Author: Stacy Hawkins Adams

Through her fiction and nonfiction, author, journalist and writing coach Stacy Hawkins Adams inspires readers (and budding writers) to find meaning in their own stories, grow from life's lessons and thrive. Like this post? Please leave a comment, then share it with others. Also visit Stacy at StacyHawkinsAdams.com to sign up for her newsletter, and friend/follow her on Instagram @StacyInspires, X(Twitter) @StacyInspires and Facebook @StacyInspires. Learn more about her coaching services at AuthorInYou.com.

Sometimes Use Words

A famous quote that I strive to embody was delivered centuries ago by St. Francis of Assisi: 

“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”

During this Lenten Season on the Christian calendar, may we challenge ourselves to do just that, and to occasionally insert the action that resonates with us most at any given moment: 

Preach Love and sometimes use words.

Preach Joy and sometimes use words.

Preach Unity and sometimes use words.

Preach Graciousness and sometimes use words.

Preach Generosity and sometimes use words. 

You get the point…

May we be intentional about having our actions, our attitudes, and our very lives speak on our behalf – during this season leading up to Easter and well beyond.

It’s Your Story to Live and Enjoy

What pages will you write in your life story this month, and in the months to come? 

Be sure to reserve some time on your calendar for the things that = self-care.

For me, this includes moments that induce laughter, hugs that linger, great conversations, a good book paired with a cup of tea, some writing and journaling time, learning a new line dance or two, and enjoying TV shows or movies that feature themes or plots that help me see the world more broadly or entertain me in ways that help me grow.

That’s my list; now it’s your turn.

Amid your “must dos” create space for what you “can do” that will make your heart smile and leave you feeling renewed.

Honor Your Calling, Even Now

Today’s Food for Thought is a profound declaration from 16th century theologian Martin Luther: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” 

What about you?

Would you still give, still love, still honor others and operate in integrity if tomorrow were not promised?

Would you still write, sing, paint, nurture others, pray, dance, fly, bake, organize or whatever it is you most enjoy?

If yes, then that must be the thing you’re called to do, the imprint you’re meant to leave on the world.

So today, and every day, do it well, with all your heart. In the process, you’ll be honoring all that you are, while gifting this world with the best of you.

 

Our World Needs Us

We all can do something to make a difference. 

Speak up.

Stand down.

Listen. Be present.

Empathize. 

Go out of your way.

Give others a chance. 

Be your sister’s keeper, 

your brother’s armor bearer.

Call a local official.

Start a petition.

Volunteer. Give. 

Lead. Teach.

Push through.

Laugh together, cry together.

Hug it out. Press on. 

Use your words for good.

Use your innate gifts for best.

Care more.

Love harder. 

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

All of these things?? This is what a change for the better requires. Daily. 

Will you (we) embrace the call? 

Our world sure needs us.

Steward Your Intentions

Today and going forward, may we embrace the impact of Intention. Now more than ever, it matters. 

Be intentional about where and how you spend your time. Does it fuel your purpose, feed your soul or lift your spirits? 

Be intentional about what you say and how you say it. Do you speak life over your life, your loved ones and even your strategic To Do list? If this is not yet a habit, start today.  

Be intentional about when and how you take up space. Do your presence and actions foster goodness, show others a better way and leave those in your circle better than you found them? 

We are worth the intention it takes to create lives filled with love, hope and meaning. Hold onto this truth as you honor your journey. 

Your Journey, Your Choice

During this long holiday weekend – including MLK Day, which is also a National Day of Service – join me in focusing on the good we can be, bring and do and help it multiply.

May we all protect our peace, drink our water, nurture our hope and keep our eyes on the visions we’re striving to make reality.

The letters that spell “impossible” also spell “I’m Possible.” 😉

And if you’re not already subscribed, please join my newsletter list so you don’t miss my Monday Motivation email messages and other inspiration posted only there: Stacy’s LifeUntapped Newsletter

Gratitude at Every Age & Stage

It’s Capricorn season, and last week, I celebrated another birthday!

I am continuing my quest to grow and thrive at every age & stage,

and I am truly grateful for another year

– always, in all ways.

Whatever milestones January holds for you, perhaps you can use those

touchstones to set your course for the year ahead.

I’m grateful to celebrate another birthday and all good things to come!
– Stacy Hawkins Adams

Photo Sources: Coach Rumaisa (top right); The Storyteller Co (lower right)

Take the Cake

In this life, many of us have been gifted the freedom to choose our paths and how we will navigate them.

While we may be headed in a singular direction, it’s easy to be lured by opportunities or requests along the way that intrigue or excite us. Yet, we must be intentional about prioritizing our purpose or life’s calling, rather than choosing good over great – or in other words, choosing the icing rather than the cake itself.

On some days, the icing may be all we crave. However, the icing isn’t the substance; it’s usually a finishing touch. Given a choice, I’d say “take the cake.” 

The cake is the lead, while the icing is a supporting actor. When you choose the cake, you can add as much or as little icing as you want or need. 

So whatever decisions you face this week – personal or professional; individual or group-driven; significant or simple – pause and do your personal icing/cake analysis. Consider whether you’re asking the right questions to make the best and wisest decision, and whether you are willing to choose substance over style.

Some choices may land you both substance and style – cake WITH icing. But for enduring blessings and relevance, always start with the cake!

Intentions vs Resolutions

As this year winds to a close and 2025 waves hello, be intentional about enjoying the life you’ve been gifted.

Make a few resolutions if this helps you get on track or stay on track with long-held goals. Perhaps choose a word for the year that will inspire you to focus and keep going.

Whatever you do, be intentional about what to devote time and energy to in the coming year and what to pause, release or sidestep.

Concentrate on embracing the intangibles that serve as the foundation for a meaningful life – unconditional love, hope and inner joy. Live. Laugh. Dance a little, too. 

Lean into all that makes your heart beat a little faster and your peace grow exponentially, and be sure to honor your dreams and your purpose.

These December “Don’ts” will bless your end-of-year “Do’s”

During this home stretch of 2024 and amid your holiday festivities and planning for the New Year, take some time to reflect on what matters most. 

Not things, but people. 

Not titles, but touching lives. 

Not fabulous exploits, but life-changing encounters and experiences. 

Not what someone else says you are, but who you know you are.

Not perfection, but peace.

Celebrate these gifts, and enjoy the beauty of your life in this moment, with no hidden agendas and no expectations for what is to come.

Today is a gift. This season is a gift. Your life is a gift. 

You can color the world beautiful, just as you are. Pick your canvas and add your unique shade of lovely. 🙂