I’ve learned over the years that there’s a difference between humility and hiding.
When we hide our gifts, our talents and our offerings that could bless others, because we don’t want to seem “all that,” we’re actually hiding our light under a bushel. Yet, it is the glow from our light that touches others’ souls, and shows them their own path.
When we find the courage to own our positive, unselfish dreams and walk in our purpose, we open a space for everyone around us to do the same, and that is how DESTINY unfolds.
So today, walk in your light – with grace, gratitude, joy and even some measure of fun! In the process, you’ll change your corner of the world for the better, and the ripple effect will change even more lives.
On this Valentine’s Day, join me on this worthy quest: Love yourself first so you can love others better.
Love all of your gifts and talents, but also all of your quirks and flaws. Love the ways and seasons within you that are both beautiful and less than stellar.
Love the innocent child you once were and the broken but blessed adult you’ve become. Love the “seasoned citizen” you’re growing into each day.
When you love you like that, it’s so much easier to selflessly care for, lift up, stand with, fully embrace and give to others.
So start anew, if necessary, to make sure you’re loving yourself, for yourself, just because. Doing so will allow the mutual love and respect that flows between you and others all the more special and all the more real.
Enjoy your journey, and appreciate as “loving hard” becomes easier by the day.
Reflect for a moment where you were this time last year, about a month before the world plunged head first into a pandemic.
I’m sure that for each of us there have been losses and gains, and some wonderful milestones and not-so-great moments; but the beauty of reality is that you’re. still. here.
Trust the timing of your life.
Take care of your heart.
Lean into joy.
And as you look back over the year, do as a wise dear friend of mine recommends: Take the “meat from the bones” and be grateful for the goodness. That’s what should remain.
A message I watched on YouTube this week reminded me that just because we’re pursuing our passion doesn’t mean we’ll coast. In fact, living out our passion often requires sacrifice, late nights, elbow grease, and fits and starts. But because we love it, it’s worth it, right?
The story I’m writing these days is kinda like that – it requires digging deep, sitting in silence, answering the hard questions and embracing the authentic answers.
Yep, I’m talking about the novel I’m penning, but real life, too. For isn’t this how it’s supposed to work? Fiction is a reflection of life that’s meant to help you better understand yourself, and others. I’m excited to be in this “creating magic” phase.
According to writer Leo Buscaglia: “Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death they would be asked two questions.
The first question was, ‘Did you bring joy?’
The second was, ‘Did you find joy?’
On this first day of February and throughout this month, choose to do both – bring joy to the lives of others in simple and profound ways, while gifting the same to yourself.
Do this consistently and intentionally, and watch yourself, and those you touch, flourish.
We live in a world that flits past the present moment while glorifying the future. Today, join me in choosing to buck that trend.
Lean into THIS moment, whether it is wonderful, amazing, challenging, scary or uncertain. Give thanks for it, knowing that if it has come into your existence, it has come for a reason – to teach you, heal you, strengthen you, reward you, prepare you or perhaps protect you.
Don’t be paralyzed by the noise in the world around you; focus inward.
Count it all joy and embrace your present, so that when you reach that place known as the future, you’ll be ready to experience, appreciate and celebrate all that it holds, too.
Whew – if you’ve been following the news at all this past week, you’ll probably agree with me that we’ve had some kind of start to the New Year – the kind that has left me at a loss for words, while alternatively holding onto what I know to be true: The reality that even when darkness or mayhem gains a foothold, goodness will find a way to shine through, and inner peace is still possible. I’m clinging to that belief in 2021, and especially on today (Sunday, January 10) – my 50th birthday!
There are so many sappy cliches about this milestone that would be fitting to spout; but the simple refrain coursing through my mind, heart and spirit is that I am grateful, excited and feeling abundantly blessed.
My 50 While 50 Challenge One of the ways I plan to commemorate this special year is to challenge myself to do 50 Things While 50 – from simple delights such as treating myself to a few at-home spa days to achieving big goals like finishing my current manuscript-in-progress to lofty plans like preparing for a big trip abroad that I hope to take once it’s safe to travel again.
I’ve started a list of simple and significant experiences that will allow me to rejuvenate, reconnect with myself, have fun and reflect on my life’s next chapter, but I’m stuck at 35! Can you help me by suggesting a few pandemic-friendly things I can enjoy, learn from or find meaningful during this very special year?
Post your suggestions for me in the comment section!
Everything I choose must bring me some measure of joy, growth, peace or pleasure. I’ll write a brief update about each thing I check off my list as I plow through it throughout the year, and you can follow along by subscribing to this LifeUntapped blog.
If you give me an idea, I’ll consider adding it to my list – unless it’s beyond my personal tolerance for adventure!
Stacy
I know that I’ll be thankful to have these memories to look back on someday and finding more ways to savor as much of life as I can, while leaving others feeling empowered enough and worthy enough to do the same – whether it’s through your reading something I’ve written or recommended; in our one-on-one dialogue; through social media, or any other means.
We can’t change others or the world around us; but we can protect the good within us and find the courage to share it broadly, come what may. Celebrating with you is one of the ways I’m turning up my joy.
As I focus forward, consider joining me! Why not create your own To Do list of simple and significant adventures for 2021, just for you and just because?
And if this is a milestone birthday year for you too, please accept my congrats and let me know how you’re commemorating it!
If 2020 hasn’t taught you anything else, I hope it has taught you to thine own self be true – for that has been the greatest lesson for me.
Not for selfish reasons that lead to a “Me, Myself and I” existence – we’ve seen on a large scale in our daily lives this year how that level of self-focus can be destructive.
Yet, in honoring who you are and where you are
and embracing your life’s work,
your heart’s dreams,
your purpose and responsibilities,
your inner beauty, quirks and flaws,
your tribe of friends and loved ones to nurture and cherish,
you honor the God who created you.
Loving yourself as you are, while leaning into the best version of yourself that is to be, is the gateway to your joy.
Your path won’t look like anyone else’s, so focus forward, and prepare to greet 2021 armed with truth, confidence, hope and more love.
Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 