During a recent family visit, I wondered to myself why it was so hard for my nephew to decide on anything. I think, like most of us, he is simply worried that he may make the wrong decision. For him – an 11 year old child – having to sit through a meal that he ends up hating, well it’s a big deal (ahh to be a kid again).  Well I think he holds the same fear and trepidation we all have when it comes to making a decision. When we are faced with decisions like whether or not we should: accept a new job, start a family, move to a new city, buy a new home — these are all big deals and ones that can make even the easiest of decision-makers shake in their boots.

I have a secret to share with you about decisions. There is no such thing as a bad decision. Okay, okay – some decisions can be classified as bad (as you will see in a minute), but bet your bottom dollar that good or bad — you will come out of the experience with knowledge and understanding – much more than you had before. And, I’ve got proof!

1. At 8 years old I thought it would be a neat idea to jump over my brother while he was break-dancing. Got that? JUMP OVER MY BROTHER WHILE HE WAS BREAK DANCING. The result: I busted my chin. What I learned: Never ever jump over my brother (or anybody for that matter) while they are break-dancing on the ground. In fact, I don’t jump over anything that moves on the ground. I learned my lesson and I have scar that reminds me of it, every single day.

2. At 16 years old I cut my own hair. I was home alone, bored and their were scissors. Result: I was a teenager who cut their own hair. What do you think the result was? Yeah, it wasn’t good. Luckily my mother was a hair stylist and attempted to fix my very short and very crooked hair-cut.  It took months to grow back and was still very short in my Senior Year High School photo. What I learned: I learned a couple from this one. The first, never cut my own hair. The second, hair grows back – so having someone cut it short (for something like Locks of Love) every now and again is  a-okay.

My above examples aren’t life altering ones — but they do show that from them I learned something. When it comes to making a decision that is going to change the way you work, live or play – the only bad decision is to not make one at all. Decide, live and learn from it.

As I stood listening to the music with the lake and trees surrounding me, I felt happy and inspired.

When I arrived home, I did a quick search on the internet and it turns out the concert  in the park was part of a concert series called, “Rock, Reuse & Recycle 3″. The goal of the concert is to bring environmental awareness to young people in an effort to make the township more “green.”  20 bands are to be in attendance.  Music for the sake of music is great, music for the purpose of backing a cause such as this is even better.  To learn how you can reduce, reuse, recycle and help out planet, visit: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/index.htm

Your Blooming is a site that is engulfed in my life’s motto – live your dreams. On the eve of the re-launch of the website and the podcast; I am full of many emotions. Happy, sad, nervous and absolutely inspired.   Happy because I am back, sad because I was gone, nervous because I don’t know what the future holds and inspired because if the past is any indication of what the future does indeed hold, it is going to be an absolutely amazing ride. With that being said, I do not know where this amazing ride will take me,  the people I will meet along the way or the obstacles I may face.  But, I do know this.. it sure is good to be back!

The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up. ~Paul Valery

I am wide awake and ready to roll. Are you? Woot, woot!

Have a wonderfully inspiring weekend!

A Legacy of Love and Life: NJ Sharing Network Quilts Exhibition
Hosted by Jersey Shore University Medical Center

NJ Sharing Network is partnering with Jersey Shore University Medical Center for National Donate Life Month to showcase our “Quilts of Love.” These beautiful quilts were made with love by the families of the true heroes of transplantation, our organ and tissue donors. The quilts put a human face on the subject of donation and have a powerful impact on those who see them.

A selection of quilts will be on display from April 14th through April 30th in the main Atrium at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

On Wednesday April 14th 2010, at 11:30am we will have a presentation in the Atrium of the Jersey Shore University Medical Center to officially open the Quilt Exhibit. We would love for you to attend and pay tribute to all those who have given the gift of life.

Directions can be obtained at Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s website at: www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com

Children Battling Cancer’s mission is to help raise awareness about childhood cancer and support the families affected by this grief stricken diagnosis. Awareness and support is done through special fundraisers and events, like  a Chemo Bag Awareness Fundraiser and a First Annual Charity Benefit Concert scheduled for April 2010.

Visit http://www.childrenbattlingcancer.com to learn more.

**The Gold Ribbon is for Childhood Cancer awareness.

And, guess what? I have found it, today on poz-art.com. I learned of some awesome news. You see, Poz-art, the people behind the book “I Love the World Because…” recently designed coloring pages to send off to “AFiveoh4Uplifting”, a charity that sends packages to children in the hospital and shelters, simply meant to brighten their days.

Judith and Julia Da Rocha (poz-art.com) and the woman behind AFiveoh4Uplifting, Tabitha are amazing individuals. I am not just saying this as an outsider observation. Both Judith and Tabitha have been guests on Your Blooming.  The fact that Judith and Tabitha formed a kinship in order to brighten the days of those in need, well, that gives me hope, that yes, Your Blooming is important, it has a purpose. If by some chance Your Blooming brought these two people together, well, that in and of itself is inspiring.

Thank you ladies for reminding me there are honest to goodness people out there doing good for others and not expecting anything in return. Inspiration to grow on, indeed.

Check out Poz-art.com for some amazing art, books and more: http://www.poz-art.com

Check out AFiveoh4Uplifting to learn more about Tabitha’s amazing charity: http://www.afiveoh4uplifting.org/

Meaghan talks about the story behind the charity (why it was started), tells how one can get involved and also shares a few touching stories that have occurred as a result of this inspiring project. Meaghan, herself is a Stage 3B Cervical Cancer Survivor and also shares her story. I was so moved by my conversation with Meaghan; I hope it does the same for you.

Visit Spirit Jump for more information.

I Kicked Cancer’s @ss
A blog Meaghan started to help others battling cancer find a support, resources and information.

Listen to the episode here.