Tag: overcoming obstacles

‘Tis the Season to be an Intentional Joy Seeker

December 1st. Whew!

We have reached the final month of 2024, and while I expect and pray for some amazing moments and memories to unfold over the next four weeks,

I can’t help but humbly pause today and thank God for bringing me through this roller coaster of a year – filled with some tremendous blessings amid deep loss.

God has shored me up through some of His earthly angels,

and kept me holding on and pushing through –

to hope and a healing heart,

to exciting opportunities and dreams unfolding,

to deeper trust in Him, which has deepened my inner knowing and my inner joy.

This month in particular requires intentional self-grace as I sit with treasured memories of loved ones gone –

on the December birthday of my late mother, who “graduated” to Heaven 19 years ago;

on the early December homegoing date of my sister Pat, 9 years ago;

on the late December homegoing date of my brother Henry 2 years ago.

And this year as the first Christmas that my eldest sister, Barb, will spend in Heaven.

I’m certain to have moments of melancholy, and that’s okay. Grief, in all of its forms, is part of our human experience. I may be quieter on those days, but I’ll be good.

And when you see me smile, be assured that my peace and contentment are authentic, because I know that each of my departed loved ones would want me to live to the fullest.

In doing so, I’m perpetually honoring them and all they poured into me.

I’m sending hugs and encouragement to all who need a little extra push – and TLC – this time of year. Keep going and embrace your joyful moments as they come.

Appreciate What Remains

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. 

Do One Thing

~ By Stacy Hawkins Adams

What dream, goal, plan or opportunity have you been talking about but failing to move toward?

What is your routine “I can’t” or “but” for standing still – a lack of resources, a lack of courage, a lack of support from others?

Whatever your response, ask yourself how long you’ve been giving this answer. If it’s longer than a month, that’s almost too long. If it’s more than a year, your victory is way overdue.

If you can recall having this same conversation with yourself 12 months ago or longer, remember where you were at that time (or those many times). Consider who you were sharing with and why you indicated you couldn’t move forward. Are those same obstacles standing in your way today?
If your answer is yes, it’s time to move. If your answer is no, it’s time to move. directory-1273088_640

Because faith without works is dead. Because if you stay frozen in the dreaming and planning phase, the people who could be blessed by what you have to offer may never have that opportunity. Because perhaps your finding the courage to live out your destiny could impact how others live out theirs.

If your dream, goal, plan or opportunity is meant to live and exist, you are the only one who can conquer the hills and mountains that stand in the way, and the first obstacle to overcome may be the doubt in your own heart and mind.

When you truly believe you’re worth what you long for, you’ll begin to take those baby steps to achieve it. Yes, baby steps. Do one thing a week, or in some seasons one thing a month, to move closer to where you want to be. When you move – that is, put your faith into action – and persist, eventually you’ll be rewarded with an equal reaction of some kind – big or small- that confirms that your dream, goal, plans or opportunity are worthwhile.

I speak from experience – even in launching this blog. I had a logo designed a year ago, planned it in my head for months, then hemmed and hawed about what it should focus on. But I knew within if I just wrote from my heart and invited others to join me in doing the same, everything else would fall into place, and that’s what is happening.

Whatever your obstacles or tasks are, seek wisdom, then create a plan and get to it. Somebody somewhere needs what you have to offer. And guess what? So do you.

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt