Stop This Train

Today I am reminded of how delicate life is. It seems as we grow older this becomes all too clear. At times I feel overwhelmed with how fast life seems to be going. As a young child you cant wait to get a year older and then you find yourself waking up one day and wondering where the last year went wishing for time to slow down. It comes as no surprise that as the years continue, the people in our lives get older and along the way we will have to go through painful goodbyes to the people that mean the most in our lives. I wish for you that you cherish everyday as if it were the last, that you hold onto your loved ones and express to them often how much you love them and that you never take your health for granted. A day of health is one to be grateful for.

This song pretty much sums it up perfectly "Stop This Train"

Monday's Motivation

"Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there's a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living."

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Having a sharp tongue can cut your own throat.
If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep.
The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention.
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.
The best vitamin for making friends.... B1.
The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
Minds are like parachutes... they function only when open.
Ideas won't work unless YOU do.
One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.
One who lacks the courage to start has already finished.
The heaviest thing to carry is a grudge.
Don't learn safety rules by accident.
Jumping to conclusions can be bad exercise.
A turtle makes progress when it sticks its head out.
One thing you can give and still keep... is your word.
A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.
Never fail to try - try and then say you failed. Every failure is a stepping stone to success!!
The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!
-T.H. Thompson and John Watson

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it’d be worth it."

It's too easy to get caught up in the chaos that the holidays bring. From purchasing presents, preparing the "perfect" meal to decorating the house, we sometimes forget what Christmas is all about. Be sure to take a step back today and remember those who are less fortuate, whoever that may be.

"Christ's Mass"is not about the "things" that we receive but rather the memories we create and the meaning behind the holiday altogether-the birth of Jesus and spreading joy, love and peace to all around you.

Happy Holidays! May God bless you with a memorable day and a very happy year to come!

The Power of Love

Erin Kramp is a woman who definitely makes my list of most inspirational people. As soon as Erin had discovered her breast cancer was terminal she sought out ways to cope and stay connected to her daughter, Peyton, who at the time was only 6 years old. Erin understood that trying to teach life lessons to Peyton at such a young age may not be as meaningful as they would be as she was growing up and was seeking the advice of a mother. She began to video tape herself talking about everything from beauty tips, to finding the perfect man, to welcoming her husbands new girlfriend after she passed. By the time she lost her battle, Erin was able to document volumes of precious footage to pass along to Peyton to show her love and be able to offer advice even if she wasn't there in person.

Erin's story was featured on Oprah years ago and I remember being in awe of her grace and charismatic personality. She smiled, she laughed and she seemed to fully accept and be at peace with the fact that she was dying. This story will forever hold a special place in my heart and may be one of the most outstanding demonstrations of love I have ever witnessed.

"How do you live your dash?"

I was deeply touched by the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. I had followed her battle with breast cancer and all the difficult times that played out in her life with her husbands affair and scandal. Elizabeth handled herself in a classy loving way looking positively despite all that she had been dealt and in the end was able to forgive. I can't imagine knowing your life was coming to an end, knowing that your young children would soon be motherless and having a failed marriage that was played out in the media in a humiliating way. She was able to hold her head up and fight the fight which is truly admirable. May she rest in peace and be greeted in Heaven with her son who had passed away back in 2006. May we all learn from Elizabeth that no matter what difficulties we have in our lives we can chose to keep going with a positive outlook and leave a legacy in this world.

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the date on her tombstone, from beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth, and spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years (1934-1998)
for the dash represents all the time that she spent alive on the earth
And only those who loved her, know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own; the cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough, to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say; about the way you spent your dash?

Maya Angelou

I have always been deeply touched by Maya Angelou's work which is focused on women's power and beauty among many other life lessons. In a sea of many authors and poets, Maya Aneglou in my opinion is the most extraordinary; she speaks from her soul and is able to perfectly reflect her insights in a way that is clear and meaningful to the outside world. She will be a remembered as one of the most talented, open poets of our time and so eloquently writes about issue that are near to everyone's heart. Her writing continue to be a great encouragement and way to strive to be a better person.

Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

45 Best Maya Angelou Quotes:

1.If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die.
2.Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.
3.If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning ‘Good morning’ at total strangers. – Maya Angelou
4.If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.
5.Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.
6.The honorary duty of a human being is to love.
7.Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage. –
8.I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.
9.My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.
10.One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest. – Maya Angelou
11.The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned. –
12.The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.
13.Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
14.I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. – Maya Angelou
15.I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. – Maya Angelou
16.Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.
17.My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
18.You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you. All the other tangible rewards will come as a result.
19.A woman’s heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.
20.I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
21.Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. – Maya Angelou (Letter to My Daughter)
22.We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
23.You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.
24.Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.
25.The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise
26.Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.
27.You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise!
28.I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.
29.Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.
30.I sustain myself with the love of family.
31.I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. Maya Angelou
32.A Woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.
33.The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas. The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising. Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed.
34.The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don’t know my story…
35.A woman who is convinced that she deserves to accept only the best, challenges herself to give the best. Then she is living phenomenally.
36.The sisters and brothers that you meet give you the materials which your character uses to build itself. It is said that some people are born great, others achieve it, some have it thrust upon them. In truth, the ways in which your character is built have to do with all three of those. Those around you, those you choose, and those who choose you. – Maya Angelou
37.Living well is an art that can be developed: a love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings and assurance that the world owes you nothing and that every gift is exactly that, a gift.
38.Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.
39.You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
40.We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and living our lives.
41.When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.
42.This is my life. It is my one time to be me. I want to experience every good thing.
43.I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.
44.We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.
45.You rose into my life like a promised sunrise, brightening my days with the light in your eyes. I’ve never been so strong. Now I’m where I belong. – Maya Angelou

I Give Thanks

The last couple years I have made an effort to write down all that I am grateful for in life around Thanksgiving time. Taking a couple moments to write down a, "I give thanks" note can be very meaningful and forces you to sit and think about the past year and all that has occurred. Of course life will be a mix of joy and pain but being able to look back on the things you are grateful for will put focus on life's meaning and what is important to you. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with Family and Friends and fully embrace this Holiday for what it is. A day to cherish those close to you and to give thanks!

I Give Thanks
I give thanks for my wonderful family who have shaped the person I am today,
I give thanks for my husband who consistently makes me feel beautiful inside and out,
I give thanks to the friends that lift me up in difficult times and laugh with me through life’s joys,
I give thanks for God who has guided me through a life of happiness and loves me even when I’m in the wrong,
I give thanks for my health and the ability to live life free from pain,
I give thanks for giving my mom health when we thought we might lose her,
I give thanks for having the means to work hard and play hard in life and travel to the most gorgeous of places,
I give thanks for the amazing home I share with my husband and all the memories we have created in it,
I give thanks for recognizing my talents and embracing them,
I give thanks for the confidence I have developed in myself, it’s been a long road but I’m in a great place in my life right now,
I give thanks for taking a leap of faith and moving to San Diego where I have met life long friends,
I give thanks for coming into Ryan’s family with open arms and open hearts,
I give thanks for finding a job I am genuinely happy in,
I give thanks for freeing my grandma from pain and taking her to a place I know she is happy in,
I give thanks for my trip to Italy which has always been a life long dream,
I give thanks for recognizing areas I can improve on in life and not being ashamed of this,
I give thanks for the people I surround myself with and the valuable lessons they have taught me,
I give thanks for having the means to eat healthfully and having the knowledge to know that a healthy body is a healthy soul,
I give thanks for my husbands gentle push to challenge myself and to enjoy all life has to offer,
I give thanks for a future that looks bright and exciting and knowing that having my loved ones around is all I need,
I give thanks for my consciousness to live in the present and embrace each moment,
I give thanks for having parents that love me unconditionally and gave me the constant support I needed growing up,
I give thanks for the friends that feel more like sisters and knowing that they genuinely want what is best for me in life,
I give thanks for the place I’m in at this exact moment knowing that I am not perfect but feeling okay with this
I give thanks for Thanksgiving and sharing this holiday with loved ones.

Love your family, embrace your friends and always give thanks for the life you have and person you are!

What are you thankful for this year?

Life...You Live and You Learn

9 Powerful Life Lessons from Confucius:

1. Just Keep Going
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

If you keep going down the right path, you will eventually get to your intended destination. The hard work is being consistent; anybody can do right for a day. The person who succeeds is the person who stays committed despite the circumstances.

2. Your Friends Matter
“Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.”

Your friends are a prophecy of your future; where they are is where you’re headed. It would serve you well to find friends who are going where you want to go.

3. Good Things Come With a Price
“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.”

This explains a lot! It’s easy to hate, it’s easy to be negative, it’s easy to make excuses. It is love, forgiveness, and greatness that require a great heart, a great mind, and a great effort.

4. Sharpen Your Tools First
“The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.”

Confucius said, “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” Whatever you are called to do, if you are to succeed, you must first be prepared.

5. To be Wronged is Nothing
“To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.”

Don’t sweat the small stuff; to be wronged is no great offense. Don’t let the wrongdoing of others ruin your day. Don’t let they’re negativity occupy your thoughts. To be wronged is nothing!

6. Consider the Consequences
“When anger rises, think of the consequences.”

Solomon said, “He that is slow to anger is greater than the mighty.” Always remember to keep your temper in check and to consider the consequences.

7. Make Adjustments
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”

If its looking like you’re not going to make your goals this year, now would be a good time to adjust your plan. Don’t accept failure as an option, adjust your sails, and you will sail safely to your goal.

8. You Can Learn From Everyone
“If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”

You can and should learn from everyone, be it a crook or a saint. Every life is a story filled with lessons ripe for the picking.

9. All or None
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

Whatever you do, do it with everything, or don’t do it at all. To succeed in life requires your very best, give your very best, and you will live without regrets.

Running on Empty?

"He who has health, has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.”
I will be the first to admit that I am a busy bee and have a very hard time sitting and relaxing. I have been running on empty the last couple weeks and it's finally catching up to me. I feel tired and weak and have lost sight of my health.

Remember that your body needs rest, it needs exercise and it needs healthful foods. All of which I have been ignoring lately. It's amazing how much the mind is connected to health. When your taking care of yourself physically and internally then your mind is clear and you have the natural energy that our body produces from doing what's right. When you don't get enough sleep, aren't eating enough and running around like a crazy woman constantly it's only a matter of time before you either get sick or you just feel yucky.

Take care of yourself, allow time for relaxation and recognize that not everything needs to get done in one day!! GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

I start a new job in a week which I am very excited about and It's essential that I practice what I preach and enter the workplace with a fresh mind and healthy body. I am committed to taking care of myself and making my health a priority.
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”

A Healthy Balance

"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.”
Today I am reminded yet again about the power of a great friendship. I am blessed to have people in my life that support and lift me up and thinking about not having them around makes it a very hollow life.
I see it so often, a girl or guy gets smitten and they put all their happiness in their relationship leaving their friends behind. When you have a relationship where you are dependent on your significant other this will lead to an unhealthy relationship.
I'm happy that I have always recognized the significance of having girl time in addition to the quality time I share with Ry. This balance can be tough but is essential for a life of happiness. Friends make you laugh,smile and are always their for a good cry and listening ear.
Try to find a balance that you feel comfortable with and be conscious of this balance as you continue in your relationship.

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”

Miracles Happen

I watched Oprah yesterday and was so emotional as I heard of the story of the Coble family who lost their three children, Kyle, Emma and Katie in a horrific car accident. Lori Coble, the mother that was driving at the time of the crash had been stuck in the slow lane due to traffic when a big rig slammed into the back of the minivan going approximately 55 mph. Lori made it out alive but her three children had died. Lori and her husband Chris showed how they grieved the loss of their children and how difficult life had been since the accident in 2007. They had made a pact to one another to never give up on eachother and take their lives as much as this thought had crossed their minds at times.

Tears rolled down my eyes as I imagined a house full of three beautiful children playing and coming into an empty house after the accident, the silence must have been a painful reminder of what had happened. This story is a true testament that everyone goes through struggles, some more extreme than others, and when you feel you can't make it through life it's essential to put your faith in God and lean on your family for support.

Life can change in the blink of an eye, make sure that you soak up all it has to offer.

The most miraculous part of this story was that Lori and Chris had decided to have children soon after their children had passed in hopes this would fill the void and emptiness in the house and their lives. Lori found out she was pregnant with triplets, two girls and one boy. This story sent chills down my spine, to have triplets of the same sexes of their children that had passed is truly amazing. Although the family is still grieving and will be for the rest of their lives they are able to build a family while never forgetting the memory of the children who had passed at too young of an age. Chris and Lori demonstrate what it means to be a courageous fighter that didn't give up despite the horrible situation that occured. Miraculous stories like these are a constant reminder that God is present and watching down on us and we have to have faith that those who are taken from us are being taken care of.

“Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.”
-Henry Ford
"The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God."

Addiction

I want to spend some time talking about the word "addiction," which in my opinion is used too freely. I know I myself have been guilty of using this term in the wrong context. I recently read an article stating that everyone is addicted to something. It seems as though in recent years, addiction has been used to desribe alot of things that are not inherently harmful. For example, some may say that they are addicted to football or they are addicted to a certain type of food. Looking up the definition of an addict it states, "The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination; A habit or practice that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when ceased causes trauma; A pathological relationship to mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences."
We need to recognize the difference between liking something strongly and being an addict. Being addicted to something is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed seriously whether it's an alcohol, food, drug, sex, addition these topics are often life threatening. I have known a handful of people who I would consider addicts and it's a very difficult situation to go through. It is frustrating at times because no matter how much effort you put forth in helping them, they themselves need to recognize the issue first and want help. I have lost 3 friends to drug overdoses and this is not okay.
If you notice that someone around you is struggling, gently guide them and support them to get better. Do not give up. Do not sit beside them and watch blindly as their life spirals out of control.

“We may think there is willpower involved, but more likely… change is due to want power. Wanting the new addiction more than the old one. Wanting the new me in preference to the person I am now.”-George Sheehan

Love Yourself

"You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection. "

As I grow older I am learning to love what I had once considered flaws. Having love for yourself is the most beautiful of all loves and is a never-ending search from within. So, don't be so hard on yourself and put your focus on all the greatness you bring into the world and the people surrounding you.

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

OOOPRAH

Oprah's farewell season premiered this week and I have mixed emotions; I am so excited that the show is back because I adore her but I feel sad that this is her final year. It's really quite ridiculous but I almost feel like Oprah is a personal therapist and educator to me.I have been a big fan of the Oprah for 13 years now and believe there will be no other person in my lifetime that will make such an impact on this world. One of my favorite things about Oprah is her true passion for helping others using the abundance of money she has earned to sup rise deserving people with new houses, cars and trips making many people's dreams come true.
I often think of what I would do if I was fortunate to have the amount of money that she has and I would want nothing more than to help people and give great people who are less fortunate the opportunity to succeed in life and get what they truly deserve.

Here are a couple of my favorite Oprah quotes that I cherish and believe in with all my heart.

"I define joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace - a connection to what matters."

"In every aspect of our lives, we are always asking ourselves, How am I of value? What is my worth? Yet I believe that worthiness is our birthright."

"Living in the moment brings you a sense of reverence for all of life's blessings."

"The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be."

"What I know for sure is that what you give comes back to you."

"What we're all striving for is authenticity, a spirit-to-spirit connection."

"Use what you have to run toward your best - that's how I now live my life."

"Every time you state what you want or believe, you're the first to hear it. It's a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don't put a ceiling on yourself."

Join me in the Journey

If you were to somehow take a peak into my mind you would see a web of constant random thoughts. I daydream, I worry, I think about how I could have played out a situation differently and wonder where my life will lead me in the future. Just like the hands of the clock my brain is in constant motion moving in circles trying to make sense of what is meant to be and what to make out of the life I've been given. I truly appreciate my "active" brain although, half the time I just wish that damn clock would take a rest (just a tiny break PLEASE silly brain) so that I can just let what is meant to be, be.

I am a true believer in the phrase "what's meant to be will be," and I am working diligently to really let that phrase sink in so that I can not only believe it but live by it. At times I feel like a scientist trying to experiment in concocting the perfect balance of being too lackadaisical in my actions and too aggressive and intense. I believe this balance is something that many strive for and often takes a lifetime to recognize. No one is perfect and this "balance" is something that may not be perfectly achieved but as long as we work to improve this balance with patience and a conscious effort, that's all that matters. The truth is that no matter how much planning and thinking we do in our lives, our life has already been paved by God and He is the only person that understands why things play out the way they do and why we make the decisions we chose. He wants us to be true to ourselves and live a life of honesty and love, for he knows that everyone gets off track at times losing sight of the precious path that he wrote out for us before we were brought into the world. However, as long as you learn from your missteps, He is forgiving and will direct us back to a life of fulfillment that he so passionately wants for everyone.

I invite you to join me in my journey to truly believing that patience, honesty and living a life of kindness is the characteristics that God intended you to carry in your heart which will lead you to a life that you had never dreamt was humanly possible. Put all your worries aside and focus only on the positive because worrying leads nowhere but to wasted time. Be the person you envision when you think of a "faithful loving person," and I am confident that your life will be led to a fulfilling peaceful place that no longer lives in a place of limbo and constant circles but rather, a smooth path that goes in a direction closer to your true authentic soul in which God had intended and created in you.

“Nothing happens, and nothing happens, and then everything happens” -Fay Weldon
Everything happens for a reason and a purpose, and it serves you.” -Anthony Robbins
“I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.”- Oprah
“Everything happens for a reason. Every action has a reaction. Always remember that whats meant to be will always find a way to come about.”
Biblical Verses
1.“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5)

2.Thus says the Lord, Your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)

3.“I will instruct you and teach you in the way should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

4.“For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.” (Psalm 48:14)

5.“The Lord will guide you continually …” (Isaiah 58:11)

Another way to look at this is that a step is one day in your life. What this means is that God now has each day of your life perfectly planned out for you to the day that you depart from this life. You are now on the yellow brick road with the yellow color now being the light of God Himself.

Your job is to now live each day to its fullest, always trying to do the best at whatever God will be calling you to do for Him on that particular day. If you can learn how to keep this kind of mindset, you will be less likely to throw pity parties when things do not go the way you think they should.

"A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

This may not be an area you feel you really need to focus on, in which case is great. If however, you can relate to this post please be conscious of this. Lead a life of less worry and more trust that you will be the amazing, talented, successful person that you are and will continue to be for a lifetime and beyond!

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?" –Marianne Williamson

Your Authentic Self

"It could well be that stress, anxiety, depression and the sense that something is missing in life could be caused by years or ignoring and denying our true nature. Think how wonderful you feel when you are doing something that you really love, be it gardening, building something, creating art, dancing or walking. In these moments, what you are doing is in alignment with your true essence, so there is no resistance. You feel relaxed, forgetting about yourself and just being in the moment.

We treasure these moments because for a time, we are nurturing our soul. Ego slips away, and when that happens what is left is soul. We use terms such as "soul satisfying" or "good for the soul." We appreciate these moments so much because they are such a contrast with our usual way of being, and they are rare.

That is not how it should be. The authentic, unique aspects of our being, be they gifts and talents, a loving nature or simply our own true thoughts, are our gifts to the world. We came to share our soul, and to experience the souls of others. However, if we are all hiding our souls behind the costume of ego, we miss the whole point of being here.

We did not come to this earth to do our job, make money, acquire things, and be like everyone else. We did not come to make ourselves so busy that we have no time to feel our soul, and listen to its gentle guidance. We came to blossom into the fullest expression of our true nature, our authentic self-who we were destined to be before we were shaped into someone else. There is still time."

-Gwen Randall-Young