Tag Archives: challenge

Don’t Miss Anything

Just this week I came across an article written by Jim Rohn about the six essential things for living a good life. You can read the whole article here https://www.jimrohn.com/good-life-essentials/, one of those essentials he named ‘Don’t Miss Anything’. He said his parents told him to never miss the game, the performance, the movie, the dance. Buy a ticket to everything you can.

I remember years ago I had seasons tickets to a local playhouse and they would rotate plays every two weeks. I loved going to the theater and seeing a live performance, but that was the 30 years ago and I can’t remember the last play I have seen in person.

I would also go to the movie theater on a regular basis as well as eat out at least once a week. All that has changed dramatically during the pandemic this last year but I also know that I had stopped doing those things long before.

Reading Jim’s article caused me to take a look and ask myself why did I stop? And my initial answer is Life happened, but what’s true is Life stopped happening. I don’t say that to feel sorry for myself, but to tell the truth. Somehow my priorities changed and I became more serious.

About 2 months ago I took a trip to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. My wife and I spent our honeymoon there would usually go back a couple of times a year to have dinner or just simply sit in the library and read. There are trails to walk and comfortable couches to relax on. It had been a number of years since I was there and one Saturday afternoon I decided to drop everything and just go. It’s about an hour away and it’s a beautiful drive. It was wonderful to be there again. I got a bite to eat in one of their new restaurants. It was a wonderful spur of the moment delight. There is no reason why I can’t do more of that, and thanks to Jim Rohn I am reminded of that.

Those are the times that we remember. Those are the things that make us feel we have a life well lived. These are challenging times but there is still plenty that can be done that fulfills us. Watch your favorite movies on Netflix, take a course online, Zoom with your family and friends on a regular basis. I have found it easy to fall into the trap of forgoing the things I used to do, but no more.

Thank you Jim for the wake-up call.

Have a great week.

~Steve

Step Out Go Forward

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To step out. To not see it yet. To go without answers. To make it up. To begin again.

My son took a job in Fort Wayne,IN and invited me to move there. I knew a handful of people. My sons best friend from college and his family. That’s it.

I had been to visit the 2 summers he was interning, so I got to see a little of the city. When he invited me to move, I said yes. Very quickly, happily, excitedly YES!

I did not know where I was going to live, how I was going to get there, if my current home would sell, if I would find a job, etc. etc. etc. There were so many unknowns. So many risks. So many things to do, to get me there. So many unanswered questions. And so many reasons to say no and stay where I was.

I did it anyway. Every step I took, every call I made, every question I had….it all worked itself out for the good.

Every single little thing.

Every single big thing.

Everything kept falling into place. Like it was all designed for me. Like someone went before me and made a way where there was no way. I know it was God, but that’s because I’m a God-girl. You may call it luck. I call it blessed.

Not one hiccup. Not one failure. Not one tragic moment. If one door closed, another one opened.

If one avenue of opportunity couldn’t’ accommodate me, it caused me to research a little further till WALLAH, the most amazing one said yes.

I just kept doing the next thing, stepping out and moving forward and miracle after miracle after miracle kept showing up.

Go on and take a step. You might be surprised at what shows up.

xoxo

Your God-girl,

Tracy

In The Face Of Disappointment

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The new year has started and unfortunately it’s not the most positive news we all had wanted. But, it is what we have.

This is actually an amazing opportunity to focus on what we want and what we intend for the new year, in the face of disappointment. Disappointment is a funny thing. It often marks the end of some thing. When things don’t turn out the way we want, we will often give up.

Truthfully, it’s often how we handle relationships or friendships. When disappointed, we often say goodbye, or if we don’t say goodbye, we create distance.

If you think about it, disappointment surrounds us. It’s only a matter of time before we are disappointed again. We go shopping for some thing and it’s out of stock. We order a coffee and it’s not exactly how we wanted it. We stopped behind a car and a stoplight and when it turns green they’re not paying attention and you have to hit your horn. Too many of these in one day can ruin our day, but only if we let it…. And we don’t have to. Disappointment is only temporary it is never permanent. My wife wrote what she called a mind treatment that is very good to read in these type of times. I’ll include it here:

THE LITANY OF DISAPPOINTMENT

everything, person and situation is a disappointment.

it’s a matter of time eventually.

disappointment is okay and i am still happy…

disappointment is innate in all experiences.

the greater determination the more disappointment.

disappointment is okay and i am still happy…

to see there is nothing that i really “need” makes attractive

the possibility of detachment, otherwise,

detachment would be a terrible punishment.

disappointment is okay and i am still happy…

can i be happy in the face of such great disappointment?

yes i can.

disappointment is okay and i am still happy…

to the reactionary egoic mind, there is only disappointment.

i can determine life is about being happy

in the middle of all circumstances,

even disappointment which is innate in life.

it is possible to be prosperous, have goals, intentions and

continue happily in the face of all disappointments.

disappointment is okay and i am still happy…

yes, everything changes and it’s perfect.

disappointment is okay and i am still happy…

i am fully engaged in all that life offers…

disappointment is okay

i am still happy…and grateful

~Steve

What’s Your Fear?

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What’s your fear?

In the recent weeks, I have been shifting back and forth between several novels for entertainment purposes. To my surprise, none of these stories have managed to gain my full attention. It wasn’t until I was assigned the novel “Dracula” by Bram Stoker for my English class, that I was truly glued to the pages I was reading.

For a significant portion of my life, I have always been interested in the genres of horror and fear. It is quite strange that I have this fascination considering that I refuse to watch many common horror films that are considered production classics.

Regardless, while reading these pages I began to recall how the topic of fear seems to be such a beloved form entertainment among much of society. What I found incredibly interesting was that so many people could never imagine these genres directly affecting them in the real world.

I soon came to realize that although we might not experience the paranormal and disturbing events that occur within horror novels, we as individuals all have something that manages to instill fear within us.

For example, young children might experience the irrational fears of monsters under their bed, while adults experience different forms of said fear regarding the real world and the challenges it can present. Often times as people, our fears aren’t so irrational at all because they correlate with experiences we are currently going through. Many might have fears of not having the ability to achieve their goals, while other might feel that they aren’t worthy of creating them. It was during this realization that I came to the conclusion that as a society, we must come to terms with the things that frighten us. We must pinpoint the goals that we have set for ourselves, and we must not fear the failure that these goals might result in.

After all, these fears could not compare to those we read about in novels…

-Dani <3

Just A Bump In The Road

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Just a bump in the road…

Sunday night seems to come at me much faster than it did a few months ago. I’m trying to decide how I feel about that. Do I miss the days of not knowing what day it is or do I like being very aware with each passing hour my weekend is almost over?

I think a bit of both.

Since August I have been working in an actual office again and those twelve people are twelve of my favorite people. Whether they want to be or not. Because in my part of the world we are on high alert so anything outside of essential anything is pretty limited. Seeing them everyday makes me happy.

In my group of friends we all have handled this differently. I was texting a friend and we were talking about how a lot of us are feeling like fireflies in jars right now. For some of us that works, but for a lot of us it really doesn’t.

I have become really close with Netflix and unfortunately Amazon, initially I really thought I was going to do all these DYI products.

I can see them from here. Half started. Maybe my heart is with that Pyrex dish I talked about last week.

Some of my friends have become at home beauty gurus. Some of my friends are writing novels, taking up new hobbies, adopting pets.

But a few have fallen back into old habits they left behind.

Rather than tell you what they are. I am going to tell you what I have told them and honestly try to remind myself of.

Especially right now.

First if you are telling someone-you know. “You know you need help.” That in and of itself is powerful.

Second it may not feel like it but this is a bump. We are human, we make mistakes. Don’t let this be your hurdle,slow you down or think less of yourself.

Third… 2020 is not a normal year is it? There is absolutely no playbook for any of this. So being human, we are all doing the best we can.

Some maybe better than others.

But we are trying. My dear, beautiful friend this is incredibly hard and I know you are scared and worried but you are doing great. This is just a bump in the road.

Seriously

I know you are tired. I know. But remember two AM feedings and sitting up with that little baby who thought an in depth conversation at four AM was necessary?

You got through that.

I know you feel helpless. But remember when you packed up that moving truck with hardly anything but your baby and some boxes and started over? You did it.

I know you are sad. He has someone new. Your time will come. It will.

Last,most definitely not least, you are a Mom. Mother. Ma. Mama.

That my friend is powerful and important and you just do it.

So… you will get through this too.

You are stronger than you know and tomorrow REALLY is a new day.

Be safe Mommas.

Much love,

Caprise

Parenting With Depression

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Parenting with depression..single parenting has its challenges. Especially when the other parent is completely removed from the picture, the pressure to be everything for our kids can be overwhelming. We must remain steady, managing our emotions well so we can help our children learn to manage theirs. Even with help from family and friends, we are the sole parent. The responsibility of rearing falls squarely on our shoulders. The weight can seem all that more overwhelming when you are dealing with depression.

Depression may come in waves, it may linger beneath the surface, or be a constant thorn in our foot reminding us of our weakness. It comes in forms of sadness, irritability, tiredness, or a wide range of other emotions. The variability of it makes it an unpredictable chaos. Single parenting with depression could be a perfect storm. It could be. Unmanaged, it could embed anxiety in the hearts of our children, as they struggle to find consistency and stability. It could. Unchecked, it could feed off our parenting guilt, drowning us in the reality that we can never truly be all are kids need. It could. Unsupported we could find ourselves with our heads just above the water, unable to do and provide all we desire. Under those circumstances, it will be a lose-lose situation for us and our children. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

In my household, there have been really good “mental health” days, but it took time to learn how to get there. Before I did some weekends were filled with emptiness. Everything would be quiet, except the sound of the television or tablet from the living room, as I lay bed unable to will myself up. “Mommy doesn’t feel well,” I would say when questioned. I desperately wanted something else for my son but didn’t know how to get it. Through prayer and counseling, I began to learn to brace myself for the waves. I thank God on a regular basis that He has helped me learn to parent beyond my depression. Now my son and I get movie and book days where we sit together in our pajamas and only venture out of bed for snacks. When journeying to the park is too difficult, the back door stays open and we blow bubbles, I count his jumps on the trampoline, and let him splash around with the water table. When I am irritable, I embrace ample opportunities to model the complexities of apologizing. A greater blessing is the ability to show my son (and remind myself) that we all mess up, but God’s forgiveness never runs out. On days where even the sound of breathing grates my nerves and being touched makes my skin crawl, I have been blessed with friends and family that will let me come over and rest while my son plays. While I see a counselor, it wasn’t until I stopped waiting to be cured that I could care for my son better.

I would rather not be a single parent that struggles with depression. I would rather be able to have a spouse that can pick up my parenting slack, but that’s not my reality. There will still be lots of Door Dash orders and laundry that piles up. There will be screen time and sometimes it will be more than recommended allotment. Those are the facts, but I can minimize the inconsistency and lack of presence that existed before. In all honesty, we can never be the end-all and be-all for our kids. Instead of rejecting that can learn our weaknesses. Instead of promising ourselves we will never face depression again, we can plan how to parent around it. Before it is needed, we can get help so our kids don’t become casualties of the silence and emptiness of depression.

Shon W

https://foreverredeemed.home.blog/

TWSM Book Review ‘Project 333’

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Book Review of Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really Is So Much More

by Courtney Carver

Why not try a fall fashion challenge? Whether you are out and about (at least somewhat) or entirely house-bound during Covid, Project 333 can refresh how you look and feel. I read Carver’s book and took the fashion challenge. At first, the idea of limiting myself to 33 items of clothing for 3 months seemed silly and not feasible, but I ended up loving the concept. I wear my favorite things more often, and I also mix and match my clothes in ways that make my life simpler, and am still in fashion.

There were several things that made Project 333 approachable for me. This is not a “throw out most of your wardrobe and give it all to charity challenge”. She suggests carefully choosing the items to include and then simply putting the others away for 3 months. The fact that I could technically back out at any time sounded good! Also, there are basic items that you don’t count in the 33 wardrobe items — lingerie, socks, jewelry that you wear everyday, and clothing that you only wear at home or for working out in aren’t included.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Project 333:

“If there are one or two outfits in your closet that you really enjoy wearing, create a uniform with your 33 items and wear very similar things each day. Use other examples you might find on the internet for inspiration and experimentation, but give yourself room to be you and decide what you want to wear.” (Chapter entitled “Messy”)

“I prefer wearing clothes I can live in, clothes that fit my body as it is and not as it ‘shouldbe’ “. (Chapter entitled “Crazy”)

“Seeing the outfit you wore to an event that made you sad will make you sad. Holding onto your ex’s sweatshirt or your old work uniform can make you sad. You don’t get to hold on to people, relationships, or any part of the past just because you are holding on to the stuff.” (Chapter entitled “Emotion”)

By trying the Project 333 challenge, I found that less really can be more. I wore my favorite colors more often, threw together outfits more easily, and didn’t have to let go of any of the signature jewelry that I love. If you are ready for a change this fall, I highly recommend that you give Carver’s book a try.

Rating 4 stars out of 5

Liz is a technical writer by day and a humor writer by night. She lives in Minnesota with her two teenage daughters and their cats, Beau and Phoebe. When Liz is not reading, writing, or searching for new books to review, she can be found practicing yoga or enjoying time with friends and family — usually around a fireplace or a lake. She is savoring the time that she still has with her daughters under her roof, yet she secretly dreams of being an empty nester who can travel more and not have to worry about other people borrowing her socks.

I Feel Stuck

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For the first time since all of this went. I feel stuck. I have been pretty good about getting up and having a bit of a routine. I am lucky in that I’m working, so I have to, to some extent.

But the last few days are the first in a long while, where I have no motivation. None. Even getting up and out of bed was hard. I have some rituals that I have held onto. Like doing my makeup in the morning. I know it seems silly. I am facing people I barely know in a ZOOM meeting. When I shared that with one of my friends, she said maybe that’s my form of mediation.

I think so, I put in my AirPods, listen to music, do my makeup, and clear my head. After, I feel a bit ready for whatever the world is dishing out that particular day.

But I still am lacking in motivation. Except for cleaning and organizing. That has almost become obsessive lately. I have quickly ticked off my list most of the big projects that were going to eat up some time.

I usually like to read and have some craft projects I like to do. None of it is appealing. Even some of my favorite shows aren’t causing me to change anything.

The two things that seem to be able to unstick me are my daughter and don’t laugh- my dog.

I have spent more time in the morning and evening flopped on my daughter’s bed talking with our big teddy bear of a dog at our feet than I ever did before.

The other day I looked at her and said aren’t you supposed to be in school? (She’s doing distance learning). She laughed, jumped up and said “oh yeah!”

My dog has become my new office mate. He happily interrupts meetings and naps at my feet.

I talk to him when I can’t figure something out. When I’m stuck.

Like everyone I’m trying to figure this out.

Like everyone I wish I wasn’t.

I continue to be thankful for what I do have in the midst of what I don’t. My hope is with warmer weather and sunshine a few more cuddles with my big old dog and deep talks with my favorite twelve year old… it won’t feel like stuck. It will feel ok and ok has potential to be good, even great.

I hope you are safe.

Much love Mommas

<3 Caprise

A New Beginning

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It’s finally happened, the 2010s are no more and the 20s are now beginning.

Since I am only in my teenage years, this decade has taken up most of my life. It has been a decade so interesting, that it’s hard to keep track. In these past 10 years, we’ve experienced major events in not only our lives, but in pop culture, politics, and news. I’d like to say that I’ve learned a lot in the 2010s. Not just academically, but also lessons that I could use everyday.

Most of the things I’ve learned are due to the mistakes I’ve made on the way. Unfortunately, there were times in the past decade that I didn’t learn from the mistakes I had made. With this new decade now beginning, I decided that it was time to change my habits and work on those things that I want for myself and for my future.

For me personally, I figured out that I needed to start challenging myself in ways I never had before. I’ll be working hard to reach my goals, and I’ll never give up on the hopes I have for myself.

This is exactly what everyone should be doing when entering this new decade. You must figure out your weaknesses and work on how to better improve in that significant area.

Finally, I want to stress the importance of having a positive outlook on what these years have to offer. Just as the 2010s were filled with unexpected surprises, the 2020s will not fall short in that category. Be open to new possibilities and to new beginnings.

Happy new year! -Dani <3

Look Past The Mess

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When there is a mess right in front of you, something that you’re dealing with, something that takes every ounce of your energy, needs your sharp focus, interrupts you with a temptation to quit….when it is right there, and you’re in the midst of the mess….you can sometimes lose focus on what will come after and sometimes stop in your tracks.

I want to remind you that after every storm, not just a few, not just the big ones in the desert…. but every storm….there is a rainbow. It may not be right there when you look up to the sky, it may not be in the direction of your eyes and it may not be in your neck of the woods…. BUT it is there. Do you trust that? YES? ….I challenge you to also to trust that on the other side of your mess, your storm, your upset…. Awaits a rainbow. A glorious, beautiful, amazing ‘after’.

Now walk through your mess. Do what you need to do to go through it. Holding your head high, respecting yourself and remembering to take care of you is of the utmost importance… and then walking through it is twice as important.

Do what you said.

Be who you are.

Stand firm in your truth.

Speak out loud.

Rebuke any ridicule and resentment.

Stand up against any judgment.

Express love always.

Have you ever trusted God so much that something you worried about dissolved and worked itself out with no alarms, no drama, no chaos?

If NO…, I challenge you to turn to Him for the courage, strength and mighty power you require to get through that mess that lies in front of you. Keep doing the next thing, and trust it WILL be good on the other side.

If YES…., I challenge you to pray for those who do not.

And happily enjoy the ‘after’ of all the messes.

xoxo

Your God girl,

Tracy