Happy New Year 2014

May the year ahead bless you and those that you love with all the happiness that your hearts and hands can hold.  May you rise to meet your destiny and never function consciously beneath your potential.  May this be the year that you step out boldly, without the approval of others,  to accomplish what your souls calls you to fulfill.  May you find truth, joy, health and happiness and may you recognize the beauty and blessing in each encounter that comes your way. Be the offering of Love...the gift of Love.....the answer that the world awaits. Happy New Year ~ Love, Peace, Joy and Light....May your bloom in Gratitude!

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora in other nations of the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67.  Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba—the seven principles of African Heritage), which Karenga said "is a communitarian African philosophy," consisting of what Karenga called "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world." These seven principles comprise *Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles, as follows:

• Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
• Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
• Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
• Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

'Tis the Season all year long

'Tis the Season to be Jolly! Yes, this is what we're constantly hearing....the narrative doesn't change, but have we changed? Have we grasped the true meaning of this delightful season? Have we learned about 'Giving' in the deeper sense? Do we give, because we want to feel good about ourselves or are we giving because someone is truly in 'need' of the gift that's being extended?

We don't have to wait to wrap what's needed throughout the year just at christmastime.  Change the narrative and allow each and everyday to be the season, the day, the week, the month, the moment to be jolly, where you extend your service, your gift, your offering of your time and resources, the moment you identify a need.

Yes...'Tis the Season to be Jolly.....but let that narrative reign throughout the coming year; Each time you recognize or sense a need and you're in a position to gift someone/satisfy a need.....Be Love in Action....continuing the true meaning of Christmas Each Day....Every Single Day! - Merry Christmas...Season's Greetings.....Happy Holidays!

Keep it moving....Learn to Ignore

Every little thing that shows up in your life, doesn't deserve your full attention.  There are occasions when you must simply "keep it moving"... don't pause, don't justify it, don't makes excuses, grant apologies or give it the benefit of a doubt....There are people, places and things that you will need to simply ignore, if you plan to experience Inner Peace and fulfillment in this lifetime.

There are circumstances designed for your growth, because the interaction and ability to learn to respond, rather than react will be necessary, but you must become an expert at recognizing what is a 'teachable' moment and a real opportunity for growth versus just some bs that doesn't deserve the space, nor energy of your valuable time.

Learn to Ignore things that simply Do Not Matter...that bring Nothing to your life nor to the life of others whom you might serve, nor does it contribute to your growth or peace......Recognize it quickly and simply: Keep It Moving! bg

Make it happen....persevere

You can't just get excited about the vision, the idea....what you've scribbled on paper or detailed and outlined in a nice, neat business plan.  You must eventually put those ideas into action.....Get Busy...make it happen....make it a reality....persevere!

“ In the realm of ideas, everything depends on enthusiasm; in the real world, all rests on perseverance. ”— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Memorial service for Nelson Mandela

"Madiba’s passing is rightly a time of mourning, and a time to celebrate a heroic life.  But I believe it should also prompt in each of us a time for self-reflection. With honesty, regardless of our station or circumstance, we must ask: How well have I applied his lessons in my own life?" - President Obama 




Watch President Obama speak at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela: http://OFA.BO/J4W77c
CSPAN COMPLETE SERVICE: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/NelsonMand

“ The heart’s memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good; and thanks to this artifice we manage to endure the burdens of the past. ” — Gabriel García Marquez

R.I.P. Nelson Mandela

Rest in Eternal Peace/Paradise/Freedom ....Warrior, Statesman and Beloved former South African President and iconic Leader of the anti-apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela has died at age 95....Eternal rest....now at peace....Life well-lived - well done....good and faithful servant! ... Condolences to his beloved family, friends and all who knew and loved him for his courage, sacrifices and contributions......His life was not in vain....to be forever cherished. Peace, Be Still...... I celebrate his life - Thank You for displaying grace, dignity, compassion, courage, forgiveness and love! He changed an entire nation and made a profound impact on the consciousness of the globe and all of humanity.  May his life and legacy be remembered.

- “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” - Nelson Mandela

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” - Nelson Mandela

“ You can employ men and hire hands to work for you, but you will have to win their hearts to have them work with you. ”— William J.H. Boetcker

Make a difference...

A memory of the presence of someone in your life or you in theirs...that changes the atmosphere; the powerful, positive, life-changing energy of presence that is never forgotten and honestly anticipated, when a life has made a difference and changed the course of a future, a moment, an outlook.

 “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

Rosa Parks helped change America 58 years ago today...

Lest you forget: 58 years ago today...Dec. 1, 1955 - Rosa Parks rode a Montgomery city bus and refused to get up and move to the back of the bus so a white man could take her seat, as she was expected to in that era of segregation. She was arrested, and in the process, helped launch a new era in the American civil rights movement.

Parks was a seamstress in Alabama and a civil rights activist, but she said after the incident that she had not pre-planned it. She was convicted of violating a law mandating segregation on city buses and fined. She appealed as civil rights activists organized a boycott of Montgomery buses — coordinated by the Montgomery Improvement Association of which a 26-year-old minister named Martin Luther King Jr. was president — that lasted 13 months. It ended when the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to require segregation on public buses.
Rosa Parks became known as “the mother of the civil rights movement.”

Small Business Saturday - Shop Small

Today, Saturday, November 30, 2013 is Small Business Saturday® – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. If you don't normally patronize the mom- and-pop shops in your community, today is a great day to give it a try. More than 9 in 10 small-business owners nationally give back to their communities in some way, be it working with nonprofits, coaching youth sports teams or holding public office. It's the buying-local concept, that personalized service, that circle of money that stays more in the community. You're helping take care of your friends that you know in the community. Local businesses provide jobs to residents in the community, so .... skip the big box retailers today and patronize the small business owner. Who knows......you just might make a habit of it!

On another Note: American Express, a credit-card company, started Small Business Saturday, but shoppers can help their local businesses more if they use cash or a personal check. Debit and credit cards generate fees that businesses have to pay from the proceeds of a sale, and those fees generally go out of state. If you're a small business owner, make sure you're advertising on social media, using hashtags#smallbizsaturday #shopsmall

Happy Thanksgiving

May you capture the essence of Thanksgiving by recognizing all that you should be grateful for. Look around, identify and acknowledge the smallest of things in your life that have such a huge impact.  If you're able to inhale and exhale, that's an opportunity to Be Grateful......so many other things....family, friends, food, shelter and the list goes on and on.

If you've been blessed to enjoy the basic necessities of life, keep in mind, that there are many today who are not able to celebrate as you do with those comforts.  Don't forget to share, reach out, give, lend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate.  Do all that you can, while you can, especially during the holiday season.  Don't let your good deeds end after the holidays, when all the decorations and festivities slow down, and music and bells cease to ring....continue in the spirit of 'Love They Neighbor' and become uncomfortable, when they aren't enjoying the basic comforts of life as you do.

May your Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends be a time to reflect on Gratitude and Outreach.....Give Thanks for All Things and for everyone who has crossed your path and come into your life for a purpose - divinely appointed, with you in mind for the greater good of Love - Happy Thanksgiving!

Where's your Focus...What's on your mind?

Choose your thoughts carefully....thoughts translate into ideas and ideas into action, and action brings about change! Focus on the Good that you can accomplish and good change will undoubtedly manifest....with good thoughts being put into action! - Simply put: Focus on the Good! (On the other hand, if you wish to manifest negativity and bad outcomes...well, place your focus in that direction) - As for me....I'm Focusing on Good!

Remembering President John F. Kennedy, 50 years after assassination

John F. Kennedy was the youngest person elected U.S. President and the first Roman Catholic to serve in that office. For many observers, his presidency came to represent the ascendance of youthful idealism in the aftermath of World War II. The promise of this energetic and telegenic leader was not to be fulfilled, as he was assassinated near the end of his third year in office. For many Americans, the public murder of President Kennedy remains one of the most traumatic events in memory—countless Americans can remember exactly where they were when they heard that President Kennedy had been shot. His shocking death stood at the forefront of a period of political and social instability in the country and the world. 


Facts at a Glance:

Term: 35th President of the United States (1961–1963)
Born: May 29, 1917, Brookline, Mass.
Nickname: “JFK,” “Jack”
Education: Harvard College (graduated 1940)
Religion: Roman Catholic
Marriage: Jacqueline Lee Bouvier (1929–1994), September 12, 1953
Children: Caroline Bouvier (1957– ); John Fitzgerald, Jr. (1960–1999); Patrick Bouvier (1963)
Career: Author, U.S. Navy Officer, Journalist, Public Official
Political Party: Democrat
Writings: Why England Slept (1940); Profiles in Courage (1956)
Died: Nov. 22, 1963, Dallas, TX
Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

Additional Information - Navigator Timeline: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/k/john_fitzgerald_kennedy/index.html

"Art has to be a kind of confession. I don't mean a true confession in the sense of that dreary magazine. The effort it seems to me, is: if you can examine and face your life, you can discover the terms with which you are connected to other lives, and they can discover them, too — the terms with which they are connected to other people." - James Baldwin - [An Interview With James Baldwin, 1961]

A blink of Fall

Depending on where you are in the country (USA) it feels as though the fall season blew in and swished right on out in the blink of an eye. It's feeling more like winter in my neck 'o the woods. I'm sure this is just a random snap, but on the Southeastern end of the United States, we are seeing freezing temperatures. It's not really a complaint, but more of an observation.  I actually love the fall season, I just didn't expect for it to disappear so fast. I'm sure we'll see the temps start to climb a bit again over the next few days.

Wherever you are, stay warm, grab a good book, or a favorite something/someone to cuddle with, turn on the music and enjoy the falling leaves, logs crackling in the fireplace and random hot toddies.

A blade of grass
by Khalil Gibran

Said a blade of grass to an autumn leaf,
"You make such a noise falling! You scatter all my winter dreams."
Said the leaf indignant,
"Low-born and low-dwelling! Songless, peevish thing!
You live not in the upper air and you cannot tell the sound of singing."

Then the autumn leaf lay down upon the earth and slept.
And when spring came she waked again - and she was a blade of grass.
And when it was autumn and her winter sleep was upon her,
and above her through all the air the leaves were falling, she muttered to herself,
"O these autumn leaves! They make such a noise! They scatter all my winter dreams."

"We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us." - Marcel Proust

Soul Set Free

The soul longs to be free
Untethered, relieved
surrendered to the place
that it was bound to be

Journeying and seeking
longing for rest
For peace, for quiet..
Calmness, at best

Discovering the soul place
growing in that space
Giving the best that
the soul has to give

Emptied of dead space
Filled with renewed grace
Flourishing and living
as a Soul Set Free
© 2013 Brenda Gale

Daily Bread

The vastness of this universe serves us daily....aiding us as we chase our dreams, our passions, our daily lives.  How often do we stop to reflect on the basics that are freely serving us: fresh air, sunshine....soil for preparation of our food growth. The list goes on and on, yet we find things to complain about and seldom give thanks or ever express Gratitude.

May we slow down, get a grip and reflect and express our compassion for nature.  Find a way to become more energy conscious, to be less wasteful and to simply breathe in and give thanks for the smallest of miracles daily.  Treat the planet better, be more compassionate with your neighbors......Thirst and Hunger after Truth and know that Nothing lasts forever and what you have now is a gift for the moment. The Universe is freely and willingly serving you on earth today!

This place

There is a place where time stands still /where the world stops turning / And you're in the zone of being every bit of all of You.

There is a place where your soul just opens up / you find yourself pouring out the very best of all that you have to offer

Seek this place and rest there /find solace there and rest there /Go there often /Create and spill your soul in this place, through song, dance, words

Your Soul-Space /your heart's refuge /your energized environment for creating the life that has
been placed inside of you

Go to the Soul-space /Go there - create there- breathe new life there /space out in the frequency of your Soul-space!
© 2013 Brenda Gale

Simply Put....Walk the Talk

Everything must change

The weather, the leaves, the shortened days ahead.....everything is changing as everything must change....and so we can visibly notice from the outside, that the season has, indeed changed.

Speaking of changes, what are some of the changes that need to take place in your personal life? Is there someone who needs to be forgiven....something that needs to be eliminated, reduced....forgotten?  For the sake of your own peaceful spirit....Forgive, eliminate, reduce and forget.  Quietly and purposely.....release the past season and embrace your new season.

The transition of whatever changes are bound to take place will be so much lighter when you choose not to resist natural change.  Remember....everything must change - nothing stays the same. Flow freely in your assigned season; remain an open vessel and recognize when the change is taking place and especially, when it has occurred.

Admire the changes.....notice the differences around you and embrace the gift of newness....freedom....increased clarity, when you're not holding onto something that serves you absolutely no purpose in the new season. Change can be beautiful.....Change is beautiful when embraced gracefully.

Enjoy the beautiful change of the leaves and the weather....take advantage of the present moments during the shortened days......Step into your seasons of life, without resistance......with expectancy and readily embracing the changes.
©2013 

October: National Breast Cancer Awareness month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.....please schedule your mammograms. - The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. NBCAM recognizes that, although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. Today, we remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health.

Although October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NBCAM is dedicated to raising awareness and educating individuals about breast cancer throughout the year. We encourage you to regularly visit these sites to learn more about breast cancer, breast health, and the latest research developments. Click on any of the websites below for more information. Visit the website for more information and resources here: http://www.nbcam.org/

Don't wait....Choose

Still deciding which road to take
which way to turn
what move to make?
Don't take too long
for life won't wait
Days come and go
and still you wait....


Decide and choose
the road to take
the way to turn
the move to make

Don't take so long
 to Live your life
on the road you choose
at the turn you make
...to live your life...
Don't wait...Choose.
© 2013 Brenda Gale

Hello Autumn...

Welcome to Autumn (Fall) -The seasons will change today (Sept. 22) with the Northern Hemisphere moving into autumn and the South emerging from winter into spring. The celestial event that marks this transition is called an "equinox," and it happens twice every year.....a "favorite" time of year for me.  Spend time outside as often as you can.  Not only is it good to get out, breathe the fresh air, or take a walk and exercise, but it does wonders for your spirit.  The crisp air reminds us of the inevitability of 'change' - a time to regroup, embrace and address the beauty of life and  the universe.

Welcome change....in the seasons....and in your life.  Some things are inevitable and instead of disagreeing or ignoring what will come to pass anyway.....Embrace the change and celebrate the newness of evolving into a new season!

Love Became Me....

Love became this place where memories were unpacked, when stored

Love became a melody that reminded me of life unlived

Love became a fragrance that was blooming in the springtime

Love became the fuel that lifted me, reminded me, encouraged me and carried me

Love became Me!

© 2013 Brenda Gale

Take Responsibility for your life....

Do the necessary work that will produce the results you're targeting.  You must take responsibility for your own life.  You must decide that you're going to go after the things that you want, ask the questions that will give you information for forming decisions and you must consistently take action!  Seek and ye shall find....Ask and the answers will be revealed.....Knock on the doors and if they're closed, you will notice open windows....just waiting for YOU to enter. You'll never know what life has in store for you until you Go for it....Take Full Responsibility....Take Action!

The Nation Pauses to Remember Sept. 11th attacks 12 years ago...

Remembering the lives lost and those affected who are left behind

Abandon your fears and become a miracle of love...

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.  -  Taken from the book, ‘A Return to Love,’ by Marianne Williamson: principles from ‘A Course in Miracles’

Commemorating the March on Washington - 50 Years Later.....Let Freedom Ring!

View of Lincoln Memorial towards Washington Monument 8/28/63

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom or "The Great March on Washington", as styled in a sound recording released after the event, was one of the largest political rallies for human rights in United States history and called for civil and economic rights for African Americans. It took place in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, August 28, 1963. Martin Luther King, Jr., standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech advocating that racial harmony should prevail upon the march.

The march was organized by a group of civil rights, labor, and religious organizations, under the theme "jobs and freedom." Estimates of the number of participants varied from 200,000 to 300,000. Observers estimated that 75–80% of the marchers were black.

The march is credited with helping to pass the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965)

"I Have a Dream" 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. waves to the crowd / 8/28/63

President Barack Obama speaks to the crowd at the March on Washington Anniversary - 8/28/13 - 50 years later.