Navigating Life

As you face each day, believe that anything is possible, because, it is. Be full of wonder and willing to listen and learn. Try to see the good in all you face. If for some reason, the good eludes you from time to time, have faith that the bad will work itself out. Imagine the possibilities and let your dreams run wild. Be hopeful! Follow your heart and pray daily for yourself, others and our world. Cherish what matters and let go of the rest. Know that there are no guarantees but it takes just as much energy to be optimistic as it does pessimistic. The only difference between the two is one brings you down and keeps you down while the other lifts you up and helps you through. So, remember to find a reason to smile through all that you face. Laugh as often as you can. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Appreciate what you have and count your blessings. Give thanks, give back, hold on, and trust that although the navigation of life comes with many twists and turns as well as ups and downs, at it's worst, it's still worth living and enjoying.

Be

Be encouraged
   determined
    and
   patient
Be hopeful
   resilient
     and
   flexible
Be  accountable
   loving
     and
    kind
Be honest
   trustworthy
      and
   faithful
Be yourself
Be aware
Be unforgettable for good reasons
Be happy
Be appreciative
Be forgiving
Be mindful...
Be willing
    to
BEcome who you want to be

You Got This

Week 2 of the new year is here. Your resolutions /goals for 2014 are supposedly set in stone this time. Now comes the hard part. The part where you have to keep your resolve and see your  resolutions /goals through. In making the decision to change /do / accomplish something, you took a big step. As you make progress remember that you and only you can stop you from succeeding . Continue to remind yourself that in order to achieve your goals and make your dreams come true, you have to face the fact that you will face obstacles as well as the fact that it won't always be easy. Don't let that stop you. If you believe in yourself and decide that no matter what, you aren't going to give up and that you aren't going to let setbacks stop you, you will find a way to do / accomplish what you set out to do. So, embrace whatever challenges you face and show them that you're unstoppable because your mind is set on succeeding and giving up, isn't an option.

Free Yourself

When so many things happen at once, we find it easier to just give up. We convince ourselves that nothing is going to change so, we end up accepting things as is and try to make the best of it. However, just like you convince yourself that you're destined to make do rather than strive for more, you can convince yourself that anything is possible by changing your way of thinking. Once you start believing anything is possible, you have the power to make a difference in your life. It may be hard at first because you wonder where do I start? This is all I've ever known. Once you get past the second guessing of yourself and the self doubt, you free yourself to take steps towards what your heart truly desires.

Things That Make A Difference

Love, generosity, gratitude, joy, peace, family, friendship, good times, memorable moments, faith, hope, honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, inspiration, laughter, music, being there, follow through, forgiveness, understanding, sense of self, belief in oneself, a smile...

Why Is It?

Why is it that as soon as we set our minds to do something, obstacles seemingly pop up over and over again. Worst case scenarios go through your head and you start wavering and doubting yourself. I don't know the answer to that but I do know that the worst that can really happen is that you remain in your comfort zone and miss out on a chance to better yourself. Be it you've put your dreams aside, you're not where you want to be in life, for health reasons, a peace of mind or just because you're worth it, choose to face those obstacles and address the worst case scenarios. I'm sure you'll find that the pros outweigh the cons.

Pride In Oneself

Today I went to see one of my babies graduate. The ceremony led me to today's post. I looked around at the family and friends in attendance. Posters, balloons and flowers were everywhere. Anticipation and restlessness was evident. Then, the ceremony began. We stood up to welcome the Kaplan class of 2014. From the time they walked in to hearing their names called, their smiles said so much. Pride was in the air as they crossed the stage one by one. Students of different ages from different backgrounds had their own reasons for going to college. They walked tall. They didn't let life, life issues, hardships or obstacles stop them. They hung in there and accomplished their goals. They are now graduates ready for the next chapter of their lives (what a way to start the new year). The best part of it all is in addition to their family and friends being proud of them, they are proud of themselves. They did what they set out to do. By example, they showed everyone in attendance it could be done and it's never to late to be what you might've been or simply, who or what you want to be.

Congratulations Courtney Benson!!! I am so happy for and proud of you!!!

Your Truths

You are the only one that knows what you wrestle with, cherish, hope for, fear. Your nevers aren't mine and your tolerance level differs as well. Your hurts, wants, needs and beliefs may mirror mine but your truths are yours. To be honest with oneself and face the hidden facets of your being is a big but necessary step. So often we wear a mask and pretend that all is well. After a while, we find ourselves hiding our feelings to protect others, to get along, to keep from facing what we should face. We reason with ourselves and justify doing what we have to do to keep the peace, fit in and get along.  Our mask becomes our face and our reflection becomes a resemblance of someone we thought we were while hiding who we would like to be. Until our hidden truths are faced, we can never truly grow, progress, be. Living up to others keeps us from living up to ourselves. As a result, suffering in silence begins. You function and do what you have to do. You reside in survival mode and make the best of it. You get so good at it that you come to believe that things are as they should be but they aren't. You take care of everyone but yourself. Find a balance, treat yourself as you treat others.You deserve to be the best you that you want to be / that you're destined to be. As long as your desires are legal and moral, express them, live for them, make them a reality. Be true to yourself. Know that your uniqueness, quirks, sense of self matters. No one can live their life through you no matter how hard they try and you can't live your life through someone else either. Embrace your truths and dare to be you. In the process, your garden will be weeded but, you will definitely grow!

A Simple Thought

Know why you do what you do. Make sure your reasoning is beneficial not detrimental. When you fail to consider the outcome or consider it and ignore the warning signs, you contribute to your own demise.

Happy New Year!!!

Whatever your resolutions/goals are as the new year begins, keep one thing in mind, life is what happens while you're making plans. Strive to do better/be better!  As you make necessary and\ or desired changes, don't get so caught up in what you think should be that you forget what is. Do what you have to do but make time for the little things that are really big things in disguise. Make sure that growing, learning, trying,living, loving, laughing, expressing, giving, forgiving, forgetting, smiling, inspiring, believing...are part of whatever goals/plans you make. Your journey to self fulfillment is a long continuous one. Make it fun, memorable and rewarding. Happy 2014!!! Let the one for the memory book experiences worth while.