Life Happens

I am on a positive journey and all of a sudden one of those days comes along... A day filled with frustration and uneeded stress. Is this God testing me and my ability to cope with what life has to offer? What a good test indeed if that was the case, but I can only blame myself for a day that spirals out of control.

Every time I have moments of frustration, saddness, or anger, I just have to think about what will this moment of anger/saddness mean tomorrow? Absolutely nothing.

Life has been going to so well lately, I forgot that there are still days when things do not go as planned, a.k.a., life happens. I appreciate these days in retrospect in order to appreciate the other parts of my life that are wonderful. At the time, when the day from hell comes, I cannot wait for it to end. But today is a new day and I look back on yesterday just at that. It was yesterday, and today is a day filled with new opportunities, new blessings, new experiences. This helps me to not take advantage of the small things that can be overlooked - the sunshine, a working vehicle, an internet connection, a caring stranger. Although they may seem insignificant, these are things I take for granted.

Maturity

This past week I have had a great revelation about what I want. I realize the importance of deep conversation and mature communication. In order to have a successful relationship, you have to be able to communicate in every way possible.

Although I am an extremely goofy woman, in order for me to fulfill my emotional needs, I realize there is a time and place. Goofiness and emotional satisfaction do not coincide well for me. I have many outlets for my silly times, but realizing the importance of mature communication is priceless.

I hope to only move forward in the positive light that I am feeling now. I feel nothing but pure happiness in every place in my life. I want this to continue not only for me, but for everyone who's lives I connect with.

Abundance of Happiness

As I return to my normal life after an amazing week in Dallas, TX, I am so gratefully blessed with amazing people in my life. My spirit is so happy today and I feel on top of the world as my heart is overflowing with joy. Why? I have only those in my life to thank for standing by me and supporting all of my decisions and goals.

The happiness I feel today, is the kind that makes me want to dance down the hall way at work and start singing randomly. This is an absolutely awesome feelings all stemming from an amazing reconfirmation of the support around me helping me to be the best I can possible be. I would not have it any other way.

I am in the two week stretch here at my current job. Then, my life changes and I return to school with my an optimistic outlook on my future.

I challenge you to think of one thing that makes you happy and really let that happiness shine through today. Be thankful for those in your life that only want the best for you.

Going out of your comfort zone

This week has been a very trying week. I have learned valuable life lessons just by going outside my comfort zone.

I quit my job. This took a HUGE amount of courage from me because I have never been in this type of position. My nerves took over me and created a fear that was bigger than the action. I knew what I had to do. Finally, I just sat down with my boss and told her. In return, a position arose for me to remain at my job part time while I return to school. Wow. This is amazing, and my boss was really happy for me. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever foresee this happening. The weight bearing down on my shoulders has suddenly been lifted. Let me tell you, it was a HUGE weight. Now I have the opportunity to remain a valuable employee all the while chasing my dreams by going back to school.

I have also overcome a few smaller fears involving part of my new job. Going outside of your comfort zone will ultimately help you grow higher than you have ever dreamed you could grow. I am at such a peace as I am writing my blog. I feel I have accomplished something so big, yet the task was so simple.

Everyone lives in a shell and until you break that shell, you will not fully understand your purpose. Breaking the shell requires you to go out of your comfort zone and discover what you really can become.

We all build things up in our heads and make them so much bigger than they really are. We create fears from negative inner voices. This is why it is so important to stay positive and live outside of your comfort sometimes. You will reap the rewards.

Right Now Matters

Someone said to me the other day at work, "Ann, Smile! You know, happy people live longer!" I was so frustrated because I have really been on a huge kick lately to make sure my positivity reflects off onto others. My problem must be the job itself. I have recently done something about the unhappiness which I discussed in the last posting, but making the best out of my time left here is hard, ECSPECIALLY knowing what the future holds for me outside of this small cubicle.

Of course I know happy, optimistic people live longer. They dwell less on worrying and the negatives life throws and puts value back into all of the positive things happening around them, even if they are minuscule. This in turn takes stress from amassing within the body-therefore they live longer (simply put).

Someone telling me to calm down or chill out, or BE HAPPY, has no idea the outside circumstances leading me to where I am right now. I do have a lot on my plate but I still owe it to those around me to know I am still putting my best foot forward, even in a place I know is holding me back from what I have to offer this world.

Make the best of every situation: no matter how bad it might be: no matter if you will never see certain people again: no matter if you will never look back. God has a plan for everyone and you have to experience less than desirable things along the way. BUT you CAN do something about those situations. Decide what is best for you, best for your soul, best for your future. Take steps to get where you want to go but do not forget about where you stand before you get there. Take care of the relationships you hold where you are now so you can look back positively in years to come.

Right around the corner might be something wonderful but you might just miss a glimpse of something magnificent while you are waiting to get there.

Climbing the Ladder

I have been happier than ever this past month. I am doing things to better my life. I will not in ten years be looking back and ask, “Why didn’t I just quit my job and find something that made me happy?” or “Why didn’t I ever try and go back to school for Nursing?” or “Why didn’t I just take that trip to Germany?”

I know with most things in life, the things you look back and regret are the things you did NOT do rather than the things you did. I do not want to be at that place in ten years. I feel lucky that I am learning this as young as I am. Many do not learn this until years after misery and unhappiness have really set in.

I think it is important to strive to do what make you the happiest. I know this does not always mean you can just up and quit your job. But take a stand. Ask for that raise, what can hurt? Explore other options to see if you may be a better match somewhere else that uses your expertise. Network. Be positive. Go back to school. Learn something new. If you are unable to do anything but stay in a job you are unhappy in, make friends with your coworkers to help stimulate you during the day. Involve yourself in outside activities that you can put all of your extra energy and passions into.

Just the simple act of typing out my thoughts about life in this blog, in the little time it has been, has already helped add to my increasing happiness. I know it sounds a little exaggerated or bizarre, but it is the truth.

Piece by piece, I am climbing the golden ladder that will ultimately help me achieve everything I want for the rest of my life: Peace. Serenity. Love. Happiness. This does not mean something cannot come along and knock me back down the ladder a few steps, but I am building up the skills and mindset of living a blissful life which I hope can reflect on those around me

Monday after a weekend in Paradise

Today starts this beautiful week in Georgia.

I learned a few great lessons this weekend that one would probably not think anything of, but I am writing about it because that is what my blog is about: recognizing and acknowledging things to make me happier, stronger, and an all around better person.

Your family will always be with you put aside your friends, boyfriends, girlfriends. A family trip tests the true inner beings ability to withstand the annoyance and learn to love the ones who have been with you since day one.

I have to say, your family may always get on your nerves. But to stay with yourself and be positive even when things go awry, you will remain at better peace.

The two lessons I have learned are:

1. There is absolutely no point in getting annoyed with someone for being too nice. They always want the best for you and are willing to turn their life upside down for you to enjoy yours. Some people like this get walked over but it is someone on the other side who recognizes this and does not do the walking. People who give, give, give deserve something in return. Show them you appreciate them.

2. Spending time with your family means more than you know to those who you think may care less. Be respectful but be nothing but yourself. You will find you have a much better time being around your family if you and they can be at ease and be who they really are. I know how much I appreciate my family, annoyances and all.

Light Hearted Thoughts

You cannot take life for granted. You must stop and observe the world around you, the world in which you live and breath every day. Everything in the world works together; Observe and admire nature, the same nature that provides the air that you breath, the food that you eat, and the environment in which you live. Admire the beauty of it all and breathe in a fresh breath.

Cherish those who are close, hold family to you even tighter.

Discover something new every day, even if its is a new word from the dictionary. Challenge yourself beyond your every day tasks.

What have you done today? Have you experienced peace, happiness, or counted your blessings?

There has been research showing that those who stop and think about what they are thankful for or how they are blessed every day have, in general, a more positive outlook on life because they are veering away from focusing on the negatives and worries to focusing on the positives.

Happiness is within your reach.

First Day of June

As I began my morning, I started to think about all the positives in my life. I started to really take to heart the lessons I have learned over the past few months.

I recently watched a movie called, “The Secret”. The premise of the movie is to put your faith in the positive and do not worry, do not dwell on negatives in your life. By remaining positive, you will attract the best life has to offer. You will manage to make good of everything you have in your life. This relates to career, relationships, family, religion, and goes on and on. I know this is much easier said than done, believe me, but it is possible. Those who worry about every little detail, every moment of every day, create extra stress that can be damaging to your character, personality, and relationships. I suggest watching the movie, "The Secret" just to get the idea of what positive thinking and a driven mindset can create. You have the power to create your own wealth, happiness, and success.. What you take from the movie depends on you.

As I am in the process of going back to school, I have come to terms with a lot of things in my life hindering me from being the best I can be. And the first step I have taken is to fulfill my dream of working with kids. I believe it is so important to do something you want to do with your life. If you don’t take initiative to change unpleasant circumstances, you will stay in a place that is so much below that of what you truly deserve and what can truly make you happy.

Every day for the past week, I remind myself at least once during the day to acknowledge by blessings and what I am thankful for.

I choose hope over fear. I choose a path of positive influence and will only accept that in return. I choose to be an influence in guiding others to realize that they too can achieve ultimate happiness and inner peace.

You must love yourself before anyone.

Discovering my inner peace

I read an article yesterday on Oprah.com about Elizabeth Lesser author of “Broken Open”. The empowering story Elizabeth shared with Oprah has inspired me to search for my own path for spiritual growth, inner peace, and serenity.

I want to share my personal thoughts, struggles, accomplishments, words of wisdom, and celebrations that I face along the way as I begin the journey for this everlasting happiness that I hope can radiate to everyone in my life.

I hope to be able to fit little pieces together along way, not only growing as an individual, but all the while discovering myself.