Inspiration

It’s been a long while since I took to the written page to share. It’s way passed time. I lost both of my parents in 2011, and my world was turned upside down. Sunset Aug 2019

It took a long while to adjust to the changes that come from being basically alone and truly owning that I am responsible for my own path and every decision that is made. Growing up I ran decisions by my parents for input and wisdom. You don’t realize how much you depend on that, until they are gone and that option is no longer available.

Now, 8 years later, I can say that I have come to terms with life and decisions being in my hands. God is my guide. My brother and his wife, my kids and my friends are my family. The future is up to me and what I put into it. Life up until now has been challenging. To say that it was a bumpy ride, is like saying the Grand Canyon is a big pothole. Yet, the sun rises, every day. Each day is a gift and I take a moment each morning and evening to be grateful to still be here. I am currently living by the grace of God and the kindness of friends. I have lost almost everything as far as material possessions. I must start completely over. Yet this is exactly where I belong and where I need to be. The sun is rising. Opportunity is there and waiting and I am ready. My mind is open to the new direction before me.

So, if you too are struggling and feeling overwhelmed. Pray for insight and guidance. Be prepared for the answers you receive may not be what you expected or even considered, but that is how God and the universe works. You cannot always choose what happens to you, but you can control your attitude and your response. Life offers opportunities and lessons, don’t miss them by letting your attitude and busy life get in the way.

The sun will rise again. The darkness will lift and your path will once again become clear. Hang on. Just hang on and pay attention.

Cherry Coley (c)

Here, at the end of 2014, there is a chance to begin again. We make our own decisions, create our own opportunities, and our own obstacles. We decide whether to begin again, or to keep going down the same path and in the same direction. Sometimes a break, a time to stop and get our bearings is necessary. A time to reflect and sort through the events and actions that brought us to the place we are now. Taking a break, a time of reflection, is beneficial and important to assess the situation before deciding which way to proceed. Just don’t take too long a break or you will find yourself becoming complacent and settling for less than you want or intend.

Major life changes such as losing a loved one, losing a job, ending a relationship, changing residence, or making a career change can leave us feeling lost and uncertain. It is at those moments it’s important to remember the things we’ve already come through. Life offers a variety of challenges along the way. Our ability to navigate and survive is directly related to our perspective, our attitude, our wits, and our faith. However, we are not meant to survive this world alone. We were designed to socialize and interact with others. Choosing our friends wisely is important.

Why not make plans this year to get out of your comfort zone? Why not make 2015 the year you reach for more in yourself and expand your horizons? Do something you’ve never tried before, like painting, or learning to play the guitar, or learning to drive a motorcycle. Why not extend a hand of friendship to someone new and see what happens along the way?

In just a few days we will be saying goodbye to 2014 forever. It’s important to remember that not only does the year-end, but time passes, moments pass and they can never be regained once they are gone. So stop rushing about and wasting precious time. Think about your days, hours, minutes and how you are spending that time. What can you do different this year? What actions can you take starting now to make a difference in where you are compared to where you want to be? Don’t settle. Don’t fumble your way through and go with the flow. Instead make your steps and actions deliberate and take charge of your own path. Set goals that are reasonable and attainable, then plan the steps to reach those goals and set up a time line. Most important find a buddy to work on your goals with you. We all need a helping hand at some point, someone to encourage us and to hold us accountable. Reaching goals is easier with a buddy to offer a little push to keep going and to keep us from beating ourselves up if we get off track.

Let’s say goodbye to 2014 on a positive note and look forward to 2015!

Cherry Coley (c)