Mighty Mindset

The past few months I have been reigning in my thoughts. Capturing the negativity that could easily set in and poison every day life. It is easy to get discouraged, to look at your situation and believe that this will never change. Those are lies that if you dwell on will dictate your very life. You see, having a mindset that will push you into thriving mode versus survival is the very thing that will get you through the dark valley you sometimes have to walk through. You have to make a decision. To not make one is a decision in itself, but to make one to be positive is one of the most single powerful choices you can make. Your life is made up of all kinds of ups and downs, it is part of life. Yes many may seem unfair, some cruel, but the most important thing to remember is the only constant is change. This part of your life will and can change. You have to get to a point that irregardless of circumstances you will have a good attitude. You will choose to be a victor not a victim. Life does not have to ruin you. You can determine your choices, attitude, and destiny. Constant daily choices determine where you will end up. Make them wisely! Make them on purpose and make them positive.

Making Resolutions a Reality

Every year we set goals, make resolutions and try to determine in our hearts we will have a better year. So many people want to see their goals become a reality but have no idea how to make them actually happen. Here are some easy starters that you can apply to your life today to start making your dreams a reality this new year. 1. Do not tackle everything at once. Start with a small step and achieve it, it will give you momentum to tackle the bigger things. 2. Stop being so critical of yourself and others. You can sabotage your way of thinking by being overly critical of people even yourself. Extend some grace, and you will see you will change your way of thinking with each new positive choice and comment. 3. Write down your goal and post a picture where you can see it daily. Seeing your vision helps you keeps things in perspective when you get lost in the every day daily grind. For additional information or life coaching tips,seminars, and sessions please visit: www.mylittlelifecoach.com

What I learned yesterday....

So I am beginning to think of a new series of chapters in a new book. I feel as I get older the more you see in people and about life. Health is an aspect that runs so deep. It is more than just physical, health is emotional, mental, and spiritual. I am beginning to learn what to hold close and what to let go of in my own life so that I can be the healthiest person I know how to be for me and my family. So here are a few things that I recently had some light shed on in my own life and I have to tell you, it is freeing to understand. 1- Spend more time with the people that celebrate with you and celebrate you! Too many times we spend time around people who you tolerate or you feel just tolerate you....that may be for a time but let's face it,You can not grow into the person you were meant to be by constantly around people who really cant see past you or celebrate your victories and success. You want to be around those who believe in your potential, your goals and your dreams. 2- Stop investing time and effort into those who really just don't give a flying leap. For whatever reason there are always those people you would like to be closer to, so you invite them over, try to allow them to be part of your life and they will always shut you out,no matter how hard you try. SO STOP! There are other people who would love to spend time with you and develop a more meaningful relationship. 3- Every time you say no to something, you are saying yes to something else. Make sure you are saying YES to the things that really matter!!

Dare to dream

We all have been there, in the midst of the harshest storms life has to blow your way. The kind of pain that is deep, so deep it takes your breath away, and you can barely gather your thoughts. I have been there...that pit of life that just about kills and destroys you to the core. These times are meant to refine, to make you stronger. Yet, to know it and live it are two places,that you can not possibly comprehend while walking through these types of storms. Where to begin? What to do? These questions can rip through your heart and tear you to pieces when the life you had planned crashes and breaks into so many pieces it will never be the same.
I have not mastered pain...no one this side of heaven will ever be able to do such a thing. I have picked myself up from the mud etched into my face from falling so hard, and you can too.
I will tell you this:
God's love is enough to pull you up and out and through it!!
This time will pass!
You have to reign your thoughts in daily and focus on better things!
Dare to dream ...again!
Let the waters rise

Eruption of Entitlement

I have noticed this for several years and I cant even begin to imagine how this is affecting our country, our lives, and relationships. It is becoming most common in my generation (we will say the 30 somethings) and younger. It is this ," I am entitled" mentality. I see it everywhere. Honestly, I even see it driving down the road. You watch sometimes when people get cut off the obnoxious words that fly out of the mouths of even a babe when their "right" to the road has been intruded upon. I see 16 year old's "expecting" they are getting a car. Really?? You are 16!! Sweethearts, that is a hard earned piece of metal you are throwing a tantrum about and the fact that it is not being "given" to you because you are.... oh, "of that age to have a car!" It has reared its ugly head in just about everything. Where did this spoiled rotten mentality actually overcome this generation, not to mention the apathy that is coupled with it? Not only are we seeing an eruption of " I am owed or entitled," but we are seeing an apathetic way of life springing up all around us. I have heard the phrase, "I just dont care," more often then I wish I had heard. Do people actually mean they do not care? Maybe! Quite possibly they do not. However, it is causing major problems. No one is entitled or owed a single thing. In fact, what we deserve we actually should be thankful we do not get. There are things in life you need to work really hard at....and with that being able to truly care that you have obtained it so when you get that hard earned promotion, car, dream home, or even a loving spouse....you reallyyyy cherish it.
Think about what you can "give" back once in awhile instead of what you think you are actually "entitled" to receiving!

Leave the NOT POSSIBLE, behind!

Success is not a far off dream that you cannot attain.Success is not a dream that doesn’t happen.
Success is not a “maybe”.... Success is leaving that, "NOT POSSIBLE" behind. Turn all of the obstacles into stepping stones.Get out of your own way, sometimes you are the biggest reason things have not changed. Never accept defeat.Get excited.Think big.Make it happen.Be part of the one percent that DO IT! Leaving behind the people or the things that make you believe that your dreams are not possible....can be a very tough thing to do. Obstacles come in all kinds of forms. I have really had my share of obstacles, too many to write on here and honestly, I really do not want to focus on them anymore. Learn to use the things that trip you up as a tool to get higher to your ultimate goals and dreams. It does not matter what town you are from, it does not matter what family you had or did not have, it does not matter who has come against you, what matters is that you make a choice today to never be the same. Look to the future. Know that the plans and purposes are planted deep in your heart and it is up to you to fulfill them and get out of your own way.

Good News...The power of happy thoughts

I love getting good news, don't you? I really can not imagine anyone not loving good news. I know for me and my family we have had some tough few weeks. It seemed like we had bad news every day last month. Today I am thrilled and celebrating for two very special people in my life. I have two very dear friends who have had an "out of the blue" surprise and it proves that all things can become beautiful in time, and how God always makes things new.
In our world it seems that stress and gloom can bombard our thinking, it can weigh us down, make us sad, and even depressed.Taking time to think about the good things that have come into your life makes you value what is important and re-evaluate some of your goals. Filing our spirits and minds with good and happy thoughts actually improves the quality of our life. When we constantly focus on the negative or live a life of comparison it creates a breeding ground for unhealthy thoughts to take over.

By changing the way you think you can create a more positive environment for yourself and those around you. I am taking today to rejoice, it is so important to love others enough to be able to rejoice with them when good things come their way. Celebrate all of life's big and small surprises!!

What is spoiling your life?

I know it seems like a strong question to be asking, but seriously ask yourself, "What is spoiling my life?" There is a passage of scripture that I can not help but think of, "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom. Song of Solomon 2:15. " You see we have a vineyard, in the sense that we have our lives. Our lives are precious, short, and are meant to be lived to make an impact on the people around us. We were all created with purpose and thought. When we allow the sly little foxes to come into our life, over time they begin to ruin seeds that are planted and meant for growth. Many times the "foxes' can actually kill and ruin an entire crop.
So what is a fox? Well, a fox actually represents many things and even other people. What are the little foxes that are attempting to destroy your life and well being?
We are in a new season of life. A time of Spring is now upon each and everyone of us. The cold harsh winds of winter have blown through each and every one of our spirits at some time or another. But with the newness of spring, growth, and renewal bloom forth.
It is funny but a good observation and something I have always noticed in my life and while talking with others is that the little foxes always seem to come prowling around when we are getting our lives in order. Little foxes continue to eat away and gnaw at whatever they can in your life until it becomes a bigger fox. Sly foxes are not easy to catch and take down, they are sly, they are cunning, and they know where you are. But to catch a fox is not impossible, it is about recognizing it is there, it is ruining your "vineyard" of life and you will no longer tolerate it.
There are things we have to hold onto in life, things that are precious and are important. So go and discover what little foxes are attacking your life....it is time for growth, new beginnings, and victory.

Celebrating Victories

I don't know about you, but I can guess you have had some victories in your life and some things that maybe have not been so great either. I think the one thing that surprises me, even though I have seen this happen many times in my own life or even with other's, is that people you feel should be happy for you, are not.
True friends and family will celebrate your most incredible victories no matter how big or small and will be there when you are in the lowest points of darkness in your life as well. That is what makes a friend a true and steadfast factor in your life.
I live in a neighborhood currently where 85% of the population is from another country. Yes, they are not familiar with this land, and I am also not familiar with theirs. I actually feel sometimes I live more amongst their own culture then my own because I am the minority. However, the other day I had a most amazing conversation that crossed all cultural bounds with my neighbor. She stood and spoke with me of how if her and her husband ever returned to  their own country, their own family would not be happy for them because they have succeeded so much here and made something of themselves. How interesting! Even in a culture so very different than ours. Jealousy still runs deep.
Why can't people, the one's you dearly love just be happy for you? It is the dark places in hearts that most never want to expose. The outward appearance of all that could be happy, with a fake smile, but somewhere deep inside there is that nagging feeling of, Why them? Why not me? He does not deserve that? She should never get to have that when I never did?
It is terrible, but the truth.
In my own life I have been in the most darkest of nights that my soul ached and my heart was so heavy I barley knew if I could get up off the floor most days from sobbing. In those times there has been one maybe two people that I knew I could share my inner most thoughts and they would never judge me, but be honest and true and most off all love me unconditionally. To this day, I consider them my closest and dearest earthly treasures.
These are the kinds of individuals that you strive to make connection with and in your whole life you maybe have 4 or 5 at the most, that you will ever be that totally open and transparent with on a daily basis. These dear one's celebrate your victories, even if it is so small as, "you got through one day without a donut!". These are the jewels in your life that shine through all the muck you have had to tread through to get to where you are today.
Celebrating every little thing today can change your entire life, your way of thinking, your way of acting, and your way of loving! Thank you to the dear treasures God has placed in my life. I hope you too, can find a few of your own.

Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Do you think it's cliche? Well it isn't! It has been proven and seen time after time that the people you surround yourself with eventually rub off on you. Have you ever spent a portion of time with someone overly critical and mean? You can leave their company and just feel......"icccck". That negativity was spread all out there and you just feel so blah about your time together and your conversation. However, the more and more time you are around them you may feel yourself joining in on conversation you actually detest or find demeaning. On the other hand, if you have ever been in the company of someone who is positive and uplifting, you leave feeling a little bit lighter and a little more confident in taking on your daily tasks or achievements.
Who you choose to surround yourself with will dictate the character you will take with you further in your life. I don't know about you....but I want to be around some good people. Individuals that have goals, positive things to say about life and other's, and living their life with passion as they pursue their dreams.

Starting Over...not an end, a new beginning!

Change is the one thing in life that is actually constantly happening. Sometimes a change is exactly what life calls for and sometimes it's what life gives you in a circumstance. How you handle the change is really up to you and you alone. Transitions come with a move in location, change in job status, death of a family member, or divorce; just to name a few. 

Keep in mind that starting over does not mean that life is over. Life can actually begin again or continue on flourishing right where you plant yourself. A new location means just that very thing, it is new, it is fresh and there are many opportunities for you. The hardest part about a change is that it may not always be a welcome change, but change is what has happened and the ultimate way of making the most of it is with your decisions on a daily basis.

Get involved with in your new area. Involvement provides a social and emotional outlet for you to network yourself and start to foster new relationships. You are an individual designed specifically and special, what you want to get involved in is totally up to you. Make sure that you do not put this off for more than a few months. It is ok to have time to think and settle in, however, get yourself out there in the community when you can.


If you do not have a friend or family member to call and vent, cry, or talk with then begin a journal. A journal may not be something you even want to do at a time of transition but journaling also provides a way for your thoughts to escape on paper. Journaling is a wonderful way to see progress and record your own personal thoughts, emotions, or feelings.

Continue to be yourself. If you do not even know who you are or how you got to this point than take the time to figure that out. If there are things that need to change in you to help make this move a better situation than start to really evaluate your life, attitudes, and goals.

Enduring Purpose- Believe in the reality of your dreams!

It is never too late to become what you might have become! Staying patient in the middle of struggles is so incredibly hard. However, what I am also finding is that patience is a natural reaction to keeping a flow of endurance which is only strengthened by pure perseverance. Endurance is what makes you drive on to meet your goals, keeps you focused, and allows your heart to stay in check as to the decisions you need to wait on or the one's that need your immediate attention.
In rushing and refusing to wait you will always settle for less than what you could have had if you were patient and endured. Settling will always give you less than you actually deserve too! Wow, does that ever hit home. You could be robbing yourself of a full and rich destiny in front of you because you want things to happen in your time. People have an incredible ability to make it happen for them-selves. Our culture allows many things at our disposal so it is very common for many people to make something part of their life that really never was intended to be there in the first place.

Begin to believe in the reality of your dreams!! Holding on your enduring purpose keeps you driven, focused, and patient for the blessing! Living intentionally puts you into a place where you are ready to receive all that is in store for your life.

Dreams are essential. Keeping a vision is important for your life. Without vision people have nothing to drive them and keep them motivated.

Know you have an enduring purpose for your life today! 

What Faith Can Do

Contagious Living

Have you ever noticed how motivated you feel when your around someone who has vision, excitement, and passion about their life. They know who they are, they are excited about where they are going, and are making the most of their life. They understand the reason for living is more then just existing but about finding a purpose and doing it with all your might. Those are the kind of people that make you want to do something with your life! They have rough times too, they may even be under the most financial pressure they have ever known or their life may be not where they want it to be but they are still staying hopeful and positive
On the flip side, there are the friends and family members who are always critical, gossiping, complaining, putting you down, your efforts down, maybe even not really believing in you to have success or that you could be a success! Those are the people that can rob you of your destiny.
Being around positive people brings about positive things in your life! I heard someone say this quote this week, "If you want to soar with the eagles...you can not be hanging out with the turkeys!" I thought this was so funny! But isn't that the truth! You will adapt and possibly even lower your standards the more you surround yourself with those individuals who can not possibly see you any other way, making anything better of yourself, or even rising above your situation.

What makes people treat you like that? A hundred different things could make individuals like this; jealousy, fear, insecurity, anger, or even hurt. I encourage you today to be careful who you invite to be apart of your "circle of influence". You may have family members, friends, those you have known for a very long time, but they are not on your "team" they don't really see you in the way you need to see yourself. Believe that you have amazing things ahead of you. Not everyone in your life will celebrate your victories, or be there to sit with you when you fall, this is why you need to be careful with who you share your time!
So go and find some "eagles" to get around, those people who will encourage you to rise to the occasion, step out of your comfort zone and soar like you were intended to do! 

You are what you eat!

You are what you eat is a pretty common phrase but it has never rang more true than it does in our fast food culture. If your eating unhealthy and consuming large amounts of processed food, it is a matter of time until your body breaks down and you become unhealthy, overweight, and subject yourself to a weakened immune system. The worst part about what you eat and how it makes you unhealthy is that it starts on the inside and works it's way out to the actual physical aspect of an individuals appearance; by that time there has already been significant affects on your body. Aside from weight gain, skin appearance and complexion issues, your bodies immune system breaks down from not eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in raw vegetable and fruit. It is expensive for many people to buy all organic meat and produce, however, when possible please try to weigh out your options and compare because many times it is better to make a healthier choice. Milk and meat especially are two major sources of toxic hormones that are being ingested from the market today. Humans were not made to be able to process these types of substances in our digestive systems. The hormones that cows and chickens are given to be able to produce more eggs and milk are causing many health concerns with our present culture.
Some thoughts about eating healthier and having a more balanced diet:
- Cut out soda and limit the amount of caffeine and sugar you consume on a daily basis.
-When you can purchase organic milk, meat, and chicken and think smart about your purchases, if you only consume a 1/2 gallon of milk a week then do not buy an entire gallon and throw the rest away. 
-Plan your meals ahead of time and create a variety of meals where you can eat vegetables, fruit, and healthy proteins. By planning ahead and making a list before you go to the store you can determine how you can make your proteins, fruits, and vegetables stretch over the course of the week. 
There are some great resources out there on this topic, there is one book that specifically talks about the importance of a healthy diet that I highly recommend for anyone who is thinking about getting more serious about living healthier and finding out how to reduce stress, improve digestion, feel more energy, and attain your ideal weight; The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin is an amazing book that covers all these topics and tells you how by eating better Dr. Rubin improved his health after he was diagnosed with Crone's disease. Dr. Rubin is living a healthy and more thriving life than ever before because he changed his lifestyle by eating better and incorporating key elements into his diet that your body needs to function at its best.
How to make healthy meals

Managing Stress

Stress has serious medical side effects if felt for long periods of time. Stress can cause head aches, upset stomachs, ulcers, mood swings, and depression. Life can bombard sometimes with things that are unexpected and serious. Everyone handles stress differently, stress will come to everyone at certain times but how you deal with it can make the difference in your life from feelings of defeat to living a life with victory. Here are a few ways to help you pinpoint stress areas and help you manage them better.
1. Pinpoint the areas that are making you feel stressed out. What are those things that are causing you to feel anxious, nervous, or overwhelmed? Is this a person, job related, financial problem, etc...)
2. Once you have recognized the areas that are stressing you out, think about how you can change that situation. Is there something in your power to be able to change that area?
3. Confront those problem areas that you are capable of changing and if you need to establish better boundaries in those places, this is an excellent way to begin practicing that technique. Boundaries is realizing where you as a person end, and another begins. This boundary issue can be wide spread in a few areas of your life and can be contributing to some of your stress related problems. I highly recommend getting a copy of "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend; very practical advice for anyone who struggles with saying no or managing stress.
4. Get some exercise for your health and clarity of mind. Moderate exercise weekly if not daily is so important in managing stress better.A simple walk will force you out of isolation and get your mind thinking of other things.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol if taking medication. Drinking impairs the way you think and in many cases if mixed with medication can increase feelings of depression, anger, and sadness.
Stress needs to be managed regularly and use the techniques you discover that help you the best so that you can live a better life for yourself and those around you.

Work on YOU!

Many people don't want to work on themselves. The process is too deep, too hard, too painful, too time consuming, too much work, etc...I have heard it all. The truth behind this is very simple though. If you do not work on yourself, no one else will. Change only happens when you put your mind to it and get to a point where the pains of being the same hurt worse then the pains change will bring. If that never comes then most people will continue to live the stagnant, existing life they have always lived. Life is supposed to be thriving, there should be growth, signs of change, positive fruit shown in your life. By fruit I mean qualities that are whole, right, and true. Qualities that are loving, patient, honest, kind, faithful, joyful ,peaceful, and lovely. These kinds of character traits are not given to everyone at birth, some people by nature or ability are more loving and gentle...but all these qualities should be worked on as you progress through life. Qualities are just a tip on the iceberg there are issues of well being that encompasses lifestyle, environment, choices, and spiritual decisions.

It is much easier for some people to just give up on their dreams, their aspirations, their marriages, their families, their well being all for the selfish reason that it is just too much work. Marriage is too hard so they get a divorce. Staying healthy is too difficult and they will never be in good shape so they sulk over a fudge brownie. Working a fulfilling job is out of reach so they work a job they hate till they retire and then live with regret that they never did what they wanted to do or were made to do. Knowing that God wants to have a relationship with them is just too uncomfortable so they spend a lifetime searching for fulfillment in a world full of empty promises and the void is never filled like it should be.

It is about a choice, everyone has them, every single person has the same 24 hours a day, every single day! What choice will you make? What direction will you allow your mind to take you today?

How to keep your mind healthy.

Spring is here...so get rid of the clutter!

Organization is not something everyone is good at, however, it does not mean you have to live like a slob. Organize periodically and try to keep up with the clutter! The first thing you absolutely have to do when organizing is to set some time aside one day to throw away junk and make piles of what you want to keep. Also, create a pile of things you can donate to charity and free up more space in your closet's or counter tops.

Buy a filing cabinet and file everything you want to keep for your records. Mark the tabs very specifically such as: electric bill, car insurance, receipt's, health insurance, etc... Once you have this in place make a conscious effort to file it away. A few other suggestions are plastic storage bins. The clear plastic bins are great because you can see through them, they stack very neat, and you can write on the outside what the contents includes.

One last thing to do is to stand over the trash can as you go through your mail. I know that sounds very elementary, however, if you get your mail and through it on the counter it starts to build up to a leaning tower of mess. When you open up ads and junk mail toss it right away and say good bye to extra "clutter" you do not need. An organized living space is now in reach! A clutter free space is always a healthier place for you and your family.

Finding a balance

Finding balance in life is not easy and most people try to juggle more than they should. Once you find balance though your life will seem more fulfilled and you will feel healthier and live with more vitality.

People tend to cling to things to give them security whether it is a person, job, ministries, etc. These types of commitments are good in and of them selves and relationships especially are very important, however, if you have over-committed to too much you will start to feel a sense of anxiety and constant disorder in your life.

What happens when your unbalanced is you start to see things piling up around you, clutter starts to form in corners of your office or home, you start to feel guilt if you do not show up for that 4th night of volunteering, you start to resent those around you, and you begin to get stuck in a rut that will not allow you to adapt to change. Changes are good and sometimes you need to make them...and sometimes you need to make many changes. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying change it all at once but "tiny" steps will get you to more clarity and balance in your life and that is what you have to start looking at as you set your priorities.

photo credit:blog.students.ubc.ca

How is anyone supposed to stay content...in a recession?

Contentment is not an easy thing to learn, especially when we live in a society that tells you every day you can have the American Dream which is a richer, bigger, fuller life. What is the real definition of a fuller life? What is it that defines you as an individual?

Contentment seems to be a word that either make's people very uncomfortable or very at ease. Depending on where you fall into those two categories may give you a good indication of how content your heart and spirit actually seem to be. This article has been tugging at my heart all week because we in America are going through a great economic crisis. Many people are without jobs or can not find a job that will actually provide for their families. There are thousands of people struggling to pay their bills and keep up with the cost of every day living.

What are people supposed to do when hope seems lost and discouragement creeps in and takes over?

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that no matter how much you have lost, if your reading this you still have breath in your lungs and hope in your heart. You must keep hope alive. Guard your heart, your heart goes through ups and downs through the heartbreak and joy's in life. Your heart is the wellspring of life, protect it, keep it safe, and be wise with whom and what you give it to.

Concentrate on the areas you do have to be thankful for. Your loved one's, a roof over your head, a meal in front of you. Sometimes even the smile on the face of a child is all you need to give you hope. Find something today, even if it is usually unimportant to you, look at it and be grateful for it's presence in your life.

Keep your vision America! Where there is no vision the people perish ... you must dream and set goals. Do not give up on yourself, your family, or your dream. Nothing is impossible. Keep your faith alive and look to God who is going to give you strength. A vision for your life will give you more purpose. Write out some goals and dreams you may have left alone for sometime because of discouragement or loss of hope in certain areas of your life, refer to them to help you gain some future hope and just maybe... a fresh perspective.

Take ownership of your life today!

Are you a success?

Many people define success in different ways. Some define how successful they have been by how much money they make, how many friends they have, what sort of people they know, or by how many people that love them. How you determine what makes you a success is what defines who you are as an individual. These qualities are what will make you special and in what areas you will excel in your life.

You have to start by thinking about the very question, "What does it mean to be successful?"

What is it that you want to get out of your life, while you have a life to get anything out of?

These are tough questions in deciding what is behind the forces driving you to go forward in your life. For some people, they do not ever really know what they really want in life. Many go through life sort of floating thinking that life has handed them whatever they are "supposed" to do. And for some, they settle into believing that they could never possibly attain the dream they have deep in their heart. And then there are those who are driven by things that they really do not understand, and at the end of their life they sit there and think about the choices they make and they have regret.

Here are a few quick steps in helping you think about your life and how you view success.

1. Where do you want to be in 5 years? What are the things you want to be doing in 5 years?

2.How will you get there? What are choices I need to be making today to keep me on the right track?

3.What are areas in my life that I want to achieve success with? (health, relationships, finances, etc.)

4. Do you need to establish more balance in those area's? Are there area's where you are functioning in an out of control state that keeps you from moving ahead?

By asking yourself these questions and being honest with yourself about the outcome you can start to give yourself some goals to work towards in changing your future success as an individual and accomplishing your dreams, goals, and needs.

To talk to a life coach today and receive a free consultation email :

mylittlelifecoach@gmail.com