Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams
Inspiring You to Embrace Your Life's Purpose & Possibilities
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 