Make the Season Brighter

I know that we can do our own part to make the season a little brighter. I believe, it is the "little things" we do that will create the most "sparkle" . We can start with the basics. Love is the language of the season. Our love for one another will put the twinkle in our eyes and the shimmer in our actions. Being close to loved ones, sharing our time, and meaningful conversations is the heart of the season. Let me inform you, the core of what makes this time significant is not the gifts under the tree, it is the people who are surrounding the tree. It is true. The gifts are just that, gifts. Do they make you happy? Sure, for a few moments, however, they will not make you happy over a long period of time. It is people in our lives who bring purpose. It is in our relationships which will set the season aglow.
There are other ways in which we can add some shimmer to the season. Practice rewarding "random act's of kindness". Consider paying for the person who is behind you in the drive thru or carry an elderly person's grocery's to their car. You will definitely feel wonderful when you give rather than to receive. Seeing the heartfelt response when the recipient is not expecting your graces, is priceless. No words can define your actions. When you give from the heart, you are doing the true meaning of the season. I would suggest the art of giving, to your local food shelf (many are struggling), bring a gift to a nursing home or support a child who is in need. You may say to yourself, "I am having a hard time making ends meet". That may be true, but there is always someone else in the world, who has it worse than you. Share what you have. When you give, you will always get more in return! Remember, it is not the price of the gift you purchase, it is the purpose of the gift. My favorite gifts I have received came from the heart. They were not purchased with money but rather given with love. I would encourage you to do the same. The receiver of the gift will appreciate the thought, time and love behind their "special gift".
I hope that you will try implementing some of these "little things" to make the season brighter, not only for you but the people that you encounter. Remember, not to lose focus of what really matters. Family, friends and loved ones are the scintillation. Brighten your season by giving, sharing and loving. I hope you will find this season bright and cheerful!

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina

Ingredient's for a Fulfilled Life

There are many ingredient's that can go into this recipe for life of fulfillment. I believe that less is more in every aspect. When we have less, we have less stress. Reflect on that for a moment. For instance you live in a large home, you must furnish it, takes longer to clean, more effort is needed for maintenance and you pay more for insurance and property taxes. Due to acquiring more, you automatically have more concerns. Does that sounds like peace of mind to you? Readers seek gratification in this montra, "Less space, less stuff equals more life." I am convinced that this is a significant ingredient to this recipe.
The recipe calls for a sprinkle of nourishing friendship's. It is vital that we have friends whom we can laugh with, one's who support us in all of our endeavors and above all someone we can depend on. Friendship brings wealth to life. Keep in mind, you don't need an abundant amount of friends, you just need to have friends with abundance. Surround yourself with people who truly care for you.
It is essential that we add a dash of gratitude, kindness, happiness, and the most critical ingredient, love. Without it, this recipe will surly fail. Love is the the key component. It can inspire greatness in an individual, challenge you to new heights and immerse you like nothing else.
Sample the mixture, how does it taste? What do you think you need to add to your personal recipe? Do you need more ingredient's to enhance its savory taste, or maybe less? Only you really know what the key ingredient's are for this recipe of fulfillment.

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina

If you Dare to Dream, Dream Big

Readers, we all have dreams that we hold close to our hearts. For each of us they differ. This is a good thing. We all are unique and we all yearn for something special and rare to us. Dreams ignite passion for change and the desire to achieve.
I want to share with you my aspirations. I believe if you are going to dream, dream big, who knows where your adventure may lead! If you asked me a year ago, if I would be writing a book and blogging, I would have said you are out of your mind! I never knew that the course of my life would carry me down this road! It is exciting and unexpected! I embrace this occurrence with my whole heart and mind! It is invigorating knowing my life is in movement. I sense my dream will take me to a place where I was meant to be.
My dream is to help people on a grander scale. I wish for one to see my life and spark a change in theirs. I want to inspire people with my passion for life and my positive attitude. Knowing it is not the card you were dealt, but how you play your cards! I have never set any limitations upon myself. I accept that a positive frame of mind and "can do" attitude, will create success and happiness. My ambition is to be a best selling author and be a guest on "Oprah." It may seem like a big dream to some of you, but not to me. I have confidence that my "big dream" will be fulfilled.
I want my readers to get back in touch with their dreams and desires. I want you to really listen to your body. What has it been saying? Why haven't you listened before, and reflect on that. Did you place your dreams on a shelf and hoped to one day retrieve them? How long has it been since your dream has been cast aside? Today, I am asking you to go to the shelf and revisit your dreams. This time, see your dreams with fresh pair of eyes! Don't be afraid. View them as attainable and adventurous, who knows where it could take you! Welcome the life that you have been waiting for! Start now, I dare you to dream and dream big!

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina

Become a Beacon of Positvite Light

I believe that the world needs more positivity. We all can start by embracing this concept in our own lives. I am very positive person, and implement this concept in my daily life. When my alarm clock sounds, I welcome it. I wonder where my day may lead and I focus on all the good things that await me. I am already consciously filling myself with positive thoughts. I know that some people hear their alarm clocks buzzing and begin to fill their heads with negative thoughts. Soon their heads are swimming with anxiety about their day. Does this sound familiar? I feel if we start the day with negative thoughts, it is a downward spiral. It really will determine the precedence of your day. Once your day begins negatively it is hard to turn it around.
I am going to suggest a behavior that will change your life. Begin your day with positive thoughts. Look for the good that may be waiting for you, today. Some of you may be unhappy at your jobs. I encourage you to think about the good details about your workplace. For instance, your co-workers. Maybe their are a few people you really enjoy working with, focus on that. Maybe you feel validated by accomplishing a project by the deadline, focus on that. Some may just be happy to have a job, focus on that. By beginning your day with positive thoughts, you will propel your day for the better.
Positivity is very gratifying. People can see that you posses this quality. Trust me, more people will want to be in your company because you luminate this. Being a beacon of positive light is the equivalent to a lighthouse. A lighthouse helps ships safely into the harbor. Being a beacon of positive light, helps people to find comfort by your presence. People will see your flare for safe and encouraging thinking. It is contagious! How many people do you think want to be around a "bad head?" Meaning, the person clenches onto negativity. The negative person isolates themselves into a sort of "social Siberia." The don't have the company that people with positive thinking attract.
It is an old saying, but true "Is the glass half full or half empty?" How do you invision your glass? I want you to drape yourselves in positive thoughts. Beam positivity to your friends, family and people you see in passing. Be encouraging when someone you know is feeling down. Brightening up an individuals day, will actually brighten up yours in return. I hope that you will become a beacon of positive light for everyone you chance upon!

Sprinkle Happiness to Other's

I love to "sprinkle" happiness to everyone I encounter. You may be wondering, how I do this? It flows from the heart and is genuine. I want to teach you the same concept to implement in your daily life.
When I greet an individual, it is with warmth, kindness and a great big smile! Did you know that smiles are absolutely free? Really, they don't cost a thing. It is one of the best gifts we can give one another! For instance, smiling at someone you see on the street, may be exactly what that individual needed, at that very moment. Think about that. You may be spreading a little happiness to someone, without even realizing the full effect! That is amazing!
I have discovered time and again, that people want to share their stories with me. This individual could be a client, an elderly person at restaurant or someone I encountered doing my errands. I take the time and listen. I ask questions and realize that they want to share something special with me. They want me to know, a little bit, of their "life story". I believe that we all stumble into these situations. I encourage you to listen the next time you are presented with this opportunity. Have you ever wondered how much it could mean to this person, if you took the time to listen? I believe if we slowed down and took this moment, we really could "sprinkle some happiness to other's."
Happiness is something that people can sense. It is a vibe that we display for all to see. Happiness is contagious and everyone wants a slice of it. If we all did a little, I believe that the world would be a happier place. Don't you see, happiness nourishes us and in turn, we evolve. It is essential to our development, just like water for plants. The next time you get the opportunity, try to "sprinkle some happiness to someone"! See how rewarding it can be!

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina

Overcoming Life's Hurdles

If you want to overcome life's hurdle you must occupy the right frame of mind. You have to believe that you can accomplish the task at hand. Above all, you must believe in yourself. Omit the word "can't" from your vocabulary, forever.
When I reflect on the hurdles I encountered during my life, there is always a constant theme. I never told myself "I can't." I would assess the situation, and then "customize it" to fit me. With each obstacle I gained momentum and strength. All the while, focusing on the end goal. I learned a lot about myself once I "cleared" the hurdle. I found out that I was determined and I was stronger then I realized. With the right frame of mind and "can do" attitude, your dreams are at your fingertips.
Looking back, I would not change one obstacle I went through. Each accomplished and each achievement added another facet to me as a person. Obstacles of life, have defined me as the woman I am today.
In any race or hurdle one needs a great coach or cheerleader to guide them to the finish line. You need someone in your corner who believes in your dreams and gives your the courage to obtain them. This person embraces who you are and wants to see you succeed. They push you with love and determination. I have been blessed with many friends and family who have been cheerleader's in my life. They have given me the belief in overcoming life's hurdles with grace and finesse. I want to thank my mother for "sparking" the fire with in me to not give up. She was my very first cheerleader in my journey. She nudged me with love, care and amazing support. She was the one who said " Gina, never say can't." She believed in me and not my physical differences. She taught me a unique way of thinking. That I did not have a disability nor should I consider myself as such. When I had a tough day at school as a child, she told me "Gina, you need to keep your head up!." She always advised me that whatever challenge I was going through, it would eventually pass. She always believed that I was capable of overcoming life's many hurdles.
To overcome life's hurdles, we must keep a positive mind. Notice the hurdle approaching and getting closer. Don't let the hurdle paralyze you with fear. Make the choice to soar above it. You must know that with each hurdle you leap over, comes knowledge about ourselves. We can reflect where we were and realize we had the strength all the while.

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina

Radiate Confidence

This is a lesson I have learned early on in my life. I knew that confidence was something that was felt from within. It doesn't matter what our exterior looks like. I think many people get this concept backwords. People focus so much on the exterior of themselves that they don't nourish themselves from the inside. People spend so much money on fancy clothes, designer handbags and expensive make-up and with each purchase still coming up empty, emotionally. Confidence is something that can't be purchased at boutique or at a beauty counter. Confidence is non-tangle. We can not put a price tag on it, nor can we purchase it. It is something that money can't buy no matter how hard we try.
I always knew, what one feels from the inside would be projected to the outside world. Good or bad. Even though I was physically different, I always had confidence in myself. I saw people buying into the "fake" realism that money, great house or expensive car would create a better world for themselves. That if the could just obtain one more thing, they to, would feel they "belonged." It seemed to me that they were "chasing" a belief that someone else deemed worthy. I wondered if the slowed down to take a look inside themselves, would they really need what they thought they did? Would one more handbag equal happiness, self-confidence and self-worth? I don't think so!
Self-Confidence comes from a special place. It derives from happiness, self-respect, great attitude and above all loving yourself. When I say love yourself, I mean being happy in your own skin with all of your faults and shortcomings. Living by the concept, that you aren't perfect and embracing that. Remembering, it is the human experience to not acquire perfection. Some could say, "Why is that girl so confident, she only has one arm?" My response is quite simple, "I embrace my differences and my uniqueness." I am proud of it. In fact, I like to put it out there for the world to see. I know that confidence dwells within me and I project that to everyone I encounter. Having confidence is shifting to an idea that you believe in yourself. I want you to believe that you are beautiful (inside and out), smart and capable of your accomplishing your goals. I want you to exude happiness for the world for to see. You will be surprised how people take notice of your new behavior. When you love yourself, others will to.
I also want to share with you a secret. Once you have a healthy balance of your "idea" of self, you will have harmony in your life. Which in turn, will radiate more self-confidence, for to the world to see!

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina

Ignite a Fire Within

I thought it was important to let you know what ignited my fire to this adventure. It was several "fires" that got me moving in this direction. First "fire", I like many people saw the movie "Julie & Julia." I felt inspired to do something but wasn't exactly sure what. It came to me one morning and it hit me like a ton of bricks! The day was easy to remember, September 7, 2009 (Labor Day). I woke up with the overwhelming desire to write a book about living with one arm. I felt that I could spark the desire for change, hope and inspiration in others, by using myself as an example. Then I turned the television on and the show I was watching was interviewing an author. I immediately felt a sense validation. I knew that I was on the right path with my idea! I gave myself a goal. I would create my book in a year.
The second "fire" was being blessed with amazing friends and family. I told them about my new endeavor. Everyone expressed to me that I needed to do this. Each person I encountered embraced my decision. I felt surrounded with love and support. Many replied with this response "You are so positive, outgoing and you never let your "arm" become a disability". In fact, I would never say this is a disability. It doesn't define who I am as a person. Everyone replied, that I could definitely help many different people in many different situations.
I started to write my book. Creating the tapestry of my life onto paper. Remembering stories that were sprinkled with love, tears, joy and the thread that was woven in them all, was the overwhelming power to overcome the hurdles of life that were presented before me. With each obstacle I jumped over, I felt momentum and strength. I realized, that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. All the while, knowing I would have to find my own way of doing everything. What worked for someone else, who have to be modified for me. I also knew I had a strong drive and will. I simply was not going to be told that I could not do something. Once in a while, I encountered this response "This may be hard for you to do, Gina." This made me push harder because the desire to prove them wrong was inevitable! I would never tell myself "I can't." It's simply not in my vocabulary.
The pages of my book are also intertwined with my education. I have applied the knowledge I acquired through my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology to my pages. I believe that my degree gives my readers a different insight to who I am. All the while using my life experiences to show my readers how I overcame the obstacles I faced. Each one of us has an obstacle. I want to give my readers strength, positive attitude and wisdom to conqueror whatever you might be facing. I want you to look at my life to spark a change in yours! I want you to believe in yourself and know that you can achieve anything you want! It all takes the right frame of mind and the right attitude! I want you to ignite the fire within yourself!

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina

The Tale of the Big Great White

I wanted to share with you a story I enjoy telling from time to time. I created it to get a reaction when someone asks the bland question "What happened to your arm?" You could say, I have spiced up my answer from "I was born that way." To this elaborate story that I think you may find amusing!
I like to paint a picture for you of what happened that tragic day. The day began like any other. The sun welcomed the day and off I was to the beach with my board in tow. I was going surfing with some of my friends in Australia. The waves were rolling, perfect conditions for surfing. I caught a few waves and was having a blast. What happened next was a complete surprise. I was standing on my board riding a wave and I felt this huge jolt. The next thing I knew, I was in the grips of a Great White. It had my right arm in its mouth. This was a battle for my life and I wanted to win! I decided to poke the shark in they eye with my left arm. To my surprise, he released me from his jaws. I swam for my life and made it to shore. I was shocked that this just happened to me!
I hope you found the story entertaining and amusing. I have added a wonderful prop to my "shark tale" story. The new accessory is a lovely shark tooth that I wear as a pendant around my neck. The shark tooth creates interest and intrigue. When one asks me the infamous question "What happened to your arm?" I respond by pointing at the shark tooth hanging from my neck and say "This is all that is left of the shark!"
Remember, you can't take life too seriously! You really have to get out there and have some fun! I look at my situation as a blessing and I embrace it! Each one of us is unique and we should celebrate that! I hope to inspire my readers that they to can embrace their own individual differences and soar! Believe me, you can do anyhthihg you put your mind to!

Stay tuned for more adventures.

My Story...

Hello! My name is Gina. I am 32 years old and live in Minnesota. I created this blog to help and inspire people. I wanted to give the world a "sampling" of who I am.
I have also decided to write a book about my adventures of living with one arm. How I have had to adapt to a world that is geared at people with two arms. All the while, keeping a great positive attitude and knowing that I can overcome each one of life's hurdles. I had to always find my own way of doing everything. Even the simple tasks that many people don't think twice about. Such as; tying shoes, typing, peeling potatoes and driving a car.
Here is a little look into my story. I was born with my left arm and half of my right arm. I had the luxury of being born to parents who didn't look at my situation as a disability. They encouraged me to do and try everything. They always told me to find my own way of accomplishing tasks. I would have to tailor life to fit my own needs. In turn, I grew to be very independent, positive, self confident and eager to try everything that came my way. I swam, was in cheer leading and homecoming queen. I realized early on that only you can limit yourself. I knew that I held the key to my own destiny. I would not let my disability define me, my natural ability was to overcome everything and anything. I wanted to be known as Gina, not the girl with one arm.

Stay tuned for more adventures,

Gina