Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams
Inspiring You to Embrace Your Life's Purpose & Possibilities
For every opportunity there is to complain,
hold a grudge,
or judge without knowing the whole story,
there is an equal opportunity to
let go, adapt and expand.
Be grateful for experiences that can
strengthen your wisdom and empathy,
and help you grow in grace, joy and hope.
You are the best possible person to be you – no need to imitate or compare yourself to others or judge their life’s journey.
Be grateful to be alive and to able to try your best another day.
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.
Around this time a year ago, I was slowly beginning to reclaim my time, after experiencing daily headaches for most of 2022.
Can I tell you how grateful I am at this juncture to read, write, travel, have fun and chillax at my own pace, through God’s grace?
So as I prep for some exciting opportunities this fall – and yes – some of them include writing projects – I don’t take for granted that each day and each experience is a gift.
People say I stay busy, but trust me – I “stay resting” and meditating, too, and it has helped me continue to grow and glow.
Wherever you find yourself on your life’s journey in this season, listen to your heart, your spirit and your body.
Press your way when called for,
Rest your way when called for,
and understand that both are necessary and helpful.
And when those seasons of doing and dancing and planning return, never forget what you’ve been through, because it makes where you’re going all the more special.
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As we enter a holiday season like no other, it is my hope and prayer that despite this legendary year of stress, trauma and loss – whether collective, personal or both for you – you’re able to find a few reasons to anchor yourself in gratitude, generosity and love.
For some of us this may be easier said than done; yet I invite you to join me in treating ourselves as the gift that keeps on giving, understanding that as long as we practice self-care and takes steps to get whatever rest, support and care we need to shore ourselves up, we’ll be better able to show up strong, healthy, helpful and loving to and for others.
Consider what positive thoughts and actions most often bring you hope, peace and enjoyment, and allow yourself to revel in those simple and significant pleasures during this season, without guilt or hesitation.
Hold onto something good and know that greater is coming.
I’m sending you a virtual hug, heartfelt prayers for healing and hope, and a wish that you cling to your dreams, no matter what.
Wishing you a meaningful Thanksgiving, filled with a few things that make your heart smile.
Do something today that reminds you of life’s goodness.
Dance like no one’s watching.
Perform a random act of kindness.
Tell those you care about how much you love them.
Laugh with others and at yourself.
Spend time embracing what makes you smile.
Say yes to one or two baby steps that move you closer to the vision in your heart.
Don’t have a vision? Say yes, then, to discovering what one could be, by spending more time with your thoughts and treasuring yourself for being the gem you are.
As Michelle Obama declares in her Becoming documentary on Netflix, there’s no “going back” to what our lives were yesterday. Our task – and opportunity – is to create a meaningful (and exciting) next chapter that allows us to evolve, impact others and enjoy ourselves along the way.
On this first day of November, may we all remember to define and strive for success in ways that fill us and fuel us to bring our best selves to each day and every encounter. The outer trappings of winning at life should simply be the “gravy” we’re grateful for; not the end game.
So here’s my challenge to you (and to myself): For the next 30 days, let’s bathe ourselves in an attitude of gratitude, so that we can more fully appreciate the present for all the gifts it holds. They are there; let’s take some time to see them, big and small – from the breath you’re breathing in this moment to the smile a stranger may have shared.
See yourself as a winner because you are, in your own worthwhile way. And in the places where you’ve stumbled or tumbled, look for the lessons that can help you grow. Embrace them. Doing this will help accelerate success, because life rarely offers a straight and seamless path to victory.
It is the bumps and bruises and twists and turns along the way that make our journeys – and especially our successes – all the more meaningful and memorable.
Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 