Lesson 36

On January 30, 2014 By AlexaIn Events8 Comments

I may be redundant when I say the following. It just feels like I’ve spoken this before or maybe I just thought these things and never wrote on them.

Normally, I talk about real life events when I do these lessons. I primarily started doing the lessons for personal growth. Since I am and interact the same in both worlds, obviously with a bit more care and on occasion maybe daring to do things I wouldn’t even consider in real life, Second Life would be part of that growth. Though not doing much or interacting with that many people these days in-world it does limit my ability to utilize examples that could pertain to these lessons.

Today’s lesson brings to mind something that I have observed when it comes to liking or disliking things on Flickr or on blogs. Being a blogger who likes to take pictures it’s only natural that I would like to shop. One of the ways I have stayed in touch with what is newly released is by perusing blogs and Flickr. Since I am talking about Flickr I will take time to mention that I don’t make it a practice to favorite too many fashion pictures as there are far too many that I like that it would clog my favorites. Generally, I stick to liking landscapes, furniture pictures because it helps me remember things I own as well and recently I started to favorite pictures of things I want to go look for once released. Mainly, I like favoring pictures that tell a story. You’ve heard that statement that a picture is worth a thousand words. For a great example, I recently liked several photos of Harvey Crabsticks as they were a sequence and telling a story. I love that sort of thing.

To my observation. I have noticed that many people will like a picture of yours just because you liked one of theirs. I simply don’t understand that. I rather you like my picture because you really do like it, other than liking it because I happened to like one of yours. I do believe that sometimes we will go and look at someone’s work when we note they liked one of ours. I have done this, and will like something I might have not seen. Flickr pictures are being uploaded continuously by members you follow that there is bound to be pictures that you will miss. That being said I still see this soft token of “people-pleasing” in observance. The same thing applies to blogs.

In short. It’s not a big deal. Like to your hearts content. Just an observation.

The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford

Lesson 36: Please Yourself

People-pleasing is one of the great epidemics of our times. I know so many people who can’t seem to find the time or energy to nurture their own dreams or bring their goals to fruition. Could it be that people-pleasing is the silent culprit behind their exhaustion and over committed schedules?

Many of us learned early on that pleasing others is a good way to receive validation or affection. And now it’s become a habit that we perpetuate even though it doesn’t serve us or our visions. This week, take your focus off of pleasing others, and instead look for ways to please yourself.

Your Self-Love Assignment

Reflect on one area of your life where you feel resentful, powerless, or resigned. Allow yourself to see how many of your actions in this part of your life are driven by your need to please others. What lengths do you go to in an attempt to get others to like you? Do you pretend to be the “nice” guy or girl? Do you conceal some of your brilliance or hide some of your power so that you won’t intimidate others?

Next, ask yourself if your quest to be liked and please others has actually paid off. Is it bringing you what you want?

Allow yourself to see what would be available to you if your first commitment were to please yourself. How would that affect your sense of worthiness, joy, and self-love?

Finally, identify three actions you could take this week that would be pleasing to you … and take them.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 50 points for every action you take (or don’t take) that pleases you!

Credits:

Eyes – Ikon – Perspective Eyes Midnight
Hair – CaTwA – Sandy V2 Hair
Dress – Color.Me.H.O.F. – Mesh [Victoria Dress[Plum] @ Collabor88
Earrings – Lazuri – Silver & Black Onyx Earrings
Ring – RYCA – Rig Gold/onyx
Shoes – !SSD – Mata Hari Jeweled Stilettos {must be worn with Slink AvEnhance Female High Feet}
Feet – Slink – AvEnhance Female High Feet
Pose: Seduction Poses by Di’s Opera

Scene:

Tampa House – InVerse
Grand Piano Mesh -Michigan Shack
Salvadore Sculpture – Aria
CB Potted Plant (pink marble) – Tygra Lefavre/Casa Bella (came with CB Luxury Skybox)
Curtains – HEAVILY EDITED from pieces of Fanatik Curtains & Sanctuaire Curtains
CB Floral Creme Rug & CB Rizzy Rug Sculpted – Tygra Lefavre/Casa Bella (came with CB Luxury Skybox)
Sakura Tree – Nadine Reverie/3D Trees
Yellow Forest Daisy Flowers – Bunnie Badger/Two Moon Gardens
Yews & Garden Hedges – Nadine Reverie/3D Trees
Stone Wall & Gate – AA Build & Design
Japanese Tori Gate – Botanical
MK-BT Bo Maple Tree – Mitsuko Kytori {just visible in background}

Lesson 35

On January 23, 2014 By AlexaIn Uncategorized6 Comments

I love small things like this mirror in Second Life and thought it was the perfect item to remind myself to do what this very lesson imparts.

Reminds self to remind self to remind self…. to post it! 🙂

© The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford

Lesson 35: Put It On Paper!

Incomplete actions take up space in our awareness. When we retain information or unfinished to-dos in our minds rather than on a calendar or scheduling system, we become easily distracted from the truly important tasks.

If you’ve been feeling confused, unfocused, or scattered, this weekly assignment will give you some much-needed peace of mind. Just think: What else could you be dreaming, planning, and creating if your mind were relieved of all the details it’s been holding?

Your Self-Love Assignment

This is the week to put everything you’ve been holding in your head onto paper. Use the following questions to trigger your memory.

Are there appointments you need to make? The dentist? The accountant? The gardener? The hairdresser?
Are there phone calls or e-mails you need to return?
What other forms of communication do you need to deliver? Do you have birthday cards or thank-you notes to send?
Are there scraps of paper or sticky notes bearing useful information all over your home and car?
Are there items to be returned or bills to be paid?

After you’ve captured on paper everything that needs to get done, assign a specific date by which each item will be complete.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 50 points for each task you take out of your mind and put into your schedule.

Credits:

Hair – Analog Dog – Pop Scotch Splash w/ HUD {freeball @ store}
Top – Lacuna – Sweater Dress Aqua @ My Attic
Pants – TuttiFrutti – Monika Mesh Jeans Power Flower @My Attic
Ring – Bens Beauty – Dragonfly Ring
Mirror – Akaesha’s – Love Note Mirror
Pose – Kirin – Catty Pose Set

Lesson 34

On January 16, 2014 By AlexaIn Events, Home, Landscaping7 Comments

I read this a day ago and I knew exactly how it applied in my real life. Specifically, referring to this past year with choices I made that were really not conducive to keeping the integrity this lesson speaks about and now seeing the outcome basically staring me in the face.

Don’t you hate when life plays that kind of joke on you?

Lesson 34: Integrity

Integrity is the foundation of a successful life. When our behaviors, actions, and choices are consistent with our deepest values, we gain the courage to be ourselves, and the confidence to ask for what we need. To the extent that we haven’t cleaned up the unfinished business from our past, we will unconsciously punish ourselves by withholding the love, success, and abundance we desire.

Resolving our integrity issues makes us feel worthy enough to manifest our dreams.

Your Self-Love Assignment

This week, take some time to look back over the past two years of your life. Make a list of the relationships or situations where you haven’t acted with complete integrity. On a piece of paper, write the person’s name, with a brief description of what you did or didn’t do that left you feeling bad about yourself.

Next, close your eyes; take a couple of slow, deep breathes; and ask yourself, “What could I do to bring this situation back into balance and restore my own sense of integrity?” Could you write a letter, deliver an apology, or contribute in some way to someone in need? This action could involve the person directly, but it doesn’t have to.

Design a plan of action to restore your integrity.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 100 points for every integrity issue you resolve this week.

Credits:

Hair – Truth – Luella in Black-White Pack
Bikini – Zaara – Naisha in Gold
Closed Lids – Slink – Mesh Eyelids

Scene:

Natural Hot Tub w/ Fire Pit & Towels – Pixel Mode – TLC Garden Event
Wine Bottle – Flecha
Weeping Willow – 3D Trees
Woman Statue – Two Moon Gardens
Grass Patch – TUFF
Wooden Arbor with Ivy – Botanical
Hanging Capiz Lamp – Botanical
Plants – Narenzo Design and part of Scenes from Two Moon Gardens

Lesson 33

On January 9, 2014 By AlexaIn Events, Home7 Comments

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

I love many of her quotes, because they embody such strength and are always full of wisdom.

Lesson 33: Choose Powerful Interpretations

Despite how it seems, it’s never the events of our lives that cause us pain or suffering. It’s what we make those incidents mean about us that either builds or diminishes our self-love. Having someone not return your smile or your phone call, for example, may not necessarily upset you, but how you interpret these situations will very likely influence the way you feel about yourself.

Each interpretation we make either adds to the quality of our life or takes away from it. This week, choose powerful interpretations!

Your Self-Love Assignment

Think of one situation or circumstance from your past that you’ve deemed painful, embarrassing, or hurtful. Notice how you interpreted this event by examining what you made it mean about you.

Now invent three positive interpretations of this occurrence that would leave you feeling powerful and strong, rather than weak and victimized.

Pick the interpretation that makes you feel the best about yourself – the one that most nurtures your soul and feeds your self-love.

Write this interpretation down on a sticky note or an index card, and read it to yourself every day this week.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 50 points every time you choose a powerful interpretation.

Credits:

Hair – Clawtooth – Pink Flamingos – Softest Black @ Collabor88
Top – Mon Tissu – Slouchy Sweatshirt – Oatmeal
Pants – [R3] – Etta Jeans [V3] with HUD
Socks – Maitreya – Prim Socks – White {modified}
Boots – Ionic – My Winter Boots – Camouflage @ The Chapter Four

Scene:

Rock Mossy by [We’re Closed]
Pampas Grass by Dop Kidd
Pergola Ivy *Half-Circular* by Dop Kidd
Janine Swing by Cheeky Pea
Grass Patch by TUFF
Grass Sculpt by Serenah Raynier
Banyan Tree by 3D Trees
Spruces by 3D Trees
Tree for Background Bush by Forest Feast
Hedges by Static Forge

Lesson 32

On January 2, 2014 By AlexaIn Uncategorized3 Comments

I have been experiencing a little insomnia the last few days and found myself reading to try and wear myself out just before bedtime. I have never really had any problem once my head hits the pillows as it only takes me less than 15 minutes to settle down and drift off. It’s driving me a little stir crazy since I am returning to work next week and I need to get my body realigned to a normal schedule.

One of the books I found myself reading is from one of my favorite all time authors, Dr. Seuss. My appreciation for his works is evident if you ever took a peek into my book case, which hold books that I hold dear and close to my heart for the hours of enjoyment they’ve brought into my life. While I have come to enjoy the lifestyle of being an e-book reader, there are books that I still like to hold in the palm of my hand and turn the pages as the story unfolds.

Dr. Seuss, well known for his children’s stories did write a couple of adult books, and the one that I like to pull out and read for a bit of laughter is the “The Seven Lady Godivas.” A story of seven Godiva sisters that never wear clothes, who as a tribute to their father’s fate (flung from a horse to his death), agree never to marry until they can alert their countrymen all about the dangers of horses. Dr. Seuss writes the story with his well known style of humor unabashedly, as he reveals the origins of horse proverbs most of us have probably heard of.

To that end I decided to do a little horse play, plus I wanted to show off these boots that I absolutely love from the POE6 Hunt, which ends in a few days.

© The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford

Lesson 32: Have Some Fun!

Believe it or not, most adults need to be reminded to take time out for fun. Trained as we are to get things done, we often devalue or neglect this most important aspect of life. But doing things just for the sake of our own enjoyment recharges and rejuvenates us. Having fun is actually a necessary activity that feeds and nourishes us at the deepest level. Have some fun this week, and enjoy the benefits it produces in virtually every other aspect of your life.

Your Self-Love Assignment
This is fun week! Your assignment is to make a list of ten activities that you’d do on a regular basis if your life were dedicated to having fun. Then schedule at least one of those activities into your week.

Enjoy yourself!

Self-Love Points Earned
Give yourself 100 points for every fun-filled activity you participate in.

Credits:

Hair – Truth – Dove in Black & Whites Pack
Dress – Maitreya – Poise Dress Color Pack 2
Socks – Maitreya – Dahlia Socks
Boots – Pelletteria Morrisey – Western Boots {POE6 Hunt Gift}

Scene:
Spruces – 3DTrees
Grass Patch – TUFF
Grass Sculpt by Serenah Raynier

Edited to include Mesh Horses – Laika Amat

1st Picture Pose – Kiss Me Silly by G’Secret Motions {Marketplace}
2nd Picture Pose – Adrienne Set by oOo Studio

Lesson 30

On December 19, 2013 By AlexaIn Events, Home5 Comments

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” ~ Albert Einstein

When I first learned of child avatars it was something I couldn’t quite grasp or fathom. I can’t completely say that I have a good understanding now and that is fine. Though after reading some blogs that have featured the subject and seeing it first hand with people I connected along the way, my acceptance in my own mind became easier. Enough so that I took the plunge to create a child alt and played about in my 2-3 year old body and introduced myself to those people who I am close with — my wacky dysfunctional Second Life family. I knew they would see it for what it was, after all, most of them have seen it or lived it in some way and they would honestly share their thoughts. Not that I often seek approval to do anything here — though everyone needs that someone they can bounce off things with and gives them a reality check. I have no real memories of myself as a child at this age, though I would like to think that I am like little me, who I named Sydney, a child that loves to have fun, play with toys and run around eating ice cream and cookies and pulling at someone’s leg or something similar. While I only use her for child and/or family pictures in my blog or when I want to goof off with my Second Life family, she does in some way meet this week’s assignment.

As always, this lesson once again fits the being timely bill. Just yesterday I brought in my child alt to do some pictures again and I happened to have a friend over visiting my recently acquired homestead and introduced them to little me. He has very strong opinions of child avatars so I confess that I did it purposely. He knows I’m quite cheeky that way. To make this story short. I shared that going around in my child avatar to shop for clothes, there is a sense of nurturing that inner child inside. The best way to describe it, is there is a feeling of freedom and being carefree. Maybe it’s being in a small body and while I don’t engage with anyone unless I am spoken to it is quite fun seeing my little self walking around as if not having a care in the world.

I do believe that a child lives inside us all, a part of us that just wants to be fun loving, joyful, happy and play for play’s sake AND wants to be loved, cared and nurtured as the adult that we are.

“So, like a forgotten fire, a childhood can always flare up again within us”. ~ Gatson Bachelard

© The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford

Lesson 30: Nurture the Child Within You

It’s easy to see perfection in children. We feel moved by their innocence, their beauty, and their open hearts. Children have a way of eliciting love and affection – not only from their parents, but even complete strangers.

Within each of us there’s a beautiful, innocent child in need of that same degree of love, affection, and acceptance. One of the best ways to deepen the love you feel for yourself is to call forth an image of yourself as a baby, and imagine cradling this part of you in your arms. Give to this child aspect of you all the love and adoration you’d lavish upon your own child.

You’ll soon discover that when you take the time to love and cherish yourself, the entire world will fall in love with you.

Your Self-Love Assignment

This week, think of yourself as an innocent child who’s hungry for your love, care, nurturance, and approval. If you have a photograph of yourself as a baby, post it someplace where you’ll see it often. If you don’t have a photograph, simply close your eyes and imagine yourself as a young child under the age of five. As you gaze into this child’s eyes, acknowledge and praise them for their many gifts. Tell them how much you love and adore them.

Then imagine asking them, “What can I do for you today that will leave you feeling completely loved and nurtured by me?” Maybe the childlike part of you would like to go to the movies, spend a morning in bed, or go for a walk or run. Listen with your heart to what your child needs, and make a plan to accommodate their request.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 100 points every time you nurture the child within you.

First & Second Picture Credits:

Alexa –

Hat – 8f8 – Octopus Hat Red Rare @ Arcade
Hair – Tram – C411 Hair Black
Scarf – SU! – Essential Scarf Red
Coat – XIAJ – Jaix Trench Coat Blk-whit @ Kustom9
Leggings – Tres Blah – Leather Leggings Black
Boots – Sleepy Eddy – Engineer Boots Gray @ Arcade

Sydney –

Hair – Elikatira – Other Black 04 {may no longer be available}
Hat – 8f8 – Octopus Hat White Rare @ Arcade
Panda Coat Complete Outfit by Ello Poppet

Scene –

CandiCane Doll by Baby Shop/Even Genesis
Christmas Illuminated Trees by Quark Fallen
Winter Larch by 3D Trees

Winter Double Oak w/ Ivy by 3D Trees
Winter Spruces by 3D Trees
Forest Winter Grass by 3D Trees
[Frosty Night 2013] Winter Tree by Quark Fallen
Snow Dusted Gazebo by Barnesworth Anubis
Rocky Mountains by Fanatik Architecture
The Old Bridge Winter Edition by Alex Bader
Water Reed Mace by Lilith Heart
Snowdrifts by Alex Bader

Pose 1 – Carried by .click
Pose 2 – Being Pulled in Winter Fun Gacha by .click

Third Picture Credits –

Sydney –

Hair – Wasabi Pills – Sugar Rush Mesh Hair Nigh Shadow
Red Jammies w/ Socks & Sleeping Mask by CutieCakes {Cookies for Santa Hunt}
Color Change Teddy by Buglets

Scene –

The Trilby Dacha Mesh Prefab by Scarlet Creative @ Arcade

Tree & Front Presents – Dench Designs – POE Christmas Tree {POE6 Hunt}
Plaid Christmas Presents by What Next
Burlap Santa Sack by BR
Dino Rocker by NACH
Number Train, Waggly Willard , Rudolph Bear & Firetruck by BoOgErS @ Arcade
Turtle & Sheep Wooden Toys by Kuro @ The Garden {Gacha}
Wooden Reindeer by Ispahci @ The Garden
Mesh Braided Rug by Ispachi @ The Garden
Woodstock by Apple Falls {a previous Arcade}
String Lights by Apple Falls {last year Advent gift}
Stuffed Stocking Red Plaid Rare by Barnesworth Anubis @ The Garden {Gacha}
Hanging Beads & Elephant Decor by Zigana

Pose – Wrapped in Lights by Threebirds Poses

Lesson 29

On December 17, 2013 By AlexaIn Home6 Comments

This lesson is a week late, though hopefully it will be timely for you as they sometimes are for me. I was sick this past week and had several things going along with going out of town for a few days and while WiFi was free it was a bit useless and made coming into Second Life too much of a hassle to entertain for very long.

Plus I’ve been in one of those moods where I get to contemplating those things that happen in life that never seem to have an answer. It makes me feel a bit tangled up (hence the picture). It is those times that I often feel the need to withdraw and just be alone to ponder the why and what of those feelings.

Sometimes I come away with answers and at other times I don’t have any and know that eventually things get sorted out — either in my own head or in some tangible way.

When I read this lesson earlier in the week I thought of a couple situations where this may apply. It’s easy to fall prey to blaming others for whatever is happening in our life or how we feel, especially any negative feelings. I could readily see where I have allowed myself to get riled up emotionally over things and perhaps that alone loaned itself to the situation getting worse before getting better. It certainly gives me something to work on for the next time.

“The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.” – Martha Washington

© The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford

Lesson 29: Give Up the Blame Game

Maybe you’ve heard of this popular pastime? The object o the game is to look for any person, place, or thing to make responsible for what’s going on in our lives. Unfortunately, it’s a game where nobody wins – there’s no finish line and no reward at the end. The only consolation prize is the powerlessness we feel as we struggle to find someone who’s the cause of our discomfort and discontent.

As long as we blame others for any circumstance in our lives, we diminish our power to make the changes we’re craving. Blaming sets us up for victim consciousness, which has become the disease of our time. And self-responsibility is the only remedy once you’ve been infected.

Your Self-Love Assignment

This week, take an honest look at where in your life you may be blaming others for your circumstances. Whom are you holding responsible for the way things are?

Next, allow yourself to see what you could create if you became 100 percent responsible for 100 percent of what shows up in your life.

Finally, take two actions this week that demonstrate that you’re responsible for the outcomes you create.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 50 points every time you catch yourself playing the Blame Game, and make the powerful choice to stop.

Credits:

Hair – D!va – Hair “Giz” (Type B) (Black Amber) from September Arcade {modified color}
Sweater – Color.Me.H.O.F. – Mesh [Wool Turtle Neck [Black] @ Collabor88
Leggings – Maitreya – Panel Leggings V1 Light @ Collabor88
Boots – Mutresse – Sneja Boots with Switch Fabrics HUD @ FaMESHed

Scene:

The Trilby Dacha Mesh Prefab by Scarlet Creative @ Collabor88

Love Sign – Consignment December 2013 Group Gift
Manly Snowman & Snowlady by Cheaky Pea @ The Mens Dept.
Headwear Bright Light Sets by LODE @ The Chapter Four
Pose -Tracy Rubble/Nzuri – Sitting Pretty

Location: My Home

Lesson 28

On December 5, 2013 By AlexaIn Home9 Comments

Taking my own advice. Shuts up.

Lesson 28: Take Your Own Advice

One of the most exciting things I’ve discovered as a result of lecturing and leading workshops all over the country is that we’re always teaching others what we most need to learn. Sometimes we tell other people what they need to do as a way of reminding ourselves of what we need to do. For example, I often hear myself reminding people in my audiences about the importance of taking time off to care for themselves – advice I could definitely benefit from taking!

This week, pay close attention to the advice you’re giving others. Look for the ways in which this advice could serve you.

Your Self-Love Assignment

For the next week, observe the advice you give to other people. What do you suggest that those around you do to better their lives? Do you encourage them to speak out? To set stronger boundaries? To be less concerned with what others think? This week, as you give advice to others, notice if you could benefit from a little dose of your own medicine, and take whatever steps or actions you’ve recommended for them.

If you don’t normally give advice to others, think about someone you’d like to give advice to. What would you like to say? Now see if this advice applies to you.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 50 points every time you take your own advice.

Credits:

Hair – Dura – Girls*51 Black
Top – Baiastice – Orly Lingerie Silk Wine
Scene:

Geneve House by reBourne
Christmas Kitchen Shelf by Chez Moi {Hunt}
Keep Calm and Wine Frame by Collage
Roya Kitchen by Bazar
Chocolates & Star Tray by Keke @ The Chapter Four Gatcha

Lesson 26

On November 21, 2013 By AlexaIn Events3 Comments

This week I am going to combine the weekly lesson with a cause, as the lesson sort of fits indirectly.

For the last week or so I have seen some amazing pictures that speak a powerful message about violence against women. Some of the images have evoked such a heart wrenching emotion even if they are just pictures of avatars supporting a cause. Though the reality is that for some it may be personal for themselves or for others they may know that have been personally affected.

November 25th has been designed as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by the United Nations, to help raise awareness that many women around the world are subjected to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence. You can learn more about this issue at the United Nations website. In Second Life, support of this important cause has been ongoing since 2010 through, “2Lei in Second Life”, an event with the goal of raising awareness of the issue and to say NO to the violence against women in the world. You can learn about all the events at their blog.

Having worked with organizations that help women who have been abused, the one thing that I learned is that many have stayed in abusive relationships for years before reaching the end of their rope and seeking help. My picture is for those women who remain in their situations. You might be surprised by some of the reasons women stay — fear, guilt, children, economic dependence, religious beliefs and believe it or not, love. The emotion does not cease to exist for some women during or after abuse. Yes, heart breaking.

Please support this worthy cause.

Now for the lesson. In essence, it is about claiming your greatness by acknowledging all the things you like about yourself. How I feel it fits is… if you don’t have self-love then it’s usually a given that there is going to be a lack of self-worth and low self-esteem. This only makes it easier to fall into abusive relationships.

Hope this lesson is meaningful to some.

Lesson 26: Sing Your Praises

When we have a great deal of self-love, we’re able to acknowledge our strengths, talents, and God-given gifts, and we feel comfortable sharing our gifts with others. Contrary to what many of us were taught, acknowledging our greatness doesn’t diminish those around us. In fact, when we allow ourselves to shine, we give others permission to do the same. Self-love means loving ourselves enough to allow all of our magnificence to be seen.

Your self-love assignment this week is to acknowledge all the things you like about yourself and share them with the people in your life. This is the week to claim your greatness and sing your praises!

Your Self-Love Assignment

Make a list of everything you do well. What unique skills and talents do you possess? Do you have a nice singing voice? Good handwriting? Are you a talented artist or writer? Do you have an eye for fashion or a refined sense of style?

Now look at your positive character traits. Are you a loyal friend? A good listener? Do you know how to motivate others or make them laugh? This week, share with at least three people whom you don’t normally confide in, all the things you do well. Notice how sharing your gifts lights you (and those around you) up.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 50 points for every person you share your strengths with.

Lesson 21

On October 17, 2013 By AlexaIn Events, Home1 Comment

As always very timely. When I read this lesson and recalled that just days ago I was having this chat about not always having been the type of person who was comfortable with hugs. Then life through me a curve by sending two wonderful friends into my life who were the hug types. We joke about it now that I was as stiff as a cardboard box whenever they gave me hugs in greetings. I was just not used to hugs, even though I come from a close family who are loving, we were just not overly affectionate with hugs.

Though my life has been greatly enriched by these hugs, that I do try now to be much better with showing my affections. So I’ll be doing this lesson for sure and hope you will too!

Lesson 21: Openhearted Giving

Sometimes it feels safer to give of our time or resources than to give of the tenderness of our hearts. It’s often easier to buy someone a present than to share the depth of our love for them or tell them the ways they’ve contributed to our lives. Yet it’s exactly this type of openhearted giving that lifts us out of our own concerns and dramas and fills us with love and appreciation for life.

Openhearted giving requires us to go above and beyond the ordinary, and to go out of our way to show those we love exactly how much they mean to us. Giving of our hearts may leave us feeling a little vulnerable, but the most memorable times in our lives almost always involve some degree of risk.

This week, share some tenderness from your heart.

Your Self-Love Assignment

Take a few minutes to reflect on the special people in your life. See what gift from your heart you could give them that would let them know how you feel. Could you make a special dinner for your mate? Could you plan a special outing for a parent or sibling? How about bringing flowers or a homemade treat to your co-workers at the office? Or slipping a love note into your kids’ lunch boxes or your lover’s briefcase?

Your assignment this week is to come up with three over-the-top ways to share your heart with those you love. Notice how you feel afterward.

Self-Love Points Earned

Award yourself 100 points for every act of openhearted giving you perform this week.

Credits:

On Alexa:

Hair – Dura – Girl*50 Black
Bodysuit – r2 A/D/E – Kagaya Black @ Collabor88
Stockings – :AE: – Appliers for SLink Pantyhose Feet
Feet – SLink – Womens Medium Barefeet
Leg Warmers – Fri. – Legwarmers in Black @ Collabor88

On Sydney:

Hair – [e] – Quirky in Black {Not sure if available anymore}
PJs – Intrigue Co. – ToddleeDoo Panda PJs

Scene:

By Dorian – Log Cabin

The Loft – Wagon Table

[Noble] – Group Hug Puzzle
Bazar – Roya-Fluffy Carpet
Post – Crochet Spread {part of a set}

*MishMish* – Chipmunk – With Acorn {Arcade Gacha}
O.M.E.N. – Fairytales -Dome – Aladdin {Arcade Gacha}
Lark – Imaginarium Librarium Book {Arcade Gacha}
Lark – Imaginarium Librarium Butterfly {Arcade Gacha}
Step inSide – Wood Chair @ MP
Aria – Oolong Teacup Planter Vanda Orchid – Yellow {Arcade Gacha}
+Half-Deer+ Carved Woodland Animals (White Squirrel) & (Red Squirrel) {Arcade Gacha}
Digs – Leaf Mirror – Dark
The Loft – Adwin – Adwin Dried Branches
11th Hour – Pumpkin Planter @ Fantasy Gacha Carnival
Zigana – Stars Mixed

MudHoney – Magazine Pile
*bbqq* Curtain v2 -Linen-C
Zinnias – Starry Blossom Print Frame
Purple Moon Stores – FIA Hunt Gift – Pumpkins and Candles
The Loft – Wareham Planter

Intrigue Co. – Plushie Pals: Otis the Pug & Lucky the Dalmatian {Arcade Gacha}

MudHoney – Mums in Bucket Red & Orange

MudHoney – Dolly Kelly
By Dorian – Sofa & Chair

*Second Spaces* – Craft Room Caddy RARE {Arcade Gacha}
Dutchie – Library Shelves

Encore – Grandfather Clock {dark}

Beach Street – Ghostly Candy Dish @ Candy Fair
StoraxTree – Native Horse Statue Grey

D-Labs – Pandas

Poses: Bond Girl31 by Tutys & Autumn Whispers #1 by Inner Peace

Bits & Pieces of My SL

Tag: Course

Lesson 36

Lesson 35

Lesson 34

Lesson 33

Lesson 32

Lesson 30

Lesson 29

Lesson 28

Lesson 26

Lesson 21