The world is full of things to compare. Homes, clothes, bodies, jobs, relationships, kids, travel and love are a few, in the grand scheme of things. Some people want to know where you live so they can decide who much respect to give you. Some people want to know what you do so they can gage your financial contributions.  Some people want to know your worst day so they can compare it to theirs and feel a little bit better about themselves. That's all a part of the self worth game. You see, as long as you're giving more value to the temporary, you will soon become what you seek. The looking out limits our looking in. It decreases what you bring to the table and minimizes your worth.
You are just as much the gift as those who's cars have more amenities, who's zip codes are stated as prized possessions and who's bodies you admire. 
When we limit comparison and replace it with acknowledgement, we starve self doubt, neglect and worthlessness and begin to water self love, acceptance and positive change.
And you know what water does...it births, refreshes, and renews. Don't forget your water.

Grace will forever been one of my beloved gifts.  Grace is forgiveness and love wrapped in a bow.  When growth and grace intertwine, lessons and blessings follow.  Growth hasn't always been comfortable and grace hasn't always been easy to give.  Personally, I've learned that it gets easier the more I extend it to myself first.  You see,  grace can be silent forgiveness of self and/or appreciation of well handled mess by others.  As I age, I find myself more eager to give what's been given to me by the Lord.  I release things that cause me dis-ease sooner- be it self- inflicted or by others, and move on to the next lesson.  Life is full of mistakes and repeatable moments. Growth happens when we make new errors while grace covers us in the in-between. 

A Good friend is something I’ve always longed for since childhood. Birthday parties to the playground, I struggled to make friends. I was very shy and a little awkward, easily a bullies’ prey.  As I grew older, I momentarily became what I despised.  How does that happen?  Listen to this episode and I’ll tell you.  

I’ve learned many lessons in friendship: how to keep a secret, how to say I’m sorry, how to share, love and let go. The word friendship isn’t one I use lightly anymore for the weight it carry’s is not for the faint of heart.  All friendships aren’t forever. They may be there to teach you something and vice versa.  If that’s the case, receive the lesson, allow them to pass, and proceed.  You may have just made room for your next blessing. 

I've had beautiful moments in my life that carried a loud and proud yes!  I've also had some hard to hear and challenging to accept no's.  Some days I felt the yes was more fulfilling than the no but time and life lessons has shown me that they were both for my making.  I've had strong no's to friendships, jobs, and matters of the heart and I've had yeses to the same.  I'm learning to count it all joy. They are both a part of my story. I must admit, hearing no has been harder than hearing yes.  I've cried more tears and endured many of sleepless nights from that word.  I hope that as I live, my desired outcome aligns with the Lord's will because the peace the Lord brings exceeds my heart's desires. As my faith increases, I trust him more for he knows best and he can do anything but fail. 

The gift of who you are is specific and individual because there is only one you.  In our living, we will walk a path that's specially made for us. Each winding road, detour, straight shot and final destination are necessary for our making.  My prayer is that while you travel, you revel in the beauty of you in every moment. Right know, we are as young as we will ever be and time waits for no one so while you're living, enjoy being  you.  Be where your feet, revel in the space you purposely occupy and take life's lessons with gratitude.
Your offerings to yourself and this world make your story all the richer and your path even sweeter.  Enjoy the ride. You were made for this and only you can fulfill your purpose on  earth. Live fully.  You are God's greatest creation. Never forget it.

Grace is one of God's greatest gifts.  We’ve received it from the Lord, from friends and hopefully, you’ve gifted yourself with it.  Grace lifts burdens. Grace replaces pain and relieves tension.  When I think about it, I've been given more grace than I even thought I deserved.  
 To me, grace is quick relief from mistakes, heartache, and heartbreak. 
 
This episode is all about the boomerang of kindness and how it can soothe and mend through our actions and extension of love.  After all, grace is a gift we oftentimes weren't expecting or deserve. That's what makes it so amazing.

Life has ebbs and flows, high highs and low lows, joy and disappointment but through it all, you are not alone.  You where chosen. You were created and the mold was broken. There is only one you who can do what you've been born to do.  

Sometimes we get exhausted or discouraged in the moment. Remind yourself that greater is to come and your presence in the now is necessary to get you there.

My favorite bible scripture is Phillipians 4:6-8. It reminds us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report—if there is any virtue and there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Find comfort in the fact that you are covered.

It can feel easy and comfortable to wallow in self pity or join others on a smear campaign.  In all honesty, that behavior is extremely costly.  Time alone is priceless so we should be very present in every purchase but most importantly,  our behavior and words predict what lingers so choose wisely. 

Growing up, I was a "Negative Nancy".  The glass wasn't even half full, it was desert dry and I hated anyone who was thirsty.  This feeling became my norm.  It was desired because it was my usual.  Even shoes two sizes too small, if worn often enough, produce a callus that creates comfort.

To this day, positive self talk is a challenge. I give to others freely what I struggle with in private. Oh, but the gift of change is priceless and precious.  So let's do that. Let's change.
 Let's get comfortable with positive conversations and build up the muscle that motivates ourselves and others.  Time waits for no man and the power of the tongue is transformational. 

As I age, I realize that every person I come in contact with serves a specific purpose. 
My goal is to learn what that purpose is while tuning in and taking care of myself.  Often times, people come bearing gifts....some of these gifts are answered prayers while others are manifested nightmares.
Trauma and a warn out welcome can help you find comfort in the familiar, even when it no longer serves you. 
In this episode, I challenge you to audit the people in your life and their currently validity.  Have they served their purpose? If so, is it time to let them go?

Plans are a great way to prepare for what’s to come. Often times, plans include others. Especially when it involves vacations, new adventures, an exciting business proposition, girls night out, a weekend getaway or even date night!  We all love looking forward to something.  

I’ve learned that the things I want to do may not get done if I’m relying on someone else to join. I’ve learned that plans that I set in stone may be options for someone else.  I’ve learned that my desire to do can’t be dependent on others' unavailability. 

Our life’s goals and journey isn’t attached to someone else’s possibility.  Time is valuable and it waits for no man so get to it! Regardless of who shows up. This is your
 life.  Don’t die waiting on someone else to join.