Start the year off right by focusing on your overall health instead of just weight loss. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine with simple breathing exercises to reduce stress and bring calm to your busiest moments. Make working out convenient and enjoyable by investing in fitness equipment for home use, such as a yoga mat or resistance bands. Support your overall health by exploring nutritional supplements tailored to your needs. Promote relaxation and emotional healing with aromatherapy, using essential oil diffusers and calming scents like lavender or chamomile. Take time daily to build your faith and find gratitude, whether through whispered prayers, short devotionals, or Bible studies. Keep yourself accountable and motivated with fitness trackers to monitor your physical activity and track your progress. Remember, self-care is not selfish, it's a necessity. Here's to a healthier, happier you!
Read more...
Are you one who makes resolutions year after year, remaining steadfast until about January 15th, and by the time February rolls around you don't even remember what the resolution was? *hand raise*
If you raised your hand, too, no shame.
What if we take a different approach this year?
If you raised your hand, too, no shame.
What if we take a different approach this year?
Have you ever considered the power of setting goals instead?
As we step into the possibilities of 2024, it's the perfect time to reflect on the journey ahead and set our sights on personal growth and real, sustainable achievement.
Let's take a minute to delve into the distinction between resolutions and goals to help you make the most out of the coming year:
Resolutions: Resolutions are often vague and open-ended, lacking a clear roadmap. For example, phrases like "exercise more" or "eat healthier" sound great, but without a detailed plan, they can be challenging to achieve.
Goals: Goals, on the other hand, are specific, measurable, and time-bound. They provide a structured framework for success. Instead of a broad resolution, setting a goal like "run a 5K in under 30 minutes by June" gives you a clear target and a deadline, making it more achievable and motivating.
Why Goals Matter:
- Clarity: Goals provide a clear direction, helping you stay focused on what you want to accomplish.
- Measurability: With goals, you can track your progress, celebrating small victories along the way.
- Motivation: Achieving specific goals boosts your confidence and encourages you to aim higher.
How to Set Effective Goals:
- Be Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
- Make it Measurable: Set benchmarks to track your progress.
- Set Realistic Goals: Be ambitious but ensure your goals are achievable.
- Time-Bound: Establish a deadline to create a sense of urgency.
This year, let's challenge ourselves to move beyond resolutions and embrace the power of well-defined goals. Whether it's personal development, health and fitness, or professional growth, setting clear objectives will set you on a path to success.
Take some time to really ponder this and set at least one goal for 2024 (more if you dare!).
I would love for you to comment below and share so we can embark on this journey together and I know how to best serve you in the future.
Wishing you a year filled with growth, success, and accomplishment!
Most people would for sure answer 'no' to this question.
No one wants to fail.
But how many people actually get it right every single time. No one.
Maybe it's time for a little perspective shift on failure.
Read more...
The infamous Jeremiah 29:11.
A verse printed on plaques and shared in times of trouble.
This is not meant to take anything away from what the Lord is trying to say here, but have you ever read the other verses surrounding this one? Yes, this verse is great, and hopeful and encouraging... but before it comes a promise of 70 years of exile in Babylon for the Israelites.
Exile: a situation in which you are forced to leave your country or home and go to live in a foreign country.
Do you realize God spoke these words to the people of Israel as He was sending them out of their homeland because of their sin and disobedience? He knew the plans He had for them were good... but by golly, I bet they didn't feel real good to the Israelites in the moment.
You see, it's easy to quote these verses to make us feel good, but are you ready to trust that God's plans for you are good... no matter what they are or how they actually make you feel?
You see, it's easy to quote these verses to make us feel good, but are you ready to trust that God's plans for you are good... no matter what they are or how they actually make you feel?
When sickness comes, when tragedy strikes, when deep sorrow and heartbreak is felt... will you still hold fast to the promise that God's plans for you are good?
.
.
That is my prayer for you, friend... that you will be able to answer, "Yes!"
You see... we serve a God who is all-knowing, all-seeing, sovereign in all things.
He sees how every single piece of the puzzle that is our life fits together perfectly to create a beautiful masterpiece.
Some of those pieces, when viewed individually, don't appear to measure up. They don't look like they should fit. They are just all wonky.
But when we can allow God to take each of those pieces, and ever so gently and carefully maneuver it into the exact spot where it belongs, the end result is something beautiful.
In the middle of our exile, heartbreak and tragedy, we can rise up and continue to carry on, one foot in front of the next. God told His people that during this time of exile they were to still build, plant, eat, marry, multiply... and not dwindle away! (Jer. 29:4-7)
We can trust that the Lord's plans are always good, while at the same time realizing that what we perceive as good may not line up with the 'good' things the Lord sends our way. Because the trials, tragedies, and exiles of this life are what grow us, and strengthen us, and ultimately all do work together for our good and His glory.
He sees how every single piece of the puzzle that is our life fits together perfectly to create a beautiful masterpiece.
Some of those pieces, when viewed individually, don't appear to measure up. They don't look like they should fit. They are just all wonky.
But when we can allow God to take each of those pieces, and ever so gently and carefully maneuver it into the exact spot where it belongs, the end result is something beautiful.
In the middle of our exile, heartbreak and tragedy, we can rise up and continue to carry on, one foot in front of the next. God told His people that during this time of exile they were to still build, plant, eat, marry, multiply... and not dwindle away! (Jer. 29:4-7)
We can trust that the Lord's plans are always good, while at the same time realizing that what we perceive as good may not line up with the 'good' things the Lord sends our way. Because the trials, tragedies, and exiles of this life are what grow us, and strengthen us, and ultimately all do work together for our good and His glory.
Blessings!
PS: If you would like to be notified via email when there is a new blog post, CLICK HERE to get on my email list!
I believe God was calling me to share my heart and experience with this. If you feel so inclined, take a listen...
The words seemed to flow more freely speaking them as opposed to typing them. :)
