How High are your Standards?

HOW HIGH ARE YOUR STANDARDS?

In a regular conversation with my hubby, he mentioned; ‘Rosalita, its okay to demand standards’. There was my AHA moment! YES, it really is okay to DEMAND STANDARDS.  How many times have you been around people who were toxic and yet still held onto the relationship? Maybe you have downplayed a success in order to make someone else feel better?  When we constantly alter who we are, we chip away at our own identity; sifting through life and relationships with no sense of what we really desire and who we truly are. It is then that we begin to lose respect for ourselves. Respecting ourselves creates armour that protects us from negativity, toxic relationships

When we lose our self- respect it makes it challenging for us to make clear define decisions. We then open the door to let others dictate how we must feel and act.   I came across this great quote:

‘Never apologize for having high standards, people who want to be in your life will rise up to meet them’

So I implore you to Raise your Standards Bar High, be ruthless in pursuing who you are destined to be. Surround yourself with people who will raise you up and not stomp you down. Love yourself and be true to who you are!

Rosalita

Mothers Day is almost here, well tomorrow to be exact.  I'd like to think that I celebrate my Mother every day!. How thankful I am for the sacrifices my Mom has had to make over the years, for my siblings and I. Her love goes unwavering and is infinite.

As tomorrow is May 11th, we do something extra to celebrate the Mothers in our lives. let us show our Mothers how much they are appreciated and valued.

To my Dearest Mother: I would not be, who I am today with you, You are strong and courageous! You continue to push me to be the 'best and nothing less!  Thank you!

 So Mom, I love you and cherish you. You are a beautiful women who wants nothing more than for me to be Happy, and guess what Mom? I am happy, because  I have you as a Mom!I thank God for you and the special relationship we share!..

Don't forget to celebrate the Mother in your life! Happy Mothers Day Everyone!

"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." -- Author Unknown

Celebrating Easter

Easter is a special time of year for myself and many.
May you take the time during this special holiday to reflect and celebrate all the big and little blessings that you have been given. #heartfullofthanks #Easter #hislove

 

 

 

Roseanne

Unpredictable Chaos

These past few days we have experience what is called the typical ‘spring weather’, Rain, wind, sun, clouds. I have learned to be prepared: Umbrella? Check. Rain boots check! After the long winter we have had, I am not complaining. But oh how spring weather can be so unpredictable? I call it UNPREDICTABLE CHAOS, because in one single day the weather could change many times. What a great comparison to LIFE. It leaves me in deep reflection of how life can be just that, a spring day; unpredictable, chaotic. Life and the weather are unpredictable.

There are moments of joy, sadness, anger, confusion.  We have limited control of what LIFE throws at us. But we have control on how to handle the chaos.  Once we control these moments, we are better prepared for the next moment of LIFE. How we handle each situation, strengthen us for another day.  Remember situations that occur are only temporary and Perseverance is essential. We must fight through the tough time. And we will learn something from each moment. I came across this quote I thought was so fitting.

“Ask not for an easy life...ask for the strength to face the elements, to weather the storms; to be the might for the right and the weak, to be the voice for those who cannot speak, to see one's dreams to fruition with dignity, integrity, and grace.”

Giac Nguyen

 

 

Afternoon Tea with my Mother

Today I spent a lovely afternoon with my Mother.

My husband took the kids, so I could have some ME time. So I decided to take a drive and surprise my Mom with a visit.  Just Mom and I!

It was sheer delight to see the surprise and joy that covered my Mother’s face when I opened the door! Don’t you love surprises? Who doesn't love a surprise!   

As always, Mom went straight to the kitchen to put the kettle on to make us cups of tea, and thus began our afternoon. Tea and conversation always goes hand and hand. 

 

 

Although I speak to my mother every other day over the phone, nothing compares to talking to her in person. I have always loved talking with Mom, who has always been so easy to talk to about everything. But I was always prepared that she may give you a response you might not want to hear(even though it was good for you  and you deserved to it).  She would always listen, offer support, give advice or just give you a hug when you needed one. And sometimes she would need to give good old fashion 'tough love'.

So with an endless pot of tea, Mom and I chat about everything and anything.   Our conversation bounced from topic to topic; from politics to news headliners to the latest fashion item, there is never a dull moment in speaking to my mom. Like me, my Mom has a lot to say!

 Now in my late 30’s and being a mother of my own, I value these special moments. It’s a wonderful realization, when you not only look at your mom as ‘MOM’ but you look at her as the Superwoman she is. She is a woman with opinions, feelings, hopes and dreams. She is a WOMAN, that I treasure and appreciate more and more as time travels on. 

Not everyone gets this opportunity to spend time with their mother. And not everyone has a positive relationship with their mother so I am truly grateful for the relationship that I have with my Mom.

So in my reflection today about my own Mom, I hope this makes you think of your own mother or mother figure in your  life. Let us not forgot those Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunties, who have always put the kettle on, made a pot of tea and lent an ear. May you take a moment to make that phone call or take that drive to spend with that 'Mother' in your life. You won't regret it.

Here are some quotes I came across about Mothers:   

“In a child's eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe". -   N.K. Jemisim, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

“Behind all your stories is always your mother's story. Because hers is where yours begin." - Mitch Albom, For one more day

"Think of your mother and smile for all of the good precious moments" - Ana Monnar

 

Make it a great day everyday!

 

Roseanne

TIME....

Time…

 I am sitting at my desk staring at the clock on the wall… I have my To Do list in hand, and my mind is racing. ‘There is so much to do with so little time’.  ‘There is just not enough time in the day’,’ If I could just have a little more time’…  Sound familiar?  I cannot even begin to count how many times I have uttered those words in various situations

Recently we learned of the passing of a family friend, and I found myself deeply reflecting on this word: TIME.  TIME = LIFE.  These two powerful words go hand in hand

Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters

For several years I spent my life worrying and stressing about people and things that don’t matter.
I consumed my mind with ‘first world problems’ and I would push my own feelings and thoughts aside, to be the ultimate listener and counsellor. I was the ‘go to person’, who had all the time in the world to lend an ear and provide advice. I know some of you have walked in my shoes. You spend your time giving to others, expecting nothing in return. But often times, you end up wasting time on the wrong people and on the wrong things. I neglected to spend time on the things that DO matter, like ME.

There comes a time in your life where you have to make a conscious decision on what you spend your time on and who you spend your time with.   Often times we don’t value time, and how important it is to honour it until something life changing happens; birth, death, illness,

 Remember LIFE is short and our TIME is limited. You have one shot to live your life how you want.  Surround yourself with like minded people. And always make time for Love!

Roseanne

 

 

Valentine's Day -Celebrate Love

Ahh love is in the air. Red hearts, chocolate, ‘BE MINE’ Valentine’s Day Card…

Yes it’s St. Valentine’s Day!!

Some people say; Valentine’s day is too commercialized and 'hallmark’. But what if you or your loved one was told that they had limited time left on this earth? Would you think differently? Try to capture every waking moment, every lasting memory? I know I would.

My special Valentines are my husband Kevin and our kids. They bring me joy each and every day. I am blessed for, the love that we have and enjoy this extra special day to let them know how much they are loved. I cherish that love and don’t take it for granted.  

Valentine’s Day has morphed into less of a ‘lovers’ day but more of a celebration of LOVE.  I am surrounded daily with the love from my family and friends and I thank God for that.

 What I have learned over the years is that, time waits for no one. So live with no regrets and don’t forget to tell that special someone, friend, family member how much they are LOVED and CELEBRATE!!

Happy Valentine’s Day

Roseanne 

Countdown to Spring

Yesterday morning I woke up to SNOW. Cold, wet and difficult to drive in SNOW. Yes, more than enough SNOW awaited me outside my front door.

 It was time to bundle up the kids with their layers of sweaters, snowsuits, mittens and scarves in preparation to face the great white outdoors.   Oh how I cannot wait for the milder weather, when only a light jacket or sweater is needed. I am ready for SPRING, ARE YOU?

Spring where are you? Will you be here soon? It has been a long weary winter and we welcome the fresh and newness that you bring to the season!

 I came across a beautiful quote below that I wanted to share. I think it truly describes spring.

Let the countdown to SPRING begin!!

Making Lasting Memories

There were balloons, cake, games, and pizza.  Did I say cake? What a memorable weekend it has been!

This weekend we celebrated our daughter Kendelle’s 3^rd birthday. This was her first ‘Big Girl’ party.  Imagine, a 3 yr old requesting a Minnie Mouse Cake, chips and everything in the colour pink… including pink snow! Her wishes came true, with the exception of the pink snow, which she quickly forgot about once her friends arrived and the party began.  In a matter of minutes our homes was filled with squeals, giggles and chatter from the little girls who took over our home to join in the birthday celebration.

 With the sweet sound of Raffi playing throughout the house, I took a moment to stop what I was doing in the kitchen and watch Kendelle play with her friends.  Right before my eyes, my baby turned into a little girl. How quickly time slips by when you’re having fun!  And boy has it been fun these past 3 years with this little girl we call our ‘babe’.

I cannot help but feel nostalgic thinking of my own childhood. The sacrifices my parents would make to ensure that our special day was as memorable as it can be. They wanted to make memories for my siblings and I. Bless you Mom and Dad and thank you for those lasting memories…

And now my husband and I are making those lasting memories. Yes there has been lack of sleep  and energy.  But we pushed everything aside, and shook away those sleepy eyes just to show our daughter how much she is loved and treasured by us.  The sacrifices we make as parents for children should be done with no reservations and just pure, untainted raw love.

Make those lasting memories for your children, or the children in your lives.  They will treasure it!

Being Present

Well… the first week of the New Year has come to an end.

Happy New Year! I think I can say that until February.

As the first day of the New Year rolled in, my husband and I with (our daughter) celebrated our son’s 6 month birthday.  There was no cake or huge gathering.  We simply said Happy Birthday, prayed and thanked God for the 6 months that He has given to us to enjoy this little boy named Taren. We chose to be present, and embrace that flash of time.  I reflect upon this special day.  How important it is to be emotionally present and to be in the HERE and NOW?  Because of that decision, I was able to capture love in its purest form by seeing how Kendelle and Taren gaze at each other, and giggle and play together.  I was able to slow down and relish a memory that will last forever.  Yes, dinner needed to get on the table, then bath and bedtime, but I pushed all that aside and focused on being present.

We can condition ourselves to just ‘go through the motions, saying the right words, or what we think needs to be said.  We tend to do what we are obliged to do. In this state, we are far from present.  We are shells of people checking off our ‘emotional checklist’.  We are on ‘response-overload’ with no feelings attached.

So what are we feeling?  What’s our true emotional state?  When we ask someone, ‘how are you’?  Do we really want to know the answer?  Are we truly listening?  How easy it is to take these things for granted and just move onto the next task, thought, or feeling. It can be so easy to get wrapped up in the ‘Hustle and Bustle’ of life. Making ourselves available for another person can be a challenge. But what a difference it makes not only in your life but that person’s.

 Challenge yourself to be present for another person. You never know the impact it may have!

“The greatest gift you can give (yourself or anyone else) is just being present”
― Rasheed Ogunlaru



God Bless

Roseanne