Does Your Light Shine?

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

Happiness is derived from helping others, making a difference, and serving the world in your own unique way.  For me, I try to do it by helping those who are struggling.

No matter what your purpose is, let your underlying mission be to “live your life in a way people say  “There’s something different about them and I want to feel the same peace, joy, and love in my own life.”

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Here are five ways you can share this idea:

1. Look for ways to be a blessing.

Letting your light shine means letting all the good within you come out. In a world full of negativity, you will be amazed at the light which enters your world when you do something good.  It is like a burst of fresh air. Be sensitive to the needs of others. Find ways to be a blessing to others with simple random acts of kindness.  It can be as easy as a “thank you” or holding the door for someone, or paying for someone’s coffee.  It can be for someone you know or someone you don’t know – either way, your light with shine.

2. Refuse to be judgmental.

One of the fastest ways to turn people away from God is to judge them. And sometimes we do it without even realizing it.  Have you heard the saying “hate the act not the person”?  Basically, we can acknowledge a person has done wrong without condemning them for it.  We are all sinners and fall short every day.   We have all done things we need to be forgiven for, and by grace the grace of God,  we have received forgiveness.  Choose to pray for those you feel tempted to judge – not always an easy thing to do. Embrace and support others when they are trying to do better. .

3. Speak up for what is just.

Speak up for what is just—not right. Do you confuse being right with doing right? I know I have.  We should really be focusing more on doing right. No matter what, especially during conflict, it’s essential you treat people justly. Ensure those who cross your path are better off because they encountered you.  When in a situation where others are being cheated, disrespected, or done a disservice, let your light shine and speak up. Don’t ATTACK but do it in a direct, calm, straightforward, and nonjudgmental manner.  It may not always be easy but it is important to do.

4. Let go of the desire to fit in.

This is probably the toughest thing for this “people pleaser”.  Letting our light shine when we feel the need to fit in everywhere you go, is probably the hardest thing for me.  I am learning a simple smile, talking kindly to people can make all of the difference in the world.  When we are more concerned about being an instrument of truth and love rather than fitting in, our light will shine.

5. Don’t hide your spiritual life.

Do you have a relationship with God but pretend publicly he is not central in your life?  If God is an important part of who you are, why would you keep it to yourself?  Does it have something to do with fitting in?  I don’t mean you need to have a Bible on your desk or quote scripture all of the time. When an opportunity comes up  to share where your strength comes from or how blessed you are, be honest.  Your faith is a part of who you are. When you free yourself to be who you are, you also free others to be who they truly are.  You will also stop trying to please the world.

Has your light dimmed in today’s crazy world?  I challenge you this week to find one way to share your light with the world.  Share how you did it with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tap Into Your Power

WOOHOO, it is Monday!  Hopefully you took advantage of the extra hour of sleep when you set the clocks back.  I always struggle with time change whether it is forward or back.  My body just wants things to be consistent, that is my comfort zone.

Today, we are going to take about POWER!  I have been working with the AMAZING Eryka Peskin for a few months now and wanted to share some tips from her on “tapping into your power”.  We have the power to make choices every day.  We can choose how we act, react, don’t act, think, respond, and so on.  We have choices.

Everyone has the power to make changes in their life and the world around them. Here are some ways to tap into your personal power to make the changes that you desire:

1. Set a goal and MAKE IT HAPPEN.

One of the most effective ways to build your sense of power is to set a goal…and then achieve it!  You may already have a goal such as losing weight or exercising 3 times a week or find a new job or to make more money in your business.  They are BIG goals.  Set a small and doable goal.  Something tiny so that you can accomplish it and feel the POWER that it brings to you.

2. Acknowledge yourself for achieving your goal.

This is one place where size doesn’t matter.  Make a list of ALL of the awesome stuff you’ve done in the last week (month, year or your life).  Actually write it down and post it somewhere so that you can reflect on it when struggles come. Now, CELEBRATE yourself and your accomplishments.  Focus on your greatness rather than draining your energy by thinking about all you lack or could have done better.  Feel the power?

3. Know the things that DISempower you, so you can choose how you react to them.

I have to admit that this simple step has brought the most POWER into my life.  I know the inner gremlins of limiting beliefs, the fears and my inner critic.  Each one has a name since we are on such a personal relationship.  What is your “thing” or “things” that take away your power?  I love that when those things get triggered, I get to decide how I am going to response because that’s where your power of choice is: the power of choice.

As for me, I make the decision daily to not let my fears or limiting beliefs determine why actions for the day. Let me tell you when the day is done, I feel AMAZING!

4. Speak up for what you want..to yourself and to the world.

Speaking your truth is such a beautiful and powerful act.  This can be tough especially if you haven’t squashed those inner gremlins that like to take control.  When you speak up and get your A$K on, is an incredible act of power.  Okay, so they may say “NO” but that is okay.  At least you took control and believe me, it is a powerful feeling when you speak the truth about what you truly want for your life.

I can’t wait to hear how you tap into your power this week.  Hope you have a ThirtyOne-derful day!