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 -> ♥