Single Life This One's For You: Letter For The Single 3:32 PM I know that you're tired of waiting. And you may have to wait a little while more, but she's on her way. And she's getting here as fast as she can. -How I Met Your Mother If you've been hurting, wondering, and wandering...this one's for you: Letter For The Single Sometimes, your days are longer, your nights colder, and your battles a bit tougher than you let on. And that's alright. Some days, it's hard to get up, a struggle to get out the door, and a challenge to look and act normal when you're crumbling inside. No one sees your tears. No one feels your pain. No one else knows your story except for a selected few you trust. There are times when you feel like nothing good will ever happen as you lay in bed and dread to face another harsh day when you have to receive yet again words of discouragement and mockery from those who know nothing of your battle when you have to again strive to find and hold on to battered hope. Another day drags on as you wait for your prayers to be answered. The world can be cruel to someone different---someone like you. I know there are days when you want to give up the fight. When you consider changing plans, when you want so much to abandon the path less traveled and walk with the rest of the crowd despite knowing what is right. At least, you think, "I'll be one of them, I won't be alone, I won't be talked about or laughed at." "Maybe," you tell yourself, "it's less lonely if I walk with them." You don't know that the world is actually more lost than you are. Yet here you are, still standing, stronger than you thought. Yes, you may have stumbled. Yes, your knees may buckle from time to time. Yes, you may be wounded and bruised. But here you are. I couldn't be prouder. Hang on tighter. Hold your head higher. You are not alone. You have been chosen to do a difficult task because you have shown exemplary strength and courage. Because you're set apart. Because you're one of the best. This road to the unknown could be rather fun and exciting if you just shut your ears from the cruel world and focus on the Voice of Truth, telling you how beautiful and loved you truly are. I know it's hard to believe this right now, but trust that there's something special, beautiful, and magnificent waiting for you if you just keep on keeping on. Something you have yet to read or see anywhere else. Something beyond your comprehension, exceeding your wildest imagination. Don't walk with your head bowed low in defeat. Look up and see the beauty around you. I tell you, that's nothing compared to what is waiting for you. In time, you'll see. If you still doubt yourself, this one's for you. I hope you believe it.
Life Lessons How To Feel Good When You're Having A Bad Day 4:35 PM How to feel good when you're having a bad day? Is that even possible? Well, you can't always have it all. Things won't always go your way. That's part of life. But that doesn't mean you're not going to be okay. Here are ten ways you can turn that frown around.1. Take a step back or walk away for a while.Seeing things correctly is easier when you step back and look at things from a third person's perspective. Try to detach yourself from the situation when you're having a bad day. It will help you think clearly and see the bigger picture. 2. Do something you enjoy or love. Go out. Take a walk. Read a good book. Watch a feel-good film. Eat your favorite food. Browse through cute dog photos. When you're having a bad day, do something that can take your mind off what's bothering you, even for just a few hours. 3. Talk to your support team. You must have people in your life whom you can always count on when things go wrong. People who always lift your spirit up. When you're having a bad day, you need a solid team behind you to make you feel good. Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow - Swedish Proverb 4. Dance! You may not love dancing, but when you dance with abandon, happy hormones start pumping up, and you feel better afterward. That's because dancing has fantastic health benefits. Some people do yoga or work out. But I think dancing is so much more enjoyable. When you're having a bad day, turn up the volume of your jam and dance like no one is watching. Or follow Taylor Swift's advice: shake it off. 5. Write down your feelings. This one does magic. Writing down how you feel lightens the burden you carry as you unload it through the power of pen and paper. Or in our digital world, when you type it away. Try it to see for yourself. 6. Remember the good times.When was the last time you laughed so hard your tummy hurt?Remember when...? Remind yourself of the good times. If you're a Harry Potter fan like me, you know how the wizards drive away Dementors. They think of one moment when they felt truly, genuinely happy. And from that memory, they conjure a Patronus. That's where they get the strength to fight off that evil creature that tries to suck out their happiness and fill them with dread and misery. Which represents depression. Not familiar with the Patronus charm? How about Peter Pan? Remember how they fly? A little pixie dust plus happy thoughts. 7. Accept it. No matter how optimistic you try to be, things will sometimes go wrong. You may never receive that apology. Forgive them anyway. The sooner you accept the fact that life is not always fair, the easier it will be to go through the tough times. Life isn't perfect, so stop sweating the small stuff. 8. Pray/Worship/Meditate. It's hard to give thanks, pray, or worship when things aren't how we want them to. It's hard to focus and find your center. But "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Your heart changes when you pray. You humble yourself. You free yourself from those impossible to handle and allow the Miracle Worker to work in your life. You focus on what is really essential in life. And when you do, you realize that whatever makes your day terrible is but a tiny speck in the universe. 9. Hug your pet. That is, of course, if your pet is huggable or not, uhm, wild. Studies show dogs are therapeutic. Why not try getting yourself a furry friend? Their loyalty is beyond compare, too. 10. Remember that it's not permanent. Seasons change. Today may be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day like Alexander's, but it's only temporary. Experiencing loss, rejection, betrayal, or failure is all part of the package. It sucks, I know, but we wouldn't know our strength and our potential when everything is always okay. We'll never know what a good day is if bad days don't happen. We will not appreciate abundance if we have not experienced emptiness. When you're having a bad day, remember it's just what it is: a lousy day. It's not a bad life. At least it's not unless you make it. You still have a choice: wallow in misery or turn it around. You can always choose to feel good even when you're having a bad day. Trust me. I've had a bad day today, but I still wrote this. 😉 How do you handle a bad day? Do share in the comments! Linked here. Gifs from Giphy
Lux Thinking Aloud Have Loved Deeply, Been Hurt, Loved Again 11:47 AM Love like you've never been hurt. -Satchel Paige Have Loved Deeply, Been Hurt, Loved Again If you have loved deeply, been hurt, and loved again, how beautiful you must be! For it takes a pair of beautiful eyes to still see the beauty in the ugly, a beautiful heart to love with such depth, and the ability to get hurt and love again. You are one brave soul.Because it takes a huge amount of courage to find the will to love again despite knowing the consequences and dangers of loving that much. If you have loved deeply, been hurt, and loved again, yours is a heart of admirable strength. Whatever caused your pain may have slowed you down at one point, but it definitely did not stop you from continuing. It only propelled you to your place of glory. You are strong enough to mend your brokenness and start over. Not everyone can do that. If you have loved deeply, been hurt, and loved again...may you never tire of trying one more time and always one more time. May you never lose hope in waiting for the real thing. If you have loved deeply, been hurt, and loved again...May the hurting not turn your heart hard and cold. Instead, may you be more empathetic to those going through the same path you have had.May you be the star that will guide them in the darkness. If you have loved deeply, been hurt and loved again... May your experience open your eyes and mind more to life's lessons and possibilities. If you have loved deeply, been hurt and loved again... May you never forget to love and honor yourself wherever life takes you. The world needs more of your beautiful, brave, strong heart, tenacious spirit, and unshakable faith. And may you always remember that you are also loved and worth getting hurt for. Google images
Faith When Your Life Is On A Detour 5:03 AM Does it feel like your life is on a detour?The path to success isn't always a straight line. Detours, while unexpected, can often be blessings in disguise.God's Rejection is God's RedirectionWhen our plans don't go as expected, it might be a sign that God has a bigger plan for us. Detours often lead us to our ultimate destiny.The Principle of ObliquityAccording to John Kay, our complex goals are often best achieved indirectly. When life seems chaotic and nothing makes sense, we might be experiencing this principle in action. [Listen F R E E here]Common Detours in LifeDetours can take many forms and occur in various aspects of life. Career ChangesUnexpected job loss: Being laid off or fired can force a change in career direction.Industry shifts: Changes in technology or market trends can make your current job obsolete.Health issues: Illnesses or injuries may prevent you from continuing your profession.Relationship ChangesBreakups: Ending a long-term relationship can be a significant detour.Finding love: Unexpectedly meeting your soulmate can lead to a major life change.Family changes: The birth of a child, the death of a loved one, or caring for elderly relatives can significantly alter the course of your life.Personal ChallengesFinancial difficulties: Unexpected expenses or a loss of income can cause significant disruptions.Health problems: Chronic illnesses or disabilities can impact your daily life and future plans.Relocation: Moving to a new city or country can be a major adjustment.When Your Life is on a Detour: Overcoming ChallengesIt's natural to feel lost and hopeless when life doesn't go as planned. However, remember that challenges often lead to growth and personal development.Be steadfast. Believe that God's plan is still better than yours.Embrace responsibilities. Opportunities often come with challenges. Don't let fear or avoidance hold you back.Learn from others. Look for inspiration in the stories of people who have overcome obstacles.Detours as OpportunitiesEven setbacks can be turned into opportunities for success. Steve Jobs' experience of being fired from Apple is a testament to this. Detours can lead to personal growth, new perspectives, and, ultimately, greater accomplishments.Navigating Detours1. Identify the DetourReflect on your situation: Understand the nature of the detour and its impact on your goals.Assess your options: Consider the potential paths forward and their implications.2. Develop a PlanSet clear goals: Define where you want to be in the future.Create a roadmap: Outline the steps needed to reach your goals.Be flexible: Adapt your plan as circumstances change.3. Seek SupportTalk to trusted friends and family: Share your feelings and seek advice.Consult professionals: Consider seeking guidance from a therapist, coach, or mentor.Join support groups: Connect with others facing similar challenges.4. Learn and GrowIdentify lessons: Reflect on the detour and learn from the experience.Develop new skills: Acquire the knowledge and abilities needed to move forward.Embrace change: Be open to new opportunities and perspectives.5. Take ActionStart small: Begin with achievable steps to build momentum.Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small.Persist: Stay committed to your goals, even in the face of setbacks.Detours can be blessings in disguise. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and personal development.Inspired by the preaching about 'Bounce!' at The FeastThis post contains affiliate links. Your purchases through them keep this page up, at no extra cost. Thank you!
Lux Thinking Aloud What Would You Say? (Famous Last Words) 10:53 AM To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure. -J.K. Rowling What do you think would you say? What would your famous last words be? We might not know as it might come in the least expected way or time (knock on wood, I hope it won't). I was reading Looking for Alaska and the lead character has a fascination for historical people's famous last words. He's memorized most of them from the most profound to the most ridiculous. It got me thinking. What would I say if my time comes given that it's not sudden? What will my famous last words be? I want to be faithful and say things like: (a) Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Jesus' last words, Luke 23:46) (b) Thank you God for the gift of life. I'm offering it back to you. (c) Lord, take me home. I'm ready. (d) Jesus, I am Yours in life. I am Yours in death. I want to be romantic and promise: (a) I will wait for you in life after death. (b) I'll love you beyond forever. (c) Our love will never perish. (d) I'm yours up to my last breath. Even after then. Or maybe just ask forgiveness from the people I've hurt and assure those who have hurt me that I've forgiven them. Or tell my loved ones that I really love them with a love as imperfect but as real as mine. Would I be really able to say these? Would I be even able to say a proper goodbye. I might just say, "Look out!" or curse for all I know. I remember my friend who passed away last year. Our last conversation was me asking her about her Facebook post and her telling me "I'll tell you when we see each other next time you come home." Well, that never happened as she succumbed to cancer before I could even book a ticket home. In case I got you thinking (like that book got me writing this), here are some famous last words from historical/famous people I gathered. Famous Last Words Nothing, but death. -Jane Austen when asked by her sister, Cassandra, if there was anything she wanted. Is everybody happy? I want everybody to be happy. I know I'm happy. -Ethel Barrymore Friends applaud, the comedy is finished. -Ludwig van Beethoven I should never have switched from Scotch to Martinis. -Humphrey Bogart Beautiful. -Elizabeth Barrett Browning in reply to her husband who had asked how she felt. I am still alive! -Roman Emperor Gaius Caligula, stabbed to death by his own guards. I am not the least afraid to die. -Charles Darwin I must go in, the fog is rising. -Emily Dickinson Come my little one, and give me your hand. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, spoken to his daughter, Ottilie. Turn up the lights, I don't want to go home in the dark. -O. Henry Put out the light. -Theodore Roosevelt Oh, do not cry - be good children and we will all meet in heaven. -Andrew Jackson, US President Is it the Fourth? -Thomas Jefferson, US President Why do you weep. Did you think I was immortal? -Louis XIV Get my swan costume ready. -ballerina Anna Pavlova Lord, help my poor soul. -Edgar Allan Poe I love you, Sarah. For all eternity, I love you. -James K. Polk, US President talking to his wife. They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist. . . . -General John Sedgwick, killed in battle during US Civil War. I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have. -Leonardo da Vinci (this got me saying, "Oh, come on!) Either that wallpaper goes, or I do. -Oscar Wilde Let me go to the house of the Father. -Pope John Paul II Curtain! Fast music! Light! Ready for the last finale! Great! The show looks good, the show looks good! -showman Florenz Ziegfeld I die hard but am not afraid to go. -George Washington Given the chance to bid a proper farewell, what would you say? Share your famous last words to me. Source: CorsinetPhotos: Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
