Success Awaits

If you feel like nothing you have tried is working, like your efforts have all been wasted, as if you can't go another step forward... you're doing something right. 

No one creates a masterpiece overnight. Furthermore, you don't have a clear vision if you don't constantly question your work. A healthy dose of worry and doubt are a sign that you truly care, not that you truly can't. 

The key is that just when you reach that pinnacle of emotions, you must push through to the other side. It is when you feel you have absolutely nothing left, that you must rely on faith to forge on. 

Success will be there waiting for you- just beyond your fear.

You Matter

Sometimes I doubt my own mission. How can I motivate others to achieve when I feel like a work in progress myself? What do I have to give someone? Shouldn't I first make sure I am complete and whole before daring to fill others up? Does what I'm doing even help anyone at all?! Is anyone listening??

The truth is, I may never know for certain the impact I have. There may never come a time when I feel work on myself is complete and I am ready to now help others. 

That cannot stop me from putting myself out there, flaws and all. From reaching out a supportive hand. From lifting up others before I can lift myself. 

You have been put on this earth for a purpose, and your life is meaningful. How you live it each day has an impact. You matter to someone. You matter to me. I don't even know who is listening, but if even one person benefits from my advice and counsel, that is enough. 

When you toss a tiny stone into an enormous ocean, it will at least cause a ripple. You may not ever fully grasp the lasting effects of that ripple, but the fact is, you have just made a difference. 

Today, be mindful of your presence in this world. Your smile might be the only one someone sees all day. Your kindness might give someone a spark of hope they desperately needed. You matter. Act like it.

Lift Off

There's something about a Sunday that simultaneously makes me nervous and excited. It's a day during which I stand on a precipice, peering over the edge at a long week ahead of me. What that week will entail rests almost solely on my shoulders, and I alone am responsible for making each day count and each of my actions meaningful.

That's a lot of pressure! 

I used to see Sunday as an exciting chance to learn more about and praise the Lord. As an entire day to devote to preparing for my week and to getting any homework done for my grad school courses. 

Needless to say, I long to return to those days. Since graduating, I've been struggling with direction, self-image, and yes, my own depression. 

We all face our own list of evolving issues. Whether or not we are aware, they shape how we approach our days ahead and the limits we set for ourselves. It is normal to experience these highs and lows, but necessary to remain present and mindful nonetheless. 

Whether or not you feel the same nervous energy when facing a big week ahead, I find it helpful to take a moment and see the fantastic, the magical, the beauty in some part of your day. Remember a time when the impossible felt possible, and you saw opportunity instead of obstacles. You'll get back there. I know it. 

Choose to Move Ahead

We all make mistakes. We have done things we're not proud of and each of us has dealt with the consequences of those decisions. However, we have the choice between letting the past rule our future, or using it only as a tool to sharpen our focus.

Your misdeeds do not define you. Don't give them the power to rule one more second of your day. Accept the past and forge ahead! The less you identify with the problem, the more easily can you see your solution. 

I know it's not easy, but try to be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself for yesterday and look forward to the promise of a brand new day. 

It's a Miracle!

Have you ever met someone who had far less than you? Someone whose life seems impossibly difficult and whose troubles looked insurmountable? Yet, they had an energy about them- a twinkle in their eye or a slight upturned smile. This person was upbeat- almost happy! How on earth could they even make it through the day, much less with an attitude of... gratitude?!

Faith. Belief that despite what circumstances one is in, there is hope for something better. Knowledge that you are loved, that you matter, and that at any moment, your prayers will be answered.

Don't stop believing in miracles. Start looking for them, and they will appear.

My Wish for You

I wish that my clients, friends, and family members could see themselves through my eyes. Where they focus on flaws and imperfections, I see beauty and character. They feel weak and disappointing, while I am in constant awe and admiration of them.

But the truth is, it only really matters how one feels about themself. I could list countless praises about you, but at the end of the day, you are seeing your life through your own perceptions about yourself and others. 

Whether or not you are beautiful? That is entirely up to you. So today, please look at yourself with kind eyes and a warm heart. See yourself for who you really are. Choose to be beautiful.

Keep This in Mind

Have you ever been treated rudely by someone out of the blue? You did nothing to provoke them, yet they snap at you as if you've just shot their dog. Before you judge them or respond in anger, ask yourself if perhaps they are not actually speaking out of malice but out of pain. 

I am the first person to take something personally. I feel responsible for the happiness and well being of the world, and feel upset when even a stranger seems to be in a terrible mood. Did I do or say something wrong? 

As altruistic as this sounds, it's actually a sign that I am being too self involved. Other people have flaws behind their shiny exteriors. No one has a perfect life, and we are all just trying our best to put it all together. People aren't always responding to our actions, rather, they are acting out the hurt or struggle in their own life. 

Before you tell off the rude receptionist or start to feel that everyone else is successful but you, remember that we are human. No one has all the answers, and most of us feel completely lost half the time. Listen and approach others with an empathic ear. And for heaven's sake, don't take it personally- it's not always about you.

Be Patient

When I set a goal, I want it done now. In fact, I want it done yesterday and done to perfection. It is hard but so necessary to remember that worthwhile accomplishments take time, require special effort, and almost always include a fair share of mistakes along the way.

I have always struggled with not being able to celebrate the steps in my journey- but rather, my eyes stay focused on what is next. Yet, this habit just leaves me feeling empty and never good enough.

Let's try to allow even the tiniest steps in the right direction the admiration they deserve. Acknowledge this positive change and honor that moment. You are working on a masterpiece and it will take time. For now, be kind to yourself. Be present. Be patient.

Monday Smile

I admit it. I don't always jump out of bed, huge smile on my face and feeling exuberantly ready to conquer my day. It usually looks more like me finally peeling open my eyes after hitting the alarm clock snooze button three times already!

That said, it helps me to start off my week well by finding some small, bright spot in my day that makes me smile or giggle. Anyone who knows me knows that my fail-proof answer is always Lilly Pulitzer. This pattern reminds me of a bathing suit I had as a child that I just adored. 

Whatever you choose, a steaming cup of coffee in your favorite silly mug or a quick snuggle time session with your puppy, take a moment to capture that feeling. Now, when you look at your growing to- do list or your grumpy boss, you can tap into that image or feeling and use it to make your day a little brighter.

Where Are You Placing Your Faith?

I'm going to let you in a little secret: God is the answer. People are fallible, and even if they love you immensely, they are at some point going to let you down. Yet, He has stood by you through your worst moments and has given you the strength to overcome your obstacles. He wants only the best for you.

So why do we put our time and energy into things that don't matter? They are temporal and imperfect, so you will always be disappointed. 

When something is important to you, you make it a priority. When you want something real to be done, go straight to the source. He will always be the right choice.

This Moment Matters

Time is truly a luxury. In a day when most families have two working parents and technology has made it possible to be "on" all day, we have less and less opportunies to slow down. When we do, we either are too exhausted or too busy doing scheduled activities to really be able to connect with each other in person.

Since quitting one's job is not a viable option, we must make the most of the time we do have with one another. After all, it is quality, not quantity that means the most. 

Start now by being present when you are with someone. Turn off your technology and focus on the smells, tastes, sounds, and othe senses you are experiencing. Really listen to what others are saying, and be grateful you get that time to enjoy with them. Remember, our days on this earth are numbered and once we miss this moment, we may never get that opportunity back. Invest your time in what and who you value most, and you won't ever regret it.

Never Give Up on Yourself

Fear in itself is not the enemy. Rather, it's a basic function of the human brain, meant to prepare our bodies in the face of impending threat. In healthy amounts, it keeps us safe from possible harm.

The danger comes when we allow fear to guide our every action and to envelope our lives. I know I have given my power away to fear when I feel overwhelming anxiety and am therefore so anxious throughout the day that my goals and plans get pushed aside. Instead of solving the problem, I run from it- which usually results in it getting worse! 

It's time to reclaim control of our lives. Fear is only as powerful as we allow it to be. Today, think about what you are basing your decisions on. Are you running away, or towards something?Take back  control of your direction and focus not on what could go wrong, but what could go right.

Becoming the Right Person

I admit that, as a single woman, I am always keeping my eyes peeled for my Mr. Right. Despite everyone's admonishments that he will come when I stop looking, the fear that I would miss him fuels my search. Furthermore, as a strong, independent woman, one should ideally not need another person to feel like they have a whole life. Yet, deep down inside of all of us is just a scared child, wanting to be rescued and live happily ever after.

However, this plan is fraught with problems. First, there is no Mr. or Miss Perfect in existence, so forget discovering that unicorn. Then there is the danger of becoming so entrenched in finding someone else, that we forget to focus on our own lives ( of which is the o my thing we have control over anyway...) finally, did you ever stop to wonder what you bring to the relationship? Just like you, that other person is seeking someone of quality and character- how impressive is your own resume?

I am not advising that we all just remain self- absorbed, trusting that we'll bump into that special someone while out on our own missions of self improvement. What I am saying is that a relationship is made of two whole people working together, symbiotically sharing and learning, supporting and challenging one another. Right now, you can focus on becoming the best version of yourself possible, so that you can proudly give your all to someone else. This way, you can be confident that when you do meet that right person, you will be ready to be their right person as well.

We Are All Scared

Potential can be a double-edged sword. Each new day brings forth a blank slate, a tabula rasa which we are free to fill with accomplishment, discovery, hope, change, inspiration, and genius. What a tremendous gift we have just to be alive!

However, with this brand new day also comes responsibilities, fears, failures, pain, and other unknown atrocities. While one can be optimistic about the opportunity of taking on a new mission, it can also be quite daunting to see all that has to be done. 

It is a question of perspective and confidence. Do you feel powerful and hopeful or lost and timid? It is okay to be afraid- we ALL are! But failure is inevitable. You must at least give yourself a chance in this life. Not being a part of life is just as much a choice as becoming an active member of it. At the very least, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. Yes, you might not succeed. You might get hurt. But you also may be the hero you've been looking for. You'll never know if don't try.

Beneath the Surface

To many, living in Florida is like being neighbors and good buddies with Mickey Mouse: a dream come true for any five year old. However, the caveat of essentially reading in paradise is that you don't get to be on a perennial vacation afterall. You actually have to do the mundane chores like work and laundry and grocery shopping. Imagine! 

Unfortunately, this is where we often fall into that trap being ungrateful for the magical place we do get to experience on a daily basis. It becomes just another part of the scenery. 

I have found that the more of life I have seen through travel, work, and volunteering, the more I notice and feel blessed for the small moments in my own life. I love this picture because it reminds me that while I may only see the water's dark surface, underneath is this entire ecosystem of life and brilliance existing unbeknownst to me.

You don't have to live near the beach to appreciate some part of your day. All I ask is that when begin to feel as if the world has lost its luster, that you look a little deeper. There is beauty and hope to be found- it is there waiting for you.

This is Your Life

I rarely allow myself to just be. The second I'm relaxed, I feel like I should be doing something productive. I scroll through social media and discover that everyone else seems to be on an adventure and leading these exciting, amazing lives- all while I'm in my pajamas and watching a movie with my bowl of ice cream. I won't even be able to taste the mint chocolate chip goodness because of the bitter taste of regret in my mouth at not being in a plane to China or at a dressy gala surrounded by celebrities. 

I am working on finding the balance between being thoughtful and pensive and being engaged in life around me. 

After all, when we play the comparison game, we rarely come out the winners. There will always be someone who has more or has done more than we have, and they are the same people who look at your life and feel the same. 

This week, let's continue to work toward balance. My goals are specific to myself, and I aim to be the best version of "me".

I will celebrate my accomplishments and recognize my failures. No one else has to live my life, so I will live it on my terms. I will respect others' opinions, but in the end, trust my own judgment and make my own decisions. 

I will be proud of the person I am this very moment, and look forward to the person I am becoming.

What, Me Worry?

I look back on all the time I've spent worrying about problems in my life and realize that time could have been spent actually solving those problems instead! Just when I think I have control of a situation, I am instantly humbled down to earth by one recurring theme: I am not in charge. 

I don't have all the answers, and I certainly make my fair share of mistakes. However, I just happen to know the one man who does. He's perfect, omniscient, loving and loyal, and He had already written our entire story before we were even conceived. 

So, honestly, I'm a little tired of wasting this beautiful life I've been given. I think I'll hand Him the wheel, roll my window, and enjoy the ride from the passenger seat. Care to join me?

Positively Peonies!!

I love Spring! The flowers, pastel colors, Easter, rebirth, renewal... What a perfect time for a fresh start! 

Instead of just cleaning out your closets, why not take an inventory of the other things cluttering your life? Do you have hundreds of random Facebook "friends" whose names you don't even recall? How about people in your life who seem to always be taking and never adding anything positive to it? What about goals that you you were once passionate about, but have gone to the wayside in lieu of other less important tasks?

It's time to open your windows and breathe in the fresh, breezy air! Celebrate natures beauty with a bouquet of your favorite flowers. Find the miraculous in simplicity and become inspired to focus on what truly matters to you. 

My Own Worst Enemy

On this Friday, even I should be proud of the many accomplishments of my busy week and looking forward to a social and exciting weekend, instead I am wracked with guilt and anxiety. 

Why? I realized that I am living with my only saboteur, my arch nemesis, my worst enemy. This girl has ridiculed me, made me feel too weak or unskilled to achieve my goals, and has prevented me from pursuing relationships with some wonderful people. She tells me I'm not good enough, strong enough, not even worthy of someone's live. When I try to sleep at night, she keeps me up with her insults and projections of failure.

Why do I put up with her? I think done part of me felt she was right. I fell for her charm and allowed her to continue to trap me. 

I'm kicking her out today. She no longer is a welcome tenant in my home, in my life, or in my head. I am taking back control, and no matter how hard she tries to wiggle her way back in, I'm locking the doors! 

Do you ever feel like you are your own worst enemy? As if, you can see all this opportunity in front of you, but your own fears prevent you from reaching out to grab it? Make the decision now. Don't wait another second to empower yourself. YOU are the only thing standing in your way. What are you going to do about it?

What Time Is It?

No one likes to wait. We've increasingly become an instant gratification society in which one can simultaneously Skype a client meeting, check last night's scores, pay the bills, and and text your cousin in Italy- all without leaving your home! Needless to say, our patience threshold does not get a lot of practice.

But if you think about it, aren't the best moments in our lives preceded by a period of anticipation? A sense of hope, urgency, excitement. Will Santa remember we moved this year? Will anyone sit next to me in the cafeteria at my new school? Will I get into my dream college? Will you marry me? Is it a boy or girl?

Yesterday, I found myself becoming restless over my life's slow progress. I am certainly no where near where I thought and planned on being at this age and furthermore, it seems like everyone else has easily surpassed their own expectations. I then took a step back and recognized that I have overcome obstacles and fought some hard battles to get here. I must use that strength to continue building my dream with optimism, patience, and faith in His timing. In the meantime, let's enjoy the journey.

Wednesday Silliness

I ran across this today and it made me smile. You see, I am a worrywart. Complete strangers regularly come up to me and comment on how I seem to be stuck in my head or ask what I am thinking so hard about! The state of the world, my diminishing bank account, the path of my life, orange juice with versus without the pulp... You name it, I'm praying and stewing over it!

I don't realize that while I am wasting time worrying about the future, I am missing out on the incredible moments happening in my present! And guess what? Worrying is not the same as solving the problem. I know. You're shocked. 

While I may always be pensive and thoughtful, I will also remember to be present. Silly reminders like this poster inspire me to smile, take off my shoes, and feel the sand between my toes. Whatever you do today, be happy.

Keep Moving Forward!

No one promised you an easy life. You are going to face hardships and challenges that test your faith, your strength, and your integrity. You will continue to err, fail, and make tremendous mistakes. 

I know that you feel so overwhelmed at times that it seems like you have no choice but to give up. Resist that temptation! You have a mission and passion ingrained in your soul. It is your life's purpose and it is your reason for being, your every breath, and every heartbeat.

Don't let anyone, any circumstance, or any fear rob you of your soul. Use each failure as fuel to begin again, with a little more skill and wisdom than you had yesterday. 

Most importantly, hold tight to your dreams. Put one foot in front of the other and just move ahead. Allow obstacles to sharpen your focus, not diminish it. And never give up.

Give Up Control

What are you putting your trust in? We are in a continuous search for answers, yet the answer is always the same! However, time and again, I get caught in the vicious cycle of overthinking and worrying. I put all the pressure and blame and fear on myself, and then feel helpless when I don't produce the perfect solution. 

Our thoughts determine our daily lives. They are a filter for how we see the world and they have the power to trap and victimize us or to lead us to do greater things than we ever knew possible. If they are so important, why aren't we more careful with who and what controls them? 

Today, please be a vigilante defender of your mind. Put your faith, your trust, your life in His hands and give Him the keys to your heart. You'll be amazed at how your view changes!

Ahoy There!

The most successful people in this world were not born into their positions. Nor did they accomplish their biggest goals quickly and flawlessly. In fact, most would say that their most meaningful lessons and moments were products of difficulty and challenge. 

How will you ever know your limits if you don't push them to the edge? Or recognize your strength if not tested? What is wisdom if not the desire to continually question what you think you already know? 

I have personally been struggling with feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness at seeing my hard work thearted and my dreams being put on hold. Why does everyone else seem to have all of life's answers but me? I live a life of trial and error- when will I get it right? 

Then, I remember that my dreams are lofty and my aspirations astronomical. The greater the goal, the more work I am going to have to put into it. I might spend the rest of my life pushing myself, stumbling and falling, rebuilding, questioning, and reinventing- all in an effort to fulfil my purpose. I know in my soul that God intended my life to have impact, and if all I ever do is try over and over again (continually battling obstacles) in pursuing His mission for me, I will have lived a good life.

So take hope. Continue to fight for what you value and believe in. The more hardships He places in your life, the more He knows you will be able to handle, and the better the person you will become.

Seek Inspiration

What inspires you? Sometimes I have to look harder than others, but beauty truly can be found all around us. For me, a genuine, no-holds barred smile is completely contagious! How can you resist this adorable little girl and her equally jubilant camel? Impossible!

I often talk about being a source of hope and inspiration to others, which is important. However, at the same time, we need to fuel our own passion and creativity by seeking out those resources around us. 

I hope that you feel you can count on me as a wellspring of positivity, hope, joy, and gratitude. I am always here for you!

Sometimes the Simplest Task is the Hardest

God actually asks very little of us when you think about it. In return for the numerous blessings and immense gifts he has given us, (hello, creating mankind and then sacrificing his son for our eternal salvation....) He primarily requests that we love Him and love one another. 

What's the catch? Well, it turns out that we humans tend to mess that up all the time. We become focused on our own lives or some drama of the moment, or get caught holding on to hurt and anger , or even forget the true meaning of love entirely!

Who could you show your love and compassion for today? Make it a conscious goal to connect with others and let them know they are cherished and cared about. There is no better gift you could give someone.

After all, if John Lennon and God agree that, "All you need is love," I think we should listen.

What Drives You?

My mother likes to remind me that good decisions were never made in moments of fear. It turns out that her wisdom is actually scientifically based. Researchers have proven that when our bodies enter a state of threat ( in which the autonomic nervous system reacts to a situation using "fight or flight" instincts,) our frontal lobes, which are in charge of all our upper level, reasonable thought processes, turns off and we are left only with our primal survival instincts to guide us. In other words, when we feel intense fear, anxiety, or anger, our problem-solving skills become no more evolved than an animal's.

If we allow our fear or shame to guide the direction of our lives, we are choosing to run away from instead of run toward our intended goal. Our focus becomes a panicked escape rather than a thoughtful mission. Furthermore, the clear, direct path that we once followed disappears and we are left with numerous confusing twists, roadblocks, and side roads with no promise of reaching a destination. 

Ask yourself what is driving your direction today. If you find that you are making rushed decisions based on fear or panic, allow yourself some time to refocus on  your goal. Keep your head up and look toward the future, instead of constantly checking over your shoulder at your past. Most importantly, be mindful, present, and thoughtful before you take that next step. 

Eyes on the Prize

What happens when you lose sight of your mission? Or when you stop focusing on yourself, and start to compare with other people? All of a sudden, instead of answers, you see problems. You are surrounded by doubt and fear, instead of purpose and fortitude. 

This is why focus and perspective are so vital for success. I am not suggesting that ignoring obstacles will make them obsolete. Rather, by keeping your mind on your mission, the answers to your problems will much more readily appear. Furthermore, by focusing on your strengths and successes, your deficits and doubts will indeed seem less daunting and pervasive. 

Surround yourself with people who support your dreams and help keep your eyes ahead- focused on possibility, not problems.

Your Mantra for the Week

Simple, right?! Yet we continually allow others to dull our sparkle, to criticize our passion, and limit our potential. Just because misery loves company does not mean you have to join that party. People may not even be aware of the hurt they are causing you out of their own pain- so do not take it to heart.

This is your life and you are in the driver seat. The choices you make are yours alone- and they create the journey of your life. Furthermore, by focusing on your own growth and well being, you are setting an example and inspiring those doubters to choose happiness as well.

When you make the decision to rise above, you will be amazed at the life, love, and joy that will appear. It is waiting for you just beyond your fears.

This week, make the decision to shine.