or that wise ol'woman behind the counter of your favourite cafe...they all came into your life at a certain time, for a specific reason. And if you open your eyes the next time you meet someone, perhaps you'll see what lesson it was that you were meant to share. :)