Monday, October 14, 2013

Almost Broken in A State of Perfection

I try to fill every day with gratitude for all my blessings great and small, and even for those things that don't appear to be blessings at the time. My arm is healing, but still sore and its movement still limited to a degree. However, this experience has made me so thankful and appreciative of my body and its capabilities. It has also made me even more empathetic with those who deal with chronic limitations, especially those who deal with those limitations by not allowing themselves to be limited.

Each day presents a new challenge, but less challenging than the other. This situation reminds me that God watches over us, and is with us always. Nothing in this Universe is almost broken, like my arm was. Everything is in a state of perfection always working toward our good, whether or not we are able to recognize it or whether or not we know the outcome for ourselves or someone else.







Saturday, September 14, 2013

Being Happy, Being Healthy, Being Loved

What else could anyone want out of life except a state of being happy, being healthy, and being loved? Sure, we fool ourselves into thinking it’s wealth that we want, and some of us even crave fame. There is no denying wealth makes it easier to be happy though. You don’t have to worry about bills, housing, or food. A wealthier you could even mean a healthier you by making it easier to afford the best medical care.  But, can wealth bring you love? No, love is so basic and so naturally evolving, nothing else matters. The impoverished is loved as much as the wealthy by spouses, children, friends, and family. That would make love the true source of wealth and our very existence. There is something or someone so Infinite, so immense in nature that It created love through the mere radiance of its existence. This Infinite power, most of us refer to as God, has powered within each of us that most prevalent and easily shared emotion called love. Okay, this may sound sappy or not, but love is the resolution to all of our worldly problems. Love can connect us, create harmony, and establish peace with our neighbors and in the world community. Imagine world leaders caring so deeply for their constituents and fellow world dwellers that they would not wage war. They would share the philosophy of “do no harm.” Imagine no one becoming a terrorist because of whom or what they hate; instead they would become peacemakers by loving and respecting others’ differences. Imagine waking up in the morning and hearing the last evening’s news repeating over and over how great and wonderful the world is. There is an abundance that is available to everyone. All you have to do is open your arms and your hearts. Being happy, being healthy, and being loved could turn our world into a true heaven on earth. So spread some love.

 
“A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.” Max Muller

“We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it.” John Lennon

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Your World, Your Words



Sitting here next to my new grandson, I wonder what his world will be like when he grows up. I wonder what words will define his future. Who will speak words to him that will inspire him and make him feel invincible? What words will he hear to make him feel less than he is? As a writer, I know the power of words in a story line. However, as a human, I know the power of words in our lives.  Words have the power to create or to destroy, to unify or to divide, and to build foundations of success or failure, even happiness or misery.
Looking back on my life, I can remember words spoken to me that made me doubt myself and words spoken to me that made me feel like I could do anything. In many instances, I can even remember who spoke those words. That’s why as I look at this innocent life, I pray the words I speak to him will never cause him to hurt, to doubt, or experience pain, but only cause him comfort, joy, and inspiration. 

Growing up as children, we believe every word spoken to us and our worlds begin to develop around those words. For instance, if we grew up hearing how wonderful and how beautiful we are, we have more confidence than the children who grew up hearing nothing positive about their attributes or characteristics. Thus, these words affected the outlook and reaction to the world they live in. 

The creation of our worlds doesn't stop there. As we all mature and become adults, words continue to shape our worlds: past, present, and future. Since our worlds are shaped by our own minds, thoughts, and beliefs, we have the responsibility to ourselves and to others to use our words wisely. Always remember the power of words and remember words become thoughts, thoughts become actions, and actions create outcomes that design your world.

So for the sake ourselves and our little ones, live by these words: Happy Words! Happy World!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Right Thinking Gets it Done

"The right thought, plus the right people, in the right environment, at the right time, for the right reason, always produces the right result." John Maxwell, Thinking for a Change

Monday, May 13, 2013

A Determined Woman Will Always Succeed

"The definition of a successful person is simply an ordinary person with extraordinary determination. You cannot keep a determined person from success. If you place stumbling blocks in her way. She will take them for stepping-stones and will use them to climb to new heights. The one who succeeds has a goal, a dream, and makes her plans and follows them." ~ Mary Kay Ash

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Corporate Addiction


I am a woman who has a lot of pans in the fire, constantly on the move and constantly working to bring my dreams to fruition.  But, I recently noticed something about my personality that made me wonder if I have a disease that I am likening to corporate addiction.  The symptoms are like those released prisoners with an institutionalized mentality.  You have heard of them.  They are so addicted to the institutionalized life that as soon as they are released, they do something to go right back to prison.   Their act of crime is done with the intent to be caught and to go back to the life with the comfort of a ritual, being told what to do, knowing what to expect, and when.  Without a doubt, that is a disease of the mind and of a spirit that is afraid to take control of its own life.  Well, how does that relate to corporate addiction?  Simply put, having control of your own time. 

Time is what made me think of it as a corporate addiction, because every time I get the chance to manage my own time to work harder and smarter toward what I really believe I want, I tie my time up with another corporation.  I won’t name names of corporations, nor am I writing this to complain.  Just wondering how many people on earth are in the same boat.  We talk about our dreams and how we don’t have time to pursue them, yet we can’t cut the corporate ties.  Yes, corporations pay us and pay some of us better than others, but are we happy?  Do we prefer to complain how the 9 to 5 job is really a 9 to 9 or longer?  Do we like the hype of complaining to each other about our long hours?  Is it preferable to regret lost time with family, lost sleep, and lost time?  Maybe, instinctively we harbor spirits of fear and don’t really believe our affirmations and dogged determination will manifest into the life that we secretly or not so secretly want.  Just asking. 

As I look within and without, I know that money manifests into the life style we know, just like the lifestyle the institutionalized prisoner knows.  But, when do we cut the ties and release, let go.  Isn’t that what the greats or so many people who run their own businesses do?  They step out on faith, believe in themselves, see the bigger picture, and untie themselves to someone else’s dreams and expectations.  Where would Ford be without Henry?  Where would Microsoft be without Bill?  They were addicted to no other corporations than their own.

It occurs to me as I think more and more about this that our economy would probably be at its greatest, if more of us had their faith and their drive.  Perhaps even the elimination of poverty could be possible if everyone had an attitude of self-sufficiency that was based on the belief in their own talents and abilities.  Or, perhaps, this is the direction the next evolution of commerce is taking, the entrepreneurial revolution replacing the information revolution that replaced the industrial that replaced the agricultural.  We are all here for a purpose to help each other, but the best way we can do that is to help ourselves.  So my recommendation, if you see yourself a victim of your own corporate addiction, is to open that business you are dreaming about.  Have faith.  I do.  So, I’m still tied to corporations and rules, but I am still tossing those pans around in the fire as I build my own corporate world. 
As I build my bridge to freedom, I hope to help others take control wherever they can.  In my recent book, A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Right Doctor, I share tips on controlling your choices in healthcare providers.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Rained in at Sea Island


I know, I know, rained in sounds like a bad thing, but it isn’t.  Can you imagine just sitting in lush, green surroundings, enjoying the stillness as the sound of trickling, okay occasionally down-pouring rain falls outside?  Your view is perfect and it is so peaceful, regardless of the gray outlook?  One of the activities I had been looking forward to was canceled due to the heavy rain, but I’m okay with that.  I haven’t been on a horse since my 20’s and I was a little apprehensive about the temperament of the horse I would get.  I have fond memories of my cousin’s horse who would take you straight back to the stables whenever the whim hit him, whether you wanted to or not.  I was on him one time for that full gallop back home because he got tired of wandering around the hills of Saddle Brook, NJ.  But, I was going to give it a try.   Sea Island has a way of giving you that extra little bit of courage.

We were staying at the very seductive, very historically-drenched hotel just above Brunswick, about an hour south of Savannah on a little piece of heaven called The Cloister.  It’s beautiful.  Just a few miles after crossing the bridge, you wind down little tree covered roads dripping with moss.  Then you drive slowly into the compound on the cobblestone roads and exit your car into buildings reminiscent of old Spanish mansions, decorated with tapestries and paintings of southern charm. 

When we arrived at our room, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the room was as big as the pictures online.  Pleasantly surprised, I say, because I have felt cheated on many occasions.  So many hotels use panoramic pictures to display their rooms and lobbies.  Sadly, when I had arrived at those other hotels, I found I barely had enough room to turn around.  Not here.  The bedroom with its cathedral ceiling was more than enough room with a sitting area and an ample patio.  I have taken pictures, but they don’t do it justice.  We have a view of Black Banks River, but can walk to the beach in less than five minutes.  Something I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, though walking in the rain did sound romantic and adventurous, just like riding horses.  But, it was a little too cold for that walk in the pouring rain, though it is normally warmer this time of year in Sea Island.  So off I galloped happily to the restaurants, and then to the spa.

I ate heartily a nice shrimp omelet laden with spinach, gruyere, and other stuff that was absolutely delicious at the Georgian.  But, I didn’t stop there.  After exploring St. Simons Island, the neighboring paradise, I went for my Stone and Scent massage.  Ladies and gents, I think I had an out of body experience!   I don’t ever recall being so relaxed before.  Perhaps my surroundings helped, but the masseuse was the best.  I have been to massage establishments in Atlanta.  Some with very big names, and very big promises, but they didn’t have ‘Roderick.’  This man has an absolute gift to relax every muscle in my body to the point that I felt like a drunk when I tried to stand up.  My body said lay back down; your muscles aren’t in the mood to walk right now.  So guess what?  I obeyed. 

My pleasures didn’t stop there.  Of course not!  The Cloister has more than one excellent restaurant. Later I would enjoy a grilled red snapper that melted in my mouth at the Tavola, its charming Italian restaurant.  Need I go on?  The food was fabulous, even from the limited menu at the River Bar.  I can highly recommend this five star hotel on the beautiful Sea Island. It deserves every star.  The staff is incredibly solicitous.  They make it a point to make you want for nothing.  Kudos all the way around, I can grant them a five star review for my stay at The Cloister.  So, in the famous words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll Be Back.”

Sunday, February 10, 2013

LW!'s The Author's Hideaway!: REVIEW: Dreams Thrown Away by Dilsa Saunders Baile...

LW!'s The Author's Hideaway!: REVIEW: Dreams Thrown Away by Dilsa Saunders Baile...: Date:                    1/29/13                Title:                     Dreams Thrown Away Author:                Dilsa Saunders Ba...

LW!'s The Author's Hideaway!: REVIEW: Split Images by Dilsa Saunders Bailey

LW!'s The Author's Hideaway!: REVIEW: Split Images by Dilsa Saunders Bailey: Date:                    2/4/13                Title:                     Split Images Author:                Dilsa Saunders Bailey   ...

Sunday, January 20, 2013

What Did the Writers Digests' Judge Have to Say about The Sperling Chronicles?



The Sperling Chronicles, Dreams Thrown Away, is a high energy book with a lot happening to this family, including tragedy, violence, and world-wide celebrities. The heroine is the best thing about the book. Kali, although mistreated and violated in many ways, always maintains her center. The reader pulls for Kali to survive this dysfunctional family and the tragedy that happens to her when her twins are born. And she does, for a while, marrying a steady, well-grounded man, who unfortunately eventually treats her poorly. Still, Kali is a larger than life heroine with whom the reader can identify, and her struggles and successes make for an interesting read.

This book has it all, the attractive heroine, and the larger than life "hero" if Ashton can be called that, and all the necessary bit players. It has the settings and the characters that make it an entertaining book. Altogether, a book worth reading.

SPLIT IMAGES, The Sperling Chronicles, is a fast paced book with interesting characters and a fascinating on-going story. I particularly liked the plot idea of the twin brothers, with one taking the other's place and the other (the real Ashton) left for dead. He returns as Lazarus, raised from the dead. I particularly liked the beginning, which told me this was going to be a fun read. "You idiots, this thing's alive!. (Speaking of Ashton's almost dead body.) I also appreciated the short chapters. I felt as though I were flying through the book, with each chapter going by quickly with no unnecessary narrative to slow the action.

On the whole, it was a fun book. Congratulations.

Both books are available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Lulu, iBookstore, and most online retailers in eBook and Print format.  For autographed copies, order from this site or Good Show Publications.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Released on Kindle - A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Right Doctor


 This book, A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Right Doctor, is great for:
  • Anyone who has or plans to relocate!
  • Anyone not satisfied with their current doctor!
  • Anyone who has a need for a specialist for a second or third opinion!
  • Anyone who is curious about what your hospital or health plan knows about your doctor!
  • Organizations who want to empower their staffs during benefits enrollments!
  • You!
Get your copy on Kindle today! 

Pre-Order your print copy for the upcoming late January release at Good Show Publications  

Download the FREE companion tool to help you track your health concerns, medical records, and prescriptions, in addition to recording your health-related questions to discuss with your doctor or notes about the type of doctor you are looking for.  This is a comprehensive tool that you can use with the Comprehensive Guide.  Make your decision today or become educated on how you can! 

Written by Dilsa S. Bailey, CPMSM, a Healthcare Credentialing Expert.