Let me start with this: I know this is a hot take. I know not everyone is going to agree with me. But someone has to say it and it might as well be someone who has spent time navigating corporate life, observing everything from {read more}
Hello my lovely blogfam! Today’s video is my Christmas gift to you. It is a “12 days of Christmas” Affirmation track; meant to be listened to from December 25th to January 6th. (Which happen to be the official 12 days of Christmas). This affirmation track {read more}
As I write my blogs, I tend to do research along side writing. Often, asking questions to the internet before I finish thinking through my own perspective. This leads to the discovery of some great gems!
Today’s gem is the, “What is your driving force?” quiz by Tony Robbins. The link is here. It is a ten question quiz so quick, but very insightful. The variety of answers might take a bit of consideration, however it is worth it! Once you finish the quiz, it not only tells you your driving force, but goes through the potential strengths and weaknesses, as well as where to shift your focus and become more well-rounded.
My driving force is GROWTH. This is not a surprise to me! I’m not sure what the other options are, so as you as readers take the quiz and tell me what result you got I’d love to compare and contrast! It is funny to me that my blog is a reflection of this driving force. Also, I loved reading through the potential strengths, weaknesses and where to watch-out!
Loved this quiz, hope you do to!
These quizzes tend to be rated highly by you as readers, and I also LOVE hearing your results! So, if you’d like to share down below what your driving force is, please do!
Welcome back to my blog everyone, and happy autumn season here in the northern hemisphere. As baseball season is transitioning from its regular season into playoffs; I thought this was the perfect time to highlight how great of a sport it is! And of course, {read more}
Recently, I had the pleasure of having dinner with some amazing people. One of which was Dr. Jonathan Burdette, a professor of Neuroradiology at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He is working on important and inspiring things with VR (Virtual Reality) and has previously worked {read more}
Hello everyone! Today, I am starting a new blog series called “Inspiration Spotlight” which will highlight the people in my life. All of which, I know personally. People who have inspired me and others around them!
There is a saying, that you are most like the 5 people you spend the most time with. This always hit home for me, as I moved through my life and became more aware of who I was actually spending time with. Personally, this isn’t about someone who is the most successful, or has fancy things; instead it is about someone who is humble, kind, resilient, and knows they are human just like anyone else.
The first person to be in the Inspiration Spotlight is…
Dimitrios and I met back in University, in West Philadelphia!
This is what I can tell you about Dimitrios: he always has a smile on his face. This man would walk around campus and you’d never know if he was having a bad day. He was always encouraging, often the life of the party. He would even get my uptight self to have some fun once in awhile! If ANYONE, and I sincerely mean anyone needed help, he was there – whether it be to carry something or just someone to talk to. If I remember correctly, we had a handful of classes together.
Dimitrios was always on-time, ready to go, energized and fully present. (Yes folks, he was the group member you WANTED on your team). In one class, we had to have a healthy debate, and I remember how well he was able to present his point… this particular one was well before Teams, or Zoom, and the debate was around whether Instant Messenger apps should be ‘allowed’ in the workplace. Wow have things changed. In any case, I remember Dimitri’s point specifically, that these types of messaging apps could help build relationships and make communication quicker.
I mention this because, after randomly running into Dimitri in Philadelphia in the fall of last year; I realized his ability to make you feel comfortable, and welcome still hasn’t gone away. Something I probably didn’t really realize back in undergrad, but now is one of the biggest character traits I look for in someone!
After running into one another, we decided to catch-up, both of us have quite the schedules, but in the beginning of February we finally were able to set time aside to do this! Eventually, I’d like to record an interview with him to share with you all and we will get to that one day. Our conversation surrounded:
In the mean time, feel free to reach out to Dimitrios, he runs a company in Greater Philadelphia focused on government affairs and strategic growth, has a beautiful wife (who I hope to meet someday soon!) and two children. You can find more information about his company here: www.strategyworkroom.com
Soon it will be Heart Health Awareness month. You may have seen your local American Heart Association signs go up for the walks occurring around the United States. Today I’m sharing a podcast that especially inspires me to continue taking care of my body. Either {read more}
When is the last time you found delight in something? For those that have children, pets or gardens, I think this may be a bit more frequent. However, the object of delight varies from person to person. Can you conjure the image of the last thing, person or place you felt delight? Perhaps, it has been too long to remember a specific instance. In that case, think of anything with which you find delight.
Delight is a choice that you and I make.
To revel in moments of celebration. A choice to luxuriate in moments of relaxation or joy.
It’s a choice to be captivated by something. To delight is a choice to find joy.Rachel Smucker, www.urbansouthern.com
Whenever I’m reading a blog, or watching something, I appreciate it when examples are provided. This little bit of inspiration can not only give ideas, but also explain the topic so much more. With that in mind, below are some of the things I think of when I think of: delightfulness. I’d love to hear your examples in the comments section below!
For me, I find flowers absolutely delightful. I enjoy looking at them, seeing all the intricacies and enjoying them, both inside and outside my house. At the end of street, there is a rose garden and it makes me ever so happy. Bianca and I walk past it numerous times a day. (Yes, I truly do make time to stop and smell the roses, haha).
Other times, I find delight in the sun rising or setting. The night sky does it for me too. Because of this, I follow the moon cycles closely, its almost a way to tune in more with nature in my opinion. Enjoying any part of nature, whether it be trees or tiny little bugs is something I everyday try to pause and appreciate.
We wouldn’t be able to get through this post without me listing my sweet Bianca. Specifically when she is happy and acting like a puppy. Or in the mornings when she seems so bothered by me waking her up with my singing voice. Sometimes, she jumps in little circles when she is extra excited. And other times she falls asleep on me and I just melt.
Of course the smile of a baby and laughter of a child. Or seeing the children I’ve gotten watch grow up achieve something, large or small. It just gets me right in the heart to see someone else’s efforts pay off. Watching a child explore and the general energy they have for every activity also makes me smile so big. The wonder and glean in a child’s eye makes me want to go explore!
Another thing I consider delightful is an amazing meal. Eating something healthy, with maybe a little unhealthy mixed in… and feeling full, while enjoying a great conversation. It’s just the best.
In a recent post, I talked about my rediscovery of a hobby. That hobby was reading. One evening I read a book from cover to cover. The specific book and overall experience of giving myself the time to read for this length of time was gratifying.
In my experience, when I am feeling delighted, it is my true expression of my heart and soul. It is a sign that I am going in the right direction, and for that matter, that I am in the moment. In a way, it is pure peace with a bit of energy sprinkled in. Allowing yourself the feeling of delight, is just one way to be true to yourself!
Allow delight to be a compass! In her blog, Kris Carr describes using the feeling of delight as a compass. To this, she suggests, slowing down before an activity or even a small decision and checking in with yourself to ask, “Will this delight me?” It is a good way to determine if your actions, words and thoughts are pointing you in the right direction!
I never thought I’d be using the word contagious on my blog, however this is in the POSITIVE sense. Think of the last time you had a giggle-fit. I remember mind vividly. It really is just about contagious! When you are so much enjoying something, it is rather hard for those around you not to soften up and join in!
Think of the last time, you shared your delight about your significant other, or even the cashier at the store. Typically when expressing your excitement and happiness about another, it provides a soul level nurturing for that person. Not to mention, if you find delight in someone else, they typically also find delight in you!
And lastly, it is extremely important to let down your guard with your own self. And find delight for yourself. That’s right, put aside all the things you think you could have done better. Slow down your breathing and allow yourself the moment to find delight for yourself.
I recommend starting with remembering what makes you feel that inner joy, that delight and exuberance! Do something you enjoy doing. Slow down your thoughts long enough to appreciate the moment. Tell someone that their smile, or some characteristic of theirs is utterly delightful.
Otherwise, on my blog, maybe go over to the perfect day ‘this or that‘ post and fill it out for yourself. For today’s post I’ve created some phone backgrounds for you, which say ‘find delight today’. This is meant to be a simple little reminder. Or go over to Pinterest and find some pictures representing your delightful topic to update your background.
And lastly, below are some Amazon Affiliate links to books on the topic of DELIGHT.
At the very least, I hope this was enjoyable to read and brought a smile across your face.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! There are many women in my life that are absolutely outstanding. Amazing mothers, great professionals, wise educators, content creators, determined students and brave authors. No matter their ‘title’ in life, they are all influencers in one way or another. With a {read more}
