tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92170573482451056282024-02-07T05:22:36.580-05:00Notes Off The Cufflearning, loving, livingMariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-219508985426898972017-09-14T08:58:00.003-04:002017-09-14T08:58:55.255-04:00Pause and Embrace Your World<br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9NwiIH9zcCKJF7_cj3BMozcNCLUYLP4NxPAxCCbVfIykKFWNCFu6iBBJNgu9qc-Yonos9IYJFNx76hgLrpibOuL4WFbXzlBVn9YZMkQbgR25j4zHfvY-6uHq1Qm2DM856-pGKVjeC5Yu/s1600/9147c5fa2d8f6e42082352793c524a1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="554" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9NwiIH9zcCKJF7_cj3BMozcNCLUYLP4NxPAxCCbVfIykKFWNCFu6iBBJNgu9qc-Yonos9IYJFNx76hgLrpibOuL4WFbXzlBVn9YZMkQbgR25j4zHfvY-6uHq1Qm2DM856-pGKVjeC5Yu/s200/9147c5fa2d8f6e42082352793c524a1d.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><i>Rain falls, wind blows, fire burns, earth turns, and love
learns. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">~ LeeLoo, The Fifth Element</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">As mother nature in all its beauty reminds us of her capable
fury, I pause and am thankful for the people in my life. Material things are
fun and make for a comfortable existence, but it is the rain that encourages
life, the wind that gives faith, the fire that warms the soul, the earth that
keeps us grounded and the love that teaches us to appreciate all that we have.
Embrace your world, one person at a time. </span></div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-15600550499956613872017-08-28T00:00:00.000-04:002017-08-28T07:09:03.355-04:00So, who are you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU6UbO5-A3DB38ntYb08s9WnIYyGh32S6im2deKEm2CeHqZFEUjAxB4pKMUIRtwxFI0w7SpTtqxnMdoZcNWrcsbpzemgyaQ-pPue_aysKTlFAaUUaUvsLKNU31z0rwXDqwqWdV2IJl6X-/s1600/people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="500" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU6UbO5-A3DB38ntYb08s9WnIYyGh32S6im2deKEm2CeHqZFEUjAxB4pKMUIRtwxFI0w7SpTtqxnMdoZcNWrcsbpzemgyaQ-pPue_aysKTlFAaUUaUvsLKNU31z0rwXDqwqWdV2IJl6X-/s200/people.jpg" width="200" /></a>It is human nature to believe that we are complex and
mysterious. We think ourselves difficult to understand, unpredictable in nature
and capable of layer upon layer of intricate characteristics. These are what
make us unique and attractive to others. These are what make others unique and
attractive to us. As we move in and out of relationships, we try people on and
attempt to figure out who and what might compliment. But why are we so
disappointed, so shattered really, when the ONE turns out to be so much less
than the one?</div>
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The truth is people do tell you exactly who they are. Almost
immediately. The signs are there. The writing is on the wall. For all of our
mysteriousness, we are who we are and it comes out quite instantly. There is no
changing, no training, no magic potion to make the other person suddenly be the
person you want them to be. The irony then is that we spend an exhausting
amount of time trying to find that particular person we want to spend our lives
with, and then spend an inordinate amount of time and effort trying to change them.
A recipe for disaster if ever there was one.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Quote take from Mad Men, Season 4,
Episode 8: Summer Man)</i></span> </div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-23379081402056019992017-08-24T00:00:00.000-04:002017-08-24T00:00:47.517-04:00Words<br />
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They are the stuff of confusion, confession and
chaos. They hurt, cut deep and often destroy. Most are careful with what they
say, but often even the most savvy can unintentionally spew a barrage of
nastiness that annihilates another human being. But is it possible that when
this unfortunate tirade is released, that we are merely speaking from a place
of our own hurt, disappointment and regret? Is it possible that we project our
shortcomings, failures and cowardice in those moments when instead we should
looking within and trying to change ourselves? Perhaps a little self-reflection
in the aftermath is warranted. A huge apology couldn’t hurt either.</div>
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</style>Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-771328467241252182017-08-12T11:25:00.001-04:002017-08-12T11:25:13.626-04:00All the word's a stage
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgphyTcAKgRXiP4OFFN2sSR6sOh2EJVgST4CuSc_SGOo2h2KGN_4M53sffB41vGRH5fqxCTyNqtWgyOslyKdeOjxH-mR0PuFMU02XRGCulUu9Ta4qu5aGbWMAEkeuXRSBPWO-fcK7j5-Xt/s1600/shakespeare.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="640" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgphyTcAKgRXiP4OFFN2sSR6sOh2EJVgST4CuSc_SGOo2h2KGN_4M53sffB41vGRH5fqxCTyNqtWgyOslyKdeOjxH-mR0PuFMU02XRGCulUu9Ta4qu5aGbWMAEkeuXRSBPWO-fcK7j5-Xt/s200/shakespeare.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Shakespeare wrote that all the world’s a stage, “And all the
men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And
one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.”</span></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No matter your worldview, <span></span>religion, or life philosophy,
these words ring true for us all. We are born, we move through childhood,
adolescence and adulthood. We experience our first kiss, fall in love, are
heartbroken and experience loss. It is a level playing field in terms of our
paths, but what makes us unique are the choices we make, the chances we take
and the successes we have. The secret is not to get too bogged down in the
inevitable but rather rejoice in the unexpected. </span></span><br />
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-13467945151649628142017-08-02T00:00:00.000-04:002017-08-02T00:00:13.832-04:00
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<span class="_Tgc"> </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UiI8cJMd-Qkn4xBpmHpf7siklittx-vILDIrISuFBQl0OAL0KAXrw4SJhJPfHdWlmY-jxlMM9qK8I88cgOGNJ_xzMZ3Iy2-1Q-CAWTvUzk43Fg951WGnhmHaB_HgKQGiTXGnhPQZlU71/s1600/14055707_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="358" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UiI8cJMd-Qkn4xBpmHpf7siklittx-vILDIrISuFBQl0OAL0KAXrw4SJhJPfHdWlmY-jxlMM9qK8I88cgOGNJ_xzMZ3Iy2-1Q-CAWTvUzk43Fg951WGnhmHaB_HgKQGiTXGnhPQZlU71/s200/14055707_S.jpg" width="178" /></a>There is a commonly spoken saying when a door closes
another one opens. True enough. If you are patient and wait for the
new door that will eventually open, yes, something will inevitably present itself. Sometimes you just need to look around and the new door, may right in front of you. Often, however, while we wait, or suddenly it appears, there's an opportunity to make that door open, or take that step to open a new, unknown door. After all, the rest of the quote, not so commonly spoken says, "<span class="_Tgc">but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed <b>door</b> that we do not see the <b>one</b> which has opened for us."</span> So don’t
just wait for the other door to open, shove it open and make it happen. Chances are the door will give quite freely on of its own accord.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>quote courtesy of Alexander Graham Bell</i></span> </div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-24996338089123640332017-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:002017-07-30T00:00:29.485-04:00Soulmates<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">soul○mate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "avenir book"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">/sōl/</span><span style="font-family: "avenir book"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>/māt/</span><span style="font-family: "avenir book"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjeQqklgsd3e7On_5hBcmksPpJSSdpbDNvcEGlGbakhOTvlqDVsnRlU_jDlGRuCUccNukRAuR9kfggom2TXsEALs1rGlQ-f6EjIhEH6s1CP3JQV2guWhk320XY15n5XQTrdYmtQD9qYmC/s1600/youandme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="240" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjeQqklgsd3e7On_5hBcmksPpJSSdpbDNvcEGlGbakhOTvlqDVsnRlU_jDlGRuCUccNukRAuR9kfggom2TXsEALs1rGlQ-f6EjIhEH6s1CP3JQV2guWhk320XY15n5XQTrdYmtQD9qYmC/s200/youandme.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "avenir book"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "avenir book";">A dinner I recently attended turned to a
conversation about soulmates. Men and women, married and single, each had their
own opinion. Is it a thing? What are we looking for? Is it the proverbial holy
grail of relationships? Is it supposed to be romantic? Does it only count if it’s
reciprocal? What exactly is this thing that we all look for,
expect to find, and yet, feel utterly crushed if we don’t have one?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "avenir book";">A Soul is spiritual or immaterial. You can’t
feel it or see it but much like the wind, you know it is there, consistent and
ever present. A Mate is defined as being connected. As humans, and lets face it, needy beings, our success and survival
is deeply rooted in connection. So this concept, this idea, this perfect symbiotic
relationship between two people is basically a required, consistent, unseen but felt connection to another being. Seems to me for all that we talk about it, we all have it or have had it. Sometimes it's for long periods
of time, and other times just for moments. Either way, don’t sweat it. Your
soulmate has probably been right in front of you at varying times of your life.</span></div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-44338570764172323892017-07-25T07:00:00.000-04:002017-07-25T07:00:13.497-04:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsWMpfMzsrJdnhZu5oCv08Fnffvoun6OhXKdRFdiLsBUJUCtZC6_H7I41knrhY1BaAN-DgNj-8h4_3edLKqgFoXZF4yZbnxvy44R-9ryf9a_HwPq591p1F3prZjNe8dXiM1hhmQSb61Qo/s1600/desk+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="360" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsWMpfMzsrJdnhZu5oCv08Fnffvoun6OhXKdRFdiLsBUJUCtZC6_H7I41knrhY1BaAN-DgNj-8h4_3edLKqgFoXZF4yZbnxvy44R-9ryf9a_HwPq591p1F3prZjNe8dXiM1hhmQSb61Qo/s320/desk+view.jpg" width="320" /></a>Hello blogosphere. About two years ago, I found
myself in a place of constant activity. I would like to say it was such
important work that putting my blog on hold was more for humanitarian reasons
than simply for lack of time and eventually, inspiration. But no, the truth is that I could no
longer find the quiet that once allowed my voice to come forward and be heard.
Time has now passed and I am compelled to try to find the words within and
allow them their space on the proverbial page. Who knows? Perhaps picking up
the blog again will lead to picking up the great American novel once again.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And so it begins...again.</div>
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<br /></div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-40210990464102407782015-11-25T13:28:00.000-05:002015-11-25T13:28:36.390-05:00Happy Thanksgiving <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've posted this before but here it is again as it is truly one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving.<em> </em></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i8iuhVHOThrU9S6_L8jdYFhwCjN1Uxvzl7z8vY1CGvCgInb4hQxX5O9u8mEC8izlc65mDRGZ0QejMd-BBy380Na2tvIXmDyDd3eE3vbtfPawuJXIvsLrDWFKr6RZRyy6YKVfDjmAnrcd/s1600/peanuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i8iuhVHOThrU9S6_L8jdYFhwCjN1Uxvzl7z8vY1CGvCgInb4hQxX5O9u8mEC8izlc65mDRGZ0QejMd-BBy380Na2tvIXmDyDd3eE3vbtfPawuJXIvsLrDWFKr6RZRyy6YKVfDjmAnrcd/s200/peanuts.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As the gang gathers together for the not-so-traditional Thanksgiving feast of popcorn, toast and jellybeans, Linus' speech reminds us all of the true meaning of Thanksgiving:<em><br /></em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><em>"In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving
feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety
of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William
Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests.</em></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><em> Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer
that went something like this: 'We thank God for our homes and our food
and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create
a new world for freedom and justice.'"<br /> </em><br /> To which Peppermint Patty adds, "<em>Amen</em>."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">May your tables be plentiful and your hearts be full. Happy Thanksgiving.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWokITV7O7xHMCEuP7wvhXzL0X6gK-IITvqbxn1v7T4sHEr_Vnz_S232KaqeX6f4WT5mCgtGeJaMqHlCnl71r9GPnET2TN3h4zQB8ZtMT8s0vXmERJanzD4hOFFJ1Cbm0JkLlCxbQGG-Q/s1600/peanuts+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWokITV7O7xHMCEuP7wvhXzL0X6gK-IITvqbxn1v7T4sHEr_Vnz_S232KaqeX6f4WT5mCgtGeJaMqHlCnl71r9GPnET2TN3h4zQB8ZtMT8s0vXmERJanzD4hOFFJ1Cbm0JkLlCxbQGG-Q/s200/peanuts+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-3100731564958192372015-06-01T16:26:00.000-04:002015-06-03T18:57:32.646-04:00The Love Letter (Never Sent)
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbRnhfJchfYhtTpUZim5QiiN0uAVPNzSv9DrzgxCKfXJirM1CfJxr_HOkMozA22wK2OtLrj0C47x3L9JddV59CKOIuwiLlojvD8DmdBPLrcqs9RAQ2u_Q73HUb0nxxm0H4HO-cF8IU77k/s1600/th-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbRnhfJchfYhtTpUZim5QiiN0uAVPNzSv9DrzgxCKfXJirM1CfJxr_HOkMozA22wK2OtLrj0C47x3L9JddV59CKOIuwiLlojvD8DmdBPLrcqs9RAQ2u_Q73HUb0nxxm0H4HO-cF8IU77k/s200/th-3.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I came across an interesting
post about a love letter never sent. It is a heart wrenching proclamation of
love for someone that the author knew would never reciprocate the feelings. It
is a letter of anguish and pain, of hurt and sorrow, of knowing that no matter
how much time passes or how often they tell themselves they are better off
without the person who cannot love them, the feelings of hopelessness consume their very soul. </span></div>
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<br></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When I read it, I thought of
my own past loves and how often I was in this same predicament. To love someone
you cannot have. To want the one whose heart is unavailable. It is a sad
reality for many of us. And yet, I wonder if this devastating heartbreak isn’t
exactly what we need to experience to open ourselves up to real love – the
kind that doesn’t cause angst and confusion, questions and uncertainty. The kinds that reassures and comforts like a breath of fresh spring air or a breeze on slightly wet skin. Often
it is the little voice inside one’s head, or the tug of the heart
because of the not-so-distant pain, that reminds us when it’s the right one, at
the right moment, everything else <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will </i>become<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>a faded memory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Inspired by:</i></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/kovie-biakolo/2015/05/the-love-letter-youll-never-send/" target="_blank">The Love Letter You'll Never Send</a> - Thought Catalog, </span></i></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>by Kovie Biakolo (5/30/15)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://twitter.com/TheSingleWoman" target="_blank">@The SingleWoman</a> - via Twitter 5/31/15 </i></span></span></div>
<div class="writer-container writer-container-inline writer-no-avatar">
<h4 class="writer-name">
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Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-85393823770334798922015-01-14T12:49:00.002-05:002015-01-14T12:50:44.681-05:00I'm Sorry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u4CoFgGMqYRR5I-FO85BS-WFmkfbSeVl_CNgs-wkDBD60HbPUO1Wuemb7ZIn5R3DAoPQuf5nFhD5PhylsCajyRb6sm1tPAzR6UIa_xMdNKbpYeQSlzOWHk-TP82Sa6khDsZUWWhS7fa4/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u4CoFgGMqYRR5I-FO85BS-WFmkfbSeVl_CNgs-wkDBD60HbPUO1Wuemb7ZIn5R3DAoPQuf5nFhD5PhylsCajyRb6sm1tPAzR6UIa_xMdNKbpYeQSlzOWHk-TP82Sa6khDsZUWWhS7fa4/s1600/th.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>I'm sorry.</i> Two simple words that can seem like a loaded gun when you know you must say </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">it or when you feel you deserve it. <i>I'm sorry.</i> Simple, to the point and easily understood. But how many "<i>I'm sorry'</i>s" can one person forgive?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've been reading a lot about this lately - it seems the new year is the perfect time to mend fences and attempt to make amends for the missteps, the thoughtlessness and the insensitivity of the past year. What's difficult, however, is to find the appropriate way to say the words especially if time has passed and parties have moved on. Because even if you have "gotten past it", even if you have swept it under the rug, chances are it's not forgotten. And although it's hard to fess up and say the words, it's even more difficult wait around hoping to hear them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">I came across a blog post just this morning about the essential elements of a true apology. I found it interesting and actually insightful that the author outlined 8 elements for getting it right. Most of us will find that these are not rocket science, they are not <i>aha!</i> moments or even that original. I re-post them here as a mere reminder - <i>I'm sorry</i> is only as good as the sentiment and delivery that goes along with it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">8 Elements of a Sincere Apology</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">own it</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">don't make excuses</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">keep it simple</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">be specific</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">make it heartfelt</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">put yourself in the shoes of the person you hurt</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">think - what could you have done differently?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">take action</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Reprinted from</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-alpert/" rel="author"><span class="name fn">Jonathan Alpert</span></a> <i><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-alpert/how-to-apologizeand-get-i_b_6449336.html" target="_blank">How to Apologize and Get it Right</a> </i>Huffington Post blog post 1/14/2015 </span></span>Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-69190777606704219302015-01-03T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-03T00:00:03.984-05:00Ahh the Humor of the Universe
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurtABLXNJof5w7yKculmN5f0rZDeirDQwpJTCgMS5d2wWsf_N6R8Jjl4UuyaudEzaUdd3pCFeeC4LGuBpanft1sFu3ux768niQFojg05d6Q31SWt7rrn8vfoBUPsXQ2oVvRxNlC-dEs0i/s1600/awesome.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurtABLXNJof5w7yKculmN5f0rZDeirDQwpJTCgMS5d2wWsf_N6R8Jjl4UuyaudEzaUdd3pCFeeC4LGuBpanft1sFu3ux768niQFojg05d6Q31SWt7rrn8vfoBUPsXQ2oVvRxNlC-dEs0i/s1600/awesome.png" height="118" width="200" /></a></div>
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For some time now I have been pondering the Universe and
what perhaps its motives are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some may
say I am questioning the existence of God, but no, I have faith and understand
that in the end, with that faith, it will all be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I</span>nstead, what I believe is my quandary is that no matter what I seem to figure out, no matter what answers eventually come to light, or what revelation suddenly appears, there is
always yet another puzzle just waiting around the bend. It’s as if the minute all
is right in my world, the proverbial fates decide to throw that curve ball,
roll their dice, and turn it topsy-turvy once again. Some would
say that this is the stuff of life: mess, chaos, uncertainty – this is what
makes a life worth living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True. But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sometimes, some times,</i> you just want to
stay in the moments of peace and contentment, the moments of clarity and
understanding, the moments of seemingly symbiotic perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, you just wish the Universe was a little more compassionate and maybe not
quite so impish. </div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-41755973508299576742014-12-24T12:00:00.000-05:002014-12-24T12:00:00.720-05:00Happy, Happy Holidays...<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4QLH8jUIHQjDa3udANvvvJ14MUBOY9fk3Ryc7X6e7ABj_pRS7VxI96sgusOzdvQ1gxpaOPqKo50bKY12zR2Bvo0yTO7qKGb7RxIfzXaVwmBA580u9zyr9BqSDu3tNDb9uVx8KonM5KyT/s1600/holiday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4QLH8jUIHQjDa3udANvvvJ14MUBOY9fk3Ryc7X6e7ABj_pRS7VxI96sgusOzdvQ1gxpaOPqKo50bKY12zR2Bvo0yTO7qKGb7RxIfzXaVwmBA580u9zyr9BqSDu3tNDb9uVx8KonM5KyT/s1600/holiday.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Yes,
Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and
generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to
your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world
if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no
Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance
to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in
sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world
would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not
believe in fairies!" </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Francis P. Church (New York Sun, September21, 1897)</span></i></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May your holiday be filled with magic, poetry, romance, faith, family and love…<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span>
</div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-76434977944396512302014-12-14T10:40:00.004-05:002014-12-14T10:40:49.487-05:00It wasn't logic, it was love.<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"It wasn’t logic, it
was love." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one can comprehend the why. No one will understand the
reason. No one will be able to explain. It is Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plain and simple. It is a peculiar thing –
love. Not easy to define nor easy to describe. Just love. A surprising and unexpected source once told me that love is a
funny thing. Love is not always a choice. Often your heart overrides your mind.
You can try to direct it one way or another, but eventually, the heart will run
the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is a feeling and logic
never enters into the equation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can
be the happiest of times, but also the most miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only two people in the world can comprehend
love – the two people who are in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
not look for the logic in love, you will not find it. Instead follow
your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest, well, that will soon
follow.</div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-85036285483523911572014-09-29T13:24:00.000-04:002014-09-29T13:24:11.361-04:00The People in Your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsgqfB_jqKh5fqvVpj4zik9C0NtWaYgllqQ1pY3k1Q_p2BvBRMrNM9aQn6Ysjy9ddZR_jczqMDHS-7niAETPaaPdO1qNE_Hxlga5z9nimxTgCvjod1W2pXjJiQOk3oI5RzjqCSNQZ2-nK/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsgqfB_jqKh5fqvVpj4zik9C0NtWaYgllqQ1pY3k1Q_p2BvBRMrNM9aQn6Ysjy9ddZR_jczqMDHS-7niAETPaaPdO1qNE_Hxlga5z9nimxTgCvjod1W2pXjJiQOk3oI5RzjqCSNQZ2-nK/s1600/th.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If there's one thing I have learned and taken to heart is that people come into your life for a reason. Often, we can't see it, understand it or even believe it but that's the way it works. There are those that appear when you need distraction, those that appear when you need to be shaken to your core. There are those that see you through the hard times, and those that are meant to share successes and happiness. But the most important thing we can learn from these people who come in and out of our lives, is to accept and not always question the why. You see, the why will eventually become clear. And often it isn't the why but simply the what - what were they here to help you through and did you listen? Did you take it to heart and become changed by it? For if you didn't and simply let the <i>aha</i> moment slip away, their presence was merely wasted and you completely unaffected.</span>Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-88599613246102912652014-07-27T19:55:00.000-04:002014-07-27T22:30:34.541-04:00Life: Live it - Imperfectly<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7KcKeCsFck9xToQgmNRxjDey_8Mrs7i6iLDU1j3aALH7QSX415Ax0U28eo8cGhCvUJPdLBLBq1ZRaYncj0xBvH17GCDwWDNpm71dMUd1ytu_iQyD_hBQsYRU0Lb0f4WFj7B8Fm2Ni01X/s1600/Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7KcKeCsFck9xToQgmNRxjDey_8Mrs7i6iLDU1j3aALH7QSX415Ax0U28eo8cGhCvUJPdLBLBq1ZRaYncj0xBvH17GCDwWDNpm71dMUd1ytu_iQyD_hBQsYRU0Lb0f4WFj7B8Fm2Ni01X/s1600/Life.jpg" /></a></div>
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In a perfect word, you would meet the perfect mate, you’d have perfect dates, of course have perfect sex, you'd communicate quite perfectly
and live a very blissful, perfect life. Now that you have finished laughing
your head off, think about this – perfection aside from being obviously
unattainable, would be, in a word, <i>boring</i>. The whole point of life is that while
on our quest for impossible perfection, we are meant to experience the awkwardness of
meeting perfect strangers, the craziness of dating, the occasional “what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> I thinking?” sex, and the comedic
miscommunication of what may have been a very significant moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Life's </span>truth is that it is imperfect, mistakes are supposed to happen and
we are meant to experience it in just that way. The rules are a bit "let's make it up as we go" and you have to dodge the curve balls, and feel the bumps that inevitably
come your way. This is what life is made of. This is the stuff of living. Sure, there are glimpses of perfection: an amazing kiss, the full
moon illuminating the ocean, the warmth of someone’s hand, the quiet of the
morning, the brilliance of the stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But there’s something about the insanity of it - the rush of the unknown,
the adrenaline of excitement, the breathlessness of possibility. Life is not
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It is not meant to be perfect. It's messy and chaotic. But</span>, if you think about it, isn't life with all it's imperfections, really the best way to live? Perhaps that's the perfection of it. Maybe, just maybe, it's in the acceptance of the imperfect that we finally attain life's perfection. </div>
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<br /></div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-53249329811391324312014-06-15T13:35:00.001-04:002014-06-15T13:35:07.476-04:00Love...IS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTB2MoVwHjYZq69Ty3pHBmXvfJilAwQNzu3lmr2StF6oTbmYxduGKm6mvlMbrIbwnOjdMfbcjwaZ4bdmb3aoaEaQ1NfPKi_TBoMdwB_K9aCSYRqfwCxXOQsR1P4rxDznNN2vml8MLEQM-/s1600/Love+IS.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTB2MoVwHjYZq69Ty3pHBmXvfJilAwQNzu3lmr2StF6oTbmYxduGKm6mvlMbrIbwnOjdMfbcjwaZ4bdmb3aoaEaQ1NfPKi_TBoMdwB_K9aCSYRqfwCxXOQsR1P4rxDznNN2vml8MLEQM-/s1600/Love+IS.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I came across an interesting read about
love and how it just is. Not unlike the movie that states,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Actually" target="_blank"> Love actually</a> is all around</i>,
the author points out how love is not
about excuses or uncertainty but instead is about what is. When someone
loves
you, there is no question. You know it. You feel it. They find ways to
be with
you because they want it. Your presence in their life makes their life
better.
They are the best version of themselves when you are with them. You feed
their mind, their heart and their soul. It is a feeling that transcends
all boundaries. Love is not supposed to be
filled with angst. It is not a game or a puzzle to be mastered or
figured out. When someone loves you, you are still and confident in the
knowing that they do, without question, without hesitation, without
thought. The important
thing to remember then as we allow those who <i>say</i> but do not <i>show</i> that they love us is this: “love simply is. And you have to let it be, or not be,
naturally.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<h4>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Inspired by
Thought Catalog – <a href="http://bit.ly/1y4URro" target="_blank">What People Do When They Don’t Really Love You</a> by <a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/brianna-wiest/">Brianna
Wiest</a></span></span></span></i></h4>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-23089518615772570312014-05-07T15:03:00.004-04:002014-05-07T15:04:02.138-04:00Let go of what's holding you back<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ju6ixjes27q4KMk3mQr1tZV0fvzKvM1XJW0IcnFYSDrbe_Zu55eQh1p8FGsPAT68pS4S_zpBi_0olxrUGbwuCQg6m5-_tu1Tu1Z8UgO9q4qfddKkLHQ-T-EMo6zKCLmgdGrCvsDDEjag/s1600/th-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ju6ixjes27q4KMk3mQr1tZV0fvzKvM1XJW0IcnFYSDrbe_Zu55eQh1p8FGsPAT68pS4S_zpBi_0olxrUGbwuCQg6m5-_tu1Tu1Z8UgO9q4qfddKkLHQ-T-EMo6zKCLmgdGrCvsDDEjag/s1600/th-11.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a></div>
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Have you ever noticed that there are people in our lives
that hold you back? Like the slow moving vehicle barely driving the speed limit
in the fast lane, they comfortably and often obliviously keep us from getting where
we’re going. It can be a friend, a family member, a romantic interest.
Sometimes it’s obvious: the naysayers, the doom and gloom crowd, or the glass
half empty people. But what about those that don’t fit into those categories
yet still manage to take steam from our otherwise perfect run?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the highway of life, why is it that we
allow ourselves to coast with the pack instead of passing some people up?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life presents too many obstacles and
challenges to allow other people to hold you back. Instead of following blindly
and keeping up with traffic, it’s better to assess and act, carefully but
definitively, to go down your own road and live your own adventure. Not everyone we encounter is meant to have a permanent place in your life. Sometimes it’s
better to let people go or simply pass them up. Truly at some point, a time
will come when you find that comfortable speed and the smooth road that will
lead to inner peace.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>inspired by Morning Minute, Episode 62 with Pastor Jason Cullum of Christ's Church, Jacksonville, FL </i></span><span class="current-txt"><a href="http://on.fb.me/1fVvtic"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="current-shortlink">on.fb.me/<b>1fVvtic</b></span></i></span></a>
</span> </div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-31658880006061689542014-04-16T23:55:00.000-04:002014-04-16T23:55:00.838-04:00The Right Moment
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoCtr4KsdszdLvOQ60_Qw0_8Cv2tlVGPCRniREopd2gXU2_spilU-hmrOjVWaZiwRRKWL2fuOZrfAWIKH0hTGpGj3DiX8RuQZBIUFkxvEPXDeuGeqaedpAmsH6i6Hoiep61XePOslvcAT/s1600/th-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoCtr4KsdszdLvOQ60_Qw0_8Cv2tlVGPCRniREopd2gXU2_spilU-hmrOjVWaZiwRRKWL2fuOZrfAWIKH0hTGpGj3DiX8RuQZBIUFkxvEPXDeuGeqaedpAmsH6i6Hoiep61XePOslvcAT/s1600/th-10.jpg" /></a></div>
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So
many of us spend our days waiting – waiting for things to settle down, waiting for
that great job or waiting for that perfect person. We wait for the tide to turn, for things
to go our way, for life to get back on track. We wait - wait for the Right Moment. But really, what are we waiting for? The
simple fact is that there is no Right Moment. We go through life and the ups
and downs, the ins and outs, the certain and the uncertainty is what makes life worth living. It’s taking that leap of faith, working through adversity and bravely taking that chance that gives life meaning, purpose and satisfaction. You can't wait for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>the adventure, the excitement, or the worth in the living. The truth is, there will never be a Right Moment. So instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting for it, jump in and go for it. Live your life. The Right Moment is now. What are you
waiting for?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>inspired by Seth Godin, The Right Moment <a class="bitmark-shortlink" href="http://bit.ly/1oZPaZH"><span class="protocol">http://</span>bit.ly/1oZPaZH</a></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-43034823559514044232014-04-12T09:22:00.000-04:002014-04-12T09:22:23.015-04:00The thing about truth
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<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqHUWxQiyq75M2hmXciuJJKpqLVg0tCfuJ8wQMOAMIGlP4LtOO56Clu3FjRTRgxq5LLzbdJJHD5f8WYwoROQQzIA0rYr5mD5oX9cnbwo3wVbTKcwTAde4mMMMF6Ff_75VUYtbv97RmcTy/s1600/dictionary-series-philosophy-truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqHUWxQiyq75M2hmXciuJJKpqLVg0tCfuJ8wQMOAMIGlP4LtOO56Clu3FjRTRgxq5LLzbdJJHD5f8WYwoROQQzIA0rYr5mD5oX9cnbwo3wVbTKcwTAde4mMMMF6Ff_75VUYtbv97RmcTy/s1600/dictionary-series-philosophy-truth.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The thing about being confronted with an absolute truth is
that somewhere deep down in the recess of your soul you knew the truth was
there the whole time. How often do you hold on to something – an idea, a
thought a wish just because you want it to be true? We go through this life and
crash head-on into truths every day. Some we accept, others we deny. Sometimes
we want something so desperately that the truth of it cannot break through.
Fortunately, or perhaps not so much, the truth inevitably does. And just as
there is a natural progression of life, so too is the natural revelation of
truth. Will the truth actually set you free? Who can say. But one can be sure
that the absolute truth will always come through. What you do with that is
entirely up to you.</span><br />
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-35230635430618414242014-03-04T12:14:00.000-05:002014-03-04T12:14:39.115-05:00Friendship or Love?<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3JThM63_G-74K9YdBjAdG1zwX0_cmxTtgjZ6Wi4HUSe1bJ7QXxAnylCfJNlfd5wlrnzrTLS0Pk4ga9yC9iYpPnk-XlcKpj0jkpjJZ0np7hwsacaSYEQpmVwWyWzRSGBuo2RKIzY3sMJZ/s1600/th-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3JThM63_G-74K9YdBjAdG1zwX0_cmxTtgjZ6Wi4HUSe1bJ7QXxAnylCfJNlfd5wlrnzrTLS0Pk4ga9yC9iYpPnk-XlcKpj0jkpjJZ0np7hwsacaSYEQpmVwWyWzRSGBuo2RKIzY3sMJZ/s1600/th-9.jpg" height="139" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just as there is a fine line between love and hate, I have
found that there’s an even finer, perhaps even blurry line between friendship and
love. With friendship, one has a sense of belonging and acceptance. You have
things in common and enjoy similar activities. With love you have all of those but also that something extra - that something special that makes it more than just friendship. There’s connection and
comprehension, unconditional forgiveness and understanding. When you love
someone, you take the good and the bad, stand by them through the thick and the
thin, comfort the sorrow and rejoice in the joy. In love there is the every day
and the details. Even if you prefer solitude, you are never alone for your love
is always with you. The problem then is mistaking friendship for love. For
although you can love your friends, you can only be truly in love with the one
that shares your life moments. That’s where the fine line ends,
and the blur becomes crystal clear.</span></span>Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-86837063241197005442014-02-27T12:27:00.001-05:002014-02-27T12:27:38.104-05:00The Power of the Truth
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I’ve heard it said so often that the truth will set you
free. While I agree to a certain extent to that statement, I have also had an
experience where the truth has not only given clarity, but honestly, a certain
sense of power. Do not mistake my words – it is not power in the diabolical
menacing kind, but more power to face my own fears, confront my own insecurities
and be at peace with whatever comes next. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reality is that sometimes even when
we think we know the truth – be it intuition, a feeling or sixth sense – there
is comfort and confidence in actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowing</i>
the truth. Let’s face it, it’s all fine and good to <i>think</i> that someone loves
you, but isn’t it amazing when you not only hear the words but also experience
the soul bearing confirmation that someone<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
truly</i> loves you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-11482561303178512062014-01-31T14:31:00.001-05:002014-01-31T14:31:20.013-05:00Mediocrity
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One of my favorite bloggers posted <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2014/01/the-four-horsemen-of-mediocrity.html" target="_blank">“the four horsemen of mediocrity”</a>. He called them deniability, helplessness, contempt and fear. <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Seth Godin</a> is a
brilliant marketing guy so he penned the horsemen from a business perspective which
was perfect. But as I printed them to keep for my own continued reference, one thought
immediately came to mind – these “horsemen” are not just about business, quite often
actually, one finds them when faced with a breakup. You’re in
this seemingly relationship, happy and probably thinking “future”. Suddenly, and perhaps
out of nowhere, you breakup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, my
friend, are now in that twelve-step program or seven stages thing or in this
case facing the four horsemen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Denial. "I did everything I could to make the relationship
work." You blame <i>them</i>. <i>They</i> decided it was over. <i>They</i> created the problem
between you. <i>They</i> commanded the breakup. It wasn’t my fault. From there one
moves to helplessness: they just won’t listen. They won’t let me make them
understand how good I am for them. It's a sense of loss and little understanding. Eventually, one moves to contempt - for the
other person and even for love itself. They weren’t good enough for me;
I wont settle. Is there really someone out there that deserves all I have to
give? It’s a mixture really of contempt and self-pity, which let’s face it,
leads one directly into fear. Fear of putting oneself back out there; fear of
being in love and hurt all over again; fear of being alone. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I know what you’re thinking – what does this really have
to do with mediocrity? Everything. Truth is, when you face a breakup, whether
you believe it or not, it is ultimately for the best. You weren’t meant to be
together and there are always telltale signs. Our problem is that we deny them.
We know they are there but feel helpless to do anything about them. We have
contempt for them and honestly fear them. Just like the horsemen we face once
the breakup happens, they are present in the dysfunction that is the mediocre
relationship. So you see, it isn’t just that they translate to business; they
translate to life and relationships. For who among us hasn’t lay awake at
night trying helplessly to deny the contempt we feel for the other person and fear of breaking up. Who among us hasn't tried to figure out the best way to survive in a mediocre relationship? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Referenced Blog:</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2014/01/the-four-horsemen-of-mediocrity.html" target="_blank">Seth Godin - "the four horsemen of mediocrity" </a></i></span></div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-47089057860506399432014-01-15T10:44:00.000-05:002014-01-15T10:44:58.973-05:00Will You Love Me Tomorrow
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlYvkDqUPhfLn2ZdAkbL4CdAwUu3jNT2UwQzKdTbE3eBEubjVNhSRp_4DxFri8xHotUCnVWTsRgBoPyR-XYVyih5f0E9wWkIm_MRTPZnnZm4VQN0bUwHW5Be3AUnqrlFab1mTTnDwlOlF/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlYvkDqUPhfLn2ZdAkbL4CdAwUu3jNT2UwQzKdTbE3eBEubjVNhSRp_4DxFri8xHotUCnVWTsRgBoPyR-XYVyih5f0E9wWkIm_MRTPZnnZm4VQN0bUwHW5Be3AUnqrlFab1mTTnDwlOlF/s1600/th.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was listening to Carole King’s song <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Will You Love Me Tomorrow </i>when it hit me how much it resonates
with so many of the thoughts, conversations and observations of many who are
seeking permanent relationships. You meet someone. There’s a connection. You go
out – maybe more than once. There’s chemistry. You test drive the car, so to
speak, and wonder: is this a momentary thing or is this more? When is it too soon to ask, “will you still love me tomorrow?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The song itself says it all. Promises are implied; words are
spoken. But as human beings, we often give more importance to the unspoken and
the promise to come rather than the reality. We mistake the moment for something more leaving us confused, hurt and heartbroken. We want to be loved not only tonight but also tomorrow. Still, we are all guilty of it, living in the moment without thinking of tomorrow. For who among us hasn’t uttered the words you
know someone wants to hear just to keep the magic alive for that moment? Who
among us hasn’t gotten carried away with the romance of the night? Who among us
hasn’t made promises that we have really no intention of keeping? I suppose it’s
simply human nature. Unfortunately, eventually, we find ourselves on the other end of it, hoping
and wanting the promise and the love not only for the moment, but for tomorrow…and maybe even a lifetime.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tonight
you're mine completely<br />
You give your love so sweetly<br />
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes<br />
But will you love me tomorrow?<br />
<br />
Is this a lasting treasure<br />
Or just a moment's pleasure?<br />
Can I believe the magic of your eyes?<br />
Will you still love me tomorrow?<br />
<br />
Tonight with words unspoken<br />
You'll say that I'm the only one<br />
But will my heart be broken<br />
When the night meets the morning sun?<br />
<br />
I'd like to know that your love<br />
Is love I can be sure of<br />
So tell me now and I won't ask again<br />
Will you still love me tomorrow?<br />
<br />
I need to know<br />
Will you still love me tomorrow?</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-44466675069470199332014-01-07T09:35:00.001-05:002014-01-07T09:35:07.141-05:00People Purge<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDz1mZOiz2rXT0h8OPoIoJqpla4yzI0ctn1G8aQVcudvfKkvg4ZPx74HiuP1AIwKDGVW2bEgilk_0CyWKLyEXraiSrp-wVrmq9Cdex_JGyLd0AhLk9YPNb9OCIo0mP8AVuSfcynuQLEZqE/s1600/delete-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDz1mZOiz2rXT0h8OPoIoJqpla4yzI0ctn1G8aQVcudvfKkvg4ZPx74HiuP1AIwKDGVW2bEgilk_0CyWKLyEXraiSrp-wVrmq9Cdex_JGyLd0AhLk9YPNb9OCIo0mP8AVuSfcynuQLEZqE/s1600/delete-button.jpg" height="161" width="200" /></a>The arrival of the New Year makes most stop and evaluate the
people that are in their lives. We look at our friends, our loves, our crushes,
our contacts, and our acquaintances. This is the time we ponder each – assess,
if you will, their value in our lives and decide, should I, like purging my
Friends list on Facebook continue with the relationship or should I perhaps "Delete"?</div>
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No easy task. For with each of these relationships,
the good and the bad, there are memories and moments that can be cherished but of course those that just should be forgotten. I came across a tweet the other day that
stated, “you should never give up on someone, for miracles have been known to
happen.” But the truth is, there are far too many people in this world that
simply aren’t worth the effort. Not that they are worthless, but their value in
our lives are too fluid to provide any real value. And while they may have
fulfilled a definitive purpose at one point, it may be that perhaps they have
over stayed their welcome in our lives and it is time to move on. Just as a
child moves forward in life, leaves the nest and relies on their parents less
and less, so possibly is many a relationship with those individuals that float
in and out of our lives offering little and taking so much. So it maybe time to
reevaluate your friends, your loves, your crushes; the acquaintances you have
made or the contacts in your address book. It may be time to start the New Year
fresh and realize that so much more is still to come.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>tweet courtesy of @WomenofHistory</i></span></div>
Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217057348245105628.post-12012273919045675352013-12-31T11:07:00.001-05:002013-12-31T11:07:36.116-05:00New Year's Eve<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Rnsn2InG9eRpOv6l1HbKzZ3j4PEOEsTXV7Nzqco9b9XUwMS_VvxbghB9Meif0b-k78Ru6IVY8xA8VQQMVsoQdLwpGoz-yG3YBi8ooKaTRb5hekXN4VI01pPqYsAfeaCyYDweLrRilask/s640/blogger-image-1513617114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Rnsn2InG9eRpOv6l1HbKzZ3j4PEOEsTXV7Nzqco9b9XUwMS_VvxbghB9Meif0b-k78Ru6IVY8xA8VQQMVsoQdLwpGoz-yG3YBi8ooKaTRb5hekXN4VI01pPqYsAfeaCyYDweLrRilask/s200/blogger-image-1513617114.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As we ring in the new year, I am reminded of two of my favorite quotes from the movie of the same name. Although it may be a bit corny, I believe they are sentiments well spoken, very honest and resonate as we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new. Happy New Year everyone. Goodbye to the past, hello to the future and embrace the present.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Sometimes it feels like there are so many things in this world we can't control. Earthquakes, floods, reality shows... But it's important to remember the things that we can. Like forgiveness, second chances, fresh starts... Because the one thing that turns the world from the longing place to a beautiful place... is love. Love and any of its forms. Love gives us hope... Hope for the New Year. That's what New Year's Eve is to me. Hope and a great party! ~ Sam</i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>And as you all can see, the ball has stopped half way to its perch. it's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop, and reflect on the year that has gone by, to remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken, the times we opened ourselves up to great adventures... or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt, because that's what new year's all about , getting another chance, a chance to forgive. to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more, and to stop worrying about what if... and start embracing what will be. so when that ball drops at midnight, and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other, and not just tonight but all year long. ~ Claire</i></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>New Years Eve, 2011</i></span></div>
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<br />Mariela Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01793038213091360230noreply@blogger.com0