Fall in line with the leaves on a tree branch The wind blows them as they do a random dance Just enough heat and the right amount of cool Better enjoy it now, maybe take a dip in the pool
The hawk is approaching as winter nears Cover up the hands, head and the ears Not much sunlight this time of year Short days, long nights as the spring appears
Itchy throat, runny nose, watery eyes The price to pay for warmer months is the demise Flowers are blooming and the bird's chirp Just hearing it brings about a smirk
It's time for summer dresses and vacations New clothes for those far away destinations Places to make memories, relax and have a ball Knowing that soon autumn will fall
Four Faces of Mother Nature is written in response to the W3 Prompt #157.
Thank you for watching! I have attached a previous article titled, Canopy of Protection. Where Do You Find Peace? Hopefully, you can find something that will help you if you need calmness in your life. As always, thank you for reading
Welcome to this special episode with my first special guest, Louie Hicks. Elevating Life with Louie Hicks gives a glimpse into his views on friends, family and life. Also, he talks about his clothing business, LHJR. Check out the website at www.lhjr.square.site. The podcast he started titled, Connect the Dots Podcast on YouTube. Last but not least, he shares about the podcast he co-hosts with Ock the Barber called Da Hip-Hop Barbershop presents on Apple
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. —
Change is upon us every day. Whether we are ready for it or not. It happens. Sometimes in that changing, we get stumped. We may not know what direction to take or what exactly we need to do.
It is not easy to change things about ourselves. The uncertainty and not knowing what will happen next. I just implore you to follow your heart. Love yourself and others.
Life is full of exciting things. What is it for you that makes you excited? Do you wake up every day and get excited to see another day. Yes, this is a valid reason to be excited. Are you excited to be working in the career of your choice? Not everyone is fortunate to have their dream career. Maybe it is your children. It is such a blessing and joy to be able to hug, smile, teach, and watch them grow into adults.
Retirees may excite in the fact that they are no longer on the clock. They can leisurely go about their day. Romance is another reason to be excited. The thought of having your person knowing that someone loves and accepts you.
Can you answer this? What excites you about life? Life brings so many reasons and opportunities to get excited. What does it for you? Maybe you have hobbies in life that excite you and motivate your life.
This question I ask because a lot of times we go about our lives and master the routine. We don’t often, stop to think about what excites us. We need to revisit some of these things and take a detour to bring the spark, smile, sense of humor and love back in. We can still live in our daily routines while enjoying those exciting things too.
Can You Answer This? What is the Best Decade of Your Life?
Joyous Life
Life is a funny thing. It is so unpredictable. It comes with joys, bumps and bruises. We go through ups and downs, but we still manage to continue to live on to see another day. Can you answer this? What is the best decade of your life?
Was it when you were in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond? Most people are still figuring things out in their 20s and having fun. Some of us were starting a family in our 20s and some getting married. Education was a front-runner for others, while family took a back seat.
Maybe your 30s was your best decade. Did you meet the love of your life in your 30s. That career you always wanted was front and center and you could not be happier. Reuniting with a long lost relative or friend has changed your life immensely; in a good way of course.
The 40s brought you a mended relationship with someone very special to you. You are now in the home you always dreamed of. Maybe, a goal that you set for yourself has come to fruition and you can be proud of the hard work you put in to obtain that goal.
Wherever life takes you is where you are meant to be. We can try to plot and scheme certain things but ultimately it is up to the creator who is always in control.
The words thank you come with so much gratitude and humility. Two words that are often overlooked and underused. I have found 10 reasons to say thank you.
10 reasons to say, thank you are:
Opening your eyes in the morning- you are able to live and see a new day
When someone holds the door open for you- it shows that there are still courteous people out there
Receiving a compliment- the kind words may have been just what you needed that day
Reaching into the refrigerator and finding something for nourishment- a simple pleasure of life often taken for granted
When you really need someone to talk to and they answer the phone- you can now discuss what is on your mind and gain some valuable insight
When you have a reason to smile- life is short, relish those moments
Having a friendly person who is willing to lend a listening ear-you can now vent and get something off your chest instead of internalizing it
When you have someone to share your life with- companionship is very valuable and should not be taken lightly
Finding comfort in those closest to you- it is nice to have someone who can comfort you just by simply being in their presence
When you can find laughter even during those difficult times- these are the times when laughter is the best medicine
I don’t know about you, but I can keep going with the list. How many more reasons can you come up with? Personalize the list and add to it or take some things away. Use it on a daily basis. Choose the ones that are most important to you.
Can You Answer This? Name something about yourself that you are proud of.
We all have wonderful gifts and personality traits that are unique. Can you name something about yourself that you are proud of? Did you graduate at the top of your class? Maybe you won a medal in gymnastics. You are always the person people confide in because you are a good listener. Generosity may be your thing and you have a big heart.
Name the thing that you are most proud of and feel good about. Don’t be shy. It is healthy to toot your own horn and big yourself up; every so often. Give yourself some flowers because if you don’t, who will? Right?
Celebrate you, feel good about yourself.
We have different aspirations in life so no matter if you think it is a small thing, pat yourself on the back, hug yourself. You deserve it and do not diminish your accomplishments in life. If you purchased your first home; big yourself up. If you started your own business, kudos! The new book you published; well done!! Celebrate yourself. If not today, when?
A few points to help us get rid of unhealthy, useless energy in our lives. The emotional baggage that weighs us down. Time to release the weight.
Holding Grudges
We have all done this at one time or another. Admit it. The thing about grudges is that it keeps us stuck in that moment, the past. No one is suggesting not to get upset or angry. Yes, get angry and/or upset about the situation or person. Have your moment and then release it. The longer you hold that grudge it keeps you stuck in the past. Think about this; holding a grudge does not change that event. Let the past be the past. Letting go of the past frees you up and allows you to live in the here and now. Also, while you are still holding that grudge, the person or persons who wronged you has already forgotten about it and are living their lives. Let it go!
Worrying
It is ok to worry sometimes. We are human and have emotions. The problem with worrying is that it can weigh you down. When the worrying disrupts your normal life and everyday activity, it is time to reassess. Excessive worrying will not change the outcome. It is undue stress that no one wants or needs. Worrying will take over your daily thoughts and activities, if we are not aware of it. Worrying in excess keeps us from important things and it is a time waster.
Being Hard on Yourself
We all strive to better ourselves. That is always helpful and healthy. The thing to remember is that we cannot be everything. Let’s focus on the positive attributes and accomplishments. Expound on those. Develop those. Do not, I repeat, do not dwell on certain things that we are not so good at. It does nothing to uplift our spirit. We all have specific gifts. For example, if you are a great dancer but cannot hold a tune and have a horrible singing voice. It’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up about it. The skills you have are the ones to develop.
Toxic Environment
This one can be hard to get away from. Remember, we cannot control other people and their actions. But we can control ourselves. and our behavior. Do not give negativity the energy to reside in your heart or on your mind. Re-focus or concentrate on positive things. When people try to suck you into a situation or conversation that you are not interested in, just walk away or simply tell them that you do not want to be a part of the conversation.
Release the weight. We have enough to worry about in everyday life. The stressors of life are enough to juggle. Free your mind. Embrace the things that bring joy into your life.
“In the waves of change, we find our true direction.”
— Author Unknown
The one thing that we can always count on in life is change. It is inevitable. No way to escape or ignore it. Opportunity presents itself in those waves of change. We can adapt to it and make the best of it, or we can use it to find a new direction. Unfolding discoveries about life and ourselves will afford us the chance to learn what we may not have otherwise known.
Iron or steam clothes for work the night before. Include shoes and any accessories. Getting out the door will be much easier when you already have these simple steps done. You don’t have to waste time looking for anything, it is already laid out.
Prepare your lunch the night before. Put your lunch in the bowl with anything else you need in the fridge overnight. In the morning just grab the already prepared portion and add anything else you want and go. Easy right?!
Feeling tired after work?
When you get home, before starting your home job, take a quick shower. You will get a burst of energy and be better equipped to handle your home obligations. You will have a refreshed mind to check homework, cook, and/or whatever other chores need to be done.
Need more time during the weekends?
Break up laundry duty by doing a load or two midweek. This way, when the weekend is here you will have some laundry done and have extra time to spare for more fun activities. If you are feeling really industrious, do one load a day and you may be finished with laundry by the time the weekend is here.
Going to the supermarket? Prepare a list before walking out the door. (I know this is old school). It is very helpful because you don’t forget to pick up certain items and you only get what you need. It saves time also from walking down each single aisle looking for items. On the other hand, order your groceries online. All you do is submit the order and drive to the store and have the items loaded in your vehicle. No fuss.
I hope these simple time saving tips can make your life easier. If you have some tips that you use, please share.
