Nothing to lose, and everything to gain

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! I confess, I have a crush. I don't fear rejection, if he says "no" then I get the easy way out. If he says "yes" then there is a lot of work ahead. However, I am afraid to take too big of steps for fear of mucking it all up before it's started. So here's the advice I gave friends back in high school that I now want to tell myself "you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain."

As I pull up my big girl pants on the subject of crushes, I think of the many moments I have spent worrying about tomorrow, or what may or may not happen on Sunday, and not enjoying today. Today, I strive to make it the best day so far, and I will let tomorrow's goal be the same. Sexy starts with me. Or you. However you want to interpret that. =D

Body Image

Today is a special stay sexy Thursday. A big shout out to Papa Chuy. Way to go, Pop!  Congrats on your citizenship!

After our game tonight a few of us talked about body image. I wish I could quote my friend verbatim, but here's the bottom line: being happy and accepting of your body gives you freedom. You are - Free to love yourself. Free to love others. Most importantly, you have the freedom to be loved in return. 

Sexy starts now, with you. First in the head then with the heart

Be Happy

Be happy, it's Stay Sexy Thursday. I read this today and thought it perfect after the struggles I've had this week. We have ultimate control over our happiness.
"The more we rely on the Savior’s grace, the more we will feel that we are on the track our Father in Heaven has intended for us.
…

We do matter. We determine our happiness.

You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness.

My wife, Harriet, and I love riding our bicycles…we don’t pay too much attention to how far we go or how fast we travel in comparison with other riders.
However, occasionally I think we should be a bit more competitive. I even think we could get a better time or ride at a higher speed if only we pushed ourselves a little more. And then sometimes I even make the big mistake of mentioning this idea to my wonderful wife.

Her typical reaction to my suggestions of this nature is always very kind, very clear, and very direct. She smiles and says, “Dieter, it’s not a race; it’s a journey. Enjoy the moment.”

How right she is!"

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Due Tramonti (Two Sunsets)

As I watched the sunset from my office window today, it made me think of the song “Due Tramonti” or “Two Sunsets” by Ludovico Einaudi. It’s my favorite piece by him and I used to listen to it before every tennis match when I was playing with my club in San Jose. I’ve always been one to become terribly nervous before a game, and in high school, my nerves would force me to “kneel before the porcelain gods” before nearly every basketball game. As an adult, I’ve learned to find ways to help calm my mind and to control the adrenaline that starts to pump through my body as excitement builds. My focus has changed and my concern and perception of the outcome has changed too.

The song is simple in its make up, introspective, and a duet with a piano and a viola (I think it’s a viola). A pair of instruments working together for one purpose. Life is as complicated or simple as we choose to make it. Recently, I’ve been reminded on the importance of how fragile and short our time on earth is and we don’t know when it will end. I used to listen to this song on repeat to get my mind right before a match, but today, I listened to it to get my heart right too. Sexy starts first in the head, then in the heart.

This Stay Sexy Thursday I leave you with two quotes.

“People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” Z. Ziglar

“Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. I don’t go cycling with my wife because I’m excited about finishing. I go because the experience of being with her is sweet and enjoyable.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Thankful

I am thankful that I can look myself in the eye every morning and be happy with what I see. I am grateful for the many challenges that I have experienced and obstacles overcome, as they have shaped and enriched my character. I am grateful for "mistakes" made that remind me I am not perfect and keep me humble. I am grateful for stay sexy Thursdays which give me an opportunity to remind myself that confidence isn't something everyone is born with, and no matter who you are it must continue to be nurtured and increased. Sexy starts first in the head, then in the heart.

Hind Sight

As we go through life, there are many situations we may find ourselves in that require us to make choices base on limited information. Often, our emotions dictate the way we respond and we learn that "hind sight is always 20-20." When we allow hurt feelings or anger to prevent us from appreciating the moment or retaliating, we only hinder ourselves. Accept people for who they are and not for who they are not, and you may find yourself a lot less frustrated. Lead by example the "stay sexy" attitude and you may find in time a change in them and in you. Sexy starts with you.

 

note:  hind sight is not always 20-20, but that is discussion for another day and post :)

Take Personal Inventory

I was reading an article recently titled "The Infinite Power of Hope" and I would like to share an excerpt from it:
"Hope is not knowledge...It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance."
As we take personal inventory of our lives and start to sort the good from the challenging, our strengths from the needs for improvements, and the where were are "nows" from the hope to "bes," let us remember to be encouraged by hope and the road that has brought us to HERE and the road ahead that will get us to THERE.

Confidence is something that must be nurtured. Optimism comes from positive thinking, and hoping for the best even when all seems bleak. Enthusiasm increases as we gain confidence, and optimism from our efforts. Let us be patient in our perseverance. Now to quote the old Heinz 57 commercials "Good things come to those who wait." =D

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! Sexy starts here -> ♥

Titanium

It was a late game, I was tired, I drove a long way to play and just needed motivation. In the locker room before taking the ice, the song below came on. I needed it to boost my confidence level, and I sang it most of the time out on the ice. Especially during the face offs, and I got some strange looks from the Officials, but I don't care. I needed the boost and it's what I had to do to get things done.

Last night, I kept singing this part to myself during my game:

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
fire away, fire away
ricochet, you take your aim
fire away, fire away
you shoot me down, but I won't fall
I am titanium

I listened to the song again today. The part before the chorus goes like this:

I'm criticized, but all your bullets ricochet
you shoot me down, but I get up

No matter what is sent our way, let the negative "ricochet" and if someone pushes you down, get back up. We can't control if someone chooses to push us down, but we can control what we do, and that's to get back up, stand tall and keep on keepin' on. The Good Book says to "turn the other cheek" and I agree. It's probably our cuter side anyway. Rise above it and resist the urge to be ugly inside and out. Happy Stay Sexy Thursday.

Ti (Titanium) - the two most useful properties of the metal form are corrosion resistance and the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal

Man in the Mirror

A song I've heard many times before, took me a different direction this morning.
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change

How we see ourselves is always most important. I've given friends over the years a challenge. Every morning, look at yourself in the mirror. I promise, that after a week if you don't see a sexy beast staring back at you, keep looking until you do, because it's there! Choose to "make a change" and see what real beauty is all about.

Every day, I look in the mirror and have to smile with satisfaction. There's no better way to make the world a better more beautiful place than in your own mind. If you choose to see beauty everywhere you look, you will find more beauty instead of getting caught up in the ugly.

Sexy starts first in the head, then with the heart. Happy Stay Sexy Thursday!

Sharing is Caring

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! One of the most important aspects of Stay Sexy mentality, is that we not only appreciate who we are as people, but that we are willing to share our appreciation for others and our belief that a confident person is a sexy person. Last night, Trucker and I went to 5th Avenue mall and met some lovely individuals. We were able to share with them what Stay Sexy Thursday was and what it represents. The childhood adage "sharing is caring" seems appropriate. =D

Content

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday, y'all! I'm just content being a sexy Beast. The end

Choose to See the Good

It's a liquid-sunshine kind of stay sexy Thursday in Anchorage and it's exactly what I needed. The rain is so refreshing and makes me happy. As I walked across the parking lot when I got home I turned my face up towards the heavens and smiled as cool drops fell on my face.
Dance in the rain. Bask in the sunshine. To get the most out of life you have to choose to see the good. Sexy starts first in the head then in the heart.

"...seeing beyond what is visible to the eye..."

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! Today's quote comes from a 1994 movie titled "Don Juan Demarco"

"By seeing beyond what is visible to the eye. Now there are those, of course, who do not share my perceptions, it's true. When I say that all my woman are dazzling beauties, they object. The nose of this one is too large; the-the hips of another, they are too wide; perhaps the breasts of a third, they are too small. But I see these women for how they truly are... glorious, radiant, spectacular, and perfect, because, I am not limited by my eyesight."

Let us see with more than just our eyes. Whether male or female. Young or old. Spirit connecting with another spirit. Sexy is in the spiritual "eye" of the beholder.

Four Questions in Life (DJ Demarco)

‎"There are only four questions of value in life, Don Octavio. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same: only love."
-Don Juan DeMarco

Popeye Was a Wise Man

I'm not gonna lie and say I am not tired of working, or tired of being in pain, or tired of sitting at a desk when I'd rather be outside playing, but, part of life is having challenges, and not always doing exactly what you want to do. My life is blessed in so many ways, one of which is that I can look in the mirror each morning, or each time I wash my hands, or walk by a window and catch my reflection, or pose in the full length mirrors at the gym and say to myself and unashamedly out loud "Dang, I am one sexy beast!" Sexy is a state of mind. No matter what anyone says, I am what I am, because I believe that I am, and that's ALL that I am. Like what Popeye says, but different. Happy Stay Sexy Thursday!

A Moment of Catharsis

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday. I had a moment of catharsis recently. Though, I've had the same moment, but different, over the years and at different phases in my life; this one was different. I'm older now. I'm wiser now. I'm willing to share it now. In my kinder year of school, I learned a song I have never forgotten. I shared the song a few weeks ago during a family night activity with my single's group. Here are the lyrics [reader's digest version] but keep in mind the importance of how we can keep sexy always in our minds, and how important it is to share that confidence with others, as well, and always striving to uplift each other.

"love is something if you give it away...
you end up having more.
It's just like, a magic penny,
hold it tight and you won't have any.
Lend it, spend it, you'll have so many
They'll roll all over the floor."

Sexy starts first in the head, then with the heart.

Catching My Reflection in the Mirror

Stay Sexy Thursday - Sometimes, I get so caught up in work that I forget what day it is. Not this week! I was working out at the gym yesterday morning with my friend Krush. I was doing rows and of course, looking at myself...err...watching my form in the mirror and thought/said out loud "Dang, I'm cute!" Maybe it was the colour blue I was wearing, but I was particularly pleased with my reflection despite being in my workout clothes. May we all appreciate ourselves a little more today, no matter what we're doing, wearing, or experiencing. Sexy starts first in the head, then with the heart.

Buy Yourself Flowers

It's stay sexy Thursday. Buy yourself some flowers, write a little note to go with it. Or, if you have someone sexy on your mind, buy him/her some flowers, or "build" them a cake. Groupon says it's offering an online deal for flowers, so if you're worried about funds, there's your opportunity to turn it up. I wore my good bra today, partly because I need to get quarters and do some laundry, but also because it seemed like the sexy thing to do. Sexy starts first in the head, then in the heart.

No Regrets

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! No regrets. I looked in the mirror as I was preparing for bed and I said to myself "If I died today, I have no regrets." I will take that. Earlier this week there was the question: Conceited or Convinced? I'm convinced that no matter what happens, or what is said, if I believe in myself, no one can convince me otherwise that I am awesome, intelligent, and darn right sexy.

Écoute (Listen)

Stay Sexy Thursday moment - Though I will be sharing this quote out of context and I revised the order, the words have really resonated with me today. Just when I think I am about to lose my strength to be true to my faith, covenants made, and to myself, it's that one moment I somehow how hear this:
J`ai trouvé mon étoile
Je l`ai suivie un instant
Et si tu crois que c`est fini
Jamais
C`est juste une pause, un répit
Après les dangers
Et si tu crois que je t`oublie
Écoute

So Écoute (listen) someone is there for you and you are never alone. Follow that star when you find it. Though it may seem but a moment, they are the moments that make up the fabric of our lives, so enjoy them. Look in the mirror today and no matter what you're wearing, make up or no make up, you can be perfect in that moment if you choose to be. Keep your mind right! Keep it sexy!

The Reward

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday - All week at the gym I have been motivated by one thing: The Reward. What is the reward? Each day "the reward" is different. On Tuesday, the reward was that I survived the workout with my trainer and my shower afterwards was icing on the cake. Sure, the by-product of exercise is that I am getting/staying fit, my butt is getting firmer, overall health improvement, etc., but the immediate reward is what drives me. Do I go to the gym to feel better about myself? No. I already love me. I go to the gym to maintain my awesomeness and to gain more awesomeness. The gym won't make you love you, you have to love you in order to walk through the door and succeed. If everyday I the reward is something different and something new, it will always be exciting. I'm wearing bright pink to the gym today after work to strut sexy! Keep it real, and keep it sexy!

Live from AK!

Comin' to you live from Anchorage, AK, it's Stay Sexy Thuuuuurrrrrrssssdayyyyy!!!!! Let's leave a lasting impression today as we go about our business, and I'd like to kick things off with a quote from a great novelist:
“Sometimes the slightest things change the directions of our lives, the merest breath of a circumstance, a random moment that connects like a meteorite striking the earth. Lives have swiveled and changed direction on the strength of a chance remark.”
― Bryce Courtenay
Stay Smart. Stay Strong. Stay Sexy.

Real Leadership

What is real leadership? Leadership is not being afraid to accept the call of duty. Leadership means inspiring others to follow your lead by example, actions, and increasing their understanding about the goal of the task at hand. Leaders that understand when to be a team player and when to be the team leader, and sometimes both at the same time. Stay sexy Thursday - it starts here! 

Lead your life towards your goals. Re-assess as necessary. Inspire others to take the lead in their own lives and follow along with you. Leadership is about accountability.

 Accept it - Sexy starts first in the head, then with the heart.

Short and Sweet

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! Just this to say...I love the person that I am and what I stand for. I am resolved to not let fear hold me back when I should go forward.

All Dogs Go To Heaven

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! This week I'd like to quote All Dogs Go to Heaven 

"What's mine is yours. What's yours is mine. The more you share, the more the sun will shine."

 Let's share sexy. It's the mental attitude to choose to be happy with who you are, and not afraid to accept who you are. Embrace the good and the challenging. You are your mother's daughter/son. You are your father's daughter/son. Honor that, you honor yourself. Keep it sexy first in the head, then in the heart. 

"The more you share, the more you're gonna get." -Charlie B. Barkin

Water Boy

It's Stay Sexy Thursday - did you wake up without that little bounce to the ounce? Wishing it were Saturday morning and you were still laying in bed? Walk on over the the washroom, throw some water on your face, take a few deep breaths and tell that sexy beast that today belongs to you!

"Mama say that happiness is from magic rays of sunshine that come down when you feelin' blue" - The Water Boy

The Gentle Sex

According to my Google home page, it's International Women's Day. To all women, happy Stay Sexy Thursday! Remember, the "Gentler Sex" doesn't mean the "Weaker Sex." Gentle: free from harshness, sternness, and violence. Anyone can be rough and tough, but it takes great inner strength to lead and raise families with gentle words and actions. To care for those around you with gentle AND tough love without severe and abrasive words and actions is a strength not a weakness. Happy Stay Sexy Thursday to Everyone - Man, woman, and child.

Take a Chance on Life

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! My team played amazing tonight and it was inspiring to see them win. We've come so far this season and I feel blessed to be able to be a part of that journey. This week's shout out goes to all the women in our league that have chosen to take on a new challenge at any age! When others ask us "Why?" you have taken action and respond with "Why not?" One of my favorite quotes "don't let fear hold you back when you should go forward." Take a chance on life and to new adventures and challenges. A desire to grow and improve as a human being is how Stella go her groove back...well, kinda. ;)

To the Mamas!

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! Today's sexy moment goes out to all those expecting mamas out there! I stopped counting at 13 because I can only count that high, but there are 13 expecting mothers within my friend circle! Some with twins and that is super duper exciting. Being a mother is hard work and I want to give kudos to all mothers, and also to those that choose to stay home with their kids! So much work, it makes sense to me why some of them never have time for anything else! Whether you're covered in finger paint, still in your pajamas at three in the afternoon because you spent the whole day focusing on the kids and the house, the kids, and oh yeah, the kids, or in your best for your much needed date night, you're sexy and amazing! Being sexy and creating that sexy mentality, starts at home. =) Next stay sexy post will come from somewhere in the lower 48...

Be Certain

It's still Thursday in Hawaii. Happy Stay Sexy, Ra Na!!! And everyone else, I am finally not sick, so here is the stay sexy post! The last few weeks I have been sick and slept through my Stay Sexy day, but this time I did not! Yay!
Confidence (noun):2 The quality or state of being certain
Be certain that you are an amazing child of God. Be certain that you have sexy inside and out. Be certain, that the person you see in the mirror is the person YOU choose to be, not dictated by those who try and influence you. In certitude, I declare YOU a sexy beast! :)

Love Unconditionally

Happy Stay Stay Sexy, Thursday! This week my thoughts of been all over the place. I was listening to a song on my way to work today and it really struck a chord in me:
You've always been
Time and again
The one to take my hand
And show to me it's okay to be
Just the way I am
With no apology

Friends, lovers, family; be the one to love and accept unconditionally. Let each person you love know that they are important and share that Sexy! There are a few friends in my life that I know I can be 100% myself around, but that was something that was built over time, and they've let me know "it's okay to be just the way I am. With no apology." Keep it sexy!

Sexy Birthday Shout Out

A very, very, very special Stay Sexy Birthday Shout-Out to my friend, Crazy Grace. She is wicked awesome and was one of the best roommates ever. She's always been a great example of what it means to be a true Christian and to serve others. Sometimes when we're feeling good and confident we have to remember it's not only important that we feel lifted up, but it's also part of "sexy" to lift up those around us when they're in need. Don't forget to let your boyfriend/girlfriend/guy pal/gal pa/son/daughter, whatever, know that they are appreciated and SEXY! Remember, sexy starts at home. =)

To the Marathoners

Happy Stay Sexy Thursday! Special shout out to my friends in Florida getting ready to run a marathon! I hope that you do well and we will be cheering for you all the way from AK! Gotta represent! Woot! No matter what you do, do it with your head held high with confidence. Do what you do with purpose. Keep it real. Keep it sexy. It's the start of a new year...it's a clean slate. :)