Tag: inspiration

Reflections: Life Lessons from the last Decade

Happy New Year!! This is my first official blog post of the new year and the new decade. I pray that you enjoyed your holiday season and were able to spend time with those you love. I’ve spent lots of time reflecting on life these last two months. As a result, I’ve decided to compile some of my takeaways in a new series. This week’s installment is all about Life Lessons from the last Decade.

1. Adulting is infinitely harder without Christ

Call me churchy, idc idc idc! The fact remains life would be much harder without Jesus Christ. I could eat all the gluten free, juice all the veggies, do all the pilates, say all the affirmations, buy all the crystals, burn all the sage and NOTHING would be as effective as the transformative power of salvation. Why? Because accepting Christ includes receiving the “helper” aka the Holy Spirit. The one who leads me and guides me into all truth. This means I always have access to peace, resources, healing, wisdom, & hope.

2. Apply for ALL the scholarships

I racked up so much unnecessary student loan debt in undergrad because I was ignorant about just how many scholarships were available to me. And the few scholarships my guidance counselors did suggest? I was too lazy to write the necessary essays to earn free funds. BIG mistake. In the days of old college was the place to explore, be curious, “find yourself”. Frankly, there are less expensive ways to discover your passion. If college is indeed necessary for your career, I suggest starting with a 2 yr community college first and by all means, get some FREE money!

3. FEAR is the root of Self-Sabotage

Procrastination has always been my biggest challenge. Many instructors from high school to college have said that I was an A student who would get C grades only because I procrastinated. This applied to both subjects I excelled and ones where I was failing. The fear of actually succeeding made me avoid certain work. Why? Because then I couldn’t hide that I was capable of more. Then there were subjects like chemistry where the fear of failing became a reality. I didn’t understand the material and was to stubborn to prioritize tutoring. Pride will keep you from asking for help. All of these behaviors are rooted in fear. Fear of failure AND success.

4. Growth is never Comfortable

The wisdom I’ve gained over the past 10 years is not a byproduct of time, because you can be older and not wiser, but a product of growth. The reality of life is that decisions are the building blocks of destiny. Some of the decisions I’ve made have produced good fruit, some produced bitter fruit, both produced newfound wisdom. We learn from our mistakes and then make better choices. Some things I was able to avoid all together thanks to God’s word, wise counsel, and witnessing another’s plight. The last 5 years especially were full of personal growth. They were also some of the roughest… but it was just the refining fire. The pruning of my leaves so I can bear Godly fruit. That growth may be uncomfortable because you end up in unfamiliar territory. But that’s where the magic happens!

I’m sure there are more but I wanted to leave you with these for now. Check back same time next week when I discuss love lessons! Xoxo

Top//HM , Skirt//Burlington, Boots//Go Jane , Bag//Warrior Princess Closet

5 Benefits of Keeping a Gratitude Journal

Ever since I was a pre-teen I’ve kept a journal. My mother purchased my first one in middle school. In her spare time, she was a writer. Poetry and songs written in beautiful penmanship tucked away in stacks of dusty notebooks. She encouraged me to write as a way to be creative. I don’t think she realized just how therapeutic it would be also. Nowadays I begin every entry with gratitude. Naming at least 3 things for which I’m grateful. Doing so has changed my perspective. In this post we’ll discover 5 benefits of keeping a gratitude journal.

1. Shifts Our Focus

One can certainly argue that journaling in general relieves stress. Keeping one allows us to identify problems by writing through our thoughts and feelings. Thus, we are more likely to uncover the solutions. However, a gratitude journal not only helps organize thoughts, it helps increase mindfulness. How? By shifting the focus from problems to blessings. We arw are suddenly more aware of what’s going right in our lives. Not what’s wrong.

2. A More Positive Mood

Now more than ever it appears our society is hypersensitive to the perils of this world. Doom and gloom are front and center in the media along with our own individual challenges. The simple practice of naming all the things we’re grateful for trains our brain to be more aware of positivity. This daily reprogramming will increase our overall happiness over time.

3. Greater Satisfaction

I have seen firsthand that expressing my gratitude has given me greater satisfaction. Even scrolling through social media I no longer feel “behind” or “unaccomplished” or “covetous”. Why? Because I am satisfied with my present. Each day I’m reminded of how much I have. How much I’m loved. How far I’ve come as a person. This fills me with thankfulness and that leaves little room for comparison.

4. Better Sleep

First let me say that I work evening shift. So in general, I don’t fall asleep right away when I get in from work. However, I’ve certainly noticed that taking time to write in my gratitude journal before bed has calmed my spirit. After a hot shower, this allows me to refelct and relax. No anxious, worrisome thoughts keeping me awake all night. Instead I am at peace.

5. Increased Generosity

The more we shift our perspective to our blessings, increase positivity, find greater satisfaction, and get better sleep we will inevitably become more generous. Think about it – the more grateful I am, the more likely I am to lend a helping hand to someone else. When I stop thinking about what I don’t have and praise God for what I do… the more I give to others.

I’m sure there are more than 5 ways gratitude journaling has been beneficial , but these are a great place to start. I encourage you to take up this practice with me. Examine all the beauty in your life and document it in a daily journal. Watch yourself uncover more blessings than you ever realized!

Jacket//Kmart , Sweater/Jeans//H&M , Boots//Thrifted

How to move forward when you’re stuck!

In case you haven’t noticed, we are halfway through the year. Seems like yesterday we were making vision boards and writing goals. Our adrenaline fueled the first quarter but many lost steam in second, only to come to a hault by summer. Right now you may be asking yourself “Where did the time go” or “Why haven’t I completed more goals”? If so, don’t worry, you’re not alone or out of time. Today, I’ll show you how to move forward when you’re stuck!

Make the Decision

Before we can do anything we must first make a decision. You and I need to decide that we’re serious about the goals we have for this year. I know six months ago you were on fire with excitement but there have been some challenges. Since then things have gotten rocky and you’re questioning whether you even want what you professed. Decide if you really want what you claim. Then you can move to the next phase…

Make necessary Adjustments

Now that you’re sure this is what you want, you can analyze your plans and make adjustments if needed. The goal is not changing in this step, but you may need to rethink your strategy. If your goal is to lose weight and you’ve been drinking smoothies only to crash by dinner – it’s time for a change. Perhaps making time to sit and eat a healthy breakfast is a better way to jumpstart your metabolism? The end goal can still be achieved, but the plan of operation may need tweeking.

Identify Time Stealers

All of us are inundated with daily texts, emails, phone calls, etc that need our attention. However, there are certain people, apps, shows that we can afford to hold off engaging. Either because they waste our time or they’re not a priority. Do you really need to take a call from that complaining relative? The one that shifts your mood and causes you to waste 2 hours. Should you really scroll IG first thing in the morning instead of praying? Don’t allow these things to steal precious time.

Keep your Word

Now this is where I am truly guilty, but I know herein lies my greatest success… If you set a date or a timeline for a project, stick to it. So many tumes I find myself moving a deadline up because I didn’t manage my time. In the end, I failed to keep my word – to myself! It’s never about anyone else. Comparison will have us so wrapped up in another’s movements that we end up standing still. Let’s master being consistent by keeping our own promises!

Celebrate every Win

Finally, as we navigate these last six months, let’s take time to actually enjoy the process. Do so by celebrating every success, no matter how “small”. Did you drink eight glasses of water today? Hooray! Made it to the gym as scheduled? Get it girl! Finished your projects ahead of schedule? You rock! Ironed the kids uniforms for the week or meal prepped so you can free up time? That’s awesome! Whatever it is, give it the attention it deserves and watch your motivation increase.

I hope these tips have been helpful. I truly believe we can finish this year strong and satisfied. Leave me a comment below with one goal you’re most excited about achieving this year!

Top//H&M , Skirt//Smak Parlour , Shoes//K&G , Purse//Forever 21


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