March 22, 2015 - A Journey of Discovery

   

Geranium patiently waiting for the healing sun of Spring and Summer.

     I'm discovering healing is a journey.  Slowly I'm learning to give up habits that are holding me back from reaching my full potential.  In all things I'm learning to seek the truth.  Finding inner calm is the key to unlocking what's real in any situation.
     How do I find calm?  First, I have to own how I feel.  Where is my mind taking me?  For example, do I see people working against me or for me?  Do I see all situations as related to me or do I see that all are working to find answers for the questions within their own life?
     Teamwork is all about having common goals everyone want to see come to fruition.  If all parties have buy in that the outcome is worthwhile then people are able to put self aside and work toward the common good.
     For me, as I begin to see the common goal, I've been able to see the potential in others and within myself.  My actions are going toward positive outcomes aligning to put me in a position where I may both meet my needs and the needs of the organization where I work.  I'm to discovering educational opportunities that tie into my personal and professional aspirations.  I'm beginning to truly listen to myself and others.
     I am finding answers I need all around me, in quick conversations in the hallway or break room, posts on Twitter and Facebook.  All leading to success from within just by being open to the possibilities of good outcomes.
     My hope, in chronicling my journey through life, is that others will find answers they are seeking too.  My greatest gift to me is to follow my dreams.  Know that to seek is to find.  In all things, always keep seeking the answers to why am I here, what's my purpose?  What's uniquely me and pursue that end goal for a lifetime.

Peace,

Melissa Blanchard - Missy.

Always seek the light of understanding.

Wellness and Life Balance Melissa Blanchard Journal 9-21-14

Hi Everyone,

Well, allergies came back after the indoor plant move so they are now back outside and will remain.  There must be something in the soil that my allergy shots don't combat.  The plants are doing better back outside anyway - they are wild at heart so annual is what I'm able to sustain in Minnesota climate. 
Even with the slight relapse - I was able to give blood to the Red Cross check out this link and give if you're able http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation-v6.  Asthma medication doesn't disqualify you so give it a go.  I'm glad I've been taking steps to be in good health so I'm able to give to those in need.  The process was fast and easy.  All that worked on the blood mobile were friendly, helpful and good at their jobs.  I'm thankful they are dedicated to keep the blood supply well stocked in USA and abroad as needed.
Next week I'll be attending 2 classes.  Fairview Health Services is providing these educational opportunities at no cost to the employee and during work hours.  I'm thankful for an employer that supports continuing education.
Today was Fall cleaning day.  I found some pictures and a shelf my brother made for me.  Below are pictures of my new wall adornments:

Deep cleaning takes more out of you than just running the vacuum so one room a day will be my pace this Fall.
Yesterday I spent most of the day upgrading my Apple devices to iOS 8.  So far so good on the new operating systems functionality but it took quite a bit of memory to accomplish and some time to accomplish but I had the reward of completing the process successfully.
Also, on Saturday night I used my new Verizon Ellipsis™ 7  learn more at this link:  http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/tablet/ellipsis-7?&zipRdr=y tablet to tweet with #CedarCoveTV, check out this think for more information:  http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/cedarcove/about, cast and fans.  The little Android did a good job without any issues so glad I have it for tweeting support for @HallmarkChannel family entertainment.  I enjoy tweeting with the actors from the show.  I appreciate they take the time to support the fans opinions. 
iPad still does somethings better than Android but there's something to be said for light weight and simplistic operation that Ellipsis manages very well.
I enjoy working with computer and mobile devices.  There's a satisfaction when you get everything to work together to make life easier both professionally and personally.
Here's hoping all is going well with you.  Your comments are welcome.  Keep on believing in the possibilities.
Sincerely,
Missy
Melissa Blanchard.

Wellness and Life Balance Melissa Blanchard Journal 9-14-2012

Dear Friends,

Summer's heat is slowly leaving and the leaves are starting to change with early morning frost.  I brought my hanging plants inside and so far they are liking the 70 degree temperatures better than the 30's outside.  Here's a picture of their winter home:

I had always avoided having house plants due to allergies but there's growing things all summer when I'm outside and I survive so I can handle 3 plants wintering with me inside.  It will be good to have something living when all things green slowly die away under the winter snow and cold temperatures.  My allergies are doing much better - hopefully after 14 years of allergy shots.

I'm covering the outside window box flowers with sheets until its freezing during daylight or they start turning brown.  I'm going to get some artificial pine branches, after the annual flowers die, to put in the soil so there's green out on the terrace over the winter months too. 

I've found being around growing things to be inspirational to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Just as the plants need water, food and sunlight so do I.  I see the rewards in how the plants grow big, strong, and beautiful which helps me keep working on giving my body what it needs.  Seeing how small plants grow into big beautiful flowering plants also reminds me God is at work all around me.  Every day I see how life continues to find a way to thrive even in the cracks of the sidewalks. 

I'm also discovering the best use of my time to get the outcomes I need to have a healthy body.  Daily walks, some slow stretching of the arms and legs yields result without putting much more than 45 minutes a day.  A good investment in having mobility as I age.  The body functions better with well formed muscles.

I'm also learning how to listen to others.  It's very important to listen first.  I've found I can do this better by reviewing all conversations in an objective manner.  It helps to keep all comments you receive in a place where you can take out later when you're calm and decide that this applies to me personally, professionally or not something about me at all but more to do with how the other person chose to handle a situation. 

Stepping back and letting go helps to maintain perspective.  Some questions will have ready answers but some take longer to formulate or research so it's ok not to have a reply immediately.

When others are unresponsive or sometimes even insulting with their replies, I can step back and consider before I react.  There are times when all of us need grace.  Forgiving rash statements helps me to be easier on myself.  Perfection in communication isn't possible for anyone and when you apply this to yourself its damaging.  I've learned to do the best I can, learn from mistakes and keep on trying. 

Keep on seeing the possibilities.  There's so much to learn and see in every moment of life.  Take the time to enjoy and make the most out of each and everyone. 

Peace,

Your friend,
Missy