What’s Your Take Away?

Since this week is a week of reflection in preparation for the New Year, let me ask you this question:

What’s the most valuable thing you are taking away from this past year?

Did you learn something new?  Did you overcome an obstacle or health challenge?  Did you find a solution to a problem?  Have you found a new passion in your business?

For me, this question is actually helping me shape my plan for the upcoming year.   Think about this:

Were you faced with a challenge this year?  Did you find a solution to it?  Believe it or not, there is probably a greater lesson to be learned in the solution which you can apply to new situations in the future. When you take a few moments to reflect, you begin to take ownership of your newfound wisdom. The best part is, when you take away the greater lesson, you won’t have to learn the lesson over and over again.

Whatever is going on in our lives at any given moment is actually there to teach you and help you to grow.  BUT it can only happen when you pause, reflect and ponder the message being offered.

As I look back on 2017, I have learned many lessons by identifying the situations which frustrated, disappointed, perplexed, or even excited me.  I am grateful of a planner which helps me track those moments because the memory is not what it used to be…

As I look at each situation, I ask myself one powerful question:

What am I going to take away from this situation so  I am somehow better for it, wiser for it, and able to move forward in the most powerful way possible?’

Then I am owning the answer!  I am applying the wisdom in other areas of my life now and looking for ways to store it so I can use it in the future.

Guess what?  You just got a little bit wiser!

I challenge you to look at a situation you are currently facing or faced this past year.  Now ask yourself the powerful question:

What am I going to take away from this situation so that I am somehow better for it, wiser for it, and able to move forward in the most powerful way possible?

Share your lesson with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

A Gratitude Walk

“Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.” Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

This morning I woke up in my own bed filled with gratitude.  There are days when the MS effects me not only physically but mentally and emotionally.  On those days, I struggle to see the good in anything in my life.  This past weekend, I have had the pleasure of connecting with some amazing women.  I have been able to see the blessings in my life.  Yes, even the health struggles.

I focused on the things I love about my business but most of all what I love about my life.  The inner gremlins that haunt me and want to plunge me into depression were squashed.  I was inspired by Andy Andrews and the other speakers.  I was reminded that I have been given a gift and it needs to be shared.

I was reminded about a book I hare skimmed form Zig Ziglar entitled A View From the Top.  I remembered my purpose of “bringing hope and a smile to children, reminding them that they are special and worthy”.  I decided to start every morning along with a devotions with a gratitude list – or at least 5 things I am grateful for that day.  it helps me to foster a deep sense of happiness, and this gratitude is the missing ingredient to mine (and most people’s) success.

Not sure where to start, here are some things that I am grateful for TODAY.  Don’t just read them, feel them.  Find the ones that resonate with you…

1. The breath in your lungs

2. Your hard-working heart

3. The food that fuels your experience

4. The ever-present opportunity to make better decisions than your last

5. The freedom to make unlimited mistakes on your road to self-improvement

6. The natural talents you were born to share

7. The challenges that allow you to grow

8. The accomplishments that have improved your life

9. The mother and father who gave you life

10. Warm sun on your skin

11. The beauty and life in nature

12. The senses that allow you to experience beauty

13. Health in any amount

14. The arms, legs, feet, and hands that give you freedom of movement

15. The favorite song that keeps you going when you feel like giving up

16. The ability to learn from the mistakes and achievements of others

17. The help that is always there when you ask for it

18. The roof over your head

19. The inspiration that sweeps you out of your comfort zone

20. The people who’ve dedicated their lives to inspiring others

21. The ability to connect with family and friends anywhere in the world (Skype)

22. The fresh start you’re given every day

23. The pain that reminds you of the need to change

24. Our dreams

25. Electricity

26. All of the amazing teachers who helped you reach your potential

27. Each failure that led to your achievements, and everyone who encouraged you to keep going

28. The random smile that got you through your last impossible day

29. That one cashier who you can always count on to brighten your day

30. The one friend you’ve been able to count on through every stage in your life—even if that friend is you

31. Your favorite spot to recharge when you’re overwhelmed

32. That one mule of a person who challenges you to be kind when it’s most difficult

33. The special people who filled spots where parents or grandparents were missing

34. The spiritual growth you’ve accomplished (give yourself some credit!)

35. All the quotes that inspire you

36. The doors that closed on opportunities you wanted but didn’t need

37. The windows that opened when you almost gave up hope

38. The hot showers that completely change your perspective on life

39. Making good news for others to hear

40. A really good cry

41. Your favorite things

42. The ridiculous people you can always count on for a belly laugh

43. Little munchkins who you can never be with quite enough

44. The bad examples who illuminated the paths you shouldn’t take

45. The movies, music, art, celebrations, and people that remind you just how good it is to be human

46. The you from yesterday you get to compete with today

47. Refreshing walks that calm your mind and ease your spirit

48. The ability to change your whole life with one good decision

49. The option to be grateful no matter where you are or what you’re experiencing

What are you grateful for today?  Share it with us.  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!