Tag: black bloggers

Reasons to Say Thank You

Take some time throughout this day to pay attention to the simple things….

The sound of a bird chirping or a baby laughing;

that funny meme that landed in your text thread 

or the brief check-in call from a friend;

The hug from your teenager or toddler, 

or email from your mentor;

the wind gently swaying in the trees,

and the taste of your favorite ice cream.

The thoughtful compliment,

the genuine smile, 

the words of encouragement arriving at just the time you need them. 

Nothing is as random as we may think; 

yet even when it feels that way, 

we get to say thank you.

10 Rules for Joyful Living

Here’s some common wisdom to live by, on your path to purpose, peace and inner joy:

  1. Listen to others’ words, but pay attention to their actions.
  2. Notice silence, for that speaks volumes, too. 
  3. Trust yourself. Your heart knows.
  4. Love others without condition and let them grow into their best selves.
  5. Energy is real. Surround yourself with positive vibes.
  6. Be a bearer of truth, delivered with kindness and acceptance.
  7. Be a receiver of truth, honored with humility and gratitude. 
  8. Love yourself deeply. For only from a fulsome well can one fully pour. 
  9. Seek joy. When you welcome it, it will habitually flow toward you.
  10. Bring joy. Always. It is the ultimate illuminator in darkness.

Human Connections

We might enter this world alone, but we don’t live in it, and certaintly can’t love in it, on an island. 

To get to your island, 

you may have to walk through my forest

or cross her river

or climb his hill. 

So keeping my forest fire-free,

and her river waters clean,

and his hill easy to navigate

helps you safely reach your island – and enjoy the journey there all the more. 

We are connected, and we must remember that.

Choose It and Mean It

Today, choose a few things to check off your list that you’ve been delaying.

Open that stack of mail. You’ll feel better by simply reducing the pile.

Send a text to say hello, I miss you or I wish you well.

Better yet, make time for a 10-minute  phone call and put a smile on two faces – yours and the recipient’s. 

Push past comfort and make a move that stretches you.

Whether it’s writing a first chapter, speaking up in a meeting or trying something else new, just do it. You’ll see – Instead of breaking, you’ll grow.

Tell yourself “I love you” and really mean it. If necessary, keep practicing this exercise until it’s your truth.

Because whatever is swirling in the world around us, love is always the best and wisest foundation from which to launch and where to land.

Intentionally Thrive

Make this week special

by intentionally spotting rainbows in life’s clouds;

listening more than you speak;

caring more and judging less;

and being open to learning from those you lead.

You’ll find yourself growing over these next few days, and your purpose and personal goals will prosper.

Move With Grace

We are living in changing times, unsure of what the next day – sometimes, the next hour – will bring.

But don’t allow that to shrink you or shut you down.

Don’t be a fairweather friend, dreamer or doer.

Remember who you are and Whose you are and keep doing you. 

Be all in. Bring your hope, good vibes and elbow grease to the party.

Keep your heart open and an eye out for the miracles and the amazing experiences headed your way.

Where Will You Stand?

Every single action yields a reaction.

Your words of gossip assault your own integrity. 

Your tendency to judge others leads to more judgment of you.

Feelings of hatred toward those who differ from you firmly lodge seeds of hate in the spaces of your life that should be filled with positivity and love.

An act of violence against one assaults all humanity.

And it can’t be said enough: Beyond our uniquely different outer layers, at the core of who we are, we are all the same – seekers of love, community, peace and contentment. 

Together we all rise; divided we can’t help but sputter along.

Here’s your choice in these matters of daily life:

Who will you be? Where will you stand? 

What tiny shift can you make to render a seismic difference in the people, community and world around you?

Trying is better than the alternative. Our children are watching us to learn who they should become. What lesson is your life teaching? 

Make the Most of It

In an email chat with a friend a few years ago, we traded stories about people we cared for who were desperately ill, and discussed how watching them suffer made us value life all the more. That conversation, and the truths we shared, linger with me.

So today, I challenge you to consider all you value and cherish it all the more.

Give thanks for your health, your skills and talents, your relationships and the opportunities you’ve been given, and treat them as the gifts they are.

Instead of fretting over what you don’t have, appreciate all that you do.

Rather than playing it safe and never pushing past your comfort zone, take a chance; do something new; allow your world to expand.

Choose to feel frustration then release it, so you can use that energy to find new reasons to smile.

It’s all up to you.

You only get to experience this day, this week and this life, just once. Make the most of it and enjoy as much of the journey as you can.

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.