Setbacks...

Setbacks...those pesty incidents that causes us to feel like we're further away from the goal or the mark than ever before...are really our gateway to experiencing the thing we were hoping for in a greater magnitude.  Setbacks are our setups for blessings!  I dare you to think a new thought by thinking instead of being setback, you've just been setup.  Because I live on and with purpose, I can't help but believe that there is a set time for everything that happens in my life.  I live in expectation and there are times when I expect things to happen because I've made strides and efforts towards their manifestations.  Sometimes, they don't happen when or as I expect them to.  In those times, it feels like I've experienced a setback.  However, the delay is not a denial and I am thoroughly convinced that when I am in the right place, at the right time, with the right one (if that's necessary) -- whatever is supposed to happen, will happen.  And when it happens, it will be what I expected and more!  Setbacks Setups are worth waiting for!

What Are You Telling Yourself?

So many people get caught in a web of negativity:  thinking, behavior, relationships, etc... because their negative thoughts produce negative behavior which attracts people that think and behave in the same manner.  The web of negativity starts with your thoughts.  The life you create whether negative or positive began with a thought.  The simple truth is we believe what we believe because we tell ourselves to.  The more we tell ourselves something, we increase it's credibility and it begins to manifest in our lives (both consciously and unconsciously).  So, this thought(s), not only becomes your truth but a fact.  There really is a simple solution to eliminating the web of negativity - CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS!  Tell yourself something different.  The more you say something, the more you believe it, the more you act on it, and the more you surround yourself with people that say, believe, and act the same. 

Back to the Basics!

I was thinking the other day of how simple life is and could be if we'd just take the time to appreciate the little things.  It's so easy to get caught up in the magnitude of accomplishments and materialistic goals, but a little really is a lot.  The basic necessities of life are God, family, good friends, health, and a positive outlook.  Those are the things that give us everlasting joy and from those things everything else that matters come along.  Let's keep it simple, let's go back to the basics.

Gratitude

With all that goes wrong in our lives and all that is wrong in the world, it's so easy to complain.  One thing we must never forget is that - no matter how hard it gets or how bad it may seem - someone else may be much worse off than we could ever imagine.  So with that thought, let's aim to maintain an attitude of gratitude.  This life may not be all that you desire or hope for right now, but who says this is all to your life.You've got a whole lot more living to do!

New Horizons

There is a freshness sweeping through the air as this current year briskly makes its way to close.  You may have faced a lot of challenges this year.  While you may have experienced many victories, there surely were some defeats.  But continue to rise for there is an occasion awaiting your arrival.  New horizons are on the brink and you don't want to delay your destination any longer.  Stay focused, remain determined, be intentional, and expect something different . . . something "new!"

Don't Settle!

It's really important to remain focused and not let yourself settle for things or people you really don't want.  Sometimes it's challenging "holding out" until the right job, the right person, the right opportunity becomes available.  But, when you know what you want and are willing to take the steps to get it, whatever "IT" may be, there's nothing more disappointing than when you sell yourself short and end up with the short end of the stick.  It's really not worth the emotional  upset, financial distress, or whatever else that comes along with the settlement.  Whatever you do, please don't settle!  Your change will come along at the right time.

Smile

I've heard it said many times before that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.  Whether that is true or not, I would rather display a smile than a frown any day.  Sometimes, not always, a smile symbolically reflects an internal condition.  I often think when I see a smile on someone's face, it's really their heart smiling at me.  Sometimes it's tough to smile, especially when life's situations are threatening disaster.  Maybe, during those times, you can reflect on the good times until the bad times get better.  Sometimes you have to cheer up yourself.  You may never know, your smile just might be what brightens someone's day.  Go on . . . give it a try!