Recovery

Recovery
by Annie Tornabene


Sometimes in life, we just want things to be over. Recovery doesn't happen overnight. We didn't become this way overnight and recovery will take time too. We may make significant progress but it takes time for the mind and body to assimilate it all. Don't push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Little by little success is made.

We were made as babies, therefore when we need recovery whether from disease, surgery, depression, etc, we must go back to baby steps. When we try to do too much, we wear our self out and that slows our progress. If we take baby steps and make small progress, we make big strides in our recovery.

Recovery is a process. Don't wear yourself out. It is not worth it. Inch by inch anything is a cinch.
We were not make to harm ourselves. So love your life.

Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and living our best life now through a healthy recovery.

Celebrate Life

Celebrate Life
by Annie Tornabene


Celebrate life. Be glad for a new day. Be in an attitude of gratitude for a new day.

How long has it been since you felt victory in your life? How long has it been since you loved your life? How long has it been since you felt gratitude for your life... your strength ... you thankful heart? The power that created you has he power to heal you. Acknowledge that power. Give victory to that power. Empower your life with possibilities. That power brings comfort, encouragement, and hope. Celebrate life to bring tranquility, peace and love into your life.

Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and living our best life now with a the activity of celebrate life.

The Gift of Life

The Gift of Life
by Annie Tornabene





The gift of life is amazing. I am very thankful today for the gift of life. We should all be thankful for the gift of life. If you woke up this morning, be thankful for the gift of life and live it to the fullest.

The doctors tell me that 95% of my recovery is mental mind healing. That is what I have been saying about depression. Sure we all have aches and pains, disease or troubles but it is how we react to them that makes the difference.

You remember that children's song, the Hokey Pokey? That is how life is. You put your left leg in and shake it all about.That is what we have to do with life. Put each part of our body in and shake it until we have our whole body in. Shake your booty. Children put everything they have into life. We should be like them.

Do you remember Ray Charles singing America? Why was that so amazing? It is because Ray Charles put his whole self into singing that song. Sure he was blind and could have given up but instead he poured himself into singing.

My stepfather told me about his baby brother who had heart surgery. He refused to move after surgery and died a few years later. My stepfather after his heart surgery took an extra step each day and today walks 4 miles a day.

Those suffering from depression and more likely to have heart problems. So we need to be proactive and shake our booty. Embrace life to the fullest.

Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and living our best life now and enjoying the gift of life.

Say Hello

Say Hello
by Annie Tornabene



Loneliness is just a crime that doesn't need to be in this world any more. Are you lonely? Take a walk...see a smiling face... say hello.

To say hello may be the most frightening thing you are facing in a world of loneliness. So you feel your skin start to tighten.. your heart beats fast and your start to hyperventilate... Would it be better to experience a little anxiety and find a friend or experience a lifetime of loneliness?

Maybe you are one of those lonely people who do not fully comprehend how much you mean to the world...your sufferin is shared with the world. Rejoice and the world will joyful chime in and feel the impact of they great mysteries of your life...the happiness...the sorrow...the tears...the cheers...the debt of despair and the loneliness of sorrow without relief.

Try saying hello with a positive thought in mind. See what happens to your grief and woe. Look for the good and you will find that happiness and love are sitting beside you.

Sometimes we have to see things through the eyes of a child to realize all we have to do is say hello and maybe we find a friend. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and learning to say hello.

My Prayer

My Prayer
by Annie Tornabene


Sometimes it feels like my prayers are not answered. Some people would like you to think that our prayers are to no avail. My unanswered prayers teach me that what I think I want is not what is best for me at the time. Good things come to those who wait. If you are like me, sometimes I feel like saying in anger but I need patience, I want it now!

Some people these days would like you to think that religion is out of style. They say things like I.E., "they cling to their religions..." That is because they have never gotten to know their Creator. Getting to know our Creator is not being religious, it is finding our spirituality which is a part of all of us...mind, body and soul. All three need to be working together in order for us to live our best life now and love our life. The Creator is not found in some book or building. The problem with this kind of thinking is that there is no foundation ... no hope ... no walking the truth. It is like an artist painting a masterpiece in the rain. It doesn't last. However, if you take that same painting into a place of safety to paint, it becomes a priceless masterpiece. Getting to know the Creator is strickly personal...just between you and your Creator. No one can judge you, just the Creator. The Power that created you has the Power to heal you.

During my prayer and meditation, I find that our Creator gives me everything I need. There is more than enough. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and learning to talk to our Creator through our prayer and meditation. We can live our best life now.

Poverty: Mind, Body and Soul

Poverty: Mind, Body and Soul
By Annie Tornabene

When you hear the word poverty, what comes to your mind? Do you envision the economic crisis? Your empty bank account? A poor hopeless and homeless person sleeping on the park benches? Maybe you think of a third world county where they are hungry or areas of America where they are starving, cold and desolate? Poverty: Mind, Body and Soul.

Sure any of these can strike a cord of poverty. But there is a poverty that reaches far beyond these simple needs and pierces the heart and mind. There is a poverty that is within our very touch. There is a poverty that we pass every day. This is the epidemic filling our world that needs our touch… You may pass this poverty every day. You may be a victim or hostage of this poverty. Poverty: Mind, Body and Soul. What do you do? Do you do something about it or do you simply walk on by?

There is a world of poverty that is oppressed with the isolation of love, loneliness, confusion, rejection, despair and desperation. You can have all the wealth in the world and live in poverty. It lives within us all. No man is an island. No one can live with the isolation of love, loneliness, confusion, rejection, despair and desperation. I’m sure you have felt it a time or two. Poverty: Mind, Body and Soul … Tears of a child when they didn’t understand why their Mother was suddenly taken away. Or the pain of an unfulfilled dream. Maybe you have felt the pain of isolation and the void of love. Have you ever wanted someone to talk to, someone just to listen to your cries, someone to give you a hug, a smile or a warm touch? Then you have felt the pain of poverty. How deep did you feel that poverty? The poverty of the mind and soul reaches further than the poverty of the pocketbook. What matters most in life? What really counts? In the words of the John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country!!”

If you have riches of the mind and soul, you have a treasure that is worth far more than gold. You have a peace that passes all understanding… a light from within…a warmth of unconditional love fills your life … a glow of tranquility in the mist of chaos and a dream that keeps you alive in a world filled will confusion. This wealth gives us what we need to sustain life. Sure money helps but not as much as these… friendships, time, love and listening. Greater wealth has no one.

Take a step … reach out a hand.. To your fellow man … co-worker or child. Lend an ear and take time to listen and you will find that it is returned maybe not from the same person but there is someone else willing to lend you their ear. I am always here for you. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and fighting the war on poverty: mind, body and soul. Love our life and live our best life now.

Smiles

Smiles
by Annie Tornabene







Smiles. Ever notice them? Sure you have, without thinking you probably returned the smiles. Smiles are contagious. You can't help but put on a smile when you see smiles.

Trying smiling. What happens? You notice your mood changes. Even my daughter has learned when I'm feeling blue, all she has to do is smile and it's better than magic. It's better than taking a pill. It flows from within. It turns the frown upside down.

When you smile, you notice that life is too short, we have to break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, truly love ourselves and each other, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance... and smile.

From Tears To Hope

From Tears To Hope
by Annie Tornabene

Inevitably, we all experience highs and lows in our lives. One moment of yesterday is filled with tears turn to hope for tomorrow. As the Grandmaster stated in Kung Fu Panda, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a present - that's why they call it a gift."

Some days are filled with bewilderment, despair and anxiety. Some days are filled with laughter, peace and joy. I'm sure you have had days like that. Everyone has them. It's how we deal with them that makes the difference in going from tears to hope or going from hope to tears.

Sometimes when I am facing the stormy strings of life, my spirit cries out,“ Why? Why!?!” Why am I stuck in this mess? Why am I deserted? Why have I been for gotten? Why have I been left behind? Sometimes we think our way of doing things are best only to find out that the mess has been multiplied. Our Creator wants no one to be left behind. Our Creator wants us to go from tears to hope...to pick up the pieces and find a new tomorrow.

Sometimes, it takes a little meditation ... to be still and listen to the voice from within... not the anxiety-ridden voice, but the calm, still voice of our Creator... the One that guides us safely. Not a prayer ... for prayer is where I do all the talking ... begging ... crying. Meditation is where I do the listening and giving gratitude for all the little things in my life. Sometimes it's a big step to learning to be still and quiet.

If it wasn't for the lighthouse, I wouldn't be here today. I can speak with the voice of experience. I've been there. I've been on the stormy sea of life... with tears flowing down my cheeks ... with a heart heavy from defeat, loneliness and hurts. In the midst of chaos and turmoil, the stillness and quietness of meditation turns me from tears to hope. The stillness and quietness turns every fiber in my body ... every single cell into alignment to receive the message from my Creator. I turn from trembling and fear to one of peace, tranquility and joy. I may not have the answer, but I feel the peace that my Creator wants me to live my best life now...that my Creators wants me to turn from tears to hope. My Creator wants no one to be left behind. My fears and worries are all dissipated. I have been empowered. I am ready to take a new step forward. I am back on track. I have gone from tears to hope.

The same applies to you. Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and turning our lives from tears to hope.

What Then?

What Then?
by Annie Tornabene



When the storms in life hit us, we often ask ourselves, "What then?" Do you remember the last time you said, "What then?" or maybe you said, "Now what?"

We are in between circumstances. We've been hit by an obstacle on our course in the strings of life. We've been knocked off course. We often find ourselves just sitting there ... waiting ... looking perplexed and asking, "What then?" If we keep sitting there, nothing is going to happen. What then? We will continue to let our flame from within die.

Or maybe we get hit by another storm along the strings of life. That storm blows us further off course. What then? Pretty soon we've been thrown off course so many times that the spark from within is almost dead. If we keep sitting there waiting for someone to rescue us, our flame will go out! If we ask, "What then? It's time to get up and do something about it.

There are three (3) kinds of people in the world:
Those that MAKE Things Happen...They know what they want and take life by the horns to do whatever it takes to make things happen.
Those that WATCH Things Happen...Those who sit on the side lines wanting a better life, whose lives are just in need of a little help or adjustment because they've hit a bump or two that has knocked them off course temporarily; and
Those that SAY "What Happened?... Those who don't have a clue as what is going on. They allow circumstances to shape their lives.

Which type are you? Which type do you want to be? You can do it. You can do something about it. What then?

Together we can make a difference in understanding depression and learning what to do when the storms of life knock us off course and "What then?" is asked.

Meditation

Meditation
by Annie Tornabene





Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the strife of everyday life keeps us busy with so many distractions and other things. We tend too not have time for meditation. Now days we have so many distractions and creature comforts that we don't realize how distracted we have become. We say we are too tired, that we will do it tomorrow. Let's just chill out and watch TV. Have you heard yourself say that?

The next thing you know, two maybe three hours have gone by and our mind is filled with a bunch of stuff ... a bunch of garbage ... useless mind wandering stuff. I've even had those days where I did that and was more depressed because I didn't feel anything. I went to sleep and my dreams were a mixture of what I had watched on TV and distortions of my life. Crazy dreams! Haven't you ever wondered where some of those crazy dreams came ... what brought them on?

The most important thing for meditation, at least for me, is silence. Just to be still and know... to get my mind to settled down, to be at peace with myself .... to get my mind to focus. Every fiber in my body comes to rest. It is a way to reorganize my hectic and chaotic thoughts... to feel love and gratitude ... to unwind. The hardest part is getting into the routine ... of integrating it in our lives. When I first started meditation, my wind wanted to wander because I was in so much chaos. Now, it's like a little baby when it's fussy. I remember when our oldest son had his first baby, when he would get fussy, my husband would rock him and walk with him and he would just cry more. Then I would come home and pick him up and within two minutes he would fall fast asleep. It was as if he said, "Mom or Grandma has got me, so I am safe." He felt comfort in my arms. Our minds are like fussy babies. When we learn meditation, our mind learns, "Oh, safety is here, I can rest." When my mind becomes unruffled, my body starts to soothe.

After meditation, it is a perfect time for me to do a little yoga and bodyflow ... to stretch those muscles so I don't have all those little aches and pains from the nerves being bottled up and stuck in one place. You know what I'm talking about. Oh yeah, it hurts to move them, but it hurts worst not to move them. It is as if our bodies were made to flow ... not too fast ... just easy movement. I do this twice a day ... first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening. Sometimes, when things get too hectic, I will do it during the day also. And of course, sometimes I need a two minute meditation just to get me back on track.

All week we have been talking about keys to understanding depression. Meditation is one key that helped me. The effects of meditation doesn't happen overnight, but I found in the long run, I was feeling better along with the other things that I have talked about. No one said it would be easy, just that it would be worth it. Together we can make a difference in living with peace, tranquility and joy. Empower your live today with love and gratitude.

Perseverance

Perseverance
by Annie Tornabene





I will do whatever it takes to live my life to the max. I will keep on keeping on to overcome the storms of life. Perseverance is my way of life because I focus on positive results no matter how long it takes.

Denis Waitley said it, "Toughness gives you the resilience to keep pressing on, even if your determination and optimism are lagging." Jim Rohn said, "It takes time to build a corporate work of art. It takes time to build a life. And it takes time to develop and grow. So give yourself, your enterprise, and your family the time they deserve and the time they require." You can live every single day in love, peace and joy! How do you do that? Perseverance.

One way is to embrace your future by perseverance and determination to live your best life now. When everything around you is crumbling, when you’re facing the storms along the strings of life and your attitude on life will be determined by your "hook-up." (What you do when the storms in life come your way.) If your hook-up is grounded in an attitude of gratitude and you are determined to persevere whatever it takes to live your best life now; joy, peace and love flow through you to empower your life. That empowerment enables you to have perseverance in the face of adversity. That empowerment helps you understand depression and overcome the obstacles in life. It's another key to understanding depression. Together we can make a difference with perseverance.

A Forgiving Spirit

A Forgiving Spirit
by Annie Tornabene




I will greet each day with a Forgiving Spirit.

I'm often asked "How can I move on?" You can't move on without a forgiving spirit. Forgiveness is the mental, and/or spiritual process of ceasing to feel resentment, indignation or anger against another person or persons for a perceived offense, difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution. Love is an act of endless forgiveness that becomes a habit.

Moving on, new year celebrations and other similar events are a chance to start over. Starting over often involves forgiveness; both giving it and getting it. Neither one of those is easy, but both are doable.

Forgiving someone means that we find the courage to go beyond ourselves to a place that helps us see those who have hurt us in a new way. It means that we must confront the past and commit to a new way of thinking and behaving. That's a hard cup to swallow.

There are steps that will help make it a little easier. Remember nothing is impossible. The only thing you have to fear is fear itself. Fear will try to talk you out of forgiveness because unforgiveness feeds on fear. Fear has been it's teacher... it knows no other way to survive than living a life in fear and unforgiveness.

Forgiveness only applies to the first person. What I mean by that is that you can only forgive what you have done or someone has done to you. You can't forgive what someone did to someone else or they did to someone else. It is strictly personal. If you are not involved, then stay out of it. You can not force another person to forgive. Each person has to make that decision for themselves.

Don't waddle in your forgiveness. When you have decided to forgive someone (that includes yourself), make the statement and let it go. Hanging on to it or to keep nagging about it only means that you haven't been willing to forgive. Don't start listing all the problems at once. Take one at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself or the other person with all the mistakes. I've seen couples try to ask for forgiveness for a thousand mistakes - listing them one by one until the other person is overwhelmed. It's not the time or place to explore the problems. It is simply the time to ask for forgiveness in a forgiving spirit. Some mistakes can be bundled together and sometimes you can just say "Forgive me for all my mistakes." Love is the endless forgiveness that becomes a habit. Love your life. Love the other person. Every time fear pops its ugly head to remind you of the past wrongs, bring love in... think or say "I love you." The same goes for when someone apologies for their mistakes, accept it and let it go reminding yourself to send them love. Each time you do this, it will strengthen you in a forgiving spirit.

Remember none of us are perfect. We have all made mistakes and in a forgiving spirit, we move on. We do not want to be held hostage to our past. A forgiving spirit brings us to a better tomorrow ... a new relationship with the other person and our self. When I learned to forgive myself for past mistakes, it was like a different person. Because I became a different person. The key to forgiveness is to be able to look beyond all the problems, all the faults, all the mistakes and love them and/or yourself anyway!

If you are not ready to forgive, tell the other person that you will need some time but you want to begin a new level of relationship. Remember forgiveness is not the end but the beginning.

Forgiving yourself with a forgiving spirit is the act of beginning to move on ... to live again.

In starting a new beginning and moving on, celebrate that moment with a hug, a smile, a toast or even a dinner. You have made the first step, however small it may be, you have made the first step to moving on in a forgiving spirit.

Remember to forgive those who do not ask for forgiveness and most importantly, forgive yourself. Do whatever it takes to forgive in a forgiving spirit with an attitude of gratitude. No one said it would be easy, just that it is worth it. Together we can make a difference in learning to live with a forgiving spirit in an attitude of gratitude.

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