Words of Encouragement

“Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it.  I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down.” 

There are times in your life when things happen and it almost feels as if the wind has gotten knocked out of you.  You find yourself walking in a fog, existing in a fog and doing your best to hold on tight to the sense of sanity you have.  You are going through life, dodging the blows, bobbing and weaving the sucker punches that try to come your way.  Then one day, you stop, relax, and experience the pain and soreness your mind and body is experiencing. 

You are in constant movement.  You’re jumping over hurdles, you’re dodging bullets, sometimes narrowly escaping life altering situations.  This type of constant movement can be exhausting, but it keeps you in shape.  It keeps you focused, it keeps you alert and keeps you ready.  Ready for those moments when, like I said, you are going through life and BAM…those ton of bricks fall on you, your breath is taken from you and you’re in the fog.

Keep pushing.  Keep fighting, keep dodging and never stop moving forward.  Forward movement ensures you never stop your journey.  Forward movement means progress and forward movement means you are LIVING!

You may be feeling stuck. You may be feeling tired, sore, and out of breath. You may be walking in a fog or even yet, sitting in a fog.  That’s ok, that’s normal.  When the fog lifts, when your muscles recuperate and your full strength comes back, you will be stronger than ever before.

Don’t give up, don’t give in.  Your dreams are waiting for you!

Renewal, Rejuvenation and Relationships

“Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing processes of growth, renewal, and transformation in our lives.”

A mirror has been held up for me this week through the process of allowing myself to be rejuvenated and renewed through my relationships.  Sometimes we go into a space that doesn’t feel so good.  A space where we feel like we may be regressing.  We may start to doubt our growth, start to doubt our progress and question where we are going.  I call these growing pains.

Growing, changing and transforming can be tiring and painful.  The rejuvenating and renewal process through the relationships we hold near and dear is an amazing way to recognize and remember all the growth you have accomplished.  We have various types of relationships.  Each one serves a different purpose.  Each relationship contributes to our growth and supports in a different way.  I have friends who are married and rejuvenate me in ways that are very different from my relationships with people who are in a similar situation as me.  Is either one more important?  Not at all.  One relationship allows me to laugh openly and remember the past and give hope for the future.  Another completely understands where I am emotionally at that moment…but they will also understand the place I am emotionally within the next few moments, because they are right there with me.

Yes, relationships are a reflection of who we are, where we are going and remind us of those things we hold so dear.  The quote tells us how nature holds up a mirror, I also believe that it’s our most important relationships that hold up a mirror as well.  It’s these authentic relationships that have allowed me to be who I am and continue to allow me to transform…mistakes and all.  My friends have no problems being completely honest with me: the good and the bad, but it’s  all said out of love and encouragement.

Word of advice:  Those times when you feel you are down and feel you have lost your way, don’t be afraid to reach out for those relationships you hold dearly.  Learn to recognize what you need in that moment and do not be afraid to reach out and ask.  The conversations held late at night, in a coffee shop or on a park bench may be just what you need to keep your momentum going!  Your journey is continuous.  Utilize all of your resources!  You’ll be glad you did!