Thankful Thursday

Thanks for the kind comments and words of encouragement. Being a blogger is being part of a great community. 

Am I repeating kitty photos? Sorry (not really. They're cute.) I have lots to be thankful for and I know it. 

It's easy to focus on the wrong things and lose sight of what's important. We may not have wealth but we have our health. Even Kirby is back to normal. 

My struggles are not the end of the world. I do wonder if I make the right decision. I usually assume that I do except for one decision. The student loans. I regret that today, yesterday and I'll continue to regret that the at least 17 more years. I want to be a mover and shaker but I can't because of the ginormous mountain of student loans. 

My current goal is to pay off all the student loans. But I haven't won the peer all yet. 

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Thankful Thursday, a mental exercise in good health. There are many things to be thankful for but at times life and stress become overwhelming. These are the moments when being thankful is critical. Today, I am thankful for nature. The peacefulness, the calmness, the greenery are all perfect to me. I don't get to enjoy nature enough. While I am in a state that doesn't boast many natural beauties, there are still opportunities to enjoy God's bounty. Let's all stop and smell the roses. (If anyone wants to buy me roses, especially my hubby, that is A-Ok by me.) Please stay tuned for High Five For Friday.

Peaceful

I have a confession to make. I am rarely satisfied with where I am in life. I am always looking to move forward and get somewhere else. I never take the time to enjoy where I am in the moment. To get places, there is a process. This journey called life is not to be taken for granted. God is patiently teaching me to relish the process and find contentment. I think I'm ready to move to the next job or the next city but God has different plans and timing than I do. It's a daily struggle for me and I am constantly reminding myself that God has great plans for me. Jeremiah 29:11 says, " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NIV My struggle is not over. At times I feel that it's difficult to rein my mind onto positive thoughts. Thankfully God does not give up on me. Amen. END

Teeny tiny flower

Often, I prefer to post photos of flowers that I have taken. Flowers are very sweet and the smell can be rejuvenating. Its easy to forget the little flowers when stress starts to overwhelm you. If you can keep flowers close by, you can reduce some stress. I can get so wound up in life and challenges that its hard to relax and unwind. Little flowers can help.

Take time to enjoy the little flowers. 

Strengthens

Philipians 4:13 So if we can do all things through Christ, does that mean we should feel like we can? I keep trying to remember this verse but it hasn't brought me any comfort lately.

I am feeling crushed by embarrassment, bills, and my day to day life. If I can get through all this pain with Christ, why don't I feel better?

Dear Lord, please help me deal with the stresses around me and bring me some financial relief. Amen.

Change is a slow process

Change is a slow and steady process, akin to the speed of a walking turtle. Change is slow and steady.

I keep hoping and expecting that suddenly things will change. Suddenly getting things done will be easy. Doing what I want to do instead of have to do can be a new reality. We are not there yet. Everyday I have a little hope that things will change. Its a very small tiny amount of hope. Sadly, I don't have enough hope to share. I go through rough patches where I can't even see the little hope that is there. The pressure of life gets to be too heavy.

Dear Lord, I am where I am supposed to be. Can you please make life a little easier? I need Your blessing to get a better paying job. On my own, nothing can be accomplished. Please help. Amen.

We Need Balance

Tonight, I attended a seminar on the work/life balance that most women struggle with. Apparently, we are born with at least two genes that make us feel guilty. We feel guilty for many things such as working instead of taking care of family or taking care of ourselves instead of working. We have to learn that it is ok to let stuff go and to pick our battles. Its important to be present where we are at that moment in time whether its work or home or helping out in the community. We need to understand that sacrifices and choices are made. Don't stress out! Be happy with what you have. Understand work/life balance does not mean the same for every person. We all have different priorities, which dictates how we handle the equation. This was an enlightening seminar, which also had some good career advice. I'll share that next time.

Dedication

I've learned that playing the piano takes dedication and I can play any song that I put to lots of practice. It took several years of practice and slowly going through the measures but now I can play Fur Elise by Beethoven from memory.

If I can stay dedicated to learning one song, then I know I am strong enough to get through any variety of challenges that comes with life.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving me the strength and wisdom to know all things can be done through You. Amen

Tundra

Out in the tundra, I feel as though I am the size of a tundra flower; so small and insignificant. The vastness is overwhelming and the beauty is unmatched. Life has a way of overwhelming us from time to time. My contributions to community, family, and friends feels tiny like a tundra flower. In the end, God takes our work and makes it full and complete. The tundra flower has a short but meaningful life and so do I.

Thank You Lord for bringing purpose to everything in my life. I pray that I have the wisdom to appreciate it.

Contentment

I am content with what I have. My needs are met. I intend to enjoy what the good spoils in my life.

I've decided to no longer dwell on the past. I used to do that and it was not good for my health.

Accepting what we have with joy is the best attitude. This can reduce stress and increase happiness.

Its not easy but nothing in life ever is. It is worth it because life is too short to dwell on painful events or actions.

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your wisdom and patience. I am learning every day to be pleased with what I have because it all came from You as a gift. Amen.

Meaningless

"Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher, "completely meaningless." Ecclesiastes 12:8

Thankfully, the Lord brings meaning to the chaos we call life. Behind it all, there is a purpose. We just can't comprehend what the purpose is, until afterwards.

Its the little things

Today, I worked on my coupons and prepared bread in the bread machine. I am excited to buy a certain teeth whitening product because I have two coupons to use.

The little things in life can improve your day, someone else’s day, or both. That’s why I like to remind you and myself to not let the little blessings in life slip past conscienceness.

Good attitude

Sometimes attitude is a decision and not a reflection of your surroundings. Positive thinking can keep you out of harms way. I know from experience that when I choose a good attitude, life goes a little smoother and troubles don’t phase me out.

My tips for choosing a good attitude include: good hair day, having a special drink, chatting with a friend, listening to a good song, and relaxing with a favorite hobby. How do you choose a good attitude?

Grateful

I am grateful for my good health, job, and my family. I am thankful for Chomps and Kirby, who give me so much love. Life is never easy and its not supposed to be. Its still important to think about the positive things in life.

What are you grateful for?

No Reason

I haven’t blogged much lately and I miss it. I really wanted to blog about important topics around health, life, and wellness. I thought about blogging about food, even though I am a complete failure in the kitchen. I considered blogging about business and finance since I work in the industry. Reality has hit and I haven’t written much at all.

I enjoy writing and plan to continue but I definitely need to find a new focus. With that new focus, I will have plenty of content to post on the blog. Thanks for your patience as I work this out. If you have suggestions, I am always open to feedback.

Day of rest

Today’s rating is Positive.

I have been able to relax, which has been good. I spent a bit of time with a group of Christians from meetup and it was encouraging. Sometimes the best way to beat stress is to hang out with a good group of people and I’ve found meetup a useful way to find other like minded people.

I am staring at another week full of work, stress, and life. I pray that we all have the strength to get through it and make good decisions. Amen.

Oh Happy Weekend!

Today’s rating is Positive.

I have exciting things this weekend. Events that could make my life happier. If things go well, then I could be moving. I need this. Please pray.

If you are in need of another tip for relieving stress, I have two for you just for the weekend. Take time to accomplish something that you have been meaning to get to. You will feel so strong and more in control. Take time to do an activity that you enjoy. It will help you feel less stressed. I pray we all have a good weekend! Cheers!

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.