What if...

What if ...

everything you are going through is preparing you for what you asked for?

— Unknown

My last job was the most unpleasant of my career; very micro-managey, stressful to the max, ruled by fear and intimidation, odd in that management wanted a heavy admin focus, which was not typical. I was angry and frustrated. I wanted to quite the whole time, but it paid well and jobs were scarce post-2008 financial crash. I finally landed a new job and it’s the best of my life by a long shot. Before long, I created some analytic tools to maximize my strategies and planning. The company was thrilled and rolled out one of my ideas to the team. I would never have deferred to an admin approach in my job, as it’s never been my strong suit. I realized my worst job of all prepared me for the best years of my career, and the most money I’ve ever made. Go figure! Just sayin’ ;) Hugs. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl

Just because it hurts...

Just because a decision hurts, doesn’t mean that it was the wrong decision.

— Unknown

I wish I could tell my younger self that. I found it tremendously difficult to break up, even when I realized the relationship wasn’t suiting me. On a good note, once I figured out what I needed and wanted (with much detail and specificity), it was easier to move forward and find my great match. Just sayin’ ;) Hugs. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl

Live in such a way...

Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you no one would believe it.

— Unknown

I strive to be open-minded and non-judgmental because I like the humanity in tolerance and acceptance (to self and others). Thing is, I still catch myself judging and critiquing. It kinda drives me crazy actually. My favourite therapist would say that’s just ego talking, as our ego’s tend to lead with a colder, more calculating mindset. He says we also have access to our more spiritual side (our highest or best self), our mature/adult self and our inner child, who is more accommodating, playful and fun, so hopefully it all balances out. Just sayin’ ;) Hugs. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl

Pure and perfect?...

No one in this world is pure and perfect. If you avoid people for their mistakes, you will be alone in this world. So judge less and love more.

— Buddha Daily

Actually, what I’ve learned from many, many sources is that the person we most need to forgive and love is ourselves. Just sayin’ ;) Hugs. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl

Your future self...

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

— Unknown

For a long time I heard people say things like “you have to go inward” and “you have to invest in yourself” and “you have to love yourself first”. I didn’t understand what all of this meant and I certainly didn’t know how to go about it... until life threw some big curve balls in career, love and money. I went back to the drawing board, worked with a couple of savvy mentors and took a fresh approach. Without really thinking about it, I made life altering commitments to myself; I focused on accomplishing meaningful results each and every day at work, I cleaned up my diet with a couple of extra healthy choices per day, I made a more honest account of the life I wanted to lead and the kind of partner who would compliment my future and I put my health and well-being at the top of my priorities. The results were quite astounding. All of my dreams (that I had clearly identified) came true within eleven months and life continues to get better and better. Just sayin’ :) Hugs. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl

Finding yourself...

If you lose someone but found yourself,
You won.

— Unknown

I really envy people who meet their soulmate young and have a long and happy relationship life. I learned by trial and error unfortunately, Lol. It wasn’t until my last break up that I put it all together. I realized I had to be more honest with myself about what I like/want and don’t want/like. Once I had a comprehensive vision of the life I wanted to lead, Mr Right miraculously showed up. We like to do the same things, we have similar views/goals/dreams/values, we believe in treating others well and we feel that work/life balance is hugely important and on and on. In others words, we’re a perfect match! Just sayin’ ;) Hugs. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl

Gratitude or regret?...

Dead people receive more flowers than the living ones because regret is stronger than gratitude.

— Anne Frank

I had an ongoing battle with my father. He couldn’t seem to stop telling me what to do and how I should be. I found it frustrating and felt he was insulting my intelligence. I mean, did he think I had no sense whatsoever. Then he died at 59. The shock sent a disruptive ripple through our entire family that took years to heal. I’ve heard that mourning can take on many forms and I was most surprised by my own reaction. In truth, I thought the end of my father’s criticisms and judgments would be freeing. In reality, I just felt numb. I spent a few years reliving the past and going through the five established emotions of grief; denial/isolation, anger, depression, bargaining, and finally acceptance. Amazingly enough, I began to miss those little debates we would have. My father was suspect of business because he felt there was an overriding element of greed. Fair enough, except my career and livelihood is in business, which I love. Another standard grievance of his was anything less than perfection, which is an impossible standard of course. What I’ve come to realize is that yes, my father was a tough nut, but he was also just trying to teach me and protect me. He didn’t want me to learn the hard way. Coming full circle, I would give anything to hear more of my father’s sometimes annoying and frustrating thoughts. With sufficient life experience under my belt, I can finally appreciate all he taught me. I continue to notice the pearls of wisdom that I learned from him. Thank you Dad. I love you.

Blessings,

Chatgirl