Do More Unexpected Things

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.

Be Like A Child

Life knocks you down. Life knocks you down hard. If we let it, life can harden our hearts, making us cynical and negative. Worry and doubt become our closest companions. We lose touch with the child within—the one who is resilient, carefree, and eager to embrace life’s joys.

Yes, life is full of pain, but it’s also filled with miracles. As we become more aware of life’s tragedies, anxiety often takes root, stealing the laughter from our days. Fear becomes a shadow over our joy.

Be like a child. Seek joy, even when life brings you to your knees. Let yourself find wonder, even in the smallest things, and keep the spirit of resilience alive within you.

Remember, in each day, there are small moments of beauty and magic waiting to be found. Embrace them, and let them soften your heart.

Develop Friendships With Those Who Believe Differently

We often become upset with those who don’t share our beliefs. But each of us is on a unique path, shaped by different experiences that give us our own views of the world.

Instead of pushing away those who see things differently, try befriending them. Talk to them, learn their story, and listen to why they believe what they do. When we open ourselves to different perspectives, we may even begin to see the world with more compassion and understanding.

I believe everything is connected in some way, and there’s something valuable to learn from every perspective. The beauty of having friends with different beliefs is that it challenges us. And sometimes, when our beliefs are tested, we become even stronger in what we stand for. It deepens our understanding and strengthens our spirit.

Seek out those who bring new light and layers to what you thought you knew. Let each new connection add depth to your world, knowing that every encounter holds a gift, if we’re open enough to receive it.

Lessons Are All Around Us

There is something we can learn from everything.

There was a moment when my children were younger, and we were watching The Cat in the Hat on PBS Kids. The Cat asked, “What makes a bird a bird?”

You might think the answer would be the ability to fly, but that’s not quite right. Penguins are birds, and they can’t fly.

The answer is actually feathers. That’s what sets them apart.

This got me thinking: What makes a human a human? It’s something to ponder.

I loved that I learned something or that my curiosity was sparked by something as simple as a quote from a kids’ show.

What I learned from that was that sometimes, what seems obvious at first has extra layers waiting to be discovered—or an answer to a question might seem obvious, only for you to realize it’s not the answer you thought.

Lessons are like that—they keep revealing themselves over time. For example, when you rewatch a movie or reread a book, you often pick up on something new you didn’t notice before.

But it’s not just books or movies—lessons are all around us. They can be found in nature, in conversations, in the innocent perspective of a child, or even in a kids’ show. Each lesson we learn shapes our actions and attitudes, creating a ripple effect.

Just as a small act of kindness can spread and inspire others, the lessons we internalize can encourage us to uplift those around us, making a meaningful difference in the world.

The key is to stay open, curious, and willing to learn, even from the simplest things.

Sometimes life teaches us in whispers, and it’s up to us to listen.

peace, love, & light

mg

Be Grateful For Each Day

Every day is a gift.

We’ve all heard that before, right?

But I want to emphasize that every day truly is a gift.

Things can happen—unexpected things. They do happen, and they will continue to happen. And yes, they can happen to you too.

This is life.

We need to let go of the mindset that we are better than anyone else. I mean, anyone.

Each of us has a story; every human has faced challenges.

To think that scary, unexpected events won’t touch you is an illusion.

We must recognize that each day is as fragile as the next and acknowledge how desperately we need one another.

Don’t let the petty things ruin your day.

Treat each day as the gift that it truly is.

15 Recovery Affirmations

Recovery affirmations to help support healing—whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual:

1. I honor the time my body and spirit need to heal.

2. Each day, I grow stronger and more resilient.

3. I release any guilt or shame attached to my past and embrace the present.

4. I am patient with myself, and I trust the process of healing.

5. Every breath I take fills me with calm and peace.

6. I allow myself to feel joy, even in moments of challenge.

7. My body knows how to heal, and I trust it to guide me.

8. I am worthy of rest, renewal, and restoration.

9. The love I give myself fuels my recovery.

10. I forgive myself and others, freeing my heart from pain.

11. I am not defined by my scars; they show my strength.

12. I welcome the support and love that helps me grow.

13. Each day is a fresh start, full of potential and healing energy.

14. I am learning, growing, and healing at my own pace.

15. I trust that everything I need for healing is already within me.

These affirmations are great for reinforcing a positive mindset during recovery, reminding you to be kind to yourself and stay focused on the process of growth and healing. ❤️‍🩹

Dears Readers, I Had an EMERGENCY abdominal Surgery! – Bowel Obstruction Surgery

I’m still in shock.

I’m currently recovery at home and it’s been about 4 days now since my surgery.

I will write another blog soon letting you all know what went down but I may not post for a while because I really need to focus on my healing.

Or a few of my posts going forward for a bit may be recovery and healing related.

One thing for sure I am incredibly grateful to be here. This was very sudden and completely unexpected. I have been overwhelmed by love from family and friends.

God truly carried me through this from the beginning and my trust is completely in Him.

I got home yesterday from the hospital (today is Saturday and this all went down on Tuesday) and being able to hold my children and stroke their hair and give them kisses is something I am not taking for granted.

I have learned so much from this experience and how much more eager I am to help and heal people!

Remember my friends, it truly is the littlest things that leave such powerful impacts.

Examples would be:

  • A gentle touch 
  • Sincerity in the eyes
  • Tone of voice 
  •  A warm smile 
  • Story telling
  •  Sense of humor 

God bless all of you, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here.

Marie

20 DEEP Questions To Reflect On – Journaling Prompt

Here are 20 deep questions to reflect on to help you understand who you are:

1. What are my core values, and how do they influence my decisions?

2. What are my biggest fears, and where do they come from?

3. How do I define success for myself, independent of others’ opinions?

4. What do I believe is my purpose in life?

5. In what areas of my life do I feel most at peace, and why?

6. What experiences have shaped my identity the most?

7. How do I handle failure, and what do I learn from it?

8. What kind of relationships nourish my soul, and which ones drain me?

9. When do I feel most authentic, and when do I feel like I’m wearing a mask?

10. How do I speak to myself during hard times? What does that reveal about my self-love?

11. What parts of my past am I still holding onto, and how do they affect me today?

12. What role does forgiveness play in my life—for both myself and others?

13. What do I need to let go of to grow and move forward?

14. What are the recurring patterns in my life, and what might they be teaching me?

15. What are the most significant challenges I’ve overcome, and how have they shaped me?

16. What makes me feel truly fulfilled and alive?

17. What do I want my legacy to be?

18. What do I believe about the nature of love, and how do I show love to myself and others?

19. How do I manage my emotions, and what do they tell me about my inner world?

20. What am I most grateful for in my life right now, and how does gratitude shape my outlook?

Cozy Fall Bucket List – 20 Things To-do

Here’s a fun and cozy fall bucket list with at least 20 things you can do to fully embrace the season:

1. Visit a pumpkin patch and pick the perfect pumpkins.

2. Carve or paint pumpkins with creative designs.

3. Go apple picking at a local orchard.

4. Bake a homemade apple pie or pumpkin bread.

5. Take a scenic hike to enjoy the fall foliage.

6. Go on a hayride or take a trip to a corn maze.

7. Have a bonfire night with s’mores and hot cider.

8. Decorate your home with fall-themed decor like leaves, gourds, and cozy candles.

9. Host a cozy movie night with classic fall or Halloween movies.

10. Attend a fall festival or farmers market.

11. Make homemade chili or a hearty soup for a cozy dinner.

12. Create a gratitude list and reflect on what you’re thankful for.

13. Have a picnic outside, surrounded by colorful fall leaves.

14. Go thrift shopping for cozy fall sweaters and scarves.

15. Collect leaves and create a fall craft or wreath.

16. Try a new fall-flavored coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

17. Visit a haunted house or go on a ghost tour.

18. Start a fall-inspired book or reading list.

19. Create a fall playlist with your favorite cozy songs.

20. Stargaze on a clear, cool fall night wrapped in blankets.

October Goals 2024

This month the focus is on Self-Love 🤍

  1. Practice Self-Compassion: Be mindful of your inner dialogue. Whenever self-criticism creeps in, counter it with kind, understanding words. Treat yourself like you would a close friend.
  2. Celebrate Your Wins: No matter how small, acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments regularly. Write them down at the end of each day to reinforce your self-worth.
  3. Set a “Me-Time” Ritual: Dedicate at least one day a week for uninterrupted “me time” to do whatever makes you feel recharged, whether it’s reading, relaxing, or engaging in a hobby.
  4. Forgive Yourself: Let go of past mistakes and imperfections. Acknowledge that you’re human and that your growth matters more than any misstep.
  5. Create a Self-Love Journal: Write daily or weekly about what you love about yourself, your strengths, and your qualities that make you unique. Revisit these pages whenever you need a boost.