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“Where You Belong”

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“Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, taking us on the journey of a lifetime. We may not end up where we dreamed, but we’ll always end up where we belong.” 

~Anne Dennish~

I wrote this quote at what seems like a lifetime ago, but I’m glad I was reminded of it because it’s true and so fitting of my life right now.

I can honestly say that I’m not where I dreamed I’d be, but rest assured, I’m in the place that I belong.

I’m in the place I need to be to take care of my parents, the place to learn patience in adapting to a new area to live in, a place to learn more about myself and the many changes I’m going through, and a place to write my books in.

I’m where I belong and I’m making the best of it. 

I believe that our lives are a series of “unexpected turns,” and it’s up to us to step up and be equal to the challenge.

I do believe that we’ll all end up where we dream to be, we just need to learn the lessons that life is teaching us and change our perspective on where we are at this moment.

We all end up where we belong…

And I believe that in time we’ll all end up where we dreamed.

Be grateful to be in the place that you belong.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“The Mind of a Heart” Is Traveling!

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“The Mind of a Heart” has certainly been traveling and I’m so happy to those of you who have sent me pictures of you reading the book! It warms my heart to see my novel in the hands of so many different people and I can’t thank you all enough for your beautiful reviews. I loved writing this novel and it makes me so happy to see that so many of you loved it.

If you have a copy of “The Mind of a Heart,” snap a picture and send it to me. I’d love to share it with those that follow me.

I’m grateful to each and everyone of you who took the time to buy my book, who sent me your pictures and who have given me your feedback.

You are amazing!

These pictures were taken on the East Coast of Florida, the West Coast of Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware and New York State! Let’s see how far it travels! Let’s keep those pictures coming!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish

“And On Those Down Days…”

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It took me over 30 minutes to get the ice and snow off my car this morning but after that I was on my way to work, driving my favorite route: the beach. It was quite a beauty this morning. It’s almost an anomaly to see snow on the sand but one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. It’s haunting yet picturesque. It’s a look that you don’t see often so when you’re lucky enough to see it then you know you’re blessed to have seen something so amazing.

Sometimes our days begin in an awesome way until something trips us up and puts us in a funk, a down mood, so to speak. I had just that type of morning. In the midst of accounting and invoices I found myself feeling sad. I know what caused it but more importantly, I had to figure out why. I wasn’t going to talk about it until I figured out why a certain incident caused me to feel so badly. And that’s where I am tonight. I don’t want to talk about it with anyone until I’ve figured out why I let it bother me.

The key is not to react to whomever may have invoked these feelings within us, but rather look inwards to ourselves to understand and figure out WHY we had those feelings. And that is what my Friday night is tonight, taking a good look inward at my heart and soul to see what I’m really upset about. Was it what was said? Or was it about how I felt about what was said?

And that’s up to each of us. We need to understand that our feelings, no matter how they were invoked, are OUR feelings and only WE know why we feel that way. This is why it’s important not to react but rather to take it in and think about it. My feelings tonight are MINE and mine alone. I know what upset wasn’t meant to intentionally upset me but sadly, it did. I don’t blame the person who said it but would rather spend my time tonight alone thinking about WHY it upset me. And once I can do that, I’ll be able to say that I learned something else about myself, and isn’t that what life is all about? Learning about ourselves, the why’s and the how’s, and figuring out what to do with all of that. 

I’m learning not to blame the messenger but to understand the message and deal with it.

Life is always changing and we are always learning more and more about ourselves, if we’re open to learning, not blaming. And isn’t that what our down days are all about? Learning, not blaming. Understanding, not judging. Accepting, not allowing.

I love life more than I can tell you, the good days and the bad. I know that they all came to teach me, help me, and move me forward. And my hope is that you see your life as a gift, not a burden, no matter what it hands you.

As for me? My Friday night is filled with a hot bath, a cup of lavender tea, and a martini glass filled with tears and understanding.

Good night, my loves. May life be good to you and may you take those “down days” as your life lesson on how to turn them into your “up days!”

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“Here Comes That Holiday Anxiety!”

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The holidays are fast approaching and that “good ‘ol anxiety” we sometimes feel is taking advantage of us and rearing its ugly head! So many people have anxiety at this time of year and this year it seems to be worse. We feel cut off from friends and family and isolated from having a social life that we’ve grown accustomed to.

But this too shall pass.

Be kind to yourself and others.

Be gentle and forgiving with yourself and others.

And remember that this holiday season will soon become a memory to be shared next year when you’re surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

We’re all in this together even though we have to do it apart.

Hang in there, my loves.

You got this!

And you’re doing just fine.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“These Three Things”

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I think life is better when you have a smile on your face and gratitude in your heart. Life can hand us some difficult situations to have to get through and it can also hand us some of the most beautiful and amazing experiences. I’ve gone through my share of difficult times and if there’s a few things I’ve learned, it’s this: you need to smile through it, find a sense of humor during it, and have an attitude of gratitude through, during and after it. 

A smile has an impact, a sense of humor lifts the spirit, and an attitude of gratitude is powerful. 

The world is a bit crazy right now yet despite that we can choose to wake up every morning with gratitude and spend our days counting our blessings. 

Don’t allow all the craziness in the world right now make you lose sight of this beautiful life that you have. There is nothing worth anything that can take that away, unless you allow it to. Please don’t do that.

Life is a gift and each day you wake up is a reason to smile and be grateful. And no matter what the day brings, if you can smile through it, laugh during it and be grateful for it all then you’ve found the key to living your best life. 

And isn’t that what we all want?

I’m grateful for many things in my life and I’m grateful for all of you who love and support my page and take the time out of your busy lives to share your thoughts with me. You all have made a positive impact on my life.

Thank you. You are all truly amazing human beings.

Happy Almost Thanksgiving!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“Life And Love Is About Forgiveness!

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Human behavior always amazes me, especially when hearts are broken or bruised. I’ve had quite a few broken hearts in my life. When I was younger and immature my first thought would have been to “pay them back.” Let’s face it, that’s what most teenagers do. Yet as I grew older I learned that a pay back isn’t the solution for a broken heart. It’s not the solution to anything. Broken and bruised hearts happen for so many reasons, yet as I always say, if your heart feels any pain then remind yourself that your heart still works. We can’t feel brokenness if we can’t feel love. I’ve learned that when someone breaks my heart there is no easy fix, and no pay back or spiteful behavior will help ease the pain. In fact, the more you act out in vindictiveness or spite towards someone who hurt you, the more you’ll stay in your own pain. You’ll never move forward and you’ll never heal. And don’t we all want to heal from something that has hurt us? I will tell you in no uncertain terms that hurting someone that hurt you isn’t the answer and will never serve you well. Talk to the person who hurt you, express your feelings, and listen to their reasons as to why they had done something to hurt you. Not everyone hurts another human being on purpose. I know I don’t. Sometimes it’s inevitable that we hurt the ones we love, not because we stopped loving them, but because we began to love ourselves in a way that they couldn’t or wouldn’t.

“The heart has a mind of its own” and when that heart has been hurt by someone they love, the mind seems to take over with no reason or rhyme. A heart that truly knows love will never lose sight of how precious it is. The heart knows how it feels and every so often the mind gets involved to help it through the pain. We all have gone through a broken heart at one time or another, but I beg of you, don’t allow your pain to hurt someone back. Nothing good will ever come out of negative emotions. Feel the pain, deal with the “why,” and heal from it. The pain of a broken heart won’t last forever, but your spiteful actions towards them will. And that’s my thoughts for tonight. If you’re feeling hurt, feel it, but don’t feel the need to inflict intentional pain on another human being. In the end, what goes around comes around. It always does. Life and love is about “forgiveness.” And that’s the only way to heal.

Wishing you love and light,

~AnneDennish~

“It’s What You Bring To The World”

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Each of us is born with a gift. It’s a talent, an awareness, a knowledge or a compassion which offers us the chance to make a difference in the world.

So many people wait their entire lives for the world to bring to them what they want and desire, yet the world will bring you nothing if you’re not bringing anything to the world.

Embrace the gifts you were born with. Show and share your greatness with the world and you’ll begin to see what the world has to offer you.

The truth is this: “It’s not about what the world brings to you, it’s about what YOU bring to the world.” 

And during these difficult times it’s even more important to bring all the positive thoughts and actions that we can to the world and the people in it.

Our world is going through a difficult time at the moment and now, more than ever, it’s so more important that we all join together to bring all the positive thoughts and actions that we can to the world and the people in it.

Let the world see how awesome you are and share that with everyone!

It’s a good thing!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“And Then There Are The Other Heroes”

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There are many heroes out in the world today keeping us safe, taking care of us and trying to keep life going, yet I believe there is another hero we don’t give credit to and that’s our children.

The definition of a “hero” is: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

And I admire my children, your children and the youth of the world who are living through these uncertain times right along with us. They are heroes as well.

They’re quarantined home just like the rest of us, they can’t see their friends or family, they can’t go to school and for some, there will be no senior class trip or high school/college graduation. Imagine what they’re feeling and thinking. Imagine how WE would feel at that age.

I look at my 18 and 22 year old in amazement. I’m empathetic and can feel what they’re feeling and think to myself that I would have gone crazy at that age being stuck in the house with my parents and siblings! It truly would have driven me out of my mind. Yet here they are, just like the rest of us: quarantined.

None of us have ever seen something like this in our lifetime and I hope that we never do again, but here are our children. They’re young with an entire lifetime ahead of them and look at their lives now. They’re quarantined just like the rest of us, but the difference is we had that life and freedom at a young age and right now they don’t. As adults we can sit here in quarantine and wonder what life will be like after it’s over. They are just beginning their lives, thinking about what they want to be when they grow up, or where they want to live. They’re looking and planning towards a future that is uncertain. Imagine all those thoughts that go through their minds. I imagine them when I see that look of boredom on their faces, or the sadness over not seeing their friends. I imagine them when I talk to my kids who live across the country and can hear the sadness in their voices or a tone of disappointment knowing that the life they started on their own is all changed. All of them were laid off from the jobs that they loved because of the quarantine. They all comply with the orders that we’ve been given, including wearing gloves, masks and social distancing. I have to say, it breaks my heart to see pictures of my kids wearing masks. 

I love my five children with all that I am and when this quarantine starts to get to me or they start to drive me crazy I remind myself of how it must feel for them. Suddenly, it doesn’t feel so bad for me and I understand about their bad days because I remember all the fun and freedom I lived through as a teenager, the times that they can’t right now.

My kids are handling it better than I would have expected. They’re constantly watching out for me because I’m “high risk” and there are days they put my well-being above their own. They’re making the best of this quarantine and doing what they can to laugh, smile and have fun together…and they even include me!

I have to believe that they’ll come through this stronger and with an even deeper gratitude for freedom and life than they had already had.

There are many people out there that are “heroes,” and I count my kids among them.

Here’s to my five kids, your kids, and the youth of the world: “Thank you for handling this as well as you are. I know it’s not easy, but thank you for doing what needs to be done. You are my hero!”

In the end, we’re all heroes for staying home and saving lives by doing so.

Hang in there…you’ve got this!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~your_custom_beautiful_quotes_here (1)

“And As The World Was Changing…”

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“And as the world was changing, so were the people in it.”  AD

It’s been about two months now of social distancing and quarantine and I’ve noticed a lot of positive changes happening.

I’ve noticed that the wildlife seems to have sprung back to life. Here at the Jersey Shore a herd of deer are romping and playing on the beach and roaming the streets in town. I’ve seen and heard more types of birds than normal and the colors of the leaves, grass, and flowers seem so much more vibrant. The sun even feels warmer and seems to shine even brighter than it used to. Even blue skies seem to be a clearer and stronger shade of blue.

And I’ve noticed the people changing along with the world. Strangers take the time to wave, smile and ask how you’re doing. Neighbors speak more often all the while social distancing with one another. People are putting the effort into finding other ways to celebrate birthdays and graduations by driving someone’s home in their decorated cars and beeping their horns. Restaurants that offer curbside pick-up and delivery do so with a smile. And for all of us wearing masks and gloves when needed, we’re doing it to protect ourselves, our families and everyone else’s. It seems that so many people have again started to look out for each other by calling more often or scheduling video chats together. 

People are learning to embrace their time at home. They’re cleaning and purging their homes, they’re spending more time cooking and having dinner with their family, and some are even spending more time outdoors planting a garden or simply enjoying the sunshine and blue skies. They’re walking or running more, biking more, and they’re doing activities that help them stay calm and less anxious, such as meditation or yoga. 

Despite what’s going on in the world, I’ve seen some truly beautiful changes in both our environment and in the people. It’s as if both are in a “healing process” of becoming a kinder and gentler world.

And isn’t that a wonderful thing?

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“A Change In Perspective”

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My perspective has changed a lot during this quarantine and in a way that I hadn’t thought of before. 

Right now we’re all living a social distancing way of life, and depending on where you live, some of the restrictions are less, some are more. In either case, we are all living a different life than we had a few months ago.

I was thinking about the restrictions that are in place here at the Jersey Shore and suddenly they didn’t seem so awful. In fact, once I put it all into perspective I realized that my freedom hadn’t been taken away, just some of the things in life that are not really necessities, but luxuries.

For instance, most retail stores are closed, the bars and restaurants are “take-out” only, the movie theaters are closed and so are the hair salons. Unless you are an employee of the establishments, are they necessary? No, they are luxuries that we enjoy and perhaps, have taken for granted until now.

The retail stores may be closed but you can still order online. You may not be able to actually sit inside a restaurant or bar and be waited on, but you can get takeout meals and cocktails to enjoy in the privacy of your own home. You can’t go to a movie theater but you can get just about any movie on television through a number of different resources and the hair salons may be closed but some offer curbside pickup of hair coloring or you can order hair products online.

The fact is that the things we aren’t able to do right now are luxuries. We can still go to the pharmacy or food store, to the parks and beaches which are now open, and we can still order a meal that we don’t have to cook. We can still go outside to enjoy our backyards or walks around the neighborhood. 

The only thing missing is that we’re not being waited on for some of those things. We’re not being pampered at the salon or getting our dishes cleared after a meal at a restaurant. The list can go on and on but you know what I’m talking about.

We are living in a simpler time, one that existed many, many years ago. We’ve grown accustomed to being taken care of, yet we paid to be taken care of and pampered. We’ve learned to believe that all those things we can’t do right now were necessities, when in fact, they are luxuries. We’ve lost sight of the things we took for granted that we now are anxiously awaiting the return of. And we are now doing many of those things for ourselves.

I’d say that our vision has been much clearer since social distancing began and in a positive way. Many of us are looking at things we’re missing with a new found appreciation and I’m sure we’ll never take the smallest or biggest of things for granted again.

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Wayne Dyer

And I believe that with all my heart.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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