As you read these words I am at the Glade festival, having a grand time. If you've been reading my newsletter for a few years then you know that going to this festival is the highlight of my year - three days of camping, dancing, and spending time with my husband and friends. And hopefully under some sun :)

I love going to the Glade festival. It's not only fun (and it makes for great pictures for facebook lol) but most importantly for me it means a full re-connection with the force of Life (God, the Universe, Source, whatever you want to call it). During the Glade days I tend to have realizations which I then carry back to my day-to-day life. This year, with all its changes and ups and downs, I expect no less than the unexpected ;)

The launch of my ebook "Yes To Life" was expected however, and it was a success. By the way, you can still buy a your copy at the discounted price of $4 by using the word DARE. I've had very positive feedback, and I am very happy about the whole project and that it seems to come timely for many people :)

Over the next month I aim to remain flexible and lighthearted as the unexpected keeps on making its appearance - read more about it in the thought of the month. I wish you a beautiful time and that you remain open to all the good things that come into your life! :)

Something that seems clear to me about 2012 is that change is in the menu - as a compulsory course.

Change is good news - you may remember I talked about it in the January issue of this newsletter. Change is also happening quick - maybe quicker than we thought, so we don't really have time to predict what will happen next.

That has been my experience of life in the past month. For instance, in the span of a week my boss sent me a link for a vacancy at the company I work for, in a different department; I applied for it; and I have been called for an interview (by the way, this is the same boss I talk about in "From Conflict To Calm" - what a change, eh!) :)

Or for example, due to a number of factors I did not know whether I was going to go to the Glade festival until two days before it started. Meaning, in two days I had to sort all the bits and pieces needed - choosing what I'm taking with, packing, buying the few bits and bobs remaining.

I observe that this seems to be the constant for many people - unexpected turns of events which make them having to adjust quickly and come up with creative solutions.

I have a feeling that this trend is going to continue and accelerate during the rest of the year. I find that the best thing that we can do is to remain on top of our things - get our stuff up to date, stop procrastinating and keeping afloat of the things we want to do.

This allows us to remain flexible and to be able to adapt to whatever circumstances come, at the drop of a hat. And talking about dropping: drop all the things that don't serve you - all those minute tasks that don't make an important difference in your life. Focus instead on what's important, and keep yourself afresh every moment, as much as you can.

It's mid-year now, and this is a great time to stop for a moment and evaluate where you're going with your life. Revise what you want to achieve, and keep focused only on the things that serve you.

I have a feeling we're in for beautiful surprises ;)

Every month I receive emails from readers - some of them contain questions or comments, and some of them are contributions, such as a positive story, an article or a tip.

This month Leah Marie, from La Quinta, US, shared this piece of gratitude:

Thanks, Leah Marie! :-)

This month I'm passing on to you three links for your entertainment and laugh...

• You didn't expect this enthusiastic dog when you're taking a walk through Richmond Park on a sunny afternoon...

• Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition! Here's some Monty Python humour... mind you, this is what they call 'British humour' ;)

• Make everything Ok at the click of a button ;)

Enjoy! :)

I believe that being grateful for something is one of the most powerful tools to feel better immediately. Here are the two thanking bits of the month:

Thankful for... pajama trousers. I love the feeling of when I finally arrive home after a busy day, and I change into more comfortable clothes - normally a t-shirt and pajama trousers. Feeling cozy and comfy in my pajama trousers is such a pleasure! :)

Thankful for... the rubber case of my phone. A few months ago I got myself one of those new phones with touch screen - but for weeks I carried it with a lot of care in a separate pocket on my handbag, thinking that it could be easily damaged as it felt very delicate. Then my husband sent me a link for a rubber case which protects it completely - and after I got it I am able to carry my phone trusting that it is protected at all times. Love it :)

What are you thankful for? Share your gratitude on this page and read what others are thankful for!

Care to send me your thoughts about this issue's topics? Email me and let me know!

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please pass it along to your friends, family and colleagues, or send them to the Dare To Play It Big sign up page. I thank you in advance.

Stay well,

Cristina

P.S. Feeling stressed and worried because of problems at work? Then check my handbook "From Conflict To Calm" - based on my own experience with conflict with my boss, my handbook gives you the keys to move from a powerless situation to one of peace.

P.S.S. Tired of procrastinating? Wish you got more out of your own life but you don't know how? In my handbook "Power Over Procrastination" you will find the exact plan, techniques and tools I use to get things done easily - leaving procrastination behind altogether!