Forgiveness

I want to talk about forgiveness. For me this isn't a religious thing or a bishop you repent to. For me this is a lifestyle. That might sound strange but that is how I see it. Forgiveness might partly come naturally to me...my mom and brothers are also very forgiving and kind-hearted people. But in most cases I don't even start out by judging someone so there is no need to later forgive them. All I know is that along with it being a natural personality trait, I also make a conscious effort every day to be that way. I believe it is never our place to judge...ever!

There have been times in my life that I felt absolutely overwhelmed by the unconditional love and acceptance that I've experienced, even with all my short comings and mistakes. I don't think I could ever accurately express the way those people made me feel but I do know that I always want to be that person for others.

I didn't fully realize until more recently that the people we surround ourselves with IS A CHOICE, including friends AND family. (I also believe we can create our own family, which sometimes is better than blood) Why keep people in your life that aren't inspiring you to be better, helping to lift you up, and who truly want you to thrive, on your terms, not there own. My epiphany was this....I like positive people. I love funny people. I enjoy deep and interesting conversation as well as silly immature moments. And I don't need to keep people in my life that are negative more often than not just because they are "family" or because we've been friends for ten plus years. I feel good about this! ;)

I just want to leave this post by saying that I hope you are always trying to be less and less judgmental and more and more loving every day. Most likely you are hurting yourself more than the other person when you hold on to hate. I think that we all naturally want to just love each other...so just go with the flow.

xo Samantha

Im gonna brag...just a little :)

I often say that I married the best man on earth. And I mean it! I am constantly reminded of this because he never stops doing things that let me know how loved I am. I seriously think he would give his two legs if that would somehow benefit me. We often get the question, "How long have you two been married? You seem like newlyweds." And they are always surprised when we tell them it has been 6 years. We are super proud that we have held on to that special something. Not only do we absolutely love and adore each other but we still have so much fun together. There is no one that we would rather spend our time with. No one that gets us more than each other. There is no one in this world that is more perfect for me than this man. But let me just say that it hasn't always been perfect or easy but because we communicate so well and we make the choice to be together every single second of every day, we know that is all we will ever need...

Here are just a few examples (out of millions) of just how adorable Jake really is:

#1 
Ok, Jake absolutely loves Filet Mignon. It's his favorite food and would probably eat it for every meal if he could. Don't get me wrong, I love a good steak but I don't think I have the same feelings as he does. :) One evening while Jake is preparing dinner, I'm watching him cut a T-bone steak that we are going to share and he is pointing out which side is the filet and which is the new york. I know that the filet is the most tender cut of beef, and one of the most expensive so automatically I know that will/should be Jake's portion. I'm not sure why Im surprised when he says, "No! That side is yours because its the best." I know that we are talking about a piece of meat but that spoke volumes to me. How many guys would do that??? He never seizes to amaze me!

#2
I often climb into bed at night wearing a shower cap to cover the protein mask slathered on my wet hair and an awesome retainer shoved in my mouth. Now I know I must look like Laura Ingalls and should just embrace it and throw on some britches while Im at it but Jake always grins and tells me how beautiful I am. Hahaha!!! This is either because he is blind or he really really loves me, and I like to believe its the or. Either way it's adorable and oh so sweet.

#3 
I'm constantly opening my purse to find snacks that Jake has supplied me with because a) he knows I'm always hungry and b) when my blood sugar gets low I can't function and I tend to get ornery. The snacks might be just to prevent me from copping a 'tude but I know it's another way he shows me he loves me and  he's always taking such good care of me.

Thoughts Become Things

Meditation, self reflection, positive thinking, whatever you want to call it. I was inspired to write this post by a fellow blogger. I have recently been listening to the Abraham-Hicks books on tape and have been applying it to my regular thought process. Basically it teaches the amazing power of our thoughts and how we bring everything, good and bad, into our experience...Thoughts become things. It also teaches that our emotions are our guiding system letting us know what we are attracting with our current thoughts. Anytime we have a negative or positive feeling about ourselves, someone else, or something we are experiencing, we are attracting more of the same thing. Now knowing that, I've been working on replacing my negative thoughts with positive ones. Its all about what 'feels' good to us. We are meant to live an expansive, exhilarating experience. We aren't meant to be unhappy.

Some people set aside time where they can be alone, take deep breathes, and just be. Sometimes I do this early in the morning but my meditation is more about being aware of my thoughts all day long and when I have time I will go more in depth. I am excited to see how this knowledge will effect my life for the better. I can't wait to start attracting better and better experiences, interesting and loving people to surround myself with, and just enjoying every second possible. After all, it's all about the journey right?

xxSamantha

P.S. If you aren't familiar with Abraham-Hicks, start with "Ask and It Is Given. www.abraham-hicks.com or subscribe to the daily notes from the Universe at www.tut.com. The following picture is one of the emails I received the other day that I just loved!

Lake Powell

We were lucky enough to stay on a fabulous houseboat in Lake Powell for ten days. Jake and I were excited to have so much time together. We had a blast building sand turtles, walking the beach, floating on the lake, surfing, playing beach volleyball, and good ol' late night guitar hero. :)

  

 

xoSamantha

Hawaii...Check!

We have always wanted to go to Hawaii and as luck would have it, everything fell into place and we were off! We went to Oahu and got a chance to enjoy both Waikiki beach as well as the North Shore. If you know me, you know that I am very organized and make lists for everything...so it probably goes without saying that I make a full out itinerary when we travel. Well all that went out the window on this trip and that was half the fun. The weather was kind of all over the place which forced us to just go with the flow. 

We went to see the Japanese Temples where Jake asked an Asian man to take our picture with full on hand motions and shouting (as if he might not understand what he was saying) to which the man replied in perfect English, "Sure I'll take your picture". I could not hide my red faced embarrassment and it still makes me giggle. Good effort Jake.

 On our way to the North Shore we stopped at Pearl Harbor as well as the Pineapple plantation. Gotta do all the first time touristy stuff, right?  The we ate at both Hukilau Cafe and Kahuku Grill (which was the most amazing meal in all of Hawaii.) We also enjoyed watching the expert surfers at Sunset Beach.

 We strolled through a little town called Haleiwa and did some shopping. We couldn't resist some shave ice from Motsomoto's.

I was nervous and oh so excited about learning to surf and it was pretty fabulous! But boy, were my arms tired by the end (can you say limp noodle) but I always enjoy a good workout.

This was one of the most beautiful snorkeling experiences and we finally got some HOT HOT weather. Yeah!

 On our last day we walked as far as we could along the beach with our toes in the water until the sun set and our plane flew out. But we never wanted to leave.

Skindulgence

I am so excited and blessed to be in the position to start my own business. I finally decided on the name Skindulgence, which feel like it's always been mine. I'll be doing Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion-my two favorite treatments. I can't wait to get started. Visit my website for my information: www.myskindulgence.com

Christmas Galore!

Christmas was so great! I just love love love soo much to be with my friends and family and I get a heavy dose of that around the Holidays. :)

Thanksgiving Reenactment!

Wow I am so behind. Ok, my beautiful, wonderful friend Madison came home from NY for Christmas and since she didn't get to celebrate Thanksgiving we reenacted the whole thing. The entire night was pure perfection...so full of laughs and love! I miss her sooo much and wish she would move home! Me, Madison and Diana are known for being insane picture takers when we are together so here's a few of those...haha!