by Torrie Oglesby | Jan 26, 2016 | Family + Relationships
I’m going to go ahead and assume that if you’re a woman you are a giver. The days and weeks of your life consists of serving others. You freely give your time, your energy and the best of yourself to your loved ones. This is such a good quality and the true mark of a servers’ heart. However we often get lost in making sure everyone else is taken care of that we forget to take care of ourselves. I can always tell when I haven’t taken care of myself by my attitude. The minute serving becomes burdensome instead of enjoyable or when I start going through the motions and not be intentional with every action and move is when I know it’s time to stop and treat myself.
I recently fell into a huge writing slump. If you’re a writer you know how scary these slumps can be. It feels as if you’re stuck on sticky tap and can’t find a way to get unstuck. For a whole week, I couldn’t jot down one sentence let alone a word for my novel. I was paralyzed at this certain part of my story and it was looking like it was going to be a long road back to the light. Luckily, I have a husband who knows me inside and out and he came home from work one day and simply said, “On Saturday, you’re going to go take some time to be alone.” It’s amazing how our loved ones know truths about us before we can see them. I agreed and all of a sudden I was looking forward to Saturday morning, a date with myself, and a chance to gain a new perspective.
Saturday morning came, I got up early, before the babies, got dressed and headed out! With my laptop, charger, phone, and headphones in a tote I was ready to write and be renewed by time well spent with myself. As I sat down and was prepared to write I was still in a major slump. So I read a little, listened to music and even called an old friend of mine to catch up and laugh. By feeding myself, I got inspired and just like that the floodgates of my creativity burst open and I was able to jot down 4,000 words!!! The light was nearer than I thought, it just required me to put myself first and allow my creativity to be feed. If you starve yourself, you’ll end up being unhealthy. Same with your spiritual/mental body. If you starve your spirit and mind of love and nurture for ITSELF, then you’re going to be unhealthy and insufficient. Ladies, while I love that we are servers and that that’s a true reflection of our creator, I also want you guys to remember to TREAT YO SELF in order to give to yourself and others in a healthier and happier way.
What will you do this week to treat yo self? Let us know in the comments below!
With love and big smiles,
Torrie.
by Taylor Gardner | Jan 26, 2016 | Faith + Expressions
It is easy to take for granted the good things that are happening in your life, especially when you are in the mist of the storm. However, the truth of the matter is that you always have something to be thankful for. I know it may seem like the world is on your shoulders and that a brighter day will never come, but trust me it will. A quick way to ease the pain and brighten everyday is by DIYing a Blessing Jar.
Sometimes you need a little reminder of how awesome you are! It may seem unrealistic but even the smallest accomplishment can take your mind off of the burden of life.
The concept is simple:
- Buy or find an empty Mason jar
- Decorate the Mason jar anyway you see fit
- Everyday when you wake up and/or feel extremely grateful write a “blessing” down on a scrap sheet of paper
- When you are feeling down, pick a sheet of paper from the blessings jar and read what you are blessed to have in life.
Trust me, starting off with a positive affirmation will definitely make that day that much better.
Taylor G.
by Taylor Gardner | Jan 18, 2016 | Learn + Grow
Last year was a trying year for me and I haven’t always had the brightest attitude or outlook on life. So, to get myself out of the funk I decided to go to Barnes and Noble and get some books. The first book I came across was, God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours. I read the description of the book and instantly went to checkout. A woman, by the name of Regina Brett wrote the book because she felt as though it took her 40 years to “find and hold on to happiness.†She says it is because she felt that God blinked when she was born, and that is why she never felt special or happy until later in her life. Which is an idea that many people can relate to. We’ve all experienced that feeling of being ordinary and doubtful at one point or another. And in my opinion, this book is not only an expression of those feelings, but also a remedy for them.
The book is separated into lessons. Each lesson is an idea that as women we all deal with. From how to deal with doubt to how to start saving for your retirement fund, this book has it all. Anything that you have felt, I guarantee that there is a lesson/chapter in the book that will speak to your feeling.
I have personally recommended this book to every one of my friends and have also read it about 3 times. Also, sometimes I just read one or two lessons, just to pick up my mood. Whether you are happy or going through something, this book will add to your life. So, check it out when you get it chance!
Taylor G.
by Altimese Nichole | Jan 16, 2016 | Faith + Expressions
How we start our mornings create the foundation for the entire day. Instead for taking a reactive approach to each day, be proactive and be deliberate in your state of mind.
Beginning our day with God is the most rewarding way to start each morning. Here are 10 songs that will help you remain a heart of gratitude and prayer throughout the day (Morning Meditation and Prayer Edition):
- Chasing After You- Tye Tribbett
- Oceans (Where My Feet Fail)- Hillsong United
- Your Love is Strong- Jon Foreman
- You Will Find Me- Andrew Ripp
- Let There Be Worship- Isaiah Thomas
- I Adore You- Darlene McCoy
- Fill me Up- Casey J
- Beautiful Things- Gungor
- What Can I Do- Tye Tribbett
- My World Needs You- Kirk Franklin
What would you add to the morning meditation playlist? Share your favorite songs that help you stay focused on peace and love.
Are you on Spotify? Follow Me @ Altimese Nichole!
XOXO,
by Altimese Nichole | Jan 16, 2016 | Learn + Grow
The longer we live, the more “real” life gets. With a new year, we strive for new growth and a new perspective. However, have you noticed that through our efforts, it seems as if things continue to happen that keep us from moving forward? For every two steps taken, life happens and we’re forced to take ten steps backward.
When chaos happens in life, here are a few tips to help keep us grounded:
Prayer and Meditation
Prayer changes things and when it doesn’t change within our time table, it gives us the internal peace to remain hopeful while we wait. Through prayer, meditation follows. Worry is simply a perverted version of meditation. When we think on things and ponder on thoughts, we meditate and feed the thoughts (good or bad). For people like me, I find myself seeking the surrounding of people when I should be praying instead. Push through the desire to share with others and simply seek God.
Dive into your passion
During chaotic times, it’s very easy to meditate on your situation instead of things that make you happy or fulfilled. If you love writing– write. If you love art or music, spend time feeding that love. It will help you to not focus on the negative
Speak life
Our words are extremely powerful. When we speak about our situations, we make them larger and our faith smaller. Even in the midst of venting, we’re allowing our words to simply manifest more of the things that we’re venting about. Instead of saying “I can’t seem to get it right” say “I will get it right soon.” Instead of saying “I can’t seem to have enough money.” say– “My needs are being met in abundance and money is a resource that I receive freely.”
Did I mention, pray? Then pray some more?! Okay, great!
What are some ways you maintain peace in the midst of chao? Share with us your techniques!
XOXO
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