This is a random blog post. Unlike most of my messages, it has no real theme. Today's post is partially a Random Act of Kindness, partially a message of inspiration, partially a greeting for the holidays, and wholly a big dollop of love. Why? Because Christmas is here. It's the time for you to open your heart and embrace the world around you. You see, anyone that knows me... knows one thing. I love this time of year! It's magical. People everywhere -- at least those not caught in the crazed, ever-busy last-minute gift rush -- open their hearts and become just a little more loving. It's the time we can officially be jovial and say "I LOVE YOU!" without feeling like an idiot. It's rationed happiness. Of course, you could be like that all year round -- and feel great as a result. But if you don't, AT LEAST do it for Christmas, and live every minute of the holidays to the full! So, what can you do to get into the Christmas spirit? Well, Random Acts of Kindness are a fantastic way to start! They're small acts of kindness, done for the good of some stranger, solely for the purpose of making their like more joyful -- without expecting anything in return! http://www.karlblog.com/blog/labels/random%20acts%20of%20kindness.html Let me give you some examples. This week, my mother donated much of her wages to abandoned cat and dog charities up in the North East of England. (And my mum has a lot of big bills to pay!) On Saturday, I helped an elderly man overloaded with bags up the steep hill to our local train station. Last night, I gave a surprise visit to an elderly friend -- and decorated his otherwise-Christmas-free house with bright tinsel and wreaths and "Merry Christmas!" signs. They cost me �7 in total, and changed his mindset completely! Those are just a few festive Random Act's of Kindness you can use to change someone else's life -- and make yourself feel great at the same time. A Random Act of Kindness is, after all, simply an act of love. And what is Christmas if not love? Before signing off today, I'd like to give you a couple of quick Christmas gifts. Firstly, if you haven't yet downloaded the Karl Blog.com Christmas screensaver, then click here to learn more and download your copy for free. Secondly, I've prepared an official greetings card just for YOU! Please... I'd like you to ask that you take two seconds out to visit the following site and listen to my message... www.KarlChristmas.com I guarantee it'll pep up your day. And so, as this glorious day slowly retires and the sound of sleighbells gently ring in the distance, allow me to wish you... a very, very merry Christmas! With love, with happiness, with a big smile and wide pupils... I wish you all the very, very best. :) 
Labels: christmas, inspiration, love
I absolutely love what I do. I enjoy my work immensely and it takes up a large part of my life. But, you know what? Although I truly love my work, I enjoy giving even more! Winston Churchill once said: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." I really can't agree more! Giving ... whether it's a little of your time, expertise, support, funds or love ... is the most fulfilling act you can do. It makes you feel more alive. Trust me ... it really does! So, perhaps today, ask yourself what it is you can give that might make a difference to someone somewhere. Even the smallest gift can make a profound difference ... especially when given with love. Have a fab weekend!  Sponsor this blog: Discover your own inner happiness, with the Happiness Now course! Visit www.happiness.fm Labels: inspiration, love, quotes
Who do you love?
I mean, who do you really love?
Your mum, perhaps. Your dad. Maybe your dog. A sibling. Your friends. A partner. Your children.
Our lives are filled with important relationships.
Yet it never ceases to amaze me how many people completely ignore the most important relationship of all. The relationship with the one person guaranteed to be with them for the rest of their lives.
... Themselves!
That includes me, by the way. I forget my inner-relationship all the time. And the inner-turbulence I've experienced as a result could knock the bowels out of Big Daddy.
Budda said: "You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love & affection."
So, why not consciously make the decision today to simply give yourself some love and affection - for absolutely no reason at all?
Literally no reason. Just do it because it's a smart thing to do.
Sit down - and for ten minutes or so, praise yourself, be nice to yourself, let go of "attachments" to arguments and issues.
Stop beating yourself up for being such a bad person. Stop slapping yourself every time you do that thing wrong again.
Just give yourself some love, some approval, some affection - simply because you can.
Let me tell you something.
I've made some crazy decisions in my life just because I haven't loved myself enough. Decisions that have literally changed my entire path, simply because I didn't care enough about this one most important relationship.
It's said: "If I am not for myself, who will be?"
Make the decision to be your own biggest fan, starting today.
And take time out to really give yourself the love and approval needed to make that happen.
Just for fun.
Try it out. And see what happens.
"I never loved another person the way I loved myself." - Mae WestLabels: inspiration, love, quotes, self-development
When one really loves, one can never be hurt. - Lester Levenson Labels: lester levenson, love, quotes
Today, I received an inspirational message from my great friend, Vivi.
I've copied and pasted it here... I really think you'll like it.
Does any of this ring true for you?
* * *
Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
If you don't send this to at least 8 people.....Who cares?
George Carlin
Labels: inspiration, love
There are not many things that I know.
But here's one of them.
Love is at the heart of everything.
Without question.
Today, I won't explain the comment. I won't reason it away, or provide you with a nice, user-friendly conclusion.
I'll just say that after many, many years of very deep thought and often painful experience, my conclusion is that love is at the heart of everything.
It underlies all.
And if you don't yet realize that on a very deep level, then consider it some more.
Enjoy your day :)Labels: inspiration, love
Mother Teresa once said... "Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." When did you last really smile from the heart? Give the gift of a smile today, and watch the world pay it forward! 
Labels: inspiration, love
This week's Random Act of Kindness requires a little guts.
But you've got that, I know.
Think in your life about someone you love, but whom you haven't told recently.
Perhaps you're just "too close" to say that to them. Heck, they know it already, right? You're not in that sort of relationship where you say that kind of thing, right?
Of course. And that's perfect for this RAK!
For absolutely no reason whatsoever, tell someone you love that you love them.
Before going to bed. Or just before finishing a conversation. Or simply in an e-mail, for no reason whatsoever. Randomly.
Not everyone likes this sort of "challenge." They fear the response.
But how bad can it be?
And what joy might you secretly cause, when the doors are closed and the lights are dimmed? How good will you make that person feel?
Try it out. You never know what is lying around the corner.
Seize the day, live in the moment - and remember that you only regret the things you don't do :)Labels: love, random acts of kindness
This week's Random Act of Kindness is specifically for animal owners.
It's simple:
For five whole minutes, give your pet your UNDIVIDED attention.
Stare into your dog's eyes and express your love. Open your heart to your cat. Just allow yourself to "Be" and see how it feels.
No rush. No agenda.
Just a random opportunity to express a little love.
It's your turn. Pass it on :)
Labels: love, random acts of kindness
I stumbled across this poem from Veronica Hay yesterday, and really wanted to share it with you today.
It's called... "What Do Angels Look Like?"
* * *
Like the little old lady who returned your wallet yesterday.
Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile.
Like the small child who showed you the wonder in simple things.
Like the poor man who offered to share his lunch with you.
Like the rich man who showed you that it really is all possible, if only you believe.
Like the stranger who just happened to come along, when you had lost your way.
Like the friend who touched your heart, when you didn't think you had one to touch.
Angels come in all sizes and shapes, all ages and skin types.
Some with freckles, some with dimples, some with wrinkles, some without.
They come disguised as friends, enemies, teachers, students, spouses and fools.
They don't take life too seriously, they travel light.
They leave no forwarding address, they ask nothing in return.
They wear sneakers with gossamer wings, they get a deal on dry cleaning.
They are hard to find when your eyes are closed,
But they are everywhere you look, when you choose to see.
* * *
Do you think your life is without angels right now?
And are you SURE?
I used to love watching Highway to Heaven. I'd cry every episode.
How many Jonathan Smith's will you meet in your life today?
Remember... Magic happens everywhere.
Have a fantastic Boxing Day! :)
(PS. Ever wondered why they called Boxing Day... Boxing Day? Click here to find out.)Labels: inspiration, love
When did you last tell your Dad... "I love you"? Christmas is a time for sharing, for giving, for opening your heart, and embracing positivity. And at the heart of everything is the message: Love. Love everything. Adore todo. And especially family. No matter what you may think about relationships with your folks, with your partner, with your children... the love bond still probably runs deeper than you can possibly imagine. And of course they never understand. And they never appreciate. Certainly not. Tsk. But sometimes you have to take the first step and say... "I love you." Have you done that recently? Here's a little video I stumbled across this morning. And it brought a tear to my eye. Have a look. And open your heart... (E-mail readers : Visit www.karlblog.com to view the video!) Labels: christmas, inspiration, love, videos
I don't usually like to talk about "favourites".
Favourite colours (Yellow), favourite foods (Chinese), favourite coffee (Yuck!).
But today, I'm breaking my personal rule, because I'd like to share with you my favourite three films. Because they're each significant enough to really change your lives in a positive way.
And maybe you'll benefit from that, right now :)
So, in no particular order, here are my top three Hollywood hits...
-- Playing by Hearts
I referenced this great film in my "Falling in Love with Yourself" post. It follows eleven curious individuals each battling with love in Los Angeles.
Some find it, some don't.
But they each benefit in some way. Even if only by their problems.
Very witty. Very thought-provoking. Very deep.
My favourite quote: "What, is that a rhetorical question? Why is my life so complicated? Gee, I don't know. Why is your life so f**king simple?"
Okay, moving on...
-- The Six Degrees of Separation
When two rich New York art dealers are suddenly imposed upon by a young man claiming to know their kids from Harvard, they take him into their lives. He enchants them, no doubt.
But all the time, he's lying.
However, it's not a sinister lie. It's a sweet, innocent lie that begs for their approval. It's a lie that can be instantly forgiven - the sort of lie you almost beg people to deceive you with.
This is one witty, atmospheric film that forced me to fall in love with it after just the first sitting.
My favourite quote: "I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. Six degrees of separation between us and everyone else on this planet. The President of the United States, a gondolier in Venice, just fill in the names. I find it extremely comforting that we're so close. I also find it like Chinese water torture, that we're so close because you have to find the right six people to make the right connection... I am bound, you are bound, to everyone on this planet by a trail of six people. "
Moving on one final time...
-- Death on the Nile
As with all of my three films here, "Death on the Nile" was not well-received by critics. It was, madame, a flop.
And yet it remains one of my all-time favourite films.
Whilst not quite as deep as the former two, this classic Peter Ustinov film delivers a big dollop of wit in such a subtle manner that it takes perhaps a half-dozen viewings before you truly begin to understand the hidden humour.
You see, everyone is the film is a CHARACTER...
... Angela Lansbury (incidentally, Ustinov's sister-in-law!), Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, David Niven, Maggie Smith, Jack Warden... it's FULL of fantastically well-developed characters that wrap you straight into the story.
The music is gloriously powerful -- and although it's a traditional "Whodunnit", the ending will definitely surprise those that don't know the story.
For me, this is a "comfort film." I watch it over and over whenever I feel ill. And it never fails as the perfect medicine.
Hilarious - AND great.
Favourite quote (in addition to the French title of this post, from Moliere and quoted by Poirot, meaning "The great ambition of women is to inspire love")...
Jim Ferguson: You damn froggy eavesdropper.
Hercule Poirot: Belgian! Belgian eavesdropper!
* * *
And so, if you trust my taste enough, I'd invite you to rent or buy these movies from Amazon.
You might just surprise yourself...
Enjoy! :)Labels: films, love, ramblings
A question today: Are you loving yourself enough?
You know, one of my favourite films is "Playing By Hearts".
It received poor reviews, sure. As do most of my top movies.
But there's one description inside the movie that really struck me the first time I heard it.
When Paul (Sean Connery) is explaining away a former love affair to Hannah (Gena Rowlands), he whispers...
"I remember hearing you once describe to the children exactly what love was. You explained it beautifully...
"You said that falling in love with someone... was really the process of falling in love with yourself.
"You begin to see yourself through their eyes, and you fall in love with yourself again."
Think about it.
When you're truly in love, most people feel exceptionally happy. And they're happy, because for once, they're in complete acceptance and appreciation of themselves.
They're seeing themselves through the loving eyes of someone else.
So, let me ask. Think of the one person that loves you most -- right now.
And ask yourself:
How do they see you?
How perfect are you through their eyes?
How does that make you feel?
.... Have a great day!Labels: films, inspiration, love, self-development
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