Looking back at this year and remembering my quotes born from life’s experiences and inspired from a “Higher Love”…
Remembering: A smile fills me as I recall the day-to-day interactions of family, friends, clients and my patients at Kaiser Permanente where I teach lifestyle wellness skills. When I’m in service to others and their needs, my heart is open.
“An open heart has room for Love, Joy, Peace, Family, Friends and above all, God.” ~Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Grateful: Those who have encouraged me with a smile or words of support have touched me like a hug. These little acts of kindness are wonderful but lots of times I’m on my own to buck up, that is when I look up to heaven.
“Thumbs up, fingers too. Say a prayer, God loves you.” ~ Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Reflection: Did I ponder more on my worries or on my blessings this year? Wish I could say that I continually live in a state of gratitude for the blessings in my life but I fall short. I have a habit of wanting to fix things especially when it affects those I love. Sometimes this steers me down the road of stress and misunderstanding which can be frustrating and even infuriating. This gives me a clue to step back knowing a Higher Power, God is in control not me.
“Eating humble pie once in a while can be good for you.” ~ Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Renewal: With all of life’s ups, I have no way escaped the downs of life. When my whole being aches from disappointments my natural instinct is to protect myself. Even when I close the door to negative feelings cynicism creeps in through the cracks. Eventually, I realize it’s time to gently unwrap the bandage that hides the part of my heart that has been scarred. The light and warmth of the sunshine and God’s Son completes the healing as I discover the beauty and miracles of life again.
“There’s perfection in imperfection, that’s why perfecting love is never-ending.” ~ Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Patience: It takes patience to continually perfect the art of loving and living in this world. This can be exhausting and sometimes it is heartbreaking but a broken heart is an open heart that is ready for blessings. There is so much good in life to embrace but life also brings anxiety. The negative aspects of life have a positive side too. Anxiety may give you the adrenaline energy you need to do the things you need to do and tears may be purifying. Want to get out of a funk? Don’t lie around feeling sorry for yourself, get up, exercise to release pent-up feelings and don’t forget to pray.
“I don’t have time for patience but patience makes time for me.” ~ Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Family & Career: Praying, exercising, singing and dancing has always been a part of my life. This year, my sister, Linda Eichberg and I completed our book about family values and the entertainment Icons of the 20th Century with whom we performed called, “Beyond Our Wildest Dreams.”
Playing it forward: Using our talents for good is important to my sisters and I. Here’s a clip of my sisters, Darlene (Alberici) Cianci , Linda (Alberici) Eichberg and I entertaining for a good cause:
The Alberici Sisters, perform “In the Mood”
at The Osmond’s Telethon, Children’s Miracle Network during the 80’s
“A musical heart is always in harmony so face life’s music, dance and sing. You are the instrument and the song.” ~ Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
A Christmas Message
My sister, Alane (Alberici) Degli-Esposti shared the following meaning for the Holidays; it is something to keep in mind. Thanks Alane!
“Heard a fun reminder about the story of Mary and Martha who loved each other and shared time together: When Jesus comes to visit, Martha is busy and suggests to Jesus she could really use some help… Jesus tells her you are busy with so many things… but Mary has her focus where she should be with Jesus.
I will keep putting Him on top of my to-do list this holiday when He slips down the list! Sadly, I know – but it happens. Jesus is the reason for the season-amen. So calm your busy hearts with that thought of Jesus setting Martha straight!
Love, Alane”
“Reconnecting to the people from your past helps you to remember the fabric from which you are made.” ~ Maria Lauren (Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)
Family and friends can help keep you on the right path but don’t forget to make some time for meditation and prayer. Open your heart in a quite place away from the clutter that fills life so you can hear your special Christmas message.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MANY BLESSINGS TO ALL!
Maria Lauren (AKA) Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio
Your Powerful LIFE blog
It’s so easy to be overwhelmed, tired and too busy this time of year. Take time, take a breather and “Relax-n-Renew” that’s what I try to do. Listening to positive guided imagery and soothing music may help you enjoy the peace within you.
Thanks for being a blessing! I‘m blessed to continue performing as a singer, to make appearances as a motivational speaker and share my expertise as a fitness or singing coach. I invite you to visit my website.
If you like reading about vintage showbiz, you’ll love the book my sister and I wrote. Here’s a preview…
“Beyond Our Wildest Dreams” is a book with over 300 pictures that tells the insides stories about iconic celebrities like the Rat Pack with insights about family and showbiz friends.
~ Written by the Alberici Sisters, Maria Lauren and Linda Eichberg.
~ Selling on-line at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Pingback: Holiday Gifts Everyday | YourPowerfulLIFE Blog
As I look upon the horizon, another year is just over the mountain. 2011, like many years, has been a year of learning, love, experience, forgiveness, understanding, and humility. Whether the choices I made were good or bad, they encompassed strength to run through my veins straight to my heart. I thank God for my blessings, for the gift of the arts, the music of the heart, and the love I give and receive from family and friends. May 2012 not pass us by like a runaway train. May we truly appreciate even the smallest ventures and necessities of life. May we add another bright color to the rainbow in the sky and shine as bright as the stars.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your inspiring thoughts.
Always with you in love,
Mom