Sorry to get all sappy on you, but every year I use Thanksgiving as reminder of the gifts that I have in my life. It’s my time to appreciate all things big and small, really drink in all the wonderfulness, and take a closer look at the blessings in my life. And I know that I am a lucky girl! I have an amazing family, the best of friends, my health and wellness and this wonderful blog that allows me to live my passion each and every day!

So what are you THANKFUL FOR? What FABULOUSNESS do you have in your life that you tend to overlook??

I wrote This Wonderful Post last year that I think really helps you tap into what you are thankful for and I thought that I would share it again this year, as a gift to my readers who make this dream possible!

Sorry for the lapse in posts loyal followers, but I am taking a much needed summer vacation and with that comes being caught up in the moment, absorbed in the experience and just being.  This is what I love most about going on vacation, taking each moment as it comes, not much planning, going with the flow and being present. So I thought I would share some of my thoughts and observations with you about being present, since it has been awhile since I wrote one of my more psychologically oriented posts. 

If you are anything like me in your day to day life, you are constantly racing around from here to there, filling your day with to do’s, work, errands, socializing, care taking and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I buzz so fast through life or worry about what’s next, I forget to pause and be in the moment in order to observe what is going on around me, how about you?

Being on vacation with no agenda and all that matters is being with my family is showing me that I am missing out on some precious moments, especially with my son. Right now, I have no distractions, no to do’s, no deadlines, no appointments and I am lapping it all up. We are giggling, laughing, playing, snuggling, pillow fighting, firefly and baby frog catching, adventuring and I am really being with him. This focused presence is showing me how much I am really missing, how many subtle and precious moments I am missing out on because I am focused on something else. In the moment these things feel more important, but they really aren’t and that makes me sad.

In truth, what is really more important than being with my son and family? NOTHING!! Blogging can wait, Blackberry can wait, events can wait, but my son growing up and being a little boy will not wait. I will blink, it will all be over, I will still have the same to do list and nothing to show for it. So this vacation has really helped me see what is really important, to slow down, be present and shrink down the unnecessary to do list and drink it the precious moments before they are gone.

What are your most precious moments? What moments are you missing and what tips can you share that have helped you be more present?

Today is Mother’s Day, and to all of you fabulous mommy’s I wish you an incredible day that fills your heart and soul with joy, love and peace. Today, I celebrate my mom and all the other fabulous mothersout there who have nurtured us, loved us, taught us, shaped us and impacted our lives in beautiful and magical ways.

Make sure you take the time today to honor and celebrate your mother. And if you are a mom, make sure to celebrate and honor yourself for all that you do, all the sacrifices that you make and for the wonderful family that you have created. Being a mother is a gift you give and a gift you get, remember that, today and always. So now I share with you my thoughts about motherhood, and what I love about this treasured role that I celebrate every day of my life:

I love seeing this amazing child everyday, who is a beautiful blend of my hubby and I

I love seeing the magic, wonder and passion my son takes into every day of his life

I love the freedom, laughter, and being in the moment that my child reminds me of each and everyday

I love the unconditional hugs, kisses and love that I constantly get

I love seeing Disneyland through my son’s eyes and feeling like a kid again when we go together

I love being a Room Mom and coordinating various activities at school

I love Mom’s Night Out (MNO)–Cocktails anyone?

I love the amazing friends I have made because motherhood brought us together

I love seeing the joy and adoration in my husband’s eyes when he bonds with our son  

I love our projects and adventures like cooking and encouraging my little foodie

I love that he is mischevious, rough and tumble, active and all boy–and let’s not forget the light saber fights, gotta love those

I love having ‘Date Night’ with my little man, when my big man is out of town

I love being our own family unit, sharing special moments and creating our own traditions

I loved being pregnant and that our deep, life long love created another human being who will carry on our lineage

I love the uncertainity of  being a mom, and that you never know what is around the corner; but it is always a fun adventure, and with love, family and children the world is a much more fun, happier place

I love Spring! To me it symbolizes a season of change, transitions, and new beginnings. I don’t know about you, but for me this is the time of year that I get obsessed with Spring cleaning. I am focused on decluttering, getting rid of the old, unused, too big, too small, outdated crap and I LOVE it! It is so freeing when you let go of the unwanted stuff and make room for new possibilities, and for me this is what Spring is all about.

I challenge you, gorgeous reader, to make a point this Spring season of cleaning, organizing, decluttering and getting rid of the stuff you just don’t have a use for anymore. Try this, and then pay attention to how it makes you feel.  Do you feel lighter, more free, open? Have you created new space for possibilities, growth and change?

In honor of this glorious season (BTW as I write this, I am in Palm Springs in 80 degree weather which certainly encourages this inspired mood), I encourage you to start thinking about new beginnings.  What is it time to let go of? What has been holding you back? What do you need to free yourself of? What have you been reluctant to start and now need to be encouraged to ’spring’ into?

If I gave you a magic wand and anything was possible and nothing could hold you back, what would you do now that you have always wanted to do? If I could give you infinite support, motivation and encouragement, what might you try now that you have never done before?

I want you to take out a piece of paper and make a list of 5 things that you need to get rid of right now or 5 things you need to change in order to open yourself up to possibilities. Spend some time really looking at this list, look for themes and patterns that are obstacles for you. What is your primary block to forward movement? How can you really let go?  Now look a little deeper and  journal on this paper about what really holds you back and gets in your way, and then, drum roll please .  .  .  .  . crumble it in a ball or tear it into small insignifcant pieces and throw it away! Viola! Freedom and openness, the pump is primed and ready. 

Now, make a list of 5 things you want to begin this Spring. Anything is possible, what do you want to do? Take some time to really listen to your soul, quiet your mind and dig deep for what really makes your heart smile. Dive in, take a chance and go for it! If 5 is too much start with 3, but START! Do it! And then post here and let me know what exciting new things all of you fabulous lovelies are up too.

Spring Fever is in the air, can you feel it??

I am so excited to have a girls getaway this weekend.  For me, these girlie getaways are essential for my well being. I crave this time to getaway, free myself of To Do’s, schedules, meetings and obligations and just be foot loose and fancy free. It’s my time to recharge my batteries and connect with adult women with whom I can be my real unencumbered self with. Not that I have any reason to complain, because I have a wonderfully understanding hubby who knows how important my girlfriend time is, and he generously allows me to go away several times a year.

Going away this weekend sparked this post and made me wonder how many of you schedule girl time? What gets in the way? Why is it important? How do you feel after having some exclusive girl time? For me, I get reinvigorated and it shifts my perspective, not to mention staying up late and sleeping in, oh what a treat!

What will it take for you to be a bit selfish and getaway for a few hours or a few days? Who are your fun and inspirational friends? Who are the friends that make you a better person or who enlighten you? What would you do (For me Scrapbooking Getaways and Wine Tasting Trips really rock my world)? What kind of trip or activity will really take you away from it all and allow you to escape? I challenge you to use this post as a gentle reminder to schedule some me time to recharge your batteries and connect with yourself on a whole new level, I promise it will make a world of difference. 

Please post and share your wonderful adventures with us, we are here for you girlfriend!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I would write a more sentimental heartfelt post (I need to sprinkle in a little substance now and again.) My hubby and I have been married over ten years and throughout our relationship we have sprinkled in this question: “Have I told you lately that I love you?” as a way of connecting and making sure that we stay tuned into each other as romantic partners. With all of our responsibilities and activities as parents, business people and social beings, we often get caught up in the whirlwind of it all and forget to settle down, gaze into each others eyes and let the other know how important and special they are. We use this phrase as a way to quickly shift gears and tune into each other as lovers and husband and wife.

For me Valentine’s Day (whether you buy into the whole Hallmark holiday or not), is all about appreciating, cherishing and remembering to keep the romance alive and important in your relationship. And if time and the busyness of life seems to have sucked you in and made you feel disconnected from your lover, let this holiday and blog post remind you to tune back into the ‘romance channel’ and remember why you fell in the first place. 

Tell your partner that you love him, treasure him, or that he is hot and sexy. Talk about your romantic relationship and discuss what you might want to work on this year and try adding some new novelty to your sex life, whatever it takes to keep the sexy alive and bond strong. Use this holiday to realign yourself with your partner, discuss what you need to work on and shower them with love and compliments. Make them feel special, treasured and adored. And make sure you tell him/her that you love them and how much better your life is because you share it together.

And to my hunky hubby I say, “Have I told you lately that I love you? I DO!!”  

             HAPPY
VALENTINE’S DAY

It’s that time of year again, time to evaluate, reflect, and review everything from the past year as well as set our goals, aspirations, and wishes for the upcoming year. I thought I would give you some questions to ponder that might help you focus your desires and resolutions for 2010. I recommend writing down your answers and putting them in a safe place. Revisit this list every quarter or six months and then again on New Year’s Eve next year to see your progress and stumbling blocks. Here are some things to think about:

• Overall, how did you feel about this past year? What three words capture it best for you?

• What is your biggest accomplishment (the one you are most proud of) in 2009? Any regrets?

• Do a mind dump and let all your thoughts flow: What do you most want to accomplish in 2010? Read and re-read the list and circle 2-3 goals that really resonate with you

• How will you define success in 2010? At the end of the year, how will you measure your success? What will it look like?

• What are your goals/desires for: Family, Health, Career, Money, Friendship, Relationships, Spirituality?

• What mistake do you want to avoid making in 2010? Who can support you in that?

• What will be your personal mantra in 2010?

• What will bring you joy in the upcoming year? List some things that will help you cultivate a more positive attitude in 2010

Cheers to my readers! Happy New Year and thank you for your support of Romy Raves. Stay tuned for lots of exciting things in 2010. One of my biggest goals is to grow this blog, so please spread the word and tell your friends about me.

In honor of this important holiday of harvest, diversity and gratitude, I thought I would write a post to make you pause and reflect. Instead of food, lifestyle and beauty, I am going deep. . . I am asking you to take a moment and reflect about your life and appreciate all that you have.

Today, I am posing some questions to you in hopes that it will make you think, appreciate and perhaps get some new perspective on your life. Take a moment to write down your responses to these questions so that you can reflect on them at a later date. In my day job, I am a professional question asker (moderator and previously a therapist), so now I have decided to flex this muscle in my blog, so here goes:

• What are you most thankful for this year? List at least 5 things

• Other than thanksgiving, do you regularly take the time to appreciate all the gifts in your life?

• Have you taken the time lately to thank the people who make your life better? If not, use this post as a gentle reminder to reach out and say thank you

• Have you ever made a gratitude list? If not, every night before you go to bed reflect on three things that you are grateful for and see how it makes you feel in the morning

• Consider making a gratitude collage in honor of Thanksgiving, filled with everything that fills your heart and makes you smile–and use it during those stressful times

• If you have faced any challenges this year, what pulled you through it? Take a moment to be thankful for overcoming hardship

• In terms of being thankful and coming from a place of gratitude, what is the one thing that you want to make sure that you always appreciate and acknowledge not matter what?

• Save these questions and your responses, and reflect on your growth year after year

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and visit today. I wanted you to know that I am very thankful for this blog, my dedicated readers and the freedom to share my passions with you.

Have a wonderful day and make sure to take the time to absorb the moments,

Romy

The Gratitude Goddess