The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. ~ Epictetus Motivation What causes you to take action? Do you have goals, whether it’s getting up early or exercising daily? Do you find yourself thinking negative thoughts? Are you doing what brings you joy and happiness? Motivation is the it I’m referring to. Motivation is simply your eagerness or desire to do something. Honestly, some days I don’t feel like springing out of bed to seize the day. Some days, I’m not fired up to take the hill of goals I or someone else set for me. Nor am I always inspired to take part in the political Merengue that permeates corporate culture. Though, on the other hand, I am not interested in lounging around the house or willing to spend the day as the song lyrics of Otis Redding goes:

Mindfulness is a matter of seizing the moment. Are you paying attention to this moment? Will you surrender completely in this moment? Can you be happy in the moment and have it be enough? If your answers are 'no', then read on to learn why to consider changing them to 'yes'.

Be mindful of the very moment you are living. Start exactly this second. You don't wait . . . ~ Alexandra Stoddard Where Does Your Mind Go? Are you paying attention? When you drive your car, are you on autopilot or on alert? When you are in conversation, are you engaging with the other or thinking of something else? As I was sitting in the backyard of a dear friend, taking in the scenic backdrop of rolling hills, sprawling green trees, magnificent limestone cliffs, and a serene lake, my mind harkened back to a trip I took to Los Colinas De Cuncumen. Just thinking about it fills me with joy. This was a place absent of technology and social fanfare. It was a place where peace and serenity embraced me the moment I arrived and, quite frankly, it is still with me today. It was an opportunity for me to reflect on the core of who I was as a human being. Many questions arose during my time there, but the one that continues to surface is, where does your mind go?

Mastering love and happiness is life’s greatest legacy to human race. Unless we uncover the secret to love and happiness, success is nothing but just an objective desire and achievement. ~ Unknown Meaning of Love and Happiness What is love? What is happiness? Have you ever said to yourself or others, “I just want find love and be happy?” My closest family members, best friends and I say, “I love you” to each other from time to time. But, what does love really mean? I occasionally ask my friends, "Are you happy?" and they tend to say, "yes." Yet, what does happiness really mean?

What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life--to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting? ~ George Eliot, Adam Bede Happiest Places On the backdrop of the beautiful Caribbean ocean, I want to share a reflection on relationships. The popularized tagline of Disneyland is "The Happiest Place On Earth." For many Disneyland may very well be, but, consider something much deeper like the space between you and another, especially close relationships. Eric Weiner, the author of the book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World, observed, “the happiest places on earth are not internal ones. They are not geographical ones. It’s the places between us and the closer they are the more at ease we are the happier they tend to be.”

Do you feel accepted by others? Are those in your life supportive? Do you have a strong inner circle of friends? When life has you down, do those you thought would have your back come through? Do you have an authentic sense of belonging?

A relationship is, in essence, a connection with another individual and in our daily lives, it can come in many forms. A relationship may be described as familial, romantic, a friendship, an acquaintance, collegiate, or professional. Let’s face it, relationships have a colossal impact on our lives. Some can be uplifting and others can be discouraging. Can you think of any of your existing relationships that zap your energy and wear you down?

We only live once, but once is enough if we do it right. Live your life with class, dignity, and style so that an exclamation, rather than a question mark signifies it!~ Gary Ryan Blair

Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it.~Sai Baba Are you doing what you always dreamed of doing? Are you living a blissful life at home and work? Do you feel like you are living each day to the fullest? How would you spend each day or the last week of your life if you knew it was your last? Easter Sunday reminds me of forgiveness, second chances, sacrifice, hope, new beginnings and possibilities. Let’s think about it, the story of Jesus’ last week on earth as a human being was riveting. His life and the life of others who crossed his path were filled with wondrous acts, profound prayer, realized prophecies, rich conversation, mesmeric moments and game-changing events for all of mankind. He knew his life would end at week’s end, even so, He did not waste any time. He marched towards living a meaningful, passionate and impactful life.

Surround yourself with positive energy. Good vibes translates into good moods and better health all around.~Unknown When you enter your home does it evoke a feeling of harmony? Do you feel positive energy flowing through your home? What are you thinking, saying and doing to infuse positive energy in your home?