Squashing the Giants in Life

A keeper as far as quotes. . .

 “Ah, great it is to believe the dream as we stand in youth by the starry steam; but a greater thing is to fight life through and say at the end, the dream is true!”

-Edwin Markham quotes (American Poet He is best known for his poem of social protest, 1852-1940). 

One huge lesson I've learned this week, after going through some weird challenges and difficulties, is this—you cannot allow bad days or weeks or years . . .to swallow up your dreams. Bad days will come, but if you always allow those days to steer you away from your dreams and goals, you’ll never accomplish them. We have to keep the faith, and keep looking toward what we believe God wants us to do. We have to continue to believe we have a purpose, and that there is purpose in even the worst of circumstances. If you are stuck in a discouraging season in your life, I want to encourage you that most people (no matter how glamorous they seem) go through the exact same thing. However, the most successful of us, learn to be conquerors in the midst of life’s storms. We shake it all off. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but it has to be said. 

For instance, I was working on some writing projects for myself, and this week after I had some crazy challenges, I almost allowed those things to stop me from finishing what I had started. However, by God's grace I continued. I'm doing those things I'm passionate about such as ministering to others and writing. I'm not going to allow these things to stop me from doing “good” to overcome all the evil in the world. I have been so determined this week to encourage people even though I didn’t feel encouraged myself.

My determination worked. Once I saw I’d made someone’s day, I got an amazing boost. I felt like a giant . . . or rather like I’d just killed a giant. In actuality, I did. I killed a challenge that was trying to steal my dreams and destiny. That's just my little food for thought . . . if you are having or have had a truly crappy week. Tonight, I urge you to keep your dreams alive despite obstacles and craziness. Use your gifts, skills, talents, kind heart, etc. to be a blessing to others. Squash the giants in your life, and look good doing it. :-)

Much love,

Tee 

Lessons on Self Love

I remember when I visited a women’s domestic violence support group. I was single at the time, and I wasn’t in any domestic violence situation. However, I knew the facilitator because she had shared a lot of information with me about abusive relationships. She was really passionate about the subject. She has helped many women understand their value after they had endured many years of abuse. She told me that she knew it was her calling to do so. When we met, I had been in many abusive relationships myself. She helped me to gather information on the subject, and counseled me concerning a recent break-up I had gone through. She had been counseling abused women for decades. 

I visited the women’s group on a really cold, rainy Monday night near the holidays. I remember walking in slowly, not knowing what to expect. The house was warm and cozy. The facilitator brought out chocolates and other refreshments and proceeded to introduce me to the group. 

As we became more comfortable with each other, the ladies started to share. And I shared my story, surprisingly. Afterward, the facilitator brought out free gifts—free beauty products! We all had just visited such a dark place in our lives, but at the mention of beauty products, our spirits were ignited. We were giddy like little girls again, as we tried on lipstick, lotions, and perfume. Although I felt like a five-year-old, playing in her mother’s make-up, I was learning a profound lesson. It doesn’t take much to lift a dreadful mood. I couldn’t help but to laugh as the ladies came alive! All memories of their troubled past vanished right before my eyes, if only for a few glamorous moments. It lifted my spirit to see the great shift from feelings of sadness and regret to excitement and fun.

From that experience, I learned it’s important for us to feel good about ourselves.  Even if the feeling initially comes from a little dab of perfume or a little rouge on the lips, it’s all the same—self love and appreciation are important for those who are broken inside.

The other day, I thought about the ladies, and once again, I was inspired by the event. I decided to give myself a little boost by trying this electric blue eye liner. It wasn’t much, but it was a small step. It was a step toward a foundation I was already building in my life—I can set my perspective. I can change the course of my life no matter what is going on. Just a little food for thought . . . it’s always okay to show yourself some love. Next month is Domestic Violence Awareness month. I am planning to post some self love/self worth quotes in honor of the month.

Much love,

Tee