3 Steps To Thrive In The Now - Be U - Enjoy The Moment

Life is a series of moments. Usually good ones, with the occasional unfortunate one thrown in to keep us on our toes. 

The problem is, we often fail to appreciate the positive ones and often dwell on the bad ones. Or worse, focus on ones that haven't even happened yet and convince ourselves they will be of the negative variety.  We create battles to fight while living in peaceful times. 

That is so joy inhibiting and causes a great deal of the stress we all claim daily in our lives. 

A conscious effort is needed to break this damaging cycle. 

Here are my suggestions on how to help. 

Be True To Yourself

I've said this before, you are the only you there will ever be. 

You may have made mistakes, but you are NOT a mistake. 

You may have failed, but you are NOT a failure. 

You have a purpose. You deserve joy and love. 

You also deserve to be true to the person you believe yourself to be. There will be those who wish to guide us; parents, teachers, loved ones. This is a good and healthy process, and we all need help along the way. But at some point, you will begin to understand who you are, your visions, your goals, your aspirations. Be true to those. 

Don't allow the manipulation of others re-write your story. They can coach from the sidelines, but you are responsible for taking that ball into the end zone. (Excuse the sports reference, it is football season after all.) 

Avoid Judging Yourself

There will be those who cross your path who will judge you. You can't really avoid that. What you can avoid is judging yourself. 

Self-criticism and self-deprecating is an easy trap to fall into. I do it myself. We are intimately aware of our short-comings and replay them in a loop far too often in our mind. 

It is not vain to believe in yourself. It is not boastful to be proud of your accomplishments. If you work hard on something, whether it is a goal, new job, degree, weight loss, relationship success, self-improvement, whatever it is, own the joy that comes with the achievement. 

Another tip is to avoid comparing yourself to others. Your gifts and struggles are unique and your spot on the journey will not look exactly like anyone else. Trust that you will arrive where you need to be at just the exact moment to fully embrace it. 

Understand Now Is All We Have

The only way to truly enjoy the only real moment you have; NOW, is to fully understand now is all you have. That doesn't mean you can't make plans or be responsible. Of course you can't live reckless or make no preparations for the future. It does mean that you take the time to engage all of your senses in what is in right in front of you. 

I'm not a yoga person. I'm not against it, just never tried it. But I do appreciate one of the biggest benefits is learning breathing techniques. There is nothing that brings you into the present moment like concentrating on your breathing. It makes you focus literally on the here and now. 

One yoga teacher offered this technique. Breath in and say, "I am here." Breath out and say, "This is now." It may not always be that simple, but in certain stressful situations, it is certainly worth a try. 

Part of living in the moment is to not dwell on the past. (This can be challenging as Facebook reminds us everyday of something that took place before today.) And memories are precious, but as wonderful as they are, we can't recreate them. We must continue to generate new ones. 

Past mistakes should continue to dwell right where you left them. We can certainly learn lessons, but no benefit is served in dwelling on defeats. 

We should also stop trying to predict the future. Of course, we can track the consequences of certain actions, but none of us have the ability to see beyond today's bend in the road. 

Tomorrow will have blessings and struggles. Laughter and tears. Knowing the exact order would not change the outcome. 

Up To The Minute Appreciation

My Hopefuls, it is my intent today to encourage each of you to be thankful for this very moment of your life. 

Every road you traveled led you to today. Don't despair if you are not where you want to be and don't stress about how to get there. Live in up to the minute appreciation for where you are right now. 

I understand these words are easy to say, and not always so easy to live by. I'm writing this, as always, to myself as well. But it is a great reminder to us all. 

Be yourself. Enjoy the moment. 

Love unconditionally. Forgive freely. 

And as always...

Hope With Abandon 

Hope Out

www.hopeboulevard.com 

No One Gets Out Alive - How To Make The Most Of Your Life

I had a someone recently tell me that our friendship was forever and would last until one of us died - That no one got out alive.

At first, it seemed like an unusual statement, but as I thought about it, it was actually quite sweet. 

Then I carried the thought one step further. 

When it comes to this thing called LIFE - none of us get out alive! 

We all enter this world with a set number of days. Unfortunately, we are not given that exact number from the start. And everyone's number is different. We all know of someone who has left way too soon. 

My point here is not to have anyone stress about the number of their days. There is not much we can do about it anyway. But it is my goal to encourage you to make the most out of the ones you have left!

And how do we go about doing that? Let's look at a few things. 

Accept Yourself

So many of us spend way too much time worrying about what other people think of us. We judge ourselves based on standards seen in the entertainment industry and social media. We fall victim to comparing ourselves to unrealistic ideals. 

One of the first keys to internal happiness is to accept yourself the way you are. With your beauty and flaws. Quirks and habits and traits combined. Your talents and your struggles. They all make up the wonderfully unique creation that is YOU! 

Now, I am not suggesting we do not take care of the precious gift of self. Of course, we need to care for and maintain the body and mind that supports our priceless spirit. Lifestyle improvements and healthy habits go a long way, but at the end of the day, you MUST find a way to appreciate and own your place in the world. 

On the flip side to this, allow yourself the freedom to accept others. It is not our job to critique and command others to conform to our wishes. The less time you spend worrying about how other people live their lives, the more you can spend on truly living yours. 

Forgive Yourself

We all make mistakes. From bad relationship choices to fights with family, we often do things we regret. That's life and it happens to everyone. The important thing is to forgive yourself. This does not mean you are cavalier and repeat the same errors. It does mean you understand we all have weak moments and say and do things that create chaos. 

Forgiving yourself frees you to move past it, learn, and make better decisions going forward. Guilt and regret are heavy burdens and will weigh you down and slow your life's progress. 

If you have hurt others, ask them for their forgiveness as well. 

And just as important as forgiving yourself - is forgiving others. Even if they don't ask for it. 

Bitterness robs you of joy. It is a huge emotion and takes up way too much space in your heart. Release it to allow room for the light and peace that comes from learning to let go of the circumstances and people that you can't change. 

Love Fiercely

It only takes one true heartbreak to send most of us running for cover swearing to never attempt that feat again. Or maybe it was a friend or even family who betrayed you. 

It is easy to close your heart's door and put up a No Vacancy sign. But my dear Hopefuls, that is no way to travel through this life. Our hearts are designed for boundless love and compassion. There is a wellspring of affection that flows when we allow it. So allow it. 

Love is the eternal bond that holds us together. It is the energy that heals and protects. Whenever you have the chance to love - do it with all your might. Give it freely and without conditions. 

Will it hurt sometimes - yes. 

Will you cry sometimes - yes. 

Is it worth it - Yes. Everytime!

I can't explain, but I sincerely believe it to be true. Love fiercely regardless of the cost. You will never regret it. 

Hope With Abandon 

Now this, as most of you know, is my favorite saying. And I am convinced it belongs on this list. 

Hope is knowing the storm will pass. It is certain that good and happiness awaits. Hope believes in the power of perseverance and patience. It anticipates the coming reward. 

It sustains us through dark times and holds us until the sun shines again. 

And it can quite honestly be one of the most difficult things to do. Hope's success lies ahead, which means it is powerless without faith. It is easy to lose faith when life does not go the way we thought it would. When the future seems bleak and our emotional resources are low. It may not always be easy, but it is the one constant for an amazing life. 

I wish there was an absolute formula for manufacturing Hope. I don't have one. But I do know it dwells within everyone. It is up to us to find it, feed it, cherish it and then manifest it. 

Never underestimate the power of the positive. Hope will literally change your life. 

Life Is For Living

As my friend truly advised, none of us will get out this life's journey alive. 

You can choose to walk through it with blinders on and stumble and crawl your way through. 

OR, you can choose to live it to the fullness. NOW! TODAY! 

Pursue your dreams. Reach for the stars. Be true to yourself. Never look back. 

Make the most of every moment right up to the very last one. 

Accept! Forgive! Love! and as always

Hope With Abandon 

Hope Out

www.hopeboulevard.com 

Bracing For Impact - Understanding The Effect You Have On The World

Millions of people up and down the east coast were glued to The Weather Channel or their local weather app this past week trying to track the unpredictable journey of Hurricane Dorian.

As it approached a particular area, all the residents were encouraged to get ready. Board houses. Collect supplies. Evacuate.

Then brace for impact.

The simple definition of impact is the force (or impression) of one thing to another. In the case of a hurricane, it is destructive winds and rain colliding with people and homes and the underlying effects.

Impacts do not have to be destructive, however. In the context of our lives and our personal journey, we have many opportunities for beautiful and long-reaching impacts. Often times even without our knowledge.

Let me share a quick true personal story with you.

Many (many) years ago, while still in high school, I went out for a bit with a sweet guy named Preston.

I can't honestly say I remember every conversation or date in detail, and I'm not even sure what happened to stop them. Nothing bad or dramatic. Just adolescence at its finest I suppose.

But what I do remember is a gift he gave me. I think it was for my birthday, but don't make me swear to that. And at face value, it may not appear to be more than a trinket. It was a nameplate. With my name and a cute inspirational saying. It was the real deal, not a plastic toy, but obviously meant as a light-hearted gesture.

But it impacted me. Significantly. I can't explain it. It didn't hold magical powers or unravel any of life's mysteries, but it did give me HOPE. It was a tangible object that I could look at every day for encouragement and vision.

Even though I did not have the presence of mind to hold onto Preston, I did, fortunately, hold onto that gift. In all my many moves, travels, experiences, chaos and turmoil, it is a constant still to this day.

As fate, or Facebook, would have it, Preston actually reached out to me recently. Social media can be random at times. I was quite surprised and pleased to hear from him. Of course, one of the first things I told him was that I still had that present he gave me almost 37 years ago. (I had to do the math twice on that because that didn't seem possible.)

He didn't remember it.

What?? One of my most prized possessions and he didn't even remember buying it for me? How is that possible? Because it was simply a sweet gesture on his part. A small token of kindness. A fleeting memory, as was our time together.

He had no idea of the IMPACT he had on my life.

You see, my Hopefuls, that's how it works. And that's the beauty of it.

We can plan, organize and carry out elaborate exploits to help, benefit or cheer others on. And many times it works. And the reward is spontaneous.

Others times, we have no idea. A kind word. A helping hand. A shoulder to lean on; cry on. A thoughtful gesture. To family, to friends, to strangers.

You can call it paying it forward. Or random acts of kindness. It doesn't matter what you call it, just DO IT!

Be a good person. Be thoughtful. Be considerate. Look for ways to make someone's day better. Be purposeful in your words and actions. Positive in your deeds. To everyone. Not just those in your circle. Expand your circle.

MAKE AN IMPACT!

I love quotes and sayings. I try to post them on my various social media pages. I love the one that says you have no idea what another is going through, so just be kind.

Much of the influence in our world today says to be at odds, support conflict, make room for your views. Push ahead and everyone for themselves. That is destructive and divisive.

I challenge each of you to rise above those messages. It costs nothing to be considerate and gracious.

Like Preston, you may go years (decades), or your entire life and never fully know the impact you made on another. Do it anyway. You may never have someone come to you with thanks and appreciation for the thoughtful gesture you made. Make it anyway.

Leave this world, this day, this moment, better than you found it.

If we all did that, can you imagine the impact??

And as always...

Hope With Abandon

www.hopeboulevard.com

PS. Thank you Preston
.

What To Do When We Find Ourselves Lost

There is a popular saying that goes “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.” And there are multiple wise sayings about detours and unexpected journeys. While there is inspiration in these words, the bottom line is this:

It is no fun being lost.

That scary feeling where nothing around you looks familiar and you have no idea where to turn next. Even if the scenery around you is beautiful, you can’t enjoy it because of the frantic search to find your bearings.

This fear is intensified if you are lost at night. Most everything seems worse in the dark.

It is one thing to be lost physically, but often in life, we find ourselves emotionally adrift and alone in the dark and not really sure what to do next. I know I have found myself in that situation before.

It all begins wonderfully. You have a known starting point and a final destination; which could be a degree, career, marriage, family, personal goal or even retirement.

You don’t know all the twist and turns, or what you may encounter, but you have faith in arriving at the intended spot. Then at some point in your journey you look up and discover you are completely off course; derailed; lost.

Maybe you know exactly where the wrong turn was made. A misguided decision. A terrible mistake. A financial setback. Maybe it wasn’t even something you did. Maybe it was the fault of another. It doesn’t really matter as you sit on the side of an unfamiliar highway with no idea what to do next.

You don’t want to go backward and lose ground, but you don’t want to waste time headed in the wrong direction. Either decision will delay your intended arrival.

What can be worse is not even knowing you are lost. Getting so caught up in the daily dose of life and running on autopilot that we fail to pay attention to the things going on around us. This causes us to wind up in a place we never thought we would be.

This is especially true when it comes to relationships. Whether it is your partner, or even friends and family; if we ignore the signs we end up on a dead end street all alone.

We can lose our way with goals and dreams. Most of us are passionate about something. We all present and pursue it in different ways, but everyone desires to make an impact in their corner of the world. Having a setback in realizing your dream or reaching a goal can take all the wind out of our sails. We can lose hope and start to wonder if we should abandon this road and forget we ever started down it.

I started this blog by saying it is no fun getting lost, and it’s not. But the good news is, no one has to stay that way. Being lost is not a permanent situation and there are steps you can take to get back on the right course.

Let’s look at what they are.

Recognize You Are Lost.

This may sound simplistic, but, as mentioned above, there are times we are not even aware we have lost our way. You have to be willing to admit you are lost. (There is a gal somewhere elbowing a guy saying, “I told you so.”)

You can never start the re-routing process until you stop and reassess the situation. Blindly speeding along with your life with no new sense of direction will only lead you faster to failure. But you can’t just stay there. Refusing to move at all keeps you stuck. Plus you can very likely block the progress of others while you sit still.

Once you can admit you are lost, then you can start to fix it.

Ask For Directions

It is one thing to admit to ourselves that we are lost, but another thing to actually reach out and ask for help. But sometimes that is what we need to do.

Many of us turn to God and our faith for direction. Prayer can be a great source for mapping out a new direction in our lives. Family and friends can also be a great resource. Those that know us best can often provide the encouragement and advice to put us back on the right path.

Use Available Tools

When we are lost on the highway, we pull out our GPS or Google Maps to help find our way onward. There are tools we can also use when we take a wrong turn in life.

Seeing a therapist or counselor can help shed light on the wrong choices and turns made that put you in this location. They are trained to redirect and provide means and support to get you moving again.

There is also a wealth of information out there in the form of books, videos and other resources online. There is help and assistance for almost any type of problem. There are even support groups and programs designed to get you back on track.

Have Faith In Yourself

We all make mistakes. We all have setbacks. These times in our lives cause us to doubt ourselves and our worth. We question our purpose and value.

Never forget you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your life has meaning and you are irreplaceable to those around you. Have the courage and the faith to believe in yourself and your ability to rise above this and move forward.

Start Today

Being lost is a traumatic experience. Feeling lost in your life can be crippling. We never set out to lose our way. We start with big plans and dreams and then out of the blue, we are stranded and so off course.

Do not stay discouraged. We have all been there. Take heart in knowing this is just a temporary spot in your overall journey. Use this time to regroup, reassess and then redirect your energies and your focus to the most beautiful destination that you can imagine.

And always…

Hope With Abandon

Hope Out

www.hopeboulevard.com