Forever has no meaning when you live in the moment

“Forever has no meaning when you’re living in the moment.”
― Ellen Hopkins, Impulse

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/428292-forever-has-no-meaning-when-you-re-living-in-the-moment

Living in the moment. That is a phrase that will be uttered by several people over the years to come. No matter if you’re young or old or even middle-aged… we all should live life to the fullest.

Forever. That’s the term that many stories use to give their readers a glowing satisfaction of their favorite characters living happily ever after. Remember the ending of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga ended on the note of Bella and Edward love lasting forever. Of course when it comes to vampires forever is a likely term that is used because vampires have immortality and can live for an eternity.

As for ourselves forever can be in the memory that we’ve made while we’re living in the moment. But those memories cannot be made if we don’t go out and make them.

Pretty much this quote means that life isn’t endless and that we should cherish each and every waking moment that we have. To go out and be daring. To face fear and conquer what holds us back so that we can make an everlasting moment in our minds (and perhaps even the next generation.)

Take that chance that you’ve been hesitant in taking… you never know where it will lead you… it will certainly create some memorable moments for you. Learn a new hobby or skill. Take up singing or learn to play an instrument. We’re never too old to try new things.

The main point is that we need to keep doing things and to forget our worries. Live in the moment. Enjoy today with your friends and family. Life is too short to keep worrying about stuff you can’t fix.

Instead find something that you can do and make a difference. We’re all here on Earth for a limited time, unless you’re a vampire, so get out there and do something great.

Perspective – The Key To Better Life

“The key to a better life isn’t always a change of scenery. Sometimes it simply requires opening your eyes.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Making Wishes

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/6716200-the-key-to-a-better-life-isn-t-always-a-change

Perspective.

That’s what this quote brings to mind.

We’re all told to look at life in a different light or from another perspective.

If things seem glum then we’re encouraged to find the silver lining or the positive side of the bad situation.

Though, some people in life are unable to push past the fog of despair which is rather sad. For every eight happy souls there are two that have lost their way.

The question that comes to mind is should we take it upon ourselves to help guide these poor lost souls back to the path of light?

In essence yes. It is in our nature to help others and to try to save our fellow brothers and sisters from the path of dark. But what do we do when the person who has stray refuses to see or simply cannot see the light? We try anyways.

During the winter months the cases for depression go up but it’s not talked about enough. People with depression do not speak out or bring attention that they’re sad. Instead, they put up a facade of happiness to appease their friends so that they don’t bother them with their unhappiness.

These people feel like they need to withdraw from their friends, family and ultimately life. They feel isolated. The dark pulls them further and further away from the path and they go willingly for the dark whispers sinister things in their ear which they believe.

If you feel like you’re being dragged away into the darkness you can fight back.

Everyone has a glimmer of light within themselves.

No matter how much your ember has dwindled down it is still there… glowing… waiting…

Waiting… for… you… to… fight… back.

Do not let the dark pull you away from the light.

Stand fast and tighten your grip.

Close your eyes and remember.

Remember that one thing that makes you smile.

That no matter how much life gets to you that this one thing is your rock.

It can be kitten whiskers, itty bitty puppies, red roses with dew drops, butterfly kisses, clear blue skies… a newly knit sweater made by your MeeMaw. Whatever it may be think of it right now and hold onto that memory.

Let it fill your soul with the love and burning passion that you hold so dear to your heart.

Let it burn away the darkness that licks at your toes trying to hold onto you. Trying so desperately to keep you in the dark.

Feel your ember become alight with love and burn bright.

As you feel this… feel these emotions… you feel the sensation of hopelessness wash away and be replaced with the feeling of love and determination.

With this flame you find yourself back on the path of light. Back to having fun with your friends, family and life. Enjoying things again.

Darkness can be a powerful thing but you are far more stronger than it is for you have the power of light.

Remember, when things seem glum and grim… you, yourself, have the power to bring forth the light from within.


What things bring you out of your funk or make you happy when you’re sad?


The First Step Is Always The Hardest

“The first step is always the hardest”
― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8802931-the-first-step-is-always-the-hardest

Introduction

Who else hasn’t felt this before? I know I have. Heck it’s how I’ve felt as I’ve been trying to play catch up for my blog. For I know I’ve been erratic for posting my posts when I should be posting. But I do strive to get it right and on schedule.

In light of that who else feels this way?

Why do we consider the first step to always be the hardest? Is it because of the unknown? Or the fear that we feel deep within for we fear the potential failure as we do a face plant on the ground? Why do we consider the first step to be the hardest?

They say that every journey starts with the first step. I agree. It’s possibly the most important step besides the last on the journey. It’s the motion that propels you onward to the next best thing.

The new year is technically the first steps. We’re timid beasts when it comes to the beginning. We don’t want to make the mistakes. We want to be a success at everything that we do. Who the heck wants failure?

Yet again, we’re reminded that even with failure we are taught valuable lessons.

What kind of feelings does this quote invoke?

The kind of feelings that this quote should invoke is the sense of adventure not fear. But I cannot help but mention that a tiny niggle of fear is laced within it because of our human nature to not want to fail.

However, if we push ourselves to take that step then the next one will be easier than the first. If we can push past the fear then we can get going on our journey, whatever it may be, and get things accomplished.

How is it inspirational?

It’s inspirational because it lets us know that we’re not alone in our journey. Everyone deals with this paralysis of new beginnings or the first step of their journey. That as we travel on that we’ll be faced with new challenges that require first steps in dealing with them as well. Our lives are full of new steps it’s a matter of how we handle them.

Are there any action items associated with it?

Yes. You need to take inventory of your current challenges and find out what is keeping you from overcoming them.

  1. What kind of challenge are you facing right now that is making you hesitant to take the first step?
  2. Write down on a piece of paper everything that comes to mind about that challenge.
  3. Then circle the common theme among those words.
  4. Determine what you need to do to overcome all those things that are blocking your way so that you may take the first steps of your journey in becoming a better you.

Anything else should you think about or consider?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Sometimes we can be too hard on ourselves. Maybe this is one the things that is blocking you. Give yourself permission to be imperfect. If man were supposed to be perfect then we would be without sin.

Take that first step… you may surprise yourself.

Do you have a story or instance where you were taking first steps with a hilarious outcome? Please share below.

All Great Beginnings Start in the Dark

“All great beginnings start in the dark, when the moon greets you to a new day at midnight.”

― Shannon L. Alder

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1250519-all-great-beginnings-start-in-the-dark-when-the-moon

Introduction

In light of new beginnings for the start of the year most people have on their minds the clean slate. True we all want to start over with a clean slate and it feels good to wipe away the cobwebs of regret and failure but let’s step back and ask ourselves… why do we feel ashamed of failure?

Failure is what makes us unique. It’s the lessons we learn the hard way. If we had success at every turn then life becomes boring. Failure is that sweet spot of a challenge where we say “Nah-uh! I’m going to get this right.” Then we try, try and try again until we finally succeed.

So, how does failure even relate to new beginnings or even starting in the dark?

Simple really. Darkness is that feeling we get when we’ve failed. Don’t tell me that you’ve never felt that soul shattering instance of pure darkness when you’ve worked so hard at something only to fail at it.

It’s where we start back at square one. The darkness isn’t the end. Instead it is the beginning. The beginning of a new journey where you’re going to accomplish what you’ve set out for in the first place.

The moon? How does the light of the moon fit into this? How does it relate to failure or even regret? Easy.

The light from the moon shines down on the new pathway that you must take to attain your goals. It washes away the negative feelings that you’ve had and fills you with the confidences that you need for your journey.

What kind of feelings does this quote invoke?

In essence this quote should spark the drive for new beginning or to rekindle the spirit to accomplish your goals that you’ve set aside.

How is it inspirational?

It is inspiring because of the do-over nature. That nothing is lost as long as you’re willing to try again.

Are there any action items associated with it?

Take a look at things you’ve set aside and think about putting them back on your todo list. Try to assess why you put it on hold was there something preventing you from finishing that task? Did you fail at it and didn’t want to try again for fear of failure once again? What could you have done differently?

To make your goals or tasks easier to attain why not break them down into tinier goals? Work out the steps needed to obtain that goal. Those are your milestones. Then work out the steps to obtain those milestones.

Once you have these then it’s time to get a planner or calendar and put down on the calendar those steps… remember to keep it reasonable. Don’t expect to get everything done in one month or two. Instead pace the steps within reason and take into account your other obligations.

In conclusion…

You can do this. Give yourself permission to fail but keep trying until you succeed. There is no shame in failure so don’t give up.

Let the moon shine down on your darkness and light the way.

What goals did you not accomplish last year that you’re going to give another try this year?

A New Year – Inking Up

“Now, as we close one chapter, the pen is gradually inking up, preparing itself to write the next.” ― Mie Hansson (https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7255866-now-as-we-close-one-chapter-the-pen-is-gradually)

“Now, as we close one chapter, the pen is gradually inking up, preparing itself to write the next.” ― Mie Hansson (https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7255866-now-as-we-close-one-chapter-the-pen-is-gradually)

“Now, as we close one chapter, the pen is gradually inking up, preparing itself to write the next.”

― Mie Hansson

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7255866-now-as-we-close-one-chapter-the-pen-is-gradually

Introduction

I chose this quote for it felt right in regards to the new year, setting goals and in regards to writing. All authors or practically all authors start off the new year with fresh ideas or determination to get their stories written before the end of the year.

What kind of feelings does this quote invoke?

The kind of feeling that this quote invokes for me is the sensation of getting fired up to start writing. That the previous year is done and things have been written. But this year, this year is a brand spanking new page with no words written on it yet. You can feel the energy surging through you as you think about what you’re going to accomplish this year and know that you’re going to get most of those things done.

How is it inspirational?

This quote is inspiring because we know in our minds that things can be built upon or changed so that the outcome brings us a brighter future. A blank slate is appeasing to everyone for it allows them to start off on the right foot for the new year.

Are there any action items associated with it?

In regards to actually doing something it would be best if one sat down first and planned what they really wanted to accomplish this year. Let’s be realistic and not say “I’m going to lose 50lbs this year.” Sure, that is a great goal but is it feasible? Is it? 10lbs is more likely to be obtained and retained.

But what about author goals? Last year I set out to finish 12 books in a year… HA! I got discourage when I could only get 3 1/2 finished. So this year I’m going to be far more realistic and focus on getting about four published.

Anything else that we should think about or consider?

Well, keep your goals reasonable. Remember to prioritize what you want to get done first then work on the next goal. A plan is the key to getting things done in my mind. Breaking a part the goal helps make it easier to attain and finish within the set timeline.

Oh, yeah I did forget to mention that you should set timelines on your goals. Sure, we until have the end of the year to get our goals completed but let’s not forget to put in check in points or milestone dates to see how we’re doing. At least when you hit those dates you can assess what you need to do to meet your goal.

Remember, it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality when it comes to goals. You don’t have to do everything but you should do what you want to do the most and get it done. By the end of the year you’ll be far more enthusiastic because you’ve completed one of your bigger goals. Believe me, it’s the best thing you can ever feel when you’ve accomplished a huge goal within your time limit.

How about you? What are your goals for this year?