::Celebrating the holidays with JOY!:: Guest Blogger, Coppelia

{Guest Blogger Coppelia of www.CoppeliaMarie.com} 

I started thinking about Christmas back in September. Ha! Seriously, there's a website that counts down 101 days to Christmas with ideas on how to get organized, plan ahead and make sure the crazy busy holiday time is less stressful and more merry and bright. The countdown starts in September and I love it!

You know how some people are adulting? I'm more into Christmasing.

And yes, singing loud for all to hear (which, we all know is the best way to bring Christmas cheer), happens daily in my car.

But here's the thing: finding joy during the holidays can be tough, especially if:

-Someone you love is sick, battling cancer, needing surgery, etc ...

This season, it was my mom. (And I'm thanking God that she's doing great! But we were all pretty worried about the whole thing.)

Finding joy during the holidays can also be rough if:

-Finances are tight and the kids need Christmas outfits for the reindeer romp, the holiday piano recital, gifts for the teachers and you need an ugly sweater for the office Christmas party. 

Or, maybe you can relate to this: 


-You know those moments when you go through the drive-through line at Starbucks and try to drown your sorrows in a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte? You could be having a peppermint pity party. 

So, what can you do when you're experiencing a combination of all these things (and maybe some more that I didn't have on my list), and you are just not feeling joyful? 

You can still have JOY! 

Sometimes getting out of town for a while helps. We recently had a blast at SeaWorld's Christmas celebration. We even met Rudolph! 

But when you're home, maybe wishing you could go somewhere but the circumstances just don't allow (been there, done that), this might help:

There's a local radio station in Houston, KSBJ (I used to do the morning show there!) and they do something called "The JOY Pledge." Basically, when you're feeling the stress of the holidays for whatever reason, or when you have the Christmas blues, you stop for a moment & say the JOY pledge:

I choose joy

And when I keep my eyes on Jesus,I have joy!

 When I lose it, I will choose it.

 I choose joy! 

It might seem like those are just words, and maybe you're skeptical that "saying a pledge" won't do much to solve your holiday woes. But try it! 

Sometimes, a little change in attitude can go a long way. 

If we are focused on all the negative things that are happening, of course we're not gonna feel joyful! 

BUT, when we decide to think about what we're thankful for, when we make up our minds to choose joy, we often find that one of my favorite quotes, really is true:

"Feelings follow actions more often than actions follow feelings."

In other words, if you wait until you feel joyful… you might be waiting until the new year. But if you decide to act and make the decision to choose joy, you might be surprised that the feeling of joy will follow!

I'd love to hear from you in the comments! Share with me the things that work for you as you try to find joy in this season. 

Here's to more JOY than ever before!

Laughing (and being JOYful) thru life,

Coppelia

~Coppelia

Singer/Speaker/Blogger

www.CoppeliaMarie.com

**My new book is out now!**

"Whole: How One Book Can Transform Your Whole Life" 

http://www.coppeliamarie.com/my-new-book-whole/

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::5 Biggest Habits of Happy People:: Martha~ Guest Houston Latina Blogger

**This is a guest post provided by a fellow Houston Latina Blogger**

   

Post by Martha of Lifetime of Bliss: 

With today’s fast paced world I believe it’s so easy to focus on chasing happiness rather than acknowledging the fact that you can experience happiness at this very moment. Today I wanted to share with you five habits of happy people. This is based on research and my own findings. 

Simple yet effective! Enjoy!

Practice gratitude

When we take time on a consistent basis to reflect on the things that we are grateful for it is impossible to feel sadness or depression. Take notice of the little things in life that we all take for granted from time to time. Getting outside of your environment and visiting a poverty-stricken country or a local homeless shelter in your area can really put things into perspective. Writing down a few things you’re grateful for or sharing them with a close friend or family member can heighten the level of gratitude you may experience.

Live in the present

When I think about the times I’ve felt unhappy it doesn’t take long for me to discover that many of the negative feelings were brought upon due to me focusing on something that either was in the past or hadn’t even happened yet.  Being mindful of the here and now is crucial. The past is gone, leave it behind  and the future has not yet come. Focus your attention on where you are right now, that is the only moment that matters.

 Give Back 

This is a very important one guys. Ultimate happiness depends on whether you focus your energy on more than your very own happiness but that you reach out and give a helping hand. I’ve heard countless stories from people around the world sharing the fact that when they were in a bad place in their lives and they helped someone in need their sadness, depression, anxiety, etc. went away and then they felt happiness. They felt they had a purpose, a reason to live other than their own survival.

Embrace and love who you are 

Loving oneself can be a challenge. We might have grown up in a hostile environment with little or no loving support. I truly believe each and every one of us is equipped with everything we would need to live an extraordinary life. There is nothing that you are lacking. You are beautifully made in God’s image. Learning to love yourself in a healthy way not narcissistic is necessary to feel happy. When you truly love the being you are, your light will shine onto others and you will be capable of so much more.

Build meaningful relationships

As humans we yearn for human connection, recently I read an article that proved in a survey that if someone claims to have 5 or more friends with whom they can discuss important problems with they are 60% more likely to say they feel “very happy.” This past weekend I watched the documentary, Happy. (Watch the trailer here!) One of the main takeaways I had from the film was the importance of community and relationships. The film showed twenty families living under one roof in Denmark. Cohousing as they call it is a community of private homes grouped together. I loved this idea! Families there built lasting and beautiful relationships. For this reason and more Denmark is actually considered the happiest country in the world.  

Above all, remember that happiness is a choice! Whatever you choose to put your energy into will expand. Choose to focus on the goodness in your life and you will be happy. 

Wishing you tons of love, success and a lifetime of bliss!

Martha is a self-help enthusiast. Her passion for personal development began a few years ago. Currently she works full time as a bridal consultant while working on becoming a life coach. Her vision is to be able to empower and help people realize the potential that lies within them.  http://www.lifetimeofbliss.com

::learning to be the light...:: #newworldson

It's hard to be in a space where you just don't feel right. Where you fit in like a square peg fits a round hole. But, then you learn... to "belong" to that place.

To exist in that place and know that regardless of what your true purpose is the present has a lot to say about who you are and where you will go. I know that you don't have a second chance for a first impression. But right now, I am learning to be the light in the place where I am currently.

People already have a perception of me and they think they know who I am. But, in reality when it comes to my daily 8 to 5 pm, I reveal very little here and it's the same there. At work they don't really know me. I don't really allow my guard to come down. I have been working there for almost a year yet I don't think they would understand. Is that selfish? Or wrong of me not to share because I feel they will not be able to appreciate who I am as an aspiring Writer/ Blogger and Social Media expert. It just doesn't got well....with the place I am in. 

I don't think God places you in the wrong place but maybe in a place where you just don't belong as a constant reminder to keep hope alive, to remain in  faith and to seek him further. It has happened every time for me. In the last 6 years or so my passion hasn't really met with my job but I have learned to love the positions I have held, embraced them and excelled within. To me, that's what it has been about otherwise I sit here miserable feeling stuck in an 8 to 5pm, that is never right. 

Instead I choose to bloom and explore in the place that I am currently planted in, not because I don't care to progress or find a better place for myself but because until that time comes.... I want to be happy, learn, grow and enjoy my time here. It isn't difficult. You simply learn that although at times irrelevant to your true purpose it's always a learning experience, that allows you to meet new people and grow in experiences and faith. 

What about you, where are you blooming today?

Permission Slip ::BAD DAY::

I had a bad day last week. 

You know that song, "you had a bad day". It played in my head all day.

It was raining in Houston but you know that little dark cloud that hovers only over your head and things just seem dark and treacherous. You know the violin playing in the background with the sad music. Yep that was me. The whole 9 yards.

The self-pity parties went on all day and feeling bad for myself was an understatement. 

A while back when I was feeling like this my good friend told me, "I am going to allow you to have a moment to feel sorry for yourself but you can't live or think like that!!!!" She is so right. We are all allowed to have A bad day. I keep reading it's not about the fall but how you recover. 

Let me put my day into perspective for you.

It was raining last week.

Pretty bad. 

As I put both my kids in their car-seats in my truck and then attempted to jump into the front seat as fast as I could, I slipped.

Almost straight out of my truck, the back rim of the door frame caught my fall I hurt myself and scared the heck out of my kids. I grabbed onto the door handle as it saved me from hitting the concrete floor from about 2 or 3 feet above the ground, my truck is high. I probably could have been injured worse.

My daughter cried as I ABANDONED her at daycare for the next 8 plus hours and even wet her self as I walked out the door. I was late for work and in pain. 

My Husband was running late from work that night, so in pain I had to go get my kids. I came home exhausted, blah-ed, and feeling depressed for this so called "life" that I lead. 

The bad day followed me all the way to bed, I didn't even workout. I felt fat, irrelevant and un-happy. 

I woke up the next day promising myself that yesterday, would never happen. Truth is, it will. All the time. No matter what I do or try to avoid. Situations happen. Bad days. HAPPEN. 

BUT, I can't allow ONE bad day to determine who I am, where I come from, or where I am yet to go. I promised 2014 would be about PEACE. And, I am determined to follow through. Bad days happen but they do NOT define. Me.

The day after that was better. The clouds outside even cleared a little, enough for me to appreciate the life that I have been granted and the many Blessings that I have been given in my almost 33 years. 

Never give up hope. Just when you think it's over. Life is just about to begin. 

{Did I mention my Beautiful Sister gave me one her awesome SNAP OUT OF IT YOU DUMMY pep-talks! She is so real and I appreciate her "GET OVER IT CONNIE!" text messages cause she keeps it real. Sometimes that's what we need. My good friend Cinthia also gave me a great little pep-talk and helped me realize what my goals are, and realistic perspectives about where I am!}

I am writing this as a reminder that bad days happen but I will not allow them to determine who I am! 

Peace is here...to stay.... 

A Summer nights Dream.....

On this hot Summer night....I dream.

I have lived my life for 30 years, I've had extreme ups and horrible lows.

On this breezy, warm evening I whisper to God.... Please let time stand still.

This moment with my son; his cheerful smile and exploring eyes. This time of holding my daughter so close and protected by my heart. This night of chatting away with my Husband about life and what's to come.

This God given evening of Love and playful fun with my family.

It all comes down to the little red wagon being pulled by my Husband {32 this year} as he huffs and puffs; inside the wagon...my son, Santi {21 months}, my daughter CamBam {2 months} and myself {almost 30 years old}...on this evening we are all children of an all mighty God and we are Blessed.

The silence. The breeze. Our conversation. Santi's laughter. Camila's silence. It's all perfect. I think of my life before my own little family of Four.... the chaos, the pain, the anguish...and nothing makes more sense than where I am now.

The peace. The Faith. The future. LOVE. Family.

My heart melts in the evening sun and my soul floats onto cloud nine..... drifted away with a lullaby...and lifted by the soft angels in my arms...

This is where my life is today.....

....and I am Thankful. I am Blessed.

And it all comes down to that little red wagon on this hot Summer night....

Nunca me lo imagine así......

{Happiness at 30}

I think this list will require lots of thought but here I go.

My 30 most Happiest moments in the last 30 years!

{Happy at 30}

1. The day my Son, Santiago, was born.
2. The day my Daughter, Camila, was born.
3. The day I married my friend of 7 years. {August 19, 2006, now married for almost 5 years! Together for 12!}
4. The day I found out I was pregnant with Santiago!
5. The day I found out I was pregnant with Camila!
6. When I graduated from College. {U of H Alum, Class of 2005} 
7. When my sister graduated from College. {GO COOGS! Class of '07}
8. The day I found out my Sister was pregnant.
9. The day my nephew Olin was born.
10. When I last saw my Aunt Lola from Detroit, I was 7 months pregnant with my son.
11. The day I got engaged. {August 13,2005}
12. When I found out that I had gotten my first real job in the Medical field, at Texas Children's Hospital. 
13. The weekend I spent in Reynosa with all my cousins for our Aunt Carmen's wedding. 
14. The day my Father came back to our family, unharmed and ready to start over..... 
15. The day I realized how Big, Loving and Forgiving God is!  {September 2004}
16. My first Mother's day! 
17. My second Mother's day! 
18. The day I heard the news of my Husband getting an out of state Internship. 
19. The day my younger brother Max was born. {16 years ago}
20. The day  I made my H.S. drill team.
21. The day my Husband asked me to be his Girlfriend. {November 2, 1999}
22. Spending the day with my cousin Yoli on her last visit to Houston before becoming a DOI-TORA!
23. I didn't know it then....but the day I met my husband... August 13, 1999...it was a FRIDAY! We got engaged the same day 6 years later.... CRAZY! Andddd we got married 7 Years and 6 days later...
24. My Son's first birthday...who can forget the candy-less piñata....it's a long storyyyy....
25. When my Husband and I went to Jaral del Progresso, GTO to baptize his cousin Erick's {wife Rosy's} first Son.....nuestro Ahijado, Alan Yahir.
26. The day my Son was Baptized..Thank You to our Compadres : Gabgab and Juan.
27. The day I found out my Comadre Gabgab was preggers!
28. The day I found out my good friend Yvonne was preggers....and that we would be preggers together!
29. EVERYDAY I GET TO SPEND AND HAVE SPENT WITH MY MOST LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.{BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF} 
30. The day a tumor the size of a grapefruit was removed from my uterus and the doctor's said it wasn't Cancer...

I am sure there are many and plenty more and will be. For now these are the ones I could think of!

To find my "NITCH"....or Not?

As you all may remember I was on maternity leave not too long ago....a week ago to be exact...

During those 8 weeks, I was able to have a dream come true, although short-lived, it was much needed and definitely appreciated and taken advantage of!

I was indeed a STAY-AT-HOME MOMMA (or SAHM)! And, was totally rocking at it, if I may say so myself! (Toot-toot, Ha. Ha.)

Then....as I mentioned before...

Life tends to happen and my little hot pink fluffy magic rug was pulled from under my big hope-filled feet (yes, my feet have hopes too! ha.) ...and I totally missed the pillow (meaning my feelings hit the pavement)...Eeeeek.

During those 8 weeks, I developed and almost fully mastered....being a Crafty Momma...and you know what? I loved it.

I was creating, and following through with my endless possibilities. I loved it.

But, I know there are plans that I can make..but they are not for me to control. {Trust me, this is NOT  a complaint post....trust me.}

Well during my first week back at work, I remembered that place I had been in not too long ago.

A place where I dreamed of being a corporate Momma with an outside the home job and pant suits [ YES, PANT SUITS! If I had that kind of fun, lunch meeting, corporate type job and the money to buy me some cute pant suits! {Ha.}] None the less, I was there. That place where I didn't mind being that 9 to 5 Mom that works and runs home to be a Mom and Wife to a busy afternoon family.

Then, those 8 weeks came, and for a short time, everything was perfect. I was THAT Momma in that OTHER place, that hides deep in the back of my silly little heart....the Full-Time, Stay-at-Home-Momma, with the fun and lovable and most adorable children, who cleans, cooks, reads, watches "The Talk" at 1pm and Oprah at 4pm [before she decided to leave TV!].

AND YES...WHO CREATES....

Who shines at being a MOM! 

Who LOVES being a WIFE.

That Mom that after 8 weeks of chaos thinks, yes...let me take on just a bit more....I don't have an outside the home job..I think I can handle it. 

But, then.... THIS place comes back. The place where responsibility reigns, and food needs to be put on the table, where I want to take my kids to the zoo, museum, and circus without having to really deal with a budget. This place where I have to wake up, get dressed, pull my kids out of bed and get them ready for another set of arms to hold, to love and to care for.

It's hard. I yearn. I hurt. I envy. I cry. I think...no one knows my pain.... 

And, after the pain subdues..I search...for THAT place again. 

That's where I am...

Seeking... 

{My heart hurts at the thought of my children not being around me all day.... ::deep sigh::}

But, I know.

That THIS place...has a purpose...a reason... a season...a time...

HubChub ♥ God Sent....

In the same day I received TWO devotionals dedicate to Husbands, I spoke to a friend about what she is seeking in a spouse, and I decided to write about my Hubby! {Ha.}

I don't think I've done it in a while... or maybe I have, who knows....

All I know is that my Husband is the best, most amazing man, that has ever been in my life... and who is PERFECT...for ME. Others who know him know that at times his sense of humor is very sarcastic {it runs in his family}, but those who know him, get him..he is who is he {and I am not making excuses..he is the nicest person ever}...not perfect BUT, who is!? I'm NOT. I am though... BLESSED. To have him in my life; 12 years and counting....

In talking to my friend about relationships and what she wants in her spouse, I thought about Ricardo...

Who is he?

He is a man that came into my life like a true angel always providing me with support and Love. No matter what was going on in my life 12 years ago...which was pretty bad.... at the time...he was there...learning and living... just as I was.

We pretty much "grew up" together. He was 20 and I was 18 when we met. I joke and tell the story of how there wasn't an "instant" connection yet deep down inside, I knew I had found the man I would marry.

I really met him 15 years ago; I was 15 he was 17. He was my older cousin's best friend. I was not allowed to talk to boys and my parents were very strict... plus, I lived in South Texas and he lived in Houston. Years went by, I graduated High School and came to Houston to attend the University of Houston.

In my first Summer here; I decided that I was going to focus on school, become a strong independent woman and become a doctor. I swore off fun and boys! It wasn't who I was taught to be. My parents were very strict and I came from a family of "strict" Catholics. And then...I met Ricardo. {Ha.} He was a free spirited yet law abiding, fun-loving, friendly guy. He was {is} smart, focused, and committed. He was {is} loyal, loving, dedicated, and organized. He was {is} stable and responsible. He was {is} strong, affectionate, and gentle. He wasn't sure where he was going but he {instantly} knew {even though he jokes this isn't so} he wanted me to be there with him for the ride.

{Our first date was a "blind date" it wasn't until later that we realized that we had alredy met and on our first date... his dad's car was massivley broken into and my purse was stolen...I wanted to go back to my comfy and SAFE town of Mission in South Texas...but God had other plans...}

I quickly showed him that my life was about working, education and more importantly about Jesus {Faith and Beliefs}. He accepted and joined me. Not knowing his true potential and being very humble he soon realized that our lives and path were not very different after all; he too had goals he wanted to meet and a purpose he knew he wanted to have....

He wanted to own a new car, buy a  house, go out, travel and make friends, he wanted to earn an education and gain a career he wanted to be young and live his life but more importantly he wanted to get married before God and have a family...

He wasn't big on going to church but he followed me there every Sunday... he didn't know the rosary or all his prayers... but we learned together.... he didn't have his First Communion or Confirmation but I helped him get them...he didn't care for a big fancy wedding or lots of gifts....but we set a date and booked the church....

On August 19, 2006 {after 7 YEARS of dating..truly dating...we moved in together about 8 months before the wedding only because he was super responsible about getting us a home before thinking about a big wedding} we met at the altar before God and our family and friends, we put aside 7 years of selfish "singlehood" to unite and become one! We left our parents {no matter WHAT and as selfish as THAT may sound} to form our own family. To prove our LOVE to NO ONE aside from God. To committ to one another in loyaltity and Faith.  To walk beside eachother with Him in Faith. To build eachother up in Christ. Pray over one another with Love. And to cover ourselves with prayer of protection and well being.

And this year after 5 years of marriage..we have not ONE but DOS reasons to Praise Him and Thank Him. For giving us the gift of Love; Love which HE planted and inspired, and we have watered and seen grow.

When I think about my Husband....every time I think about my husband....I think about what you just read...and then some.... I love him, I am Thankful for him and I appreciate him.

{Our lives {and we} are not perfect but our love is and that..is all that matters....}