Who is your tribe?

In sitting here thinking about what to tell you about gratitude today that might be an inspiration.   I am compelled to share that I was blessed to spend some time with my "tribe" this weekend - you know, that community of people that just "get you" - warts and all! These are the people I suggest you seek out immediately if possible - before you become depleted. I feel amazingly recharged and HOPE you will too.

I am hopeful that you know who I am taking about in your own life but if you are just too low to even name them in your head I am referring to those people you know that leave you feeling uplifted - like you are a better person for having been in their presence! Take a minute and get the picture of them in your head...now BREATHE for a moment...hold it...and let it out. Make a plan to connect with one of those people. Put it in your phone as a reminder - every day if you need to be prompted but max 3 days. Coffee, Skype, Facebook...LIVE and in person, even!

 

It is VERY important to take care of YOU! I believe this will bring you some peace in your heart which lends itself to being grateful. Once there, you can share it with the world and be there for others feeling low or depleted.  There is a bible verse that states perseverance leads to character and character HOPE! HOPE, being my favorite word and the reason I am grateful every day for every thing, is the reason for this blog. I want to share my HOPE for you and  lift you up! I really know you can reach out and make a connection - be bold and brave. :)

 

So, I'd love to hear from you...my very few readers...and I'd love to hear who you contacted/connected with and if it helped fill you up!

Hurry Up And Wait

So, do you ever get annoyed when you have to wait- like at the grocery store, a red light? I'm sitting at the car dealer for a recall for an intolerable amount of time...two hours! I want to be anywhere but "stuck" here...home doing the chores most days I hate...walking my dogs...preparing for dinner...ANYTHING!

Do you get the feeling I don't sit still well? I definitely do not! Do you?

God asks us to wait on him, his timing and grrr, I get soo inpatient! With God, the source of all the wonderful blessings in my life if you can believe! I know that God's timing is perfect and that even my waiting here-using Toyota's internet and iPad, sitting in their air conditioned showroom, with coffee and snacks available, serves a purpose.

For me, I think that purpose is to slow down! I'm terrible at it and even when my body is slow (most days) my mind races and races, effectively making me ineffective! The very opposite of what God wants in my life. Your's too!

So today, I'm going to try and be grateful for the quiet times of having to wait. Maybe if I listen I will hear. Maybe I'll be effective in fulfilling my purpose...for me that is to help others. I need to be available and operating at a reasonable pace to do so. Additionally, I can be thankful in the quiet times, those I feel stuck in, for the blessings in having zero drama to manage at that moment. I can just sit here and blog...

Can anyone relate??? What can you do with that time when you feel stuck, waiting? Love to hear your replies! :)

NEw YEars REsolutions?

Did you make one NEw YEars REsolution? Two? Twenty two? How are you doing almost one month in? It is my HOPE you are rocking it! Approximately 45% of the American public make resolutions and I was surprised to find out, many are successful in attaining them.  In fact, statistics show when you make a specific, measurable goal, you are MUCH more likely to keep it (them).  Here are some reminders as we get through January! Obvious I admit, but we are dusting off to keep motivated, right?

First, let's take a look and ensure we choose goals that are attainable, specific and measurable.  Did you resolve to lose weight? nine million pounds or 10% of your body weight - whatever percentage is smart for you of course.  Do you want to write a book? Blog? Have you a written plan for doing so, one page/day at a time? Do you have a path mapped out for reaching your goal? Before bed tonight, take a minute to ensure you have a specific plan!

Second, I would look around at your ACCOUNTABILITY partners.  Who are you brave enough to confide in that you know will support you in reaching your goals? Better still, some resolutions (like weight loss for example - a quick Google search shows this is the #1 resolution made by Americans! - beg for a friend to go along with you. You can encourage each other through each workout/dietary change, etc., to help you succeed! Make sure the people you surround yourself with (true in every aspect of life, not just with inspiration for resolutions!) are POSITIVE! OMGosh! How many of us have been dragged down by someone's negative energy, or worse, believed the ugly's that others have spouted on occasion. A resolution in itself - to stay motivated and positive, you need to be surrounded by supportive people!

Last, I would remember to not lose HOPE!  Even when discouraged or feel like giving up, remember there is always HOPE.  You can breathe, give yourself a break for being human, be gentle to yourself and START AGAIN!!! Sometimes I have to do this several times in a day depending on what is going on. As far as New Years resolutions, PLEASE resolve to be HOPEFUL!


I know it's simple but if you remember to be specific in your goals, have good people surround you, stay positive and hopeful and I am sure you can stay inspired!!! Keep on rocking your goal for 2014!


On a side note, I'm one of the 20% or so of  Americans that don't make an official resolution, but since knowing (finally) my purpose in life is to help others, I am constantly trying to identify (and be open to) doing so in new ways! May God bless you richly! :)