Following Your Dream

READY…  “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”  ~ Henry David Thoreau

AIM…  Hello, loyal AOI readers!  “Where in the world have you been?”  I heard that a lot during the absence of my weekly messages. Honestly, my radical sabbatical came from a divine order to follow a dream.  One day I’m writing inspiration for you, the next day I get connected with another writer and SHAZAM!  We’re off and writing a book together!  So, all this time I’ve been working on a book with another author and several contributing authors and trudging through the details of getting our book published, etc.  The happy announcement is that our book is published and is available in paperback or online as an e-book!  WOO HOO!  Talk about a labor of love!

Personally, I have been told many times that I would one day write a book…or at least, I should write a book. That dream laid dormant in my heart for many years.  There would be times when I’d walk by the book store and wonder what it would be like to see a book on the shelf with MY name on it. When the opportunity presented itself for me to pursue my dream, it exploded like a firework on the 4^th of July!  So many elements fell right into place.  My co-author and I had never met before and after one connection by a mutual friend, our creative sparks ignited.  Our words and stories flowed into multiple pages of inspiration.  The publisher was able to jump several hurdles she had never encountered before through the process of getting our book in print.  It was all divinely appointed and directed and the evidence is my dream, our dream, come true as the final product to share with you.

So, what are you dreaming about today?  Are there desires deep down in your heart that you would love to see come to pass?  Perhaps, it’s not quite time for them to be fulfilled…yet.  However, what you cannot see are all the preparations that are going on behind the scenes of your life plan.  Maybe you recognize an opportunity to take a leap of faith and jump one step closer to making your dream come true.  Wherever you are on that path and whatever you are thinking about today, may you look to the future with great anticipation.  Exciting things are happening and I simply cannot wait to hear all about them and cheer you on!

FIRE!  Take just a few moments to jot down a couple things you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime.  (Some people call it their personal bucket list; others call it their dreaming list.)  Whatever you call it, commit your desires to paper and put it where you’ll be reminded of your goals on a regular basis.  As your dreams come true, write “VICTORY” on your list and then look forward to your next moment of fabulous success.

Be Excellent!

Lori

 

 

 

What Are You Waiting For?

 
READY… “I've always found that anything worth achieving will always have obstacles in the way and you've got to have that drive and determination to overcome those obstacles on route to whatever it is that you want to accomplish.” ~ Chuck Norris
AIM… The bell rings: “And they’re off!” But wait; you’re left standing at the starting gate. Why? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? C’mon, get moving! But there’s a huge cloud of dust ahead of you, and you cannot see through it, and you cannot see around it, and, so, you’re left standing, motionless, waiting for the dust to settle so you can take a step ahead.

Have you been thinking about where you are in life? Are there personal goals and dreams you want to accomplish? Do you want a promotion at work? Have you been trying to achieve financial success? Are you looking for good grades, a spot on the team or even a scholarship? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Seriously, what is holding you back? Is there a dust cloud in front of you where you cannot see through it to determine what your next step should be? Forget the dust! Take that first step toward making things happen for yourself. No one else can or will take that step for you. Just do it! Once you step out of the gate, the dust that surrounds you will start to settle. Your eyes will acclimate and you’ll be able to gaze beyond the cloud. With every step toward your goal, your vision will become clearer and your movements much easier. Soon you’ll be leaving the starting gate behind you and someone else will be eating your dust. And eventually, you will be able to look back and see that your starting gate is a mere speck in the dust scattered on the ground because YOU will be so far ahead on the path toward achieving greatness. Can you see it? Can you taste it? Can you smell it? Yep, it’s your victory and I can’t wait to celebrate with you at the finish line.

FIRE! Take a moment to visualize yourself in the successful position you desire. You need to see all the details, smell all the scents and hear all the sounds of success. You can do it. If everyone else has told you no, today I am telling you that YOU CAN DO IT! Now, go out there and make it happen. What are you waiting for?

Be Excellent!
Lori

Victories In Mothering

READY8“I looked on child-rearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring it.” ~ Rose Kennedy AIM8 Being a mom is rewarding, but it is a tough job too. Getting paid in hugs and kisses some days just isn’t the salary you expected. Even our best intentions can be completely twisted and turned around in an instant. Are you good at going with the flow and rolling with the punches? Better buckle up and get ready! If you haven’t experienced the thrill of the adventure yet, you’re in for a wild ride! :) Because being a mom requires so much of our treasured time, our talents and personal space often get pushed into the Twilight Zone. If you have felt like you’re stuck in another dimension, you are NOT alone. Many of us moms are stuck in that same dimension of chaos! So, how do we check ourselves back into reality? For starters, we need to stop focusing on all the WRONGS we are doing and start recognizing all the RIGHTS. Negative self-talk does so much damage to our well-being and our self confidence. God created you in His image to be loved and to give love away. Let’s start speaking truth into our lives and regain that inborn God-confidence He designed just for us. If you need some help discovering your victories as a mom, here are some great ways to rethink your day to day actions and conversations with yourself: You are using your body to…grow a miracle; feed and nurture your infants; snuggle with and comfort your older children. You are using your hands to… play fun games; teach and educate with puzzles; bathe and dress your children, offer hugs of approval and applause for major accomplishments. You are using your creativity and talents to…make healthy and interesting meals for your family; bring home additional money to contribute to the budget; entertain your children when you’re stuck in the house for a snowy or rainy day. You are using your brain to…outwit toddler temper tantrums; encourage successful potty training transitions; find ways to instill good morals and values in the minds of your children and encourage and support life-changing decisions. You are using your personality to…find humor in everyday events; meet new moms and form meaningful friendships; continue to attract your spouse to the woman he has loved since you dated. You are using your heart to…boldly LOVE like you’ve never loved before…yes, it’s possible. You are using your spirit to…invite God’s presence, plan, purpose and protection over yourself, your marriage and your children’s lives. Galatians 6:9 says “So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.” Mom-friends, don’t lose yourself in the negativity of the Twilight Zone. Lift yourself up by reminding yourself of all the VICTORIOUS things you are accomplishing every single day. Down the road, you WILL reap a harvest of blessings as you witness the successes of your children and all their accomplishments. And what a huge victory dance you will do that day! FIRE!8 Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and grab a photo album or scrapbook. Enjoy a quiet walk down memory lane reminiscing about your children. For a moment, forget the piles of laundry that need washed and folded and remind yourself what a GREAT job you are doing as a mom. Yay, you! Be Excellent! Lori