Strength

Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.” - Unknown

It definitely comes from within and can also be a mental struggle to pull yourself together through a foggy moment. But know that in the midst of the battle, you are not alone and God is in control.

Stay calm and be strong!

Relationships

Love is not about finding the right person, but creating a right relationship. It's not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end - by Jumar

While I partially disagree with a part of this quote, I do appreciate the last statement ;).
In every relationship (and not just the romantic ones), you will be faced with challenges and hiccups. How you handle each one (separately) is what describes the core of your commitment to the other person and the nature of your union.

What do you take from every moment? What is the lesson learned from each "fight"?
If you are able to move beyond the present stuff, them you are well on your way in creating great stories, great memories and testimonials that you will both share about in years to come.

Happy Monday!

Being real

How important it is, for you to be honest and real. For you can only be real with someone else, if you have in fact practiced the exercise - unidentified.

I had a very very good hangout time with one of my big sisters yesterday. We talked, laughed, ate, were open, shared old and new experiences, lessons we learned during and after each one, exchanged ideas, and processed emotions around different topics.

It is healthy to take a step in building on a new or older relationship by just letting yourself enjoy the moment.

Appreciate

There has never been another you. With no effort on your part you were born to be something very special and set apart. What you are going to do in appreciation of that gift is a decision only you can make ~ Dan Zadra

There is something inside of you that isn't replicated elsewhere. No one else will ever be you, talk like you, think like you or ever be you. There might be something you do that may come close to someone else but hmmmm not really.

How you carry you is fully your responsibility and a very vital part in the equation. God created you fearfully and wonderfully - therefore hold yourself, your standards, your values, your respect in that same token.

Do you proud ;)

Bless

Do not stand on a high pedestal and take 5 cents in your hand and say, "here, my poor man", but be grateful that the poor man is there. So by making a gift to him you are able to help yourself. It is not the reciever that is blessed, but it is the giver. Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world - Swami Vivekananda

As you open your hands to bless another fellow, you create more room in yours to receive. Surely, the receiver is much appreciative but the condition of your heart is the real test here.

Beauty

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depts.

These people have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Beauty comes as much from the mind, heart, and soul as from the eye. Beauty is how you feel on the inside and how it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. You can be the most beautiful person on the outside but if your heart isn't clean or pure, it'll ooze out eventually.

Work from within and your beauty will rise up!

Change

Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. - Coco Chanel

There are certain things in our lives that are not where they ought or need to be. If you have identified anything to be in an odd place; and needs changing/fixing/adjusting, there is nothing wrong with attempting to help move along the process.

In the same token, after a couple of different ways to help make the change, you can tell if it'll be a productive effort or if you are wasting precious time.

If its a person you are working on, he/she will need to be on the same page or it won't work. If it isn't a person and just a situation; it needs proper wisdom, accompanied with sound knowledge to carry out the change.

What's your situation?

Desire

Desire: the starting point of all achievement - NAPOLEON HILL

For every thing you accomplish, it started with the ability to "want" to. If the desire doesn't exist, the drive and motivation won't carry you through to the end.

Gratitude

The way we perceive life most of the time, is wrong. Probably the biggest thing we all search for in life is happiness.

Most people who search for happiness think that money and fame will make their life perfect. As good as that sounds most of the time, that statement is not true at all. You have to be thankful for everything you know and do own.
Just when you want something better than you already have (Example: a new iPhone, iPad) remind yourself that someone in the world has never even had the privilege of using anything close to such technology.

There is somebody always better than you and always somebody less fortunate than you. Until you find the middle ground and accept what you have, you will not reach happiness.

So next time you doubt yourself think of this, and start appreciating what's already yours. Count your blessings and that is your source of happiness.

Happy Monday!

Resetting priorities

It doesn’t matter where you are, you are nowhere compared to where you can go-Bob Proctor

Guilt is such a terrible and poisonous bug, in that it eats you up so bad and fills you with regret. You start to look at where you are and dwell on "what am I doing here?", "why haven't I accomplished anything?", etc...

While these questions could be accurate, depending on your situation; do not spend a whole lot of time trying to figure out why but focus your energy on "how fast can I get out of here?".

Your dreams will only go as far as your heart and motivation will allow it to live. Do everything you can to get yourself to where you not only ought to be but where you need to be.

Your future is way brighter :)

Changes

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself - Andy Warhol

Time by itself doesn't make anything better. You have to put some work in.
It's a scary thing at times to think differently, or to even think on you but it very well could be the best decision you have ever made.

Remember, no one else but you is responsible for you. And only you know the way things are now, and the changes you would like to make or see happen.

It may and will be hard, but with much prayer, wisdom from counsel and knowledge from God; where you are today doesn't have to be the final script.

Amen?

Patience

Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success - Brian Adams

Help

Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes, those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts - Unknown

It's really the little things that count. Extending a little help here and there can be tremendous for someone in need.

Never think you don't have enough to give. Whatsoever you can give does go a long way.

Be a Good Samaritan

Liked or loved?

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not - Kurt Cobain

Everyone won't always be on your side BUT the idea of living isn't to be liked, it's to get your opinion out there.

The more you choose the likable decision and stand on the most-liked side of the fence, the more and more you disappear in the crowd.
Don't change who you are for popularity sake. Quit becoming someone else to fit the status-quo.

You are unique and inside of you lies unique thoughts, decisions, ideas, plans, creativity, motives, feelings, etc...
If you never or hardly exercise these sides of your personality, then you are gradually completely going to waste....and the world will never get to meet you.

You are here to make a difference, not to be liked. Stand your ground, and you'll gain respect for always being in your own skin.

Values

Values are like fingerprints. Nobody's are the same, but you leave 'em all over everything you do - Elvis Presley

Everything you do is a snapshot of what's really brewing inside your heart. It represents all you stand for, what your present convictions are, what your inner drive is and what motivates you.

It is important that what you say and/or do aligns with your standards, as once your actions are manifested, you aren't able to take it back.

Be cautious on what actually does come out....because it will be a picture of what you truly feel and it'll be speak on your behalf wherever you go!

In that respect, keep your standards high and your values deep...

Perspective

Some people grumble because roses have thorns; I am thankful that the thorns have roses - Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr

It's all about how we see things. You could choose to be depressed about your situation or you could be thankful that it isn't worse.

Our perspectives on life is connected to our outlook in general. How we see the people around us, the jobs we don't get, the places we can't visit, the cash we don't have, and the things we can't get; is a reflection on our inner thoughts and conclusions that we have mentally settled in.

A good lesson is to learn from every bad situation, take the good from it and then keep practicing.

Compromise

Compromise used to mean that half a loaf was better than no bread. Among modern statesmen, it really seems to mean that half a loaf is better than a whole loaf.
Chesterton, Gilbert K.

Whatever you allow to come in front of your values and morals; you will definitely be driven by it.

At some point, you make certain compromises that are just mere adjustments to growth. But there are other times that you make decisions based on feelings that will destroy your faith and what you originally stood for.

Don't find yourself in this place where you keep letting your guards down for the sake of momentary pleasures.

Your values are worth more than feelings!

Chance

If you judge people, you have no time to love them - Mother Teresa

Everyone deserves a chance in life. You cannot come to a full conclusion based on a 10-minute engagement with anyone. Yes, first impressions are important but are not always the true representation of who a person really is.

I don't care what people say about how you need to be yourself at all times and never to change for anyone. While this is 80% true, the other 20% is for when we have to adjust our attitudes and personalities, depending on the settings we find ourselves in.

You certainly wouldn't talk to a potential employer the same way you talk to your long time best friend; or speak to a bunch of preschoolers the same way you would to a grocer....right?

Now, because we can do this with our first impressions, then lets have some grace for others when we initially come across them.

Everyone, including you, deserves a chance to be known, heard and loved. And not judged!

Happy Saturday!

Compliment

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo F. Buscaglia

It's a good feeling to not only be seen, but also to be noticed.
You know how nice it feels when a friend says something nice (directly) to you.

In the same token, extend the favor and brighten someone's day. Bless someone today with a nice comment or gesture!

Happy Friday!

Struggles

Don't let your struggle become your identity - Ralston Bowles

I'm finding that a lot of us have kept our struggles alive this long, so much that it has actually become a part of what makes us normal.

I heard a preacher say that "your troubles have an expiration date".
If this is true, then imagine someone who constantly keeps drinking spoiled milk, when they know that it is expired! Sounds crazy, right??

Well, this is how it is with our struggles. We have to know that when its over, it's over. Don't re-live it every time you talk about it. Don't keep reminding everyone of how hardcore you are. Stop making those stories and experiences who you are. Yes, it draws attention to you but it can also push people away from you if you are constantly guarded!

Life's struggles are normal but what we learn from the experiences are what shapes our personalities, not the challenge itself.

Convictions

When a woman is known to have no settled convictions of her own, she can't convict other people - Twain

This is such a hard one for me... yes it is! The older I'm getting, I'm realizing that the convictions I used to share with my peers (back in the day) are no longer common amongst us. This is not to judge but it is in fact a truthful and quite sad reality.

What worries/concerns me is that we have grown so accustomed to the things we used to dread; now, it's become so much a part of our lives that its the absolute new normal.

I believe that the more we practice these immoral, unGodly and/or comprising ways; the day will come when we will be a slave to it - 100%! What you tolerate in the valley, you will bow down to on your way up!

Lord, may our convictions be strong as ever and may it be high up on the radar at all times! So we can discern clearly!

Blessing #2

There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I'm going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life - whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts - Elizabeth Gilbert

At this point of your life, hopefully, you are no longer blaming some person(s) from a past hurt for the way you turned out. At some point, you....(not your uncle or your first grade teacher) ....is fully responsible for all the actions that you manifest.

Your thoughts, words, reactions, friends, goals, decisions are all some of the little big things that make you a grown-up.

Think hard on your life's journey, make a plan that works well in your favor and choose the path wisely!
It's all up to you!

Blessing

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.
Willie Nelson

If you live the life you love, you will receive blessings. Sometimes the great famine of blessings in and around us derives from the fact that we are not living the life we love; rather, we are living the life that is expected of us.

Kind

It’s important to make someone happy, and it’s important to start with yourself.

One of our commandments is to love your neighbor as yourself, right? We often read this as if its saying to pour out unconditional love for a neighbor, a stranger..etc. But what it's also saying is to give a fellow human being the same respect, love and care that you uphold yourself with.

How you treat people is a reflection of how you feel about you.
Think about it, if you aren't happy with the situation you are in, it's very difficult and almost impossible to be super excited for someone that is doing really great! In fact, you can be pretty annoyed about their happiness!

This is why, no matter what you are going through, it's very important to count it all joy. This prevents you from going into depression and loneliness. And ultimately, will help with how you handle your neighbors.

Be kind to you, and be kind to others.

Boundaries

Your personal boundaries protect the inner core of your identity and your right to choices - Gerard Manley Hopkins

Most of us have seen a "no trespassing" sign posted on private property at one time or another. It sends a clear message, that “if you cross the line you will be prosecuted!”
On the other hand, personal boundaries are limits or borders that define where you end and others begin. It is basically the amount of physical and emotional space you allow between yourself and others. It determines what types of communication, behavior and interaction you accept from others. The type of boundaries you set defines whether you have healthy or unhealthy relationships.

Your physical boundaries need to be strong in order to protect you from harm. It includes your body, clothes, shelter, safety, money, space, noise, your sense of personal space, privacy etc.

Your emotional and intellectual boundaries are just as important. They protect your self-esteem, and your ability to separate your feelings from the feelings of others. They also include beliefs, behaviors, choices, relationships and responsibilities.

Setting boundaries is essential if we want to be both physically and emotionally healthy. Strong boundaries help maintain balance, self-respect and allow us to be interdependent in relationships. A lack of boundaries is like leaving the door to your home wide open, anyone, including welcome and un-welcome guests can walk in without hesitation.

Be smart about you!

Happy Friday good people!

Relationships

9 Warning Signs Of A Dysfunctional Relationship

Dysfunctional relationships are relationships that create more emotional turmoil than satisfaction. Relationships are part of the human experience. But what happens if one or both people have never been involved in a happy relationship, or had one modeled for them as a child? Chances are they will participate in a dysfunctional relationship.

A dysfunctional or an about-to-be dysfunctional relationship always has warning signs. Here is a list of some:

1. Addictive/obsessive attitude: When one develops an addictive or obsessive attitude and seems overly focused on themselves or the other.

2. Imbalance of power: You always feel that you are the only one working at 150% at making the relationship work. It is not a good sign when they seem to make no effort at all.

3. Tensions show up regularly: Little things that cause tension are always present..... Like money, friends, love, work or anything else, but they seem to take on a disproportional importance.

4. Feeling cornered: either of the partners can get a feeling of being cornered or trapped into a situation that s/he would not like to have got into in the first place.

5. Inferiority/superiority complex: If any one of the partners in a relationship begins developing an inferiority/superiority complex. Relationships are based on equality and trust; therefore no one should consider himself superior or inferior in comparison to the other.

6. The feeling of frustration: Every relationship has little frustrations here and there, but when they persist and just keep cropping up as soon as one is dealt with, something is certainly wrong.

7. Constant unhappiness: If you do the "are you happy" check often, then something isn't just right! ? If you are constantly unhappy or mentally bogged down, because there is a nagging doubt or a feeling that something is not going right, it is time to evaluate the situation. This can happen when you just cannot reconcile your desires, your feelings and your needs with the other person and neither can he, with yours.

8. Being unsure and insecure: You are so unsure of yourself that you hesitate to do things. So you spend a lot of time thinking about what if it would end up causing a rift in your relationship. In other words, when you go from being spontaneous to overcautious about doing things you like to do. Being unsure brings with it a feeling of insecurity.

9. Fear, jealousy, obsession, non-involvement, manipulation, distrust, suspicion, disrespect and an uncaring attitude are the usual suspects. If there is continuity in any of these behavioral traits, then your relationship is on its way to being past history.

These are a few warning signs of a dysfunctional relationship. If you happen to notice any of these, take preventive measures immediately and address the situation. As you may already know, band-aid measures won't work, look for long-term solutions. Perhaps the most commonly used and least effective solution to problems in relationships is to ignore them and hope they go away. They never go away unless addressed and taken care of - in love.

All the best....

Make me feel special

There is no greater thing that we can do in each human interaction than to make the other person feel special.

Now, this is not done by phony and insincere words, but by creating a feeling of acceptance in the other person. A feeling that you know them, their feelings and accept them just the way they are.

And no, you don't have to agree with everything they say or do. What you must do, however, is hear what they say and respect their right to feel as they feel.

Even marketers no longer believe in "generic mass marketing" they strive to make every consumer feel "special" and unique, even though they (the customer) have purchased the exact same product as million others have.

Every person feels that there is something they want to improve about themselves and that there is a way to do it. But, as many of us have learned, we do not make lasting changes because we were made to feel "unspecial" by harsh criticisms.

It takes a special person to make every person that they encounter feel this specialness, but it's a goal worth reaching for. It could even bring about world peace!

.... Great read!

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is as important to our well-being as legs are to a table. It is essential for physical and mental health and for happiness - Louise Hart

You cannot do without it! Either yours is high or it's low: but you are never without your self esteem.

It is your self esteem that gets you going each day. A high self esteem is backed up by motivation, drive, passion, self-respect, self-worth, dignity and pride; while a low self esteem is supported by depression, disrespect, loneliness, fear, neglect and shame.

It is important to always keep you at the center of you. Yes, very important because no one is going to take you higher than you want or keep you lower than you need to be - without your permission.

You are the landlord/landlady of your heart and emotions. Don't toy with it and don't allow anyone else to.
All of you is what makes you the person that you are. Your happiness depends on it ;)

Tests

A good instructor doesn't give you a test without teaching you the lesson. For every test you face, you have in you the knowledge and wisdom to pass with an 'A' grade - Patrick Kiteley

We have a way to feel incapable of making it through challenges in life. While some of us pray that God will give us the strength to make it, some of us pray that God will take it away.

When you take a test, your memory recollects what you studied prior to the test. The real fear is did we study enough? How much did we learn from the class that will help us get through this? What do you have stored up that you can easily pull from?

That's how it is with tests of life. We are supposed to get smarter and smarter each time around. Or we will spend a whole lot of time re-taking the test and/or repeating the class!

Remember, you are tested because you've been taught.

Words

You are a master of the words you don't say and a slave to the ones you do - unknown

You know how sometimes you keep your thoughts to yourself because you feel inadequate or unheard as is; and you pretty much feel like there is nothing you can say that will grant you any attention. . So you hold your peace!

I was talking with a colleague on Friday and she shared some information with me (that was a few days late) and was much needed on Wednesday; but she felt that she didn't want to bother anyone with her thoughts so she stayed quiet about it. Needless to say, the information she had was crucial and if she would have spoken up sooner, it would have saved us a few hours that we spent brainstorming instead!

Remember, whatever it is that you have in mind and don't speak up on may be the very words that can change a situation. And the ones that you do "think out loud", you will be held accountable to.

Think twice, speak up!

Disposition

I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances - unknown

There are two different kinds of people: the ones who have suffered adversity and as a result - no matter what good they face - they cannot seem to enjoy or even appreciate it.
Then there are the ones who have too suffered adversity and as a result - all new challenges are yet another reason to grow up - they find a way to "count it all joy".

Your disposition in life is what draws people to and away from you. If you are always offended, and in the "woe is me" attitude, you may not find a lot of friends in your circle. Although you may feel the people are the problem, its really you.

On the other hand, if you have some fight in you and are always in the encouraging spirit, people will hang out with you because of your ability to take life as it comes but overcome its challenges.

Which one are you?

Living

The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created–created first in the mind and will, and then created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating - unknown

Your life isn't going to start to happen in 3 weeks, 3 months or 3 years: you are what you are going to be now. However, this may or may not be where you will end up. The choice and control is ultimately yours.

The decisions you make now, will determine if the person you are today is a younger version of who is to come; or if what we see is all there will ever be.

What do you want to be when you grow up? You are it right now!

Resentment

Great article:

The dictionary claims that "to resent" is "to take strong exception to (what is thought to be unjust, unfair, etc.)," but I feel that resentment goes much further than that. If I were to define resentment, I would say: Its a poisonous emotion that eats away at a person's peace of mind, mental well-being, and ability to treat others well.

Resentment is a lack of acceptance and a lack of forgiveness. Resentment says volumes about the person who resents, but very little about the people or actions that are resented.

It's very easy to fall into the trap of resentment--other people put us in position to do so almost daily when they do things that are unthinking or uncaring. Someone else may get the job or the admission into a school even though you're far more qualified; someone may not invite you to a party to which they've invited everyone else; someone else may meet with great success even though they don't work nearly as hard as we do; someone may say something rude to us or about us behind our backs. But what do all these things mean? These are all other people's actions, reflections of other people's personalities or abilities, yet we allow them to cause us to become resentful.

You cannot afford to allow these things to mess you up! You have your whole life ahead if you and that's all that should be and IS important to you.

Shake it off and be free...

Business Talk

If you don't drive your business, you will be driven out of business." - B. C. Forbes

I was business-talking with one of my sisters last night and we were exchanging thoughts on business partnering, including it's advantages and disadvantages.

We both felt strongly about how business partnering happens, who carries the vision, who executes it, when is a good time to evaluate/re-evaluate, was partnering a good and God idea, how are costs handled, who is on the creativity side of the house, who is on the peoples' side of the house, do you go solo....etc. These are all practical things that it takes to start and run a business.

Business building takes time, depending on the nature of the business and its carriers but it can be at a comfortable steady pace if you understand its music.

Whatever your role is in a business, be 150% in maintaining your drive, motivation, DNA, and culture. And if you run out of steam and are done with it or the team altogether, then a grown-up conversation must be had so you can part ways respectfully.

Mature stuff ;)

Laziness

She has a head that is for rent unfurnished - Anonymous Quotes (revised)

Basically: here is a mind, it's got nothing in it, but is up for grabs. Do as you will with it....

It is a scary thing to have a brilliant mind go to waste or get filled up with useless thoughts. This is why it's important to keep your thoughts contained with plans and ideas, that support your dreams and aspirations; and ultimately lead you to your destiny.

Stay away from negative thoughts. Don't feed your mind with pointless temporary ideas. Stay focused and accomplish your goals.

Keep your mind at some good work!

Why wait?

Waiting is a trap. There will always be reasons to wait. The truth is, there are only two things in life, reasons and results, and reasons simply don't count - Robert Anthony

There are many ways to avoid success in life, but the most common just might be procrastination. Procrastinators sabotage themselves and put obstacles in their own path. This is a choice of path that hurts your performance.

Statistics show that 20% of people identify themselves as chronic procrastinators. For them procrastination is a lifestyle, and it cuts across all domains of their life. They don't pay bills on time. They miss opportunities for buying tickets to concerts. They don't cash gift certificates or checks. They file income tax returns late. They leave their Christmas shopping until Christmas eve.

Procrastination is not a problem of time management or of planning. Procrastinators are not different in their ability to estimate time, although they are more optimistic than others. "Telling someone who procrastinates to buy a weekly planner is like telling someone with chronic depression to just cheer up," insists Dr. Ferrari.

Lets get it together people! :)

Happy Monday!

Hardworking

Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weaknesses… on your powers, instead of your problems.”–Paul J. Meyer

Let’s face it – no matter how excited you are about a new project or priority in your life, there will always be days when your motivation lags a bit. Days when – despite all the progress you’ve made in the past – it just sounds easier to sit on the couch than to buckle down and crank out the work needed to meet your goals.

In order to be successful, you must be able to motivate yourself past these humps. So whenever you feel your drive and determination lagging, turn to what you need to provide you the extra spark of passion needed to keep you on track.

Hang in there and finish strong!

Integrity

In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you —Warren Buffet

Perspective

I certainly don't regret my experiences because without them, I couldn't imagine who or where I would be today. Life is an amazing gift to those who have overcome great obstacles, and attitude is everything!
- Sasha Azevedo

Your perception about things is a result of your life's journey. This is the way you see things, how you feel about it, what you think it means, which words you choose to say, how you emote, and what actions actually manifest from all of it.

Some of these moments can do you good or bad: it all depends on your attitude. Happiness is an attitude of choice. No one can determine this for you, but you! We either make ourselves depressed and miserable (by choosing to marinade in our past sorrows and fears), or happy and strong (by choosing to overcome them and leave them exactly where they belong - in the past).
The amount of work is really the same.

Choose now how you will live out the rest of your life. Better or worse? Or the same?
It's all up to you!

Happy Friday!

Anger

Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret. - Ambrose Bierce

It's amazing how much comes out of us in times of anger. If you are like me, I say exactly what I mean and mean what I say - angry or not!! (yikes).

We do have to be careful what and how we communicate in those tense and highly emotional moments because the damage control later on can be much worse.

It is ok to get mad, but if you can and its not even worth talking about, then get over it. If you are still troubled in 3 days about it, then by all means, discuss the issue. Typically, at this point, the discussion wouldn't be so clouded by anger, but by concern. The idea is to direct your anger towards the problems and not the person.

We have got to do better and learn to control our out of control reactions!

Meditate on this...

Change

What I like most about change is that it’s a synonym for “hope”. If you are taking a risk, what you are really saying is, “I believe in tomorrow and I will be part of it.” – Linda Ellerbee

Change is a constant. Some changes we go through are small, some are more in the "crisis" variety. Some change happens so fast that it can give you a mental block.

Change is a good thing if you can quickly embrace the future. The more you stay in the place of discomfort, the less you will see the brighter days ahead.

Don't let the stress of the present change overtake you, don't allow yourself to be caught-up in the feelings of irritation; instead, begin to get an idea of what the change is going to bring and then start thinking this way. Wrap your thoughts, efforts, emotions around it and let those feelings overtake you. It'll help you get through the temporary uneasiness.

Change is good ....

Supervise

When I give a minister an order, I leave it to him to find the means to carry it out. —Napoleon Bonaparte

One of the things that can kill the end result of a project or task is when a manager micromanages a job that he/she has given to their staff.

Some of the folks that work for us actually have a strategy and plan on carrying out any job they are given. We will never know this of course, if we are constantly over their shoulder trying to make sure it's done just the way we want it.

I believe we can say what we want the end result to be; then send them off....sit back and see how they combine our desires and their skill-set to match what we need.

Leadership must be portrayed with trust, respect and recognizing peoples' potentials. It's one way that will keep them working for us and the organization.

Happy Tuesday!

Lead

I must follow the people. Am I not their leader? —Benjamin Disraeli

Leading isn't always about dishing out instructions and delegating the work. It's also about listening to the people that work with you, being a servant to the folks that work for you, being there for the people, being a team player and a part of the work and demonstrating that you too can get your hands dirty.

Your staff and colleagues will appreciate you for being human and understanding.
We have heard the saying that people will remember you for what you've done and not for who you are.

When you show people that you care for them as a fellow human being, and not just an asset to your success at work; they will go above and beyond and always give you 150%.

Happy Monday!

Compassion

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

We've all gone through something that made us stronger; and it's in those moments that life's challenges shape our perspectives on everything!
How you respond to people is based on your journey. How you engage in their lives is another challenge in itself.

Being somewhat involved in others' lives is a sense of maturity in yours. There are so many things that you can offer to someone who may be in a situation similar to what you went through. If you would only try....

The great person that you are today is a result of the combination of your life journey, the person(s) who helped you build a defense against its negativity, your tenacity to become whole, and your fight to win strong!
Since we know that no one was born this way...you are perfectly positioned to help another fellow reach their own height of victory!

You can do it ;).
Happy Sunday!

Friends

Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live - Oscar Wilde

Although most of us will not consider this to be loneliness but I believe that one of the reasons why a lot of us are lonely (not alone...just lonely) is because we do not give ourselves the opportunity to meet new friends and invite them into our world; and we also don't accept them for exactly who they are.

You may not always agree with others but you can still respect them. Just because you view life a certain way, doesn't mean you should expect your friends to feel the same way about things. Having a variety of friends will help you connect with people who are different from you, which helps you grow as a person.

Great friendships are an important part of living. They help widen your perspectives on life and remind you that you are not walking out this life on your own.

Trouble...

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight - Benjamin Franklin

If not controlled and overcome, anxiety has a strong way of keeping us in a box of fear and paranoia.

For those of us who are constantly worried about what's going to happen and if something doesn't happen and how we just know that something is about to happen.....we need to rest in the peace of the Lord. God doesn't give us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind..

With that said, this is where we are to place our fear...and exchange it for your peace of mind. Because, nothing is coming around the corner to get you. The fear is there to hold you down and keep you from growing and moving forward. The minute you start gaining control of your life....fear will be gone from you!

Let's turn the page ....

What's right...

Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can't love and respect yourself - no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are - completely; the good and the bad - and make changes as YOU see fit - not because you think someone else wants you to be different - Stacey Charter

Being different isn't bad; as long as you are doing it for you. As women, we are constantly conforming to fit something; which can be a reasonable compromise, depending on the situation. But if you are consistently giving away what makes you you, just to please someone else.....not only does that disrespect you as a woman but it also dishonors you as a human being.

Be smart about your adjustments :)

Living

When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better - Anonymous

Maybe the reason you feel so empty is because you've sort of put your life on hold. You don't do much anymore, and you kind of just go day in day out with no drive or motivation.

This is a scary place to be because without a reason to live, or some motivation; you will find yourself on the edge of loneliness and depression.
Don't let it get to this!

Re-evaluate where you are, check-in with your spirit man, bring back to the surface those things that you once desired and after you've re-met your old self that once had dreams and aspirations..... Go for it!

It's a new day!

Lies

A lie may take care of the present, but it has no future. ~Author Unknown

We tell lies when we are afraid... afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us.
But know that every time we tell a lie, we feed into whatever it is that we fear .... We make it grow stronger.

And the crazier side of lying is that once you tell that lie; you end up spending the rest of your life paying for it; so you keep defending it. It's very addicting and only leads to an empty future.

Don't be that person that can never be trusted. Don't sell your sense of trust to the world of lies.
Get over your fears and start living...

Loss?

Stop looking at what you have lost, so you can see what you have.

Loss isn't easy. Because when you lose something, your mind automatically shifts into a place where you blame yourself (or come real close) for letting that thing or someone slip away.
There are some things, yes, that you could have done better but then there are others that you absolutely have NO control over.

So if you are about to lose something and you can feel it slipping away, and you know it's better for you if it's gone....then, by all means and for the sake of your sanity - gladly say goodbye. But if you have lost something or someone and you didn't have full control while you had it, then you certainly cannot do anything about it now that it's no longer in your possession.

However, the trick with loss is that if you aren't careful, you'll spend a whole lot of time in mourning and hardly anytime in living.

It is absolutely okay to have a grieving period, but as my husband will say "determine in your heart how long you will be in that timeframe. Because when that time comes, crying is over and real life begins"!

Don't get lost in loss; live fully with what you do have. Everything and everyone around you is counting on you ;). YOU are counting on you!

New ideas

I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones - John CageB

New ideas come with new responsibilities, accountabilities and expectations.
It's only human to want to keep trying to achieve the same results. The problem with that is...the method we are using may not be working. And it takes a couple of failures to figure that out. Or at least, that's all it should take.

At some point, you have to be willing to throw out the old formula, develop a new strategy and change the approach.

Don't allow the possibility of change to scare you. It might be just what you need to get moving.

Have a great day!

Life

You got to take the good with the bad; smile when you are sad; love what you got and remember what you had. Always forgive but never forget, learn from your mistakes but never regret. People change and things go wrong but things happens and life goes on...
- a wise person

It's not worth it taking all the baggage with you through life. At some point, you have to let it go and move on!

Happy Friday!

Friendship

Don't flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your peers. The closer you come into relationship with another person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become. Except in cases of necessity, which are rare. Do not leave your friend to learn unpleasant things from their enemies; as they are sure ready to tell them - Oliver Wendall Holmes Jr

As friends, we are permitted to "tell the truth", yes; but some of us do take it to another level. We do it as a sense of entitlement....where we feel it is our right to intrude, disrespect a friends' emotions and violate their boundaries.
Sometimes, we don't need to say anything at all but step back, pray for them (Uhm, that still works by the way), and love them still!
There is no manual anywhere that says we are the voice of reason over them. That's God's job....

We always need to be careful how we relate messages to others because obviously their emotions are 100% involved and what, how and when we say whatever we say can either strengthen them or completely damage them. Your "truthful" statement can quickly go from a caring place to a fixing place, if not done right.

Be delicate with your friends; they will not only respect you but love you for it.

Priorities

If you know that you have a certain amount of commitments coming up within a time frame, it's really a matter of sitting down for a few minutes and prioritizing your time -Anne Lang

If we all had that magic wand (that none of us seem to find ;) ), we wouldn't need to put any energy into getting anything done. All it'll take would be a quick wave of the wand and voila....the job is done!

With each item on your list, and every task that you have going; you must prioritize its deliverable and attack its deadline with time management. It's the only way anything gets done! There isn't any special method out there, or any exceptional skill to be had....it all takes time, every single moment of it.

Now, because you know that this task must get done, and there is an expectation that lies upon you; how you manage your time, gather your resources, become/remain flexible and ready for any last minute changes, will determine the tenacity in which you will deliver!

Today

Everything you do prepares you for the next thing – John Abel

Each step takes you closer and closer to your goals. This is why it is important to choose wisely what each moment will represent and eventually manifest into.

It's doing the little things right that keeps this promise! Each challenge is a test for the next blessing. Your attitude on what happens today will determine your character on what tomorrow brings,
Also, as you align your present moment, your future will begin to look much more organized.

Remember, little by little, line upon line, moment by moment, day by day; and it all adds up!

Happy Monday!

Listen

Hear much and say little - Old Irish saying

There are a few people that do not fit into this category:

1) the ones who cannot wait for you to finish talking so they can tell you what you need to do

2) the ones who love the sound of their own voices and enjoy hearing themselves talk

3) the ones too busy in their own worlds that whenever they do come out and interact with someone else, it's all about them

It's amazing how much you can learn from just talking to someone and not talking at all. If you just learn to keep your mouth closed and your ears open, you can even pick up on the verbal and non-verbal communication.

Listening is an important attribute to learn and practice. Not only does it show that you are giving your undivided attention; it also shows that you care enough about them.

Happy Saturday!

Be encouraging

The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if encouraged - Ovid

it's amazing what can happen if we just believed in ourselves, saw the best in others and helped people excel in their areas of expertise.

As much as some of us try not to get someone else's opinion on what we need to do; we have to admit that there comes a time when we need a little push, a little go-get-them word of encouragement.

And then for those of us who don't have it all together and have about a million things we do want to do; I encourage you to start narrowing it down by expectations and timelines and surround yourself with people that will help you excel.
Sometimes the idea is hanging in your creative world, waiting for a motivating word to jump start the whole process.

You can do it! Run fast, get it done!

Happy Friday!

Feelings

Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth - Benjamin Disraeli

The only reason you are saying anything about how you feel is because that IS how you feel. You cannot feel bad for feeling. You shouldn't!
But what you can feel bad for is how you express them.

Feelings are 100% real....that's why they exist. Anyone who wants to make you un-feel isn't doing you justice. And that includes you too!
No matter what, never deprive yourself of fully expressing your emotions. Don't suppress it. Don't ignore it. Because guess what, the more you pretend that it isn't there or the more you allow others to push play, pause and stop on YOUR emotions; the scarier it will eventually manifest. Yes, one day it will... 😳

Happy Thursday!

The big person

He who forgives ends the quarrel - Anonymous

Have you ever gotten in an argument with someone and not only can that person never be wrong but they also don't believe in listening! They do all the yelling, cussing, screaming, accusing, etc and you can't even get a single word in!

We hear it all the time; be the bigger person.....be the bigger person! And then you do it and your fighting partner uses that chance to conclude that you are weak and not strong enough to handle a fight.

You, who is smarter and the bigger
person gets the advantage. Yes you do! When you walk away from a quarrel or hold your tongue during one; it shows your level of responsibility and maturity.... And you get to walk away with your peace of mind. Think about it. You don't have to do damage control because you didn't say much. You don't have to have another conversation about the last one because there was nothing said that you regret saying.

But what you will be held accountable for is forgiving what comes out of the other persons mouth. Yes, that's part of being the bigger person. Tough one....I know!

Enjoy your Wednesday :)

Execution

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. (Proverbs 16:2 KJV)

Everything we desire, every plan we come up with, every decision we land on, every idea that comes to mind - is all perfectly orchestrated and completely perfect by US.
As great as the plan may be and/or manifest, no one else will really know the intentions behind it.

There are different reasons why we do what we do. What motivates you? Where do you get your drive from? And who and where do you get counsel from before you execute a plan?

Whatever propels you, God will weigh it. You may be able to get away with the wrong intention/right plan in the natural but God knows all your thoughts before they even become actions.

The better way of going about getting things done is to put it before God first, allow Him to weigh it, walk you through it, give wisdom..... and it'll execute perfectly.
No more me-only-lens!

Happy Tuesday!

Relationships

What would happen if we woke up every morning with the intention of blessing others? How do you make, build on and maintain healthy relationships around you? What is your strategy in reaching out to others that you may not know or understand?

Three principles ----- responsibility, sensitivity and desire.

If we can practice these three things, we will be able to appreciate people for exactly who they are, and people will appreciate the things that God has placed specially in you.

Every day we attempt to explore into a new friendship or adventure but we often go into them with the absolute wrong intentions, completely skewed perspectives and really tainted ideas. We do this because it's easier to control how long, how deep and how far we invest in others.

But if we can follow these principles: responsibility (learning to follow-through), sensitivity (being able to discern and respond properly), and desire (be passionate about what you are doing); then I believe we will be able to make more relationships stand strong!

Happy Monday!

Hello world!

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal - Albert Camus

I am convinced that those of us who prefer to be alone do this for a few reasons. 1: we rather not be bothered or distracted by people and their problems, 2: we are afraid of being discovered for who really are, so we hide behind an unfriendly face that we put on often 3: others' opinions don't mean much to us, so really, they can keep it moving 4: no one else shares the same interests we do, so why even bother and 5: investing in someone else takes too much time and we rather use that time for our own interests.
Sound familiar, anyone ?

Hanging solo isn't wrong but depriving others of sharing your world with you is somewhat selfish. There are life lessons, ideas and plans that you have that others can and will gain from .... And vice versa!

You want to be remembered by the great things you have going, and the impact you have made in peoples' lives.
As much as you don't care about this; it's important to be selfless once in a while.

Allow the world to meet you :) and allow yourself to meet and build on new meaningful friendships as well.

Happy Sunday!

Free

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow - Helen Keller

Keep your eyes on the Lord and you won't see the demons that keep chasing you down.

We have all gone through things and had to face the consequences of them. For some of us, it seems as if we are still paying the debt.
I've got news for you.... A lot of that debt that we keep paying hasn't been a part of the bill for years. Guilt, shame, fear, and abuse has somehow made us feel that we are still under oppression and freedom isn't any day near.

At some point friends, we have to snap out of it and realize that there are some things that we can take care of; and there are others that are not even our problem to fix or change.

You have done all you can! Don't let the past and it's oppressive ways keep dragging you down into its hell-ish hole.

YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR in Christ Jesus!

Have a free ☺ day today!

Learning

Never let your persistence and passion turn into stubbornness and ignorance - Anthony J. D'Angelo

For example, in anything you pursue in life, you will come upon some kind or kinds of opposition. It's how you deal with them that matters. What you may want to do may truly be good and productive but the way you may be going about it might not be. Anyone around you could pick this up and give you some counsel in a different approach. How would you take the criticism?

It also may be a new area of adventure for you and people around you that have walked the same path and taken the same routes may advise you otherwise due to experience. What would you do with that information?

Some criticisms come harshly, some come constructively, and a lot do come with a bit of anger and jealousy. However, it is up to you to "take the meat and leave the bones".
Every now and then, we all need a little bit of a reality check that brings us to a humbling moment; and this is one way it's accomplished.

Don't let "me, myself and I" get in the way of your learning life lessons.

Enjoy your Friday good people!

Hope and Have

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for - Epictetus

It's like what we have is never enough. We spend a whole lot of time wishing, hoping, wanting and desiring something else when what we have is way beyond great and is desiring, wanting and hoping for some of that attention.

This is a very dangerous place to be, friends. Many of us have made the wrong decisions, taken the wrong moves, said the wrong things, taken the wrong job, left the right relationship, gone into the wrong one.... and on and on; simply because we can't seem to see and love well what is within, around us, before us and for us.

We need to be careful; one wrong move can take you 10 years behind in EVERYTHING!

Start appreciating what you have. Put all your attention into what's before you. Stop coveting.... It never ends smoothly!

Happy Thursday!

Courtesy

Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of the pleasures that costs nothing and conveys much. It pleases the one who gives and the one who receives, and thus, like mercy, it is twice blessed - Eratus Wiman

Being nice and polite to someone is evidence that you are a nice citizen of the world. It's all about the more you give - a selfless attitude.

To be gracious and courteous to a stranger, shows that you are connected to others around you and you are not emotionally on vacation on some island cut off from the rest of the world.

Remember that anything you do that causes you to step out of your self and do for someone else, think of another person, put other people before you is just another human act that creates more room for your blessings to come in.
It's just the way it works.

Happy Wednesday!

Relationships

Don’t settle for a relationship that won’t let you be yourself - Oprah Winfrey

This isn't just about a romantic relationship. This is about all kinds of relationships; friends, sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, work-related relationships etc..... If you always have to pretend to be someone else for the sake of being accepted or for status quo, not only will it be a really bad not-so-honest commitment of a relationship, it also leaves a huge opportunity for abuse, misuse and distrust.

Don’t sacrifice yourself all in the name of wanting to be loved and accepted, because if you sacrifice too much there will come a day when you will have nothing else that you will be able to give.

Relationships do not need promises, terms, and conditions. It just needs two wonderful people, who can trust, love, care for, think about and can understand each other.

Anything less or more than this is not the right relationship for you.

Happy Tuesday!

Living

Life is the continuous adjustment of internal relations to external relations - Herbert Spencer

It's Monday!
Another day to marry your emotions with your outward realities. This is part of life and living. Things will always happen and people will always be there to make sure of it. It's how you respond AND react that counts!

Your outward reaction is a clear manifestation of your inner feelings. It's important that you process your emotions always before it starts acting out without your consent.

So wherever you are, whatever you face and with whomever you face it with; remember to stick to the plan.

Faith

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible - St. Thomas Aquinas

Faith is putting hope and power into that which we can not see now...but know we will see in the future.
To one who doesn't understand or has experienced this, it's very difficult to make this real for them.

To you who is familiar with how God makes miracles happen, and how great God's promises are, and how faithful God has been over your life, do not hesitate to keep practicing faith.

The more you keep it real for you, the sooner it'll become more and more real to the ones who are skeptical.

Happy Sunday!

Dreams

Anyone can dabble, but once you've made that commitment, your blood has that particular thing in it, and it's very hard for people to stop you — Bill Cosby

Think about something that you really want to do. This can be a really good idea or an extremely bad move.
However, know that the moment you stop dancing around the idea and actually set a decision to it, it'll take off into fruition. You will also find that there isn't much that anyone can say that will stop you. You may slow down but that's about it; especially if its a longtime aspiration.

Be careful though, where your thoughts and ideas lie. If you are dabbling with a bad idea, it may not help you well in the future if you decide to decide on it.
But if it's a positive decision, you'll start to see your dreams come to life the minute you put fuel behind it.

Think wisely, choose wisely, live well.

Happy Saturday!

Paranoia

Paranoia is the delusion that your enemies are organized
- Arthur D. Hlavaty

If you know someone who suffers from paranoia, you know that they are always on the edge; and always thinking something is going to go wrong any minute now.
It's a real reality for them.

It takes a lot to get them to come out of that mindset. It takes a lot of trying and trying from you and a lot of uncertainty and anxiety from them.

Be patient with them, pray for them, keep making them feel safe, stay close. You do this and you'll begin to see the change happen for them. Slowly and surely, that cloud of fear, anxiety, discomfort, unrest, and death will begin to wear off. You'll see!

A good friday to you.

Relationships

If a person wants to be a part of your life, they will make an obvious effort to do so. Think twice before reserving a space in your heart for people who do not make an effort to stay.

While this might be true, friendships do not always start this way but some do end up this way, unfortunately.

I am a firm believer of maintaining relationships the best you can. Whether via phone, text, call, email or pictures; it is important to always put an effort in keeping your relationships alive and healthy. This also depends on the type of relationship too; because not all demand or need a constant checking-in. And there are some that will fall apart if a daily or every other day check-in is ignored.

But, if circumstances challenge the strength of your relationship with another friend, it's important to try to see if it's salvageable. If it is, I'm sure that it'll be with some boundaries; and if it's not, then it'll be with some emotional heartache and break-up.

No matter where you find yourself in the nature of your relationships, remember to take the best part of it and try to forget the worst part of it. Don't let the pain of the bad days ruin the memories of the great days you had.

Happy Thursday!

Revenge

If I were going to set out to oppress other people, I would surely prefer to select for my victims persons whose first response is forgiveness rather than persons whose first response is revenge - Jeffrey G. Murphy

Though it's much more fun to return the favor and more to someone who has treated you badly; it really doesn't ever feel like its enough. You always want to do more to get them back for what they did; especially when the other person doesn't show any sign of pain or even remorse.

That's because there is nothing you can do to make an evil person realize how evil they are. You can never inflict enough pain on them. You just can't....

BUT what they aren't expecting from you is pure forgiveness. You start forgiving, you start letting go and letting God, you start thinking of them less and the chains start breaking!

Quit giving the wicked your time and emotions. Disconnect yourself from the hold they once had on you, live your life in freedom and let them suffer in their evil ways! You don't have time for that! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Example

It is not our business to make the message acceptable, but to make it available. We are not to see that they like it, but that they get it - Dr. Vance Havner

While this sounds harsh, it's absolutely true!
Take the gospel for example. We spend a lot of time watering down the good news because we want it to be easy, quick, comfortable. Though it is the best decision to make, it also comes with a great conviction.
It is our job and responsibility to present it as it really is.

We try so hard to get people to get it, get saved, come to the Lord... But we forget to live out what we want them to come into. We may not realize it, but they are watching closely at our lives and the example we are.

If we are going to talk about how good God is, then let's really live like that. Let's start exercising the attributes of who our Father really is. Loving, kind, merciful, gracious, just, wise, caring etc.

Make the gospel available, challenge others, keep the door open, be a great example, and watch people follow you in :)

Happy Tuesday!

Living

No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it - George Washington Carver

I don't care how much you feel or say things like - that's not for me or someone else is better at that or it's not something I can do or it's not my calling or I'm not as brave as he or she is or if I just stay in the back, no one will notice.

Everyone has in them the desire to do something, no matter how big or small. And everyone has the ability to make some kind of impact on people they come in contact with. Whatever it is, it's something. If its a negative impact, of course you need to work on that :)

But life and living is day to day; Sunday through Saturday; sunrise to sunset; 365 days a year; 24 hours a day; no matter who you are, this stays the same for everyone. What happens in between is what counts! Make it worth it!

Happy Monday!

Disappointment

Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where they are had to begin where they were ~ Richard L. Evans

Don't beat yourself up if things don't work out.....everything usually doesn't work out the first time around. The key is getting back up and trying again.

Everyone has to experience some kind of rejection or withdrawal before things start working out again. It's a part of life.....

If you are down due to a disappointment, get up, pick up your emotions, re-charge, get excited again and give it one more shot.... Learn to adjust...

Happy Sunday!

Listen

I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure that you realize that what you heard is not what I meant - Robert McCloskey

Isn't it always safer to clarify what you think someone is saying? And for you to ask the listener what you think they heard you say...

Saves the drama, misunderstanding and confusion .....

Happy Saturday!

Success

The secret to my success is that I bit off more than I could chew and chewed as fast as I could — Paul Hogan

When you make a decision to step out and do something you want to achieve, check your mph (miles per hour) because depending on your speed, it could be a really fast, hard and lonely hit to the floor!

Now, if you do land hard, you have got to know how to get up and slow down as you adjust. Surround yourself with people that not only can but will give you good and Godly counsel. You are going to need it!

Happy Friday folks! Be good out there :)

Gain

It’s not that I’m so smart,
it’s just that I stay with problems longer - Albert Einstein

Don't be so quick to quit; don't walk away; don't give up yet; don't throw in the towel....

When dealing with challenges and obstacles, patience isn't the only factor you are faced with; you are also tested on how much experience you will gain from that moment. If you walk away before it even starts, you will leave that moment with more negative emotions than you came in with.
But if you relax, hang in, stay the course, fight through the moment; you will gain knowledge, wisdom, intellect, and all the other positive emotions that it brings!

Happy Thursday!

Plan

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday - Proverbs quotes

Worrying doesn't got us anywhere but stressed out! Each day certainly arrives with its own package. What we do with and about it is what is important.

Definitely think about tomorrow and plan today's doings to support tomorrow's journey. But don't spend all today's precious time in depression; not knowing what you'll do when tomorrow comes. Today misses your attention too!

Happy Tuesday!

Destiny

It was my Mum who got me into singing properly - she knew I had to do something with my voice because she knew I was talented. She was the one who pushed me into joining a choir all those years ago, when I was about 12. I remember she told me to start with the choir and just see where it took me - Susan Boyle

It's pretty much the little steps that get you to the big ones. Nothing well earned or deserved is given to you free of charge. You've got to put in the work...

What's even better is when someone that knows the potential in you helps propel you into your passion and hence your destiny.

Don't take these two for granted.... Hard work and a helping hand.

Happy MLK Jr Day!

Opinions

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it - Voltaire

You will always have people who may respect you but could really care less about how you feel about anything. Or you might be that person who doesn't really care for others' opinions.

Well, you don't have to like what people have to say BUT it is their right to and their opinion counts just the same.

It's our human right to allow people the space to express themselves. You just never know what you can gain from them, if you never let them talk. And you don't want to create a culture about you that cultivates fear, anxiety or discomfort.

People need to be comfortable at all times, being free.

Happy Sunday!

You, again

No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true - Nathaniel Hawthorne

I can imagine how eventually, it can get confusing for some that are professional at being someone else every single time. Not only is it exhausting for the people around you that try to keep up; but it's also emotionally draining as well, because on any given day, they are not sure who they are going to meet.

I personally think (I have friends like this) that people pretend to be someone else based on who they are around and the reputation they want to maintain within those relationships. It's a sad combination of masking the real person inside for fear of being discovered; and having a very low self- confidence.

One day, you will find yourself defenseless and you'll have a hard time acting.
If you are this type of person, I suggest you give it up, quit playing games with yourself, stop creating these multiple lives and just be you.

Happy Saturday!

Live

Everyone has a story, make your own worth telling - Patrick Ricketts

Years from now when you are remembered, hopefully you are not thought of as someone else.
We've heard the saying "if you are running around being someone else, who is being you?".

Each one of us are created unique and especially different. You cannot afford to allow fear of failure hold you back from expressing who you are made to be.

Embrace you, be that, please God, live, be bold and let every critic watch you excel! Make every story count! Make your life worth it!

Happy Friday :)

Respect

If you put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world would not raise your price." - author unknown.

Having a self esteem is very important, as it determines how you express yourself. Now, the volume of how much of a self esteem you have is much more important because it portrays your emotions either positively or negatively.

But, it's not enough to just say how you see yourself; it's all about how you express it, and how you allow others to handle you.
People will only do what you allow them to do. And they should also not do what you don't appreciate. But it's your job to hold the world to the standard of your worth! Remember, you lead and we follow; therefore, lead with self-respect!

Happy Thursday!

Live

Courage is about doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared - Eddie Rickenbacker

Ever felt passionate, nervous, certain and scared about something all at the same time?

That's what dreaming and pursuing your dreams can feel like to some. Know that none of those feelings are bad; they are completely normal.

The hardest part is stepping out in faith and just doing it. But you'll find that once you do, it'll pay off. Those feelings may still be there to some degree but at least you are now in front of the line: no more dreaming....and off to living out the dream.

Have a great Wednesday!

More than enough

Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain - Helen Keller

It's at the moments that you don't "feel" like it that God plants you where you are needed. Where you can be a blessing to someone else even if you don't think you have what it takes.

I will like to encourage you to trust God and trust those moments; because it's amazing how much of an impact it makes and what the ripple effect brings too!

You are much more than you think you are.... Be bold about it!

Happy Tuesday!

Dreaming???

You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do - Henry Ford

It's time to start doing what we are going to do. Time to be who we are supposed to be.

No more excuses on how hard it is in making it work. Or how expensive it's going to get. Or how unworthy you are of such a task. No more!

Figure out what you are going to do, narrow down your thoughts, plan out your strategy, get out of "dream/vision" state of mind and get it done!

Happy Monday!

Listen

I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening - Larry King

Learning to stay quiet takes practice. It's not something that comes naturally for some of us; it's truly not a common trait. But it is something that is needed a lot; that is, if we want to be successful in coordinating people's emotions with their actions.

Talking to or at people doesn't really solve anything. It could actually escalate their emotional state for the worse and nothing would be accomplished, as a result.

Learn to listen and things could and would get resolved faster.

Selfless

Believe that there's light at the end of the tunnel. Believe that you might be that light for someone else - Yamada

There are some people in this life that need you as a friend, need your counsel, need your help or need your expertise.

It's your job to be selfless, available and open to others and their needs.
You'll find that as you open yourself to others, you'll make things available for you too.

Happy Saturday!

Respect

A man who cannot respect a woman is not a real man. Any man who thinks a woman is either a sex object or a baby factory is low self-esteemed, disrespectful to women including his mother, and shouldn't be with you!

A real good man helps his woman to bring out the best in her life and not diminish or oppress her. He helps her fulfill her dreams and doesn't persuade her to give it up for his own.

Ladies, recognize who you are in God! You should never live up to a man's standard.... Man didn't create you, God did!
Quit mistreating yourself by allowing the "fool" to treat you how he wants to.

Get a grip, pick up your things, and if you can ...today... Walk away from all the foolishness and put the value back on you.
You, yes you, are absolutely worth it!

Happy Friday!

Loss or open door

Every time there are losses, there are choices to be made. You choose to live your losses as passages to anger, blame, hatred, depression and resentment, or you choose to let these losses be passages to something new, something wider, and deeper ~ Henri Nouwen

We certainly can't win everything, though we may want to. The test of character comes when the loss happens.

It all depends on how you handle each situation. We should be growing from every experience, but sometimes that's not the case.

How do you handle loss? Do you go off acting absolutely outside yourself? Or do you find an open door in the midst of that loss....in hopes for newness and restoration?
It's all up to you!

Happy Thursday!

Dreams

Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about ~ Unknown

They say "whenever you wake up and this one (positive) thing is always on your mind, then that's what you ought to be doing".
This is true...

Don't let life disappoint your dreams and don't get carried away with other distractions. Instead, re-group...reset your planning clock and start working on achieving those goals, dreams, ideas as if you just desired them.

It's important that you don't let them go to waste or you'll find yourself wishing you were somewhere else, being bitter about where you are and unappreciative of others blessings.

Dream again :)

Priorities

Check your priorities: If you want to make good use of your time, you’ve got to know what’s most important and then give it all you’ve got. It’s not enough to be busy....the real question is, what are we busy about?

You can't spend all of your time hoping it'll get better, wishing something different will happen, or thinking that change is coming.

At some point in time, you've got to stop looking so busy when you really aren't doing anything progressive. You need to rise above the foggy state and get things done.....this is how you start seeing positive results that can and will make life easier and livable.

Happy Tuesday!

Begin

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do - Eleanor Roosevelt

Sometimes in life we go through something that forces us to face the reality of certain situations. It could be a poor financial situation, bad eating habits, health crisis, or a relationship gone badly. But it’s not about the ups and downs of life but it’s how you deal with them that matters.

Just stay strong, have faith, and know that whatever your situation is shall pass one day. Amen!

Happy Monday and go get it!

Experience

Experience is not what happens to a man, it is what a man does with what happens to him ~ Aldous Huxley

Every single one of us has stories to tell about things we have been through, the challenges we have faced and how we have overcome some and still working through others.
It's worth going through when you come out victorious and you gain something from it. For all life's challenges, you have to be able to take something good from it. Otherwise, you'll find that you will have to take the test again (somehow and someway).

Learn well :)

Happy Sunday!

Patience

If you pay attention at every moment, you form a new relationship to time. In some magical way, by slowing down, you become more efficient, productive, and energetic, focusing without distraction directly on the task in front of you. Not only do you become immersed in the moment, you become that moment - Michael Ray

This is a very important life lesson to learn. It doesn't pay to be in haste about anything. Most of the time, slowing down helps you stay involved, in the moment and part of the experience.

Be patient :)

Happy Saturday!

Fight

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me! - unknown

Lol

Sometimes, you just need to be ready for trouble! Don't always get so beat up by life and all of its drama! Gear up and fight back sometime :)

Happy Friday good people!

Fear?

Sometimes you need to run away .... Just to see who will come for you - unknown

Ever being in a relationship where you feel as if you are the only one who is holding on? Do you feel smothered, trapped? Are you terrified of being alone? Or do you feel or know for sure that the other person doesn't love you anymore?

This is a sad but a very real reality for many. The great and awesome thing is that you DO NOT have to remain there. If you can truly answer yes to the above questions, then it's time to re-evaluate the conditions of your relationship.

No one should ever make you feel less than you are... And that includes you! The moment you start to feel inadequate, disrespected, unloved, belittled, unimportant etc.... Somehow, somewhere, you need to muscle up some strength and ask God to show you how He sees you. And that my friend, is your only mirror and standard to live by.
Nothing less!

Happy Thursday!

Pretend

The same one who laughs and talks a lot and seems very happy is also the one who may cry themselves to sleep - Unknown

The key word is "seems".

It's probably easier for some to pretend to be well-balanced, stable, confident and strong. Especially, if they are around other people who are.

I want to say to the not-so-strong. If you can, learn and try to be yourself. It'll soon get exhausting faking it. And although you don't believe this, your true friends and the real honest ones that you will soon meet will accept you just for who you are!

Remember, God desires for you to be all of who He created you to; ..... not your own version of it.

Happy Wednesday!