Archive for journaling
New Routines?
Posted by: | CommentsHave you implemented any new changes/routines in your life this year?
Are you interested in creating a more balanced life, adding an healthy routine, learning to cook, reading more, spending more time with your children, keeping your finances in budget, renovating your home, or taking a few classes?
I don’t personally believe in “New Year’s Resolutions”, I feel they tend to be changes we wish we would make in our lives, but are end up just that- wishes. I prefer that the changes in our lives be made at anytime through-out the year and are something we are passionate about so that the changes can stick, improve our lives, and grow us.
What motivates you to make a change? What motivates you to maintain that change over a long period of time? What causes you to stop actively making that change?
A few popular ways to make a change that sticks with our lives and routines include:
1. Create specific goals.
Ex: If you are looking to add a healthy routine you might: schedule time to walk with a friend 3 times per week and take a nutrition class.
2. Create “do-able” change.
Ex: To spend more time with your children: Plan to spend Sat mornings making breakfast together and read or play games together 2 evenings per week.
3. Learn from those who went before you:
Ex: Planning a renovation? Contact friends, co-workers and family who have done this before and get advice and information from what they learned in the process.
4. Get support.
Ex: If you are trying to have a better work/life balance: buddy up with a friend or your spouse to cheer each other on and offer support. 
Change is a part of life. Growth requires change. So embrace the ways that you can bring new energy and quality of life to your daily routines. Because when changes are made by creating goals, planning, and with passion behind them, they are changes that stick in our lives.
So, jump on here and leave comments as to what changes you are making and how you are moving forward with those changes!
My best as you make changes to you life this 2012.
Merry Christmas from Me to You…
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The countdown is on…with only a few days left before we celebrate Christmas.
Are you rushing about, feeling stressed, short on patience and still have a mile-long “to-do” list? It’s time to step back and change our perspective. To breathe and to center our hearts.
It’s not about the gifts, the perfect decorations, or holiday parties.
It’s not about elaborate dinners, the crowds at the mall, or living up to expectations we have set.
It’s not about things.
It’s about love, people, and the one gift that saved the world…Jesus.
It’s about sacrificial giving, showing love to those who seem to deserve it the least, and sharing what we have with those who are in greater need.
It’s reaching out to those who have wronged us, making time for those we love and hold dear, and searching our hearts for how we can make a difference not only during the days of Christmas, but all year long.
It’s not only showing love, but being love.
Christmas is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you and yours. May your hearts be so full that you have no option but to share that fullness. May the blessings that you have been given be those with which you bless others.
He chose bread to feed us.
Water to wash us.
A baby to save us.
God uses the ordinary for His greatest work.
May He bless you and make your “ordinary” life a blessing to others.
Daily Creative: One Word
Posted by: | CommentsWe all need some extra clarity and direction once in a while. We all need a clear vision of our life’s mission. 
Here’s today’s simple thought….
What one thing do you really what to be known for?
What one word describes your life and gifting so well that if it was taken away from you… it would shake you at your very core? What is the legacy of your life? Who are you designed to be? What makes you feel complete?
At first, this may seem easier than you think. I suggest taking a note pad and writing down all of the things you think this one word might be. Filter them and let them sit. Go back to it again later. The word is often an adjective. It is usually an action that you are at your core. It is the way you think, what you base your world-view on, what you prioritize everything against. It is the beginning of all your passions and dreams.
So… once you discover what that word truly is…. are you living it? Does this word help clarify and simplify your life, or are you letting the life complicate your word?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As the New Year Begins…A Celebration.
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We are Celebrating a New Year and all the new things that are to come!
As you new year begins, what dreams and goals do you have planned for 2011?
What new adventures will you be taking on? Where will you change habits? Where will you stretch and transform yourself?
What parts of your life will you be focusing on?
Most importantly…. what steps or goals do you have planned out to lead you to success?
Changes can quickly get overwhelming if we don’t focus on the small daily steps that become our new routine. Create short routines to keep you focused on your real reasons for change and the everyday moments that make that transformation possible. Create a mission statement for yourself. Post it somewhere you can see it everyday.
Some other tips to keep you on track:
Start a journal: keep track of progress, frustrations, joys, ideas
Share your journey with others: being accountable is important for success
Don’t try to change everything at once: pick several new changes to focus on for each 3-4 month period, implementing more throughout the year, as those goals become routine
Treat yourself: set small rewards for yourself each time you reach a milestone in your journey- it will keep you motivated and reward your efforts
Be gentle with yourself: Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip-up. We are all human. Re-focus and get back on track
Remember…
The things that don’t come easy or challenge us beyond our comfort zone, are those that are most worth the efforts. Nothing of value comes without some effort. So keep focused and surround yourself with those willing to support your dreams and steps along the way. So go ahead, dream big and remember you are fabulous!
Let us be one source of support for you here on this blog… let us cheer you on and dream big with you.
Share the steps you’ll be taking for 2011 here…
(photo from Southern Accents entertaining)
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
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Happy Thanksgiving Dear Friends!
I just wanted to stop by to wish you all a lovely and blessed Thanksgiving Day.
May your holiday be full of grace, blessings, and togetherness. Being with those we love and counting our blessings is what it’s all about.
For those who are missing a loved one this holiday, I wish you comfort and peace in your heart. The holidays are so hard when someone you love isn’t there to celebrate with. May you find comfort in memories of past holidays together.
May you all know the grace God so abundantly gives us.
My wishes for safe travels and a restful week to all.
Warmest Wishes… Erica
