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! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is a day to be grateful...which is what this blog is all about - HOPE and gratitude! I HOPE you are thankful for all the blessings in your life and I challenge you to make a gratitude list EVERYDAY! There is a saying that says something like: "What if you woke tomorrow with only the things you were thankful (to God) for today?" That would certainly change your perspective and priority on gratitude, no?

So, there it is...my challenge for you starting today...the day before the real craziness of the holiday season starts. Don't forget to breathe and be thankful for all you have!

In Thanks! :)nattie

Thank you to http://www.pinterest.com/AtOfGratitude/gratitude-image-quotes/ for the cool image on pinterest!

The glass IS half full!

Ever know someone who just oozes positivity?  Strive to be that person!  I heard from a friend today who fits this bill for me and I am just blessed beyond measure she called today.  I feel instantly lifted up, up, UP!

This week marks on year since my dear friend, mentor and life coach type cheerleader succumbed to his cancer and my heart is sad for the loss and for his wife, children and grands.  I miss his positivity and how it impacted me...sometimes we take for granted those in our lives while they are here. Take a moment to remember all that you have to be grateful for and be a cheerleader and positive role model when you can. 

It's ok to rest when you need to or lean, but when you can...send a little positivity  out into the world...I know it will send HOPE back in spades!

RIP GB, you are dear to me :)

Bloom where you are planted!

You are where you are for a reason – you might not know the who, what, when, where, and why exactly,  but I believe you are to be a blessing wherever you find yourself. 

 

Are you in a bright place in life? Use your light to touch someone else who may be struggling.  

When you find yourself in a dark spot, use what energy you have to take time to heal first (self- care)! Then, when you find you are able to move forward, even slowly, see if you cannot be the light someone else needs to see in their dark spot.

Don’t forget that we are all connected, there is always hope and even under the crappiest of circumstances there is something to be thankful for. 

In what way can you use your gifts today – RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE – to show someone else some HOPE?

Special gifts! TGIF!

TGIF!

 What about a gift???

 

Today is just a quick reminder that you have many talents and strengths! Go out into the world – at work, at home, wherever you are and use those to bless someone!  Doesn’t have to be HUGE -  I plan on cutting a friends hair today – just use YOUR SPECIAL GIFTS to be a blessing to someone, somewhere!!! Yesterday a friend dusted my ceiling fans...a job I cannot DO that was such a blessing to me!

How much more awesome will the world be if we all do this one thing!

GRATEFUL for your visit, HOPE to hear from you soon! :)