Glorious Travel Butterflies!!

Is it just me, or do you also get so excited at just the thought of planning your next getaway? Whether it’s a short stay-cation at a local hotspot or a 10-day cruise of the Panama Canal, the thought of planning the excursion is almost as intoxicatingly wonderful as the experience itself!

I get so excited, planning itineraries, mapping out favorite local hot spots, and thinking of immersing myself in a new culture. The overall experience is such a thrill, that it always provides just the right amount of glee, to hold me over until the next trip. When staying in that state of mind of excitement and gratitude looking forward to all the fun perpetuates a constant state of feeling as if I am always on vacation. Now that’s, Holiday Rising lifestyle living at the core!!

You can apply that thinking to everyday life as well to enjoy all of life’s everyday beautiful moments. Looking forward to every smile, every beautiful sunrise, every vibrant beautiful color that this lovely world offers us allows us to be present and appreciative and presents a whole new world to us in return. All we have to do is accept it, smile, and say thank you!!!

This wild journey we call life will always present challenges, heartaches, and roadblocks, but how we choose to view these things determines our eventual outcome. If we can understand that life is a work of art of our own making, that we can create our canvas and paint the greatest piece of art ever imaginable, then even the once mundane or troubling things, don’t seem so daunting or oppressive anymore. We have all heard the phrase “Your attitude determines your altitude” and I think that is true.

If at the moment you don’t think you have the funds to go on an extraordinary travel journey, then pack a lunch, take a walk, and escape to a local park, pond, or museum and be transformed in that moment to somewhere magical. And in taking that leap and journey in your mind, you have brought about that same adrenaline rush of getting on a plane and traveling the world. That very vibe just might bring on the actual trip itself, you never know. The universe picks up on frequencies and since, like attracts like, just being on the good vibes frequency helps to create a world of happiness and joy.

Just give it a try, and let yourself not just enjoy the ultimate destination, but the days leading up to it as well. Appreciate all the days in between leading up to the main event because they are all a part of the grand journey. Enjoy it all, treasure it all, and be grateful for all, and then you will find yourself in a state of permanent bliss!

Happy Holiday Rising!!

Does the seven-year itch apply to vacation destinations?

Hmmmm. Let’s see, we have all heard of the marital tale of the seven-year marital itch where the shine wears off and the real work of partnership, communication, and acceptance kicks in. While some don’t experience this I wonder if this also applies in other areas or aspects of our lives. They say your taste buds for food change every seven years, how about your musical tastes, hobbies, interests, reading selections, or yes even vacation destinations?

Our beautiful world is full of countless places to explore and exotic destinations to cross off of our list, however, some locations, at least for me are constants. I’m proud to say that there a a couple of locations that are so ingrained in my vacation experience, that they truly feel like home. A true Disney kid at heart, I have been going to Disney World with my family for over 40 years religiously and you know what… I still get the same wonderful butterflies every time I cross that magical Welcome to Disney World sign. It’s as if every single visit provides a new magical experience. Whether the experience is new because of a new attraction, venturing with a different family circle, or just our immediate family of 4. Every time is an amazing experience that fills my heart with joy, even now!! I don’t think Disney will ever get old to me.

Now for the ultimate vacation destination for me, that also rings true as home is Idlewild Michigan. My wonderland oasis of the North. A destination that once served as one of the only 3 active vacation areas for Blacks in the 1940s-1960 it was a bustling town that offered endless parties, gatherings, events, celebrities, and families looking to let off steam and unwind in the comforts of the ultimate outdoor playground.

In the ’70s and ’80s, Idlewild transitioned into a small community of families who kept the legacy and family tradition of owning vacation property and gathering over holiday breaks and summertime fun. Here we could count on, barbeques, making smore’s, setting off fireworks, and playing endless games of cards while listening to music are just some of the many fun activities everyone would look forward to.

Here is where I learned to roller skate, ride a bike, swim, fish, and yes snipe hunt! so many memories of summer vacations in Idlewild fill my heart with joy and every time we return with the boys, we find new things to appreciate. Even writing this article, I can’t keep the grin off of my face when strolling down memory lane.

So I guess for me, no matter where I travel and fall in love with. Some vacation spots are just stuck with me and I am a loyal one or two favorite vacation type of gal. But this certainly doesn’t stop me from appreciating and having a thirst to explore everywhere I can. I just make sure to keep my favorite two spots in the rotation!!

Happy Holiday Rising

Phenomenal Woman

Let’s shout out Florence Harris and celebrate her birthday with glee!!

Shining in retirement, this former director of Michigan State University continues to be a beacon of light, perseverance, and inspiration. As President of the Mid Michigan Idlewilders, she continues to use her skills and wonderful energy to bring people together!!

Enjoy your cruise,

We love you!!

Creating a safe space…

We have all heard of child-proofing a home. But almost always that refers to a child’s physical safety. But many times the mental and spiritual health of the child is not regarded with the same vigor. To feel truly safe, one needs to be in an environment where their true self, opinions, and needs are heard, considered, addressed, and celebrated.

It is so easy for families and individuals alike, to only see the world or circumstances through their lenses. But what of consideration for those sharing space around us? There may be differences in tastes, hobbies, interests, politics, and so on, but to truly feel safe one needs to feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

Allowing each child to express themselves and shine in their regard, especially in a family of 4 or more is crucial for self-awareness and identity. It helps to shape not only how we view ourselves, but how we are perceived by others as well. Showing children, their value at home and encouraging them to explore their talents, dreams, and hobbies is an excellent way to teach them to move in a society where many have polarized, individual thought, self-empowerment, and recognizing every individual as the core of a community.

These lessons of our future leaders are learned at home at the earliest of ages. When parents celebrate kindness, individuality, courage, curiosity, compassion, and exploration, then the child learns to feel safe and encouraged to explore the world through an unfiltered and magical lens, where anything is possible and any dream that can be conceived can be achieved.

Perhaps if more of our leaders and society as a whole, were truly more confident in themselves and their ability to operate in a world that values critical thinking, understanding, and logic from all areas, then we would be able to work cohesively in harmony to advance our amazing human race and astonishing universe. Let’s create a safe space at home so that we in turn end up creating a safe world!!! Blogs like my favorite, Multicultural Kid blogs help to do just that!! Thank you for being such a positive beacon of light and hope MKB!!

Welcome To IMG Academy!!!

Bradenton, Florida

If you are looking for a one-stop, all-encompassing juggernaut preparatory boarding school and sports training facility look no further than the one and only IMG Academy in Bradenton Florida. IMG is the leading sports and educational prep school in the world. Beginning as a World renowned Tennis Academy, the late great tennis coach Nick Bollettieri founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy – now IMG Academy – in 1978 with a focus on intense physical training, total immersion, and ongoing competition among the most talented players in the world.

Now with the addition of a full school curriculum through 12th grade, several different major sports disciplines, and intense training programs, instruction, and camps through postgraduate years, IMG has grown into a behemoth of Industry!!

The campus life is refreshing, offering many diverse programs, events, student activities, and more. For those living in the dorms or off campus, IMG provides a safe and structured atmosphere for serious student-athletes to perform at the best level among peers with similar interests and goals.

Believing that every position, grade, and accolade must be earned rather than given, the overall environment is one of a college and or professional level, encouraging each student to dig deep and reach the most out of their potential.

They seek to educate the entire child at IMG, offering excellent staff, mental coaching, academic and athletic counseling, and much more. Every student has an advisor who works hand in hand with them to achieve their goals in reaching their top level of success, either at the college of choice or at the professional level of their sport. Early on, the advisors, are in touch with college scouts and staff at every single student request!!! Hands-on care and a network of carefully crafted relationships and results have placed IMG at the forefront of Student Athletic achievement.

Now let’s talk facilities. WOW!!

In addition to a state-of-the-art, multi-sport complex, and stadium, IMG Academy offers 16 multi-purpose fields, 6 baseball fields, 12 indoor and outdoor batting cages, an IAAF-regulation 8-lane, 400m track with long and triple jump runways and a dedicated throw area, an 18-hole golf course with a driving range and so much more! Amateurs and professionals alike ascend on IMG to train and use the facilities or play golf.

Now that you have trained your butt off, you need sustenance right?!? Well IMG provides an amazing layout of well-nutritioned food for all of the students, parents, and visitors to enjoy and has just recently completed the addition of a few more restaurants to the eating center, none other than Shaqs Big Chicken and Wahlburgers!!! YUM

All in all IMG Academy surpasses all of the hype and provides one heck of an environment for the Focused athlete looking to compete and ascend to the highest of heights!!

IMG Student-Athlete, Ace Harris Loftus.

How to channel and harness your positive energy.

Good Vibes Only!

The practice of gratitude and simply thinking of the things love or love to do is a clear and present way to remain in a constant state of joy. It is nearly impossible to think of things that truly make you happy and tingly inside and then at the very same moment be sad, doubtful, or bitter.

To truly let yourself be immersed in your favorite thoughts is to be swept away by them. Overcome with emotion your entire being feels the energy of seeing and feeling the thing you love that you are thinking about. This sends shockwaves through your nervous system from your brain to your toes!! It’s like an adrenaline boost that says “Hey I love this, I am happy. 

If it is true that “thoughts become feelings, and feelings become things”, then we do create the world around us like many of the New Thought Authors of the 18th century and people who know “The Secret” believe. Wow, how amazing to know that you are the author of your world and that we are all connected in the great spiritual and scientific realm of physics! We were created by atoms and matter that collectively were attracted to each other and collided in a wonderful explosion of Wonder!!!

So we can shape and form the world around us as we go, so think about your favorite song, your child’s cutest smile, the best view you have ever seen, and be transformed by the feeling of that place. That feeling itself is transmitted out to the great universe and picks up other energy transmissions like it and sends them right back your way tenfold!!! 

So recall the last time your breath was taken away by something beautiful, read something that captivated you, feel something that made your heart skip a beat, and rejoice to know that you are vibing on a frequency so high that you become a magnet for more spectacular feelings!! Thus you are creating the world around you of your very dreams!! If you can see it in your mind, then you can make it your reality!!! My Sister Cheryl, who is celebrating her birthday today, is creating her path and forging ahead by exploring the fascinating and extraordinary world of the “secret”, positivity, and the amazing power of manifestation. It is truly a beautiful experience to behold and witness. Happy Bday Sis!

It’s a practice that seems so easy but is so hard to grasp for many. but once you give in and accept the true process of either  ‘choosing happiness’ or ‘choosing the alternative” it IS a choice. So now knowing that you have the power to affect not only your mood, but your circumstances and those who enter your path, Dream your wildest dreams and feel as if they have already come to fruition, and watch the amazing results unfold!!!

I know a Secret…

How in the world do you move forward when you have no idea which way to go?!?

At times do you feel stuck in the mud, or maybe even cement? Frustration would be a relief when you feel so lost in the weeds, that you feel you have no possible way to free yourself from the mire.

I have been there periodically and it can weigh you down like an anchor if you let it.

Learning to adapt new techniques to overcome that feeling and see your way through, can be as simple as finding little guides or mantras that can help you through the tough times. For some, the power of deep breathing relaxes the nerves. The 4/4/6 method works well. Inhaling 4 seconds, then holding your breath for 4 more seconds, then finally slowly releasing for 6 seconds does wonders!! For others, it’s visually looking at something calm, like a body of water or a beautiful meadow or garden. 

Sometimes just being aware of your feelings of stress or anxiety or feeling down, coming on should call upon your newfound controlled self to call your aides, to help out in times of need. I love to listen to music, take walks, and gaze out into the ocean or even a pond for solace.

Sometimes recognizing your actions, mood, and movements are off can bring to your attention the need to find your calming center. Maybe it’s time to carve out time for a good read.

In this new age of social media, fast-paced living, and everything at your disposal in seconds, it’s time to create your zen during each day to reconnect with your inner self.

Wonderful books to read, that allow you to see a different view of controlling your space, destiny, and manifestations is the Secret series by Rhonda Byrne!!!

Let’s Relax, Relate, Release, and manifest all the positivity and goodness the universe has in store!!!!

Happy Holiday Rising

Happy New Year!

New Year, New You!!

Hello, 2024!! Can you believe it’s been another 365 sunrises?

How have you fared with your last year’s resolutions? Did you surpass and surprise yourself in a good way? Do you need to take stock and re-evaluate this year’s resolutions? Either way, today is a new day and comes with the promise of hope and opportunity, so make the most of it!!

Say this is MY YEAR and mean it!!! 2024 is our time to shine.

Create your plan, and then let’s tackle every day bit by bit to achieve our goals together. No goal to big or small, let us pride ourselves at the end of each day with small victories that will no doubt lead to our greater ones.

There will be obstacles, tests, and other opportunities for us to show our fortitude and character, so embrace all roadblocks as well, and let’s turn them into real blessings! GOOD VIBES ONLY.

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year!!

Step into the future with positivity, courage, and a great work ethic!

XOXO Holiday Rising

Let’s crush it this year!

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