Month: April 2016

“I’m Not…But I Am”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

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I write books, short  stories’s, poetry, posts and even song lyrics about being positive. I write to inspire others, to make a difference in their lives, to make someone feel better about themselves and their life. I write the words to help someone find hope and faith, and to release fear. I write about the lessons I’ve learned about negative thoughts and actions bringing only negative things into our lives.

Yet  something happened to me in the last week, and I found myself in the hospital for the last two days under observation for my heart.  After countless tests and a five hours stress test the verdict was in: my heart and my brain were completely fine. No signs of heart attack, blockage, stroke or any other medical condition. So what the hell was wrong with me? Why had I been feeling “off” for the last week?

I left the hospital with my love late in the afternoon, came home and showered, did my hair and make-up, and went out to dinner to celebrate my son’s 19th birthday. I kept thinking to myself:  “What just happened to me?”

This morning the answer came, and I wanted to share it with all of you. The answer was this: All I have been saying in the last two weeks is:  “I’m not.”  And I know better than that! I know that thinking that way and saying that out loud only brings negative to me. Wow, I just had an enormous “waking up” moment, and truth be told, didn’t see this one coming!

I thought about all the “I’m not’s” I’ve been saying: “I’m not getting my writing done, I’m not getting anything done that’s on my  to do list, I’m not getting the housework done, and I’m not feeling like myself!” Wow, it makes me feel tired just thinking of all of that. And it makes me angry with myself for doing that because I don’t believe in negative thinking. Yet, it happened, and I’m sharing it with you to let you know we’re all human, and we all fall. And we all have a choice to “get back up.”

And this morning, I’m back up. First things first: forgive myself for the “I’m not’s.” They happened for a reason, and taught me something. They taught me that I lost sight of myself, and was doing everything for everyone else except me. And I know for fact, if I don’t take care of myself, no one around me will benefit from it. Lesson learned there!

Next, it’s time to replace all those nasty, little “I’m not’s” with powerful “I AM’S.” No i ammore negative thoughts, only positive affirmations, thoughts, words, feelings and actions!

“I am well, I am healthy, I am taking care of myself, I am getting things done when they need to be, I am happy, I am balanced, I am myself and most importantly: I am loved.”

Whew, I feel so much better already! All those unwarranted “I’m not’s” brought me to the hospital, and as I sit in my house today, I know this is where I want to be, not in an emergency room with a crazy heart! I am where I belong.

You see, this is how we learn, this is how we grow, and this is how we take the lessons we learned and use them to help someone else. This is how we make a difference.

My “waking up” moment was brief, but powerful enough to put me back on track and allow me to see what I was blind to: “myself”.

This is my story, and I’m sharing it with you so it doesn’t become yours. Focus on the “I AM” thoughts and actions for yourself and forget about any “I’M NOT” moments; they don’t exist unless you allow them to.

Be well, my friends, and stand in your power of “I AM!”

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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My Tribute to “Prince”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

I was shocked to hear of the news that Prince had passed away yesterday, and by reading so many posts on social media, so was the rest of the world.

I grew up listening to and loving Prince… a true icon and legend of his time. He was proof to me that it was okay to be different than everyone else, that standing in your own truth was taking a worthwhile risk, and that no matter what, you should always pursue your dream. He dared to be different, and it served him well!

He taught us that it’s okay to “go crazy” and that “purple rain” truly existed; he taught us to “party like it’s 1999” and we did, and we never stopped.

His halftime performance taught us that not just the show, but “life” goes on…and that you can turn the worst of conditions into something good. And his something “good” on a night of torrential rain and wind spilled onto millions of people who watched his performance.

It’s sad that the world has to say good-bye, yet again, to another amazing artist, yet his legacy will live on. And don’t we all want to leave a legacy behind? Life is too short to be anything less than happy, so today, “go a little crazy, get a little nuts, and party like it’s 1999!” I think Prince would have wanted it that way.

Thank you for the music, sweet Prince and RIP.  I’ll never forget you, and neither will the world. Rest easy and fly…

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“Take A Time-Out From Adulthood”

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“Adulthood hurts.”

That was the topic of discussion over coffee this morning that my love and I shared a laugh over. We can both agree that sometimes being an “adult” is just too serious!

As adults we often forget what it’s like to be a child; we look at children with envy at how simple their lives are when they’re younger. And we begin to look at adulthood as boring.

But you know what? Adulthood is only boring and too serious if you let it be that way. No one says that adults can’t find their “inner child” and express it! In fact, I believe with all my heart that it’s healthy and absolutely necessary to be in touch with your “inner child,” to find the time to be free and be silly; to find some time to play, to make the time to have fun!

All too often we get caught up in the day, forgetting to take the time to “stop and smell the roses.” And we miss a lot of good stuff when we don’t take the time to see it or feel it. We miss out because we’re being “too serious” of an adult and not allowing our beautiful “inner child” to come out and play often enough.

Part of living a life in balance is allowing yourself to play and release that kid locked up inside of you! It’s healthy for your mind, body and spirit. Look how good you feel when you’ve had a good belly laugh, or played Frisbee with your kid, or swung a hula hoop around your waist! “Adult” coloring books are all the rage now…and why? Because you relive a memory of coloring as a child and find it fun and relaxing as an adult.

So, today, I’m asking you all to take a “time-out” from adulthood at least once a day. Trust me, your “inner child” is just waiting to come out and play!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“The Sweetness of Doing Nothing”

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It was blue skies, bright sun, and warm weather here at the Jersey Shore this weekend, and this writer took full advantage of it all!

I managed to get some writing done, then did something I don’t normally do: I did nothing! And it felt great!

Doing “nothing” is actually doing “something,” and that something is so important for dolce 1your mind, body and spirit. It’s your time to sit and relax, still your mind, recuperate from all the responsibilities of the week, and just “be!” It’s your time so spend with family and friends, or to just be alone. It’s your time to let your body slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Whatever you choose to do, remember: it’s “your” time!

There’s an Italian phrase, “il dolce far niente” which means “the sweetness of doing nothing,” and it’s one of my favorites! I have it written down on a post it note (one of many I have!) and hung above my computer as a reminder to find that sweet time of doing nothing every so often.

And remember, doing “nothing” is one of the most important “somethings” you can do for yourself… and all the good you do for yourself spills onto all those around you.

“It’s time to make a difference, and we can make a difference together!”

And that “difference” begins with YOU!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“And The Dream Goes On…”

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Look whose signed book, “Waking Up” is on the shelf at Barnes & Noble in Eatontown, bn2New Jersey! It was a good day yesterday as my son and I made our way to the store, signed the copies they had, and watched them go back up on the shelf! I love being a writer, and I love this adventure I’m on!

I always say: “Dream big and make it happen!” And I’m living, breathing and watching it all happen…with love and gratitude!

Every day I wake up and realize that this “dream” has given me more opportunities to make a difference to someone… and every day I realize more and more why I was born.bn

Follow your heart, my friends, and catch your dreams!

 

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Under The Tree”

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I wanted to share the latest song by Sutton Thomas and myself called “Under The Tree.” It’s a song based on the poem I wrote in my book “Waking Up,” and is about hearing the voices of our loved ones that have passed.

We’ve all experienced the loss of a loved one at one time or another in our life, and I’m no exception. Yet my belief is that the love we had lives on through us, and that all of us are still connected with them through spirit.

Yes, the physical body may be gone, but I believe that their soul lives on, in and around us… if we only take the time to listen.

This poem was born on a day that I was sitting under a tree at my grandmother’s grave. The sun was shining and a slight breeze was blowing through the tree, and it was quiet. It was in that silence that the breeze seemed to be carrying the voices of not just my grandmother, but all those that I loved who had passed.

I believe that love transcends everything, and that those who love us most who have passed will always be with us, watching over us and protecting us. Love never dies. The physical body may be gone, yet the soul is with us always. Close your eyes, still your mind, and listen with your heart…they’re always there waiting for you.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“Feeling Stuck?”

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In the last few days, I have had some close friends of mine telling me that they’re feeling “stuck.” I understand the feeling, because I’ve been feeling it a bit, too. One person feels that they aren’t moving up fast enough in their job; another tells me they feel like their life is “as good as it gets.” As for me, I’m feeling as if life with “Waking Up” got too quiet after a fast and furious launch. Yet, there’s reasons we feel that way, and it isn’t the job, or the life, or the book… it’s “us.”

It’s that balance thing again and my most important belief: “that everything happens WHEN it’s supposed to and HOW it’s supposed to.” So, why does that make it about “us?” Because we’ve forgotten some important messages: Find your balance and learn the patience to TRUST and have FAITH that everything is coming together for us, and it absolutely will… when the time is right.

We feel stuck because we’re not doing, or having, or getting what we want at that moment. Yet, we have the ability to change that around, and it’s not always easy. If you can accept that maybe, just maybe, the Universe and your Higher Power have a different plan; that maybe this isn’t the time for a change in the job, or getting something you want. If you can change your perspective and thinking on feeling “stuck” to one of: I have faith in myself, and believe that all I want and deserve will come to me at the exact time it’s supposed to.

Sounds simple, but it takes some effort. And the effort is worth it.

None of us are truly stuck; we possess the greatest gift life has given us: “choice.” We have a choice to what we feel and how we handle things. I understand that “stuck” feeling, but I don’t stay in it long. The longer you feel that way, the more that feeling will “stick” to you. Don’t do it…please don’t do it.

So today I ask you to check your “balance,” and listen to your intuition. Why are you really feeling this way? It’s usually more than some outside force that makes you feel that we. Remember, you are in control of your feelings… no one else is. If you believe that someone made you feel sad or upset, the truth is that you let them.

Choose love, choose faith, choose patience, and watch how different your day will be. You’re not stuck, not ever…you’re simply waiting for the next adventure!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“It’s A Guy/Girl Thing”

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As my love and I were having our morning coffee together, we began to discuss our “miscommunication” from the night before. It’s funny how two people can be in the same situation, yet both can see it so differently. I guess that’s the difference between men and women: men see it one way, and women see it another.

That’s not to say it happens all the time, because I truly believe that when you’re in balance and in the right relationship, it happens very little. Yet I do believe that when it happens it does so to teach us something about ourselves and each other.

It also teaches us about our relationship.

I tossed and turned all night, thinking about what had transpired. It was such a small and inconsequential thing, yet couple that with being tired, working long hours and too much on your mind, well, you’ve got a recipe for disaster… or at least a minor miscommunication.

Women and men think differently, process things differently and react differently. Yet what I’ve learned over the years is this: If women can learn to accept the differences of a man, and a man can learn compassion for a woman’s differences, then all is right with the relationship. Truth be told, we should all have respect for each others’ differences, whether you’re a man or a woman.

How many times have you said: “It’s a guy thing, or it’s a girl thing?” I’m sure you’ve found yourself thinking it or saying it on several occasions. And you would be right because men and women are different, and that’s a fact.

So what do you do with these differences? You embrace them with love, try and understand them if you can, and be grateful for the lessons you learn from them. It’s these very lessons that teach you more about yourself, and about your relationship.

My love and I don’t always agree on everything, yet the love we share and the life we’re building together are much stronger than the little things that come up every so often. Our similarities far outweigh our differences and once we talk about our differences, there’s always laughter to follow… and our love for one another grows stronger.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Finding Your Balance”

/ Anne Dennish / 3 Comments

Life is about balance, and the truth is, balance can sometimes be hard to find, yet it’s not impossible. You can find your balance in life if you pay attention to the signs that you’re NOT in balance.

I, too, find myself wondering why I’m feeling exhausted and unable to get anything on my “to do” list done; I wonder why things aren’t going as I had hoped or why my goals are taking too long to achieve.

I wonder why I’m feeling as though I’m in a fog, or why my mind keeps racing to places it shouldn’t go. And I wonder why all of this is happening…that is, until I stop, sit in silence outside, and meditate. I still my mind, hard as that may be sometimes, and take deep breaths.

And then I realize why I’m wondering and feeling all these “not so good” feelings: I’m out of balance.

I’m not getting enough sleep, I’m trying to do everything for everyone but myself, and I’m forgetting to love myself the way I love everyone else. Those are just a few reasons we find ourselves out of balance.

One of my favorite quotes from “Eat, Pray, Love” is this: “Balance, my darling, is not letting anybody love you less than you love yourself.” And that’s how we fall out of balance: we’re loving ourselves less.

So, what next? Get back on track, say “no” to situations or people that do not serve your Highest Good, make time for yourself, and most importantly: LOVE YOURSELF! Take a few moments each day and focus on yourself; envision a white light of love and joy surrounding you; and remember that just as you are kind and loving to others, you need to be that way with yourself.

You’ll find your balance when you find yourself.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Just be kind…”

/ Anne Dennish / 2 Comments

I see so many references to “random acts of kindness” that I have to wonder just how many of us live by that. There needn’t be a certain day to do it, or a contest to see how many “acts” you can perform. Shouldn’t we all live each day by sharing an act of kindness to someone? Has the world gotten so busy that we’ve forgotten to take a minute or more to do something for someone else?

I love to make someone happy, to make them smile or laugh; I’m grateful if I can help someone through a bad day or simply let someone know how much I love them. I believe these to be “random acts of kindness” as well.

The world is focused on so many “other” things at the moment, and let’s face it, there are days that we, ourselves, get caught up in the drama and the rat race of life. Yet, “kindness” is stress-free, drama-free, and one of the easiest acts to commit! “Kindness” to others is a two way street; everyone benefits from it.

Don’t you feel good when you’ve done something for someone else? Can you imagine a world filled with people that act from the heart and with kindness? It’s not a fantasy to imagine that, because it all begins with “you.” And as I always say: “It’s time to make a difference, and we can make a difference together!”

Make every day an “act of kindness” day and watch the world change!

Wishing you love, light, and kindness,

~Anne Dennish~

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