Category: personal growth

I Was First Going To Say The Beach But Everyone Is Saying That

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Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

The Mountains.

The stars are different in the mountains, especially when you’re surrounded by towering pine trees.

It feels like you’re gazing at the stars through a magnifying glass—brighter, closer, and more alive. They mesmerize you, reminding you of what it feels like to be small in the vastness of it all.

The mystery of life feels more profound in the mountains.

The beach might be a getaway, but the mountains? They’re for growth and personal discovery.

Are You Angry?

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“Anger is like a child—you don’t want to let them drive the car, but you also don’t want to stuff them in the trunk.”

Anger can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, we can learn to manage it with grace:

• Breathe. Stop and take a deep breath. This creates space between you and your reaction.

• Name it. Acknowledge your feelings: “I feel angry.” “I feel tension.” Naming emotions helps diminish their intensity.

• Do it differently. Try shifting your perspective. Say, “I’m hurting. How can I be kinder to myself and those around me?”

• Inquire. Anger often carries a message. With curiosity, ask yourself, “What is my anger trying to tell me? What action do I need to take? What am I avoiding or unwilling to face?”

This practice has been a lesson for me, especially as a parent. I’ve been guilty of brushing off my children’s feelings, saying things like, “It’s not that big of a deal,” or “Why are you so upset?” But I’ve realized these moments are opportunities—to help me better understand not only my children but also myself.

Dear anger, you’re not as crazy as I thought—you’re just trying to help me see something I’ve been missing.

Each Day Is A Day Worth Celebrating

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From the moment we are born, the aging process begins. It’s a bit like a piece of fruit, picked from the tree. Once detached from its life source, the fruit starts to age. You can try to preserve it, slow it down, but the end result will be the same. Similarly, once we’re cut from the umbilical cord, we’re on our own journey.

I actually had this thought one day while washing dishes, just staring at our orange tree through the window. It hit me: we’re not all that different from a piece of fruit!

We age every day, knowing the final destination but often shying away from thinking about it. Instead, we distract ourselves, sometimes missing what it means to be truly alive.

But this knowledge is actually a gift. Knowing that life is finite is what gives each day its value. Rather than letting distractions or dark times pull us away from fully experiencing it, let’s see each day for what it is—an opportunity, a miracle in itself. Celebrate in some way, every day. Notice the small wonders around you. And by embracing this outlook, we can help others find the freedom to enjoy their lives too.

A Tree Doesn’t Grow Tall Overnight

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A few years ago, I became fixated on our front yard and started landscaping little by little, doing what I could. I remember transporting rocks from one area to the next—it was tedious, to say the least. As I was shoveling, a thought came to me: “A tree doesn’t grow tall overnight.” We have to be patient with whatever we’re building or growing.

In this fast-paced world, we often get frustrated if we don’t see results right away. But what I’m learning is that there’s a unique beauty in each stage of the process that no other stage can offer. So, instead of focusing solely on the final outcome, I’ve started to pause and recognize what’s in front of me. Because once this stage is complete, it’s gone.

Enjoy the process. Be grateful for the struggle. Push through, knowing that the fruits of your labor will be that much sweeter. While there’s wisdom in “keeping your eye on the prize,” I’ve come to realize that if my mind is always on “the reward,” I might miss some really beautiful moments and unexpected opportunities along the way.

As we move through each stage, let’s all try to take a moment to appreciate where we are, even if it’s not where we ultimately want to be. We all can pause, breathe, and remind ourselves that growth takes time. If we can look for the small victories, the lessons, and the beauty in each step, then no part of the journey will feel wasted. So let’s trust the process and, together, enjoy the journey to wherever we’re headed.

Who You See on the Outside Is Only a Fragment of Who They Are Inside

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One of my favorite quotes from The Little Prince is, “…what is essential is invisible to the eye.” It reminds me how easy it is to assume we know someone’s story based on what we see, but in reality, we often know so little about the depths within them.

Each of us is like a book, with chapters that remain unread until someone curious enough comes along to open our pages. There’s no space for judgment when we truly think about it. Every appearance, lifestyle, and action holds a story, and we see only the surface.

Before we categorize or make assumptions, let’s try to understand. Let’s give grace where it’s needed. Remember, others know only fragments of you, just as you see only fragments of them.

Change Starts With You

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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

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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.

m.g.

To See More Clear, Is To Listen

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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.

Do Your Best With What You Have

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It’s easy to find yourself desiring someone else’s life or possessions—especially on social media. Social platforms are full of rabbit holes that lead down the paths of envy and jealousy. If we spend too much time longing for what others have, it often breeds unhappiness and resentment.

There will always be someone with more, and someone with less. Contentment comes from focusing on what we already have. And often, when we look closely, we realize we have more than we thought. Count those blessings, daily.

Reminder that it’s not about having everything. True joy comes not from accumulating but from seeing our lives through a lens of gratitude, finding beauty in the ordinary, and remembering that every small gift is one to cherish.

m.g.

Do More Unexpected Things

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Surprise yourself. Surprise others! Taking risks and embracing the unexpected can open doors you didn’t even know were there. Some people shy away from change, but change can be magical. Sometimes, the best moments in life are the ones you never saw coming. Step outside the familiar, take a leap, and let life surprise you.

It’s in the unexpected moments that we often find parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed—strengths, passions, or even dreams that have been waiting beneath the surface. When we step into the unknown, we grow in ways we can’t plan for or predict. So let yourself be bold, follow those sparks of curiosity, and trust that each unexpected step will bring you closer to who you’re meant to be.