Tag: gratitude

The Future Is Uncertain

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The truth is, nobody knows the future. Life has a way of reminding us of this through unexpected twists and turns, cultivating surreal moments that catch us off guard.

But isn’t this exactly how we’d want it? Alan Watts once suggested that if we could dream any life we wanted, we’d start by fulfilling every desire and experiencing endless pleasure. Yet eventually, we’d crave surprise and risk. Finally, we’d choose the life we’re living now—filled with uncertainty and the thrill of the unknown.

Life is uncertain, and that’s its beauty. It invites us to appreciate each day as it comes, embracing what we don’t know with open hearts. So welcome every sunrise with gratitude and grace, and trust that the uncertainty of today holds the magic of possibility.

The Heart Of The Buddha

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“The Buddha offered this wonderful image. If you take a handful of salt and pour it into a small bowl of water, the water in the bowl will be too salty to drink. But if you pour the same amount of salt into a large river, people will still be able to drink the river’s water…….because of its immensity, the river has the capacity to receive and transform. The river doesn’t suffer at all because of a handful of salt. If your heart is small, one unjust word or act will make you suffer. But if your heart is large, if you have understanding and compassion, that word or deed will not have the power to make you suffer.” – The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by @thichnhathanhsangha

This teaching reminds us that expanding our hearts, like widening a river, can help us navigate life with greater resilience. When our hearts are small, we feel every slight, and even small challenges can overwhelm us. But as we grow in compassion and understanding, we become capable of holding much more—our hearts become like that vast river. Life will always add “salt” in the form of difficulties or unkind words, but with a heart that’s expansive and compassionate, we can absorb these moments without letting them take away our peace. So let’s strive to cultivate a heart as open and vast as a river, one that can receive, transform, and keep flowing, no matter what comes its way.

Every Moment Is An Opportunity

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A few years ago, our family traveled to the pines for a weekend getaway on Father’s Day with some great friends. As we drove, I saw a sign that read, “Every moment is an opportunity.” Those words resonated with me deeply and sparked some reflection. I started thinking about how much potential lies in the small moments we often overlook. How many of those little opportunities could we take advantage of each day? A moment is just a brief period of time, but we are always in one—whether it’s a big moment, a small moment, or something in between. And all of them are opportunities for growth, reflection, or connection.

Life itself is a moment, a fleeting gift. None of us will live on earth forever, and knowing that can inspire us to be fully present, to make the most of the time we have, and to view each moment as a chance to be a little kinder, a little braver, or a little more grateful.

So today, think of every moment as a door waiting to be opened. Step into each one with intention, and allow the magic of that opportunity to shape you in new and beautiful ways.

A Good Cry Never Hurt Anyone

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Being a mother, you cry a lot. Or at least, this mother does. But you don’t have to be a parent to connect with this post—we all have those days when we’re trying our best, pushing through the challenges, reaching our breaking points, letting out a cry, dusting ourselves off, and then starting again. Life can be exhausting, and sometimes it feels like there’s no end to the cycle.

I want everyone to know that it’s OKAY to cry. Anyone who’s feeling burnt out, hurt, or frustrated…sometimes, you just need a good cry to release everything you’ve been holding inside. Each of us carries an invisible weight, and when that weight goes unrecognized, it can feel overwhelming. We all go through so much, and sometimes it feels like no one truly sees it.

Well, I SEE YOU. I know that you reading this do so much, or maybe you’ve been through a lot. I may not know all the details, but if you’re human, I know you’ve had your share of struggles. And I notice it. I want you to know that even if it feels hard, even if no one seems to understand, you’re showing up every day, and that’s incredible.

So let yourself cry if you need to—it’s a release, a reset. You’re not alone with the weight on your shoulders or the silent struggles. You’re a rockstar, and you’re stronger than you realize. Believe me.

And remember, those tears you shed are a part of the journey, softening and strengthening you all at once. They’re a sign of the love, effort, and resilience that you pour into life each day. So, let yourself feel, let yourself release, and trust that, each time you do, you’re creating space for even more strength and courage to rise within you.

If It Brings You Joy, Share It. Chances Are Whatever It Is Will Bring Others Joy Too

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One thing I love about social media is how easy it is to share things that make us feel good. Whether it’s a beautiful place you’ve visited, a recipe that turned out perfectly, a workout that really made a difference, a picture of an adorable animal that made you smile, or a funny video that had you laughing hysterically—sharing these moments spreads the joy.

I especially pay attention to the people I know personally, like family and friends. If there’s something you’ve done or tried recently that helped you or brought you happiness, let others know! We all want to feel good and do good. So we think, “If it worked for them, maybe it can work for me too.”Awhile back, one of my friends posted a quick Snap of a trainer she follows for at-home workouts. Thanks to her, I found this trainer, tried the workouts, and was sore for days! I wouldn’t have even known about her if my friend hadn’t shared it.

You don’t have to post it on social media if that’s not your thing—text it, email it, or bring it up at your next gathering. Whatever it is that made you feel good, know that by sharing it, you could be making someone else’s day a little brighter, too.

When we share what brings us joy, we’re doing more than just passing along a tip or a laugh; we’re inviting others to feel connected and experience that same uplifting spark. Sometimes, it’s the little things we share that end up being exactly what someone else needed to lift their spirits or inspire them in a new way. So don’t hold back—if something brings you joy, let it shine! By sharing, you’re spreading a little more light in the world.

The Power Of Words

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Many people are oblivious to the power of their words. I can almost guarantee there is something you have said to someone that they have never forgotten. Hopefully, it’s something positive, not something negative. Most often, we tend to remember the things that were said to us that hurt our feelings. I can definitely recall things that have hurt me, and I remember who said them too. I’m sure you can think of a thing or two as well—comments or remarks that have stuck with you for years. It’s crazy, right? One comment, maybe even offhand, and it becomes etched into memory.

This is one of the reasons why I love reading and why I enjoy blogging. Something I may write or say in a blog might resonate with someone, leaving a lasting, hopefully positive, impact. Words are powerful, whether spoken or read, and they shape us in ways we often don’t realize.

There’s a powerful Buddhist teaching that aligns beautifully with this idea: “Before you speak, let it pass through three gates. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” This is a practice worth practicing. If we make it a habit to pause and reflect on these three questions, we might spare others (and ourselves) unnecessary hurt and offer a little more kindness and truth.

Being mindful of our words takes patience, but even small efforts make a difference. When we speak with care and intention, we’re more likely to build others up rather than tear them down, even in the smallest exchanges. After all, in a world where words carry so much power, why not choose to leave behind words that heal, uplift, and inspire?

Embrace YOUR Experience

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I believe one of the reasons we are here is to help others. Helping someone can take countless forms, and one powerful way is through sharing our life experiences. When we go through something challenging, we gain knowledge and wisdom that can support someone else facing a similar path. This is true empathy.

Struggles and obstacles aren’t new—just look at history, which is full of heartache and resilience. Without hardships, we wouldn’t grow, learn, or be able to comfort one another. What you’re going through, others have also faced, and their stories can help you, just as yours can help them. We go through trials so that we can reach back and help others find their way.

We can’t do everything on our own. We need each other, and isn’t it a gift that we have one another for support? Embrace your experiences, knowing they are a bridge to connect, comfort, and uplift others.

Identify Your Potential

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Identifying your potential can be a journey of patience and discovery. What am I meant to do? Am I truly fulfilling my purpose? These questions can feel like having all the right ingredients but no specific recipe for you. The only way to find out is by experimenting—adding a little of this, a bit of that—through trial and error until you figure it out. And when you finally discover the “recipe,” there’s a sense of accomplishment, love, gratitude, and excitement that makes you want to share it with everyone.

Each of us has unique ingredients, our own strengths and passions, to help us become the best we can be. But the process takes patience; it requires a willingness to keep “mixing” even when it’s difficult to see the final outcome. Recipes can be complex, and some steps may seem intimidating, but that’s part of the journey. What we each carry—the potential within us—is uniquely ours. We can’t find our personal recipe by following someone else’s path; we have to look inward.

Today, take a moment to reflect. Write down what you genuinely enjoy, what takes most of your time, and what you feel may be holding you back. This small step can bring you closer to identifying your potential and give you a better understanding of your own ingredients. Remember, you’re creating something meaningful with each step, and it’s all part of the journey.

Don’t Just Water Your Soul When You Begin To Wilt

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Just like a plant needs regular watering, so does our soul. Each plant has its own rhythm—some need water every day, others less often. When we keep up with its needs, we see it thrive. But if we forget, the plant will wilt, quietly signaling, “I need care.” If ignored long enough, it might wither completely.

Now think of the plant as your soul.

What’s the “water” for your soul? Are you nurturing yourself consistently, or only tending to your spirit when you’re already drained? Caring for yourself shouldn’t only happen when you feel like you’re wilting. Make soul care a priority, a habit. And remember, plants thrive in community—one wilting plant can affect the whole garden around it. Similarly, when we neglect ourselves, it impacts others too. Positive ripples start with self-care, but negative ripples spread when we overlook it. In caring for yourself, you’re caring for everyone connected to you. So water your soul often, and let yourself flourish.

You Can’t Please Everyone

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“

You’ll loose your mind trying to be for everyone. Your souls coated in honey. Some don’t like the taste of sugar and that’s fine.

“

billy chapata

We can’t please everyone, and that’s actually one of the beautiful parts of our existence. What we’re unable to give or fill for one person, someone else can. There’s someone and something for everyone. We never need to feel alone or diminished just because we don’t meet someone else’s expectations. What one person may not appreciate, someone else will absolutely love.

This quote is a reminder to stay true to ourselves and accept that we aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. For each person who doesn’t resonate with us, there’s someone else who will. So let’s focus our energy on being who we truly are and find peace in knowing we’re exactly enough for the ones who matter.

We can relax into being ourselves, knowing we don’t need to force connections or try to satisfy everyone. Instead, we can find our own rhythm and let others find theirs. Trust that the right people—the ones who appreciate you as you are—will naturally be drawn to your unique “honey.”