Love Is A Choice – Choose To Love

Try this: whatever in your life brings up fear or anxiety, choose to love it. Anything that stirs anger? Choose love. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action, and it’s a choice we have the power to make every day. The ability to love more deeply is a seed within us, and it’s one that needs nurturing.

When something frustrates or upsets you, pause, take a breath, and say, “I love you.” Don’t let stress or anger have power over you. Every person and every experience around us could use a little more love.

Instead of pushing away “it”, whatever it may be (we all have things, situations, or even people that we find challenging to love) because of the negative emotions it brings, challenge yourself to love it.

For example, imagine you just stubbed your toe on the door. (We all know how much that hurts!) Instead of cursing the door, acknowledge it with a twist: “That hurt, but I still love you, door, because you keep my family safe and give us privacy.” It may seem small, but this practice strengthens the habit of choosing love in frustrating moments. If you can learn to love something as simple as a door that caused you pain, think of how far that love can extend to the bigger challenges in life.

Some days, you’ll succeed; other days, you’ll struggle. But don’t give up, love really is the answer. I know, because I have my own struggles with this practice.

There have been moments when my children have sparked this kind of anger I didn’t even know I had, and I have to literally step back to figure out where it’s coming from.

I had to choose love.

Over time, we evolve and improve, and for that, we can be grateful for.

Love is more than a feeling, it’s a choice. Imagine a world of choose to love.

10 meaningful ways to embrace gratitude and thankfulness this November:

1. Start a Daily Gratitude Journal: Each day, jot down three things you’re grateful for, big or small. Reflecting on these can shift your perspective and boost positivity.

2. Write Thank-You Notes: Send a handwritten note or message to someone who’s impacted your life. Sharing appreciation can brighten someone’s day and strengthen connections.

3. Practice Mindful Moments: Take a few minutes each morning or evening to pause, breathe, and notice the beauty around you. Embrace the little things, like the warmth of a drink or the colors of autumn.

4. Create a “Grateful For” Jar: Write down things you’re thankful for on slips of paper and place them in a jar. At the end of the month, read through them to remind yourself of the positive moments.

5. Volunteer or Give Back: Helping others can be a powerful way to cultivate gratitude. Volunteer at a local organization or support a cause you care about.

6. Reconnect with Nature: Take walks, even if they’re short, and let nature help you feel grounded. Observe the changing leaves or crisp air, and appreciate the beauty of each season.

7. Limit Complaints for a Day: Challenge yourself to go an entire day without complaining. When you notice something negative, counter it with something positive.

8. Cook a Meal with Love: Whether for family, friends, or just yourself, make a meal mindfully, appreciating each ingredient. It’s a simple but meaningful way to practice gratitude.

9. Reflect on Challenges as Lessons: Think about past challenges and what they’ve taught you. By seeing growth in hardships, you can feel thankful for the strength you’ve gained.

10. Say “Thank You” Often: Don’t hold back on showing gratitude throughout the day. Thank your loved ones, coworkers, or even strangers. Expressing thanks more often can create an uplifting ripple effect.

No Time To Waste

Do you need time?

I will share that there is no time to waste.

I feel each of us will always want more time but that is not really in our control as many of us want to believe. And that can be a very difficult thing to accept.

Our minds get stuck in the past or the future and lose touch with being present.

A healthy lifestyle is good for quality of life but doesn’t ensure longevity. Remember this.

Day by day is what we have. Day by day.

Every moment is a gift.

We need to change the mindset to be thankful for all the time we have been given.

You’ve been given more time than most. Let’s appreciate that together and waste no more of it.

Awareness that time is limited helps to enjoy the little things and encourages us to be more giving and helpful to others.

Your faith is key.

Change Starts With You

We don’t have control over others, though we can inspire, encourage, motivate, support, and help them. But ultimately, any change has to come from within that person. There’s a quote, “be the change you wish to see in the world,” which reminds me that while we can’t make people change, we can be an example. We can light a path for those who may be in the dark and needing guidance. We can share our difficult experiences to help others avoid the same pain or share our joys to uplift and strengthen.

Each of us has choices in life, and sometimes making the right one is challenging, even frightening. It takes real courage to look within and recognize where change might be needed. We’re human, imperfect, which is why we need more grace and compassion. Everyone carries invisible weight, and when we get frustrated by someone’s actions, it’s worth considering that poor choices might be cries for help or signs of misunderstanding.

Imagine if those who are struggling had more people listening to their stories rather than pointing out their flaws, might they be different? Change is possible, but it starts within each of us.

Whatever It Is, Just Start – You’ll Figure It Out Along The Way

Honestly, what holds many of us back is the fear of what our peers might think. It’s wild, really—because they’re probably not as concerned as we imagine!

How someone views you often says more about them than it does about you. If someone mocks or criticizes, consider how they treat themselves. Those who truly love and support you will always be there, regardless.

Remember, you don’t need to please everyone, and you don’t have to. You know your reasons, and that’s enough. Keep that close to avoid the noise and stay true to your path.

And here’s the thing: You don’t need all the answers to start. Taking the first step is what sets the journey in motion. Trust that clarity and confidence will grow as you go. Every step forward brings insight, and before you know it, you’ll be far beyond where you started—proud that you chose to begin.

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To See More Clear, Is To Listen

Pay attention to everything. Everything around you holds a voice, each with a story it longs to tell.

Listen deeply. Seek out the story in all things. Ask questions, pray, ponder, and meditate. The clarity you find will be surprising; even things you never noticed as unclear may come into sharper focus.

As you evolve and develop, understanding grows too—illuminating the past and offering glimpses into the future. But true sight isn’t achieved alone.

Seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened. God stands ready, always waiting for your call.

May I add to not be afraid of the answers that come your way. Trust that each revelation is here to liberate you, peeling back layers of uncertainty to reveal a hidden, beautifully defined path. Waiting…..just for you.

Every answer you uncover is a step toward clarity, helping you to see beyond the noise and confusion.

Let go of fear and allow the truth to guide you, knowing that, with each insight, you’re stepping closer to the person you are meant to be and the purpose you are here to fulfill.

I Am You, And You Are Me

Think of the ocean, and all the waves within its vast, beautiful blue. Now think of us, as people, each like a wave in that ocean. Each wave is unique and separate in its own way, yet it’s still water, still part of something larger. Just as waves belong to the ocean, we are all connected. It can feel, at times, like we’re on our own or completely different from others, but beneath the surface, we share many similarities and are part of something so vast and profound that it stretches beyond what our minds can fully comprehend.

When we’re reminded to “love thy neighbor,” to treat others how we wish to be treated, or to follow the Golden Rule—it’s because, in essence, you are them, and they are you.

Notice The Good Signs

Many of us are always watching for bad signs, or at least those are what we focus on. They’re the ones that seem to stick in our minds, weighing us down and becoming tough to shake.

Constantly looking for the bad can leave the good in the shadows. When we do this, it’s like planting more bad seeds than good ones in our minds.

But there are so many good things—moments of light, glimmers—that deserve way more of our attention.

Glimmers are those tiny, positive signs that often slip by, little reminders that good things are happening, too.

Though our brains are wired to spot danger, trained for survival, we can work to build faith that’s stronger than this tendency.

This shift isn’t easy. It’s a muscle we must work on every day.

Over time, with intention and patience, noticing the good can become as natural as looking for the bad once was.

Bring Your Imagination Back

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

The first thing that comes to mind with maintaining that “kid at heart” mentality is curiosity.

Kids ask sooooo many questions, they are completely full of wonder.

And some of their questions truly are thought provoking.

Children are very eager to test boundaries with little thought of consequences. They have a drive to know and learn.

In a nutshell, they also just want to have fun.

Kids can find joy in almost anything! Their imagination is incredible.

Bring your imagination back to life and you’ll regain that kid in your heart.