Happiness is . . .

Happiness for me is snuggling beside Thomas and talking with him or reading a book with him. Happiness is when he asks to give me a hug and tells me “thank you” for making it better. Happiness is experiencing his excitement and his sense of wonder and awe. Happiness is holding his hand in mine. Happiness is dancing with him. Happiness is over hearing him repeat my shared “words of wisdom” when I least expect it.

Happiness for me is Lillian’s beautiful warm sparkly smile. Happiness is when she exudes pride in her accomplishments. Happiness is touching her beautiful hair. Happiness is sitting next to her and reading. Happiness is her excitement when I pull myself away from the computer and focus on an activity with her. Happiness is her love of books and the library. Happiness is her concern and empathy for others.

Happiness for me is our traditional Team TLC Saturday movie night. Happiness is when Thomas and Lillian show their love for one another. Happiness is seeing Thomas helping Lillian. Happiness is watching the two of them play together. Happiness is a quiet moment with my kids. Happiness is the Team TLC adventures we experience. Happiness is taking pictures of my kids. Happiness is spending time with my Mama and step-father, Frank. Happiness is a warm, hardy, loving hug from a friend. Happiness is spending time with my friends.

Happiness for me is quiet alone time. Happiness is reading my favorite book. Happiness is feeling the sun drench my body in warmth. Happiness is gazing at the moon and stars. Happiness is feeling a light breeze brush across my cheeks. Happiness is nature, the landscape and the peaceful sense of awe I receive from it. Happiness is my comfy slippers. Happiness is making an anonymous kind gesture. Happiness is smiling at others. Happiness is taking pictures of nature. Happiness is the smell of bacon frying in the morning. Happiness is dark chocolate. Happiness is indulging in my favorite foods. Happiness is a good homemade Bloody Mary. Happiness is a taste bud pleasing dark lager. Happiness is a warm, crackling, cozy fire. Happiness is a balmy sandy beach. Happiness is the memory of both my Mammaws, Elnor Downs and Estelle Mann. Happiness is writing. Happiness is sharing my life with others. Happiness is inspiring others.

What is happiness for you? Why not make your own Happiness List . . . it’s good for the soul . . .

This article is now part of my inventory in Inspired Living.  

I enjoy taking the time to share information with y’all that I think is helpful and give you ideas to live an Inspired Life. So, if you feel this helped you in any way, toss a tip into the tip bowl on the way out of Inspired Living.

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If you can’t afford to donate, please feel free to pass this article along to others who might get some help from it. Thank y’all to everyone who has donated and shared in the past. I don’t always get a chance to respond, and the donations, shares and comments are my indicators that what I share is helpful. Thank YOU!


Imagination

“I’m having so much fun I wish I could stay 5 years old forever!”Thomas Darnell

We only get each day ONE time – no do overs allowed! Might as well enjoy the heck out of em! Hope each of y’all takes an opportunity today to have the imagination of a 5 year old!!

 

Purging, Weight Loss, and Writing a Book

Ever have a hunch, a gut feeling, something telling you to do something right this very minute? Around July 1, 2011, I had an urge and a little voice telling me I needed to purge boxes in my garage. I wrote about it here.  Some of these boxes had been packed since my separation in 2006.

I was feeling {an extremely strong feeling and longing] the need to simplify . . . get rid of stuff. I fought it though and kept making excuses as to why I could not do it right this minute. Too busy with other stuff, ya know. The feeling got stronger and stronger and the voice got louder and louder until I finally listened.

In the first few boxes I unpacked, I came across a book that I had completely forgotten about and had never read.  That book is titled “E is for Entrepreneur” and it’s author is Barbara Hranivolich. I opened the book and inscribed on the first page was a message to me from Barb. It reads, “This never would have happened without you.”

I had completely forgotten that in 2007 I connected with Barb online and asked her if she would like to be a contributor on a blog I had at the time for women entrepreneurs. She began an alphabet series to tie in with being an entrepreneur.  I read the book that night and discovered that Barb mentioned me in the C is for Collaboration chapter of the book also.  She wrote, “There’s the woman I’ve never met in person, but who asked me to write these essays for her blog. What a gift!”  Lastly, Barb included my name on her Gratitude List in the book.  WOW!!  What a powerful gift for me to receive!

For the past year and a half I have had the intention of writing a book and it had not materialized. I sat down and read Barb’s book and a few seconds after finishing the book, I had another urge, a spark of inspiration . . . yes, that gut feeling. THIS is how my first book was to be structured.  I began to write this book the next morning.  I started to get up earlier than I had been and wrote a section every morning.  I delivered the first draft to my editor and a few “reviewer” friends on Friday, September 9, 2011.

“D iz for Different” is the title with a subtitle of “One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance”.  It’s a memoir of how I came to accept myself and processed and accepted my function as parent to a child with special needs. Intertwined with how I have to come to think the way in which I do and live my life the way in which I do.

The book will be available in November 2011 at the latest; although I’m shooting for October 2011.  I’ve received an endorsement for my book from Jim Stovall, author of “The Ultimate Gift” which was also a movie.  I am grateful beyond words to Mr. Stovall and my heart and soul are warm and joyful for his kind words.

“As a blind person myself, I understand the challenge and blessing of doing things differently. In this book, Camilla shares her journey with Lillian which will help us all do more, give more, and be more.” Jim Stovall, Emmy-award Winner, Best-selling author, The Ultimate Gift

Not only that, I continued to purge in my garage, in my house and in my body.  I have lost 23 pounds while writing this book and purging and simplifying.  Disgust . . . that’s what did it.  I was just plain disgusted with myself for having gained that weight over the last two years.  I’d had enough, gosh darn it.  So I just quit eating so darn much! I didn’t realize how much food I was eating.

I still eat all my favorite {junk} foods.  I did not deprive myself of anything I enjoy drinking or eating.  I simply ate and do eat less of it.  Instead of eating half a bag of chips, I eat one serving.  I still indulge in Dorinda’s chocolate when I have access to it and still have one or two Dove dark chocolates every day.  I still drink dark lager beers like Guinness and Buckbean’s Black Noddy, still drink wine and still have a Bloody Mary and Dirty Martini when the occasion calls for it!  I still eat ice cream, hot dogs, pizza and pasta . . . I just eat less of it.

*May 2018 Update* – I still love dark chocolate!! However, when I overhauled the way my family and I eat in 2012, I discontinued purchasing anything with artificial flavorings, colorings, dyes, and high fructose corn syrup. So, we eat Trader Joe’s brand dark chocolate these days. I no longer drink alcoholic beverages. I think it’s been nearly 2 years in that regard. And, I’m nearly at two years of being vegetarian also.

I also made one more major shift and change during this Purge Palooza.  I think I’m gonna save that for another blog post.  My gut’s saying to wait just a little longer on sharing that one!!

It is an indescribable feeling and my hope and the reason I share this with you is for each and every one of you to experience listening to your gut and hunches.  You just never know what will come of it . . . Although, I bet you’ll find it’s exactly what you wanted . . . .

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Amazing news! My 16 year old daughter, Lillian Darnell’s debut book, “Where Would You Fly and Other Magical Stories” is published. Learn more and order here

Wonderfully exciting news! My 12 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

And my book published in 2012, D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance; which reached #2 in the Self-Help Category and #1 in Special Needs Parenting on Amazon.

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The Past

“Let the past be a servant for making the future both more enjoyable and profitable.” From “The Seasons of Life” by Jim Rohn

– My hope for each of you today is that you let go of at least one issue, friend or event from your past and enjoy TODAY! –

Enthusiasm

“You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the spark in your eye, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of your will and energy to execute your ideas . . . Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress!” Henry Ford

May each of you let your enthusiasm shine today!!

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Movie Musings: The Treasure Seekers

I now review movies on our Team TLC websitego here if you want to see more.

★★★★★

June 4, 2011, was movie night for Team TLC. We have a Saturday tradition of watching a movie together in my bedroom making full use of this fancy projector I use for teaching my Social Media workshops.

We get our movies from our local library, South Valleys Library, so most of them are a few years old to really really old! Which actually adds to the adventure of it all in my eyes.  I love popping that DVD in, not knowing what it holds and at the same time knowing it will be 5 year old and 9 year old friendly.  Ya see, I just don’t much care for MANY of the new and newer movies – with a few exceptions.

The Treasure Seekers (amazon affiliate link) was my choice for us tonight.  It’s setting is English Victorian Age and this movie had me hooked from the moment it began.  I loved everything about it. I have not read the book of the same name authored by E. Nesbit; but from what I’ve seen on Amazon this film is loosely based on the book.  Fine by me as I adored this movie.  Thomas and Lillian both sat still and watched the entire movie.  And, actually, they are always happy with what I have chosen. Thomas was a tad bit disappointed as he thought they would literally be searching for treasure.

I saw some of my little family in the Bastable family. A single (widowed) entrepreneur/inventor dad with piles of unpaid bills.  In addition to an olden day loan shark who holds the mortgage on the Bastable home threatening to take the home in seven days. I found this movie to be very inspiring. In addition to holding a message to continue on the journey one has chosen no matter what others think or how uncomfortable it may get along the way. To have faith and NOT give up, especially when it seems that there are no options, choices or hope left.

The Bastable family worked with one another as a team – sometimes on the sly.  The kids were attempting to help Dad every second of the way. Even though throughout the movie their attempts backfired.

 

The Treasure Seekers is a family movie night must in my opinion. It gets 5 stars from me – family friendly, motivating, inspiring and FUN!

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This article is now part of my inventory in Inspired Living.  

I enjoy taking the time to share information with y’all that I think is helpful and give you ideas to live an Inspired Life. So, if you feel this helped you in any way, toss a tip into the tip bowl on the way out of Inspired Living.

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If you can’t afford to donate, please feel free to pass this article along to others who might get some help from it. Thank y’all to everyone who has donated and shared in the past. I don’t always get a chance to respond, and the donations, shares and comments are my indicators that what I share is helpful. Thank YOU!


The Shift that Happens

Reno Rainbow

I’ve been a member of Reno Downtowner’s Toastmaster’s Club for about a year now.  I originally joined as I wanted to improve my speaking skills and be in a comfortable environment amongst others who were improving themselves and wanted to help fellow members do the same.

Lately, I find myself so busy that I have this recurring thought that I just don’t have the time to keep going every week.  Toastmaster’s clubs meet once a week for an hour.  I get myself to the meeting in spite of this thought telling me I don’t have time and EVERY single time I do this, that particular Toastmaster’s meeting is out of this world and I know I was meant to be there and be a part of the speeches, discussions and table topics.

Last Tuesday, May 24, 2011 was no exception.  First, I was chosen during table topics.  For those that don’t know, table topics are to help you speak off the cuff, spur of the moment without any preparation.  The table topics master makes a statement of 5 words or less and chooses another member to speak for at least a minute about the statement they just delivered.

I was chosen to speak about the word “If”.  Having just had a speaker the previous Wednesday at our eWomenNetworking Dinner event whose topic was Going with Your Gut, I tied the word “if” with that message.  See, this is the thing, that Go with Your Gut message was very timely and hit home with me.  I have just recently made a HUGE decision involving my daughter and her education by way of going with MY gut.  This was another little reminder for me to nevermind the “What if’s” and pay attention to my gut!

Following that, we had two amazing speeches.  One based on Giving Thanks which had as it’s foundation the speakers own story which was very moving and one that I identified with on many levels!  Next speech had to do with finding our own point of power. WOW!  Again, based on the speakers own story and definitely packed a powerful message.  This was a meeting I was just supposed to be in attendance.

Attending and being a member of Reno Downtowner’s Toastmasters Club has shifted to mean more than why I originally joined the club.  One never knows what will happen or shift for us when we choose to show up. I certainly felt a shift occurring for several other members when they were privy to some of our very own stories.

Have you joined any organizations or attended events for a certain reason and then find that reason shifting at some point? Would love to hear about it!

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This article is now part of my inventory in Inspired Living.  

I enjoy taking the time to share information with y’all that I think is helpful and give you ideas to live an Inspired Life. So, if you feel this helped you in any way, toss a tip into the tip bowl on the way out of Inspired Living.

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If you can’t afford to donate, please feel free to pass this article along to others who might get some help from it. Thank y’all to everyone who has donated and shared in the past. I don’t always get a chance to respond, and the donations, shares and comments are my indicators that what I share is helpful. Thank YOU!


Dares, Choices and Changing the World

(Based on a Toastmaster’s Speech I delivered today, April 5, 2011)

Three concepts for all of us to ponder . . .  The first concept is that of choices.

Do you live each day thinking, “Well, I’ve got to do this and I’ve got to do that”.  Or, “I’ve got no choice in the matter?”  Or, do you live each day thinking, “If I choose this one, then this will happen and if I choose this one, then that will happen.”  I CHOOSE this! Do you say “I HAVE to do this, that or the other” or do you say “I WANT to do this that or the other”?

A poem to share with you –

“Happiness”

Life is so happy, it makes me cry.
And I cannot, tell a lie on April Fools.
The point is that you will have a non stop lovable brain.
And it has our choices in it.

Now, I think this is an absolutely beautiful and powerful poem! I may be a bit prejudiced, though, as my 9 year old daughter, Lillian Darnell, wrote it this past Friday, April 1, 2011. I’d like to share why I think, partly anyway, that Lillian created this poem.

Lillian received an email from a family member with the following statement, “I often feel like I have no choice” .  I disagree with this attitude and felt the need to share that with Lillian.  I explained to her that each of us ALWAYS has a choice.  No matter what decision we are faced with making, no matter what situation or circumstance, we always get to choose. There are consequences to accompany whatever we decide; but we get to make that choice.

I believe it’s not even which choice you make that matters as much as what you do with your choice after you have made it.  Once we make a choice, we should then make it the right choice! She really took my point of view to heart and mind.

Choices – one concept to ponder . . .  Which leads me to the second concept of Changing the World.

What are you doing to contribute to our World – whether it’s changing it for the better or adding to it for the better? I’m not meaning or saying we all have to be an Einstein, Earhart, Branson or Buffet. What I mean is in your own way – what has meaning to YOU!

Do you wake up every morning and conform?  Are you doing the same thing day in and day out – doing something that means absolutely nothing to you?  Or are you waking up thinking, “Hot Darn! Another day to work towards my goal.  Another day to enjoy the heck out of while I’m working my way to that goal.  Another day to squeeze every ounce of joy, love and happiness out of!”

Two concepts to ponder – Choices and Changing the World.  Now to wrap those two concepts up and give them a nice foundation with three words – I Dare You!

I Dare you to retrain your mind and thought habits about thinking you have no choice in matters.  You have a CHOICE with every single decision that involves you. I Dare you to do what you want to do with your life. I dare you to not conform.  I dare you to stop doing it the way everybody else is doing it cause that’s the way its always been done.  I dare you to have FAITH in yourself and what your gut or your intuition is telling you should be doing in this World! I dare you to be Different!

The thing is if we look back at our history and even our present, and look at the people who are successful at doing what it is they know they were meant to do; there is ONE common thread amongst them.  I’m talking about the creators, the innovators and those that change the world.  Race does not matter and gender does not matter.  That common thread is that they were and are DIFFERENT.  In the beginning everyone around them whispers or even says aloud, “(S)he’s weird – (s)he’s different – what’s wrong with that person?”

It is my belief that each and every one of us is different in our own unique and special way.  I think way too many of us cram that different part of us back down saying “Get back in there, You’re making me look weird, You’re making me look different.”  It’s time to uncork that different aspect within us and share with those around us for the benefit of ourselves and the world.  Amazing events will and must occur when we do this!

Just some concepts for us to ponder . . . I Dare You to Make Choices and Then Make Them the Right Choices, I Dare You to Change the World, I Dare You to be Different!

Another Lillian poem to leave you with –

“Pretty Flowers”

A poem is a sweet brainer.
You listen to music.
And the point is that your creative brain is a bank.
And listen to it.
I love you a lot, of pretty flowers.

(This post and speech were inspired in part by Earl Nightingale’s, “The Strangest Secret“{amazon affiliate link}, and William Danforth’s book titled “I Dare You“{amazon affiliate link})

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This article is now part of my inventory in Inspired Living.  

I enjoy taking the time to share information with y’all that I think is helpful and give you ideas to live an Inspired Life. So, if you feel this helped you in any way, toss a tip into the tip bowl on the way out of Inspired Living.

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If you can’t afford to donate, please feel free to pass this article along to others who might get some help from it. Thank y’all to everyone who has donated and shared in the past. I don’t always get a chance to respond, and the donations, shares and comments are my indicators that what I share is helpful. Thank YOU!


Showing Up Can Change Your Life

Awesome Reno eWomenNetwork Members Who Showed Up!!

It’s changing mine! I attended the 10th Anniversary eWomenNetwork International conference July 15th – 18th in Dallas and now I’m taking my life, my passion and my heart to the next level.  And, I have accountability partners and mentors to keep me on track and give me a hand if I stumble.  This was the 3rd year I have attended the eWomenNetwork conference and the speakers and break out sessions just keep getting better and better.  Zig Ziglar and Lisa Nichols all at one conference!! Amazing!

I don’t believe there are any words I could use or any way I could describe the eWomenNetwork conferences.  The positive energy and good vibes that fill the air and permeate every little nook and cranny is exhilarating!  I believe there were about 30 of us that attended from the Reno eWomenNetwork chapter.  We met for a pre conference mastermind lunch to discuss and set forth each of our intentions for attending the conference.  This was an amazing experience; reinforced at the conference as many of our intentions were realized.  We’re talking goose bumpy stuff here y’all!

2010 eWomenNetwork Lifetime Achievement Award ~ Zig Ziglar

The thing is, how on earth do you expect to take yourself and your business to the next level if you don’t show up? How do you expect to build your business, increase your sales, grow your brand and establish yourself as an expert if you don’t show up? How do you expect for the right people to know you if you don’t show up? How do you expect to build relationships, engage with others, collaborate with others and connect with others if you don’t show up? That’s what this is all about! The way in which we communicate and conduct business has fundamentally changed forever.  We must show up on a consistent basis at events, meet people face to face, engage and build trust.  We then take that relationship into the online world and continue to nurture and grow it.  Then, you flip that upside down.  Show up online and meet people, engage and build trust.  Then, when and, if, you ever meet in person the relationship is taken to another level.  This is the core of Social Networking sites and using Social Media Marketing.  We’re not talking fake relationships here.  Those of you out there that are just connecting with people so you can increase the number of eyes to which you can broadcast your wares.  You know who you are ~ we can spot ya!

So what goose bumpy life changing moments happened for me? My intention was to make connections that will further the mission and goal of my 501(c)3, Turning Views Foundation. This actually began before even getting to the eWomenNetwork conference.  I attended The Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society Conference in Tulsa the beginning of that same week.  I wrote about what happened here.

On Saturday, we took a minute to share our dream with someone at our table.  The lady in front of me turned around and we decided I’d go first.  I began talking of my dreams for Turning Views Foundation and her eyes were absolutely lighting up.  She had something exciting to tell me!  When it was her turn, she said, “I said a quick prayer before beginning this exercise and asked to be paired with the right person.”  She then went on to tell me about her business, Dawn’s Angel Wish Network, and the database she is building of 501(c)3 orginazations so that they can be paired with corporations who are seeking nonprofits to support.  This was her first time attending an eWomenNetwork conference and she was touched by this experience as well as many others she had been experiencing!

Julie Norman Ziglar, DeDe Galindo and Zig Ziglar

On Sunday, we were blessed with a presentation by Zig Ziglar and his daughter, Julie Norman Ziglar.  Their presentation is a blog post in and of itself.  It was beyond extremely moving.  When they were done, the Ziglar family stayed for a while to chat and take pictures.  I had the most unbelievably touching conversation with Zig Ziglar’s granddaughter, DeDe Galindo, (Julie Norman’s daughter).  As a result of our conversation I set a deadline for making the transition to the Turning Views Foundation.  Stay tuned for a post announcing and unveiling what it’s all about!  I think y’all will absolutely love it!

I know several of my fellow Reno eWomenNetwork members had similar experiences.  Any eWomenNetwork members or conference attendees want to share your experience?  We would love to hear your experience!!

Show up y’all on a consistent basis and it CAN change your life!