Choose To Be Happy

Choose To Be Happy
by Annie Tornabene




Today I Will Choose to be Happy

How many of you are stuck in a dark fog of depression because you did not choose to be happy? Wow, that was like a shot between the eyes. Or it was for me when I first realized it.

It's time to wake up and smell the roses. If you're not smelling the sweetness of life, it's your stinking thinking that you are smelling. After my accident, I blamed the car, the driver, etc. It was if this hadn't happened or if that hadn't happened... none of it was me. I just sat there day after day getting darker and darker and more depressed. Then one day one of my friends told me about the days which turned into years, she had been in depression and how she decided one day that she was tired of being depressed. She told herself that she was not going to be discouraged, she was not going to be depressed. From that day forward she was going to be happy. She talked to me like I'm talking to you.

What do you mean, I have a choice? You don't understand, I can't move...I have a horrible disease...I've been ... Oh yeah, I know all the excuses. I tried them too. It's not what has happened to us, it's our reaction to what happened to us that makes the difference. You can choose to be happy or you can choose to be depressed. Which do you want?

After my accident, my Mother would tell me to smile. I couldn't smile. She would tell me to stop frowning. I couldn't change the look on my face. True the accident had altered some things in my life but it was my reaction to them that made the difference. When I decided to quit sitting there, my life changed from within.

It wasn't easy. I took each step with great effort ... each tiny little baby step and sometimes just a little wiggle is all I could muster. Sometimes I had to fake it in order to make it. Looking back, I see how far I've come. There were days that I felt like I took two steps backwards but I was still farther ahead than I was. Sure there are bad moments, but they don't keep me held hostage to the heavy mist of dark fogs of depression. I choose to be happy. No I may not be manic happy but I choose a happiness from within that brings me joy, peace, tranquility, contentment and a little laughter. The setbacks in my life are never as bad as my bad days in depression. I look back with pride at how far I've managed to come. It almost seems like a dream now. What am I talking about ... it was a nightmare.

Oh sure, when the doctors tell me things that I must go through, I stop for a moment and think "how can I handle this?" Fear sits in for a moment and then I think, I've been through far worst. We sometimes have to push fear aside and choose to be happy about the situation. Being depressed about it certainly doesn't help! I know because I've tried it. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. It is certainly better to be in control over the choices I make. Each choice I make makes me stronger. It's a great feeling not be on an emotional roller coaster ride.

Every day you can choose to be happy... wait a minute... you can choose to be happy every moment of every day! The choice is yours. Choose to be happy that you are alive. There are no guarantee in life so live your best life now. No one else can make me happy. It is simply a choice - my choice and my choice alone. That goes the same for you too. Live for today! Everything you do for yourself today makes for a better tomorrow. No matter what! Your choice will make a difference. Together we can make a difference because we choose to be happy!

Remember to say to yourself as many times as it takes, "I will greet each day with laughter, I will smile at every person I meet and I will do everything in an attitude of gratitude. I will choose to be happy." You may not make it everytime, but you'll still land among the stars.

A Decided Heart

A Decided Heart
by Annie Tornabene


I Have a Decided Heart

A key to understanding depression is to have a decided heart ... a heart full of passion... a reason to live ... a reason to endure the struggles along the strings of life. Buddha said it so simply that I had to repeat it here. "Your work is to discover your work and then, with all your heart, to give yourself to it." And so it is, our reason to live is to discover what makes us happy ... what are we passionate about and then dedicate our life to it.

If we are passionate about our life, then we jump out of bed in the morning and are eager to begin the day. In other words, we look forward with great anticipation to do what we do... our free time as well as our job. The happiest and most successful people in the world are those with a purpose for living. They are driven by their passion. Can you name some of those who you feel have or had a decided heart? I'm sure you can name a few... such as Mother Teresa, Princess Diana, Max Lucado (after all he wrote, A Purpose Driven Life), Joel Osteen, Oprah and I'm sure there are sprinkles of CEOs as well as others.

Not always what we are passionate about makes us the most money. Money doesn't buy happiness. Follow your heart and the money will follow is what I heard as a child. I think that really means that if you follow your heart, you realize money is not as important as other things in life. The only power money has is the power we give it. When you are passionate about something, you give it the power to drive your life. It's that passion that sparks life from within when you are exhausted and have worked your fingers to the bone. It's that passion that enables us to endure hardships and struggles in the strings of life. A decided heart brings peace, joy and contentment to our lives.

Maybe you are sitting there thinking, "What am I passionate about?" "What drives me?" "What gets my mojo going in the morning?" "What keeps me going and going and going?" No, it's not the Energizer Bunny.

You can find your passion by meditating. The best way to get to know yourself is to get quiet and listen to your heart's desire. As Shakespeare said, "To thine own self be true." This may take a little time.

Take a week or so to reflect on your reactions to the things around you such as television shows, newspapers, conversations, books you read, and any other stimuli that causes you to react in a passionate way. If you come across something that has been of interest to you for a long time, make a note of it. If something grabs your attention, make a note of it.

What are you really good at? What specific quality do you possess? Whom do you admire? Why? Who do you know that is doing something you would love to do? What's stopping you? What would you do if you were given the choice to do anything in life you wanted? How could you make this world a better place? The choice is yours.

Look around you, what do you collect in your home? Do you collect old photographs? Do you have a green thumb? We tend to hold on to things we love, so, what's in your closet? What are your hobbies?

Once you get involved in something, you'll either want to stick with it and grow your knowledge, or you'll lose interest and move on to something else. Keep in mind that our passions change throughout life. We are constantly growing, expanding, and wanting more. Some passions remain the same for a long time, and some come and go on a fairly predictable basis. Don't worry if your passion changes. Some passions are there for a season and others are there for a reason. Have a decided heart and go for it as long as your passion is there. Sometimes all you need is a season break and the passion stirs again.

Anything you attempt will get you closer to discovering your long-term passion. And some people are great at starting projects and getting others passionate about completing the projects. My Grandfather was like that. He would go into an area and start building a church. After the church was built and going, it was his time to move on. It was time for someone with the passion to develop it from there. That's OK too.

Right now, just focus on getting centered on what you want to do at this point in time no matter what is going on around you. Just start moving those feet, one step at a time. Take a step of faith into the light. Your leap of faith may show others how bright life can be. Feel the fear but step out anyway. You will never know how wonderful life can be until you have a decided heart that empowers you with peace, tranquility and laughter. You can make a difference.

When we spend time doing what we love to do, it is no longer work but empowerment beyond our wildest dreams. The results are worth it because you are worth it.

Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and living our best life now with a decided heart for our future. We will stay the course no matter what it takes because we have a decided heart. Do you have a decided heart?

Take Action

Take Action
by Annie Tornabene



Fumbling through some old books, I found a book called Adrift 76 days lost at sea by Steven Callahan. It caught my eye and I began to read it. Adrift and lost at sea is much like being in the mist of a dark fog of depression ... at least I saw the similarities.

In 1981, Steven was sailing by himself from Spain to Antigua. (Ok, so it wasn't a ship as big as this one ... it's the only picture I could find.) Somewhere west of the Canary Islands, he notices that termites have eaten into the mast. He takes action and lowers the sails. It was a good thing that he lowered the sails because a storm came through. If the sails had been up, the boat would have been toppled and most likely sank at that moment.

After the storm past, he noticed the boat was sinking. So he had to take action. He managed to grab the life raft, a knife, his emergency duffel bag, a piece of the mainsail, and a sleeping bag. Luckily he had read other books about people being lost at sea such as, Staying Alive, 1974; Survive the Savage Sea, 1973; and Sea Survival Manual, 1975. He took action and was prepared before he started his journey. He followed the advice of others that had gone before him in similar journeys. This was the first account of anyone surviving alone for so long of a time.

He endured hardships, depression, anxiety, loneliness, cramped living space, hunger, pain and thirst, yet he creatively had determination and perseverance to take action to survive. Sharks, barracudas, doradoes and storms faced him daily. If he hadn't gone through this hardship, this storm, he would have never discovered the treasure. How many of us could survive under these conditions in stormy waters?

Many of us are having difficulty doing the same thing on dry land much less stormy waters. It is no different. Not to say that he didn't bravely face and take action or discredit his experience. Depression is much like facing stormy waters on a lifeboat lost at sea. The only difference is that nobody knows you are lost at sea in the mist of a dark fog of depression. They think because they can see you that you are not battling for your life. They don't see the stormy waters.

They don't see that you are adrift in your mind and lost at sea. They don't see you struggling to find your way in the misty dark fog of depression. They just see you sitting there. I know, I've been there. The more we sit, the darker the fog becomes until all about us is darkness. I don't know how long I sat there before I noticed a tiny pinhole of light. I didn't know if it was a light at the end of a tunnel or a tankard coming to blow me away. A key to understanding depression is to take action. Get up. Take a walk. Turn yourself around. Do anything even if it means just wiggling your little finger. A little wiggle today means two little wiggles tomorrow. Each step of the way is a day of victory. One baby step at a time.

I know something compelled me from within to take action. Get on up. Go toward the light. It was a lighthouse that guided me safely in. The Lighthouse of Halo is here for you too. Do you have your SOD Emergency Kit? If you don't, contact me and I'll help you get one. For those who don't know what a SOD Emergency Kit is. . . it is Survival of Depression Emergency Kit. Together we can make a difference in battling the stormy sea of depression and take action.

Wisdom

Wisdom
by Annie Tornabene





Do you ever feel blue or down and don't know what to do? Do you wish you could find the magic code or wisdom secret to living a victorious life? Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of every day life, we get caught up in every day strife. There is a key to understanding depression. It is understanding that we need to seek wisdom. Wisdom is having gained the knowledge, understanding, experience, discretion, and intuitive understanding, along with a capacity to apply these qualities well to our lives and to those surrounding us. It is the judicious application of knowledge we have learned from our past as well as from others and their past.

Maybe that is why they say you learn wisdom with age. Some of us though go through life repeating the same problems year after year, day after day ... never learning from our past ... never picking up bits of wisdom from others and only experiencing a problematic life. Maybe that is because we never change anything. What is holding you back?

Erik Erickson stated wisdom was the last stage of his eight-stage theory of psychosocial development. Erickson's theory states each stage in the strings of life are in the form of internally-generated questions or tensions. Erickson claimed that in the last stage of human development, each of us must resolve a psychological conflict between integrity and despair. He proposed that attaining wisdom is a favorable resolution and product of this conflict. I don't know if I agree with Erickson about it being the last stage but I would say it is a key that we must learn.

Confucius stated that wisdom can be learned by three methods: by reflection of the past, by imitation of others that have had a similar problem and by experiencing the strings of life without the benefit of wise counsel. Some of us know the third one all too well. As I learned, sometimes you have to fake it before you make it ... imitation of others that have traveled the dark cloud of depression. This one you must be careful because some of those that have traveled that path have chosen the wrong path. Therefore we must choose our friends wisely. Hum? Friends of a feather flock together.

Wisdom, according to Christianity, Judaism and Islam beliefs, is represented by the sense of justice of the lawful and wise counsel. Wisdom consists in manifesting a clear character, loving the people, and abiding in the highest good. I believe all beliefs are consistent in knowing that wisdom is a mature integration of appropriate knowledge, a seasoned ability to filter the inessential from the essential.

Take control of your life by taking an active part in living and loving your life. If you play a passive role, you will be doomed to repeat the sorrows of yesterday. However if you take a stand, the robbers and naysayers will start to flee. You are learning wisdom. Let them know they no longer have control of your life. That you intend to live a life of victory. You can do it!

Take time to meditate for it lets you listen to your heart and spirit and reflect on the past and form your future. See your light from within burning brightly.

Love your life. For with love, all things are possible. Live, love and laugh for they invite peace, joy and tranquility to flow through and around you. Wisdom flourishes with love and laughter.

Don't be afraid of taking a step forward - even just one baby step at a time. The journey gets easier with each step you take. Have courage. Have no fear. As Helen Keller said, "I do not want the peace that passes all understanding, I want the understanding that passes peace." Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and passing on peace with wisdom that we have learned.

The Attitude

The Attitude
by Annie Tornabene



I wish I could say that my teaching in school was made like this man, Zig Zigglar. Unfortunately they were not. However, I did get a lot of positive forces from people like him outside of my schooling and Zig Ziglar was one of the most influential forces in my early development and career over thirty years ago. I didn't realize it at the time, but the things I heard him say and the things I heard my Dad say about him as he read his books helped change my life and my decisions in what to major in school.

His ability to strike a piercing chord in everyone who desires positive change in their life, has made him a master in the field of personal development. His perseverance and determination to living the natural laws, has made a remarkable difference in thousands of lives throughout the world. He doesn't just talk the attitude ... he walks the attitude ... he breathes the attitude ... he lives the attitude. That's what I'm talking about. You gotta walk the talk and talk the walk.

It doesn't matter how rich or how poor you are... depression hits us all. We are all subjects to emotions because we are human. It doesn't matter if you are just a little blue or if you've been down for years. It just matters that you get back up. So what if we've hit a bump in the road. So what if we've been hit by a storm... Things happen ... life changes. We will survive and do even better next time because we have the attitude.

Someone told me the other day, how much I had changed in the last ten years... how far I had come ... I wasn't waddling in pain... I didn't seem depressed.... I wasn't Taz (Tasmanian Devil)! I stepped back and smiled. Yeah, I was in pain but I've learned how not to let it affect me. The day I chose not be depressed anymore, was the day my life turned around. Sure, I have bad days but I don't stay down. I'm not gonna let anger rule me. I'm not gonna be discouraged. I'm not gonna be depressed. They can take everything from me. I will always have what someone else wants. I have me. I have my life and I'm in control of my life. I have the attitude. No one can take it away from me. I have the power! Do you know what I'm talking about?

Maybe you're not depressed but not living your full potential. You can learn this too. It is stuff we need to hear to empower ourselves with the attitude that our life matters. We do make a difference and together we make a difference in learning to live with the right attitude - The attitude of gratitude and abundance

The Buck Stops Here

The Buck Stops Here
by Annie Tornabene




















If you have ever been in a recovery program, you've probably heard this statement before. You may have heard too that the sins of the father pass on to generation to generation. It used to sound like old cliches to me. Then one day, it dawned on me what it was talking about. One generation teaches the next generation and therefore everyone down the line passes on the same old hurts, the same old crutches, the same old excuses, you know what I mean.

Sure things have happened. Sure we've all made mistakes. But there comes a time when you have to say "The buck stops here ... with me." "I am responsible for my future and it is time to stop blaming my parents, my grandparents, my boss, my co-workers, my education, etc. etc. for my present circumstances." If I allow it, I will get caught up in the ebb and flow of every day life filled with negative thoughts.

No matter what distorted view you have of the past, the past is history. There are no do overs. History does not control my destiny. I have control of my thoughts, my actions, my life. If I allow myself to be pulled down, I will be caught in a tangled web of distorted history. It is time for me to press forward. The buck stops here and I am responsible for my life from this day forward. I move forward by allowing my thoughts to change for the good. I think. I am. I will be.

My thoughts will bring positive forces in my life. I look for positive solutions to the storms that I may face. I will not allow my mind to dwell on the storms along the strings of life but to reach for positive possibilities so that I may live my best life now.

My family and friends that I chose to be with from this day forward will be positive influences in my life and I will impact their lives positively and with a life of abundance. Today is a new day not encumbered with the past.


My life and mind will not rise and fall with my emotional tide. I will do whatever it takes to stay the course - to do all that I want to do. I will make a difference.

I will look forward to the storms on the strings of life as gifts, as they are opportunities to learn! The storms in my life I will use as stepping stones to my future. The Buck Stops Here! Together we can make a difference in learning the buck stops here.

The Power Of Love

The Power Of Love
by Annie Tornabene

Heart Shaking Pictures Of Love (Cmp)

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: fotografías pajaritos)

When I saw this slide show of these two birds, I couldn't help but feel the power of love. Here two little birds show powerfully love and compassion for the other. Just think if they can show it, how much more can we as humans feel it. Love and compassion are some of our basic needs for survival. With this picture, I felt what my Mom felt when my Dad died. They had been together for about 60 years. Love is so very important. The Power of love continues even after death.

I know several reading this have lost a loved one. Though you can not see, their love is ever present as if we are looking through a dark glass. Do not be discouraged. Their love is there.

Begin today to acknowledge the power of love in your life. Say to yourself. "I love you!" Feel the power of love. Keep saying it! Day after day, look in the mirror and say "I love you!" You must love yourself as you love others. You can not love others unless you love yourself. Therefore do the right thing and love your life. You are here for a reason. Love yourself back to life. Empower yourself with love so that the Power of love can be felt by others. The more love you give, the more love that comes back to you. The more powerful your love, the more abundant your life will be. Find at least four reasons that are compelling you to thrive - to reach for another inch... to wake up every day... to laugh ... to sing. Let love flow through you.

Check your motives. Do all things in love and with an attitude of gratitude. Have a pure intent in heart with all that you do and the Power of love will come through.

The power of your words will activate the power of love within you. Miracles happen. In order to work, your love from within must be activated. Keep saying "I love you!" Never give up!

A couple who had survived Hurricane Katrina, moved to Houston and I met them while I was helping the Katrina victims. They were having financial problems, relationship problems, etc. They started doing the above activity separately. Today they are happily married and their life has turned around. They are living in abundance today.

Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and empowering the power of love. Possibilities are all about you waiting to be activated. Who do you love?

Fast Track

Fast Track
by Annie Tornabene













So we were hit my a storm, it blew us off track. We don't have to live like that forever. It's time to pick ourselves up and move on. Our Creator has a plan for us and all we have to do is get back on track. Fast track to get back on track. Hum? That sounds like a song forming up in my head.

The fast track to getting back on track is very simple because it is 1-2-3 steps. It doesn't matter how long it takes you ... just that you get back on track. So what if it has been 25 years. Today is a new day so fast track to get back on track today.

First of all, don't think about everything. If you think about everything, it will overwhelm you. There is more than enough to supply your every need and want. Enjoy each moment as it comes to you. One baby step at a time. Enjoy each opportunity to live life to the max. Our Creator has an abundant supply of possibilities for you. Enjoy each one. Get ready for the next. This is your training ground. Take one step at a time and before very long. Opportunities and possibilities are going to be flooding your life. You will be living the abundant life. What you see in front of you right now is magnificent, and more than enough to fill this moment. Don't worry about the past. Don't worry about the future. Just live in the present.

As you move through life, love your life and enjoy your best life now. As you do this you will grow even better. Happiness is a choice that you make over and over again. Prosperity in life cannot be denied to you. Just learn to accept it. Don't shun it away. Accept it in an attitude of gratitude. Love the life you live at each moment. Don't make any more excuses. Don't count on someone else to do it or to love you. You love yourself. You do things yourself. Remember if it is to be, it is up to me. Be loving and honest in all that you do. Keep stinking thinking out and stay positive. Love your life. Love the life that you were meant to live. Accept it and be happy. Remember you have the right to choose each thought, each word, each action. So choose carefully as you move forward to your best life now moment by moment.

Everything you do matters. Remember that everyone you come in contact with, you are influencing their life. Make a difference in your life as well as theirs. Every thought matters. Thoughts become action. Actions bring results. Each thought, word or action brings possibilities and opportunities. Each positive thought you choose not to accept just moves on to someone else. You don't think nothing counts? By doing nothing, you allow some of your greatest possibilities to pass by to someone else without ever being fulfilled by you. Is that what you really want?

What you are doing this very moment matters. Positive imput brings positive output. It will make a difference in the way your life is lived from this moment on, a difference for yourself and for all those around you. Make a difference...make it count for it will not come again.

Live every moment as though it's the most important thing you can do. And soon enough you'll discover that you are living your best life now on the fast track. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and getting back on tract on the fast tract.

What A Difference!

What A Difference!
by Annie Tornabene


















What a difference a day makes! Last night I was in such pain that I wanted to die. Have you ever felt like that? It seems like everything you do just isn't enough.

I didn't say anything to anyone because I knew they wouldn't understand. Depression hurts. When I looked at my family and thoughts of you, I knew I had reasons to keep fighting...to keep struggling to live another day. When I went to the dentist office today, my heart sank when he told me it would be another four months of agony before everything would be complete. I came home and cried. No one was around. I felt like I couldn't handle another four months of this. I could not take another day. It was just too much! My anxiety kicked in...I started sweating...my heart started racing...suddenly I couldn't breathe...you know the feeling...you know the reaction. It was a bad day. I'm sure you've had those days. If not, be very thankful.

Today ... what a difference! Today is not a day of defeat but a day of victory. In the strings of life, storms are part of life; it's part of being alive. It's not the storm that affects us, it's how we react to the storm that makes a difference. Obstacles can become opportunities for stepping stones for a new day. What a difference my attitude ... my way of thinking is.

It doesn't matter what kind of storm you are facing... failed relationships...failed financial crisis... physical ailments... decisions made that turned sour and affect others. It can change and be better. The only thing that can't change is ending it all. (Those of you with thoughts of suicide, know what I'm talking about. You can't fool me, I've had them too.) Just because we have had storms in our lives or because we have made mistakes in our lives, it doesn't have to be like that forever. Our Creator isn't finished with us yet! Our Creator still has a plan or a blueprint waiting for us to get back on line - what a difference!

If you think you are having a bad day, think or look at this picture ... he was rescued by a helicopter that took this picture.

Together we can make a difference in understanding depression. What a difference a day brings.

A New Day

A New Day
by Annie Tornabene


Good Morning, Sunshine! It's the start of a new day.

Whenever oceans rise, thunder storms and howling winds are all about me, I will put my trust in my Creator and know that my Creator is protecting me and keeping me safe. I know that with the help of my Creator, I will rise above the storms.

I will be still and know that all is under control with the Great Creator. I will not fear for the Creator is within me. The Power that is within me is more powerful than any storm that I may face. Peace and tranquility are mine for a new day!

I will remember our Creator. For our Creator gives us the Power to obtain abundance so that our Creator may have glory and honor. Our Creator has promised us abundance for a new day. So in an attitude of gratitude, I will give the honor and glory to our Creator.

Our job, should we decide to accept it, is to be thankful that our Creator creates amazing success stories through us. Therefore, in an attitude of gratitude, we are to be the best success stories. Together we can make a difference in living a new day to the max and understanding depression. What successes do you have?

Recovery

Recovery
by Annie Tornabene


In the heat of the night the power came on. The cool breeze from the air conditioning felt good for a change. I had forgotten how nice the luxuries of life are. . .temporarily.

Even during turbulent times, the body adapts to its environment. When we first lost power it was an adjustment as we were having heat waves of 90 to 110 degrees. The storm brought in cool relief. (That's one reason to be thankful for the storm.) At least, it pulls the hot weather out and brings cool weather (60 - 84 degrees) Amazing what a drop in a few degrees makes. Sure during the day we still used our old fashion hand held fans for a little breeze gust.

The sweltering nights brought people leaving their windows open for any gust of wind. The days and nights brought the realization that we were not able to take hot baths. It was starting to get...well let's just say not a pretty picture. I'll spare you the gory details and suffice it to say that we got a taste of what it was like back in the 1800s. The only difference was our horses have wheels. Well some people were riding their horses instead of their cars because the price of gas was so high and many stations didn't have gave and didn't know when they would get gas because of not having power.

Our pets were affected too. I notice my cat wasn't keeping his food down because of the stress and heat. Animals during times of crisis's are often ignored. People don't realize that during a storm or crisis in your life, they are experiencing a crisis of their own. They suffer stress too.

Two hours after the power came on, I was screaming that it was too cold! Imagine that! My body has to adjust to air conditioning again. So now we have it on a warmer temperature and will gradually adjust the temperature. Just a reminder that we are stronger than we think we are. Inch by inch anything is a cinch. We can make it by taking one baby step at a time. Together we can make a difference in facing the storms or the strings of life and understanding depression.

Hugs in an attitude of gratitude!
More pictures of the aftermath of Hurricane Ike
We had six trees like this toppled by the storm.
Trees blocking the roads

Weathering The Storm

Weathering The Storm
by Annie Tornabene

Well, it looks like we made it! We have survived and will revive. You haven't heard from me because we lost power during Hurricane Ike at 3:15 am on Saturday morning. They tell me that we will probably be without power for a month. We are on water well but it requires electricity so we lost water too. So much for living out in the country, sort of. Yes I live on the water. The water rose 13 feet but didn't harm the house. As of right now, the water has subsided about 8 feet. So that's the good news.

The bad news is that we lost six big, beautiful oak trees. I would post pictures of them but the computer, I'm using won't let me post pictures. So I'll show you later when I get my computer back up. Some damage to the patio. The homes around look like a war zone with trees falling on them. The paved streets look like dirt roads with all the debris on them. All in all, we are thankful to be alive.

During the storm, I had you on my mind. My thoughts and prayers were that you, where ever you are, were safe and protected. I'm thankful to be back in communication with you. I have a computer that I can use for a limited time so I think I will be able to continue posting messages even with the power outage.

Sometimes when we are facing our storms in life, we don't realize all that we have to be thankful.
So many little things we take for grant it. We are truly blessed even in crisis conditions. I've learned to appreciate sitting in line for food, or for anything. I've enjoyed getting to know people while sitting in line. In times of crisis, it levels the class - whether you are rich or poor, we're all in this together. It brings us to a point of finding common interest and helping our fellow man. Sitting in line reminded me that in the old days of our ancestors they use to pass on news to others whenever their paths crossed. That's what we have done thus far. Everyone passes on a little bit of news from where they are and together we get the word around. Together we make a difference in living an abundant life in the mist of a crisis.

I trust all is well with you. Until we meet again, Have a good day!

CyberFriends

CyberFriends

You accepted me without Question,

I could feel your welcoming Smile,

Coming through my monitor,

Fingers
typing messages of friendship offered.


Miles separate us,

we may never meet,

but we have bonded.



May Our Cyber Friendship Last..

Till the END of the account..

Hugs in an attitude of gratitude,Annie This message was created before Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coastal shores. If you are receiving this message, know that Hurricane Ike hit and I may be down for a few days.You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'll be back as soon as my computer is able to get a connection. In the meantime, keep on keeping on one baby step at a time. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and empowering our lives.Let's live an abundant life victoriously!

Be Patient

Be Patient
by Annie Tornabene

Click to Pass On

Looks like we made it! We just had to be patient and wait out the storm. So it is with life. We need to be patient, our Creator isn't finished with us yet. Be still, have patience. Know that all things are possible but it takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day. Any great masterpiece has taken time. The great artist, Leonardo da Vinci painted three Mona Lisa's before he finally painted the Mona Lisa that we know today.

Each stroke of the brush was done with patience and care. He was reminded to be patient and not rush. Taking time with a Master's touch makes a difference.

When we take our time, we complete our task. Remember its not how fast we do it, it's just that we complete it. If we rush through it, it may only get half done or we have to do it over. So be patient.

When you are tempted to call it quits, be patient. All things work together for the better. Time is on your side. You see things in a different viewpoint tomorrow. Some of the things that you worry and fret over never come. So be patient.

Give love a chance to grow. Build on your successes. Take one step at a time. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and learning to be patient. Love your life and be patient.

Victor Or Victim?

Victor or Victim?
by Annie Tornabene


Do you feel like a victor or victim? Do you wish you could find the magic code or the secret to living a victorious life now? Some times in the hustle and bustle of every day life, we get caught up in every day strife. Then it is easy to take on the role of the victim instead of the victor. Don't do it!

You were created to live a victorious life. Don't let anyone rob you of it. Take control of your life by taking an active part in living and loving your life. If you play a passive role, there are those who would take advantage of you and pretty soon you'll be the victim. However if you take a stand, the robbers and naysayers will start to flee because they don't like people living victorious lives. It makes them feel uncomfortable. They notice the difference between living a life out of control and living a life in control. Let them know they no longer have control of your life. That you intend to live a life of victory. You can do it!

Take time to meditate for it lets you listen to your heart and spirit. See your light from within burning brightly. Do these things and it will burn brighter.

Love your life. For with love, all things are possible. Live, love and laugh for they invite peace, joy and tranquility to flow through and around you.

Don't be afraid of taking a step forward - even just one baby step at a time. The journey gets easier with each step you take. Have courage. Have no fear. Victory is yours.

Between being a victor or victim, a victor is better. You deserve to live your best life now. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and living a victorious life. Let each step we take cry out in victory.

Dodge Ball

Dodge Ball
by Annie Tornabene

Click to Pass On

Have you ever played dodge ball? Of course, you have or probably did as a child at least. Life is a little like playing dodge ball. Right now, I feel like we are playing dodge ball with the approaching hurricane Ike. Or at least I hope we dodge it. Oh, well, I know we can't dodge it, we just have to make the best of it. I am grateful for the opportunity to face another storm.

The only difference is that you can't play the strings of life dodging the struggles and troubles of life. Struggles and rough times are as sure as breathing or the air we breathe.

People who try to live their life hiding behind a rock or shelter themselves from every storm in life, miss the joy of living and playing dodge ball. Remember how much fun it was to play in the rain? Remember the spontaneous joy and laughter you felt during the storm?

So why not play dodge ball in the strings of life now? When the storms come, remember you can experience joy, laughter, peace and tranquility in the mist of the storm. Feel the love and gratitude for each step you take, for each struggle you make. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and playing dodge ball in the strings of life.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as we face the storm and dodge whatever is thrown our way.

Listen To Your Heart

Listen To Your Heart
by Annie Tornabene




Love can change everything in your life. With love, all things are possible. Live, love and laugh in the presence of joy and peace. Listen to your heart. What is it saying about your hopes and dreams? Don't let what happened in your past, hold you back. Empower yourself today. We will remember and learn to do something about it. No matter what has happened in your life, you can change your future. You can empower your life.

With peace and tranquility in an attitude of gratitude, listen to your heart. All your dreams and hopes can come true. Remember nothing is impossible. If you believe it and love in an attitude of gratitude, your hopes and dreams can reach beyond the human realm of possibilities.

Live, love and laugh your troubles away. Listen to your heart. What is troubling you? What is a struggle? What battles are you fighting? Your Creator created you to live your best life now. So love your life. Listen to you heart and prosper. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and live in love and gratitude. What is holding you back?

We Will Remember

We will remember! We will strive! We will overcome all obstacles. Nothing is impossible. God bless the USA!!! God bless America! I'm proud to be an American, living in this great land today!
United we stand to make a difference in the lives of ourselves and those around us. We can make a difference!

Suffering In The Mind

Suffering In The Mind
by Annie Tornabene



Whether you are suffering in the mind or the body, there is a better way. Helen Keller was blind from birth. To many that was suffering in the mind. To others they saw her as suffering in the body.

Helen Keller learned that you could make the most of your life. No matter what hand you are dealt or whatever circumstances you are facing, you can change your mind to make a difference in your life. If you believe "life sucks" or if your believe "life is glorious," you are right. Your mind will take you to the place you want to go.

Helen Keller said, "Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and you will never see the shadows." People thought it was strange for her to say that since she was blind. Even being blind, she could tell the difference between the light and the darkness. Suffering in the darkness doesn't have to leave you in the darkness. "When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another." by Helen Keller. Helen knew she couldn't do every thing but it didn't keep her from doing some things. Begin you mind healing today. Look to the light.

So why not end the suffering in the mind and begin the mind healing. Love your life in an attitude of gratitude. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and suffering in the mind.

Building Your Muscles

Building Your Muscles
by Annie Tornabene

I was going through some old pictures. One of the pictures I came across was that of an old flame of mine that was into body building. His whole identity revolved around building your muscles.

He never understood my world and I never understood his obsession with building your muscles.

To me it was more important in building your muscles in your mind. In building your muscles of the mind, you are building your Spirit. Tough times build your muscles of your mind...it builds your character...it builds your strength for all the future struggles.

Be in an attitude of gratitude for your trials and tribulations. No pain, no gain. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and build your muscles of the mind.

What Is Within?

What Is Within
by Annie Tornabene



Are you struggling with negative thoughts? Depression? Anger? Anxiety? Hatred? Fear? What is within you? Take a good look at what is within you.

You are like a stain glass window that you never realize its true beauty until darkness sets in and the light from within shines through. How beautiful is you stain glass window that is within you? Is the light that is within you barely a spark of light? Is it almost dark or does you light shine brightly from within?

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a present. Every day of you life should be an empowering affirmation of you best life now. Love your life. Each step you take, every though you have and every action you make needs to ring true what is within you. Love, love and laugh. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and expressing what is within your life.

Truth Will Set You Free

Truth Will Set You Free
by Annie Tornabene


White Lies? There is no such thing as a white lie. It's like being a little bit pregnant. Either you are or are not. Knowing the truth will set you free.

Telling a white lie is still being dishonest. Would you say that you are a little bit pregnant? No, just a drop of urine can tell if you are or are not pregnant. And no amount of urine will make a difference.

In an attitude of gratitude, give thanks for the truth. A drop of truth sets you free. Your truth will ripple through the course of your actions, thoughts and conversations to affect your life and the world around you.

Stand for truth, freedom, and happiness. The joy of knowing the truth will set you free. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and freedom of the lies that hold you back. The truth will set you free.

Grain Of Sand

Grain Of Sand
by Annie Tornabene

Have you ever seen a pearl? Probably you have. You admire its color, its glimmer, and its smoothness. It all started with a tiny grain of sand. A little grain of sand logged in the clam. It irritated the clam but he turned it little by little (one baby step at a time) into something beautiful.

That little grain of sand became a beautiful, radiating pearl - a priceless gem. So can you. Those troublesome, irritating things that get under your skin. Those rough edges of anger, anxiety, fear and other issues can be smoothed and polished.

Don't worry if you feel that you are not finished. Just take one baby step at a time. It's the process that you are working on turning that grain of sand into something beautiful not the completed product that is important.

Be patient. Enjoy peace, tranquility and laughter. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression with a grain of sand.

Put Up Your Banners

Put Up Your Banners
by Annie Tornabene

Do you feel some time that you need to put up your banners just to make it through the day? Come on you can make it! Yeah! Some times each step you take seems to be a struggles. Don't let the strings of life get you down. You are in the battle for your best life. What banners are you flying?

Flying the banners of love, peace and tranquility will help you find your best life now. When you find your best life, you will discover that you are helping others find their best life.

Love your life and put up your banners. Don't' be afraid. In putting up your banners, you will feel more confidence! Each time you put up your banners, you will find you stand a little taller and feel a little stronger. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and making a better life for ourselves and the world around us.

Are You Weary?

Are You Weary?
by Annie Tornabene



Have you ever been in a situation where you felt no matter what you did everything was falling apart? Or maybe you found every time you open your mouth, something negative was coming out? Without even thinking you hear yourself tearing a co-worker or family member down or criticizing their work. You feel the anxiety, the anger, the fear. Then you realize what you are doing. Wow, an eye opener!

You were created by your Creator for the utmost good. You were created to give out goodness. That is why when you do something good for someone else without concern for yourself you feel good. You feel the peace and tranquility. Wow what empowerment.

When you go against giving goodness you feel weary...you feel depressed. Are you weary?

When you give out goodness you will find peace and tranquility flowing through you. Life doesn't have to be exhausting. There is a better way! Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and weariness. Live, love and laugh. Get refreshed and live your best life now.

The Journey

The Journey
by Annie Tornabene



Everyday you are on the journey to explore your best life now. No one has ever traveled you same path. You are not alone on the strings of life. Thousands of people just like you travel along the strings of life everyday, but each one has a slightly different path. Each one of us has our own path to travel, sometimes together sometimes apart. No two people will ever share the exact same path on the journey of life. Each step you take is your life and only your life. Take time to make sure you are living your life to the fullest. Get the most of the journey and enjoy it!

In the old days when explorers went out in search of new territory, they took a compass with them to plot their course. You need your compass too. No, not a metal compass to point the direction, your compass is an internal mechanism. That's what makes the difference. You must be still to see the directions.

Take time each day to meditate. Get your bearings. Chart your course and full steam ahead on the journey to your best life now.

There will be guides along the strings of life to help point the way. Only you can make the journey for your best life now. Together we can make a difference in the journey to living your best life now.