Welcome February!
http://rockysgirls.blogspot.com/2019/02/february-i-welcome-you.html
http://rockysgirls.blogspot.com/2019/02/february-i-welcome-you.html
So Short
I know that I am not the only one who has heard the saying "life is short". Those three words have so much power and meaning. I remember hearing older people say that life is meant to be lived and enjoyed, not wasted. We waste so much time doing nothing. I am guilty of this just like many of you. But when does the time wasting stop? As I age gracefully LOL, I can't help but to look back at all the time, money, and energy that I have wasted on things and people that were clearly only temporary. Don't get me wrong, no lesson is accidental but it probably could have been less painful if the time limit on it was taken seriously. What do I mean by this? So many times we ignore signs, bells, and whistles that are blaring when we waste time doing things that were meant to hurt us. We waste time with people who are "season ticket holders" and overlook the ones who have a "lifetime membership" in our lives. Season ticket holders pay a yearly fee for a particular thing, perk, or advantage. Lifetime membership comes at a higher cost and level of commitment, the membership says that I am here to stay no matter what. How many of us have season ticket holders in our lives who are occupying the seat that has been reserved for that lifetime member? That is a mind blowing revelation that some of us never thought about. It is easier to commit to something temporary than to commit to something that is permanent. We live in a time that produces instant gratification, which yields temporary satisfaction, meaningless relationships, and false hope. So many people are looking for that next get rich trick or scheme because they don't want to commit to the process of learning a trade, going to school, or researching what they were created to do. Schemes are temporary and possibly damaging to everyone involved. There are people who walk through life looking to see who they can get over on everyday. It happens in work settings, relationships, and families. One reason why this happens is because there is a lack of commitment. Some people don't commit to anything. You know people like this, they run from one thing to another. You can lose touch with them for a little while and when you meet up again, they are still running. Their lack of commitment is evident in the life that they live. They have had twenty five jobs and they are only 30 years old. That may be an exaggeration but you get the idea. They hop from job to job because of the "people" at every job didn't like them, they didn't pay enough money, etc. It is everyone else's fault. It was the "people" at those jobs fault, it wasn't the job hopper's fault. They couldn't commit to learning, growing, or being challenged so the easier thing was to leave. These types of people are a headache to every organization that they work for. Unfortunately, some of these people will always live temporary and unfulfilled lives. If that is you, stop today and find ways to change your behavior. You don't have to keep living a life that is contrary to who you were created to be. Talk to people who have longevity at their jobs, who have been married for many years, and who have graduated from college and work in rewarding professions. These people are committed. They made a decision to commit as a lifetime member to that particular thing or person. There are some people who can't commit to even more serious matter like marriage or parenting. Marriage and being a parent are serious matters that some have entered into loosely. Having been married, I realize now that our commitment was different. I was a lifetime member but he was a season ticket holder. That doesn't make him a bad person it just means that he was not meant to be apart of the permanent decisions that I was making for my life. So the question now is, what have you been wasting time doing, who have you been wasting time around? I am not suggesting that you walk out of your job, marriage, or anything else. But what I am suggesting is that you take the time to reflect on your life and look at your patterns. Do you just walk in and out of people's lives, do you change jobs when things don't go your way, or do you hop from relationship to relationship? Maybe you don't realize who you are and how valuable your time is. Can you at least commit to reflecting on your life? That is the first place to start. It may also require some apologizes to those who you left in turmoil. A simple apology can redirect your life, it shows that you take ownership for your actions and that you regret the pain that you caused. Even if the other person doesn't forgive you, you did your part. No one is saying that you have to be in a relationship with them again but it might just allow them to view you in a different light. You will need someone to help you navigate through life at one point or another. I believe that people are strategically placed in your life to teach you a lesson or to gain a lesson from. Life is short and tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. The chances that we have today may not be available tomorrow. What you do today will determine your tomorrow. It is easy to do nothing and continue wasting time but why live life at a minimal level when you can live it a such a higher level? Change your thinking because it reflects where you are in life. If you think at a mediocre level then that is where you will always remain. Your mentality speaks volumes about your self-esteem, life expectations, and ambitions. So yes, life is short and people will cross your path to either stay or to just pass through. Stop letting people who are season tickets holders reside in areas of your life that are meant for lifetime members. Be committed in every area of your life, don't be doubled minded. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God knows the plans that He has for us...plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Commit your ways and life to things that are meaningful, honest, and true! Let's go...
Rocky
I know that I am not the only one who has heard the saying "life is short". Those three words have so much power and meaning. I remember hearing older people say that life is meant to be lived and enjoyed, not wasted. We waste so much time doing nothing. I am guilty of this just like many of you. But when does the time wasting stop? As I age gracefully LOL, I can't help but to look back at all the time, money, and energy that I have wasted on things and people that were clearly only temporary. Don't get me wrong, no lesson is accidental but it probably could have been less painful if the time limit on it was taken seriously. What do I mean by this? So many times we ignore signs, bells, and whistles that are blaring when we waste time doing things that were meant to hurt us. We waste time with people who are "season ticket holders" and overlook the ones who have a "lifetime membership" in our lives. Season ticket holders pay a yearly fee for a particular thing, perk, or advantage. Lifetime membership comes at a higher cost and level of commitment, the membership says that I am here to stay no matter what. How many of us have season ticket holders in our lives who are occupying the seat that has been reserved for that lifetime member? That is a mind blowing revelation that some of us never thought about. It is easier to commit to something temporary than to commit to something that is permanent. We live in a time that produces instant gratification, which yields temporary satisfaction, meaningless relationships, and false hope. So many people are looking for that next get rich trick or scheme because they don't want to commit to the process of learning a trade, going to school, or researching what they were created to do. Schemes are temporary and possibly damaging to everyone involved. There are people who walk through life looking to see who they can get over on everyday. It happens in work settings, relationships, and families. One reason why this happens is because there is a lack of commitment. Some people don't commit to anything. You know people like this, they run from one thing to another. You can lose touch with them for a little while and when you meet up again, they are still running. Their lack of commitment is evident in the life that they live. They have had twenty five jobs and they are only 30 years old. That may be an exaggeration but you get the idea. They hop from job to job because of the "people" at every job didn't like them, they didn't pay enough money, etc. It is everyone else's fault. It was the "people" at those jobs fault, it wasn't the job hopper's fault. They couldn't commit to learning, growing, or being challenged so the easier thing was to leave. These types of people are a headache to every organization that they work for. Unfortunately, some of these people will always live temporary and unfulfilled lives. If that is you, stop today and find ways to change your behavior. You don't have to keep living a life that is contrary to who you were created to be. Talk to people who have longevity at their jobs, who have been married for many years, and who have graduated from college and work in rewarding professions. These people are committed. They made a decision to commit as a lifetime member to that particular thing or person. There are some people who can't commit to even more serious matter like marriage or parenting. Marriage and being a parent are serious matters that some have entered into loosely. Having been married, I realize now that our commitment was different. I was a lifetime member but he was a season ticket holder. That doesn't make him a bad person it just means that he was not meant to be apart of the permanent decisions that I was making for my life. So the question now is, what have you been wasting time doing, who have you been wasting time around? I am not suggesting that you walk out of your job, marriage, or anything else. But what I am suggesting is that you take the time to reflect on your life and look at your patterns. Do you just walk in and out of people's lives, do you change jobs when things don't go your way, or do you hop from relationship to relationship? Maybe you don't realize who you are and how valuable your time is. Can you at least commit to reflecting on your life? That is the first place to start. It may also require some apologizes to those who you left in turmoil. A simple apology can redirect your life, it shows that you take ownership for your actions and that you regret the pain that you caused. Even if the other person doesn't forgive you, you did your part. No one is saying that you have to be in a relationship with them again but it might just allow them to view you in a different light. You will need someone to help you navigate through life at one point or another. I believe that people are strategically placed in your life to teach you a lesson or to gain a lesson from. Life is short and tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. The chances that we have today may not be available tomorrow. What you do today will determine your tomorrow. It is easy to do nothing and continue wasting time but why live life at a minimal level when you can live it a such a higher level? Change your thinking because it reflects where you are in life. If you think at a mediocre level then that is where you will always remain. Your mentality speaks volumes about your self-esteem, life expectations, and ambitions. So yes, life is short and people will cross your path to either stay or to just pass through. Stop letting people who are season tickets holders reside in areas of your life that are meant for lifetime members. Be committed in every area of your life, don't be doubled minded. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God knows the plans that He has for us...plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Commit your ways and life to things that are meaningful, honest, and true! Let's go...
Rocky
Starting Over!
There are so many things that we face in life! Some things are happy while others may be sad. Life happens and you wonder what happened & how you got to that place. There might be some shock or disbelief when you realize that life has changed! So what do you do now with the life that you have? One good place to start is from where you are right now. Loving yourself is key in your next journey. It might feel strange to take time for you, but you need it. You can be fantastic for everyone else but are you being fantastic for yourself? Stop and breathe and take it all in. Look around and see who and what is in your corner. This is the perfect time to evaluate who will ride the next wave of life with you. Everyone can't go. Some people will say that you changed or that you are different. They are right you have changed, you are different! How could you go through those battles in life and still be the same? Learn how to encourage yourself and focus on the things that make you laugh and smile. Look in the mirror and admire who you have blossomed into. You might look different, have a few more gray hairs, now wearing glasses...whatever the changes, embrace them! Those things don't really matter. What matters is where you see yourself going, who you see yourself becoming, and most importantly loving your new self! It will take time to adjust to the newness, it is well worth it! Find opportunities to get yourself moving and learning new things. You can do it! It simply takes saying yes to you, cheering for you, and loving you. I don't know where this next season in my life will take me, but I am ready for the ride! I am not sure what foundation you have to prepare you for your next season, but make sure it's a solid one. My foundation is solid through my relationship with God. I could never walk this life out without Him. He is my firm foundation, my shield, my protector, and most of all my father! Whatever your source of strength is, make sure it brings you peace and calm on those turbulent days. I realize that I am so amazing because of my foundation! When I think back over my life, I know for a fact that God was carrying me and holding my hand. Some people would have lost their minds if they went through what I went through! But I promise you that if you take a stroll with Jesus, He will change your life and make those hurtful, dark places come back to life. I see life when I look in the mirror, when I see myself smile, when I hear myself laugh, and when I feel myself love again. Life is not easy at times but it is doable when you release the hurt, pain, guilt, shame, embarrassment, and fear! I refuse to live a life stuck in fear. It will cripple you if you let it. Reflect on where you have already been, then take a seat in the life that you want to be in. God honors our heart's desires. He hears us when we cry, when we pray, when we hurt, when we worship Him, and when we throw our hands up as a sign of surrendering. Take out some time for you to embrace who you are now and love on yourself. Take yourself out to eat, meet up with the friends who really love you, breathe deep and often, and look around to see who and what might need to be left in the last season. They will be alright! Trust me! Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith right now to enjoy peace later. If I can do it, you can too! No matter what the remainder of my life brings, I will walk through it with God. I refuse to go back to what or who hurt me. I will continue to forgive but I won't stay in the line of fire to be misused again. One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11, which states "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God's plan is the absolute best plan for me. So what now? Live your life to the fullest, experience new beginnings, look toward the future, and make sure that your foundation is solid for the next time life tries to knock you down. Find out your life's purpose and live it. Love someone along the way and pray often! The worst thing you can do is close your heart. Every man or woman didn't hurt you. You deserve better than you received. Know that you are good enough, you are worthy to receive and give real love. As you move forward embrace God's love, He will never leave you or forsake you! His love is true, pure, honest, and unending! I am encouraged and I hope that you are too! Life is waiting to embrace beautiful you...
Rocky
There are so many things that we face in life! Some things are happy while others may be sad. Life happens and you wonder what happened & how you got to that place. There might be some shock or disbelief when you realize that life has changed! So what do you do now with the life that you have? One good place to start is from where you are right now. Loving yourself is key in your next journey. It might feel strange to take time for you, but you need it. You can be fantastic for everyone else but are you being fantastic for yourself? Stop and breathe and take it all in. Look around and see who and what is in your corner. This is the perfect time to evaluate who will ride the next wave of life with you. Everyone can't go. Some people will say that you changed or that you are different. They are right you have changed, you are different! How could you go through those battles in life and still be the same? Learn how to encourage yourself and focus on the things that make you laugh and smile. Look in the mirror and admire who you have blossomed into. You might look different, have a few more gray hairs, now wearing glasses...whatever the changes, embrace them! Those things don't really matter. What matters is where you see yourself going, who you see yourself becoming, and most importantly loving your new self! It will take time to adjust to the newness, it is well worth it! Find opportunities to get yourself moving and learning new things. You can do it! It simply takes saying yes to you, cheering for you, and loving you. I don't know where this next season in my life will take me, but I am ready for the ride! I am not sure what foundation you have to prepare you for your next season, but make sure it's a solid one. My foundation is solid through my relationship with God. I could never walk this life out without Him. He is my firm foundation, my shield, my protector, and most of all my father! Whatever your source of strength is, make sure it brings you peace and calm on those turbulent days. I realize that I am so amazing because of my foundation! When I think back over my life, I know for a fact that God was carrying me and holding my hand. Some people would have lost their minds if they went through what I went through! But I promise you that if you take a stroll with Jesus, He will change your life and make those hurtful, dark places come back to life. I see life when I look in the mirror, when I see myself smile, when I hear myself laugh, and when I feel myself love again. Life is not easy at times but it is doable when you release the hurt, pain, guilt, shame, embarrassment, and fear! I refuse to live a life stuck in fear. It will cripple you if you let it. Reflect on where you have already been, then take a seat in the life that you want to be in. God honors our heart's desires. He hears us when we cry, when we pray, when we hurt, when we worship Him, and when we throw our hands up as a sign of surrendering. Take out some time for you to embrace who you are now and love on yourself. Take yourself out to eat, meet up with the friends who really love you, breathe deep and often, and look around to see who and what might need to be left in the last season. They will be alright! Trust me! Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith right now to enjoy peace later. If I can do it, you can too! No matter what the remainder of my life brings, I will walk through it with God. I refuse to go back to what or who hurt me. I will continue to forgive but I won't stay in the line of fire to be misused again. One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11, which states "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God's plan is the absolute best plan for me. So what now? Live your life to the fullest, experience new beginnings, look toward the future, and make sure that your foundation is solid for the next time life tries to knock you down. Find out your life's purpose and live it. Love someone along the way and pray often! The worst thing you can do is close your heart. Every man or woman didn't hurt you. You deserve better than you received. Know that you are good enough, you are worthy to receive and give real love. As you move forward embrace God's love, He will never leave you or forsake you! His love is true, pure, honest, and unending! I am encouraged and I hope that you are too! Life is waiting to embrace beautiful you...
Rocky
Summer is in full swing by now and many of us are doing all kinds of fun things with our families. In the midst of the fun things have you taken time for yourself? Time to stop and breathe and take it all in. Personally, I steal away during those times (bathroom break LOL) to reflect on the moments and events during our times of fun. Those steal away moments allow me to whisper a quiet prayer to God, asking Him to keep me mindful of my blessings and what is really important. Prayer may not be your answer, but it works for me! We live in a hustle and bustle kind of world, which can easily cause us to be distracted by nonsense. I value the times that I talk on the telephone to my siblings, face time with my nieces and nephews, catch up with a friend on Facebook, and encourage a stranger. God gives us all the opportunities to use our gifts. You don't have to be boastful or loud, He will make room for your gift. If you don't know what God created you to do, ask Him! He will reveal it to you!! Keep pushing and shining your light in this dark world!
Rocky
Rocky
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Have you had a mental health check-up lately? There are many who suffer from mental illness, depression, anxiety, fear, and doubt. You don't have to go through it alone. Suicide is on the rise, especially by those who isolate themselves and are being bullied. Tell someone that you trust what you are dealing with & going through. Pay attention to family members & friends who all of a sudden are hard to find, relate to, or just seem to be "different". They may not know how to tell you that they need help, ask them. It just might save their life. Stop right now and think about it! Do you need help? Does someone you know or love need help? Be that person that they can depend on. We all need someone to talk to, to love, to relate to...no one should be isolated and left alone to suffer in silence. Suicide doesn't discriminate, it doesn't know color or financial status. In case you want to remain private here is a lifeline...National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www. suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-8255
Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Don't suffer another minute in silence...you are amazing & God has so much more for you to do and give!
Rocky
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Have you had a mental health check-up lately? There are many who suffer from mental illness, depression, anxiety, fear, and doubt. You don't have to go through it alone. Suicide is on the rise, especially by those who isolate themselves and are being bullied. Tell someone that you trust what you are dealing with & going through. Pay attention to family members & friends who all of a sudden are hard to find, relate to, or just seem to be "different". They may not know how to tell you that they need help, ask them. It just might save their life. Stop right now and think about it! Do you need help? Does someone you know or love need help? Be that person that they can depend on. We all need someone to talk to, to love, to relate to...no one should be isolated and left alone to suffer in silence. Suicide doesn't discriminate, it doesn't know color or financial status. In case you want to remain private here is a lifeline...National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www. suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-8255
Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Don't suffer another minute in silence...you are amazing & God has so much more for you to do and give!
Rocky
Well, Summer is here! No matter where you are in the country, I know that you are welcoming Summer with open arms. This past Winter was brutal! The weather was freezing & snow-filled where I am. Although the weather affected me on different levels, I enjoyed having more family time. Especially those days when we couldn't get out & had to do things together when we may have otherwise been busy with other life tasks. We never lost power or heat, which was great. This past Winter also made me realize just how blessed my family & I are! Yes I complained about how cold it was outside but it could have definitely been worse! I openly embrace Summer with a renewed understanding that allows me to make plans to do things that are fun & to appreciate the change of the seasons. The changes also bring a freshness & opportunity to continue to grow in areas that may have been in hibernation while I complained about how cold this past Winter was. I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to getting outdoors & seeing what has been hidden by the snow & ice. Summer brings with it its own set of challenges. While I might say "it is so hot", I will remind myself that I am grateful for air conditioning & shelter. Appreciating life is major! Life can change in an instant without warning. Living life to the fullest, loving & enjoying my family, & enjoying some me time are on my Summer Bucket List! No matter what plans you make, make some time for you! Fall/Autumn will be here soon enough & you don't want to have any regrets about what you didn't do or where you didn't go! We only get one life & we may as well live it the fullest! Happy Summer ya'll!
Rocky
Rocky
The holiday season is upon us! Some of you may not be happy about it for many reasons. Some may be down because this season brings a great deal of stress with it. Money may be a big factor, especially when it comes to buying presents. No matter what the reason, realize that you don't have to carry undo stress. Just like the weather the seasons will change. You can get past every uncertainty that you are feeling. If you plan to spend money on gifts make a budget. Don't spend more money than you really have. Keep in mind that the people who really love you will still love you if you are unable to buy them a gift. Keep it real and keep it simple, it's okay to say I don't have a present for you this year. This may also give you the opportunity to see who is really just around you to get something from you. Remove that bag of stress that you have been carrying, it won't do you any good to keep carrying it. Come on girl, shake it off and focus on what really matters. BUT once you place the stress down, you can't pick it back up. You can do this...even if you lose some "friends" along the way. Do something for you and set your eyes on a goal for the next season that is coming. Start with small goals and go from there. Maybe the money you plan to spend on gifts could help send you back to school. Think about it, pray about it, and make a decision! 2016 is just around the corner and you will be so much better if you regain your focus now. Critics will always be there, you need them to push you forward! What's your next move??
Rocky
Rocky