Strength In Numbers!

Hello everyone,

It's been a week of reflection, of wondering how to make a difference when all seems helpless. I recently discovered that a member of my family has an incurable disease. When I heard the news, I was left feeling numb and dumbfounded, unable to process what I was just told!

I quickly did what every person does when they don't have a clue about something...I googled it! I tried to learn everything I could about this disease and discovered that even though we haven't found a cure, all is not hopeless.

I believe that every person has a mindset, that every person deals with life's unexpected events in different ways. Those of us who view the cup as half empty, are quick to give up, admit defeat, and have no hope for the future...I am this way, but I also have many people in my life that I go to, that say all the right things when tragedy strikes, lift me up, and tell me that everything will work  out. Strength in numbers!

I decided that I could do something, even though there isn't a cure for ALS yet! I decided to send a message to all my fam and friends about my idea. I want to start a team, raise money and awareness for this debilitating disease, and give hope to those who are living with ALS right now! I couldn't believe the response I got and look forward to walking 5 km with everyone in June.

Family and friends give us strength when bad things happen to us. I am blessed to have an amazing group of people in my life and count my blessings daily! With the recent addition to our family, I feel more blessed than ever. I have someone else I can lean on when I am not strong, someone who knows what to say and what to do when all hope is gone!

This season is a season of new beginnings, of counting my blessings, of laughing more and complaining less, of sharing old stories and making new memories with family and friends!

God Bless,

Sandra

The Next Chapter Of Your LIfe!

Hello everyone,

I spent this weekend doing the usual things, cleaning, laundry, groceries...Oh no! I forgot to do groceries this weekend. Thanks to my husband who stopped by Costco to get the bare essentials. I also spent this weekend preparing for the next chapter in my life...

I think we go through life in stages. We go through our day the same way everyday and after awhile it feels monotonous, like we are having an out of body experience and watching our life pass right in front of us...

This is the moment when you need to 'give your head a shake' or have someone do it for you and just break out of this monotony because life is not meant for us to just pass through. It is meant for us to leave a mark, to make a difference, to inspire someone deeply...

Life is a series of events that lead us to the path we are meant to follow. I thought I was on my path this summer, but this was just a curve leading me to my path. Yes, you too have your own path. You know you are there when you start to look at things in your life differently. You start complaining less and appreciating more of what you have rather than of what you don't have...

I am at this point right now. I am starting the next chapter in my life and let me tell you...I am scared! Scared of the unknown. Scared of failing and disappointing myself most of all.

But, I am also excited to begin this next chapter in my life. To get to know long lost loved ones and make lasting memories. I feel like time has slowed down for me, and given me the opportunity to enjoy the now and not worry about what will be....

Stop looking in your past to figure out your tomorrow...

The next chapter in your life awaits...

Grab on with all your might...

And savour every moment!


God Bless,

Sandra

The Best Things In Life Are Free!

Hi Everyone,

Who ever said that, "Nothing in this world is free?" Did you know that some of the best things in life are free? Like family. We don't decide who our family will be.  It is already decided, before we are even born. I just received some unexpected news last weekend about my family that has changed my life forever. At first, I was shocked and couldn't believe the news. And now? This is probably the best news I've received in a long time. I've realized above all that no matter what happens in life, your family always comes first. Family, I will always have your back! All of you! I promise!

Some other things in life that are free are hugs, kisses, laughter, and smiles. Life finds a way of getting in the way and we lose sight of these small gestures. Promise yourself that even though your life is so stressed right now, promise yourself that you will hug and kiss your family members, smile at a stranger, and laugh hysterically at a not so funny joke! You will feel better. I promise you!

One of my favourite things that are free is sleep! My husband can account for this. Every chance I get, I will find a way to fall asleep on the couch. Some of my best sleeps are on my couch. I'm not sure what's been going on lately, but I have been feeling more tired than usual. I hope this is temporary because I feel like I don't have the energy to do all the things I love to do. I am making a promise to myself and my husband that I will only sleep in my bed so that I can do other things I enjoy...

Making memories is another thing in life that is free. Remember, it's not the quantity of time, but the quality of time that matters most. You cannot go back in time and wish you had spent more time with family and friends. Make the time now. Go out and make memories with the ones you love and care for the most. I have memories from my grandparents that will last me a lifetime. I am the person today because of them and I intend to continue their family traditions with my family so that one day, they too can have lasting memories.

The season is upon us. Let us be thankful. Let us be kind to others. Let us go out and make some memories, hug a little longer, laugh a little louder, and smile from ear to ear just because...

God Bless,

Sandra

Expect the Unexpected!

Hello everyone!

Hope you had a scary Halloween! Despite the downpour and unexpected car trouble that delayed me and messed up the rest of my husband's day, Halloween turned out to be a good day. The kids at school enjoyed games, crafts, delicious apple cake (my mom's recipe), and roasted pumpkin seeds.

For me, October has been a month of unexpected events and revelations. I've decided to put this month behind me and look forward to the holiday season. What? Is it too early to think about Christmas? Apparently not at the dollar store. They've had Christmas decorations up next to the Halloween decorations. I made it a point to walk past this section until Halloween was over.

I've also decided to look past the unexpected events of this month and have decided to turn a bad situation into one of opportunity. Everything happens for a reason! Sometimes life decisions are made that can change our lives forever. The moment we decide to do a 180, is sometimes just the first step that will ultimately lead us to our greater purpose in life. I feel I am here now. I am in a crossroads with several paths to follow. The hard part is deciding which path to take. Do I take the path ahead of me, the one to the left or the one to the right?

Only time can tell...Take the path less traveled? Maybe. One thing I know for certain is that it will always feel right when the right decision is made. You get a sense of comfort, of clarity when the right decision is made. I will know when I get there...

Uncertain roads lie ahead, new opportunities arise, the future looks brighter.

Expect the unexpected. Expect dreams lost so long ago to become a possibility!

I will!

God Bless,

Sandra