Well hello EVERYONE!!
  I hope you all are having a wonderful week; and yes, it's a whole new week of opportunity!!  Ya, I said it, take advantage of what is given to you every day.  I was sent one of those dreaded 'forward' emails which I usually just go right ahead and delete.  However, it was sent by Poppa Doogs (that's my dad), so I just had to trust and open.  As I nervously opened up thinking 'do I have enough people to send this to in 5 seconds or else the rest of the year I will be cursed with misfortune and heartache?  It's only July, so I still have about half of the year to go...am I ready for this?'  Good thing, I have grown my email companions to double digits, so I was prepared for whatever this forward had to throw at me.  The subject was 'A worth while Forward'...so expectations were high for this one.  I have to say, the bar was totally met.  Basically, there are 86,400 seconds in a day, and how will you use it to take full advantage of each day?  Once those 86,400 seconds are gone, you can never get them back, you will start with a brand new batch of 86,400 seconds tomorrow.  So, if you use only 5 seconds worth in one day, you're missing out on...uhhh (let me get the calculator out. bee booo bop, bop bop-- that's me calculating), OK you're missing out on 86,395 seconds of opportunity for happiness and passion.  (I am not so much a math-a-magican...I am a more verbal-techy) 
What will you do with your fresh new 86,400 seconds of fun today?  Make sure you use every last drop; there are no rollovers like ATT minutes here, sorry folks. 
 
  I have the luxury to walk to and from work every day.  I see quite the mélange of people and places on my journey.  (Yes, mélange is a word...such as potpourri or myriad.  It could be the only vocab word I remember from sophomore year of high school.  Thanks Mrs. Maloney!)  A few weeks ago, I saw an older gent on a pair of Rollerblades.  Yes, Rollerblades are still acceptable in NYC as a normal means of travel.  (It's on the level above a seg-way)  I thought they halted manufacturing back in the early 90s?  No?  OK, moving on.  This man was uneasy on the blades, but I could see the determination in his eyes and the knee pads really spoke volumes of how serious this was for him...he didn't even have brakes!! He meant business for sure.  As the weeks press on, and we are both still traveling the same route, I have to say, this man looks like a natural...bobbing and weaving in between traffic.  This by the way is extremely difficult to even drive in NYC let alone Rollarblade.  None the less, the joy on his face is unmistakable!! 
 
    This got me thinking, it's never too late to follow what's in your heart.  Whether it's learning how to Rollarblade at 80 years old or going back for your interior design degree.  My older sister, Christie, (shout out BS!!) started her journey at the Art Institute of Philadelphia for Interior Design a handful of years ago and ended up taking a few years off.  Our entire family knew how unbelievably talented she was, it was just a matter time for her to realize what a true gift she possessed.  In the mean time, she was doing little things for our family such as making personalize rocking chairs for the new babes of the family or selling her custom painted flower pots at Whole Foods Flee Markets. (I have one in my cube that brightens my day, you should too!!)  I always tell friends that she snagged all the creativity from the Dugan girls :-)  I couldn't be more proud to say that this spring; Christie Dugan graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia for Interior Design with honors.  This is a true example that it is never too late to follow your dreams!!  I know, cliché, but hey these clichés have to stem from some truth!!  Am I right people? 
 
     This is where it's OK to compare yourself to someone else, 'if they can do it, I can do it!'  Find those heart's desires, stick to your guns and don't let anyone tell you can't achieve what you really want in life no matter how old or young you feel you are.  You only get so many seconds, so be selfish and use it to your advantage.   
 
    Remember when you were younger, and your imagination took you to places only you could dream possible?  My sisters and I use to play 'elevator' by taking an every day closet and drawing on the walls to transform it into an elevator. (I have no idea where we were even going?)  I know, it doesn't sound like much fun, but it would keep us busy for hours!!  Think of one thing you played when you were younger that you had to use your imagination.  Imagination's something that we are missing when we 'grow up'.  We don't have to lose it.  Just because you feel you are stuck in a job or a relationship doesn't mean you can't change it today.  YOU CAN!!  Use that imagination I know you all have!  The change may not happen over night, but if you take one step a day to your goal, you will get there.  Steps to your goal will seem effortless because you are following what is in your heart, so you should be having fun.  Go out there and have fun!! 
 
    Here's a sweet nugget of truth by Henry Ford to help you on your journey to happiness...'Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right.'
Let that one settle, say it over a few times in your dome.  It helps you realize that you can really have an impact on how your daily life pans out.  When you wake up tomorrow, go through everything that you are grateful for.  Set that dial on the day to 'happy', that way you're already on the path to having a wonderful day. 
 
I hope you have a wonderful and happy day!!  Enjoy it with those that you love, and make sure to shine with a smile!!  You never know who you are helping with just one smile :-)
 
Love you all!!
 
-Liz

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!

  I am sure many of you are excited that it's the end of the rainy Monday, but let's count those blessings!  Right now, say one thing that happened today that made you smile...one thing, that's all. (Sorry folks, it can't be that Monday is almost over)  If you had one smile, then today was a success.  OK, maybe not a hugie success, but let's face it, one smile is better than no happy thoughts at all.  Can I get a hollaaaa from the group in the back?

  Some of you may know that I had a slight 'window to finger incident' two weeks ago.  If you have no clue what I am talking about, it's ok, I understand.  Basically, a broken window in my apartment fell on my finger.  Now, without being too dramatic, I would just like to explain that this was one of the most painful experiences of my life...mentally, physically and emotionally maybe even figuratively, theoretically or hypothetically?  I know I am really dramatic, right?  However, don't judge me until you hear me out.  *Remember we don't judge here in Smile-lution land o' fun.* After the window fell on my finger, I realized that this was a pretty serious injury.  I was home alone, and in complete shock!   As I am pacing around my apartment screaming in pain like a wee little baby, I remembered the ER was right around the corner and called my roomie (B Wallio woop!) to find out which street it was on.  After talking with my Aunt (shout out AK! WOOP) who was in town for the weekend, I went to the ER and was there for a few hours.  Here's the thing, this whole situation was pretty bad, but I realized that it had potential to be much worse.  I could have only 9 viable digits (one less middle finger); I could have been in the ER by myself all day; or I could have had to get in a cab or walk 50 blocks to the nearest ER.  For whatever reason, the situation was the best that it could have been, and I am super grateful for it. 

   As I am seeing the progression of how my little digi is healing, it's amazing that with given some time something that caused me an immense amount of pain can feel good again.  Think of one circumstance in your life that you thought, 'Will I ever be happy again?'.  Everyone has had those moments, it's called life and sometimes life isn't pleasant.  Life can be absolutely phenomenal, but it can also be as painful as losing your middle finger. (or almost losing it, haha)  The thing about growing up is realizing that tough times come and go, but there will always be another sunny day in the forecast.  I have said it before, but I love this running analogy that I came up with while training for my halfie-marathon...'to every up hill, there is a downhill.'  The way to push through those up hills is remembering the wonderful feelings of happiness or of love.   Whatever brings you joy...could be as simple as hanging out with your sweet A dog or taking a walk in the park, OR just eating a peebee and jay.  We have to realize that we deserve to be happy no matter what other people say.  Yes, bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people.  That's not for you to worry about.  Follow your true hearts' desire, and you will find happiness.  Don't let anyone else determine your happiness, let them figure out their own life. 

  I am going to take a little turn here from the 'time heals all', and go with this happiness path.  A few weeks ago it dawned on me that everything in this material world (I love a good Madonna ref every now and then) was once a simple thought or idea.  One day, Manhattan was simply one building, now look at it!  Wild, I know!  Music, fashion trends, paper, words...everything in this world at one time did not existent.  30 years ago, to think that everyone would have their own tiny computer with them at all times, was a crazy thought.  (since a computer was the size of an entire room!  imagine carrying that around, you're smart phone doesn't sound so bulky now.)  It's unreal what can be accomplished if you follow your heart.  This, my friends, is because you will do everything in your power to achieve it.  Don't be afraid, be you. 

  To quote my happy tune Train-Hey Soul Sister, "I can be myself now finally, in fact there's nothing I can't be".  Don't let anyone dampen your ideas with their raining negative thoughts.  When I came up with this Smile-lution idea, almost 100% of my peeps agreed it was a great idea since they knew it was 'me'.   There was a small few that thought it was silly, but that did not break me down since I was on a mission...and I still am.  After 7 months of writing this, I am still inspired every day with the feedback from my friends, family and the many people across the United States that I have never met.  All I am doing is simply spilling out my thoughts to everyone to show what really happens in this brain...this dome it's not just for show!

I leave you with this little ball of truth from one of my favorite inspirational speakers Michael Beckwith: 

         "You can start with nothing...and out of nothing, and no way, a way will be made."

I hope you all have a wonderful week!  Get out there and play, jump in puddles or go for a happy hour with some friends (you must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol).  It's a busy world we live in, slow down and make time to spend with the people you care about...it's never too late.

Love you all!!

-Lizzzzz   xoxo

When is When
Reflections on Change
In this Wave We Call
Life


    Life is all about questions.  The Who, What, Where, When's & Why's of
the every day are a constant demand on the mind, body & soul. We soon
find ourselves fighting to search positively for answers in a world
full of never ending questions.  Questions that will even make us
question ourselves....over, & over, & over again.  One's battle with self
is in reality their reflection of life. Though a challenge, having
the ability to possess an empowering self -image is ALWAYS something
worth fighting for.

 I have recently experienced a personal revelation about the meaning
behind a question.  What I have discovered is that change is what
initiates self doubt. Change makes you ask questions. Questions you
may have been avoiding because you don't know the answer to them. Or
even better, you may find yourself having answers to questions life
hasn't even asked you yet. In attempting to take the rational and/or
logical approach to circumstance (I've been playing chess in my
downtime), I have decided to reflect on reaction to change.

Let me start by saying that by nature everything about me repels
transition. I am a Cancer by zodiac, a hermit crab who relies heavily
on routine, I can be impulsive, a strength and a curse as well as
relentless until properly defeated. My mom shared with me an analogy
she recently used to describe my personality
"You see, we're the type of people that ask questions. My daughter
just does things. Let's say I am in the hardware store and I want to
buy this door. I would strategize about how I was going to get the
door home, in the car, up on the hinge, etc. My daughter would do what
she came to do (buy a door) and figure out the rest along the way.
She makes things happen".

So, I don't ask questions but I find answers. Does that make me
backward or forward?  Is it better to strategize each move or move
with strategy? When is when? More questions. Change is life's driving
force that shows up just as we have found all of the answers to the
previous set of questions. Now it becomes not about reaction to change
but the reaction itself.

My theatre professor in college would always say "acting is reacting".
A life lesson I would embrace far beyond her theatre doors. The
reality is that change is just another way life helps you face your
fears, which in the long run allows you to recognize your strengths.
Those who are victorious know how to confront change, embrace new
circumstance, and display a continuous respect for time with their
level of patience.

So I don't ask questions but lucky for me I have people in my life
like my mother that do.  It makes for a good balance.  Balance is the
single most glorious trait to master, balance is what lets you not
just see the top but ride AT the top for a lifetime.

I've made a personal decision to stop asking questions and start
listening to change.  As I welcome the spring, I welcome life's next
set of questions by answering another:
Who Am I? Joan Roman
What Am I Here for? To be the best possible version of myself.
When? Always.
Why? Because I can.


Now, it's your turn. Don't Be Afraid To Cry.

 Keep Spreading that Uranium kind of love! P+L+U+S


"Listen as your day unfolds, & challenge what the future holds"

 Soundtrack for this Blog was DESIREE "You Gotta Be"

FOOTNOTE:
It has been an incredible year for Uranium TV & the Uranium Enterprise
 as a whole.  We are spreading rapidly, just like I knew we would.  I
would like to take this opportunity to thank my Uranium Partners and
family our newest extentionsion Aci Nae Boutique and all UMusic
artists/talent  especially Agent Strange, Joe Reno & El Fuego, Fat
City Reprise, Anthony Renzulli Band. To all of our casts, crews, and
teams thank you for being an active part of our dream. Thank you Mom for always being a continuous flow of wisdom & love.

To My Blog Fans:
I have been receiving a flux of comments about my blogs and I just
want to reach out and say thank you all for your kind words and
support. Writing is a newly discovered passion for me so thank you for
making me feel like I'm making sense. I hope When is when has a
powerfully positive impact on your day.

To Uranium TV Fans & Family:
Uranium TV 2.1 launches Spring 2010 premiering new channels, series, &
suprises. Perhaps you'll find it in your Easter basket if you manage
to keep your lental promises.

New Rock Hero episodes this spring! Finale Coming Soon!

Generation U By Aci Nae  Available for Sale Spring 2010
UFP is in the process of developing several new web series and it's
first feature film.

Happy FIRST DAY OF MARCH!! 

It's a new beginning, and if February wasn't working out, well here is March!!  And it's my birthday month, so you have to be happypants!  Just kidding, but really...

I hope everyone is enjoying their week so far!  If you've had a rough start, you can  begin right now to feel good!  Go ahead, feel good...take in those good vibes!  *Breathe in, aaaaaaaand out*

I thought of something today that got me thinking.  (Thoughts tend to do that sometimes.  I know, I was surprised too!)  You know in some convenient stores they have the 'give a penny, take a penny' container?  As I was walking by my favorite security guards on 59^th and 5^th, we always exchange a smile and 'have a great day!'.  As I continued on my journey, I thought to myself, 'Betty (Yes, I refer to myself as Betty when talking internally...) Betty, you just gave a smile and took a smile, and now look how good your feel!'  Moral of the story:  If you can go through your day, and someone gives you a smile (take a smile), you will have to give a smile away (give a smile).  It's really the only logical thing to do.   So, go ahead, give a smile and take a smile! 

*Small side note of understanding*--I only repeat this 'smile' idea, because I am still surprised at how good I feel after a 'give a smile, take a smile' scenario.  This is an idea that needs the repetition, because it is so easily forgotten.  It is a small thing to do throughout your day, with HUGE benefits.

 

  That intro has NOTHING to do with my theme for today, but whatever, let's roll with it!  (Or lean with it, maybe even rock with it?)  Perfection is the word of the day...AHHHHHHHHH!!!   Perfection is a loaded word that comes with lot of baggage.  Crazy thing about this whole 'striving for perfection' ideal, is that the perfect 'anything' is only a figment of our imagination.  The perfect 'insert here' is really a goal that we set for ourselves, or set by the pressures of others.

As I have gotten older, and wiser, well wiser than I was when I was a wee baby... (With all those 'w's, was that an alliteration??  I think so!)  Anywho, I realized that when you stop trying to be something or someone else, and take the time to focus on your wants and desires (dig deep!), that's when it all starts to fit together.  That my friends, is the definition of 'finding yourself'.  I thought of a life analogy last night while jogging.  I love a good analogy, so here goes...Life is like finding your running stride.  Think about it; it takes time and effort to find your OWN stride.  When you find it, you feel like you can run forever!   Even when you have found your perfect stride, there will be bad running days, it's just the nature of life.  On those days, the only thing that keeps you going is the realization that you will have a good run down the road.  Some people's stride looks silly, and other's look smooth.  However, when you find your stride, it is YOUR stride.  You are at your best when you run with your own stride.    

 

  Finding your stride is like finding your inner spirit.  Let me break that one down for you:  Your spirit can fill a room, it is your essence.  When you're having a good day and are feeling 'shiney happy people holding hands' that will emanate to those around you.  Just like yawning is 'contagious', so is happiness.  In turn, people will feel when you're having a bad day.  There is more to us than the outside exterior, we aren't just meat suits (or tofu suits- shout out to all my vegetarians wooop wooop!) , the inside essence make us, well...individuals.  So, why not take the time and energy into 'perfecting' our inside, instead of the outside.  It's one thing to take care of your body by working out and eating right.  It's another thing when you're killing your essence to be thinner, bigger, faster, stronger...(is that a Kanye West song?)  The only person, who is hurt in the end, is you.  I forget what book I was reading, but this quote always comes back to mind when I doubt myself.   It goes a little something like this... "When the voice and the vision on the inside become more profound and clear and loud than the opinions on the outside, that is when you've mastered your life."  That my friends is a keeper  :-)

 

  The truth is nothing is perfect.  It is easy to build up a person or an event to the highest of high standards.  It is inevitable that we will be let down.  The funny this is, most of the time the real outcome is more perfect than we could have hoped for.  Open those big beautiful eyes of yours, and see what's in front of you.  It may not be what we had expected, but it's more than what we could have ever dreamed possible.

So, go ahead, look at the open door of life, and expect to be surprised. 

 

I leave you with this today to ponder...

'Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect, it means you decide to see beyond the imperfections'

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and an even better week!  I am counting my blessings today, and you are one of them....yes you!!

XOXO

-Liz Dugan

Hey Hey HEY!!

  *woooosh, woooooshie*...that's me blowing the dust off of my blog.  It's been too long friends, too long!!  I do apologize for being MFB (that's Missing From Blog) with no explanation.  I love you no matter what, but December was chock full of everything!!  My head spun around a few times, but in a good way, not that sort of 'exorcist creepy way'.  In life, or in my blog for example, in order to get the best outcome in the long run, you may have to step back and take a deep breathe before you proceed.  I wanted to be able give all of my thoughts, without short changing you...you know with this economy and all.  On that note...da da daaa daaaa, drumroll anyone?  I am back!!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, and a VERY Happy, Happy New Year.  I hope you treat everyday like it's a new year.  It's a new day, a new 24 hours to change the world!!  I know what you're thinking, "Liz, I can't change the world?"  I say, NAY!  Aaaand away we go, this is a great lead into my thought of the day...

 

  How will you leave your personal footprint?  That's the question for the day.  No, silly, not your 'Carbon' footprint, the good kind...you're personal impression on this world.  I have been searching religiously for this one quote that I saw a few weeks ago, but I just can't find it.  I will try to paraphrase as best I can, 'It's not about the materials gifts you give, or how much money you have;  it's how you made a person feel that will be remembered."  People may not remember what you gave them, but they sure will remember how you made them feel with a kind word or a pat on the back...OR dare I say it, LISTENING to someone with an open heart and a closed mouth. 

 

  Even if you don't think you're leaving an impression, well friends I have a news flash for you, you are.  That is something I can promise you.  Things we do in the hustle and bustle of the day to day, we leave an impression.  Or in fact we are doing something because someone had made an impression on us...it's the TRUE circle of life.  I had this epiphany yogging in the park.  (Yogging...it's this new thing, apparently you just run).  Don't worry family, it was during the day :-)  Running is my thinking time, and since I need constant stimulus like a 3 year old child, I am always searching around for something interesting to look at, or indulge in my favorite sport of people watching.  (I am an All-Start athlete in the people-watching arena).  I am running past the water fountain that the bird lady was near in Home Alone 2 , I look to my left and saw a beautiful memory being made.  A dad riding his bike alongside of his young 5 or 6 year old son, teaching him how to ride own his bike.  Let's name him Lenny for the examples sake.  Lenny was a little wobbly, so Lenny Sr. was holding on to the back of his shirt to guide him along.  I realized, not only will Lenny be so happy to feel a sort of independence to be able to ride his bike to new adventures, but also he will always remember how to ride a bike.  People say, 'You know, it's just like riding a bike.'  Riding a bike is something that will always be engraved in your memory.  It's the little things in this life that are remembered.  Many times we get stressed out about what we can get a person for a gift, I am sure most of you are happy the holidays are over for that reason alone.  The funny thing is, the holidays are about giving love, friendship and laughter.  Over the years, this message has been lost in the tangled lights.  I do understand, gifts are important, but don't just give a random gift, give a gift with purpose.  These relationships that you have with family and friends are important, and a gift with meaning spreads farther than a gift with a high price tag.  (Spreads like buttaaah)

 

Every day, you have the opportunity to leave your mark on this world...how will you leave your personal footprint?  You know how yawning is said to be contagious, well so is a smile.  Leaving your footprint on someone's heart, is as easy as giving a smile...AND IT'S FREE PEOPLE!!  I am excited for you to go out today and change this world, one footprint at a time.  I leave you today with this gem of a quote from Samuel Taylor Coleridge:

 

"The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions--the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment in the disguise of a playful raillery, and the countless other infinitesimals of pleasurable thought and genial feeling."

I hope you have a wonderful Monday...STAY WARM!!  Today is a new day, of a new week with endless possibilities!!

Love you all!!
-Liz Dugan xoxo

Happy Happy Tuesday everyone!!

  What a great day, it's December and it's actually cold out!!  The winter has come, and I cannot be more excited for the Holidays.  I was walking past the Rockefeller Tree this morning to get my delicious Christmas Blend coffee (I wonder if I have to reference that Starbucks shout out?? No, Ok...moving on), and I looked up at the tree and starred for a few seconds.  I used the little trick of squinting my eyes to have the lights twinkle.  I look to my left, and this little boy had his mouth WIDE open in awe of this miraculous spectacle!!  Yes friends, I was doing the same thing.  I was so excited!!  At that moment, I realized I might never grow up, which was great news for me!!  Take time to star at the lights.  If you didn't get the memo, Santa Clause is real.  It's not about presents or material things, Santa Clause and the Holidays give hope to believe in the good of people.  This time of year is what I have been preaching about on my Smile-lutions.  This is the Smile-lution Olympics, and you are all the amazing people in the race to win the gold.  Ok, ya that was a little cheesy, but this time of year is all about giving.  What I have been trying to do with this blog, is to help you realize that giving makes you feel good...so go give :-) 

 

  When I was on the Septa train from 30^th Street to Glenside a few weeks ago, I was mesmerized by the train tracks.  They run parallel, but at some point they come back together, and then run separate but yet still parallel.  It made me think of friendships.  Once you graduate high school and/or college, it's hard to keep in touch on a daily basis.   However, think of the friends that you hold dear to your heart.  Even if you haven't talked in months, you can easily pick up right where you left off without any hard feelings.  (I wonder what soft feelings feel like?  Probably like a down comforter in the middle of winter.)  Part of growing up is moving onto different places and faces.  Some people get married, have children, go to Australia, run Marathons...whatever you do, it's normal to drift a little.  But like those train tracks, you are always running next to each other in this journey of life.  (Cheesy factor, Judges?  Verdict, it's about a 9 on the cheddar scale) 

Don't feel bad, or depressed if you haven't been able to keep in touch.  It's better to call when you think of the person, rather than not call because you feel bad that you haven't talked in a while.  Relationships are what separate humans from monkeys...not by much though.  The need to feel loved and give love is what keeps us going.  My advice, don't be ashamed.  If you think of someone, call them up. Or if you're about 98% of the United States population and you don't like actual human contact, write an email or send a message in a bottle.  Whatever your means of communication, just reach out!!  What do you have to lose??  Bring those train tracks back together.  I encourage you today to reach out to one person that has left a stamp on your heart, even if it's just to say hi!!

If this quote doesn't sum up my theme today, I just..don't know...

 

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing with ever change so much to the point where we're still not all friends."

 

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL day!!  Hang lights, sing songs, join in the bliss of the season.  This is a beautiful time of year; soak it in like the big sponge that you are!!

 

Loves you all!!

-Liz

xoxo

Hey Hey Everyone!!

  Welp, we are just a few days away from the sweet day of Thanks to the Give...or Thanksgiving.  This is such a wonderful holiday of the 3 great F's...Family, Friends and most importantly FOOD!!!  YUMMM!!  I want you all to take the next two days and really think about what you are thankful for in your life.  You can write it down, and then share it at the Thanksgiving table...when you spread the 'thanks' cheer; you really are embracing and celebrating what Thanksgiving really means.

 

  Guess what everyone...The Philly Half-Marathon is done and over with, but I must say, my passion for life has been renewed!!  The night before the race, my running bud Wayne (SHOUT OUT WP!!) and I were sitting around after 'carbo loading', and said 'Yup, this is really going to happen."  We both knew this day was bound to come, but we didn't fully comprehend it.  I believe that if you really want to do something, you absolutely can.  The only person holding you back is yourself.  For example, 3 months ago, I literally could not run 35 seconds without stopping.  This past Sunday, I ran 13 miles!!  Now, I am nowhere near special for doing this, anyone can do it!!  You just have to take control...life passes by, and while some thing do fall into your lap, you can't expect everything to happen on it's own.  We all have desires and passions in our bellies for a reason.  Whatever you believe or don't believe in, (God, the Universe, food, unicorns...whoever or whatever, remember we don't judge), these desires come from somewhere.  If you say 'I wish, I should, I want to' do something, go ahead and do it!!  No one will laugh, and if they do, it's because they wish they had the courage to be doing what you're doing. 

   I saw something so great on Sunday while I was running.  An elderly man wearing a shirt that said on both sides "Attitude of Gratitude".  After running along side of him for a few miles, I realized this shirt wasn't just a random saying; he was actually living this 'Attitude of Gratitude'.  He thanked every police officer that was mandating the traffic and every volunteer giving out water/Gatorade.  It was so awesome to see someone living what they believed in.  If you want to be a runner, go run; if you want to be a chef, go cook; if you want to be a shark enthusiast, by golly, watch shark week till your eyes fall out of your head. (Yup, I just said golly??)  What you have to remember is that what you want will take some time, just like my running experience for the past 3 months.  My first week, even my first 2 months, there was no way I was able to run 8 miles...but by the end of the 3^rd month, I ran 8 miles.

This life is what you make of it.  Sometimes we feel depressed, sad or angry.  These feelings come about when we aren't in balance with fulfilling our desires.  Don't get me wrong, there are days, when I lay around when I know I have to get a run in, but I just don't feel like it.  Remember what I said before about consequences??  I know that after the run, I will feel like a million bucks, but it just seemed easier to lie around and be depressed because I didn't feel like running.  We have a choice...and my advice to you; take the choice where you know the result will make you feel good.  Don't let anyone conduct your life; it's in your beautiful hands.

This is an awesome quote to stick by... "No one else can sing your song; no one else can dance your dance, no one else and write your story."

 

I leave you with this little example, for when you are feeling down and not so Smile-lution or inspired U.  One of my favorite songs from The All American Rejects is 'Move Along'.  As I was running the halfie this past Sunday, I was at the 8^th mile and my legs and feet started to really hurt with every step.  Mind you, the next quarter mile was all up hill and all I just felt like resting for a second.  As soon as I approached the hill of death, 'Move Along' comes on my Pandora Radio (which is a total random station that can play anything at anytime).  Someone was looking out for me, b/c the words are "...even when your hope is gone, Move along".  This was the perfect song to keep me going, bc the only way to make it through the tough times is to just keep on moving along.

 

I hope you all have such a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Please take all your thanks to the table and share it with your family and friends.  That is the reason for the season...:-)

Thank you all for reading this, and inspiring me to keep going!

 

Love you all!!

-Liz Dugan

xoxo

HAPPY WEDNESDAY to you all!!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and you're enjoying this beautiful fall weather we are having.  Like I said before...go jump in those leaves!!  I never thought I would say this, but I am so happy I can walk to work.  I am lucky that I get to see all of the great Holiday displays on 5^th avenue.  I was thinking, it is entirely too early to start with the Holiday stuff...but then realized it's already well into November!   Sometimes when the holidays come, you feel like they came too early and too fast...soon enough they are OVER.  I say, decorate for the Holidays as soon as you can... get into that Holiday spirit!!  We all love the warm, fuzzy feeling you get inside when you can anticipate time with family, friends, fireplaces (for some of us, it's the yule log on DVD) and delicious food...OH yea and spreading the Holiday cheer :-) 

 

This is a nice little lead into my word of the day, appreciation....AHHHHHHHH!! (Pee-Wee's playhouse reference anyone??)  How many times have you felt that you appreciate (AHH) something or someone only after they are gone?  This is just human nature; when things are readily available we don't see a NEED for them.  Once they are gone, then we truly realize the impact they have had on our lives.  Let's change it up a little bit, and do the opposite.  Overly appreciate the things you have, so you don't miss them...OR even worse, regret what could have been.  Remember, we don't like regretting...FORGRET. (That's 'forget' and 'regret' meshed into one word...I like to simplify.)

 

I was running last night through Central Park, and all I wanted to do was stop...it just felt WAY too hard...blah, blah, blah.  Here I go again wearing my complaining pants.  Just like clockwork, there was a man in a wheel chair being pushed by his nurse and his golden retriever jogging along side.  When I say clockwork, I mean every single night they are circling the park at the exact same time.  The person in the wheelchair is in complete awe of the colors of the leaves, the fresh air, and literally smiling at every person he passes.  I felt awful, I am over here complaining about not wanting to run, and there are people out there who don't even have the option.

 

When you cringe at the sound of horns honking or your alarm going off in the morning, be thankful that you can hear them.  When you are sore because you had a hard workout or accidentally ran into something (ahem, that happens a lot to me.), be thankful that you can control how your body moves...well sort of :-)  All of these daily things like brushing your teeth, laughing and even crying; are things that some people don't have the luxury to do on their own.  Be thankful; be grateful every day when you wake up...and appreciate what you have NOW.

I have said this in past Smile-lutions, and I am going to say it again...tell those around you that you love them.  Don't wait until tomorrow to start taking care of your body (hmm diet starts tomorrow...), don't wait to do the things that you love just because you are scared.  Take advantage of your health, family and friends. 

 

I leave you with this little nugget of wisdom from Ralph Marston, only because I LOVE YOU!! 

 

"Make it a habit to tell people thank you.  To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return.  Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you.  Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it."

 

We all have to be reminded every now and then of how wonderful life is, especially when times are tough.  This quote rings true, when we send out good vibes sincerely, more good vibes will be sent to you.  Feeeeel the good vibes :-) 

 

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!  Make good use out of it because you will never have another day exactly like today.

 

Love you all!!

-Liz Dugan

  xoxo

HAPPY TUESDAY!!!!  I hope you're all having a great week so far.  Have you looked outside lately?  The leaves are falling and the sun is shinning!!  It really is fall, so go out and enjoy.  When I was wee little lady with my sweet bowl cut (yup, you read that right), my sisters and I use to rake leaves for my grandma.  Instead of first putting in piles, big seester (shout out to Christie! Woop!) would use the leaves to create lines to outline a house.  So, we would have different rooms to play.  It's no wonder she is on the road to becoming an interior designer/architect. 

Take my advice, go out and jump in some leaves!!  Make sure you wear padding though; you make hop on a stick.  That could ruin the party for everyone.

 

Today's theme is...NEVER GIVE UP!!  I yell this point, not because I am mad at you, but because I love you. :-)  I actually need to yell at myself right now.  I am just at the 3-week mark when the Philly Half Marathon intends to rock my world.  Yes, it's actually going to happen.  I know...I am surprised too!  I feel completely unprepared.  Will people laugh at me if I have to stop, will they snub me if I can't finish?  (Just like Michael Scott in the 5k race for rabies)  I am nervous, and all I want to do is give up because I don't feel like dealing with any of this.  Then the reality of finishing the race kicks in.  I have come a long way from the beginning of training.  Before training, I was never able to run a mile with out stopping; now I can run 8 miles!!  This is a huge feet for me.  Every time I run, I over come the urge to stop...every run is a small battle.  My body CAN accomplish this run, my dome just wants to be funny and play tricks on me by trying to convince me that I am tired and need to give up.  Giving up would be the easiest thing to do, but the tough part is actually going through with the race.  However, the sweetness here is when I am done, the sense of real accomplishment will be MINE!  Well, until my next race.  What is life without pushing yourself a little??  The only way to find your passions in life is to try things that may make you uneasy.  That's because they are new and exciting.  The only way I can get through this is with my friend WP (shout out to Wayne ooo OOO).  Since he has been through this before, he's been guiding me along the way.  You need to have those friends who can be there when you feel like giving up.  They have a clear, outside perspective, and that's what I need right now.  Sometimes you need a little boost, and your friends and family are there to booster you up!!

 

Last night in Game 5 of the World Series, Philadelphia proved my point of never giving up.   The Phillies are down 3-1, and could easily give up to finish the series...but guess what...THEY WON!!  I was talking to, aheeem, not naming any names, but this person said 'Ahh I'd rather have them just lose this game tonight to get it over with.'  I say "NAY", what's the fun in that??

 

Hold strong in those times when you feel like giving up...try to think in future tense.  Think of how wonderful it will be in the end when you complete the task at hand.  Life isn't all sun and fun, there are times when it gets tough and you must push through.  These experiences will only make you stronger!!  It's so easy sometimes for me to try and give advice...but right now I have to use my words and push forward.  November 22 will be here very fast, and all I can do is prepare as much as possible.  I can't wait till the minute I finish the race, I am sure I will have a great Smile-lution that day :-) 

 

I leave you with this on this BEAUTIFUL fall day...

 

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength."

 

I hope you have a great day!!  Remember to challenge yourself; one day those challenges may become a routine. 

 

Love you!

-Liz Dugan

xoxoxo