What surprises have you experienced in your life recently? What presents has the universe left at your doorstep?

What do you think?

I received a wonderful surprise on the 4th of July.  I have been on a weight loss journey for some time.  I do receive comments from folks from time to time and the surprise came not from a comment that was made to me, but, my answer. 

When I first began my weight loss journey, I didn't want to talk about it.  I have a very supportive significant other and he would gently encourage me.  I was is in such denial I would become angry at his encouragement.  As time passed and the outside me began to change, so did the inside me.

I got very "real" with myself.  I became very honest with myself.  I accepted his encouragement and was able to start talking about what I was doing to change my weight with others (this was topic I would avoid).

Now, back to the 4th of July and my honest answer.  A relative, whom I haven't seen in a year, said to me, "Wow you look great.  How did you loose weight and how much have you lost?"

I was able to politely answer them and share my "secrets." The surprise came when I was able to openly share, with David (significant other) at my side, how much I've lost.  This was a surprise to myself and I'm sure to him as well. 

Although he has supported me along the way and I might share a loss here and there, I've NEVER shared the total loss with him.  This is something that I've still been keeping private.  

Great idea.... I had a surprise yesterday, I found a lottery ticket that is good for the next 3 draws on the Canadian 6/49   !  I will keep all posted on the  winnings !   Cheers,  Christine

Aren't surprises wonderful? The good ones that is. The earwig in your sneaker--not a good surprise! I always think that you probably won't find something you aren't looking for. So I look for the good surprises (after I've emptied my shoe) and find I have so many good things come into my life. for which I am grateful for from the core of my soul.

Recently, we've been pondering how to get my daughter back and forth to college--a 45 minute drive. Should she drive our car or truck (then how do I get around?, should she board...is there a combination that would work. And then, out of the blue, someone gives us a car. Wow. 

Another great surprise was her winning bursary money--which helped cover her tuition. Her first year tuition is entirely paid now. Cool. 

A few weeks ago, I saw some really nicely painted waterfall style furniture and I thought--that would look great in my bedroom, I wonder where I could find some furniture like that? Next day I went to the yard sale of a friend and what did I find--yep, you guessed it. Needless to say it's in my bedroom being useful and awaiting its transformation. 

Since we moved I've been missing so many things--like the birds and wildlife that lived close to us. Little surprises have contributed a bit to helping me enjoy our new place. I've been noticing a hummingbird hovering around a tree on the front yard lately. This morning I spotted the nest--about a foot above my head and six feet from the front door. Call me weird, but I consider this an honour to have such distinguished neighbours.

And Tools to Life was a great surprise wasn't it? Like opening a little gift every day, learning something new, gaining a new insight. What a surprise that a website could give so much and expect so little in return. Thank you.

I actually got a phone call from a friend that I haven't seen or spoken to in a couple of years.   This was very special to me because  we were so close and I missed him very much.  A mutual friend of ours ran into him and gave him my phone number.  He went through a very bad time after losing his job and fell out of touch with our mutual friends, he also broke up with his long time girlfriend.

It was so good to hear from him and how his life had changed so much for the better during his time away,  what an inspiration.  He got married and is very happy, found a better job one that really fits his personality and expertise.   I've always been told that people come and go from you life for a reason but it is so great when someone you care for makes another round.   I know we will always be friends.

Since finishing the Tools Program and the Health Component, I have been continually surprised at the comments I am getting from family, friends and even strangers sometimes.  I look happier, healthier, some have said that I exude confidence.  I smile more, laugh more and feel great.

I have been dating and I am REALLY surprised that, for the very first time, I am not anxious about outcomes to the point of worry.  I am upbeat and positive and I am having the best times.  I just met someone who may become really special to me, THAT in itself is the gift that I have been given this week. 

This was what I have been waiting for, to feel this way about things happening in my life.  I feel blessed and I am looking forward to a long time of happiness in myself and in my life.  I suppose it could have happened on its own but I believe that it is because I stuck to the program and really thought about my choices and decisions.  I used the visualizations and the motivators, the advice, even when I felt it wasn't for me.

I can say with some certainty that the last half of my life will be miles better than the first.   WoooHooo, and as the Coach Says:

AHM, (YEAH, that is how it sounds) Havin a GREAT DAY! I love that accent! The day IS mine and MY attitude is MY choice, I choose to have a good one -- See, I really HAVE leatrned alot!  Micci

I'm finding out how when you sow a seed-you get blessed. I was recently commisssioned to make a necklace for a pastor that was being ordained. When I delivered my piece, I had already wrapped it beautifully so the giver didn't even know what to expect. She asked me how much she owed me, and all I said was - whatever you think it's worth. I ended up getting a check that four times the amount that I would have asked. It just goes to show how we sometimes undervalue things, as well as ourselves. I was truly blessed that day!

Wow!  What a wonderful surprise! 

The Surprise is the last sentence BUT read the whole story please. 

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch, and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health; he told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are"?
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is". I had to hold back tears as he left; I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life". 

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

Cheers

Rick

What a wonderful, powerful, surprise.  I wonder what other lessons that gentleman might have to teach us?

What this tells me is that this man really loved his wife regardless of the fact she didn't even know whom he was.  My reaction and thoughts when I read this are pretty much the same as the nurses that removed his stitches. 

And that tells me that I still have the feeling to let my inter-voice talk to me more. Its there I have just forgotten to listen to it.  The walls I have built in my world to protect what I feel is mine is not a healthy way to deal with my feeling or reactions to problems in my life. Because they are from a hard shell built over many years of not listing to my inter-voice that is a direct channel to my true feelings.

A great break through for me. Today, day 10 of toolstolife.com

Deeplikeariver 

My new friend that I met 4 months ago was cleaning out her downstairs.  She called and asked if my family would like to have two peices of valualbe work out equipment.  I offered money for it and she refused.  It was something, my son and husband had just discussed starting a work out routine the day before.  Her call was truly a surprise.

I just discovered that there are daily podcasts here in Tools!!!  What a pleasant surprise!!! 

I got a surprise by TOOLS emailing me with a Question of the Week,  But a pleasant surprise, almost like a gentle reminder to log in and continue with Tools, I kind of dropped off here recently, Sorry!

I also got a surprise when my friend from Japan contacted me about a week ago, to tell me she's coming to England next week and would like to see me.  I haven't seen her since we were at sixth form together 9 years ago!  Right now, I've been unemployed for 2 weeks, I have no money, bills rolling in with no means to pay them, and slightly stressing as there's not many jobs out there! 

But, this is a pleasant surprise, and it will be fun when she comes, I'm just a little nervous and excited!  Not spoken to her for a long time! 

Well, this website was certainly a surprise. I would have never thought anything like this was on the web, and no charge????

The other major surprise I recently had was on June 30th. I found out that I am allergic to milk and eggs. That was a shock. Now I am dealing with the challenges of figuring out what I can and can't eat. Everything has milk in it.  This suprise, however isn't all bad, because I had been getting very sick on and off since Jan. of this year, in the hospital twice, so it is nice to finally know what was making me sick and now I can take the steps to stay well. :)

Surprises! I found this spring a bunch of beautiful purple flowers in my back yard that I didn't know excisted and also found two plants of ivy growing....... Seems to me that I've lived here with my eyes closed for the past five years. It's wonderful to at least have some sight now.   Thanks tools

Many years ago, I realized that I was a sensitive person in more ways than one. Exposure to certain chemicals had an effect on me that most people never experience, a very bad one.I have now spent 30 years as a hairdresser and 4 years as a graphic designer in addition. Both work environments have been poisoning me with toxins.About 2 weeks ago I started experiencing all the symptoms of an impending stroke. The emergency room doctor said that I was fine, even though I could barely walk out the door afterward.I am experiencing memory loss (especially short-term) and confusion, even though I have been away from both jobs for most of 2 weeks. I tried to work 2 days ago and the INTENSE physical feelings returned.Already living on below poverty level income and working 2 jobs, my future is suddenly this mysterious void. I have been working on overcoming fear and this is a true test. I could either curl up and drown in it or gather my strength and move beyond the fear of this and the many other adversities I have experienced.

Hey!  I'm sorry I'm new to this and just browsing . Not sure I'm set up yet to recieve messages from others. If not Vanilla1355@yahoo.com.  Ihave had similar experience. Toxins in environment can build up in system. There are many physical and emotional healing techniques that can help both.  I have been in a healing mode for a while now and Im improving. I have been finding new and better ways progressively. Don't have more time to talk now. If you want to compare notes that would be fine.Wish you the best

Tremendously,

Vanilla

Well it took 5 days, but a friend I haven't heard from in years contacted me less than a week after this question was asked! What a coincidence.