I know what you're thinking, it's not spring yet; but, the weather is starting to change. After a hard winter in most of the country, things are starting to thaw out and warm days are starting to outnumber the cold. Spring is just around the corner and I can feel it.
Winter is a difficult season. That's why "winter" is used to describe so many bad things and feelings in literature. The cold weather leaves a coldness in our souls. The difficulty traveling through snow and ice makes it difficult to propel ourselves forward in our dreams.
Now that spring is on the horizon, there is new life beginning to bud. Warmth and energy fill the air. I know that we are still in for a few cold days and some snow storms; but, I choose to focus on the good days. I am going to steal the life, energy, and rebirth from Mother Nature and plant it right in my soul.
When you have a warm day, take advantage. Enjoy the sunshine and the energy it brings. Use it to fuel your spirit and propel you toward your hopes, dreams, and goals. It may not be spring quite yet; but I can feel it in the air. I am not going to let that feeling go to waste!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Deep Breath
It seems that lately I have frequently faced the feeling of being completely overwhelmed. There is too much to do and not enough time to do it. My mind is always racing. It gets to the point that I overload and I don't even know what to do next. That is the point that I tend to quit. It just seems easier that way. If I shut down and avoid all of the noise that is rattling around my brain, I can pretend that it doesn't exist.
The problem is, all of that noise is still there when I come back to reality. I often find that these extended breaks, while fun, are not very productive.
I have found a new way to cope, take a deep breath. Sometimes that's literal: I take a moment, take a few deep breaths, and continue with my day. Sometimes it's figurative: I take a coffee or lunch break, listen to a favorite song, watch a little T.V., or read a chapter of whatever novel I am currently reading.
What I don't do now is check out and quit. When I used to do that, I never got where I wanted to go. I failed to accomplish tasks that were actually important to me. Finally, I wasted a lot of time retracing my steps and regaining the ground that I had lost while I was on hiatus.
You get the point; don't check out completely, just take a moment to take a deep breath.
The problem is, all of that noise is still there when I come back to reality. I often find that these extended breaks, while fun, are not very productive.
I have found a new way to cope, take a deep breath. Sometimes that's literal: I take a moment, take a few deep breaths, and continue with my day. Sometimes it's figurative: I take a coffee or lunch break, listen to a favorite song, watch a little T.V., or read a chapter of whatever novel I am currently reading.
What I don't do now is check out and quit. When I used to do that, I never got where I wanted to go. I failed to accomplish tasks that were actually important to me. Finally, I wasted a lot of time retracing my steps and regaining the ground that I had lost while I was on hiatus.
You get the point; don't check out completely, just take a moment to take a deep breath.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Stronger Than You Think
I am a person who struggles with low self-esteem. This, of course, is a common problem for many women. We don't believe that we have "what it takes." The problem is, we sell ourselves short by not putting ourselves out there to test if that is really the case. For me, it is my overwhelming fear of failure that holds me back more often than not.
However, in the past few years, I have come to discover that, in most cases, I have what it takes and then some. All I have to do is overcome my fear, step out in faith, and try. When I do, I find a wealth of strength, power, wisdom, and courage that I never knew existed.
What is holding you back right now? Is there something that you want to do that you are too afraid to try? Chances are, you are totally capable of achieving whatever it is that you are striving for. If you weren't, you wouldn't have the desire to try.
I want to encourage you to dig deep inside. Ask yourself what you dream of. What is it that you are truly passionate about and want to try? Now, stop making excuses and go out there and do it. You don't have to go alone. Find someone to LifeWalk with you to help you achieve your goal. If you don't try, you'll never be able to discover just how strong you are.
You have the power within you to make all of your dreams come true, you just have to go out there and do it.
However, in the past few years, I have come to discover that, in most cases, I have what it takes and then some. All I have to do is overcome my fear, step out in faith, and try. When I do, I find a wealth of strength, power, wisdom, and courage that I never knew existed.
What is holding you back right now? Is there something that you want to do that you are too afraid to try? Chances are, you are totally capable of achieving whatever it is that you are striving for. If you weren't, you wouldn't have the desire to try.
I want to encourage you to dig deep inside. Ask yourself what you dream of. What is it that you are truly passionate about and want to try? Now, stop making excuses and go out there and do it. You don't have to go alone. Find someone to LifeWalk with you to help you achieve your goal. If you don't try, you'll never be able to discover just how strong you are.
You have the power within you to make all of your dreams come true, you just have to go out there and do it.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snowed In
Like many of you, I am in the middle of one of the worst storms in U.S. history. As I write this, it is -6 outside, the schools have all been closed, and unless someone has a darn good reason to leave the house, they are staying inside.
It is nice to have a snow day once in a while. As kids we all dreamed of snow days. It was a special surprise that didn't come too often. Snow days meant sleeping in, watching TV, playing outside, or simply having an extra day to finish an assignment or study for a test. Kids really grasp the joy and excitement that can come from an unexpected break in the day to day.
Adults, on the other hand, don't handle it so well. We become frustrated with the break in our regular routine. We think of what we are missing out on that needs to be done. Finally, we are consumed by the list of things that are piling up that cannot be done because we can't make it to the office, store, or a regularly scheduled appointment.
Today I want to encourage you to embrace snow days, maybe even plan a few. Make the time to take a break every once in a while. Decide to embrace the unexpected interruptions to your daily routine. You might be surprised at the peace, joy, and fulfillment that can come simply by having a snow day.
It is nice to have a snow day once in a while. As kids we all dreamed of snow days. It was a special surprise that didn't come too often. Snow days meant sleeping in, watching TV, playing outside, or simply having an extra day to finish an assignment or study for a test. Kids really grasp the joy and excitement that can come from an unexpected break in the day to day.
Adults, on the other hand, don't handle it so well. We become frustrated with the break in our regular routine. We think of what we are missing out on that needs to be done. Finally, we are consumed by the list of things that are piling up that cannot be done because we can't make it to the office, store, or a regularly scheduled appointment.
Today I want to encourage you to embrace snow days, maybe even plan a few. Make the time to take a break every once in a while. Decide to embrace the unexpected interruptions to your daily routine. You might be surprised at the peace, joy, and fulfillment that can come simply by having a snow day.
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