Solitude Sunday May 17

Good Morning Campers from Camp Sunnyside!!

What are you thankful for today??  I'm thankful for the Solitude that I can take!! Some people call it "Me Time". Others call it "Retreat for One". There is a difference between taking a moment for yourself and isolating yourself. Solitude will refresh, renew and rejuvenate you.  Isolation will hurt, destroy and break down your Spirit. Do we go through times where we want to isolate ourselves from our friends and family?? Absolutely!! Its in those times, that we beat ourselves up, focus on the negative aspects and go through a deep dark depression.  And its in those times that we believe that we are worthless, unloved and unhappy!  We end up in a situation where we hear that Negative inner voice so much that we start to believe it!! Do Not Believe it!! That is where we can kill our spirit. 

Knowing the difference between these two will Empower you to focus on just taking a moment in Solitude to rest and recover. Then you see the first signs that you are isolating yourself, you can reach out before its too late!! As we learn what our early signs are, we can will learn how to redirect those times to make it our "Retreat for One" time!! We can cultivate time into our busy schedules to have down time, reflect, have some fun, wrap our arms around the people that we love, relax and enjoy just the simplest of things. In this time of Reflection, we have to breath in the moment and appreciate everything that we have. Give Glory. Pamper yourself. Be Mindful of your accomplishments, big and small. Then when the time is up and we have to join the rest of the world again, we will be Brighter, Happier and have More Energy!! Likewise, when you see someone else going through their isolation time, you can reach out and empower them to focus on the positive!

May you use your time of Solitude to ReFuel, Rejuvenate and Renew your Soul so you can accomplish what's coming next!! Happy Solitude Sunday!!

Armed Forces Saturday May 16

Thank you!! There are not enough words to describe how thankful we are for you!! #ArmedForces 

Be Kind Sunday March15

Good Morning Campers!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for the Opportunity to Celebrate the Life of a Wonderful 17 year old young man!! Yes, he left us too soon. Yes, our hearts breaks for the family and his loved ones. Even though, his time was done here, his time has just began in Heaven. The Legacy he left behind was how he lived his life.  He was not your average typical teenager. He had a way of looking at things differently. From a very young age, he was a peacemaker. He didn't like it when people fought or even disagreed. He was wise beyond his years, as his self awareness was far advanced than most people. He understood his Uniqueness and his Strengths. He had a passion for the Environment and for Conservation. He lived his life by leading by example. He was Kind to Others. He gave back by tutoring Second graders. He played the piano and ran track.  He was a well rounded kid. He had an artistic eye where he could draw anything. His idea of fun on the weekends was Family Game night. He will be missed by many, as he touched so many lives. To honor him, We can Be Kind to Others and Be Kind to the Environment. Love on your Family before its too late!! May your day be filled with an opportunity to Love your Family, Be Kind to Others and Be Kind to the Environment!! Happy Sunday!!

  

Freedom Wednesday March 4

Good Morning Campers!! What are you thankful for today?  I'm thankful for my Freedom!! Now when I say that I'm NOT talking about how the United States is a Free country....I'm talking about how I am Free from my past and I live Freely in my mind.  What does that mean??  It means I am evolved enough to admit when I'm wrong, which is often.  When we can't admit that we have a problem, whatever that problem is,  We become Prisoners of Our Own Mind!! We are refusing to see the truth about Ourselves. We are refusing to do the work,  the counseling,  the letting go of addictions in order to be Free.  We are not perfect beings.  And yet, there those people who hold on to that belief about themselves so strongly that they push people away!! Then they are left to think that everyone else has the problem... Wrong buddy!  If we are unable to admit the truth about ourselves, we will be confined to our Pride.  And when we let our Pride rule over us. We create All kinds of problems. We hold our Healing Hostage.  If this is you, get humble,  admit your struggles - all of them to another person.  When we bottle it up,  it comes out in other ways like anger,  violence, abuse, addictions. Let go of your Pride and be OK with not being perfect. Let go of your control and No longer be a prisoner of your own mind. Forgive who needs to be forgiven and forgive yourself. Let Go of your Pride and heal and you'll let those walls down so you're no longer a prisoner.  May you be Humble enough to admit your wrongs and be OK with not being perfect.  By doing this, you are being an example for the next person to do the same!! Then you can have Freedom for your future!!  Happy Wednesday!!  

Connections Sunday March 1

Good Morning Sunshine!! What are you thankful for today??  I'm thankful for the Connections that I have made!! Do you need help in your business or help losing those last 10 pounds or help figuring out your spiritual walk??  Sometimes we get so used to the company that we keep, we don't even consider there are other people in this world that can help us along.  When we find ourselves needing help,  we have to make a conscious decision to meet someone new.  The more people we meet,  the more chances we have to be able to receive the help that we've been seeking!! Even if we can help someone else by building them up, inspiring them or even a pat on the back... That is enough!!  We need to connect with other people and build relationships so we know that we're not alone. When we help someone else by empowering them, they will return the favor!  And you never know, they might be holding the piece that you've been looking for!!  May you have the courage to step out of your comfort zone to connect with someone new!! Happy Sunday!!

Awakening Saturday February 28

Good Morning from Camp Sunnyside!!  What are you thankful for today??  I'm thankful for the Awakening that I have gone through!!  Ever felt like you were just going through the motions of life and one day something would happen to change everything??  That happened to me!! I had gotten out of an abusive relationship, did the counseling and was thinking is this what I'll continue to do... Wake up, work out, work friends, family and home.. Routine. I wanted something more... An Adventure!! A friend of mine was opening a salon in Chicago, at the time. I wanted to see it and see if he would let me come work there one week a month. So I found a free place to stay on Sunday, talked to him on Tuesday and set up a meeting for that Saturday, and bought my plane ticket on Wed!! I flew out on Thursday night. I met my friend whose Father was letting me stay in his work condo on Michigan Ave. On Friday, I went to the Taste of Chicago Expo, museums and shopped. Saturday was my meeting was at Trump Tower, where my friend's salon is located. Beautiful salon!! Great meeting!! He will always be my friend and mentor. He wanted me to move there permanently and work with him full time. Needless to say, I didn't go work with him one week a month however, I had the best time exploring the city all by myself!  The whole trip was Completely and Totally out of my Comfort Zone... And it Awaken the Sense of Adventure and Travel in me!! Since then I have taken several vacations by myself and I absolutely LOVE it!! Would I enjoy a travel buddy? Sure and when I go alone, I am left to figure it out myself and that's the adventure of it!! Sometimes we just need to step out of our comfort zone to know we can do anything we put our minds to!! Then we can reach out and empower others to step out of their comfort zone to Awaken the Spirit that lives within them!  May your day be filled with whatever Awakens You!!  Happy Saturday!!  

Positive Soulful Sunday February 22

Good Morning Sunshine!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for a good cup of coffee that makes my day start on a Positive note!! What starts your day on a Positive Note?  It could be the quiet time you spend planning your day or the quiet time you have before the Chaos begins!! Whatever you do, make sure that you find a way to start your day in a positive way!! We all have to find what works best for us. For me,  I like to drink my coffee, listen to music and write in a journal. It helps me to set the tone for the rest of the day. Even when we have to face the tough decisions ahead of us,  we have to set the foundation in the beginning of our day. If we set aside just 20 mins to gather our thoughts,  we can continue positive thoughts through out our day.  May you start  every day with way a nourishes soul before you tackle what's next!! Happy Sunday!!

Food Friday February 20

Good Evening from Camp Sunnyside!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for Food!! Food  nourishes the body and the soul! Typically, we use food to celebrate birthdays, rewards for jobs well done, for funerals and weddings. It's just a given that Food will be part of these events. We have a love affair with food and sometimes we even become addicted to it. But we also use food to comfort someone when they're sick,  had surgery or had a death in the family. Food nourishes us in many different ways. Even the people who are giving the food feel like they're helping by giving Nourishment. So when you are going through something and someone says "Let me bring you food", allow them!! It's their way of showing Love.  With this said, May your Food Nourish your body as well as your soul and may you provide Nourishment for another person!! Happy Friday!!

Thankful Thursday February 19

Good Morning Campers!! It's #ThankfulThursday!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for all the Blessings I have!! I have been blessed with Amazing People in my Life,  who go above and beyond for me as I would go above and beyond for them!! I have been blessed with an Awesome career, that after 20 plus years at it, I still love what I do on a daily basis!! And I want to see others succeed in it!! I have been blessed with the Time to spend with my loved ones and to spend time alone Reflecting, Dreaming and Planning!  Today, I am so grateful, comforted, feel overjoyed and loved by everyone's well wishes!! Thank you from my heart to yours, for making a difference in my Life!! May your day be filled with People Who Love You and  So Many Blessings you can't Count them All!! Happy Thankful Thursday!! #countyourblessings #lovemylife #lovemyjob #lovemyfriendsandfamily #positive #inspiration #empowerothers #empoweryourself

The Little Things Tuesday February 17

Good Morning Campers!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for the little things in Life!! This teddy bear was made lovingly by step mom and she used one of my dad's old shirt.  I love it! I have other gifts that people hand made me and I treasure each one of them.  Also, I treasure the way a child laughs and the things they say.  I'm thankful that I have both of my parents and enjoy spending time with them. I'm thankful for all the little things like good cup of hot coffee every day, a warm house, a car to drive and career that love to go to every day!! What are the little things that you can be thankful for?  May your day be filled with little things that you can be thankful for as some people would say those things are a luxury!! Happy Tuesday!!

Comfort and Peace Monday February 16

Good Afternoon from Camp Sunnyside!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for Comfort and Peace, especially on a cold day like today!! Where do find comfort and peace?? It depends.  I love the Mountains. I find that I'm at peace when I'm around them,  looking at and just enjoying the majestic nature.  Also,  I find Comfort at the end of the day,  being able to go to my warm home and put on my PJs and slippers and relax for the remainder of the day. Likewise, I also find Comfort and Peace when someone prays for me. Furthermore, this beautiful blanket that my friend made me, I find Comfort and Peace when I'm wrapped up in it. All of these things make me feel safe and that there is something bigger than myself. May you find Your Comfort and Peace today in your safe place!! There are some people who don't have that luxury.  Happy Monday!!

Volunteers Sunday February 15

Good Afternoon Campers!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for Volunteers!! People who give time, money and lend a hand to other people, projects, and missions!! There are some people whose Mission in Life is to strictly Volunteer their time to be on committees or boards. Then some people volunteer their money to their church, local charities and to the panhandler on the street.  There are even some people whose Life depends on volunteers supporting them so they can be On Mission somewhere in the world.  All of these people have one thing in common... A Heart to Give Back!! We can choose how involved we want to be the World around us. And we can choose to just help another person out, like our friends.  Maybe they are going through chemo and need a ride.  Or just someone to hold their hand during a rough patch in Life. Whatever you decide to do with your resources, please know that you are Changing someone's Life!! So thank you for Being There!! Thank you for having a Heart to Give Back!! Thank you for Volunteering!! May your day filled with people who surround you that Have a Heart for Giving Back!! Happy Sunday!!

#KC2040 Friday February 13

Good Morning Campers!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful to be a part of this new community of what the city will look like in the year 2040!! KC2040 is building a network community to help one other out. From non profits and for profit businesses to civic and political organizations and people who just want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want to get everyone involved on some level to make this city a better place to live!! They want for us to showcase what we are doing here in the Midwest!!

Have you thought about what your city or town will look like in 25 years?? Are you a part of something bigger than you?? Why not?? Are you making connections with people who can and are willing to help you reach your goals?? Maybe there is a non profit that you want to help out with or maybe you want your business to grow, whatever your goal is, reach out to others in the community and you might just get the help that you've been looking for. Or you maybe you'll meet some really cool people that will become your friends some day. Or perhaps, you just might meet that person that will help propel you forward to reaching your goals!! 

My goal is to be a part of a community that are working towards the Greater Good and Paying it Forward by reaching back and helping the next person. We were all put here on the Earth for a reason, why not help each other out when we can.  When we surround ourselves with people who are on the same page, life just keeps getting better!! May your day be filled with people who are the same page as you and want to help you succeed in life!! Happy Friday!!

Beacon of Light Wednesday, February 11

Good Morning from Camp Sunnyside!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for the Beacons of Light that I have in my Life!! There are people who just shine as we talk with them and we know they want the best for us. They are in our lives to be an example for us.  To show us how to Love ourselves and Love others!! To show us that no matter what we've been through, we still matter!! To show us that we are the only ones who are  hard on ourselves!! To encourage us when we have an idea for a business, or a way of doing something better!! To put their arms around us and say "Its going to OK". Every day I have these people in my life and I am truly thankful for them!! I don't know where I would be without them. So to pay them back,  I Pay It Forward. May your day be filled with people who Beacons of Light for you and then you can reach back and be a Beacon of Light for someone else!! Happy Wednesday!!

Awesome Tuesday February 10

Good Morning Sunshine!!  What are you thankful for today??  I'm thankful that today is my Dad's Birthday today and that's he's still here with me!! We may not have always seen eye to eye, however he loved me the only way he knew how!!  And I appreciate him for that!!  He taught me how to work hard, play hard and stay positive. He taught me how to "walk it off" when something has gotten me down. And he taught me to keep going forward and don't look back!!  So in honor of him today,  Be Awesome for someone in your life!!  Talk to them in a way that you wouldn't have normally.  Be vulnerable and share your true feelings, you never know what will happen next!! May your day be filled with people who are awesome to you and tell you how they mean to you.  Then reach out and do the same for someone else!!  Happy Tuesday!! 

Vision Monday February 9

Good Morning Campers!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for the Vision that I am working on!! We all have dreams,  goals and aspirations!! The difference in the people who achieve them and the ones who don't is...not giving up!! The way I look at it is that I don't have a choice,  I will Get it Accomplished!! It may take me many years and that's OK!! If we know without a shadow of doubt what our Purpose is, then we will Live the Life we've been dreaming about!! May you be filled with the Confidence that your Vision for your Purpose will happen!! Then reach back and encourage the next generation to do the same!! Happy Monday!!

Time Friday, February 6

Good Morning Campers!! What are you thankful for today?? I'm thankful for #Time, that there is A time for Everything!! We all have a limited amount of time here, so we should make the best of it, right?? With that said, is there something that you need to tell someone?? Maybe you need to tell someone how much they mean to you.  Or maybe you need to tell someone that you're sorry.  Don't wait, do it now before it's too late!! It seems we all think that we have all the Time in the world to get around to doing and saying the things that we really need to do and say...The reality is,  we don't!!! There is time to rest, to work, to love, to mourn, to forgive, to dance and to tell the people who are on your heart and mind that you love them and apologize if needed.  Before that time is up, I hope you do that soon!! May your weekend be filled with an opportunity to tell someone who have always wanted to say that you're sorry or that they mean the world to you!! Life is short and You All mean the World to me!! Happy Friday!!

Goals Wednesday February 4

Good Morning Campers from Camp Sunnyside!!  What are you thankful for today??  I'm thankful for the Goals that I have written down!!  When we write our Goals down,  there is a mind body connection that happens that changes the way our mind perceives them.  They are no longer just rolling around in our head and we are wishing they come true. When we write down our Goals, they almost jump off the page and come alive, creating Action!!  Without Action, Goals can not become Reality!!  When we take Action,  the Goals will take on their own personality (lack of a better word). We will begin to Wake Up every morning focused on how can we achieve that Goal.  What Action can we do today that will be one step towards reaching our Goals??  How can we make this happen?? There is a shift in our everyday thoughts when we write down our Goals as there will always be people telling us, We can't Do it!!  However, when you see that Goal written down on paper,  you know that one day,  it will happen!! And you start to live with the Determination as It Will Happen, it's just a Matter of Time!!  So if you haven't taken the time to write your goals down, take the time and watch and see what happens next,  you might just Achieve what you want!!  May your day be filled with an opportunity to write down your Goals, an Action to make your Goals become Reality and make a Connection that will help you along the way!!  Happy Wednesday!!  

Power of Words Tuesday, February 3

Good Morning Campers!!  What are you thankful for today??  I'm thankful that I understand the Power of my Words Direct where I will Go in life!! Anyone remember that saying Loose Lips Sink Ships?  It means a couple of things, Lies creates Loses. And it means What we say will Direct the Direction We Are Going!! Just as a rudder directs where the boat travels, our tongues direct where our lives go.  If we use our words for good,  we will be heading in the right direction. If we use our words for bad (to hurt others), we will be heading down the wrong direction. Ever been part of the rumor mill and watched as the words people say wreck havoc and chaos into that person's life or even destroy a business?? It happens on a daily basis!!  What if we turned that around and instead of gossip, we  speak blessings, abundance and prayers over people and businesses?? What would that look like??  I think we would have a bunch of Healthy, Wealthy and Wise people in the world,  more than we have now!! So the next time you feel like speaking bad about someone, turn it around and speak a blessing for them it might just change Your Life and theirs!!  May your Day be filled with people who Speak Positive Words and Blessings about you!! And may you have the opportunity to do the same for others!!  Happy Tuesday!! 

Miracle Monday February 2

Good Morning Campers!!  What are you thankful for today??  I'm thankful for All the Miracles in my Life!!  If you think that you haven't had a miracle lately,  I'm here to tell,  yes you have!! However, we take some miracles for granted. For instance, the Sun rose again today!!  We are breathing and ready to take on the day!!  How many of us were born to parents who were told they couldn't have any more children?  But here you are!!  How many of us had children after being told,  you shouldn't have any more??  Your children are proof of miracles!  And yet, we put stuff in categories!!  Big miracles, little miracles,  Big mistakes, little mistakes.  How about saying it is what it is. A Miracle is a Miracle regardless of the adjective we put in front of it!! Let's be thankful for All the Miracles in our Life regardless of the adjective we want to add.  If we expect a Miracle to happen, then maybe it will happen more often!!  May your Day be filled with Miracles and be expecting and thankful for countless Miracles to happen!! Happy Monday!!