Using Hardships to Get What You Want

When we encounter hardships in our lives, it is easy to get discouraged. We ask questions like, “why me?” And make statements like, ” I never get what I want.” Instead, try asking, “how can I use this circumstance to propel me forward?” Make statements like, “Everything that happens is exactly how it should be at this moment. I will use this experience to get what I want.”

In fact, stress and charged emotion can accomplish miraculous tasks and overcome the worst of fears. We are living in an amazing time of both hardship and renewal of both loss and faith. I challenge you to rise to the occasion. Use the loss of a job as a springboard into the career you always wanted. Use the loss of a house as a fresh start where new opportunities exist. Use the loss of a loved one as a reminder to live each day to the fullest, because you never know which day will be your last.

I know that times are tough for many of us right now. It is only a reminder that we are all one. We are all living in the same world, using the same resources, created by the same God. Our struggles unite us. We are not alone in this world, we are all one. Namaste.

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snow flake” – M.B. Ray

Feeling Blessed: A BIG thank you

Has it really  been a whole month since my last blog update? What a busy little beaver I have been lately! Please give me this moment to thank everyone who reads this blog, who comments on my facebook page, who makes me laugh on Twitter, and who encourages me to keep following my dream of Doing What I Love. It is proof that one small gesture can make a difference in the life of an individual. Be good to each other and yourselves. Have a wonderful weekend. Namaste.

Translate Your Blog (or Website) Into Music

Codex is a cool new tool that allows a person to “play” a URL. An algorithm uses the body of the website to define a key style, synth style, and drum beat. I tried it out for my blog and really like it. Not surprisingly, my drum beat and key style are upbeat. The synth style is an organ (which I love). Take me to church baby. The music helps me reaffirm that I am staying true to the mission of this blog, to uplift, to nourish, and to DO WHAT YOU LOVE. Just too fun not to share. Click on the link to get started. I hope everyone is having a great day!

Namaste.

If this website played music, what would it sound like?

Guest Bloggers Coming Your Way Very Soon!

Mrs. Scott is happy to announce that some very talented, sincere, and awesome friends have agreed to do some guest blogging gigs right here! I am so happy to have them aboard the Life in Balance- Do What You Love train! Stay tuned….the first one is scheduled to hit tonight! I will give you a sneak peak.

It seems that confessions are replacing baseball as our national past-time. Tiger Woods, Eliot Spitzer, Jim McGreevy, John Edwards, Mark Sanford and far too many others are clogging up the airwaves with their heartfelt, public confessions, loyal wives often at their sides, promising penitence and reform.

Ok, that is enough. Be sure to tune in. Same Mrs. Scott channel, same Mrs. Scott….well you get the picture.

Namaste!

Update to Project Do What You Love: Busy Busy Busy

I feel like I have never been busier. My toddler and Project Do What You Love are keeping me on my toes. Things can get stressful but at least my work is gratifying. I am raising my own child and making strides toward my goals. Here are some updates on what I have been doing lately.

True U Voice- Where your vision and values become your voice: I have settled on a name for my business, am working up a website, and have a vendor show to attend tomorrow. At first, I will be working out of my home, helping small businesses market through social media, blogs, websites, and networking.

Since May, I have been the Editor for the Paradise Community Association. I publish a monthly newsletter and keep the blog and Facebook group up to date. In addition, I manage the Facebook and Twitter account for the Daily Grind of Upper Chesapeake.  Most recently, I have been consulting a holistic practitioner  in the art of marketing oneself via social media. I am thankful for all these opportunities to sharpen my skills, and figure out where my talents and passions align.

Heed.com- contributing writer: This blog started with the dream of writing again. I have written 3 articles

Daily Grind : Unwind

to date. I am honored to be apart of an organization dedicated to expressing the multi-ethnic perspective of a current generation, with a spiritual and clean-edge message. Check out some of my articles here.

Finally, I want to thank everyone for their continued support. You can count on me to be honest and down to earth. If you have not yet, check me out on Facebook and Twitter. Much Joy and Love to You! Namaste.

I Want to Get Away….I Want to Fly Away

As I write this, my 21-month old is crying and banging on the door of her bedroom. You see, she has mastered the art of climbing (or falling) out of her crib. I mean how long can she really cry?

Yes, I am having one of those days, or weeks, or even months where I just want to walk out the front door and not worry about a screaming kid, dirty dishes, an article deadline, a shrinking bank account, and a sore back and neck. (Happy hour anyone?)

When I am having days like these, I take a few deep breaths and try one (or many) of the following happiness helpers:

1. I inject silence and calm into my day whenever possible, especially during nap time.
2. I close my eyes, breath in and out, and picture a place I like to be. For me, I usually picture being on top of a mountain with the warm wind blowing, the fluffy white clouds floating by, and no one around for miles. (Guess what, this is a form of meditation–and you thought it was just for monks and hippies.)
3. I take a shower or bath.
4. I do Thai Chi, Qi Gong, or Yoga to stretch and relax my mind and muscles.
5. I take a walk. (In fact, I put the little one in the stroller and we both get fresh air).
6. I count my blessings. Being grateful is a wonderful way to spark a happier mood. Thank God and the universe for providing you food, shelter, and life.
7. I repeat positive affirmations. The mind can be an enemy or an ally. Tell yourself you are wonderful and today is a great day. Hey, it can’t hurt, right?
8. I connect with my friends and family. I call my mom, I update my Facebook status, I write this blog, and soon enough I am feeling a little better.

Life is tough. Times are tough. But we have a choice. We can continue to curse the day or even the life we live, or we can choose to be grateful for what we do have and make this one of our best days.

Wait……what is that I hear? Silence. Sweet sweet silence. See, my happiness helpers are working already. Have your best day! Namaste.

Take a cue from the Hawaiians and just " Hang Loose"

No One Said Following Your Dreams Would Be Easy

I don’t have an iphone, an ipod, or even a fancy TV. I don’t have expensive jewelry, designer clothes or a diamond ring. But I do have a family, good friends, nutritious food in the fridge, a roof over my head, heat on a cold rainy day, and water to quench my thirst. And one more thing…..did I tell you?  Have you heard? I am following my dream.

My cars were born before the turn of the century. They have dings, cracks, rust and a little rat-a-tat-tat. My hair is not dyed. My skin is not tan. But I have a beautiful little girl, who has taught me so much. She may be a handful, but I love her just the same. And one more thing…..I think that you know…I started Project Do What You Love, not very long ago.

Now all my days are not sunny, and I do whine and worry. My wine is not rare and my entertainment is rarely out. But I have no doubt, that I am doing the right thing. I guess I will find out.

Love and peace to all.

Mrs. Amber Scott

Celebrate Small Victories- Update to Project Do What You Love

Tree Pose in Hawaii

One way to get through the tough times in your journey to live the life you love is to celebrate all victories, no matter how small.

September 09 brought about:
1.) The most reads in one month
2.) The most average reads per day in a month
3.) The most reads in a single day
4.) Total blog reads surpassing the 1,000 read mark

The numbers are not staggering, but it was exciting to see the graph escalate and anticipate my best month to date for page views. As always, thank you for the continued support. Namaste.

Update to Project Do What You Love: My First Published Articles

Below are links to two articles I wrote for Heed Magazine. I think they turned out rather well. Tracey Osborne (although, not mentioned, took some of the great photos).  Thanks for all your help and support!

The Chill: ChillJam.com is a “weekly music collective diary ” meant to capture the moment using art

Word on the Street: Street interviews asking about the major political issues surrounding us

Catch up with Project Do What You Love here.

I Know Nothing; Therefore, I Write

“I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.” I truly believe in this quote from Socrates. Which is why I sometimes find it hard to even write. However, Socrates was still a philosopher, so I can still be a writer. Are we both hypocrites? Are we all hypocrites? Oh, how philosophy plays tricks with my mind. 

Another reason I find it hard to write is whining. I detest it. Who wants to hear me whine about my daughter on the subway, my weight issues, my job issues? To counter these negative thoughts and images, I try to suggest solutions, or even just the brighter side of things. I do not always succeed, but negativity is catching and no one wants that virus.

Socrates “decided that it was not wisdom that enabled poets to write their poetry, but a kind of instinct or inspiration, such as you find in seers and prophets who deliver all their sublime messages without knowing in the least what they mean.” Writing is therapeutic for me. If it helps someone else out, that is great, but I do it mainly for me. There are few things in life where TRUE passion springs. As far as I know (and that is nothing), writing is my passion. What’s yours?

Namaste.