Motivational Monday – 7 Things to quit in the New Year

Count your blessings more than your problems and you will change the outlook of your situation. It was obvious to me this Holiday season how much my sons have matured. As they decorated our Christmas tree I smiled as they hung decorations all around the tree and not just near the bottom.

My artificial Christmas tree has been around so long that’s it’s like one of the family. My sons are nearly the same height as the prelit tree with lights that no longer work. I like the tree because it’s easy to assemble. This year I added lights, but only half of them worked. I could have complained, but I didn’t.

Instead of complaining (this time), I reflected on the memories that surrounded my out-of- date Christmas tree. There was more than one Christmas where my boys would tip-toe from their bedroom, creep up to the tree and shake every gift trying to determine the contents. Other evidence of Christmases past include photos of the boys in pajamas in front of the Christmas tree or wearing matching sweaters.

As I count my blessings, I’ve thought about things I can quit doing in the New Year. One idea is to Quit Complaining (or at least complain less). Take a moment to reflect over your year and count your blessings. Then come up with a list of things that you can quit doing in the New Year. Below is a list of ideas to get you started – 7 Things to quit in the New Year

1.      Thinking you’re not good enough

2.      Thinking you’re too old

3.      Giving away all of your time

4.      Toxic friendships/relationships

5.      Giving excuses for not focusing on self-care

6.      Stressing over past mistakes

7.      Negative self-talk

Never give up on yourself.

Wishing you a prosperous New Year.

Motivational Monday – 3 Blessings

Photo Credit: The Earth Plan

My cell phone dinged, indicating that I had a text message. I reached for the phone and tapped on the message. It was from a friend who sends uplifting words throughout the week. This particular message said, “As God blesses us through our gifts, we bless others.”

We all have a special gift. What is your gift and how will you use it to bless someone else?

I was given a writing prompt recently that said write three blessings. Pretend you were given a similar challenge, your guidelines are as follows:

·         Be a blessing to someone whom you do not expect to repay you.

·         Bless someone when they are least expecting it.

Here are 5 ways you can bless someone.

1.      Pay for someone’s meal

2.      Help a co-worker with a project

3.      Send flowers to someone, for no reason

4.      Do yard work for a neighbor

5.      Pay for a stranger’s gas

What are 3 blessing you can bestow upon someone?

The above may seem like small acts of kindness, but could be a major blessing at a time they are needed. Now that you’ve been a blessing to someone else, it’s time to speak power over your life – your dreams, your future.

Have faith, anticipate, and be ready to receive beyond what you can imagine.

Blessings to you.

Feel Good Friday - Are you feeling blessed?

I came across a phrase recently that I want to share with you today. As you reflect on the year that has just passed, how would you complete this phrase, "God has blessed me with...?"

My answer would include:

Health -  I kept a consistent workout routine in 2013, took vitamins (sometimes) and ate fruits and vegetables (maybe not the daily recommended amount, but I got them in).

Strength - I had the strength to maintain a workout routine, work, attend my kids events and even wrestle with my son on occasion (he tries to prove he's stronger than I am, of course I quit if he has the upper hand). This included emotion and physical strength.

Writing Networking Opportunities - It was great to attend a writing/revision retreat in the fall where I reconnected with friends and met new people. And I can forget the blessing of a new laptop (Mother's Day) that traveled with me to the conference and other writing journeys.

What about you, what were some of your blessing highlights for 2013?

My cup runneth over – What abundance of things have you experienced lately?

What unexpected gifts or blessings have you experienced lately? Here’s my short list -

·         I was able to attend a conference that I didn’t think I would be able to go to.

·         A friend gave me a gas card at a time it was really needed.

·         A parent came up to me at a football game and said, “Your son does a great job, thank you for what you do with him.”

 What does your list look like? May your cup overflow with an abundance of blessings.