Make an effort . . . .

The countdown begins!.....3 days left until the New Year. It's a tradition for many to stop and examine what's working in their life, and what's not. Do you find yourself taking a closer look? What changes, if any, are you thinking about making? Personally I feel that changes can be made any day of the year, or any moment for that matter......not just when the calendar flips to a New Year. But for the sake of tradition, I do find myself asking a few questions. It just seems like an appropriate time to re-group, and to take an honest look at what changes can be made to enhance or enrich our lives. Are we spending time with people who are good for us? Are we good for them? Are we healthy? Could we be healthier? Are we giving back? Do we give at all? New Year's resolutions don't have to be huge life changing affairs. But we could at least promise ourselves that we'll do SOMEthing, as small as that may be, to better ourselves and the people around us. It's not that difficult. The details of our life could change, and most likely WILL change, by this time next year. I know we can't control everything, but if we knew we could control at least  a part of that, why wouldn't we make an effort to do what we can to make it better? Make a promise to yourself that you will put forth the effort that it takes to do something that will enhance your life. If you desire something, find the energy to input the effort! How bad do you want it?

(Hint....I've found that adding a bit more humor to your life makes it easier!)

"Rules for Happiness: 

something to do,

someone to love,

something to hope for."

Break out of your comfort zone . . . .

We are told over and over again to seek comfort. Comfort is good, right? Society encourages it. I encourage it as well. But I like to use my comfort zone as a reward, not a place to retreat to because I'm afraid to venture into a new place, or take on a new challenge. Comfort zones are awesome! They're familiar, and they're safe.  But they can become stifling if we automatically retreat to them just to avoid a new challenge. First of all, remember that challenges are opportunities for growth!  They test us and makes us better. There is no question that it can be a scary thing to take on a new challenge. But seriously, what is the worst thing that can happen? Is the worst case scenario really that bad? Messing up a few times isn't that big of a deal. We all make mistakes. Personally, I think it's a bigger mistake to find ourselves in a rut due to fear. We miss out on amazing opportunities. Opportunities that could open your eyes to new and exciting things.  Don't allow yourself to get trapped in a zone that hinders your growth. There's a marvelous world out there! Check it out!

Today is a perfect day to start! 

Off you go!

"One can choose to go back toward safety 
or forward toward growth. 
Growth must be chosen again and again; 

fear must be overcome again and again."

-Abraham Maslow

The art of living does not consist

in preserving and clinging to a particular

mode of happiness, but in allowing

happiness to change its form without

being disappointed in the change;

happiness, like a child, must be

allowed to grow up.

-Charles Morgan

Permission Granted . . . .

You have permission to be who you are. You have permission to love what you love. You have permission to be with the people you wish to be with and to do the things you want to do. You have permission to ask questions, to experience all the pains and pleasures of your life.

You have permission to listen to your body's needs and to meet those needs. You have permission to explore your inner heart. You do not have to separate yourself into airtight compartments labeled body, mind, soul, spirit. You have permission to be a whole person, not a fragmented collection of miscellaneous parts.

You do not have to twist yourself into a pretzel to become someone you are not. You don't have to squeeze yourself into a tight little box to fit someone else's expectations. The universe has given you permission to be yourself.

Breathe a sigh of relief. 

Allow growth and change to happen. 

You have spent too much time beating yourself up for the wrong reasons. 

It will be all right.
Permission is granted.

From the book 

The Art of Encouragement

by

Candy Paull

Photo by Joel Rhodin via Agent Bauer

Wasted energy . . . .

Are there circumstances in your life that you feel you have no control over and in turn are blaming others for your own unhappiness? It takes an enormous amount of mental energy  to blame others. It's a "drag-me-down" mind-set that creates stress and disease. Blaming makes you feel powerless over your own life because your happiness is contingent on the actions and behavior of others, which you can't control. Yes, there are times when other people and/or circumstances contribute to our problems, but it is we who must rise to the occasion and take responsibility for our own happiness. Circumstances don't make a person, they reveal him or her. When you stop blaming others for anything and everything in your life, it doesn't mean that you don't hold people accountable for their actions, but that you hold yourself accountable for your own happiness. Take responsibility for your reactions to other people and the circumstances around you, then hold yourself accountable for that. When you stop blaming others, you will regain your sense of personal power, and you'll begin to see yourself as a choice-maker. At this point life becomes a great deal more fun and much easier. 

"People spend too much time finding other people to blame, too much energy finding excuses for not being what they are  capable of being, and not enough energy putting themselves on the line, growing out of the past, and getting on with their lives."

-J. Michael Straczynski

Compiled from a "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...

and it's all small stuff" calendar

Let them see you change and grow . . . .

Everyone thinks about changing the world, but no one thinks about changing himself. Nothing inspires and motivates people as much as watching someone else change for the better. When you are willing to offer yourself up as a role model for personal change, you'll motivate others faster than anything else you can do.

-Steve Chandler

Photo via Google Images

Friendships and growth . . . .

Being honest with a friend about a problem between the two of you, and having your thoughts embraced, is probably the most cleansing, wonderful feeling that can take place between two people who love each other. It's never an easy thing to do. As a matter of fact, it's pretty hard. But I've realized that there is nothing more necessary than doing so. Do you have a friend with whom you've been forthright with? Have you felt that once you've gotten to the other side of the conversation, it truly is purifying? Not only that, but at this stage you are allowed to begin again! How great is that? You are allowed a new starting point! It would be wise to remember how precious friendships are, and to remember how few opportunities we have to develop depth with another person. If you've had that chance, cherish it. Nurture it. Value it. Look after it.  Protect it, and realize that those kind of friendships are rare, will never come easy, and should be honored.

Photo via Google Images