Happy Just Makes Sense.....

Are you happy? How do you know if you are? What are you doing if you aren't? With all the things to worry about in today's world like troubled relationships, not feeling valued, not making ends meet,  being single but wanting love, feeling like evil people are plotting against you, feeling as if no one’s on your side and the list goes on and on. There are tons of things that could make a person no longer have that "glow" that everyone often notices they usually have.

Stop it I say stop it! I've been doing some soul searching; I wanted to see if all the worry and fret over things we have no control over was even worth it. I spent one day doing nothing but thinking about how things hadn't gone the way I'd wished,  I thought about people who I thought were in a position to help and how they turned their backs on me and I never saw it coming, I worried about what others were thinking, ( totally not me ) I thought about everything negative that could come to mind. By the end of the day, I was nervous, worried, anxious, couldn't think or speak clearly, wasn't myself and even felt like others hated me. I realized I had become very tired, exhausted and sad. (Not a good feeling)

The very next day I decided to start my day off with happy thoughts, I met with some of my dear friends, told jokes like old times, spent the entire day on an outing with them, laughed, embraced, talked to God, didn't worry or stress, didn't allow the enemy to win, I reflected on all the good people in my life who I know love and care for me, all the good things that have happened to me. By the end of the day, I was singing Yolanda Adams "Be Blessed."

It felt good being happy, knowing God has my back, knowing my true friends would never let me sink nor would they plot evil things behind my back, knowing that my family was rooting for me and supporting anything I decided to do, knowing that I'm loved. I realized that people can be cruel and just plain unhappy with themselves so therefore, they don't want others to be happy so they try to block their blessings. Don't worry it's not you, it's them. If you know your heart and you know God knows your heart then stand firm in your word and don't let them break you. You will be just fine. In a world where it's easy to just give up, give in and be sad; I choose joy because at the end of the day "Happy Just Makes Since."

I let an elderly couple get the parking spot

I'd been circling around for about a good seven minutes in hope of finding a parking spot close to the entrance of the mall. Not because I'm lazy, but because it was so hot that the closer to the entrance, the less time in the sun. Whew!

Finally, I spotted one just a few feet away from the entrance. I noticed a car backing out and I was positioned next to get the spot when suddenly, I saw an elderly couple pull up with a signal on indicating they too were after the spot. They then saw me there first and I could tell they really wanted the spot, but tried to respect me for being there first.

I've always had a soft spot for the elderly and just love to see them happy. I kindly gestured for them to go ahead. In my mind I'm like, well looks like I'll just have to be hot. I noticed his face lit up as he waved excitedly as if to say," Wow, people still care in this world?"  His sweet heart sitting patiently beside him nearly broke her neck to honor me for giving them the spot. I smiled and waved as I past what was suppose to be my spot. I ended up parking very far away, then I realized it wasn't so bad after all and at the same time, I'd made things easier on someone else. Felt good!

I know my blessings come from how I treat others and selfless acts of kindness. How horrible would it have been if I'd dashed into the spot forcing them to have to circle around in hopes of finding a closer spot themselves?We have got to look a little deeper at our actions and think with our hearts a little bit more, spread a bit of love to even strangers. It makes a world of difference.

I went inside to discover the shirt I wanted which was originally $29.00, had been marked down and additional 25% off; left me paying a low $13.00. I know it was part of my reward for doing a bit of something good. Even if it wasn't, you can't beat the feeling of knowing you have Gods favor and the day only got better.  Do something good today it will make you smile and it will make a difference. Have a good day, thanks for stopping by.

Tinzley Bradford

Today I Will Adjust my Sails, I Love Life!

One of my favorite quotes, "The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change; the leader adjusts the sails." ~John Maxwell

What do you do when you are dealing with a very sensitive, self absorbed, manipulative, sneaky and very condescending person who doesn't feel they are any of the things I just mentioned?  You change the way you deal with them, that's what you do. I'm done complaining about this person who seems to whine their way into not being ousted and seems to play "victim" quite well. You know that type who seems to think no one likes them, no one respects them and no one wants to "play" anymore?  It's all good as long as people are walking around with fake smiles and constantly placating to this persons needs and wants with no questions, but the moment that stops and this person is expected to actually hold a real conversation that requires them to think and involves more than " What kind of shoes they chose to wear and why they chose them, or how cute your eye makeup is today, here we go with the victim role. Give me a break! You're not dealing with a kid whose upset because you took their ice cream, you're dealing with adult people who have lives and families and who just want to be treated fairly.

Another favorite quote, "You really realize just how important someone else can be when you're no longer the star of your own life." — Clint Black, country singer.

I'm noticing that this person is the star of their own life and it's never them it's always other people who just for some reason suddenly stopped  "liking them." Just out of the blue, just like that, they didn't entice it they are simply being, " victimized." I have decided that my family, my real friends, my daughter and all the people who matter in my life are who I will pay most attention to. I will no longer allow this person in my personal space only to turn around and be deceived. I will feed this person with a very long handle spoon, but make sure I smile while I do it. I will continue to work hard in life towards achieving my goals and the right people who matter will someday take notice. I know that only God has the answers to many of our questions and I just have to trust in Him. Today I am adjusting my sails! I suggest you try adjusting yours, because only you can make "YOU" happy! Have a wonderful day and remember to make those changes so that you can keep your joy!

Tinzley B

It's Time to Live, Today I Choose to Enjoy Life as it is Right Now

 I place my hands on life today and it belongs to me.

How do you push through all the clutter in your life? How do you remain composed and focused despite obvious chaos that surrounds you? How can you really embrace life and truly enjoy it? I mean there are things you want to do but you can't. Places you want to go but you're not able to. People you'd like to meet but that has yet to happen. then you may feel you're currently doing something you used to love, but now you despise because of your environment. How do you deal with that?

I am learning to just be happy with what I have, and where I am. To be happy with those already around me who I love and care for and who love and care for me,and cherish every single moment with them. To know that it's okay to dream and strive for what you want in life, but to be content with what you have right now and where you are right this very moment. I have toned it down in my life, I get excited but I'm not as anxious like I used to be, sometimes anxiety can cause much stress in your life, because you're constantly trying to go go go and do do do to and prove prove prove the point where you forget to live live live and enjoy life as it is right this very minute.

Today I'm embracing life and all the great things is has to offer me right this very moment. I'm going to smile and continue to spread life into others, even when I may not feel like it I know I must do it, just to keep me going. Today I'm ignoring the negative and only focusing on the positive. I know that blessings come in all shapes, sizes, and forms and today I will recognize them all no matter how big or how small. I will look at my life and ask myself just how bad is it? Once I realize it's not bad at all and that I'm loved by many, I will smile and say wow I'm blessed!

Today it won't matter if that person who usually speaks doesn't, maybe they didn't see me this time or maybe they were distracted. It won't matter if I'm overwhelmed at times, I mean who doesn't get overwhelmed at times? Today I will take it slow and focus on it with the right energy, the same energy that allows me to love and embrace others. Today I will know that those who have wronged me no matter who they are will someday realize it and try to make it right, but I won't worry over it just as long as I treat people with love, kindness, and genuineness. I won't have to prove anything because I know my worth and so do they.






Tinzley Bradford
follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/tinzleyb

Talk About Doing Good Things (Oprah Gets It )

I recently read an article about Oprah Winfrey and how she gave each person on her staff $10,000 an ipod and and ipad. I look at that as just a beautiful thing and the fact that she didn't have to do it makes it even more beautiful. I know in this world, material things aren't all that matters. I know that the idea of just plan giving is enough no matter how big or small. I know that there are people who wish they could give but can't. I also know there are people who can give, but don't. A few things I know for sure that we can all give. Love, understanding, appreciation, acceptance, a listening ear, a helping hand, and the gift of a smile.

I often ask how does Oprah do it? How does she want to just give that much of her money away? I then watch her re-runs from my "Oprah's 20th Anniversary" collection and realized, Oprah has a gift and her gift is the ability to love people, a gift that each of us love to receive.

Still time to vote for me to have my talk show and actually work with Oprah click here to vote http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=4755&promo_id=1

And make sure you do something good today.

Tinzley Bradford

Embracing Hospice song title, "Indeed"

 This song is dedicated to all those who make a difference in the lives of others each and everyday. Myself and a colleague wrote this song while doing volunteer work for Embracing Hospice. A final resting place for the terminally ill. We performed it at one of their annual meetings to thank them and remind them that each and everyday, they embrace hope in someone who may have felt all hope was gone.  At the end of the song, one of my colleagues performs a song by Pastor Marvin Winans, "I need you to survive."


Singing the song I wrote with the Embracing Hospice singers

tinzley the Internet Journalist | MySpace Video

So Love Does Conquer All, Today I chose joy over pain and it worked.

Today I decided to not say one word about something that's been on my mind for the last three days. I received some news and it wasn't the news I wanted to hear. So I started to linger on the issue a bit. I began to get more and more angry thinking to myself, I have to confront this. I wanted to tell everyone about this and make "certain people" look pretty darn bad. I vented to my best friend, my mother, my sister, even my daughter and they all understood my frustrations and could see why I felt so cheated. But they all said one thing that was very similar,  " Tinzley, your day is coming!" Yeah Yeah Yeah I thought to myself.

I mean how can you play by all the rules and do it with ease, yet it not even seem to matter? How can someone lift you up and in the blink of an eye tear you down? How can all you do and have done not matter? How can you even look at me? I wanted to gossip, I wanted to confront, I wanted to judge and compare others to me, I wanted to get smart, I wanted to be a complete monster,I wanted answers and I wanted them NOW!

Then something happened, each day I prayed and realized my own value, my own worth, all I have accomplished, my ability to connect with people, my ability to not need other peoples approval to define me, my ability to know that everyone doesn't have to like me or be impressed by me for me to feel good about myself. My loyalty, my love for others, my confidence without anyone having to tell me I'm awesome. I thought about how far I'd come, all the great relationships I've formed along the way, all the people whose lives I've impacted along the way. My bright smile, my warm heart, my passion for service. And the list could go on for days.

I realized that each day I felt a little better, the news wasn't so hard to bear after all. I thought about what truly motives me and it's not how many people approve, or like me. It's not how many people nominate me or select me, no what motivates me is Love despite of, love even when I'm angry, love even when I'm sad, love when I don't feel like it, love when it doesn't seem to make since.

Today I felt like a new person and I told a few people how much I appreciate them. I over looked the negative and focused on the positive. I realized just how great things are as they are and how things will happen for me,just as they should. I realized that love conquers all. Now I don't have any energy left to gossip, confront, be mean, or display anger. I just allowed my joy to out way my pain and I feel great!

I know there will be disappointments in our lives and it's okay to mourn. It's okay to feel sad and feel hurt, you're only human and you have feelings. But try resting your anger for a few days, just let it be yours and no one else's. It's okay to vent, but only to those you trust. You will begin to notice it's not worth the argument, it's not unbearable, and mostly, it's not the end of the world. Put your anger on timeout, and then it will gradually begin to time out.

Tinzley Bradford

Today, is the beginning of a brand new day....Leave your worries behind

Today, I decided to not worry, not let little things get under my skin, not stress over things, not worry about my job, not carry unhappy thoughts around, not neglect myself, not neglect my family, not say mean things to people that I'll never be able to take back, forgive everyone who has ever hurt or disappointed me.

I already feel this weight lifting up off of me. I feel free like I can start over and catch up, like I can start fresh and still excel  , like it's nothing I can't do. Today I will tell someone else to do the same, I will tell someone else to go for the gold and reach for the stars. Today I will smile and hope my positive energy spreads to many many people who need it. Today I place all my worries in Gods hands and know that everything is going to be okay for you and for me. Whoever you are, just know that even if no one else has said this to you in a while; I love you, you are a beautiful person, you are a smart person, there is nothing you can't do, you too should leave your worries behind and start today fresh.

When it's all said and done, you are more valuable than you think.

Tinzley Bradford

I realized what truly inspires me,

That smile I give to even strangers.( A smile from you can bring out the best in others.)

Letting people get in front of me in traffic. (It's just traffic, it's not their fault.)

Being  patient with people and situations that I have no control over.( I don't roll my eyes, I just listen.)

My ability to connect with others on a personal level. (It's not just about me.)

Holding the door while the mother and her 4 kids walk out.(Just a few seconds of my time to make something easier for someone else.)

Going to work and giving 110 percent everyday, despite of.( It's all about the customers, not me.I know the right people already see me)

Paying my mortgage each month. (What a blessing it is to have a home, even though two rooms and a bed would suffice.)

Telling someone if they need me for anything just let me know.( And meaning it)

Being there for my daughter and my family.( No matter what )

Smiling at a little toddler and it's proud parents.( Priceless )

Knowing that life is what I make it, and choosing joy over pain.( No one said it would be easy

Being a no nonsense type of woman.( Keeps me out of trouble )

Living for God no matter what the naysayers do.( It's not about anyone else, He created this world and everything in it.)

Telling someone who I care about, that I love them.( It means a lot to people )

Performing simple acts of kindness just because.Sometimes the smallest act, can be the most powerful. Keep doing good...

So, take a few minutes and just share, what inspires you? 

Tinzley Bradford

There are ways to not let "it" become you. Embrace the differences in others.

What do you do when you've done all you can, when you've given your all, when you've worked extra hard, yet still you seem to feel this tension? Well, you just keep doing all you can, giving your all and working extra hard. Chances are, the person making you feel tense, could be going through the same thing you are, or worse. (people are strange little beings)

Today I didn't allow that to bother me, I held my head up high, kept a smile on my face, and did a heck of a job. I used to let the vibes I picked up from others interfere with the way I was feeling. I didn't understand why or how a person one day could smile, treat you like a jewel, and make you feel special. Then the next day look at you like you stole something, barely speak and make you feel like crap? I finally realized after taking it personally one too many times, that people are different. Many of them have other things going on that they may not know how to hide or handle, therefore they tend to show their emotions towards whoever steps in front of them next. Even if you've done nothing but an awesome job the entire time they've known you. Just be thankful you don't have burdens you wear everyday.

I later realized that, I have to continue to be proud of myself and know my value no matter what someone else may try to do to make me feel less than a person. I have to know that the differences in others is what makes them unique and it's not always my job to get them told, or show them a thing or two; it's my job to embrace what I have no control over. To love even when I don't feel it back, to smile even when I feel like crying, to share nice thoughts even when I may want to curse someone out, and to embrace the differences of others, even when I want to cut them off.

This makes a difference in your balance, your mental stability and your joy. If you weigh yourself down with other peoples burdens, you'll never see above solid ground. The good I see in this is, being the loving, caring, kind person you always are may very much be what others need.

Let "your" light shine!

Tinzley Bradford

Today I gave kudos to three women with a cause...

Today while on Twitter, I noticed a tweet from twitter user who I follow "@Bethebutterfly." It was titled " 3 Inspiring Women Who Are Helping To Heal The Planet http://www.ecosalon.com/3-inspiring-women-who-are-helping-to-heal-the-planet/ 

I enjoy knowing and reading about people who inspire others so I immediately visited the link she provided. When I read the article, I felt like I'd been re-born. I felt like for a few minutes the nation was a place free of pollution, and everyone was on the same page, and change was being made in millions of peoples lives all because these three women chose to use their lives to make a difference.

I thought about how brave this is of them and how if only we all chose our lives to make a difference in the lives of millions, what a world this would be. I know it's tough trying to figure out that" thing" you do so well, that "difference" you hold the key to making. Trying to figure out what it is you can do to contribute. Can I say just reading about others is a huge start. Sharing the great things others do with your friends and family,spreading the word every chance you get is a huge start to change.

Just think about the millions who will read about these women and other people just like them.

These three women in the article I read aren't the first who have chose this route in their lives and I'm sure they won't be the last, but let their lives inspire yours, then you can take baby steps towards positive change. and realize what that "thing" is you were meant to do.There's a reason for everything, you have a purpose; try to figure it out.

Tinzley Bradford

Today I smiled and laughed when I really felt like crying....

Today was a tough day for me. I received some news that was kind of disheartening and left me feeling blank and empty. I mean it was good news for the person, but wow did it hurt. I sat there and joked and laughed and continued to try to make the issue seem to not have had an impact on me, but it did.

The good I see in this is, I smiled and made my dear friend feel happy even when I felt like breaking down and crying. I made him smile and let him know he's still cool with me, even though my heart was crushed and my feelings were hurt. I cracked jokes to calm the room from tension even though I felt over looked and unappreciated. Even now, there are tears in my eyes as I write this, there is a pain in my heart as I cross each  t and dot each i. I ask myself, "what do I gotta do?" Yet I still have no answers for myself.

It's tough being strong for someone else, just so they won't feel the pinch of tension and frustration while their trying to enjoy "their" moment.They say,"never let em see you sweat." If only they could see me now. Maybe I'm too sensitive or maybe, just maybe, I'm just human.

"There's hope, it doesn't cost a thing to smile, and you don't have to pay to laugh. You better thank God for that." ( Arie 2008 )

Tinzley Bradford