Make a difference Monday

 Make a difference Monday is an important part of my life.  I want to use this series as a way of giving back and as a way of making the world a better place. 

Right now, I feel that my world would be better if I was passionate about how I make a living.  There are so many jobs that I am capable of doing but the passion is not there. I will find my dream job someday. In the mean time, I will surround myself with activities I am passionate about. I will continue to write, play piano, take photos, crochet scarves for the needy, read books, travel or dream about travel, bike, run, learn. I will be an active member of toastmasters, COPA, and be a part of my community. 

This is what I will do. And when the time is right, the door will open to my dream job. 

Dear Lord, please give me the patience to find my dream job and the contentment to enjoy the job I have and the journey to the next opportunity. Amen. 

Book smarts

It amazes me at how smart and dumb I can be at the same time. For example, while working on my Bachelor's degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage I was required to take a statistics course. The homework was not required to be turned in. The grade was based solely off of three exams. I went through nearly the entire semester without doing the homework. The first test, I received a D. The second test, I received an F. A week before the final exam, I studied until my brain couldn't handle statistics any longer. All I did, for seven days before the exam, was do the homework, something I should have been doing the entire time. I completed the final exam with an A, which garnered me a C in the course. I passed and most of the work was done at the last minute. When I need to be, I can be very smart and learn things very quickly. Its one of my top strengths according to Strengthsfinders. If you have not read this book, I would recommend you purchase it. There is an access code to the Strengthsfinders assessment and from there you will discover what you are good at doing. It was right on the nose for me. 

Stay strong

Philippians 4:13 " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

It is easy to feel overwhelmed. Our lives are small and insignificant. Thankfully, God gives us the strength to do anything that is before us. We have strength that we didn't know was in us. Another good reminder is on the show "Biggest Loser", where contestants fight for their lives and learn how much strength is in them.

Thank you Lord for Your strength. I need it!

Hump day

When the week gets long and wearisome, its good to look towards the future. Thinking about fun activities or something exciting that is coming up helps me stay positive. I'm reminded of Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Positive Thinking

Today’s rating is Positive.

I haven’t officially counted all of the strategies I use to combat stress but I use a lot of different techniques. I have never used drugs, even during the most depressing and darkest of days. Typically, I stick to natural holistic methods. Today’s tip is to think positively. Its easy to do when life is smooth sailing but needs to be a conscience daily effort.

I am usually a positive, upbeat, friendly person. When things overwhelm me and get me down it is hard to keep thinking positive thoughts. I have read about self-fulfilling prophecies and I’ve learned that what we think will happen usually does. I have been successful with positive thinking because I have good friends. If you find yourself having a difficult time thinking positively, then you should ask a friend for encouragement. It makes all the difference.

Slow down to breathe

Today’s rating is positive.

I have a picture of these little cuties at my desk. They remind me to take things easy, to breathe when something starts to overwhelm me, and be thorough in my work. Mistakes happen and I try to reframe it into an opportunity to learn. Learning is an important part of my life. I love to learn new skills, new knowledge, and new facts.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t forget the turtle. In the nursery rhyme, Tortoise and the Hare, the Tortoise won the race. We can win the race called life, as long as we remember to breathe. I hope you can remember this and have a good week.

Blogging for me

Today’s rating is Positive.

I am blogging to keep myself honest about how I feel. When I look back at 2010, there were not enough positive times in my life. I couldn’t laugh, I was stressed, I had headaches, and I hated just about everything in my life.

I am learning about myself. After reading some books, I can see where I run into problems. I’m a first-born and I’m constantly looking for perfection. I’m hypersensitive to most everything that goes wrong. Add in some loneliness and there’s the recipe for 2010’s misery. Now I can see where I’ve gone wrong. The true test is if I have learned how to get past these innate personality quirks. The test isn’t over yet but so far I am doing good. THANK YOU GOD!