Why I chose LOVE:

This is an addition to my previous post: Tattoo History

I am an extremely emotional human being. Yep, I'm female and all but it goes beyond that. I am deeply moved and touched nearly everyday. I wish I could pinpoint why I am this way but that would go way beyond weekly therapy to uncover the years molded in my heart.
I adore my foundation: family, friends, written word, spoken word, actions that show words and my faith.

I have been in love, just one time but I am aware that is more than most can say in their lifetime. My heart was broken but I gave it all I could at the time and I am just thankful I discovered I had the ability to love one person unconditionally. Now, as I wait for the second love of my life... I do not sit in pain, sadness or dispair... (Note: I have weak moments and let my emotions roll) I focus on being thankful and I choose love.

My mother is my main source and the rest of my family falls right there too. My dear friends from childhood to adulthood are my loves also. I know people say u are rich if u can call one person your friend well, I am CLEARLY aware I am extremely fortunate that I have the ability to call MANY people my friend! I have had the same four core ladies from 4th grade thru today. I have shared 1st communion with them, they were at the party the time I first kissed a boy (he was wearing a red turtle neck and I a purple one), I have been in 3 of their weddings and now I am going to be an aunt to one of their beautiful babies!! Through life I was able to grow with these people along with meeting new friends with whom I have grown a deep bond with as well. I am lucky to have such a huge support system all through my life and know they will be there through the rest of my life!

Clearly my tattoos have meaning to me personally and my foundation and roots are absolutely based on LOVE. My youth, my beginning and my lessons that have lead me through life were built in the north. The city of brotherly love is famous for the love statue and it is housed in love park. I chose this version of the word love because it is the basis of the home in my heart.

Why my right arm above my elbow?

Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me, and just be my friend."
- Albert Camus

Brogan Exercise

A newly discovered online mentor of mine, Chris Brogan, recently challenged his subscribers to write a personal script. You did not have to share it but I was so intrigued that I thought I would post my response.



My name is Colleen. I was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, a place known for food and crazy sports fans, i guess the liberty bell too =) When I was growing up, I never quite felt sure of myself. I used to think that I'd grow up to play basketball or work with animals or in the fashion world as a buyer, but that's not how it turned out. Instead, I work with people, building communities and an avid user of social media.

Over the last few years, I've felt challenged by feeling confident in my decisions. It always seems like people around me were so carefree and accepting of situations, but not me. In my world, I find myself undecided instead. Towards the middle of 2009 I saw a huge increase in my self esteem and confirmation of my choices.

Thinking about the next several months, I want to make a change. I want to think more about growing myself both intimately and intelligently. I might not want to forget about my dear close friends and family, but I'll try and turn it around and focus on the inner Colleen and my professional goals a bit more than the other stuff.

Lastly, when I look back on how things went in six or eight months, I hope I can say that I have really defined a personal intimacy with myself. I want one of the most special people in my life, my mother , to say this about me: I am so proud of the accomplishments you have achieved both personally and professionally and truly believe your strength and determination will continue to grow. That's when I'd feel really good about things, no matter what else happens.

Positive Words, Powerful Results

Like the subtitle says: Simple Ways to Honor, Affirm, and Celebrate Life. Trust me, Hal Urban is NOT paying me to write about all of his books, I am just THAT big of a fan!

After I read more about Urban or one of his books, the more I want to quench my thirst for positive reinforcement. Urban really does take general knowledge and simple common sense notes and revives life into them. He truly makes you want to be a better person, see things in a different light and work towards improving relationships.

In this installment of his series, Urban reviews different ways we communication internally, with loved ones, with education and with strangers. Communication is our basis of civilization and words are a extremely strong tool of this.

It really makes you step back and realize we rarely acknowledge their power to uplift or put down, to inspire or discourage, to help or hurt. In this book there are various ways to step back, re-evaluate and move forward with improving how you communicate, how you review the way others communicate and work towards implementing these thoughts into others around you. From the smallest words to the largest ones, they all count.

“"We take communication for granted because we do it so frequently, but it's actually a complex process." --Joseph Sommerville, PhD

Life's Greatest Lessons: 20 Things That Matter

I first came across Hal Urban when I saw: Life's Greatest Lessons: 20 Things That Matter. It is basically a book about common sense that people often take for granted, push to the back of their head and heart. The topics span a wide range of readily understood concepts, including attitudes about money, understanding the real meaning of "success," and the importance of having fun. It is amazingly wise and enjoyable.

Hal Urban is a teacher and life coach to everyone in his life including himself. The book will help you find the best -- in the world, in others, and in yourself. Life's Greatest Lessons goal is to help you rediscover that the desire to live a good life. When I completed the book the thought that was resounding in my head was...this should be a course in grade-school. It is NEVER too early to be taught important values in life. It may be a family and friends’ job to teach you life lessons but it would only help if it was instilled consistently through life and early on!

I truly believe this book is a masterpiece and should be a staple in everyone’s collection. I consistently reference it so I am sure you will be hearing more about this book and this author throughout my posts!