"What a wonderful world it would be..."

"What a wonderful world it would be..."

What are you doing to create a better world? Please don't get me wrong; I believe that protesting has it's place and many good people stand up and march for good causes and can actually make a difference in raising awareness to an issue. But, did you know that you, yes you, just one person in one town somewhere, has the power to change the world?...without marching or chanting or carrying signs or yelling, and without ever leaving your hometown. Change can start small. One act of kindness can change one person's life, and that is a great place to start! The greatest gift we can give is ourselves; our time, our money, our hands and our love. Volunteer, donate, fund-raise... that is how you can make a difference in your world. You can be kind, you can lend a helping hand, you can smile at a stranger; those are all things you can do right now that will make a difference in this world.

What are you doing to create a better world?

Happy is Healthy

"I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health."-Voltaire

Choosing to be happy is really as simple as it sounds. Make a decision to be happy, and then be happy. Most of our lives will never be perfect, but the secret to happiness is in how we choose to react to what the world throws at us. Refuse to allow people or events control over your emotions. You are captain of your ship; master of your own mind. You are in control. Never forget that. 

Studies have proven now that being happy is actually good for your health. The participants in the studies who reported feeling more positive emotions experienced less incidents of high blood pressure and heart disease, had boosted immune systems, and reported fewer aches and pains. People who report higher levels of positive emotions also tend to live longer. On the other hand, individuals with more negative emotions and anxiety tend to experience more illness and disease. 

Do yourself a favor and decide to be happy! It really is good for your health! You will feel better on a daily basis, be less prone to illness, experience fewer aches and pains, and live a longer, happier life. What have you got to lose? 

Re-Train Your Mind

Science has proven that you can re-wire your brain for happiness. Being grateful for what you have is a great way to start. What messes with a lot of folks is the vision in their head of how things are "supposed to be." Let go of that. Be thankful for what you have, every day. That doesn't mean you should be afraid to go after your dreams. There is nothing wrong with wanting something more or different, but never forgot to be at peace and grateful in the moment as well.

FEATURED ALBUM: "The Nashville Sound" by Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's "The Nashville Sound" is the newest by this American/Southern Rock band.  Singer/songwriter Jason Isbell, formerly with the Drive By Truckers, has certainly established himself as a solo artist and front man.

Once again, his lyrics hit it home with a mixture of sadness and regret, mingled with hope and the love of home and family.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE ALBUM

Jason Isbell's wife, Amanda Shires, is currently touring with the band, along with his youngest fan, Mercy Rose, the couple's 18 month old daughter.

Isbell says he enjoys having his little girl on the road with him and dreads the day when that isn't practical any longer.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE 

AND LISTEN TO THE MUSIC

"What a Twist!"

New drink recipe from Scott & Suzi's Decadent Drinks for Island Imbibement!

Dinner was Suzi's Mexican Lasagna, drink of the night was Scott's top shelf golden margarita.  After dinner, another drink was called for, but another margarita just didn't fit the bill. Without switching gears too much, Scott came up with something a little different... a "twist" on the margarita, if you will.



CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DRINK RECIPES

Sticks and Stones...

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me." We all know that little ditty from our childhood. 

Unfortunately, for many, words can actually hurt more than physical pain. 

It's hard to not react when someone says something mean or hurtful. Especially when it's a 'so-called' friend. I don't know about you, but my first reaction is to question the person, try to find out what prompted the hateful words. I'm not a fighter, so firing back with more nastiness isn't my way; I just have a hard time letting it go, and I keep digging and questioning and trying to find logic in the situation, when often there is none to be found. Some people are just nasty. 

When I can't get a satisfactory answer from the perpetrator, I end up even more hurt and resentful, and have a hard time letting it go in my head and the hurtful words go round and round in my brain and the negativity tries to take over my mood. But, in those moments, I do my best to remind myself that my peace of mind is more important than someone's unkind words. Take a deep breath, exhale and let go of the negative thoughts. Restrain from lowering yourself to the level of the unkind person, sit back and let it go. Your life is better off without unkind, hateful, hurtful people, and in the long run, you will be happier with them out of your life. Never forget that they have probably justified their words or actions in their own mind, and may not even feel they did anything wrong. You will never convince them otherwise, so let them go. Move on. 

Find people who build you up instead of tearing you down. Find people who love you for you, not the you they want you to be. I am far from perfect, but I love the ones I love fiercely and completely and I expect the same in return. So, yes, be logical and don't react with emotion, but also don't try to find reason or logic in mean people. Just smile, tell them to have a nice life, and move on. There are plenty of people worthy of your love and time. 

Remember that words only have power over you if you allow them, and say to yourself, "Words will never hurt me."

What's Playin'?

What is Suzi listening to today?

Hey y'all, I know it's been a while since I gave you a play list. A lot has happened in my life since my last music post!  Americana and classic country music have taken on a whole new importance to me now that I'm hosting a radio show on a country music radio station! If you're curious, you can listen to my show by streaming it live from www.thundercountry.com, every Sunday from 6 PM - Midnight.  I've discovered some new Americana, and also re-discovered a lot of old classic country.

Here are some songs that have been in heavy rotation lately:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE TO PLAYLIST AND VIDEOS

Listen To Suzi On The Radio!

It's fun to learn something new and do what you love!

Hey y'all! Every Sunday night from 6 PM - Midnight, you can hear me on Thunder Country 100.3, playing all the best Classic Country songs, plus a little bit of Americana and a few surprises! You can stream live from wherever you are by going to our website, www.thundercountry.com, or with the iHeart Radio App.

You can also catch me every Thursday night from 7-8 PM broadcasting live on SUN 103.1, along with Kim Chesher, from Smuggler's Cove! Streaming from our website, www.sun103.com and with the iHeart Radio App.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!