“You are the sum total of all your choices up until this moment.” -Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
The choices we make, both good and bad, shape who we are and affect our feelings of confidence and self worth. We need to make wise, careful choices in life. More importantly, if we like who we are today, there’s no need to stress out over bad choices in the past. It is OK to acknowledge the past, but don’t let it define you. In addition, don’t let others with low self-esteems try to bring you down by bringing up your past. Remember, it’s called “SELF-esteem”. Don’t allow anyone to affect the way you feel about you! God is the author of the only dictionary that defines you. Spend time with Him. Listen to Him and what He says to you, about you.
*Look back over you life and at some of the bigger choices you’ve made. Where did they lead? Did they lead to joy? Maybe the benefit wasn’t felt until 3 or 4 “steps” down the road.
*When you see how bad decisions caused bad reactions, remember to keep that in mind going forward. When you’re faced with a decision, try to plan a few steps ahead and envision where it will lead you.
Wiser,
~Sonja A. Brown
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Live a Limitless Life!!!
“Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” -Brenden Francis
We all have strengths and weaknesses. In fact, most of us are really good at pointing out our “own” faults but not very good at putting a value on our own skills. We need to understand both. Recognizing where your talents lie and where you need to need to ask for help is a strength and a huge step in setting and achieving your goals.
*Set realistic goals. Losing 20 pounds in a week, for instance, is not realistic, but losing 2 pounds a week is. Break your goal into definable actions - buy healthier food, substitute carrots for cookies, etc. - and outline the key steps.
*Identify your weak spots. Determine where you might need help, and see if you can build a step into your plan that addresses this sticking point.
No limits,
~Sonja
We all have strengths and weaknesses. In fact, most of us are really good at pointing out our “own” faults but not very good at putting a value on our own skills. We need to understand both. Recognizing where your talents lie and where you need to need to ask for help is a strength and a huge step in setting and achieving your goals.
*Set realistic goals. Losing 20 pounds in a week, for instance, is not realistic, but losing 2 pounds a week is. Break your goal into definable actions - buy healthier food, substitute carrots for cookies, etc. - and outline the key steps.
*Identify your weak spots. Determine where you might need help, and see if you can build a step into your plan that addresses this sticking point.
No limits,
~Sonja
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sell Yourself Tall with Conviction and a High Self Esteem!!!
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” –Christopher Robin to Pooh
By virtue of habit, we have a tendency to sell ourselves short. We let modesty or self doubt get in the way of achieving our goals. We often forget just how amazing we are, especially when we have bosses or loved ones telling us differently. Taking inventory of all your strengths and skills on a regular basis is essential to remaining confident. Remembering that you are always better than you think you are gives you courage to try.
*Challenge yourself. Can’t imagine being brave enough to rock climb? Instead of being doubtful, prove yourself by taking a first step, such as hiking a demanding trail.
*Write down your biggest accomplishments from childhood to date. When your self-esteem seems to waiver, let the list remind you of your strengths.
By virtue of habit, we have a tendency to sell ourselves short. We let modesty or self doubt get in the way of achieving our goals. We often forget just how amazing we are, especially when we have bosses or loved ones telling us differently. Taking inventory of all your strengths and skills on a regular basis is essential to remaining confident. Remembering that you are always better than you think you are gives you courage to try.
*Challenge yourself. Can’t imagine being brave enough to rock climb? Instead of being doubtful, prove yourself by taking a first step, such as hiking a demanding trail.
*Write down your biggest accomplishments from childhood to date. When your self-esteem seems to waiver, let the list remind you of your strengths.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Take a Chance…Trust Your Instincts!!!
“I have learned to use the word ‘impossible’ with the greatest caution.” -Wernher von Braun
Most of us approach our lives with caution, playing by the rules and doing what other people expect us to do. When our intuition tells us to try something new, we may hesitate or even panic and listen to all the reasons why we can’t. When we start to silence that negative inner voice, it’s the first step toward realizing our dreams. Give it a try.
*Keep you goals in sight. Self-doubt tells us that something “bad” might happen, so you need to remind yourself that something “good” might happen too. Find a picture that represents your goals and keep it in plain site
*We serve a God that wants only the best for us. Change your perspective. Decide to live in the positive, not the negative. Change your speech…instead of saying “Failure is not an Option”…begin saying “Success is Inevitable” Focus on the positives of success, not the negatives of failure!
*Make your own set of rules to live by instead of conforming to the norm or to someone else’s. When you make the rules, you become the boss.
Risking it all,
~Sonja
Most of us approach our lives with caution, playing by the rules and doing what other people expect us to do. When our intuition tells us to try something new, we may hesitate or even panic and listen to all the reasons why we can’t. When we start to silence that negative inner voice, it’s the first step toward realizing our dreams. Give it a try.
*Keep you goals in sight. Self-doubt tells us that something “bad” might happen, so you need to remind yourself that something “good” might happen too. Find a picture that represents your goals and keep it in plain site
*We serve a God that wants only the best for us. Change your perspective. Decide to live in the positive, not the negative. Change your speech…instead of saying “Failure is not an Option”…begin saying “Success is Inevitable” Focus on the positives of success, not the negatives of failure!
*Make your own set of rules to live by instead of conforming to the norm or to someone else’s. When you make the rules, you become the boss.
Risking it all,
~Sonja
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Walk Through Challenges Arm in Arm with Tolerance!!!
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a progress. Working together is a success.” -Henry Ford
Every relationship, personal and working, has its stages – from those blissful and magical days when you’re still getting to know one another through the inevitable challenges we face. With a mutual commitment, it’s possible to achieve a life of harmony with each other. Key word is mutual. Both or all parties must be willing to commit to harmony. The moment one party decides against the relationship it’s doomed for disaster and discord immediately erupts.
*Stop playing the “I do more” game. It’s never a good idea to keep a record or score of how does more, especially if your relationship is facing a challenge. Throw away the scoreboard and figure out a solution together.
*Let go of the idea that you can change someone. When you learn to accept a person for who they are, you’re focusing on togetherness, not separateness.
Together,
~Sonja
Every relationship, personal and working, has its stages – from those blissful and magical days when you’re still getting to know one another through the inevitable challenges we face. With a mutual commitment, it’s possible to achieve a life of harmony with each other. Key word is mutual. Both or all parties must be willing to commit to harmony. The moment one party decides against the relationship it’s doomed for disaster and discord immediately erupts.
*Stop playing the “I do more” game. It’s never a good idea to keep a record or score of how does more, especially if your relationship is facing a challenge. Throw away the scoreboard and figure out a solution together.
*Let go of the idea that you can change someone. When you learn to accept a person for who they are, you’re focusing on togetherness, not separateness.
Together,
~Sonja
Monday, May 25, 2009
Let Yourself Dream!!!
“Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.” -Lauren Bacall
Remember the days of old when we’d take our kites to the park and fly them high. What a thrill we’d experience when a summer breeze caught the kite and took it high into the sky. It was a feeling of soaring right along next to it. An active imagination is what keeps our dreams alive. Dreams often appear at some of the most ordinary times and sweep you up into an amazing world of possibilities. Dreams will change your life.
*Take a walk…to nowhere in particular. The rhythm of walking is a great way to clear you head and get you imagination going. One idea will lead to another; which leads to another until you finally hear yourself exclaiming “AHA!”
*Take some time from your busy schedule to ask yourself, “What if…?” Your questions might be the first step toward a fabulous new venture. Have fun!
Dreaming,
~Sonja
Remember the days of old when we’d take our kites to the park and fly them high. What a thrill we’d experience when a summer breeze caught the kite and took it high into the sky. It was a feeling of soaring right along next to it. An active imagination is what keeps our dreams alive. Dreams often appear at some of the most ordinary times and sweep you up into an amazing world of possibilities. Dreams will change your life.
*Take a walk…to nowhere in particular. The rhythm of walking is a great way to clear you head and get you imagination going. One idea will lead to another; which leads to another until you finally hear yourself exclaiming “AHA!”
*Take some time from your busy schedule to ask yourself, “What if…?” Your questions might be the first step toward a fabulous new venture. Have fun!
Dreaming,
~Sonja
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Slow Down…Pace Yourself!!!
“Everywhere is walking distance…if you have time.” -Steven Wright
Isn’t it odd how we make time for those things we want to do. We may tell others that we don’t have time to take care of some projects, but when it comes to doing those things we deem important, we will make time. Making time for those things important to us helps make life more fulfilling. When you slow down and make priorities, the distance between two points becomes invisible.
*Set aside one evening each week to reconnect with people special to you. Sit down, write a letter and send it “snail mail”. Or pick up the phone and call an old friend. You’ll be surprised at how those simple gestures can bring a world of joy into the lives of others.
*Take a break along the way. Stop and smell the flowers. Whether you’re going for a long walk or working toward a goal, allow yourself physical and emotional breaks. Short breaks will keep you fresh, prevent breakdowns and enable you to accomplish more,
Slow and easy,
~Sonja
Isn’t it odd how we make time for those things we want to do. We may tell others that we don’t have time to take care of some projects, but when it comes to doing those things we deem important, we will make time. Making time for those things important to us helps make life more fulfilling. When you slow down and make priorities, the distance between two points becomes invisible.
*Set aside one evening each week to reconnect with people special to you. Sit down, write a letter and send it “snail mail”. Or pick up the phone and call an old friend. You’ll be surprised at how those simple gestures can bring a world of joy into the lives of others.
*Take a break along the way. Stop and smell the flowers. Whether you’re going for a long walk or working toward a goal, allow yourself physical and emotional breaks. Short breaks will keep you fresh, prevent breakdowns and enable you to accomplish more,
Slow and easy,
~Sonja
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Spread Your Wings!!!
“If you surrender to the air you can ride.” -Toni Morrison
Have you wondered what it would be like to fly? Ever imagined what it would be like to allow a gentle current of air to pick you up and whisk you away to the clouds? If I had to guess, I would say that’s it’s similar to the feeling you get when you allow and trust yourself enough to love someone. At first, you may feel a little uncertain about leaving the safety of solid ground. But when you do…once you deice to let go and soar, you can begin to enjoy the ride.
*Develop trust with other people. This won’t happen instantaneously. It takes time. Let the relationship run its natural course.
*Outlive the rumors. Have you been lied on? Has someone lead others to believe you are untrustworthy. Has someone told you that they don’t feel safe around you? You can’t change the way others think. What you can do is outlive the rumors and lies that have been spread and take comfort in knowing that the truth will be exposed. It always is.
Soaring,
~Sonja
Have you wondered what it would be like to fly? Ever imagined what it would be like to allow a gentle current of air to pick you up and whisk you away to the clouds? If I had to guess, I would say that’s it’s similar to the feeling you get when you allow and trust yourself enough to love someone. At first, you may feel a little uncertain about leaving the safety of solid ground. But when you do…once you deice to let go and soar, you can begin to enjoy the ride.
*Develop trust with other people. This won’t happen instantaneously. It takes time. Let the relationship run its natural course.
*Outlive the rumors. Have you been lied on? Has someone lead others to believe you are untrustworthy. Has someone told you that they don’t feel safe around you? You can’t change the way others think. What you can do is outlive the rumors and lies that have been spread and take comfort in knowing that the truth will be exposed. It always is.
Soaring,
~Sonja
Friday, May 22, 2009
Enjoy the Memories with Gratitude!
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” -Ted Geisel
Endings are hard, even if it’s just leaving your favorite vacation spot. When a relationship breaks up or a job is lost, it’s natural to shed a few tears. The key is to move beyond the sadness to a place of gratitude. If you can cherish the past instead of getting stuck in it, your heart will be open and ready to receive the new gifts life has in store.
*Allow yourself to grieve while remembering to celebrate what has been. If it will help, create a scrapbook of the period you’re leaving behind. It can soothe the transition and give you something to look back on.
*Think about all the opportunities this change might have created. Think about all the projects you’ve put off. Perhaps you dreamed of a new career or dreamed of walking in your purpose and passion, but thought it was too risky. Now the door is open. Walk through and see what’s on the other side.
Cherishing the memories,
~Sonja
Endings are hard, even if it’s just leaving your favorite vacation spot. When a relationship breaks up or a job is lost, it’s natural to shed a few tears. The key is to move beyond the sadness to a place of gratitude. If you can cherish the past instead of getting stuck in it, your heart will be open and ready to receive the new gifts life has in store.
*Allow yourself to grieve while remembering to celebrate what has been. If it will help, create a scrapbook of the period you’re leaving behind. It can soothe the transition and give you something to look back on.
*Think about all the opportunities this change might have created. Think about all the projects you’ve put off. Perhaps you dreamed of a new career or dreamed of walking in your purpose and passion, but thought it was too risky. Now the door is open. Walk through and see what’s on the other side.
Cherishing the memories,
~Sonja
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Become Stronger TOGETHER with Grace, Harmony, and Tolerance!
“Differences were meant by GOD not to divide, but to enrich.” -J.H. Oldham
Everybody does things differently. If you’ve ever helped a friend cook dinner or gone on a road trip together, you’ve probably noticed that everyone has their own unique way of doing things. It doesn’t make it right or wrong…just different. If you go into situations with a “my way is the right way,” attitude, then you’re sure to get frustrated and fault in everything others do. When we allow differences to enrich us, we open ourselves up to a wealth of diversity
* Allow people to be themselves - to do things their way. See what you can learn from them. Consider how their style or views fir with yours. This small change can bring harmony into your relationship.
*Widen your circle. If invited to a party or event, and you don’t feel part of that particular crowd, go anyway. You never know what enriching experiences may come from it.
In Harmony,
~Sonja
Everybody does things differently. If you’ve ever helped a friend cook dinner or gone on a road trip together, you’ve probably noticed that everyone has their own unique way of doing things. It doesn’t make it right or wrong…just different. If you go into situations with a “my way is the right way,” attitude, then you’re sure to get frustrated and fault in everything others do. When we allow differences to enrich us, we open ourselves up to a wealth of diversity
* Allow people to be themselves - to do things their way. See what you can learn from them. Consider how their style or views fir with yours. This small change can bring harmony into your relationship.
*Widen your circle. If invited to a party or event, and you don’t feel part of that particular crowd, go anyway. You never know what enriching experiences may come from it.
In Harmony,
~Sonja
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Take Another Look…with Clarity!
“If your only measure of value is color, then you shall never appreciate the transparency of diamonds.” -Ameer Sadet Mahdy
We sometimes look at what we value in life as a matter of black or white. When we do this, it’s easy to place too much emphasis on one thing or another. For example, we may only measure success by wealth. Remember, it’s ok to have nice things, as long as we don’t allow nice things to possess us. Some only view beauty by outward appearance. Remember, beauty is fleeting; it’s what’s on the inside that matters most. When we take a black/white approach, we do a disservice to ourselves and others. When we focus on what truly matters, we find that we already have the things we value most!
*Clarify your desires. The next time you find yourself wishing for fortune or fame ask yourself why, then delve deeper. This will help you identify what you truly want.
* Crystal is an object that symbolizes purity. Keep a crystal in your home or office as a reminder to look at issues from every viewpoint.
Looking with clarity,
~Sonja
We sometimes look at what we value in life as a matter of black or white. When we do this, it’s easy to place too much emphasis on one thing or another. For example, we may only measure success by wealth. Remember, it’s ok to have nice things, as long as we don’t allow nice things to possess us. Some only view beauty by outward appearance. Remember, beauty is fleeting; it’s what’s on the inside that matters most. When we take a black/white approach, we do a disservice to ourselves and others. When we focus on what truly matters, we find that we already have the things we value most!
*Clarify your desires. The next time you find yourself wishing for fortune or fame ask yourself why, then delve deeper. This will help you identify what you truly want.
* Crystal is an object that symbolizes purity. Keep a crystal in your home or office as a reminder to look at issues from every viewpoint.
Looking with clarity,
~Sonja
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Be Bold…Welcome Opportunity with Self-Assurance.
“There is no security on this earth. Only opportunity.” -General Douglas MacArthur
No matter how hard we try to keep ourselves or our loved ones safe, secure, and out of harm’s way, there is always something that can affect us in a way we hadn’t planned. But what you can do is remain alert and take advantage of what comes your way to make your life and theirs better and more stable. When opportunity knocks, be sure to answer.
* You run the risk of stagnating when you choose safety over a chance to advance or make progress. Be thankful if you are ever forced out of a comfortable situation. Don’t let a false sense of security (in a relationship, career, etc.) dull your vision.
* Grab the brass ring. Whether you happen upon opportunity or create one, being willing, brave and motivated enough to act on it is the best way to improve your life and secure a happy future.
Assured,
~Sonja
No matter how hard we try to keep ourselves or our loved ones safe, secure, and out of harm’s way, there is always something that can affect us in a way we hadn’t planned. But what you can do is remain alert and take advantage of what comes your way to make your life and theirs better and more stable. When opportunity knocks, be sure to answer.
* You run the risk of stagnating when you choose safety over a chance to advance or make progress. Be thankful if you are ever forced out of a comfortable situation. Don’t let a false sense of security (in a relationship, career, etc.) dull your vision.
* Grab the brass ring. Whether you happen upon opportunity or create one, being willing, brave and motivated enough to act on it is the best way to improve your life and secure a happy future.
Assured,
~Sonja
Monday, May 18, 2009
Strengthen Your Faith with Sureness, Passion and Hope!
“You block your dreams when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.” -Mary Manin Morrissey
Like flowers, dreams are both beautiful and fragile. With careful nurturing, dreams grow strong and are able to withstand setbacks and failure. If we let our faith be overwhelmed by fear and doubts, our dreams will falter and wither away. Keep your dreams alive by allowing belief, not fear, to grow ever stronger in your heart.
*Engage in activities that bolster faith and make them a regular part of your life. Pray. Spend time in the Word. Review past accomplishments and recall how your faith guided you. Learn additional skills to help you achieve your dreams.
* Keep your fear in check. Take a moment to identify what you are feeling as fear, not fact. Acknowledging fear for what it is prevents the emotion from growing stronger.
Like flowers, dreams are both beautiful and fragile. With careful nurturing, dreams grow strong and are able to withstand setbacks and failure. If we let our faith be overwhelmed by fear and doubts, our dreams will falter and wither away. Keep your dreams alive by allowing belief, not fear, to grow ever stronger in your heart.
*Engage in activities that bolster faith and make them a regular part of your life. Pray. Spend time in the Word. Review past accomplishments and recall how your faith guided you. Learn additional skills to help you achieve your dreams.
* Keep your fear in check. Take a moment to identify what you are feeling as fear, not fact. Acknowledging fear for what it is prevents the emotion from growing stronger.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Find Yourself a Cheerleader…With an EGO as big as yours!
“Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.” -Oprah Winfrey
“If you DON’T WANT anything for me, I AIN’T GOT NOTHING for you.” -A.L. Patterson III
We all know at least one person in our lives whose infinite belief in us was so strong that we felt we could succeed at anything. Grandparent, parent, spouse, friend, mentor – this person’s words of encouragement probably helped you achieve goals you may not have fathomed possible. Spend time with people who will motivate you to strive for greatness. Surround yourself with people who will build you up, not tear you down.
* Support can come from unlikely places. Open yourself to the possibility that people outside your inner circle may become your loudest cheerleader.
* Take a personal inventory of the people in your life. Is there someone who always puts a negative spin on your day? If so, tactfully discuss your feelings; this person may not be aware of her behavior. If that doesn’t work, remove them from your list of friends and associates.
EGO and all,
~Sonja
“If you DON’T WANT anything for me, I AIN’T GOT NOTHING for you.” -A.L. Patterson III
We all know at least one person in our lives whose infinite belief in us was so strong that we felt we could succeed at anything. Grandparent, parent, spouse, friend, mentor – this person’s words of encouragement probably helped you achieve goals you may not have fathomed possible. Spend time with people who will motivate you to strive for greatness. Surround yourself with people who will build you up, not tear you down.
* Support can come from unlikely places. Open yourself to the possibility that people outside your inner circle may become your loudest cheerleader.
* Take a personal inventory of the people in your life. Is there someone who always puts a negative spin on your day? If so, tactfully discuss your feelings; this person may not be aware of her behavior. If that doesn’t work, remove them from your list of friends and associates.
EGO and all,
~Sonja
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Try a NEW Approach…Trust Your Intuition!
“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.” –Raymond Lindquist
It is so easy for us to allow our lives to fall into a pattern, Day after day, we’ll eat the same foods, go to the same places and follow the same routines. The problem with this is that complacency stifles our growth. It stagnates us. It keeps us from being all that He has designed us to be. Complacency keeps us from discovering and walking in our purpose.
It’s never too late to reopen your window to the world. A small peek in a new direction will offer you a fresh outlook on life. That fresh outlook will allow you to discover the reason you are here.
*Allow your curiosity to take you on a journey. It’s as easy as taking a different route to the grocery store. On your journey, you may discover places you never expected, like a new shopping area or a perfect picnic spot.
*Look at life from another perspective. Here’s an idea…visit a new place. Observe how the surroundings or the people are different from where you live. Remember, different isn’t bad. It’s just, well, different! Seeing things differently will provide new insight.
Trusting my intuition,
~Sonja
It is so easy for us to allow our lives to fall into a pattern, Day after day, we’ll eat the same foods, go to the same places and follow the same routines. The problem with this is that complacency stifles our growth. It stagnates us. It keeps us from being all that He has designed us to be. Complacency keeps us from discovering and walking in our purpose.
It’s never too late to reopen your window to the world. A small peek in a new direction will offer you a fresh outlook on life. That fresh outlook will allow you to discover the reason you are here.
*Allow your curiosity to take you on a journey. It’s as easy as taking a different route to the grocery store. On your journey, you may discover places you never expected, like a new shopping area or a perfect picnic spot.
*Look at life from another perspective. Here’s an idea…visit a new place. Observe how the surroundings or the people are different from where you live. Remember, different isn’t bad. It’s just, well, different! Seeing things differently will provide new insight.
Trusting my intuition,
~Sonja
Friday, May 15, 2009
Be a Quiet Force...Maintain Composure and Self-Discipline
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing so gentle as real strength.” –Frances de Sales
We’re often told we must “be strong” especially in times of trouble. But it’s important to remember that being strong and being tough are not one in the same. Strength is a quiet, self-assured quality. It requires the ability to remain still while others about you are fighting it out. Their fight could be with or about you or their own insecurities. No matter the cause, your strength should remain a steady, silent force - a gentle flame that never flickers.
*Be gentle and use a light touch. When others are upset, maintain your composure. Prayerfully, they will absorb your quiet strength and be better equipped to carry on.
*When confronting difficult situations and people, resist the urge to make rash decisions. Instead, take a moment to be still and go inside yourself. Reconnecting with your inner calm will give you the strength you need to get through.
Composed,
~Sonja
We’re often told we must “be strong” especially in times of trouble. But it’s important to remember that being strong and being tough are not one in the same. Strength is a quiet, self-assured quality. It requires the ability to remain still while others about you are fighting it out. Their fight could be with or about you or their own insecurities. No matter the cause, your strength should remain a steady, silent force - a gentle flame that never flickers.
*Be gentle and use a light touch. When others are upset, maintain your composure. Prayerfully, they will absorb your quiet strength and be better equipped to carry on.
*When confronting difficult situations and people, resist the urge to make rash decisions. Instead, take a moment to be still and go inside yourself. Reconnecting with your inner calm will give you the strength you need to get through.
Composed,
~Sonja
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Color You Day with Joy and Contentment!
“Joy is a conscious choice, not an automatic response.” –Mildred Barthel
Just like an artist chooses a subject for a painting and the specific colors for his canvas, we can choose joy and contentment everyday. The shade of joy you choose is completely up to you. Will you choose a gray day with a silver lining or beautifully brilliant day of glorious golden sunshine? You decide and it will be so. If something comes up to disrupt your day, splash a little paint on it and watch how quickly things begin to turn around.
*Put some pep in your step; a nice glide to your stride. Add a twinkle to your eye. Actions and emotions are closely synchronized. When you act happy, the emotion usually follows.
* Find things that brighten your day…listen to music, share a joke, call a friend, or take a walk… Find simple pleasures in life that will bring you joy and contentment.
Joyfully,
~Sonja
Just like an artist chooses a subject for a painting and the specific colors for his canvas, we can choose joy and contentment everyday. The shade of joy you choose is completely up to you. Will you choose a gray day with a silver lining or beautifully brilliant day of glorious golden sunshine? You decide and it will be so. If something comes up to disrupt your day, splash a little paint on it and watch how quickly things begin to turn around.
*Put some pep in your step; a nice glide to your stride. Add a twinkle to your eye. Actions and emotions are closely synchronized. When you act happy, the emotion usually follows.
* Find things that brighten your day…listen to music, share a joke, call a friend, or take a walk… Find simple pleasures in life that will bring you joy and contentment.
Joyfully,
~Sonja
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Don’t Settle for Less…Live Life with Purpose!
“It’s a funny thing about life; if you accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”
-Somereset Maugham
Are you settling for less than best in any area of your life? Maybe you’ve resigned yourself to living in one area of town when you desire to live in another. Or maybe you’ve even resigned to staying on a dead end job where you are unappreciated and your bosses don’t like you. It’s never too late to decide that you’re not going to accept anything but the very best – and got out and get it!
God expects the very best for us, His children. Who are we to expect anything less!
*Where are you settling? And why aren’t you doing anything about it? Do a self analysis: dig deep into your heart and be honest with yourself – you WILL find the answers.
*Reflect back on a time when you absolutely refused to settle – and won. Perhaps you returned defective merchandise for a full refund or fought for pay due you. Refer to those victories and allow them to be your source(s) of motivation!
Not settling,
~Sonja
-Somereset Maugham
Are you settling for less than best in any area of your life? Maybe you’ve resigned yourself to living in one area of town when you desire to live in another. Or maybe you’ve even resigned to staying on a dead end job where you are unappreciated and your bosses don’t like you. It’s never too late to decide that you’re not going to accept anything but the very best – and got out and get it!
God expects the very best for us, His children. Who are we to expect anything less!
*Where are you settling? And why aren’t you doing anything about it? Do a self analysis: dig deep into your heart and be honest with yourself – you WILL find the answers.
*Reflect back on a time when you absolutely refused to settle – and won. Perhaps you returned defective merchandise for a full refund or fought for pay due you. Refer to those victories and allow them to be your source(s) of motivation!
Not settling,
~Sonja
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Embrace Differences with Fairness and an Open Heart…
“There are no elements so diverse that they cannot be joined in the heart of a man.” ~ Jean Giraudoux
No matter our background, age, ethnicity or point of view – the one thing we all have in common is being human. Sometimes it’s difficult for us to understand other people, you know, try to figure out why they operate the way the do, or their motives behind certain actions. This is especially true if they differ vastly from ourselves. By keeping an open mind and a loving heart, you will find that you can reach a place of acceptance and respect for all
*Ask others to point out your prejudices. Once you are aware of them, make a commitment to conquer them. Remember, you don’t need to understand or agree with people to accept them.
*Increase your open-mindness by expanding your awareness of other cultures. Remember your way IS NOT the ONLY way.
Embracing differences,
~Sonja
No matter our background, age, ethnicity or point of view – the one thing we all have in common is being human. Sometimes it’s difficult for us to understand other people, you know, try to figure out why they operate the way the do, or their motives behind certain actions. This is especially true if they differ vastly from ourselves. By keeping an open mind and a loving heart, you will find that you can reach a place of acceptance and respect for all
*Ask others to point out your prejudices. Once you are aware of them, make a commitment to conquer them. Remember, you don’t need to understand or agree with people to accept them.
*Increase your open-mindness by expanding your awareness of other cultures. Remember your way IS NOT the ONLY way.
Embracing differences,
~Sonja
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
