You + Me, We Can Take on The World

Years ago, I found this in-depth compatibility horoscope between my husband, an Aquarius and I, a Libra. I still find it to be true today and am thrilled at the endless opportunities we have before us. But more importantly- the endless possibilities and values we will pass onto our son (also, a libra).  I wish I knew the source to give credit! If you find yourself in the same compatibility situation, consider yourself lucky and maximize your strengths together. 

To my rock, you inspire me in more ways I can mention; I love living life with you. 

--

When Libra and Aquarius join in a love match, their relationship can serve to heighten and strengthen both Signs' consciousness. These two connect on a high mental level; they share a love of art, people and culture; they both abhor restrictive influences in their lives. They are likely to get along well because they have such similar needs and will not require more of one another than they're both willing to give. Both Signs are also very energetic, enthusiastic types; this relationship is not likely to become stagnant.

Both Aquarius and Libra are concerned with the betterment of the world and their fellow people. Aquarius is the most progressive thinker of the Zodiac, and they always have a new idea in the works. Libra is the diplomat of the Zodiac; abhorring conflict of any sort, they are born balancers (hence their Symbol, the Scales). Libra's urge to avoid conflict put together with a love of intellectual freedom can lead them to be somewhat indecisive at times; when this happens, more decisive Aquarius can step in and help Libra figure out which direction to turn. Libra can return the favor by smoothing Aquarius's occasionally ruffled feathers that result from the Water Bearer's idealistic thinking sometimes crashing down in the face of reality. 

Libra is ruled by the Planet Venus (Love) and Aquarius is ruled by the Planets Uranus (Rebellion) and Saturn (Karma). This combination of influences can be an interesting and productive one; Libra and Aquarius should certainly take on other projects together than simply their love relationship, because they can make great things happen using their hearts, their urge for progress and their consciousness of the greater good. These two are an extraordinary duo for standing up for social justice or radical change in the community.

Both Libra and Aquarius are Air Signs. They have strong intellectual bonds to one another and constantly stimulate one another's ideas and communication styles and skills. Again, their ability to work together makes it obvious that these two Signs must take on larger projects in their life together -- they should concern themselves with the greater good. Libra can bring a certain balance to any undertaking that almost no other Sign is able to achieve. Aquarius and Libra together will also have many stimulating intellectual discussions about their interests and pursuits. 

Libra is a Cardinal Sign and Aquarius is a Fixed Sign. Libra sets things into motion but may have trouble finishing them, which is what makes Aquarius's determined influence so positive: The Water Bearer has a great deal of follow-through and can take Libra's ideas and run with them to the end. These two work especially well together as they tend not to argue about who does what, who takes credit and who works behind the scenes versus out in the spotlight. 

What's the best aspect of the Libra-Aquarius relationship? Their ability to work together as a team. Together they can learn much more than either Sign would alone. Their accomplishments and love of socializing and new projects make theirs a highly successful relationship.

Love Is About Appreciation

If you love a flower, don’t pick it up. Because if you pick it up it dies and it ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.- Osho 

A Timeless Second.

This project and video brought me to tears.

It's really sad to accept all the bad that happens in the world. You almost can't dwell on it for too long- or the fear itself will consume you. That is why on (most all) my blog entries, I talk about the importance of being grateful, everyday. Take a look at this project by the Mimi Foundation, and count your blessing. You never know what life has in store for us and how fast it can change our reality.

-Daisy

Top Five Regrets of the Dying

I recently watched this clip on TED Talks Life Hacks with Jane McGonigal, a young game designer. It took me a good 5 minutes to warm up to her, and when I did – I just couldn't get enough of her. Her message was right on point and very powerful. It’s eerie to imagine what may go through someone’s mind on their death bed... In her talk, she brought the subject to light with a very eye opening list; the perfect opportunity for us to stop what we are doing and look at our current state in life. Are we happy with who we are /who we are becoming? What’s the point in all of this if we are not happy?

In her speech, she also makes mention that the top five regrets of the dying are also the top accomplishments of those that have experienced a life-changing/traumatic event. Is that what it takes for us to seize the day? Why wait?

Here are the top 5 regrets of the dying:

1. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard
2. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
3. I wish I had let myself be happier
4. I wish I had the courage to express my true self
5. I wish I had lived a life true to my dreams, instead of what others expected of me

Which of these five do you associate yourself with at this very moment? What can you do to course correct the direction of your life? 

'If you don't like where you are, move. You are not a tree.' 

1. You don't HAVE to work like a dog. Find something you love doing, even if its for an hour or two a day.
2. Social media has made it incredibly easy for us to keep in touch with our loved ones, but how about a phone call? Or better yet - face time? REAL physical face time. How many times have you said "we should get together sometime!" ? Do it.
3. Being happy means different things to different people. Don't let someone elses defenition of happiness define yours. What makes you smile? What brings you peace? What makes you forget you have any troubles at all?
4. Being your true self means standing up for something that may go against the grain. Having the courage to go one direction when the masses go the other. Not being a follower. Here is another snippet from TED on what being a leader (or expressing ones true self)- looks like. Even the simplest notions count. 
5. There is no polite way to say this: FUCK what others "expect of you." This is such BS! Living up to someone else's expectations is a trap!! You are your OWN person. You were born to be an individual, not a replica of someones "ideal" you. 

Thank you for your speech, Jane. 

-Dais

Peace In The Present

If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present // lao tzu

Gratitiude Will Set You Free

It's amazing how far a little gratitude can take you. One of my favorite blogs, Tiny Buddha - touches on the subject constantly. "Practice Grattitude" it says, "A sure and quick way to start loving right where you are is to think of all that you have to be grateful for. You can keep a journal, say it in a prayer, or shout it to the sun. When you make a practice of giving thanks, it gets you back in touch with just how amazing right here and now is."

Today, I want to share my gratitude.

There are a few things in life that elate me. One of them is traveling. I have an extreme case of wanderlust. I’ve always had it, but it was kicked into high gear in 2009 when I visited Puerto Rico for the first time. Then it was kicked into turbo in 2011 when I went to Kenya, East Africa. What a wild experience; I came back a completely different person.

Early last year, I set my eyes on Bali, Indonesia as my next big trip. I was determined to go, even if it meant going alone; it had been on my to-do list for far too long.  And so it happened, I booked my flight in April and in October of 2012- I was packing my bags with my best friend, ready for a trip of a lifetime.  

If there was ever a place to have an awakening experience on God’s green earth, it would have to be Bali.  And I’m not just saying that because of the Eat Pray Love craze- I’ve never read the book or seen the movie. It has everything to do with the beautiful island and the genuine good spirit its’ people carry.

I went in search of peace and enlightenment. That is subject to interpretation- for me it meant finding direction as I turned another year older, calming my thoughts, accepting big changes ahead and maybe- finding an answer to my lack of commitment to any particular religion.

I found a lot of things in Bali. Things that are so difficult to put into words. But the day that resonates so clear in my mind is the day I found an enormous sense of gratitude. This was something I had never felt before. I consider myself to be a grateful person- I don’t take my blessings for granted- but this. This was unknown energy that made me shake and weep until I couldn’t cry anymore.

After an action packed day-4 of our vacay, we went to visit the Holy Tanah Lot Temple at sunset. It was. THE MOST. Beautiful sunset I have ever seen in my life. It was peaceful and grand at the same time. I remember watching the sun set as if I had never seen it set before. And as I became present in the moment, it hit me. I was half way around the world, doing what I love most- and slowly, the long list of blessings and accomplishments in my life came pouring over me. (The picture below does no justice to the actual scene.)



Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia


I am not a wealthy person; I live a basic-needs life. I am, however, wealthy in goal achievement, health, love and family. Everything I’ve set out to do I’ve done. From my travels to owning a business, to teaching adults & children and learning to paint. I am living proof that if you set a goal and constantly work towards achieving it- no matter what it may be- you can accomplish it.

Bali was good to me for so many reasons and I accomplished more than I set out to. One of the items on my agenda was to connect with my sponsored child, an orphan living with HIV at the Bali Kids organization. In my previous post I mentioned I am a philanthropist; it is on my few-things-that-elate-me list. Before I booked my trip, I looked into organizations that I could help and/or be a part of during my stay. Luckily, the stars aligned and led me to Bali Kids, which then connected me to Tria and raised the bar on things I am grateful for.  

Tria is the youngest of three children.  Her mother deserted the family when she was still an infant leaving her Father to cope alone.  Apart from the eldest brother, everyone in the family is HIV+.  Tria’s Mother eventually died of Aids but to this day, her Father remains healthy.  He was working full time as a mechanic but was imprisoned for his involvement in a crime. Tria and her middle brother Wahyu are ill due to complications from tuberculosis and HIV. Because of this they were brought to the attention of Bali Kids. Tria is extremely easy going and bright. She is quite brave when it comes to medical matters having her fair share of needles and surgery. 

Now, I understand this story sounds like one in million- one in a billion, maybe- when it comes to orphans in underdeveloped countries. Unfortunately, we (in the US) have grown imune to it and think very little of it- or not enough of it, in order to take action. I believe, in order to wake from this immunity, we must experience a real-life connection for ourselves.

This little girl is amazing. She is a beautiful bright-eyed 7 year old, so gentle and warm hearted- that even though we could not communicate clearly because of the language barrier, we seemed to understand each other very well. After all she's been through, she keeps her head up and continues to be fearless with anything life throws at her. Her demeanor is so full of hope; she has become an inspiration to me. She is learning English right now and hopes to become a doctor one day. I have no doubt she will. I welcomed my 28th birthday with her and the rest of the kids at the orphanage building a Beauty and the Beast puzzle :) It was my best birthday yet. 

 Yesterday, I received a thank you card from her that just melted my heart.

I am so thankful I got the chance to connect with her. I am thankful she is getting the treatment and education she needs. I am thankful I'm in a position to continue supporting her month to month. I am thankful I have an incredible support system in my life: family, friends and mentors that guide me during my most difficult times-and I hope with all my heart to be that support system for Tria one day, whenever-if ever she needs me to.

Be thankful today. Many that have less than you, are thankful too.

-Dais
Learn more about Bali Kids at www.Balikids.org #getinvolved