MATERIAL THINGS

It is so easy to get caught up in the things that you "want" to have.  Those material things that might set you apart in status, bring you comfort or you just "need" to have because you want it and feel you deserve it.

Years ago, while in Central Asia, I met hundreds of children who needed to have a lot of things.  These beautiful children lived in abject poverty and were either abandoned and raising themselves or  surviving with limited means with their families.

I have learned an important lesson throughout the years especially through different people, cultures and situations, that money doesn't not mean anything unless you can use it for good.  I have learned that love is by far the richest and most meaningful act of kindness that you can show to people.

Want to make a positive difference?  Start with giving people your attention, your concern and before you know it the love in your heart will start a fire of purpose that will set you on a path to "wanting" to figure out how you can do other things to help someone that might be disadvantaged.

FORGIVENESS IS LIBERATING

Forgiveness is the greatest gift that can be received and in turn can be given.

It may take decades to learn this important lesson but the single most important gift you can give yourself is the act of forgiveness.

The energy and emotion it takes to stay bitter can be better put to something more productive and positive.  Learn to let go and give way to new possibilities.

Faith, hope and love always come from allowing yourself to forgive and of course the greatest of these gifts is love.   Love always wins.

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

Embracing gratitude is an art.  It really is. Learning to be grateful in all things is a discipline that, if developed, can substantially change your viewpoint, your health and your whole view and demeanour about life in general.

I believe that we don't practice gratitude enough.  The more we condition ourselves in learning this, the more power we have to show empathy, kindness, consideration and love.  It also releases the mind of the clutter that worry and negativity bring so we can make clearer and more confident decisions.

HELPING OTHERS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS

When you take time to care about others, with no personal agenda but with a posture of love only, it is amazing the impact you can have on the lives of others.  

One of the most recognizable quotes from the bible is from 1st Corinthians.       It summarizes what an act of pure love looks like.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

New Living Translation (NLT)

Love is patient and kind. 

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. 

It does not demand its own way. 

It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 

It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

What are you giving up on that you should be pressing through?  

Are you taking offence to things that have nothing to do with you or if they do, can you take the high road and be the bigger person? 

Showing love comes in many different forms.  Do not be self serving but rather use the gift of love to be of encouragement and of good will to others. 

It will change your life as much as it will change another.

GO WHERE YOUR HEART LEADS

Do something that makes you happy today.

So often we worry about what is happening or not happening in our future and forget to live TODAY!   Learn to live in the moment. Become more disciplined in embracing every day as a day to fully live, feel and notice what is happening around you.

Amazingly, you will soon find that the stressors of daily life start to dissipate and become more manageable.

LIGHT HEARTED

Living an amazing life means also having fun and keeping a light heart. Here is just a little fun for your day. I must say...a great pair of shoes always makes me feel amazing!

PAY IT FORWARD

With Valentine's Day coming up and thinking about the idea of love, one of the best movies to showcase what love is about is Pay It Forward. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend it. It is not only inspiring but calls each one of us to do good in the world by reaching out to others.

Sharing one of the quotes from the movie.

Tell me about something that you did to "pay it forward". If you haven't, well today is a good day to start isn't it?

Wishing you a great day!

Paula.

OVERFLOWING LOVE

LOVE....it seems like a simple thing but that four letter word is packed with so much expectation and disappointment isn't it? 

I started asking myself some questions around the word love. 

What love do I extend to others? Is it unconditional and without prejudice or have I put conditions on that love?

What am I receiving in love and am I allowing the fullness or the possibility of love to find me.

...and then I asked myself the question. "What does overflowing in love feel like to me". Love of my spouse, my children, my friends, my colleagues, my work etc...

How amazing would it feel if I was bursting with joy knowing that even the hidden crevices of my heart were filled with love.

Oh what a feeling that would be!

In a world full of stress, fear, expectation and responsibilities, a little more love may just be what the doctor ordered.

Happy Monday friends.
I love your friendship and wish you a LOVE-filled day!