Saturday, July 28, 2012

Post a comment, tell someone about blog, make my day!

Hello everyone! It's exciting to see that my blog is gradually gaining readers. I would like to continue to encourage you to share any thoughts on my posts by posting a comment. Simply click on the button # Comments, and then enter your comment in the box displayed. If you do not have a Google account, or do not wish to use Open ID or Name/URL(don't worry if you don't understand what these are, I don't know myself!), just select Anonymous, but please sign your name at the end of your comment. Finally, click on Publish Your Comment, and you will have made my day! Also, please share this blog with friends and family. I would love to have more readers and make that much more of a difference inspirationally! Continue to check back often!

Inspired,
Emelie

Friday, July 27, 2012

Redefine the impossible

Inspired Thought...
You've heard the phrase "Nothing is impossible", but if you're like me, upon hearing this, you can't help but scoff and say, "Yeah, right." But I really like the message of this quote by Kobi Yamada: "Intense desire not only creates its own possibilities, but its own talents. Don't be afraid to do something just because its impossible."  This summer, I read a book on the struggle of women wanting fair work rights in the mid to late 1800s. One character in the book strongly believed in her cause and dared to defy her male employer at whatever cost in order to achieve what she desired most: fair pay and fair hours. I find that very commendable. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for a cause you believe in and continue to push forward even when others find your goal impossible. Perhaps nothing is impossible only as long as we have the ability to think of it as a possibility. Maybe if we think of it as possibility, then do all in our power to achieve it, the unachievable will indeed become achievable. I'm already getting goosebumps!

Inspired Action...
Create a goal chart. At the top of your chart, write your motive and why you want to achieve it. Then, starting at the bottom of the page and working your way up, make a list of steps you can take to achieve this goal. Remember, don't be afraid to try something just because it seems impossible at the time. Trust yourself and genuinely believe that the impossible WILL become a reality.

Inspired Living...  
Now that you have faith that your impossibilities will become possibilities, be sure to encourage others in their dreams and desires. Never, EVER, question someone's dream! Keep in mind how important your own dream is to you, and how much you might appreciate having someone else who believes in it as much as you do. 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Embrace change

Inspired Thought...
Life is a time of consistent growth, and with growth comes change. As I get older, I find myself constantly making transitions and reaching new milestones, which can be both exciting and uncomfortable. We all have to deal with change, as it's a part of our everyday lives, but the question is how to deal with it? Well, today, I'm challenging you to EMBRACE change. Yeah, that's right,  I'm asking you to welcome those "butterflies" into your tummy, accept those feelings of being overwhelmed, nervous, and excited, and step into unknown territory without a care. Every fall, as my schedule shifts from summertime to school time, I find myself in a state of total uncontrol as I suddenly become swamped with a larger work load and the start-up of more activities. But as the years have gone by, I have started to accept that this time of adjustment is a part of who I am and that it is normal for me to feel this way at this time of year. I have begun to embrace change, and no longer see it as a bad thing, but a good thing. Change brings about a fresh start, another chance to be the best you can be.

Inspired Action...
Whenever I am anticipating the start-up of something new, it always helps me to make a list of all of the positive things that can be brought about by that experience. For example, if you are making the move from a small town to a large city, go online and look up some of the attractions and opportunities available in that city. Also, make a quick trip to your future location and visit your new workplace, school, church, home, etc. It may make the transition easier if you are already familiar with your surroundings and have things to look forward to upon moving there.

Inspired Living...
Now that you are embracing change, remember others in your life who may need support during times of transition. If you know of someone who recently lost their job, got a divorce, or lost a loved one, invite them out to dinner or coffee and offer to help out with whatever they might need. Let them know you care and invite them to share their thoughts and feelings on their current situation. Pray with them, offer advice, and share in their adjustment. It's always easier to deal with change when you have someone to support you.

"Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown." ---George Shinn

Monday, July 9, 2012

Embracing your inner child

Inspired Thought...
Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of playing with two sweet little girls, who helped to remind me of the importance of children and their ever-freeing spirit. The simplicity of a child's words and actions can sometimes give a fresh perspective to us grown-ups who have to make everything so complicated. Perhaps it's time that we all learned a lesson from our little ones, and embraced a more simple, relaxed, and fulfilling lifestyle. A few months ago, I received a letter from one of my mentors, who encouraged this idea with the statement: "And don't forget to play in the mud every once in a while." What a great reminder to make letting go and having fun a part of your regular routine! Children are also very good at communicating their needs and desires, something that oftentimes  people have trouble expressing at home and in the workplace. Although grown-ups' needs don't always include ice cream and candy, maybe possessing the same air of confidence as a child would make it easier for us to express our needs to others. So... go outside and play in the mud! No one's stopping you.

Inspired Action... 
Here are a few ideas to get you started on embracing your inner child: Take a trip down memory lane and look at old photos from your childhood. Ask a parent or sibling about memories they have of you as a child.  Choose one thing to do every day this week that you remember doing as a child (i.e. playing cards, jump roping, eating ice cream, swinging on the playground, etc.). 

Inspired Living...
Pick a day to spend time with a little one in your life (kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces, neighbors, etc.). Take them for a walk in the park and let them tell you all about the flowers and trees and buzzing bumblebees. Go out for ice cream or pack a picnic lunch. Swim at the pool or go shopping at their favorite store. If you don't have a child of your own, head to the library and volunteer to read books to the children, or adopt a friend's child for the day. Observe the child's joy and laughter, her knowledgeable explanations of a rainstorm or how a garden grows, his dependence upon others, her tears when she gets an "owie" (be sure to kiss it better), and his hugs and kisses at the end of the day. Enjoy children, wherever you are, and be sure to let your own inner child shine through.