Sunday, August 28, 2011

Are you living or existing?

Happy Sunday everyone. I was inspired last night by my friend Lisa who is leaving on a mission to Africa next Friday. We had a really in depths conversation on life and its purpose.  She truly inspires me. While getting cleared by her physician to go on this trip, her doctor told her that she was very brave to venture to Africa at this time.  Lisa, the humble girl that she is replied, I'm not brave, I have an appointment with God.  Spoken like a true spiritual woman.  This lead me to think about the idea of living versus existing. So I ask you, what are you doing with your life, are you merely existing and going through the motions of everyday life or are you living your best life?

Quietly answer these questions in your head:

1) Are you practicing what you preach?
2) Do you see the glass as 1/2 full or 1/2 empty.
3) Do you live with an attitude of gratitude or do you think life owes you?
4) Do you seek more to understand others or do you seek to be understood?
5) Do you see others as cooperators in life or competitors?
6) Is compassion your lifestyle or something you practice only when you feel like it?
7) Do you approach every situation and person from a loving perspective or is everyone and everything out to get you?

Well friends, those who experience a good and positive life work very hard to achieve it.  Some choose to believe that life is a battlefield and that they must fight for their happiness and good fortune.  I, however believe in actively seeking and living with the intention of always creating all things that are good in life.  "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change", a powerful quote by Wayne Dyer that always helps keep things in perspective.  We are often told to live one day at the time and are reminded to let go of the past and not fret for the future. I would like to take that concept to another level.  Everyday consists of 24 hours, that's a tall order to fill.  In order to fully enjoy life, I have discovered that living every "moment" is so much more fulfilling and satisfying as well as realistic. Many things can and do happen within a 24 hour period therefore truly savoring every fragment of the day helps in LIVING life rather than purely existing. 

Last night, we had an impromptu pool party at Jillian and Kelly's. Jillie and I danced around the kitchen while preparing food. Jillian expressed how fun it was to cook with music on and how it didn't feel like a chore.  Voila friends, any situation can become pleasant when you shift your minds...even with the help of a little music.  This is living with passion...seeking to find the joy in every situation. I once had a conversation with a friend and asked what 1 word would best describe him and then I followed by saying what 1 word described me best...he and answered ''unstoppable" and I answered, yes you guessed it, ''passionate."  I choose to live passionately because I feel that when you do so, you are always giving your best...passion comes from deep within the heart and if you think back at any specific moment in life when you excelled at anything, you where passionate about it. 

So, I am a great admirer of His Holliness the Dalai Lama and according to him, the 1 thing that is missing most in our world today is human affection.  I completely agree with that.  Human affection, if abscent, whether from parent-child, friend-friend or husband to wife causes human disconnect.  We are no longer living from an emotional state but rather from a logistical state which leaves many people feeling empty.  Human affection, compassion, empathy-sympathy and love are crucial to human survival. As inhabitants of this glorious planet, it is our indisputable right and obligation to not only give but also receive all of the above. Many tears are unseen, many wounds are unhealed and much suffering is unheard...if you know someone in your life is struggling, take a moment an offer a kind word, note or hug.  Ooh! How I love hugs...they make everything better =). Life is not about us...it is about how we can be of service to others. Just the other day, I received a phone call from best friend in Montreal and she was crying. I have never in 20 years heard her cry. I was so startled and panicked for a moment. All I heard her say is: I need to feel better, I am sick and I need your help....my first instinct was to get on a plane and go rescue her....I am a believer in actions speaks louder than words however in this instance, she really needed to talk things through and see things through someone else's eyes.  She is extremely private so I will not give details however, by the end of the conversation we we're both laughing hysterically while she booked her ticket to come here this coming wednesday. At that moment, nothing else mattered..all I knew is that this girl needed to be comforted and it was my obligation to be there for her.  That is the essence of humanity right there....whatever is going on in your life, I plead with you, make time for those special people in your life...they are an extension of you and you know very well, they would always be there for you.

I encourage you to really live with an attitude of gratitude for what you have right this second in your life. By doing so, you open the gates for all of your deepest dreams and desires to come forth.  Surely, no one has a perfect life...in fact, perfection is actually a limitation as I have said before...it is unrealistic and can only cause fear and anxiety.  However living an 'excellent life" now that is something we should all strive for.  I urge you to be open, receptive and welcoming of all people and situations.  This way, you will always know that you have allowed every opportunity to come your way and it will be your choice whether or not to go down any given path.  I do believe however that your close circle of friends and family should be the types that encourage, uplift and love you as you are.  People with positive energy are magnets for more of that same energy.  If you choose to view life as an exciting journey full of experiences..then life will provide you with just that.  You know the saying if life gives you lemons....I say, if life gives you lemons, add a little sugar and spice and everything nice and make the juice of life your own  =))))))))))))))))))))))))).

Leaving you with this great song by One Republic "Good Life" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZhQOvvV45w&ob=av3e

Wishing you all peace, love and light Sasha xoxoxoxoxoxo

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Soul-Connections...fact or fiction?

Today, I was inspired by a quote I read from The Daily Love on Twitter..."Love is complete. Your soul-mate doesn't "complete" you - your soul mate is a reflexion of you. You are a whole, not a half."... Whoa! Did I just wake up and realize how true this is? I thought that everyone searched for their better half in this Universe.  I was flabbergasted when I read this and haven't been able to get it out of my mind. 

Now before I go into love connections of the romantic kind, I would like to say that I believe that we have many soul mates in life. Now what I mean by that is that they can be in the form of friends as well, so I suppose we can call them soul-friends or soul-brothers and soul-sisters.  I will give you an example of that. My friend Kinda and I met several years ago at a water park.  We immediately clicked and chatted away the entire time.  She gave me one of her cards and after a few days, I somehow lost it.  I was so desperate to find it, however was unlucky.  Suddenly, Hurricane Katrina came through our area and of course where else do you go when there is bad weather but Target.  I was there to get some arts and crafts for the boys.  Low and behold, who do I see??? Yes Kinda. So the first thing she says is, how come you never called? And I proceeded to tell her that I lost her card. She very patiently stood there and watched me input her number into my phone and we have been soul-sisters ever since. Although she now lives in Atlanta, the bond was sealed from day one. And so no timee or space can ever come between us.  Its so interesting how the Universe will bring you exactly who you need when you need them.  Interestingly, lately, I've made several friends who immediately felt familiar, comfortable and safe.  Some I've even met only once..right Jess and others maybe a handful of times.  And then, you have the ones who have been in your life for years and somehow, you re-kindle your soul-connection even after a decade sometime..right Irv? I think these are very special people in our lives that are there to guide, teach, learn, support and love us unconditionally.  Those are the ones you turn to at the peek of your happiness to celebrate with or to weep on the floor with...right girls, you know who you are.  It's just an amazing feeling. And true to the quote in the beginning...they do not complete us...rather they almost feel like part of us.  like they know us so well and know exactly what to say and do at specif moments.

So they say opposites attracts..that's the biggest crock of you know what I've ever heard. They may perhaps catch your curiosity and get you excited below the belt but in all honesty...although every couple has differences, and that's normal, such as liking different foods, shows, sports etc... That said, if the core values and outlook on life are polar opposites, rarely if ever, do these couples survive.  The essence and heart must be "in synch" in order for the other differences to take on minimal value.  Otherwise the smallest things will be magnified into huge problems when in fact, the problem is that you are incompatible.  A wise man and former boss, also a prominent neuro surgeon once said to me and i quote:
 " I tried and tried to figure out why I was dating all the wrong types of women. I knew I liked a certain type and they somehow never worked out for me. It wasn't until I realized that I was basing my mates on what my mind was telling me a neurosurgeon should date rather then what my heart was telling me would fulfill my needs." He continued to say that "the 3 C's were necessary...Compatibility, Chemistry and Communication."  He went on with, " kid, listen to me, if even one of these is missing, it won't work, ever."...So I took that information for face value and didn't make much of it...until now.  Basically, the 3 C's are a reflection of you.  If you find someone who resembles you, chances are, you will be compatible, you will be able to communicate easily and will be attracted to one another....what a clever man =).

There are tons of books and youtube videos out there teaching you how to attract your soul mate. I do agree with some of what they say such as make sure you have forgiven anyone in your past, have let go of any pain, have a mind and heart that are ready to receive this "Twin Flame" as they call it. Love depends NOT on circumstance or time periods. To live knowing and accepting they can already be in your life...although you haven't recognized them thus far because you were not open. I totally agree with all of that. And I also believe that what is meant to be, nothing and no one can prevent from happening so if that is what you are looking for then rest assured, it is coming your way. Just practcice patience and always have hope. Act as though you already have what you want, and before you know it...tada.  One of my best friends Brigette told me that 10 years ago, after years of fun and crazy passionate relationships, she yearned for her soul-mate.  She told me that she went to the beach everyday for a long time professing to the ocean and making her intention known. She would ask for her soul mate to come into her life. She asked that he have a huge loving heart and to accept her just as she is.  She shortly met Spencer and after only 3 dates, they said I love you and moved in. Spencer went on to say that he really wanted to tell her that night, that he loved her, but was afraid to scare her.  I must say Spencer is a stylish rocker yet dapper English gentleman and is everything she ever wished for an more.  You see folks, it's not so much about  physical characteristics but rather what and how you want to feel. We all know looks fade with age but the heart and mind stay forever.  My mother always said, be careful what you wish for, for  it always comes true =).

I will finish this off by saying that a soul mate is an absolute fact and that we all have one out there. If you have already found him or her, yay! for you. If not yet...may your journey to finding them be full of excitement and fun.

I leave you with this gorgeous Natasha Beddingfield song entitled: Soulmate...Who doesn't long for someone to hold, who knows how to love you without being told..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YodjH9ckWYg&feature=related

Peace, love and light Sasha xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Monday, August 15, 2011

Lightning strikes the heart!

As I begin settling back in from this magnificent trip to California, I am reminded that which ever way you choose to look at it, life is truly a journey to self-discovery. Sadly, many people walk through life believing it's only about making it through the day.  Life offers us boundless gifts and opportunities, it is far time to begin appreciating them and living them.

My intention in going to California was to offer some support to my aunt Cory who has just finished her last course of radiation for her treatment of breast cancer.  Little did I know that the universe also had a plan for me personally.  I practice openness....in other words...in every and all circumstances, I always declare that I am open to whatever lesson there is to be received in any given situation.  As many of you know, I wasn't always the greatest fan of the Los Angeles region.  On the plane ride there, I decided to apply Wayne Dyers quote: "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."....and so it was.  I have somehow fallen in love with the mountains, the ocean, the wild animals and even tackled 3 major freeways I was otherwise afraid of...all by myself.  Lighting struck my heart and now, thanks to it's natural beauty and the special moments I shared with family and friends, I am a lover of California.  More than ever, I can vouch for the saying "never say never"....I have found beauty in cliffs, in fossils found embedded in rocks....wild looking caves carved into the landscape and this beautiful vast ocean that is full of endless possibilities.

I believe that when you make the decision to shift your thinking and start looking at life trough different eyes.....you can fully embrace every aspect of life.  I feel so strongly that enthusiasm and positive energy contribute in living a happy life.  To live with an attitude of gratitude and to consciously and wholehartedly, accept and love all things.  To live selflessly and be generous with your time.  The one thing most people really want is to be heard and accepted just as they are.  Sometimes we mistake certain peoples behaviors as negative, or label them as unhappy or miserable however, more than anyone, they are screaming for help. Something somewhere has caused them to be this way and all they need is to release and let go of it.  So many live in bondage, whether, emotional, physical or psychological...they are tormented because they don't know that by forgiving and letting go...they will be freed and consequently have the chance to live their best life. And we should lend them a helping hand in any way we can rather than assuming or judging things about them.  This is part of spiritual growth...compassion and unconditional love for all.

During a conversation with a good friend, I said, I don't want to be like anyone else... I just  want to work towards being the best version of myself....which is a life long process. And this process occurs when we experience the different trials and good times life meets us with.  I don't believe in coincidence...at all.  I believe this universe is specially designed in such a way that it knows exactly when to send us the specific people and circumstances we need at that particular time.  My suggestion...embrace it all.  Allow yourself to feel every feeling and live without fear or expectation.

 During a conversation with my cousin Danny while there, he said, blood is thicker than water...in other words your blood relatives mean more than anyone else.  Hmmm! I totally disagree. Surely our families have always and will always be there. And they generally have our best interest in mind and that is a necessary thing.  However, I am a believer that friends are the "family' we have carefully selected. I can safely say that whether a family member or friend needed one of my kidneys to live, I would give it to  them regardless of their blood relation.  Friends can also strike you when you least expect it and they are to be handled with care as they are precious cargo.  You know someone is a good friend when you cannot imagine your life without them....where they have brightened your life and made it better.  So always be open to making new friends, you never who may be right around the corner =).

So I went to California to lend a helping hand....and have returned feeling a little bit like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.....completely spoiled in every way.  Showered with love and attention...treated to a shopping spree..given an extremely valuable Breitling watch and white and black diamond ring....which I responded to saying: I can't take this...this is too valuable...and my precious auntie replied....you are the most priceless niece anyone can ever ask for...you deserve this....I am truly humbled. 

Finally, in the great words of Susan...my middle aged flight attendant from last night....

" Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard  Spirit Airlines flight 310 East bound to Fort Lauderdale. Several people have brought to my attention that it is very warm on this aircraft at the moment. Kindly refer to the seat pocket in front of you and reach for the flight safety manual....open it and use it as a fan until we get these engines started..Thank you for choosing Spirit Airlines and enjoy your flight."

In other words....make the best of every situation and lighten up.

Peace, love and Light Sasha xoxoxoxoxo

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Courage!

"Courage doesn't always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying : I  will try again tomorrow."

So I was inspired today after a conversation with a dear friend of mine to touch on the ideology of "courage" and what that means to me.  Courage to me, means never ceasing to believe in our hopes, values, dreams and goals regardless of obstacles or setbacks.  Courage is that fire within that tells us to keep going, to keep fighting for what our heart is telling us is right.  

Here are some little facts about the heart....we all know it's a powerful muscles that pumps blood throughout our body...its function, in brief terms, is to provide the proper compounds to every inch of body for adequate functioning. The average weight of the human heart for males is 10-12 ounces and 8-10 ounces for a female....to think that something so relatively small, if for any reason, should cease functioning...can cause total organ failure. 
So the idea of doing and saying things from the heart is not so far fetched.  The heart is the most vital organ  in the entire human anatomy both on a physiological level and on an emotional/psychological level.  Courage then, is trusting this precious heart of ours to guide us through every movement of life as well as every goal, challenge and accomplishment.  I cannot say enough that our heart has our best interest in mind, everyday all day.  Think of a time when you were faced with making a decision, you couldn't quite commit....remember that feeling telling you to either do it....or...not to do do it...that little voice inside...we so often choose to ignore....that is our heart, quietly whispering the answer to us.  It never has and never will fail us, all we have to do is listen. Just as the heart is capable of enduring anything from a heart attack to heart break to extreme joy...so will it ALWAYS be on your side, so please pay close attention to what it is saying.  Normally, if we have an overall "good feeling" about something, we should do it. If it gives us a feeling of unbalanced energy, then we have to decipher whether that is fear or a true genuine feeling and decicde from there.
I believe that all good things come from a place of love.  And yes, love lives within the heart.  It has the ability to love endlessly and for that reason, it is instrumental to not only house love and compassion for others, but first and foremost, for ourselves.  "The love of your life is the reflection you see in the mirror"....without love and the heart it inhabits....we have nothing.  So on this Saturday, be especially kind to yourself and your beautiful heart.  I know life circumstances sometimes make it hard to go around with a "Peace and Love" attitude but begin by having courage in the belief that your heart will never fail you. It will always pick you up and give you stregth in every and all situations.
Here's a wonderful, feel good song Enjoy!!!!! I wish you to feel this way everyday friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU5o6M7S5nQ&feature=relmfu
Sending peace, love and light to all. Sash xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Friday, June 3, 2011

Open to everything yet attached to nothing!

I am totally inspired right this moment to blog as I watch the sun trying to set with a  peaceful but steady rain beautifully drizzling and quenching the grasses thirst. Just as this magical moment will pass when the sun finally sets and goes to sleep so do we need to learn to trully "live" each moment of our lives.

The more we are open to these moments and capable of enjoying them momentarilly....so does the process of not being attached to anything set in. We often define ourselves by our education, career,physical appearance, family, faith and socio-economic class just to name a few. If your ego is your amigo,or in control of your life, then yes they do...however, the truth is...and Freud said so, our ego is NOT our amigo.  Whenever we feel hurt, betrayed, attacked,abandonned, insulted, attached or irritated...those emotions come from your ego....the belief that people owe us something basically and when those needs, whether emotional or physical are not being met...we go into these emotional rages. That is not our nature as humans.   We are none of those things....we are purely spiritual beings coming from unconditional love. Ok, so let's be honest, how many people do any of us know that have reached "enlightenment" and are ALWAYS in a peaceful state?  Few and far in between...other than Ghandi, His Holliness the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and several other highly enlightened people from our past and present...it is a work in progress for most of us.

I will be the first to admit that even though I try to consciously and carefully choose my words and actions to lift and encourage people up, I too sometimes fall off the wagon.  In fact this past week, I said something to someone that in retrospect...was totally innapropriate and unkind...definetly not my nature or intention...I had to think long and hard to figure out why I would ever say something like that.  The answer....and I kringe as I admit this...my ego.  My ego was hurt and so I lashed out.  Then I realized something my mother always used to say to me..."in order not to get hurt in life, expect nothing from anyone but do your best for them always."...So it occured to me while I was on Twitter reading updates, that a quote "purposely" not "coincidently" appeared for me precisely saying : "Sometimes we expect more from others just because we would be willing to do that much more for them"~ @wishfulsayings.....then I got that awful feeling in my stomach realizing what I had done.  To whom it may concern, I am deeply and profoundly sorry and I thank you for forgiving me. 

I am so grateful for every learning stepping stone.  I think that if our intentions are always from a loving place...but we slip up every now and again...we are still on the right path.  I would like to celebrate your, all of your individuality and encourage  you to always be true to who you are.  I always say...we are all authentic and perfect just the way we are =)

Peace, love and light to all. Sasha xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Connections!!!

Hi everyone,

Summer is almost here and this year is nearly half over.  I was inspired  by several things this past week and realized that oftentimes, it's the little moments we share with people that trully make us happy and create a bond between us. It can be a look, that only the 2 people involved share, it can be a conversation, a hug or even a simple I love you text that you randomly send because you are thinking of that person.

 This week my girlfriend Jessica made an impromptu stop at my house and as we layed on my bed girl talking, I was overcome with gratitude for this amazing woman I have as a friend.  The kind of friend that "feels" when you need that type of spontaneous visit and/or that texts you sweet encouraging messages when she doesnt hear from you in a few days and knows that is unsual.  I sincerely feel that without these true connections, our lives are virtually empty.  That is precisely why I always say we should live inspired lives.. Inspired simply means living "in-spirit" and when we do that, we are living from the most peaceful, loving and compassionate place there is. A place where we allow these connections to be made...an investement if you will.   If we expect the world to be a friendly place, IT WILL.  I believe in many things and one of them is the law of attraction.  Whatever message it is that we are sending out into the universe about ourselves and our wants....that is exactly what will boomerang back to us.  If peace, success, love and/or meaningful connections are what we are sending out.....I guarantee that is what will show up in our lives.  Hence the saying, be careful what you wish for...because it will come true.  Wish for all good and happy things for yourself and others and so shall it be =). 

I had an interesting conversation with someone once about what word would describe us best and I instantly said passionate.  For me, when we do, feel and say things passionately, they are coming from the depths of our heart. So, passionate I am about peace, love, children, happiness and all good things. Take a moment and ask yourselves what word would best describe you and why?  Its fun.

I wish for all of you to really appreciate the little moments you share with people. Don't be afraid to meet new people...which sometimes means venturing out of your comfort zones.   My absolute favorite moments are when I lock eyes with someone and feel an instant connection...man, women or child. That moment when it becomes obvious that this person and you feel like you've known each other forever.  That easy comfortable feeling.  I know and believe for a fact that nothing can stop those connection for occuring. If it's meant to be....it will be =).

I encourage you to be lover's of life...to be open to connecting with people and setting your ego's aside for good.  The moments that matter most in life are felt and the only way to feel, is to be wide open to them.

Peace, tons of love and light Sash

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Stillness = Happiness

" To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." ~ Lao Tsu

Peace and tranquility in our hearts is what stillness means.  It means remaining centered and focused on what matters most even if challenges occur.  We are actually born with an endless supply of these and as babies, that is our goal, to remain peaceful and happy.  In fact, if you think about a baby, they have no point of reference for happiness, they only know what they feel and what they feel is the energy coming from people, places and things and how that makes them feel, happy, or sad.  For exemple, if you smile at a baby, the baby normally smiles back, right? Why? Because a smile, if genuinely from the heart, emmits positive energy and the baby feeds off of that. That is stillness at its purest.  Simple enough.  As adults, we have that same ability, the major difference now is that we have "learned' to rationalize and analyze everything thus drowning out the most basic feelings.  Our minds are what prevent us at once from this stillness and at the same time allows us to have it.  So, what I'm sure you would like to know is how do I achieve this stillness, right? Here it goes:

Meditation or prayer...whatever makes you feel most comfortable and works for you.  For me, its meditaion.  I have been doing it since I was a child.  It is a way to "still" and calm the mind and has undeniable emotional and physical benefits. Physical activity releases endorphins and makes us feel a sense of euphoria, which is amazing however I cannot stress how important relaxation is to the body, mind and spirit.  I am currently reading Super Rich by Russell Simmons and although the title is misleading, he is actually referring to and I quote: " A state where you are fully conscious of and connected to the world around you and the God inside you. Where you walk through life with a smile on your face and give without expectation." and "When you can be happy and comfortable in every position, or situation, that you encounter in life, then all the obstacles that you perceive as standing between you and happiness will gradually disappear." When I read these, I thought to myself, well that's the entire purpose here.  And the way to quiet our minds, or "monkeys jumping from thought to thought" as Buddhists refer to the mind, is through meditaion or prayer.  Personally, I used to try to quiet my thoguhts and ignore them by breathing them out but I recently discovered that by acknowledging these thoughts and then letting them go, I can return to meditation more rapidly.  For me, now everyone has their own preferences,  I like to lay down on the floor with arms and legs comfortably open and relaxed, wearing comfortable clothing and a dim or dark room with relaxation music playing in the background is what my method is.  I use breathing techniques and sometimes even Om for focusing better.  I choose not to be disturbed by the outside noises and often use them to relax instead.  A good 20 minutes a day is all you really need.  Of course for many, laying still for 20 minutes when there are 1 000 things to do doesn't seem like a priority but believe me, once you start, you will notice your day moving with such ease and the stress of the 1 000 things won't even phase you.  I actually suggest starting with 3 minutes and see what happens.  As you learn to relax...you will want to continue longer.  I have been to meditation classes at a Tibetan Center and Geshe Kyab said that he meditates for 4 straight hours...he said the building can collapse from under him and he wouldn't even be disturbed from being in such deep meditaion....amazing.  He also spent 27 years in Tibet meditating.....something most of us wont be able to do.  In any case, we must do what works for us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc6VqCdOqpY&feature=related   Here is some meditation music for you to start and see how you feel afterwords.

This is a gift you can give yourself: a peaceful, quiet, pure and non-judgemental mind....what is better than this.  Going through life will be a breeze and you will always be in a higher state of consciousness .

Sending you peace, love and light. Sash

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Body Image!

I was inspired today to write this blog after I received a text message from my friend Amber challenging all her girlfriends to start a revolution on body image.  As women, we are pressured to maintain the images portrayed on magazine covers, television shows and movies, the modelling industry and even the pornographic industry.   What most of us fail to realize is that these women's lively hood greatly depends on their physical body.  In simple terms, they get paid to look good.  They pay people to cook for them, work them out and motivate them to be in their optimum physical apperance.  However, it is also very prominant in these industries that women go to extreme lengths to remain thin...unhealthy, often life thrething means such as extreme starvation, bulimia, anorexia, over usage of diet pills and/or laxatives, extreme diets etc. So, clearly, being a size 0 is not meant for everyone.  I wish for all of you, as well for myself, to strive  to aim for physical health and fitness.  To make healthy eating choices, exercising, meditating and benevolent deeds our lifestyle.  One of my favorite quotes is: "If only you could see yourself through my eyes" ~Unknow....We are overly critical of ourselves and under appreciative of our qualities.  I will be the first to admit that on this point, I often, do not practice what I preach.  When I wake up an look in the mirror, my first reaction is normally, oh! my God...Ilook like I got ran over by a train.  I have taken the vow however to make the effort of saying something positive about myself when I wake up.  I encourage all of you gorgeous women to do the same.  Lift yourselves up instead of tearing yourselves down. 

In addition, there is so much more to beauty than physical appearance.  Just like an apple may look shiny and crisp from the outside, once bitten, is rotten on the inside, what's the sense in that? So we should be beautiful from the inside out.  A wonderfully positive and warm heart can make even an average looking person look gorgeous.  I urge all of you to encourage all the women in your lives to get healthy, get active and get with the program of living your best life now.  As women, let's encourage and support one another for our uniqueness....after all, we are all 100% one of a kind, like no other, that has ever been here before.  We are all created differently with our own specific gifts to offer to this world.....YAY! to being different and "amazing, just the way we are" Bruno Mars.

And guys, tell your wives, girlfriends, sisters, mothers and friends that they are beautiful, they woukld really love and appreciate to hear it :-)))))))))

Sending you much peace, love and positive energy, Sash xoxoxoxoxoxo