Today was the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. Always a momentous occasion, however with today’s ceremony the first step in the dawning of a new age was taken.
While thousands attended the event in the cold Washington weather and millions around the world watched on television, the first American of African American heritage was sworn in to the highest office in our country. He proudly carries that trust with honor and gratitude as he steps into the many important challenges in our nation and economy. With a brave heart, he pledges to make changes in our country and the world, and is inspired to unite our differences with new beginnings to create a stronger America.
We, as BraveHeart Women, know the empowerment that comes from such inspiration and commitment. Our hearts reveal that when we choose to be Inspiration in Action and follow our passion to define our purpose, great changes take place within ourselves. United together in our BraveHeart Women Global Community… we will change the world and together make significant contributions for our future generations.
Have you noticed that the mood of your day is often set by the way the day begins? When you jump up, and without much thought, hurry through preparations of the morning…whether it is getting the family off to school or work, or getting yourself started for the day…. you seem to be out of sync all day. You have rushed through this very important opportunity to be grateful for a new beginning to experience the gift of another day.
If you begin the day with a positive mindset and recognize that it is the dawning of a new day with new opportunities, you will experience a new level of growth. You learn to appreciate all that is around you, to stop and breathe in all that life has to offer. More importantly, you learn the value of gratitude… and this will set you free!
Enjoy the rising of the sun, the singing of the morning birds, the smell of fresh coffee…. recognize the inspiration in the energy that surrounds you. Allow yourself a space of time to listen to inspirational music or motivational CD’s, study a devotional or the Bible, read an empowering book. Your day will be much more enjoyable, much more productive and much more peaceful.
To many inspiring moments… Linda Kay Holden New Beginnings
I just “thought” I had a focused appreciation for the world around me…. That was before a dear friend sent this movie presentation “The Interview With God”. Watching this is a MUST !!!
Take a few seconds and view this movie…it will change your outlook and level of appreciation. It has stopped me in my tracks and moved my heart to a higher level of gratitude for the love and beauty that surrounds me every day. The music inspires my soul to sing and the photos are breath-taking!
The most valuable lessons in Life are presented, so take the time to appreciate the message. New beginnings surround us to take action to be the person we were born to be.
Remember each day to live life to the fullest, to be yourself, to appreciate the beauty around you, to focus on the present, to love and to forgive. In gratitude and with appreciation, know that there is always Someone there for you.
Be Focused in the Moment... Linda Kay Holden New Beginnings
Do you remember your dreams? Have they been placed on the shelf as you have become busier with the daily routine of Life?
We all have dreams. We all believe, deep down in our heart and soul, that we have a special gift to share and make a difference. Sometimes it is buried deeply inside, however we can reach out to touch others in a special unique way that will serve and assist them. By so doing, we take the first step to make the world a better place.
What are your dreams…your aspirations? Maybe it is a dream you’ve forgotten or a vision put away as impossible to achieve. If that vision were alive today, what would your life be like?
Take a moment now to dream and to think about what you really want for your life. Recognize the opportunities that your dreams create as the New Beginnings to awaken the Creative YOU.
In our lives, we make many commitments each day of our journey. Some commitments are easily made – like drinking more water each day or reading more quality books with meaningful messages. These commitments take conscious determination and a greater focus to enhance our health and the quality of our life.
When personal relationships are created, trust and courage are important elements in the commitment process. Deep emotions and sensitive feelings are involved and, while the heart wishes to give, by the same token it does not wish to be hurt.
The greatest such relationship commitment is made when you connect with that special someone -- your soul-mate – and you pledge to spend the rest of your life with this special person. The heart is laid open in this true commitment ….open and vulnerable. Yet your heart is brave and you move forward in faith and love with the trust that this commitment will last forever.
We as women know the usual symbol of such love and commitment is a diamond, or other such precious stone. It signifies to you and the world the depth of your commitment to your love.
On a more personal note, I too connect with this symbol of love and commitment. Little did I know the significance of a heart shape in my life-long commitment to my soul-mate…especially now with the connection to BraveHeart Women.
I have been married to my wonderful dear-heart husband for 24 years. My engagement ring…a symbol of our beautiful commitment to each other… is a heart-shaped diamond!!!
With Love and Courage in all Your Commitments of the Heart… Linda Kay Holden New Beginnings
In every month there is a time to celebrate a new holiday or season… the first day of Spring, Valentine’s Day, April Fool’s Day, the Independence day of your country, Christmas, New Year’s… you have the idea. Often, we find it difficult to let go of those special times, particularly the magic and joy we experience and the spirit of love we share with others.
Although we enjoy all the special days each year, the one holiday that still lives on in my family this year is…..Christmas. The magical glow of Christmas lights is still enjoyed here in the evenings.
Would you believe we still have our Christmas tree out on our deck, complete with lights and star on top!!!??? And even though it is a bit “skinny” in spots, it is still alive???!!! At least, the decorations have been removed but every weekend when I mention removing the tree, loud protests can be heard from my family and all of my son's friends. So, it is still here and the lights are on every night.
I must admit that we all enjoy the magical beauty of the lights. However the spring birds are beginning to check it out to create their future homes….
Happy Holidays !!! Linda Kay Holden New Beginnings community
The inspirational message in “The Dash Movie” is powerful and timeless.
Create your day with purpose and make each moment a contribution to love and serving others.
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much…
Linda Kay Holden New Beginnings community
What muscles do you use to make important decisions?
Do you base your choices on logic…researching statistics, on what others tell you or by writing down the pros and cons on a piece of paper? Then after weighing all the possibilities, you finalize your decision and hope for success.
Then once the decision is made, does fear sneak in when you realize that making decisions leads to new beginnings that can take you out of your comfort zone?
What about Intuition…that feeling in your gut that hangs on until you notice it?
Scientists now agree that intuition is the best way to go. “New studies show intuition isn’t just a feeling, but the result of our brains subconsciously piecing together information and experiences,” says Lynn A Robinson, M.Ed., author of Divine Intuition.
Let’s think about the steps to recognizing intuition and understanding the process for decision making:
1. Trust your first impression! Many people believe this to be outdated, but it turns out to be remarkably accurate. You do not get a second chance to make a first impression.
2. Listen to your body! Your heart and brain gets excited to your very core when you have a positive feeling about something. However when the palms sweat, the heartbeat flutters and the stomach does flip flops, we have gone against our gut instincts.
3. Brainstorm! A simple exercise is to write down the pros and cons – whatever comes to mind. Doing this simple process releases the messages from your subconscious… and is very effective.
4. Sleep on it! Think about the question or decision before going to sleep. An old concept, yet very effective, this “programs” your subconscious and will harness dream power into your decision results.
5. Rely on your instinct! Trust your inner voice to lead you to success.
6. Envision success! Daydream about your question. Take time to let your mind have the freedom to roam…ideas and resolutions will come to you. Don’t be afraid of achieving your success and the new beginnings you will experience.
Anthony Robbins says in his book, Giant Steps – Small Changes to Make a Big Difference, “The more decisions you make, the better you’ll become at making them. Muscles get stronger with use, and so it is with your decision-making muscles.”
So today, make two decisions you have been avoiding: one easy decision and one that’s more challenging to accomplish. Immediately take the first step towards achieving each of them, and follow-through with the next step tomorrow. By taking one step at a time, you will be building the "muscle" that can change your life.
We all hear about Gratitude and the importance of expressing appreciation for each day of our lives. The question is…..Are we really Living in Gratitude?
A day that begins with gratitude is a day that you’ll fill with positive thoughts and positive energy. When you are sincerely appreciative of what you have and where you are in life, you will greatly expand your own possibilities.
Begin with a thankful thought. Perhaps notice a quiet relaxing room, a beam of early morning sun streaming through the window or the feeling of a restful night’s sleep. Connect yourself with the abundance that is all around you.
There is always something you can be sincerely thankful for… and the simple act of being thankful ignites a productive momentum in your day and creates incredible possibilities in your world. By focusing your thoughts on the positive aspects of your life, you provide energy for their influence to grow. Be grateful and your gratitude happily creates even more abundance in your life for which to be grateful.
The appreciation for what you have gives even more value to all that you are. The blessings you enjoy are precisely blessings because you see them as valuable parts of your life….and appreciate them.
Tap into the great reservoir of real value that is already there and is available to you. Live with gratitude… and you will create even more reasons to be thankful.
Recently, I read an article about Keith Anderson…a rising country music star…and his thoughts on the power he sees in women. After the recent death of his mother, he has grown in his appreciation of women and the ways women have given him strength, sensitivity and the drive to succeed.
Keith thinks great music – a great song – and great women have so much in common…they both share different levels and touch you emotionally. He openly shares his ideas and feelings on the 4 reasons women make life worth living.
“You open your heart to those around you.” Women are compassionate and loving, managing so many areas of life without judgment and criticism, but with encouragement. Generally women know what they believe in and why they believe as they do, and will defend it to the end.
“You’re able to conquer any challenge.” Women can handle children, careers, husband, household, school activities and “taxi” service…making it appear easy to deal with everything that comes their way. Keith laughingly says “I’m not qualified for that…I don’t think most guys are!”
“Your intelligence is inspiring.” Women are so much "smarter", with deeper feelings and more intelligence. They think of details much more deeply and emotionally than men do.
“You just keep getting sexier and sexier.” As women get older, they become more comfortable with who they are, what they are and where they want to go. This brings a whole new level of womanhood – that confidence in who they are.
Ahhhhh…..Summer time and Watermelon….an unbeatable team !!!
You have heard of Wally Amos, better known for cookies…an entrepreneur and the founder of Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies. But did you know he is also known for watermelon?
In his book, Watermelon Magic: Seeds of Wisdom, Slices of Life, Wally writes about his Watermelon Credo which is a guide for getting through challenges in life. I share it with you now.
W – Whatever you believe creates your reality. Believe that life is a positive experience and it will be. A – Attitude is the magic word. Your greatest asset is your attitude. Be positive regardless. T – Together everyone achieves more. There are no limits to what we can accomplish together. I am more than I am but less that we are. E – Enthusiasm is the wellspring of life. There is no limit to what can be accomplished with enough enthusiasm. R – Respect yourself, as well as others. When you begin to respect yourself, your whole world changes. M – Make commitments, not excuses. There is overwhelming power in the words “Yes I will!” E – Everyday can be a fun day. Fun is the lubricant that keeps life moving forward. Laugh a lot. L – Love is the answer. Whatever the question, Love is the answer. It’s the greatest force in the Universe. O – One day at a time. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. All of life happens in increments of one. N – Never give up or become a victim. You are guaranteed to lose if you give up. Winston Churchill was right, “Never, never, never give up.” It works if you work it.
Watermelon is Fun, Inspirational and a great reminder for us to always live life from our highest self. Do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by events. Let watermelon remind you that you are greater than events…and you have the power to create and change events by what you believe.
Add watermelon to your shopping list and enjoy the 'treats' of summer.... Linda Kay Holden New Beginnings Community
In the United States, August 26 of each year is designated as Women's Equality Day. It marks a day to celebrate this event of new beginnings for women!
Instituted by Rep. Bella Abzug, a U.S. Congresswomen, lawyer, writer and news commentator, it was first established in 1971, and the date commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Woman Suffrage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave U.S. women full voting rights in 1920. The year 1920 marked the end of a long road, begun in 1848, to win the vote for women. For American women, they gained one of the most cherished rights and fundamental responsibilities of citizenship.
The struggle for women's suffrage in America dates back to the founding of the country. Many inspired women over the course of history have tirelessly worked to ensure that future generations of women could realize the promise of America.
Today, American women are leaders in business, government, law, science, medicine, the arts, education, and many other fields. Women-owned businesses account for nearly half of all privately held firms and are opening at twice the rate of male-owned businesses. Through vision, determination, and a strong work ethic, remarkable American women have broadened opportunities for themselves and for women around the world.
Celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout the world today!
Celebrate the vision, determination and empowerment of BraveHeart Women around the world….today and everyday!
Michael Jackson brought us together in “We Are The World”.
His music lives…even in death!
Sing along....and be inspired!!!!
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Watch ‘A BraveHeart View’ show today and discover the lessons learned from Michael Jackson!
Share your BraveHeart View in the Discussion Forum.
Be inspired to show your love for others!!!
In Gratitude and Love,
Linda Kay Holden New Beginnings Community