Your'e never going to know all the answers.

Hey there Loves, Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was a great one, I know it was for my fellow New Yorkers as our beloved New York Football Giants will be making their way to the Superbowl, how very exciting! Because of the time difference Kyle and I couldn't watch the game, so it was a really nice surprise when we woke up to see that the Giants were victorious, it's the little things like a football team winning a game that can make you feel closer to home and proud to be (for us at least) New Yorkers. 

Photo compliments of my cousin, Sammy Long.

Today is a special day in my life, it's my brother Brendan's birthday. Now if you grew up with Brendan and I you would know one thing, we used to fight like cats and dogs on a daily routine, my poor sister and parents (haha). I felt like he thought I was always his 12 year old little sister and he thought I was always his 12 year old little sister, you could now understand the battle. We annoyed each other, picked on each other and were just plain mean to each other at times, oh sibling love! However, over this past year, my relationship with my brother drastically changed. I think it began when we started commuting into Manhattan together, everyday we learned a little more about each other and who we really were, for example he knew I needed to be off the first one off the ferry in the morning and I knew that pissed him off (haha). 


We both experienced big things over the last year as well, we both moved. He moved across the country to Portland, Oregon and then back to New York, while I moved to Greece, then moved out of my parents house in New York and then to France. I think over that time, our respect for each other grew tremendously. This past summer when we both moved back to New York and found ourselves commuting into Manhattan together again it was very comforting, a routine I believe we both missed, which as I sit here in France I can say I miss terribly and look forward to doing it again in the future. 


I am extremely proud of the man my brother has become, in this last year alone he got a huge position at a company, which was the reason he moved back to New York and he also became a father, an amazing one at that. I can't tell you how many people after seeing Brendan with his son say to me, "He's a great dad, I hope I can be that way when I have kids." That's something he should be extremely proud of, I know I am. 


Maybe it took me 26 years to realize how great a guy my brother is and maybe it took him 32 years to realize that I may be his kid sister but I'm not a baby anymore. No matter how long it took, I'm happy we are at the place we are today, sharing commutes, Sunday Brunches and random weeknight dinners. I'm also so lucky that he chose an amazing woman to be his wife, who I look to as another big sister and feel so lucky and blessed to have in my life. So happy birthday Brendo, have an amazing day and Starbucks is on me when I get home. Love you!

Me, My brother Brendan and My Sister Becky this past Summer in Long Beach Island.

As of late, the manfriend and I have been talking a lot about the future and our plans. This can get a bit challenging because just like myself, my guy has many interests, so when it comes to deciding what to really focus on, it can get a little hazy. We know the life we are living now isn't going to last forever, so it is important that we have a "plan". Part of me believes in plans, while the pessimist inside says, "No matter how many plans you make, you really can't predict the future and what is to come." I do know one thing is for sure, the day our feet are settled on American soil will be a day I will treasure forever. 

Now let me be clear when I say, I do not hate Europe, Kyle and I have had the chance to experience and are still experiencing so many amazing things, to be able to see the world has always been a dream of mine and we are getting the chance to do that. However, at the end of the day Europe isn't home. For two people who are complete homebodies, I have to say I am so proud of us and what we are doing. I know Kyle wants a life in the States as well, so it is a constant conversation we have. Where do you want to settle down, what are our options, what would make you most happy. 

That's where today's quote comes in, I'm telling you there really is a quote for everything you are going through in life. I found this quote while reading Bethenny Frankel's, A Place of Yes, which is an absolute must read. This quote is about life and how it can be a complete mystery but that can't stop you from living it. You are never going to fully know the outcome but you can't be afraid to get in there and try. What's the worst that can happen, you fail, maybe or you might find exactly where you belong. I know Kyle and I have to stop worrying as much as we do about the future and trust our guts and mainly our hearts which have led us on one amazing journey thus far. We need to realize that we are in this together, which makes the scariness fade away knowing that we are never going into something alone. Life can get bumpy but you just have to trust the process. 

Enjoy and have a great Monday!

Life is a mystery sometimes, and not knowing all the answers is exactly why you can stumble right into the life that's meant for you in a way you could never have planned out in a million years.

-Bethenny Frankel, A Place of Yes

100 Years. (QOTD.)

Hello Loves, happy Tuesday. Four days off from blogging and I missed you guys! I hope everyone here state side  had an amazing Labor Day Weekend. I can't believe the summer has come to an end, it was a great summer, with many memories made, new chapters beginning, all while surrounded by great people. 

One of my latest Quotable Creations. Tribute to John Lennon.

Today marks my nephew Jack's first day of first grade, which makes me feel very old. I know I'm not "old" but I think of baby Jack-Jack starting first grade and it freaks me out a bit.

This milestone makes me  think of my 19 year old self when Jack was born, I think of where I was in my life, I was no longer a runner, I walked away from that relationship earlier in the year. I was entering my second year at the Fashion Institute of Technology and I had the nickname "Ralph" in class because of my extensive collection of Ralph Lauren sweaters, I also had a really bad habit of buying Nike sneakers. I had no clue what a blog was and I hated to read. Meg also at 19, squirmed at the thought of having children, she thought they were "sticky"and when she heard her sister talking about how her nephew Jack's delivery went, she nearly passed out.

If you told 19 year old Meg, that she'd become a marathoner, 5 times over before she turned 25, she'd probably laugh and roll her eyes. If you told 19 year old Meg, that she would get involved in a relationship that would first take her all over the United States and then the world, she'd laugh and say she didn't even own a passport. If you told her that her Nike collection would end up in her parents attic, she would shake her head and claim that her future kids will have the "sickest" Nike Collection. And if you told her she'd love to write and read like the closet nerd she knew she was, she would object, that wasn't her style. If you told her she would welcome two more nephews into the world, bawling when she entered the hospital room and seeing the most perfect babies, she would protest that she doesn't possess that, maternal extinct.

It's crazy what six short years can do to someone. I can admit now that my early twenties were indeed my years of discovery. I discovered that I could have my own voice, even if it's corny and annoys the shit out of people, it's my own. I learned that I'm a pretty decent runner and that I love that miserable sport, it's what makes me, Meg, it doesn't make up all of me, though.

I'm learning more and more everyday that I love someone so much, it utterly scares the crap out of me. I've learned that it's better to be a risk taker and try new things, even if you fall on your ass. I've learned that I don't need 100 pairs of Nike sneakers to be my "self", I've moved on to Ray Bans, sorry you can't break all bad habits, my kids are going to have the coolest Ray Ban Collection. I have learned that I love to blog and that blogging saved me from many lonely days while I was over in a foreign land, missing home so very much. And lastly I've learned that I do not hate children, I indeed love them and could actually picture myself having one or two down the road, but right now I'd be happier with a puppy. 

I guess what I am saying is life is crazy, you have no clue where it's going to take you or what you are going to discover about yourself, and it took my nephew starting his own little journey, to make me reflect on mine. It hasn't been a bad one, were there ups and downs? Hell yeah, what's life without a couple of events that totally throw you for a loop, but you dust yourself off and go on because you have to, life doesn't wait for you to say, " OK I'm ready now." 

Which brings me to today's quote, which goes hand in hand with life and your journey, and how quickly it goes. The quote comes from the song, 100 Years, by Five For Fighting. I know I say this a lot but this is indeed one of my favorite songs on the planet. Not much to explain about this quote, but know that life moves fast, in a blink of an eye your 75, so live it my beautiful babies. 

Enjoy and happy first day Jack Tucker!

I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are

I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars

15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

-Five For Fighting, 100 Years

Jack on His First Day.

Quote of the day.

Hey beautiful Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cake readers, what a beautiful Thursday it is here in New York. I wish you a very happy Thursday, do something for yourself today, you've earned it! 

I enjoyed a really nice Wednesday night with my Manfriend. He's getting ready for his departure to France, so yesterday after work he picked me up and we went to Macy's for a little shopping. He wanted to pick out some new luggage and I had to pick up a dress or two or three. (Haha) I actually found some pretty sweet pieces that will be accompanying me to France, I know I have to step my fashion game up while over there, which only excites me. I also found a very pretty dress for my manfriend's brother's fiancé's Bridal Shower this Saturday, it should be a really nice time. Oh, and Kyle found luggage, I never knew how expensive luggage actually was, so I have to thank my parents for getting me some last Christmas!  Kyle was saying since we are literally world travelers, he didn't feel bad investing in a great set of luggage, I couldn't agree more.

After our shopping outing, we headed to the best Mexican spot on the island, Mezcals. Oh my yum, I love this place, it's a little hole in the wall but serves up some really fine cuisine. I always order the Chimbombo, which is a delicious vegetable fajita dish, I accompanied that with a coconut margarita and I was as happy as a pig in poop. I know I've said this before but I love mid-week outings, they have a nice way of breaking up the week. 

Topping off the night my Manfriend supplied me with today's quote. He got it off of Crossfit.com, a workout site. (Definitely check it out for a very cool take on fitness) Everyday the CrossFit website posts various workouts, tips and quotes from it's devoted followers. This quote was one posted and it is fantastic, the minute my Manfriend read it to me, I told him to forward that to me because I needed to share this with my Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cakers. 

This quote is about having the right attitude towards things and most importantly the right attitude towards life. If you live with a positive attitude good things will come your way. Life has a really funny way of paying it forward. So smile, life is good, be positive, annoy people with your positivity. 

I prefer to be positive, this isn't always easy to do, living in a world where negativity is always knocking on your door. There is nothing more ugly then a person who only gives off negativity, putting people down and having something to say about everyone's life decision. It's better to focus on your life and chasing your goals then worrying about what everyone else is doing, because it's eventually going to jump up and bite you in the ass. Just like positivity coming back to you, you can be sure that negativity acts the same way.

Enjoy! 

Our attitude towards life determines life's attitude towards us.
-John N. Mitchell

Quote of the day.

Hello there loves, happy Tuesday. Why does August feel like it's flying by? I need it to slow down a little bit. I'm getting back into the New York City grind after vacation, now it's all about work, running, eating, blogging, and sleeping, I'm fine with that. 

I am really looking forward to my run after work today, my next marathon is a short 10-1/2 weeks away in San Francisco  and I want to be prepared. You might be wondering what happened to me competed in the Timberman Half Ironman, well, I bowed out. It wasn't in the cards for me this summer. 

Competing in a Half Ironman takes extreme dedication and with all that has been going on in my life lately, I couldn't make that commitment. I didn't want to go up to New Hampshire with some half ass training, insulting the sport and it's athletes that I look up to. When I do decide to do a Half Ironman, it will be done right, and it will feel deserved.

 Now that I am not doing this triathlon, I can fully dedicate myself to marathons again. After running the Nike Women's Marathon in October in San Fran, I am going to sign up for the Paris Marathon for this upcoming April. It's on my bucket list to run a marathon overseas and since the Manfriend and myself will be in France why not take advantage. 

Speaking of France, today I am taking the first steps to becoming a student over there. My plan is that by the end of our two year stay in Limoges, France, I'll be fluent in the French language, which really excites me. My Manfriend is even considering taking a French class as well, he does have a leg up on me though,  he studied French in high school and at the University of Notre Dame. We are all about taking full advantage of the opportunities being given to us. 

Today's quote comes from the band, Bush and their song Glycerine. I love this song and there is one line that really sticks out for me, so of course I am going to share it with you. 

Life moves pretty quickly, sometimes and you have to go after what you want in life. The worst thing you could do to yourself is live with regret. So take on the challenges that the days bring you, keep adding to your ever growing story. 

Enjoy!

Don't let the days go by. 

-Bush, Glycerine

Quote of the day + A Tune.

Oh Monday, how are you already here? I hope the weekend treated you all well. I had a pretty fantastic weekend, it was the first time in a very long time that the Manfriend an I had no place to be, we really took advantage of this rarity.  We did things around the apartment, got in some great workouts, did some "couple" things and spent some time with both of our families. We also received some pretty life changing info, which I wish I could share with you at this moment, but you'll have to wait a little longer. Sorry if you hate suspense, I apologize.

I plan on making this Monday a great one, because why not? I'm twelve short weeks away from the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, and I feel like I am more committed then ever to my running and my goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. So, today after work a great workout is a must which will also help put me in a great of mind to get through the week, I love the power of a great workout. 

Countdown to the McCarrick family vacation in LBI: 5 Days! 

I wish there was a fast forward button I could press to speed this week up, I need to be on the sand! I am really hoping the week is kind to me and I get through it without any road bumps. (Here's hoping!) 

Today's quote is from the fantastic band, Modest Mouse, and their song, Float On. I love this song and I am going to be honest when I say, I really dislike that Lupe Fiasco totally ruined this amazing song by sampling it and trying to make it his own. Remember, be yourself not a second rate version of someone else.

Anyway, enough of my ranting, back to the quote from Modest Mouse's Float On. The words are great and lets us know that even when things get hard and heavy, we'll get through it. Life isn't supposed to be perfect, that's what makes it interesting. So float on my friends! 

Enjoy! 

And we'll all float on alright
Already we'll all float on
Alright don't worry even if things end up a bit to heavy
We'll all float on alright
Already we'll all float on
-Modest Mouse, Float On



Quote of the day.

Happy Tuesday my beautiful bloggers and readers, have a great day and stay cool, it's a hot one here in New York. I got up a little earlier then normal, because I went to bed rather early last night, but now I'm enjoying some yummy espresso the manfriend made for me, watching SportsCenter of course and blogging to you guys. I love it when I get to enjoy my mornings. 

Yesterday I had to take my 16 year old puppy, Cobi,  to the vet, I was so nervous. I could tell he was nervous as well because he hid between my legs in the waiting room, the usually very vocal pup was silent, not a peep came out of him, it broke my heart. The vet gave Cobi the thumbs up, he was actually pretty healthy for a dog his age, the vet told me he still has a lot of pep in his step and could live until 20. I couldn't help but smile, this dog has become a member of my family, and he isn't ready to leave us yet, he'll let me know when he is. I love you Cobi! 

I can't wait to get in a running/yoga session today after work, it is much needed. Sometimes you have to kick your own butt in a workout, to let yourself know you've still got it. 

Today's quote comes from author, Tracey Steffey. I dig quotes like this, it's a great quote to live your life by. Life is short, love yourself and others. Be true to you, be yourself, even if people might find you different. Challenge yourself, make your life more interesting. Your life is one great story, when you go for it your story is going to be one epic journey.

Enjoy!

Be yourself, truthfully
Accept yourself, gratefully
Value yourself, joyfully
Forgive yourself, completely
Treat yourself, generously
Balance yourself, harmoniously
Bless yourself, abundantly
Trust yourself, wholeheartedly
Empower yourself, prayerfully
Give yourself, enthusiastically
Express yourself, radiantly

-Tracey Steffy 

Quote of the day. (The Way I See It.)

Yay, for Hump Day, so happy it's Wednesday! Have a great day my fellow bloggers and readers, make it the best Wednesday you've had in a long time. 

Last night I got to do something that I've been missing, I headed down to Belmar, New Jersey, where my  Manfriend plays in the Jersey Shore Basketball League and watched him play. I absolutely love watching him play and I haven't been able to make many games because of my work schedule. I find such beauty in the way he plays,  (Not to be corny!) and it always inspires me to become a better me when I see him doing what he loves. 

It's so important to do what makes you happy, I'm learning this more and more each day. More then anything else make sure you know what you are worth, to yourself and to others. Don't do things if you are half happy doing them, life is to short to waste time on things that don't drive you to be the best version of yourself. When you love what you do you're living! 

Three more days left in the Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cakes July Giveaway! Don't miss out on a chance to win a pair of TOMS Classic 101 Sunglasses. The Giveaway ends this Friday, July 15th at Noon (est) and the winner will be announced Saturday July 16th. Check out all the Giveaway information below.

Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cakes July Giveaway!!!

Good Luck and thanks for participating! 

Today's quote comes off of a Starbucks cup. Starbucks used to put quotes on their cups called, "The way I see it", I wish they still did this, I loved getting my macchiato and getting a nice quote to read. This "The way I see it" quote comes from broadcast journalist Keith Olbermann and it's fantastic. It kind of reiterates what I was saying earlier in this post about doing what you love and ultimately being happy. It also talks about not taking "NO" for an answer. You'll always have critics, some good, some bad. Cherish the your supporters, keep a good head on shoulders, dig deep and follow your dreams.

Enjoy!

The Way I See It  #17

The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you're not good enough. On occasion some may be correct. But do not do work for them. Seek any jobs, ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don't take it personally when they say "no"- they may not be smart enough to say "yes".

-Keith Olbermann 

Quote of the day.

It's going to be a scorcher here in New York City today, the temperature is supposed to reached 97 degrees, yuck, because along with the heat comes the humidity.At least we are half way through the work week, happy Wednesday! 

Last night I had a fantastic run, I was really pushing it and when I finished I was wiped out, which means it was a success. Lately, anytime I'm on a run, I visualize what it will look like coming through the finish line of my first Half Ironman, this vision pushes me through to a great workout. 

 

A big thank you to all that watched my first Vlog! I've received some great feedback and I think the Vlog is here to stay. 

I am really looking forward to tonight, I will be joining my Team in Training ladies for an Inspiration Dinner in Manhattan. They are just three days away from running the New York Road Runner's Mini 10k. I can't wait to see everyone tonight and let them all know how proud I am of them, what they are doing for themselves and others is simply amazing. 

Today's quote is from my girl, Bethenny Frankel, from her great book, A Place of Yes. Early in May I did a post on this book here, where I talked about, A Place of Yes, and how it motivated me to be the best Meghan I can be. I included a slew of quotes from her book and today's quote was one of them.  I am learning more and more everyday to just roll with it, life is never going to end up exactly as you planned. But if you work hard, you believe in yourself, and you are truly a good person, life could turn out even better then you've ever imagined.

Enjoy! 

Life is a mystery sometimes, and not knowing all the answers is exactly why you can stumble right into the life that's meant for you in a way you could never have planned out in a million years.
-Bethenny Frankel, A Place of Yes

Quote of the day + A Tune.

Monday, you're here again, please be kind! I can't believe this weather in New York, it is another rainy day, I am seriously longing for some sun and warmth. I hope your weekend was great and that you are ready to tackle this new week. I begin serious Ironman training this week, now that my half marathon is over I can devout all my focus to this triathlon that is rapidly approachig, yikes!

Remember to sign up for the Jeans and Tee's and Travel and Cakes First Giveaway!!! Enter with your chance of winnig a pair of TOMS Shoes!!!

Check out the details here, ->GIVEAWAY<- It ends Friday May 27th, so hurry up and enter!!!

Good Luck to all those particpating.

Today's quote comes from an unknown author, it's short, simple and sweet. I love quotes like this, makes me feel better about life and how no one will ever know where their path will take them, you just got to roll with it.

Enjoy!

There is no set path... just follow your heart!

-Unknown

I also included this song from the great band Five For Fighting, called New York City Weather Report. It's a perfect song for my fellow New Yorkers and the weather we've been having. Enjoy this tune and enjoy this Monday!!



A Place of YES.

I just finished reading Bethenny Frankel's, A Place of Yes, and it was amazing. I'm not being bias because I love Bethenny, I am serious when I say it was one of the best books I've  read in a long time.

She talks about the 10 rules she has followed to get everything out of life. Bethenny figured since it worked for her she would  share her journey with her fans and readers. I knew I was interested to see how she got to where she is today, so I picked up a copy and I couldn't have been more happy with my purchase.

The rules are pretty simple to follow, she isn't telling us to make drastic unrealistic changes in our lives. She is motivating us (the reader) to go after what we want in life or as she puts it, "going for yours". Whether it's success in a career, gaining confidence in yourself, not being afraid to take risks,  to finding the perfect man or woman to live happily ever after with. Bethenny gives you these rules (tools) to help you get yourself on the right track. Ultimately showing us how to come from a place of "yes", rather then a place of "no" or a place of "I'm afraid". I took so much from this book and I thought her approach towards achieving success in whatever you are going after, is attainable.

I am nowhere where I want to be when it comes to dreams and goals I've set for myself.  I wouldn't call myself a ultimate "Yes Man", but I am learning through her technique how to be less and less of a "No Man". The difference is mind blowing when you begin to look at things in a more positive light. For instance, if I have to make a tough decision, instead of thinking of all the negatives that can come out of making a choice, I'm learning that there are no bad decisions. Every decision you make in life will help you on your personal journey, and once you accept this you'll feel that stressful weight lift off your shoulders.

Her ultimate goal is for the reader to find happiness in whatever it is you do. It may not mean becoming a millionaire, a supermodel, or a high power executive. It could simply mean waking up every morning and having passion for something or someone you love. I really latched on to this concept and  I try to follow through with my passions everyday.

While reading, A Place of Yes, I went highlighter crazy and underlined statements that I thought were so inspiring, motivating and true, at least in my eyes. Below I've included what I've underlined. Take the time to read these great messages, and maybe we can all take a que from Bethenny and come from, A PLACE OF YES!

Quotes

from

A Place of Yes

When you say yes to the good in you, then you become better and better, and you have the potential to go anywhere and do and be anything.

Look yourself straight in the eye. That's the real you. You get to decide what comes next. Stop getting in your own way, and stop telling yourself you can't. Because you can.

Be patient. Your life is the puzzle, and it's fun and challenging to put it together, even if you sometimes spend too much time trying to shove a piece into the wrong space. At some point, you figure out that you're doing it wrong, and you try a different piece.

Intimacy is hard, and vulnerability is scary.

-if you want to be really successful, you have to
 be one of those people who sees yourself as more than a number or a drone or a cog in a machine. You have to see that you are special and believe that you can do it-and you have to surround yourself with people who believe you can do it, too. It doesn't mean you won't have doubts, but you have to keep seeking your truth, and my truth was rooted in my belief that I was destined for something more.

You are on your own journey, and more than anything else, that journey must be about finding your truth. Not finding a husband, a boyfriend, a partner-but finding yourself.

Don't wait around until you're absolutely sure that you are doing the right thing. You'll never be absolutely sure. Go with your gut and act in line with your nature, and you'll be on the right course.

Find your truth, act on it.

Acting on it-making real things happen in real life-comes from a place of yes.

No matter what you are doing, always learn-it's all life experience.

Don't let decisions fester. Learn your own risk tolerance so you can feel good about your decisions. And if you screw up anyway? Suck it up, admit it, learn from it, and move on with your life.

If you don't try, if you don't go through that experience, how will you ever know it wasn't right? Better to try and learn and then move on to the next thing than to live a static life of regret and the haunting "what if?" in your head.

-nothing is ever wasted on the fearlessly curious.

-you don't ever want to have to say," I should have..."

Everything's your business-treat everything you choose to do with as much importance as if your career depended on it.

A resume might as well be written on a paper towel, for all it really matters. Let your job performance be your resume, let your passion be your recommendation, and let the quality of your work shine through. You'll get farther than any slacker who only looks good on paper.

-fear is a mindset, and so is the will to succeed. It's all in how you approach it.

When you do say yes, keep going. No matter how difficult it gets, plowing through and taking responsiblity for what you decided tp do can transform you. It builds character, and it helps you to push yourself to accomplish what you never dreamed you could.

Skinnygirl is: She's the girl we all want to be, whether size 2 or size 12, the girl who is comfortable with herself, who feels good in her body and loves her life.

No matter what you do, it reflects on who you are, so do it with integrity and honesty and quality, by investing yourself in your work.

The truth is that most people don't exert very much effort. The ones who do are more likely to get noticed.

Be the cream that rises to the top. Get in there, get dirty get noticed.

Life is a mystery sometimes, and not knowing all the answers is exactly why you can stumble right into the life that's meant for you in a way you could never have planned out in a million years.

I say never be embarrassed if you're working hard and doing what you need to do. Never care what people think, as long as you feel that what you are doing is right.

If you can't do something well, don't do it at all.

-have faith in yourself, your passions, your talents, and go big. Or go home.

It's time to stop wanting and start getting.

Great things take time, and your life is a project.

Every step as wells every leap along the road to your success should change you because you're in a different place than you were one step before. And each step is a decision, and matters for your future.

You are who you are because of you, not because of anyone else.

-but your real friends will love you for who you are, not your ability to mimic them. Being brave enough to be yourself, whether you blend in or not, is the best way to separate the people who matter from the people who won't be important in your life.

The bottom line is, if you want to live your life making other people happy, you're likely to lose touch with what makes you happy.

When you operate just outside your comfort zone-whether it's taking on new responsibility at work, or a whole new job, or saying yes to a date you might not normally have accepted, or signing up for a class you know nothing about-you force yourself to keep firing on all cylinders. You wake and pay more attention to your life. And you grow. Just push the envelope of your own experience until you feel slight discomfort. That's when you separate from the pack. That's when the magic happens.

By owning what you do, you'll always be able to maintain your integrity.

Life isn't usually grandiose. It's just life. If it's sincere and meaningful and you own it, it's interesting enough.

Could I really have it all? Was this amazing man in front of me really going to be my partner in life?

Owning it doesn't mean you always have to be 100 percent sure about everything you do. It just means you have to stand behind your decisions and, when the time comes, trust that you know how to do what is necessary.

-taste the moment, because life whips by so quickly.

To come together successfully with others, you first have to know who you are.

Coming together is the opposite of a codependency. When you seek to come together, what matters is your wholeness. When you become someone in your own right and are no longer dependent on the labels and opinions of others, you can get a grip on the kind of lasting contentment that carries you for a long time. Together, the two wholes become greater than the sum of their parts. You are complete, and so in your partner, and together, you become something even more amazing.

When you come together and work together in a mutual give-and-take way, rather than simply working side by side, then everything changes. You make each other better, you are stronger and when you are really doing it right, you'll discover the true meaning of the word "relationship".

Fill your life with people who are good under pressure, not just during easy times.

-it's about love, in the end, the ultimate message at the end of the journey to yourself.

You choose happiness, you don't wait for it to choose you. You have to choose to celebrate.

This is what it's all about: driving your own life, even when you have to floor it, speeding in the opposite direction from where you started out. You can choose to be successful, you can choose to be great, you can choose to be happy. You can choose love.

It's all up to you. You are in charge. It's your life. Don't hand the wheel over to anybody else. Take responsibility for you, and the rest will fall into place.