Three Words Daily

Just be (insert word here.)

2012-02-10T03:33:00.001-05:00

What is it that you need to be today?

What is your heart telling you that you need in your life today?

If you are listening to your spirit, it will tell you what you need. IF you are listening. Now, I'm not talking about listening to the all of the little ideas running free in your thought space. I'm talking about your spirit. What does your spirit say about what or who you need to be?

Whatever it is that you need to be or have in your life today is already within you. You just have to figure out how to embrace it, rely on it and put it to good use.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Just be happy.

2012-02-09T03:33:00.001-05:00

Are you really waiting on something or someone outside of you to MAKE you happy?!?

Do you realize that by waiting on a thing, a person or an event for happiness to come that you have given up control over your emotions to that?

When you think about, that is like lacking self control, right? I am so sure that you have reached a state of consciousness that allows to control your thoughts, actions, emotions.

You have the power to choose your reaction to any stimulus. And really, you can choose to be happy.

So do that....just be happy.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Just be encouraged

2012-02-08T03:33:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, challenges really get in the way of keeping your eye on the prize. It becomes especially difficult to remain motivated and focused.

These are the times where you have to rely on your ability to encourage yourself. Allow that encouragement from your faith. And to come from trusting the process. Continue to do the things that you know to do. Keep covering the basics. Keep taking a step forward and then another and then another. And before you know it, even when you can't see it, you will have arrived it your destination.

It's like moving under a cover of dense fog. You may not be able to see it, but you know it's there.

Be encouraged.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Just be thankful

2012-02-07T03:33:00.002-05:00

I am grateful to God for all of the blessings that He continually bestows upon me.

With every breath, I am thankful.
With every heartbeat, I am thankful.
With every thought, I am thankful.
With every footstep, I am thankful.
With every moment, I am thankful.
With every bit of me, I am thankful.

I just can't thank him enough.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Just be fabulous.

2012-02-06T03:33:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to encourage someone who was going through a spot in a relationship where she was not feeling appreciated and somewhat cast aside.

I encouraged her to take charge of her own happiness and not allow the way someone else feels about her to determine her worth. To do that is just like a piece of fluff, laying in wait for the wind to blow it whatever direction is chooses.

I reminded her that she has the ability to decide the direction her life goes in and that she and she alone is in charge of her happiness.

But most of all, I told her that, in sitting around, waiting for someone to invite her into their activities, she should find her own activities to be involved in. That she should go and be interesting. That she already has everything inside of her to have the life that she wants to have.

That she should go and just be fabulous.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Let's do it!

2012-02-03T03:33:00.002-05:00

I'm in a WockaFlockaFlame state of mind this morning.

"YEAH, Oh let's do it!
Ay
Oh let's do it!
Ay
Oh let's do it!"

My friend, Ivey's son, who is about 4 or 5 likes WockaFlocka's little ditty too. And to his young ears, Wocka's obvious lack of diction sounds a bit different.
He walks around saying, "Oh Lay Doo Lay! Oh Lay Doo Lay!"
I think that is frickin' hilarious.

It's the weekend. And whatever it is that you want to get out and do. You should do it.

Whether it's time to get your mad relax on or your run on or your volunteer on or your church on or your party, party, party on.
Let's do it.

Or in the words of Ivey Jr.,

"Oh Lay Doo Lay!"

***

Focus. Focus. Focus.

2012-02-02T03:33:00.001-05:00

I hung a sign on my front door that says, "How can I accomplish anything if I do not STAY FOCUSED?"

Focusing on your goals is rather important. And is something that should be done daily. I'm not saying that you have to give your goals and dreams ALL of your attention ALL day long EVERY SINGLE MOMENT OF EVERY DAY to the exclusion of all else.....ALTHOUGH...If you could, I'm sure you would realize all of your biggest accomplishments rather quickly.

Unfortunately, life often gets in the way of dream chasing. So, instead of a full-time focus on your dreams, I propose that you focus a part of your attention on your goals each day. Set your goals in a place in your mind and on a board in your office so that you can see them and focus on them and take baby steps towards them each day.

***

Dance Like David

2012-02-01T03:33:00.001-05:00

Dance a dance of praise. Give thanks with all your might for whatever situation you are in. Because you are either going through something or going to something and you may have just reached that point.

You can dance in celebration on the mountaintop.

You can dance in spite of the circumstances in your valley.

You can dance to encourage yourself while you hold on in the meantime.

Whatever state you find yourself, give praise, be grateful.

Dance!!!

***

Conceive. Believe. Achieve.

2012-01-31T03:33:00.001-05:00

Whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve.

In order to make anything in your life real, it has to first be a concept within your mind. Once you have formed an idea or thought in your mind, you must then believe that it is something that can happen for you.

In the beginnings of a thought that becomes a dream that becomes a goal, you do not have to have a mapped out plan of how to bring the idea to fruition. You just have to allow the idea to take root in your mind.

With rooted ideas, you must then begin to really believe in its possibilities. Shut off negative self talk and contradicting ideas and really believe.

This is the first step to achieving your goals.

So, ANYthing that you can CONCEIVE, you must first BELIEVE that it is possible. Then, you can ACHIEVE it.

***

Give yourself away.

2012-01-30T03:33:00.001-05:00

You were not put on this earth to keep all of you to yourself.

You are to share yourself with your friends, your family, your community. There is so much that others can benefit from knowing you.

And in giving of yourself, you will receive. It is my desire that at the end of my life, I will have done all of what I was purposed to do and given every part of me that I was supposed to give.

I do believe that it will lead be to a life well lived and well rewarded.

***

Enjoy Your Weekends.

2012-01-27T03:33:00.002-05:00

It's the weekeeeeennnndddd, baby!

Thank God it's Friday.

It's Friday and it's my Friday.

Regardless of what days your weekend falls on, please enjoy them. Life is to short to not enjoy your days off. Whether it just be two days of rest or two days of adventure, make sure you find a way to bring enjoyment to the end of your week.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Breathe and Smile

2012-01-26T03:33:00.002-05:00

Do you have a personal crisis management plan? No, like seriously.

We expect our workplace to have an emergency exit plan in case of fire. We expect our city, county, state and federal government to have plans in place in case of disaster. In fact, the federal government has an entire agency - FEMA - whose mission is to respond to disaster.

So...what do you have in place in times of personal crisis? There are so many kinds of crises that can affect us in a personal way. Financial/career, relationship/emotional, family - just to name a few. We should not wait until a crisis is upon us to determine a plan of action.

Breathe and Smile is the first step in my personal crisis management plan. I take a deep breath to steady myself and remind myself to refrain from knew-jerk reactions. I smile to give thanks because it is an opportunity for me to triumph over adversity.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Avoid negative people.

2012-01-25T03:33:00.001-05:00

We all know people that automatically default to negative, defeatist thoughts. And we all can agree that they are a drag and a drain to be around.

There have even been times when I have made attempts to "help" them by countering their negative speak by throwing positivity in their direction. Interestingly enough, the weight of their negativity can sometimes drag down my spirits.

I have learned to recognize when this is occurring and have realized that it is up to me to disassociate myself from the negativity - whether it is agreeing to change the subject, end the conversation and sometimes even walk away.

I'm not going to let anybody rain on my parade.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Seek peace daily.

2012-01-24T03:33:00.001-05:00

How do you define peace? Recently, I saw a post that perfectly defined it for me.

"Peace - it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still have calm in your heart."

I wish each of you a peace that passes all understanding. I wish you calm in your heart.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Kind. Smart. Important.

2012-01-23T03:33:00.010-05:00

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

For me, this was one of the more touching scenes in The Help. You see a woman instilling positive affirmations in a child. Teaching that child that she does matter.

Think of the little people (and the not so little people in your life). What kind of message are you sending them about themselves? Are you reinforcing their positive attributes? Do they know while you apply a firm hand of discipline when necessary, you also praise their accomplishments?

So...today, just in case it's been a while, find three things to tell the important people in your life that they "IS".

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Pray Bold Prayers

2012-01-20T03:33:00.001-05:00

You have not because you ask not. If you are not walking in the full blessings that are bestowed upon a child of the Kingdom, maybe it's because you are not asking for enough.

As a child of God, we are not to walk in lack, live a life of less than. We should confidently, but humbly, live knowing that God has our best in His plan for our lives.

The prayers that you pray should reflect that. We may go before the throne humbly, but we should speak with the confidence that knowing that God loves us so much that He sent His Son to give us a right to an abundant life and to life everlasting.

Our prayers should be declarations of faith. Bold requests, statements that reflect the promises of God.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

"Mountain, be removed."

2012-01-19T03:33:00.001-05:00

You have the power with in you to get past, get around, get through, get over the obstacles that stand in your way.

It is up to you to rely on that faith, speak to your "mountains" and press forward towards the mark.

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Celebrate Life Everyday!

2012-01-18T03:33:00.001-05:00

Do not wait for special occasions to live life to the limit. Dance the cabbage patch on a Tuesday morning. Shout because of sunrises. Throw your head back and laugh because your heart is still beating. Eat on the 'good' dishes because you are breathing or if for no other reason than the earth still turns on its axis.

You don't have to wait for a reason to throw yourself a shindig or rave unto the joy fantastic.

Today is today. I am who I am and that is a wonderful uniquely beautiful and special thing. Life is life and it is good. I am alive to experience it and that is worth a celebration anyday.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Walk in favor.

2012-01-17T03:33:00.001-05:00

God breathes in my direction. His favor is upon me.

I am a child of the most High. His promises are "Yes" and "Amen."

I declare His favor over my life. The enemy cannot defeat me.

I speak favor over my home, my health, my finances, my career.
God gives me victory of adversity.
His gracious hand of favor is on my life.
I am more than a conqueror.

I acknowledge that I walk in favor.

Everyday, I dream.

2012-01-16T03:33:00.001-05:00

In honor of the MLK holiday, I thought I would speak to the value of dreaming.

When you really want to break it down, dreams are the building blocks for vision. Whatever it is that you want to happen in your life, you must first dream it, envision it. And a lot of times, what we think are our biggest dreams don't even begin to compare to what is really in store for us.

He that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think can take your dream, your vision and multiply it to a level that you could have never imagined. What you are dreaming of in the natural, God is manifesting in a supernatural way.

I am sure Dr. King could not have imagined the world as it is today. I am pretty sure that what God added to his dream would have blown him away should he have been around to see it.

I make it a point to hold to my visions and speak positively about them every day. My dreams are never far from me because they are the seeds of my vision.

Everyday, I dream.

Miracles and Blessings...

***

Just be you.

2012-01-13T03:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I talked about being the best you that you can be. And I meant that...(obviously.)

Do you know who you are? Have you taken time to sit with yourself and really determine who (insert name) is? What your core beliefs and principles are? Do you know what your best features and strongest attributres are? Do you have a plan in place to nurture yourself where you are strong and build yourself up where you are weak?

Have you taken time to visualize and plan what you want you life to look like so that you can take advantage of your gifts? You already have all of what you need with in you to become what you are destined to be, to fulfill your purpose on this earth. It is up to you to make use of the wonderful you that you are already are.

Just be you. The best you that you can possibly be.

Miracles and Blessings...
***

Know your purpose.

2012-01-12T03:33:00.001-05:00

Knowing your purpose in life is an amazingly empowering thing.

Have you really taken time to consider why you were put in this place? Have you given thought to why you have certain people within your circle of influence?

It is my wish for you, as we stand at the dawn of a new year, that if you don't know for sure what your purpose is that you will discover it or that it will discover you.

**
Miracles and Blessings...

Create vision boards.

2012-01-11T03:33:00.001-05:00

Vision board parties are all the rage this year. And surely at this point, you know what a vision board is, right? No? A vision board, whose concept was widely publicized as a part of The Secret, is a visual representation of all of the things that you would like to manifest in your life.

Vision Board Parties are groups getting together with magazines and scissors and paste and poster board to create pictures of their ideal lives.

Okay, so, vision board created? Let the manifesting begin, right? Um, yeah...no, not so quick.

Manifesting is not magic. It just doesn't work that way. You can't just cut out a bunch of pictures of an ideal life, place them on a poster board and then not develop a written plan of action that aligns with your vision.

You've figured out the destination. Now, draw up the map on how you're going to get there. And then, get to getting. If you're a runner, you know that most often, you don't just take off running. Naw, you go online and map your run to figure out your exact route that will take you where you want to go. You've got to do the same thing with your vision.

People perish for lack of vision. Visions perish for lack of planning and action.

Miracles and Blessings...
***

Growth requires change.

2012-01-10T03:33:00.002-05:00

Life is a constant state of evolution. Nothing stays the same. Everything changes.

There are so many things that are different in this second than in the one that passed just before it.

You should EXPECT CHANGE. It comes whether you like it or not. It always seems that just when you get comfortable in a situation, something happens to upset the entire balance of things.

And whereas you should not be a fan of chaos and disorder, you may as well learn to embrace change. Get your game plan together ahead of time on how you are going to manage changes as they come. Get your mind right so that you are able to stay in a place of mental clarity and peace.

Oh, yeah...change is the one constant. Well, change and God. But you get my drift.

Welcome change. Because at the end of change is growth.

Miracles and Blessings...
***

Set yourself free.

2012-01-09T03:33:00.001-05:00

What is it that you are allowing to hold you captive? Is it a situation? A person? Something in your past? Is it fear? Is it indecision? Is it complacency? Is it negative self talk?

If you are in a bad place and not at a point of positioning yourself to move into a better place in your life, you need to figure out what it is that is keeping you there.

You should not allow anything or anybody (not even yourself) to keep you from being the best possible you that you can be.

And once you determine what the roadblocks in your life are, what is keeping you shackled, it is time to kick those stumbling blocks over and break free from the chains.

Give us free. (lol)

And of course, if you are already on a pretty decent journey, well, I'm not talking to you. (more lol)

Miracles and Blessings...
***

Prioritize your play.

2012-01-06T03:33:00.000-05:00

All week, we have done the hard work of prioritizing our lives. Today, let's focus on what brings you pleasure and consider how you make sure that pleasant activities, relaxation, fun are all a part of your life.

Every day, I live to be happy. I want to laugh and have fun. I want to enjoy my life.

That is the favorite of all my priorities.

***
Miracles and Blessings...

Live your priorities.

2012-01-05T03:33:00.000-05:00

All week, we have made priorities a priority.

The true test of all this prioritizing is actually living your priorities. And you have to make sure that your actions consistently line up with what you have determined your priorities to be.

If I say that God is a priority, what am I doing to make sure that I am spending time with him on a daily basis?

If I say that my health and well being is a priority, am I making the little decisions on a daily basis that contribute to my health?

If I say that my relationship is a priority, am I honoring that relationship? Am I turning away from outside distractions and temptations? Am I loving him in the way that he needs to be loved?

If I say that my family and friends are a priority, am I giving into those relationships in a meaningful way? Or am I taking them for granted and leaving them as an afterthought?

If I say that recreation and relaxation are priorities, am I making time for laughter and to replenish myself on a consistent basis?

If I say that career is a priority, how am I showing that? What am I doing as an employee and as a business entity to uphold that ideal?

I must ask myself - Am I living in a way that honors my priorities?

***
Miracles and Blessings...

Prioritize your priorities.

2012-01-04T03:33:00.002-05:00

Yeah. No. For real.

That makes sense.
All things should be done decently and in order. So, even your priorities should have an order.
What do you place first?

For me, my priorities take the following order:
God
Health/Well-Being
Relationship
Family/Friends
Recreation/Relaxation
Career/Income

When all of these things fall into balance, I am at my best and I exist in a state of happiness.

***
Miracles and Blessings...

Pray your priorities.

2012-01-03T03:33:00.002-05:00

So, you've taken time to consider what your priorities are. Now, I urge you to take some time to pray over your priorities. Ask for guidance and direction regarding what you have outlined to be important in your life. Ask for a spirit of discernment so that you may know that what is actually on your list of priorities is really supposed to be there.

Do not give priority to something that does not add to your life. Make little room for people who do not consider you in the same regard. Do not give a place of importance to something that is inconsequential.

I encourage you to pray over your priorities, meditate on your priorities.

***
Miracles and Blessings...

Name your priorities.

2012-01-02T03:33:00.002-05:00

Have you taken time to determine what is really important to you? Name them.

It's the beginning of a new year. This makes it a perfect time to outline what you have determined to be a priority in your life.

Right here, right now. Make a list on your iPad, iPhone, Google Calendar, in your Outlook, on your Blackberry. Hell, even old fashion pen and paper will do.

Determine what things are important to you. Whether they be people, places or things. Then outline a plan for how you plan on making sure those things that you have determined are priorities remain as such.

***
Miracles and Blessings...

Bear with me

2011-09-01T03:33:00.000-04:00

I am taking another hiatus from TWD. I need to pull back and focus on some things that are going on in some other areas of my life.

I am thankful that life has taught me when to go full steam ahead and when to pull back, reflect and reorganize. That is actually a key factor in continued success, peacefulness and happiness - knowing when and how to evaluate and regroup.

Until I return, stay positive, look up, be blessed.

***

Live for today.

2011-08-26T03:33:00.003-04:00

Today - right here, right now - is what you know you have for certain.

You may not have next year. You may not have next month. You may not have next week. You may not have tomorrow. But you most certainly have today!

And I really hope that you are making the most of today. I hope that you have made a decision about what kind of day that you are going to have today. Whether it be a day of productivity or a day of rest, I hope that you will give it a great effort, an effort that you can be satisfied with and proud of.

Give today 100%. You owe yourself nothing less for it may be all you have.

***

Lord, keep me.

2011-08-25T03:33:00.000-04:00

Today, those three words are my simple and complete prayer.

They are what I need from Him today. They are what I need from Him every day really. But sometimes, I need it more than others. And this is one of those times.

When I need to lean and depend on Him. When I need to cling to Him. When I need to trust in Him. To be my anchor in the time of storm. To light my way on a dark path. To be weak when I am strong.

And I am glad, so glad that I can lean and depend on Him, that I can cling to Him, that I can trust in Him, that He is my anchor, that He is my light and my salvation, that He is so, so very strong.

***

Practice common courtesy.

2011-08-24T03:33:00.001-04:00

Somewhere along the way, common courtesy and respect became unpopular. We now live in a society where people feel as if they can say anything, do anything, dress any kind of way with no recourse and without having to answer to anyone.

Yeah...this is a free country and we have the freedoms of speech and expression and that is just grand. However, I am pretty certain that when the Constitution was put into place that the current situation is not what was intended.

It is up to me to do my part. To be mannerable. To be polite. To act like I have some home training. So, I say "Please" and"Thank you" and I greet people with a polite word and smile. At least I try.

***

Trust God's plan.

2011-08-23T03:33:00.000-04:00

God has plans to prosper you.

Yeah, I know, you have a plan. You have dreams. You have goals. You have ambitions. And that is great. But my question is - have you made certain that your plans are in line with God's plan for your life? Have you asked him to lead you, guide you, grant you favor as you work towards those goals?

Because I promise you that your biggest dreams, your grandest plans cannot even begin to compare to what God has in store for you. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think according to His riches in glory.

***

Faith. Family. Friends.

2011-08-22T03:33:00.000-04:00

What more can I say about that? What is more important than these three things?

If I treasure these things...
If I keep these things central to my life and my focus,
There is no challenge that I cannot face.
There is not a mountain that I cannot climb.
There is not a battle that I cannot win.

If I treasure these things...there is no way I will not succeed.

***

Play to win.

2011-08-19T03:33:00.000-04:00

In it to win it, right?

Well, why aren't you acting like it? Why is it that you are giving lackluster efforts and not showing up game ready with your game face on? Why don't you have a strategy and a back up plan for your back up plan?

What is it that you are doing to ensure that you stay WI-NEEEENG? How do you make certain that you stand ready to answer when opportunities come knocking? That you are prepared when it's time to take action? That you have enough information to make decisions when necessary?

"Play to win or get out of the game." Chanda Austin

***

Enjoy the journey.

2011-08-18T03:33:00.000-04:00

"Keep your eyes on the prize."

"Press towards the mark."

Keep your goals in mind."

Precepts such as these and others are wonderful reminders that your diligence will be rewarded. Sacrifices that you make along the way will pay off. The time and effort that you invest will have returns.

However, we must find a way to focus on journey while keeping the end in mind. We must find a way to be present in this moment while anticipating wonderful things to come in the future.

We must make sure that we are not so focused on the destination that we forget to enjoy the journey.

***

Invite God in.

2011-08-17T03:33:00.001-04:00

God never stops calling your name. He desires a relationship with you, outside of religion, not only on Sundays, but every single day, God wants to be invited into your life.

He wants to solve your problems. He wants to grant you favor. He wants to put His super with your natural to create supernatural occurrences in your life on a consistence basis.

All you have to do is invite him in.

***

Think positive thoughts.

2011-08-16T03:33:00.000-04:00

Positive thoughts proceed positive words.
Positive words lead to positive action.
Positive action is followed by sure success.

***

Peace. Joy. Blessings.

2011-08-15T03:33:00.000-04:00

May peace be your constant companion. May joy call your name daily. May blessings continually rain upon you.

***

Live rejoicing everyday.

2011-08-12T03:33:00.000-04:00

Everyday, I've got something to be thankful for. Whether it is as grand as a miracle that He has performed in my life or as simple as walking in out of the summer sun into a cool, air-conditioned room.

Everyday, I try to find something to appreciate in my life. Sometimes, that is easier said than done - especially on days that I am facing challenges. But I tell you, I have learned to appreciate my trials. I have learned to be thankful for tribulations. For these trials come to make us strong. And I know that there is nothing that this life can throw at me that I cannot bear with the help of my Creator. So, I have come to appreciate a challenge and even in some cases, welcome them. Because sometimes, my greatest life lessons have been learned through challenges. And one of those great lessons has been that even in my darkest day, I've got something to thank God for.

"He taught me how to watch, fight and pray and live rejoicing everyday."
Oh Happy Day lyrics

***

Failure's not final.

2011-08-11T03:33:00.000-04:00

Consider this - oftentimes, failures are a necessary part of your journey. You cannot celebrate triumphs if you do not experience letdowns.

A failure does not have to be the end of the story. It is not the end of the road. Sometimes, failure is a sign that you should perform a course correction, a readjustment, a calibration. Failures don't have to mean that it's over.

The only time getting knocked down signals the end of the bout is when you don't get back up to finish the round. So, when life hands you a failure, take a moment to collect yourself and gather your wits about you. Don't stay down too long or you will get counted out. Pull yourself up.
Get to your feet. And get right back into the battle.

As I stand, I live to fight another day.

***

Speak your prophecy.

2011-08-10T03:33:00.000-04:00

The words that you speak today will be your prophecy for your tomorrow.

That being said, you better be damned certain that you are speaking positive things into your life and the lives of those around you. Positive self talk has as much power as negative and wrong thinking.

Talk about your reality in a positive way. Talk to your friends and your family (especially if you have children) in a way that builds them up.

The sing-song rhyme says "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt them." Oh, yeah...uh-huh...okay. Well maybe not your bones, but they will most certainly destroy your psyche, tear down your self esteem and eat away at your self confidence until nothing good can easily come from what is left inside of you.

So be attentive to how you speak, listen to the words that are coming out of your mouth. Are they words that are positive and hopeful and that speak positivity?

Speak life. Speak prosperity. Speak success. Speak health. Speak wealth. Speak good relationships. Speak favor. Speak blessings. Speak wisdom. Speak with laughter. Speak with expectation. Speak with love. Speak with good. Speak prophecy.

Define your success.

2011-08-09T03:33:00.002-04:00

How have you defined success for yourself and by yourself? Or do you hold to society's measure for what is considered successful? Are you measuring your progress in life against the progress of others? Do you tally the trappings of material excess as the only evidence of you having "made it"?

It seems that possessions have come to be accepted as the concrete proof that one has indeed "got it going on." I challenge that.

It is my belief that the first confirmation of success is in peace of mind, in firmly knowing what is true about yourself and confidently being able to stand on the belief that you will be able to weather the storms of life and come out better on the other side.

Now...that is how I define success. It does not have to be how you define success. You should define success for yourself. And you should define in a way that is consistent with the standards that you have set for yourself.

"If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive." Audre Lorde

***

Maintain daily routines.

2011-08-08T03:33:00.000-04:00

You say that you have dreams and plans and goals and that you want to do big things (or hey, maybe even just regular things.) However, day in, day out, you continue to be bogged down in an existence that is not satisfying to you. You continue to stay in that same holding pattern, stuck, unable to progress, unable to land on solid ground.

Have you taken time to check your daily routine? What is it that you are doing in your life on a daily basis that cements you in a place in life that you'd rather not be? Do you even have a daily routine? Is your only daily routine the lack of some sort of outline for your day? Are you just taking life as it comes EVERYday?

If you have a daily routine that is not moving you towards your best life, it's time to step back and evaluate how you can make the changes necessary to lead you towards progress. If you have no set daily routine, it's time that you created one.

***

Stop Doubting Yourself

2011-08-05T03:33:00.000-04:00

You already possess within you everything you need to be successful beyond your wildest dreams.

Now, it is up to you to take that truth and embrace it. Allow it to enable you to act boldly and decisively. This kind of knowledge should give you the confidence to take action as if failure is not an option.

And if you make a misstep along the way or take a wrong turn, don't count it as a failure - recognize it as a part of the process. Do not allow a detour along the road to success end your journey.

***

Keep going on.

2011-08-04T03:33:00.001-04:00

Today, I am encouraging myself. Today, I am digging in and pushing harder, farther, to the limits. Today, I am pressing towards the mark. Today, an old hymn that my grandmother used to sing is my theme song for the day.

"I feel like going on.
I feel like going on.
Though trials come on every hand,
I feel like going on."

***

Sometimes, sit quietly.

2011-08-03T03:33:00.000-04:00

You don't have to always be going somewhere, always be doing something. You don't have to always be connected, always be online, always be on the phone.

You don't have to always be talking, reading, thinking, learning, doing. Sometimes, you should just be.

Stop and listen to your thoughts, see the world around you.

Seriously, Stop. Look. Listen. If you don't take time to do that, I can guarantee you that while you are living life on fast forward, you are missing the beauty in the pauses.

***

Prepare for success.

2011-08-02T03:33:00.000-04:00

You have to begin to position yourself to accomplish your goals. To get to where you want to be in this life, you have to start now, right here, right at this moment. And your first action should be to make up in your mind exactly what you want your life to look like. Begin to make preparations. Set expectations. Determine dealbreakers and back up plans.

You must prepare, prepare, prepare. However, preparation is only the first step. After you have prepared and even sometimes in the midst of preparation, you must take action.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin

***

Live the NOW.

2011-08-01T03:33:00.002-04:00

"Life will suck if you are always wishing you’re doing something else. Life will rock if you realize you’re already doing the best thing ever."

Leo Babauta

To paraphrase the rest of what Leo said:
Always be happy with what you're doing and don’t compare it to anything else. Instead pay close attention to the activity itself.

Always happy with whoever you're with and learn to see the perfection in every person.

Always happy with where you are, because there’s no place on Earth that’s not a miracle.

***

Expect a miracle.

2011-07-29T03:33:00.001-04:00

I'm Looking for a miracle.
I expect the impossible.
I feel the intangible.
I see the invisible.
The Sky is the limit to what I can have.
Just believe and receive it.
God will perform it today.
I expect a miracle every day.
God will make a way out of no way.

The Clark Sisters...

***

Accomplish something everyday.

2011-07-28T03:33:00.000-04:00

It's not what you do every now and then that brings about a change. It's what you do everyday that will make a difference in your life and almost certainly the lives of others.

***

Smile, just because.

2011-07-27T03:33:00.003-04:00

Smile.
No, really.
Right now, smile.
For no reason, just because.

Research has shown that the simple act of smiling, not only makes you look younger and more attractive, there are health benefits to smiling as well.

Smiling relieves stress, boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure and releases endorphins, natural painkillers and seratonin.

Just think, all of the same benefits of exercise without having to do a single crunch, without lifting any weights or running a single step. That's a reason to smile if there is no other.

Besides...it's contagious.

***

Create empowering beliefs.

2011-07-26T03:33:00.000-04:00

What is it that you believe about yourself that empowers you? When you listen to your self-talk, your thoughts, are you being kind to yourself or are you talking to yourself worse than you would talk to an adversary?

You should be treating yourself, talking to yourself, supporting yourself, validating yourself and loving yourself in a way that empowers you to move into your best life.

***

Just give thanks.

2011-07-25T03:33:00.000-04:00

Today, I have decided that today is a day of thanksgiving, of gratitude.

I am not asking my Creator for anything out of the ordinary. Instead, I am thanking him for the many, many things that he has already done, the blessings he has already bestowed upon me. I am eternally grateful for the way that he has already made and that he continues to make, not because I am deserving, but because His mercy and grace endureth forever.

***

Consistency begats change.

2011-07-24T03:33:00.001-04:00

It's the first day of the week - a perfect day to commit to SOME-thing to better your health, your relationship, your life. Just pick one thing, do it consistently and build it on it.

***

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-03T03:33:00.001-05:00

Welcome to 2011.

There is something about a new year that brings with it hope and a feeling that new opportunities are standing ready to knock your door down.

January brings a sense of excitement and anticipation about good things to come. Somehow, I feel more alive in January.

I don't typically make resolutions. I prefer setting goals and creating mission statements and life mottoes.

My life motto for 2011:

To everyday be in love with life and stay excited about its possibilities.

***

Name your priorities.

2011-01-02T03:33:00.001-05:00

Reflect. Recharge. Renew.

2010-12-24T03:33:00.000-05:00

We have so much on our plates, so many things on our To-Do lists. Always somewhere to be, something to do.

Every now and then, it is good to take some down time to reflect, recharge, renew.

And that is exactly what I will be doing for the last week of 2010. I'll be silent next week.

I wish you the happiest of holidays and all the excitement of life in 2011.

See ya' next year!

***

Must have F.A.I.T.H.

2010-12-23T03:33:00.000-05:00

Forsaking All I Trust Him - any questions?

***

Oh Happy Day!!!

2010-12-22T03:33:00.000-05:00

Let's celebrate life today.
Let's be joyful about just being alive.
Let's just be happy for no other reason than we have decided that we want to be.

Act 'as if.'

2010-12-21T03:33:00.000-05:00

Start acting as if you already have everything you want. If you begin by creating an inner state of happiness and abundance, and then do the things you are inspired to do from that state of being, you will end up having what you ultimately desire.

When you focus on being grateful for what you do have, you attract more abundance to your life. If you focus on what is missing, you will attract more lack.

***

Believe It's Possible

2010-12-20T03:33:00.000-05:00

Scientists used to believe that humans responded to information flowing into the brain from the outside world. But today they're learning instead that we respond to what the brain, based on previous experience, expects to happen next.

In fact, the mind is such a powerful instrument, it can guide you to everything you want. But you have to believe that what you want is in fact possible.

***

Pursue Your Passion

2010-12-17T03:33:00.001-05:00

I believe each of us is born with a life purpose. Identifying, acknowledging, and honoring this purpose is the most important action successful people take. They make the effort to understand what they're here to do--and then they pursue that with passion and enthusiasm.

***

Savor Each Moment

2010-12-16T03:33:00.000-05:00

Each moment is a gift. Savor it. Be in it.

Even in the tough times, take a moment to breathe, ground yourself and become present in the moment. There is much more to your experience, right now, than you realize, such as the fact of your aliveness, the possibilities for discovery, and appreciation of a human connection.

***

Give your all.

2010-12-15T03:33:00.002-05:00

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."

-Confucius

***

Follow your heart.

2010-12-14T03:33:00.000-05:00

"Only do what your heart tells you."

-Princess Diana

***

Breathe. Let go.

2010-12-13T03:33:00.001-05:00

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”

-Oprah Winfrey

***

Kill with kindness.

2010-12-10T03:33:00.003-05:00

Wherever you meet rude behavior, nasty attitudes, debbie-downers and those who would come to steal your joy, meet them with a kind word, a smile. Do not return their wrath.

Kill em instead.

With kindness, that is.

***

Laugh. Think. Cry.

2010-12-08T03:33:00.001-05:00

From Jimmy Valvano's Espy Speech in 1993.

"I'm a very emotional, passionate man. I can't help it. That's being the son of Rocco and Angelina Valvano. It comes with the territory. We hug, we kiss, we love. And when people say to me how do you get through life or each day, it's the same thing.

To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy.

But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."

Life's a gift.

2010-12-06T03:33:00.000-05:00

It is the holiday season and the time of the year when the thoughts of most turn to giving (and receiving.)

We rush out into the crowded stores and malls and suffer through slow internet connections brought on by cyber shoppers. We ponder over what gift to get which person. We look at our budgets and bank accounts and make buying decisions - some that are smart, some not so much so.

All of this frantic activity in the hopes of giving someone something that will put a smile on their face, show your appreciation of their contribution into your life or fulfill a wish. All of this to give a gift.

In all of the hustle and bustle, I have just one simple reminder....no, not about the "reason for the season". Just the simple fact that life, itself, is a gift.

And it is one for which I am grateful.

***

I love you.

2010-12-03T03:33:00.000-05:00

If I haven't told you lately that I how much you mean to me, let me take this moment, right here, right now, to let you know that you are loved.

And if you have an opportunity today to share love, to show love, to give love, please do just that.

***

Release your regrets.

2010-12-02T03:33:00.001-05:00

We all have something that we wish would not have done, that we could go back and do again. There is some part of our personal history that we wish we could re-write.

And I do understand that, trust me.

But really, why spend that energy worrying about something that is past, that you will not ever be able to change?

Take that energy and use it for positive action. Forgive yourself for mistakes that you have made. Release any regrets. Focus on making better decisions. Look up. Look ahead. Look forward. Move on.

***

Always Expect Excellence.

2010-12-01T03:33:00.000-05:00

I expect excellence from myself. I expect excellence from those around me.

I figure that if I expect excellence, even if I don't always *get* excellence, then what I end up with will usually be pretty good as an average.

I strive to be excellent, but at the same time, I allow myself to be less than because I know that I am not perfect. Expecting excellence does not mean recklessly pursuing perfection to the point of possibly injuring myself. It means that I have a standard that I subscribe to and that I seek in those around me. I must set a bar for what I expect and will allow in my life - that way, the path to good things coming my way is much wider, much straighter, much brighter.

***

Faith. Hope. Love.

2010-11-30T03:33:00.000-05:00

The most important of these is love.

***

Pray my strength

2010-11-29T03:33:00.001-05:00

When I was growing up, being raised by my grandmother, we went to church a lot. And when I say "a lot," I really do mean A LOT!

We went to Sunday School and church on Sunday morning. We went to YPCW and Tarry Service on Sunday night. We went to prayer meetings on Wednesday night. We went to bible study on Friday night. And in between that, there were choir rehearsals, usher board meetings and I got dragged along to mothers' board meetings, bake sales. I have not even begin to talk about *special* services - Women's Day, Men's Day, Founder's Day, Pastor's Anniversaries, choir anniversaries, watch night services, shut in prayers and I could go on.

With all the churching that I have been subjected to in my life, I have sat through eight million six hundred forty thousand five hundred thirteen testimonies during testimonial services. Now, if you have ever experienced a live testimony, you know that the subject of the testimony can be unpredictable, especially depending on exactly who is doing the testifying. You can hear everything from thanks for new jobs, new cars to sick reports about gout and arthritis to marital woes and folks looking for work.

However one thing that always seemed to remain constant was the "close" of the testimony.

"I ask all those that know the words of prayer to please pray much for me - that I will be the daughter that he is calling for in these last and evil days. Please pray my strength in the Lord."

And today, that is my request of you....

That you would pray my strength.

***

Play your cards.

2010-11-26T03:33:00.001-05:00

The cards of life are always being dealt out to us. The cards are always being shuffled and re-dealt. Sometimes, you get a good hand; sometimes, you don't. There are folk that seem to perpetually be in possession of all the right cards. Then, there are those who seem to forever get a raw deal.

I was listening to Steve.Harvey's inspirational broadcast opening recently and he used the metaphor of a poker game. Basically, the gist of what he was saying is that the best poker players don't have the best hands. They make the best plays. They play the odds. They determine their strategy. They took bigger risks. They positioned themselves to win.

It's not whether or not you are dealt a winning hand, it's how you play the cards you receive. It's not that you keep getting the same cards, it's that you keep playing that bad hand the same way.

Until you make a conscious decision to play your cards differently, the results will be the same. When you are dealt a bad hand, what determines the outcome is how you handle that hand. Being dealt a bad hand is not the end of the game. Don't look at what's negative in your situation and think that your game is over. Play the hand out, see it out till the end.

If you immediately take a negative position, you may fail to realize that this bad start may be connected to a good outcome later on down the line. However if you keep throwing the cards in as soon as they are dealt, if you keep taking yourself out of the game before you attempt to play, then you're not even giving God the opportunity to put His hand in your hand and steer you towards the win.

**

Always, I'm thankful.

2010-11-25T03:33:00.001-05:00

Today is the day the nation pauses to give thanks. Or...at least, that's what we are supposed to be doing.

Really, today is a day that gives us a reason to get together with those that we love most (and often like least) to sit at a table and overeat and watch the Thanksgiving Day parades and the football games or go to the movies, as a family...or bowling or skating....or fall asleep drugged by the triptophan. And of course, there are the strategy sessions for Black Friday...and so on.

As for me, I don't need THANKSgiving in order to GIVE thanks. I am thankful each and every moment. For each heartbeat. Each breath. Each sound that I have ears with which to hear. Each picture that I have eyes to see. Each flavor that I have taste buds to experience. Each feeling that I have emotions to feel. Each moment of sanity in which I'm not crazy.

Each blessing. Each miracle.

I have so much to thank Him for...and I am ALWAYS thankful.

***

Peace from within.

2010-11-24T03:33:00.000-05:00

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

--Buddha

***

"Worryin'll kill ya."

2010-11-23T03:33:00.002-05:00

My grandma used to say ALL THE TIME...

"Ain't no use worryin'. Worryin'll kill ya'."

I subscribe to that life motto WHOLEheartedly...perhaps too much so for some that have been and are in my inner circle.

It's really hard for me to get overly upset or rattled about too many things. Because it has been proven over and over and over again in my lifetime of experiences that there really "ain't no use worryin."

The anxiousness and angst that worrying causes is just non productive energy. Worry is most often caused by focusing on the problem. I promise you that if you become more solution focused as opposed to problem focused your propensity to worry will diminish greatly.

Besides, medical study after study has shown the negative physical effects of stress to your health. So, it's like Lillie Blue (my grandma) used to say.

"Ain't no use worryin'. Worryin'll kill ya'."

***

Consciously define yourself.

2010-11-22T03:33:00.000-05:00

Do you know who are you?

Mustn't you first know who's you are to know who you are.

Have you given thought to whom you are becoming? Have you set out to determine who you will be? Have you figured out your life purpose? Have you determined a life path?

What words do you use to define who you are, how you think, what you believe about yourself?

If you haven't, you should.

You should really give some thought to how you want the world to view you. And YOU are the one that makes that determination. You are always sending out messages about who you are. Doesn't it make sense to send intentional messages?

To consciously define yourself would strengthen the message that you send out to the world.

***

"God got us."

2010-11-19T03:33:00.008-05:00

From the mouth of babes and the keyboard of Kym...

"My kid has moments of wisdom from time to time(they are fleeting cause he goes right back to sliding on his butt down the stairs) but he told me earlier this week,

"I don’t know why you worry Mom..God got us."

Such a simple thing..because while I am stressing over how to get him in rec ball or buy new shoes..cause that joker has grown yet another foot size..he is sliding down the stairs on his butt..without one care in the world.

I never want him to lose that *Now* Faith."

The Lord is my Shepherd.
I shall not want.
Psalms 23:1

***

Preparedness creates opportunity.

2010-11-18T03:33:00.001-05:00

"If you build it, they will come."
Field of Dreams

If you lay the groundwork for success, success has no choice but to show its face. If you set a course towards a specific location, you will have no choice, but to reach your destination. Perhaps there were will be some pit stops and/or detours along the way. But, if you know WHERE you are going, develop a plan of HOW you will get there, your chances of arriving at that place become most certain.

In setting your course and developing your plan, you are positioning yourself to be ready...to be in place...to be prepared to open the door and take action when opportunity knocks.

***

I won't complain.

2010-11-17T03:33:00.000-05:00

I've Had Some Good Days. I've Had Some Hills To Climb.
I've Had Some Weary Days and Some Sleepless Nights.
But When I Look Around and I Think Things Over,
all Of My Good Days outweigh My Bad Days.
I won't complain.

Sometimes the clouds are low I can hardly see the road
I ask a question, Lord, Lord, why so much pain?
But he knows what's best for me
Although my weary eyes
They can't see
So I'll just say thank you Lord
I won't complain.

Rev. Paul Jones...

***

I love myself.

2010-11-16T03:13:00.001-05:00

"I love myself. I love myself. I love...my...sex...yyyy...self!!!"

And I really, really do. But for a long time, I didn't. But now...I do...and I'm glad.

Because I love myself, I take better care of myself; I am kinder to myself and I demand that others treat me in the way that I want to be treated.

I have become more confident in who I am and *why* I am. I have learned that without self-love and I cannot truly love others. I embrace me...faults and flaws....good, bad and ugly.

Because I really do love myself.

***

There is here.

2010-11-15T03:13:00.000-05:00

I have to give credit to BlackGirlInTheCity.com for this post. Initially, I was just going to use her post as inspiration for my own....but..her original post was so well written...I would have done it an injustice....So, y gift to you...from bgitc....

"Our every day priority as human beings should be to live now. Not tomorrow, not when the conditions get better, not when the time is right. Tomorrow never comes. The conditions often don’t change, people do. And unfortunately, the time is never quite right – you just gotta be ready to move and play with the big boys when that time finally shows up as your “here”. When we begin to understand that our destinies are pre-written and governed by divine law, we release (in heaven and on earth) an indisputable force that governs and guides our future as we train, condition, develop and grow now. Focusing on where we are at the present moment is what takes us ahead despite what culture says: that we should work hard for less, wish, and strive for things of which 90% were never meant to be completely our own in the first place. Humph. Smart strategy to keep a great mass of people so focused on getting somewhere that they are blinded by what’s happening in the present, in the face. If that’s you break the habit and do it now. Today so that you can be free. Once you do this my promise is that you will begin to rise to your own occasions, advance your own agendas, and increase your faith to the point that steady momentum, building and success become a part of everyday life. Then everyone will come to you and ask, “What’s that thing you do!?”

Don’t worry about getting to an end point because there isn’t one.  The concept of getting "there" is a myth. Pay attention to what’s happening today because you are sitting in the midst of your most critical time period.  Now is where it all goes down.  Now is what determines what happens next and how far you’ll actually go.  Now is where the plays count, and now determines whether or not you’ll make it to the Super Bowl.   Just stop focusing on the Super Bowl so much and build.  The rest will come."

***

Have BIG fun.

2010-11-12T03:13:00.000-05:00

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

You cannot go, go, go and never take a moment to sit back and get some rest.
It is not healthy to stay on the grind ALL OF THE TIME.

You must have some downtime to relax, reflect, rejuvenate. Otherwise, you will run yourself ragged, burn yourself out. Then, you won't be any good to anybody. You must take care of self first. And a part of that, is allowing yourself sometime to just step back. Have some fun!

Get away from your normal routine, the daily grind from time to time. Do something pleasurable, something you enjoy, something that makes you laugh!

That's what we're doing this weekend. We were supposed to head up to the mountains for a couples' retreat this weekend. It got postponed. So....we decided on a STAYcation instead. (lol)

This weekend, we are going to Sweetwater Brewery for the tour, to the Dialog in the Dark and the Bodies exhibit at Atlantic Station, to Cirque du Soleil's OVO and The Roots concert.

We are going to get out, play ATL tourist and have BIG fun!!!

***

I choose happiness.

2010-11-11T03:13:00.004-05:00

One thing that we are all in complete control of is our attitude. We can choose how we respond to any stimuli that we will ever encounter in life.

If you agree with that line of thought, you realize that there is nothing that can *make* you sad or *make* you happy or *make* you angry. You always have a choice of what emotion you respond with.

We are often conditioned to automatically respond in certain ways to certain events, situations, occurrences, people, places, happenings, things. Automatically, without thought, and *seemingly* without choosing that response.

But really, that is not so. You have a say in how you respond to ANYthing at ANY time. It's just a matter of recognizing your ability to make a choice as opposed to falling into pre-conditioned patterns of behavior, thought, reaction.

With all of that being said, because I can control my attitude, because I have a say in my state of being, because I can make a choice....

I choose happiness.

***

Strive for excellence.

2010-11-10T03:13:00.001-05:00

If you aim to be excellent and expect excellence, not only from yourself, but from those around you, you will create an environment to that is more like to produce outstanding results on a consistent basis. Your name will become synonymous with going the extra mile, getting the job done and getting it right the first time.

Strive to be excellent. Commit to becoming your most excellent self. No one will be better at it than you.

***

I'm always becoming.

2010-11-09T03:13:00.002-05:00

I had the opportunity to watch the broadcast of Black Girls Rock! on BET.

Mrs. Ruby Dee was honored as a living legend. In her acceptance speech, she said that if you are lucky, you will find out who you are before you decide what you are going to become.

I was also struck my something that she said. At 86 years old and with all that she has accomplished in her life, she still says she knows that she is supposed to be doing more.

She says, "I know enough to know that I'm not where I'm going to be. That I'm always becoming."

***

Make it better.

2010-11-08T03:13:00.000-05:00

We are put on this earth for a purpose, a reason.

To make it better.

You are charged to bring a little sunshine, plant a seed, clear a path for someone other than yourself. When you stand outside of yourself, hold your hand out to help someone get a start, get along, get ahead, you are your purpose in action.

***

Back to Basics

2010-11-05T03:13:00.000-04:00

Basically speaking, sometimes, you gotta get back to the basics.
Back to your roots.
Back to what is most important to you.
Do you know what your basics are?
Have you taken the time to consider what your basics should be?

Because, really, if you are consistent in your basics, you will have a headstart on having everything else fall into place.

***

Storms don't last.

2010-11-04T03:13:00.000-04:00

Even with all the rain that we've had in metro Atlanta this past week, one of the things that I know for sure is that storms don't last.

Storm clouds can only come when the conditions are right for them to gather. Most often, those conditions are temporary and all we have to do is hold on through the storm. Because storms and troubles don't last always.

***

Must remain diligent.

2010-11-03T03:13:00.001-04:00

I must work even harder than before to take my financial security to a higher level.

Developing multiple sources of income, decreasing my tax liability and increasing my retirement savings...really putting my money to work for me.

That is my fight and where my commitment to stay diligent lies because if I don't first help myself, I can't be of help to anyone else.

***

Vote or Die.

2010-11-02T03:13:00.002-04:00

If you are eligible to vote, you should be registered to vote. If you are registered to vote, you should exercise your right to vote.

There are too many that have fought, bled, suffered and died for us to have a right to vote. Most often when that is said, people that look like me are referring to the Civil Rights Movement. However, I want to take you back to the REAL Tea Party (that was simply one act of rebellion and not a whole movement) and the colonials who fought so that we would become independent of Great Britain and have the right to become America.

I want us to remember the campaigners for women suffrage and those women who had the audacity to champions women's rights.

And more than that, I want to honor each and every person who has ever taken a stand, taken a beating, given a life or sacrificed in any way whatsoever so that I may hold a ballot in my hand and have the right to make a choice, that I may have the opportunity to be counted.

For me to not do so, would be a failure. A failure to honor those sacrifices. A failure to exercise my rights. A failure as an American.

***

Sometimes, fake it.

2010-11-01T03:13:00.000-04:00

Every now and then, you really do have to "Fake it 'til ya' make it."

You are not always going to be motivated. You are not always going to look successful. You are not always going to be happy.

However, if you will just "act as if" you are motivated, successful, happy, you will lay the groundwork for the universe to deliver just that.

"Walk that walk, honey. Talk that talk, money." It really can make all the difference in the world.

***

Two Words Week - Love Life.

2010-10-29T03:13:00.001-04:00

It's Friday. Doesn't everybody love life on Fridays?

There is so much to say about why I love my life and how I wish that you so loved yours.

However, I have been deep and introspective all this week. Today, I will be light. Plus, today, I will be busy living and loving life.

On my schedule today, coffee with my high school Algebra II teacher who I haven't seen in twenty years, tickets to the hockey game and a rap concert.

So...instead of sitting here writing about how I love life today, I'm going to get out and get busy living it.

***

Two Words Week - Live brave.

2010-10-28T03:13:00.002-04:00

I loved Eli Stone. I wish it would have run longer than the two seasons and 26 episodes that it did.

A recurring vision that Eli would have is a rally where people are chanting the "Live Brave" theme and there are signs and banners promoting the "Live Brave" movement. That is an inspiring scene to me.

When faced with a difficult choice, one that could cause you to want to make the safe choice or that would require you to move outside of your comfort level, if only we would *Live Brave*. If only we would go in the direction of challenge; growth; step out into the direction of life.

I do believe that you can change your life if you remain determined to *Live Brave*.

***

Two Words Week - Stay encouraged.

2010-10-27T03:13:00.000-04:00

You have an idea. You've begun making steps towards making your dreams a reality. You have been motivated and on fire..........and no results.

Nothing. Nada. Zilche.

Your motivation starts dwindling because you cannot yet see the results of all of your efforts. This is when you have to rest in the knowledge that each step in the dark takes you closer and closer to the light.

This is when I count on my *team*. My cheerleaders that are in my corner rooting for me, encouraging me to stay in the race, to keep fighting the good fight.

I also have to encourage myself and remind myself that I must stay the course, I must remember that there will seem to be times where I'm going around in circles, not making forward progress. I must also realize that failures along the way are a part of success.

I have to believe that if I keep my eye on the prize and continue to press towards the mark, then surely success will be certain.

***