Tag: life

What You Are Looking For Is Not Out There, It’s Within You

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Have you ever spent time looking all over your home for your glasses, only to discover they’ve been on your head the whole time? Or maybe you searched everywhere for your phone, only to realize it’s been tucked in your back pocket? Sometimes, life is like that. What we’re searching for to fill a certain void isn’t out there, it’s already within us.

You might think a specific achievement, possession, or relationship will finally make you feel complete. But when you get it, that familiar emptiness still lingers, leaving you confused and wondering, Why do I still feel this way?

The truth is, the answer you’re looking for is right where you are. To find it, spend time getting to know yourself, just like you would with someone new. What makes you tick? Why do you react a certain way? What brings you peace? What made you feel alive as a child?

Keep asking yourself why, and dig deeper. “That’s just who I am” is rarely the whole truth. You are layered, complex, and beautifully unique. Discover the colors, textures, and tools that shaped you into who you are. Not every discovery will be easy—some may be painful—but that’s part of the journey. Vulnerability strengthens our connections with others, and being vulnerable with yourself does the same.

No one in this world knows you the way you do. You alone hold the knowledge of your experiences, your dreams, your fears. And you are worth knowing. You are worth your own love. Take the time to see yourself for the miracle you truly are.

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.

Be Like A Child

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #25

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“Not my will, but yours be done.”

Luke 22:42

What a powerful statement. What Jesus said right here is, I trust you.

I love this scripture so much because it reveals that without a doubt we are going to go through some really hard things, just like Jesus did.

And instead of questioning God, we stop.

We eventually, ultimately, surrender.

We acknowledge that this isn’t what we want, but we say I trust you God.

We say, if this is how it’s suppose to be I trust you. I know you are with me, I trust you. And then we fully give it to GOD.

I said this prayer just a few days ago to God while in great pain and suffering…..not my will but yours be done.

I more so told God in my head that this isn’t what I wanted but if this is the plan for me and this is how my life is suppose to end I fully trust you God. I told God that I surrendered.

I told God that I trusted him and that if this was my time to go that I would accept it. I wasn’t going to question what was happening. Even though it’s not what I wanted I let God know once again that I trusted Him. I told God that I would be sad to not watch my children grow though.

After I spoke with God, I let it all go.

The rest was completely out of my hands and how this was going to end was something I trusted with God. I trusted his plan for me and my family.

How thankful I am for my faith and for Gods Word. Countless times I feel as if my hand has been held.

Now, what led me to that moment with God was I woke up with some minor abdominal cramping, very minor. As the morning continued the pain increasingly progressed to the point where I could barely even walk.

I called for my husband and he rushed home from work and raced me to the ER.

After an hour later of excruciating pain they discovered that I had a twisted intestine and that it was attached to a scar adhesion from a precious c-section.

Things got real, real fast when they said they were sending a helicopter for me to get surgery right away.

It was in that moment where I knew this was very serious. I was in too much pain to be scared but I knew my husband was terrified.

This is where I surrendered. I wanted the pain to end. I was letting go while fighting. It’s a hard thing to explain.

But I can fully say that I put my trust in God. Words can’t fully express how I felt when I woke up after the surgery and even how I still feel in this moment.

My testimony has grown in a way that excites me and that I’m eager to share. I have been redirected in the most beautiful way.

The word of God gives hope. The word of God gives peace. The word of God gives us strength.

What I have gone through God has been with me the entire time.

And I’m so grateful to have trust Him.

Thank you Lord, amen.

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

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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

Figure Out “YOUR TRUTH”

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Figuring out your truth and what you genuinely want can be a deeply personal and ongoing journey. It’s not uncommon to feel clear about your desires, only to have them shaken when exposed to external influences, especially social media. Here are some steps that might help you ground yourself in your truth:

1. Create Space for Reflection

When life gets busy or overstimulating, it becomes hard to hear your inner voice. Setting aside regular, quiet moments for reflection—whether through journaling, meditation, or even walks in nature—can help you reconnect with your deeper self. In these moments, ask yourself:

• What feels authentic to me?

• What activities, people, or ideas make me feel alive?

• What do I naturally gravitate toward when I’m not comparing myself to others?

2. Listen to Your Body and Emotions

Your body often holds the key to your truth. Pay attention to how you physically and emotionally react to different ideas, situations, or possibilities. When something aligns with your truth, you may feel lighter, energized, or excited. When something is out of alignment, you might feel heavy, tense, or anxious. Trust those signals.

3. Limit External Noise

Social media can easily cloud your perception of yourself, as it constantly exposes you to the lives and opinions of others. You might see what others have or desire, and it can create doubt or envy. Consider setting boundaries with how much time you spend on social media. When you do engage, practice mindful consumption: ask yourself why a certain post affects you and whether it aligns with what you value.

4. Define Your Core Values

Knowing your core values is essential in figuring out your truth. Ask yourself:

• What are the non-negotiables in my life?

• What principles do I live by, regardless of what others are doing?

Once you’ve defined these values, check in with them regularly to see if your desires and goals align with them. This helps you stay true to yourself even when external influences are strong.

5. Embrace the Fluidity of Your Desires

It’s okay for your wants and desires to change over time. Sometimes we fear that changing our minds means we don’t know ourselves, but growth often brings new perspectives. Give yourself permission to evolve, and trust that each phase is part of discovering your deeper truth.

6. Differentiate Between Ego Desires and Soul Desires

Ego desires often come from a place of external validation, comparison, or fear of missing out (FOMO). Soul desires, on the other hand, tend to be quieter but more persistent. They resonate with your deeper purpose and bring a sense of peace or fulfillment. When considering what you want, ask yourself:

• Am I wanting this because it feels true to me, or because it’s what I think I should want?

• Does this desire nourish my spirit, or does it come from seeking approval or fitting in?

7. Trust Yourself

Even though social media and external influences can be overwhelming, your inner compass is still there. Trust that you have the wisdom to discern what feels right for you. When in doubt, return to practices that ground you—yoga, meditation, or connecting with nature—and let that stillness help you reconnect to your truth.

Your journey of finding your truth might be connected to your self-care and yoga practices, allowing you to tune into your inner wisdom beyond the noise. Social media can offer inspiration, but your deepest answers lie within.

Make Time For Things You Enjoy

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As a child fun seems to always be at reach. It’s tangible. It’s free. It’s easy. Children can find joy in the littlest of things. The spark they gather in their eyes is pure magic.

As we get older life happens.

The colors that were once so vibrant in our life begin to fade. No longer are we new, we’ve developed cracks and have broken pieces that we don’t know what to do with.

It’s so important, it’s so necessary, it’s vital I would say to bring that inner child back to life as we age.

Fun needs to become a priority and we have to make time for it as crazy as that is.

“I have to make time for fun?”

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT YES!!!

The more we incorporate the things we once enjoyed as children believe it or not those dull colors in your life become bright once again.

Maybe those colors never went dull to begin with, the light was just on a dim setting.

And those broken pieces? Let fun be the super glue.

You deserve to laugh, you deserve to smile, you deserve to feel joy in our life.

Make that time.

Xox marieelizabeth