Birthday Celebration and Reflection
I’m 39 y'all!!! As I reflect and look back, I have so much I'm truly grateful for, but at the same time, I don't know where the time goes!? My great-grandmother, Mary Farmer, always said, "Hang on tight, hunnie, because as you age, time goes faster and faster." I had no idea what she meant at the time she told me, but I'm feeling it on a different level today and lately!
In this month's blog, I want to encourage my followers to really dig deep into something someone recently shared with me. I was going through a rough time a few weeks back. I had a hysterectomy in December and wasn't able to do and be the things I normally was. I was feeling sad, emotional, and frustrated. I reached out to a friend that I look up to in many different ways for prayers and advice. That evening, without hesitation, she dropped off a DVD called "The Secret" and later the book by Rhonda Byrne. I have always enjoyed comparing movies to books, but I have been taking away a lot more from the book this time. It is about the law of attraction – What we think, speak, and feel puts off an energy. It has REALLY made me think and be more conscious about how I am speaking, thinking, and checking myself when feeling anything but happy, grateful, healthy, etc.
It's so easy to scroll through social media, watch the news, interact with people at work and in life, and feel anxious, defeated, sad, or lonely – all of these I've experienced at different times in my life. I wish I had known then what I know now. Both this book and scripture have taught me that because I gave my life to Jesus, part of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, lives within me. Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Small, simple daily activities and goals can be life-altering. When we wake up, our first thoughts and words can LITERALLY set the tone for our day. As much as I don't like my alarm to go off, I try to say, "Thank you for waking up and another day on this earth." Choosing and living life for the positives will bring about more positives. If we focus on the negatives, complain about the negatives, we will ultimately get more of that. Don't let others' actions and words, or circumstances in your life, rob you of happiness, wealth, and health.
A quote from the book: "It's never too late to change anything or everything; there is no point that is too low to come back from. There is no opportunity that is lost. And the great news is that it's not the world you need to change. Just change the way you think, change the way you feel, and the world as you know it will change before your eyes." – Rhonda Byrne
Our bodies were created just like the universe; it first started with a thought… God created the earth, the sun, and the stars, and we each were created to have a divine purpose!!!!!! Our bodies are made up of matter and energy in the form of cells or, some say, atoms. I won't pretend I'm a scientist here because I'm not. But we put off energy, good or bad, and whatever we are releasing, we attract!!! If we are complaining or having negative thoughts about a situation in our lives or a person(s) in our lives, we are feeding that negativity. Scripture says in Matthew 5:44: Praying for your enemies means to ask God to bless and provide for those that have wronged you. Not because you're condoning their actions or behavior, but you're choosing forgiveness and kindness, and not letting those negative feelings and thoughts consume you!!
Speak LIFE and remember: No one is perfect. We are all going through seasons of change, challenging situations, hormonal changes (ME) and my two teenagers… Life is hard; let's not make it harder. Live with a heart like Jesus'. If he gave up on me every time I messed up… Oyyyy… I am choosing to live with a heart like him, give grace where grace is needed, don't jump to conclusions – there are two sides to every story, and we are all human. We all mess up, but we all can choose to do and be better every day. My momma always said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Don't talk about people behind their backs, don't judge. You have no idea what's going on in their life. BE THE LIGHT and instead offer a hug, guidance, support, and encouragement.
My last bit of reflection from the past 39 years is this: Eat the brownie sundae, make time for the friends and family that make time for you, and say YES to the girls' weekend or couples' weekend every chance you get. Life is short; live every day to the fullest and be sure to fill your cup so you can fill others. There is a reason the flight attendants tell you that in case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on prior to helping others put theirs on. Meaning, if you don't have enough and can't breathe or you're lacking, you aren't able to help others!!! See y’all next month:)
Books suggested by yours truly:
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Let Them by Mel Robbins
39 feels good!!
Eat the brownie sundae!!
Make time for your girls!!