Reflecting Back on the Beginning

Photo credit:  Angela Gentile

I have been writing "On the Bright Side" for over 3 and a half years.  I started out writing daily. It was a very good way to get me thinking about something positive, every day.  Now, 522 posts later, I find that it is time for me to move on to new things.  As I reflect back, I want to share with you my very first post, unedited.  It makes me remember why I started this blog in the first place.  I believe "Mission has been accomplished".

Here is my very first post that I wrote on March 25, 2010:

********************************************************************************

Why write a blog about the bright side?

I believe there is too much negativity out there in the world. The news is full of disaster, death and grave suffering. I want to provide a place where we can go to discuss and explore the bright side of life. I myself am a born optimist. No matter how bad life can get, I always look for the positive side of things. Call me Pollyanna LOL! There is a great song, called "Always look at the bright side of life" and it was in a popular Monty Python movie called, "Life of Brian". It has a catchy tune, and the chorus persuades us to, "always look on the bright side of life...always look on the light side of life", by Eric Idle. Imagine not being affected by all the negativity in life. Wouldn't it be great to live in a world free of violence and suffering? Don't get me wrong, I know that this world if full of grief and misery, it's just that I choose to avoid it and focus on the positive. I believe that what you focus on expands, therefore, I choose to focus on happiness and joy. Health Canada reports that about 11% of men and 16% of women in Canada will experience major depression in the course of their lives. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we have to work on keeping ourselves healthy in both body and mind. Combating negativity can only be done by focusing on the positive and my blogs are going to help us do that. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you and look forward to hearing from you as well.

Cheerio!

Angela Gentile

*******************************************************************************

To all my beloved readers and friends,

I wish you well in all you do, and as I move on to new adventures, I leave here all my posts for you and others to enjoy.  I will still be responding and managing as required.  I may post the odd thing here or there, but it won't be on a regular basis that's for sure.

I am turning my interests towards "Aging Well for Women".  You can follow me there, on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/AgingWellforWomen.

Always look on the bright side of life!

Sincerely,

Angela G. Gentile

What is Your Five-Year Plan?

Personal goal setting is a topic that I have talked about in the past.  I am the type of person that likes to have goals and I am motivated by having a meaningful purpose in my life.  On occasion, I can become overwhelmed with a lot of things going on, and I lose my focus.

Recently, I have revisited the topic of Personal Goal Setting.  I have found a great article that I will be using to help me set up my personal goals.

The article is on a website called Mind Tools and it is called, Personal Goal Setting:  Planning to Live Your Life Your Way.  It includes a very detailed description of how to go about determining goals. If you sign up for their newsletters, you will receive a free 20 page eBook called, "Goal Setting Toolkit".  It is quite detailed and motivating.

I once heard someone say their doctor asked them, "What is your 5-year plan?".  I think it's a good idea to have some direction, especially for those of us that are easily led off-track.  The types of goals that can be made are things like financial, educational, occupational, artistic, travel, relationships, etc.

I look forward to reviewing this information and formulating my 5-year plan.  I am pretty sure it will include finishing my Master of Social Work degree, travelling to Costa Rica and New York, writing a book on Aging Well and paying off all my debt.  These are also on my bucket list.

Try it for yourself and let me know how it goes.

Have an awesome day!

Angela G. Gentile

www.AngelaGGentile.com

Old Year's Accomplishments...New Year's Goals

At this time of year, I like to look back on what I have accomplished over the year.  I like to reflect on special family events, travel, acquisitions, changes, accomplishments and all things that are positive.  I like to take a few moments to "take stock", "count my blessings", and list all the things I am grateful for.  I am careful not to take anything for granted.

Looking forward, at the dawning of the new year, I also like to consider those things that I would like to focus on.  Improvements, setting goals, personal growth and achievements are all part of my new year's goals.  "New Year's Resolutions" is also another name for these goals that are set for the upcoming year.

Gyms are always full of people trying to lose some weight in the early part of the year, so it's important to keep up a healthy, active lifestyle all year long.  It takes about three weeks to make a habit, so if you are trying to make a healthy lifestyle change, try to keep it up for at least 21 days. You have a better chance of keeping up with your new goals.

I've heard it said, "It's not what you eat between Christmas and New Year's - It's what you eat between New Year's and Christmas".  Sure - it pays to be careful with not overdoing it at holiday time, but it's important to keep that mentality going ALL year long.

There are many kinds of goals and resolutions that can be made at this time of year.  One of my goals is related to finances.  Another goal is related to writing and completing my book.

Take some time to reflect on your Old Year's Accomplishments, and make some New Year's Goals for yourself.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy new year!

Angela Gentile

Follow Your Dream

I have started writing a book.

I have a new dream and passion these days.  As of January 3, 2011, I have started writing a book.  There is a book inside of me, and it's just bursting to get out.  It is going to be about AGING.  I am very excited to put together all my new knowledge and many years of experience (both personal and professional) on the subject of aging and put it into a book.  It will appeal to those middle-aged and beyond.  I have started working on an Introduction, a Table of Contents, and I have been asking people to complete a survey on what their thoughts, feelings and opinions are on aging.  I have also registered for an online book writing course that I am very excited about.

I have been pleasantly surprised by all the support and interest that has been generated over the last few days.  I have always dreamed of being an author, and I feel this is my time.

Follow your dreams, fuel your passion, and soar with creativity.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Top Ten New Year's Resolutions

As a new year approaches, it is a time of year when people all over the world think about what they would like to do to improve themselves, starting January 1.  For some ideas, I found this list on Squidoo.com, and it lists The Top Ten New Years Resolutions for 2011 - Trying to Improve, and I agree that many of these resolutions should be on my list, too. 

The Top Ten Resolutions List:

 

1.  Stop Smoking

2.  Get into a Habit of Being Fit

3.  Lose Weight - the Battle of the Bulge

4.  Enjoy Life More

5.  Quit Drinking

6.  Organize Yourself - This is one of the keys to reaching your goals

7.  Learn Something New

8.  Get Out of Debt

9.  Spend More Time With Family

10.  Help People

I also found this great YouTube video from CBS on Making New Year's Resolutions Stick, and wanted to share it here. 

What are your resolutions?

Good luck!

~ Angela Gentile

Her Next Chapter is Her OWN - What's Yours?

"Let this be the year you release your fears about what you can achieve. Know for sure what you want and be willing to give yourself what you need to get it." -- Oprah

I picked up the January 2011 issue of  "O - The Oprah Magazine"  the other day.  The title on the front page intrigued me - "What's Your Next Chapter?".  Oprah Winfrey has had a talk show for 25 years and she is moving on to a new venture.  In the interview with O Editor in Chief Susan Casey, Oprah talks about her 18-year-journey to have her own network.  She said she wrote in her journal in 1992 that her partner Stedman had said to her, "Why don't you own your own network?".  She sat with the idea and thought of the letters OWN - standing for the Oprah Winfrey Network.  That was when the seed was planted.  She goes on to say in the article how she was looking for "signs and signals" and over the next 18 years this idea grew and now is ready to sprout.  She wants OWN to do what The Oprah Winfrey Show and her O Magazine have done for years - inspire and entertain.  It will be a channel filled with creative, meaningful, and mindful programming.  January 1, 2011 marks the beginning of her new chapter - the Oprah Winfrey Network.  With programming 24/7/365 she even admits they have a lot of work ahead of them.

"I would like for people to have that space to go to. A breathing space -

where you knew that something would always be there to fill you." -- Oprah

"Everything you've ever done prepares you for all that you can do and be.  

So I move forward to start a new chapter with the lessons I've learned 

and the strength I've gained."  -- Oprah

Oprah inspires me to "live my best life".  She has touched the lives and hearts of many all over the world.  She has encouraged people to think about "What's your next chapter?" As we head into a new year, it's a really good time to look at our lives from a fresh perspective and think about how we want to live our best life. What's your next chapter?

"Once you clarify your purpose for doing something, 

the way to do it becomes clear." -- Oprah

Why Oprah decided to start her OWN Network.  See the complete article here: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Oprah-Winfrey-Network-Sneak-Preview/1

Cheers!

~ Angela Gentile

Top Ten Tips for Living Joyfully

Deb Dawson-Dunn owns a business called, "Get it Dunn".  She helps people reconnect with themselves.  She is a professional coach and speaker.   She has some great resources on her website, and there is a "Free Stuff" section.  In this section, is a tip sheet.  She calls it:

Top Ten Tips for Living Joyfully!

Breathe
Deep breathing calms you down, frees up your energy, 

and keeps you in the present moment. 

The present is where you will also find joy.

Treat Yourself Like a Most Valuable Person (MVP)
Beating yourself down and berating yourself is not motivating.   

Instead always treat yourself with gentleness and loving kindness.   

Take care of your needs, speak lovingly to yourself 

and spend your time with others who treat you beautifully.

Focus Your Thoughts
Are you focused on what you want, what you like and what brings you joy?   

Your actions follow your thoughts so the more you focus on what you want, 

the more likely you are to take actions that will lead you to joyful living.

Be still
Spend some time everyday doing nothing.  Get quiet.  Be still.   

Just for a few minutes and notice how your day gets lighter. 

Laugh Daily
Find something to laugh about everyday.   

Laughter releases endorphins and increases oxygen flow 

both of which help your body feel better.

Listen to Your Heart
Your heart is wise and holds answers and guidance for you and your life. 

 Take the time to listen closely and then take action

on what your heart desires for you.

Take Baby Steps Towards Your Dreams
The tiniest steps eventually add up to big results.   

Make one phone call, read one paragraph, 

talk to one person about your dream

and soon your joyful dream will be accomplished.

Move Your Body
When you are stuck mentally, emotionally or spiritually get up and move.   

Shake your leg, go for a walk, do a forward bend.  

 Moving your body will move your energy 

which will get you moving and feeling lighter.

Cultivate Your Creativity
When you were a child, you created mud pies and 

lopsided popsicle stick houses and it was an expression of

who you were at that moment.  Connect with your creativity regularly

simply for the fun of creating.  Notice how this joyful energy weaves through your day.

Be Authentic
Discover who you truly are and stay connected to your truest self. 

It’s a much easier and more joyful way to live.

I love her philosophy, and really like the messages she gives.  She also shares a free 2-minute meditation.  It is quick and painless and helps us learn how to slow down.  If you want to learn more about Deb Dawson-Dunn, please visit her website at: http://www.getitdunn.ca/ 

Have a joy-filled day!

~ Angela Gentile

Affirmations Bring About Positive Results

Affirmations are statements that you can read to yourself to help you achieve goals and help you keep focused on what's important to you.  I have used Affirmations to help me reach weight loss and fitness goals and I wanted to share with you a list of Affirmative statements that you may want to use in your weight loss or fitness journey.  

It's important to read the statements either to yourself or out loud on a daily basis, at least once (more is better) and to put some enthusiasm into what you're reading so you can start believing what you are reading to be true.  Our thoughts manifest into actions, and it's important to stay positive and focused when you have goals.  Trying to keep those negative, self-defeating thoughts out of our heads can be difficult, and this is our best line of defense.  It's okay to have those negative thoughts (we all do), but in order to rise above, we have to acknowledge them, then counteract with positive and productive thoughts and beliefs.  

Affirmations can be used for all types of things, but here I am focusing on weight management and fitness.  Please feel free to copy and adapt these affirmations to suit your situation, and look forward to moving towards achieving your healthy weight and physical fitness.  It's a good idea to print off your list, and post it in a place where you can see it regularly.  I put mine in the bathroom. 

 Affirmations ♥

I am getting to my perfect weight effortlessly and easily.

I picture myself at my perfect weight.

My body burns fat like a furnace.

My body is getting stronger, slimmer, and healthier every day.

I choose to be healthy, fit and full of energy.

I picture myself as a fit, happy, healthy person.

I love feeling this good.

Losing weight is fun.

I love challenges and embrace them.

I do everything I need to do to achieve my healthy weight.

I am encouraged by every success.

I fill all physical appetites in physically healthy ways.

I respect my body and treat it with respect.

Fitness:

I exercise because it makes me feel fit and fantastic.

I love going to the gym and moving my body and keeping my heart and muscles strong.

I am fit.

I choose to exercise regularly.

I am building lean muscle and losing unwanted fat.

I exercise because it makes me feel good.

I like long walks.

Nutrition:

I take my vitamins daily.

I love the foods that makes me thin. 

I eat moderately and pay attention to what I put in my mouth.

I drink lots of pure, fresh water.

Healthy foods taste delicious.

My appetite (and body) requires only a small amount of food to stay healthy.

I am in control of the foods I choose to eat.

I choose nourishing, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.

I think before eating.

Healthy foods taste better.

Developing healthy eating habits is becoming easier each day.

I am willing to change my eating habits and I do so easily.

I am aware of my eating habits and how they affect my weight.

I have a positive attitude about what I eat, how I eat, and when I eat.

Ideal Weight:

I am feeling thinner today.
I'm losing weight now.
I look and feel lighter today.

Losing weight is effortless.
I am going to fit into the next size smaller any minute.

My clothes fit comfortably.

I look good in my new clothes because I am the perfect weight for me.

I am the perfect weight for me.

Whenever I step on the scale, I see I have lost some weight.

I have the willpower to persevere with my goal until I have reached my target weight.

I am closer to achieving my weight loss goals.

I easily shed all my excess weight.

Losing weight comes naturally to me.

I will lose weight systematically and keep it off permanently.

I am enjoying the process of reaching a healthy weight.

I see myself achieving my healthy weight.

I have non-stop daily determination to reach my healthy weight.

It is easy for me to stay on my plan to obtain my healthy weight.

Mental Health:
I'm enjoying how I'm feeling now.
I love the feeling of making progress.
I'm making things easy for myself now.
I choose to be respectful and gentle with myself.

I accept and love my body as it is, and work to make it better

I love myself and want to take care of my body and be proud of it.

Physical Health:
I enjoy being healthy.
I choose to make positive healthy choices for myself.

I choose to live a long and healthy life.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Setting Goals

"People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine." -- Brian Tracy


Have you thought about what your goals are in life?  Had you had a chance to sit down and write them out?  Many of us who feel stuck sometimes are not sure how to go about making some changes in our lives.  I remember back in University in one of my Family Studies courses, I had to complete an assignment about life goals and priorities, and how I was going to go about achieving those goals.  It was a great exercise, and every now and then I reflect on that experience.  I think the time has come again to start reflecting on life goals and this time it may include some reflection on "inner self-fulfillment". 


Please take a moment to hear Brian Tracy's version of how to achieve one goal in 24 hours and see if this could help you get a little more focussed on what is important to you.  Brian Tracy is a best selling author and professional speaker that has helped more than 4 million people achieve their goals.




If your browser doesn't support this, go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iDbs3vh6KM

To learn more about Brian Tracy, go to this link: http://www.briantracy.com/aboutus.aspx?ssid=8e281df8-9983-4ad0-ae33-898ae5684760

Have an awesome day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Sport of Shopping

Shopping can be compared to hunting and fishing.  All three are a form of sport. 

I had been borrowing my friend's white jean jacket (WJJ) for a couple of years, and I started feeling a little guilty for having it for so long that I started looking for one of my own.  I had not been successful, but decided that it was time to return this much enjoyed jacket to her.

The need to get a new WJJ was even stronger because I had returned the one that I had grown to count on.  A WJJ in my opinion is much more versatile than a plain old blue denim one and it just suits me better.  I was determined to get one of my very own.  The serious hunt was on.

Every store that I went to that would have sold this infamous product were "Sold out" ; or I was told, "We just sold the last one", or "They went so fast".  For those of you that had a WJJ, I envied you.  So I asked some of these sales clerks, "So what time of the year should I come back to get one of these WJJ?".  Sometimes they said "Early spring", sometimes they said "Fall".  Needless to say I was starting to lose hope.

We took a summer trip to the United States, and while in Rapid City, South Dakota, we visited the "Eddie Bauer" store in the Rushmore Mall.  I was excited when I spotted a WJJ on the sales lady.  I asked her, "Do you have any more of those jackets? Like the one you are wearing?"  She replied with, "No, I am sorry, we are all sold out".  She could see my disappointment and responded cheerfully with, "But you can probably find it online.  Here, try mine on for size if you'd like".  She gestured that she was about to remove her WJJ, but I found it would have been very awkward to have taken the shirt off her back.  So I graciously declined her offer.  I left the store disappointed, once again, but now hopeful that maybe I was getting closer to the great catch.

A few days later we stopped at the West Acres Mall in Fargo, North Dakota, and there was an "Eddie Bauer" store there, too.  When I arrived, I asked the sales clerk if they had any more WJJ.  She said they had one, and she searched for it for a minute.  She then declared, "We must have sold it".  She apologized and she too sensed my disappointment.  Another miss.  I left the store empty handed.

We continued to shop in the mall for a bit, and again ended up at the "Eddie Bauer" store.  My husband was trying on some clothes, so I decided to take a look around to see what was on the sales rack.  I found a little blue tank top, that I decided I might buy.  Right before we were going to leave, I decided to check on the clearance rack for any other deals.

Wouldn't you know it?  A single WJJ was waiting there for me on the clearance rack!  It was gleaming white.  In my size!  I mentioned to a different sales clerk that I had been in earlier and was told there were none left.  She replied, "This jacket just came back as a return".  What timing!

As I pulled it off the rack, it seemed like time started going in slow motion.  I was reeling it in.  The feel of this WJJ, the weight of it, the look of it, was more than I had expected.  It was the "perfect catch"!   I pulled it off the hanger, much like a fisherman pulls the hook from the fish.  My heart was doing flips. I put it on, and it fit me perfectly.  It felt like a big hug, this WJJ surrounding me in all it's comfort and glory.  I was elated.  I was smiling ear-to-ear, and I called over to my husband.  "I found my jacket!"  I showed him my new find as I stood proudly.  Much like a hunter or a fisherman with his trophy catch.

No matter what anyone says, shopping is a sport much like hunting and fishing.  The thrill of the hunt, the anticipation of the find, and showing off the results of your efforts is similar in hunting and fishing.  The ammunition or bait for shopping is a good pair of shoes, a keen sense of sight, and a credit card.  Sometimes you do really well, and other times you come home empty handed.  But the stories you will tell!

Do you have any shopping stories like this?  Or are you currently on the hunt?  If so, happy hunting!

~ Angela Gentile

The Glory of Success

"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you." 

-- Anonymous

What is success, seriously?  Success is achieving a goal that you've been working on.  It's getting it right, after many times of getting it wrong.  It's a journey, not a destination.

I'll share a little personal story.  Over the last year and a half, I have been working on getting a new job.  I had been in my current position for 10 years, and it was time for me to move on.  I had applied for many jobs, had many interviews, but nothing seemed to "fit" right with me.  I was starting to get discouraged, but I persisted.  My family and friends encouraged me to keep going, providing me with lots of support. 
I was on the roller coaster of life, lots of ups and downs.  They were there every step of the way. Finally, it all paid off.  I have found a new job, and I consider this a success.  My "Career Shift" success.

The moral of this story is that it takes a lot of hard work, persistence, and focussing on your goals to get to where you want to be.  The journey of success continues, and it often pays off to do your very best.  Being grateful for your accomplishments and realized goals keeps you on the track of continued success.  This is a glorious feeling and it is important to celebrate these times in our lives.

I hope you feel successful in your life, and if you are working on new goals and accomplishments, I wish that all the support and encouragement you need comes your way to help you keep focussed and positive.

Sincerely,

~ Angela Gentile

What's on Your Bucket List?

I saw a movie a few years ago, called, The Bucket List. It was about two older men who had terminal illnesses, and decided to do the things they wanted to do before they died, or "kicked the bucket".  It was a great, fun movie. I have a list of things I'd like to do in my life time (my life goals/dreams) and I often look at this list and see where I am at.  My list changes every year or two, so I have to review it and update it. Do you have a "bucket list"?  I'll share mine here in hopes of giving you some ideas if you haven't done one yet:

My Bucket List – April 2010*

- See Madonna Live in Concert (Done - Nov. 3, 2012 St. Paul)
- Spend a romantic week (or two!) in Paris (done August 2011)
- Go to New York (done August 2014)
- Swim with the dolphins (done Feb. 2010)
- Go on a hot air balloon ride (done August 2012)
- Sailing (done Aug 2014)
- Get a Master of Social Work degree (Completed October 2014)
- Write a book on Aging Well
- Celebrate my 25th Wedding Anniversary
- Go to Costa Rica (Done 2015)
- Go to Hawaii (a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line?)
- Own a corvette
- Pay off all debt
- Take a photography course
- Ride on a hovercraft
- Move to a bungalow
- Watch my children graduate from high school (one down, one to go!)
- Watch my children graduate from college/university
- Watch my children get married
- Celebrate my 50th Wedding Anniversary


Life is short and you have to enjoy every day. Focus on the positive and count your blessings.  Achieving your own goals and dreams can help you feel happier. Have a happy day!

“Happiness is what you feel when what you want to happen happens.”

- Angela G. Gentile

*Updated 06 Sep 2014.