Change

Hello positive ones! Well if you've been a follower of Mind & Soul for awhile, I'll bet you've noticed something different... that's right! My web design has been changed!! I thought it could use an update and I love the color green so I'm giving this a try. Lots of new, exciting things have been going on and will be coming up in my web world in the days to come. Starting with on this Friday, April 1st (yes, April 1st and no, this is no April Fool's Day joke), I'll be launching my new fitness and nutrition website, Succeed At Fitness.com! (If you'd like to take a sneak peak, click here.) Combined with this blog, along with my other blog, Confessions Of A Fit Girl, I'm hoping Succeed At Fitness will be a powerful resource to help people totally succeed at fitness by achieving a healthy mind, body, & spirit through exercise, nutrition and positivity! I'll be announcing the launch of the site on here, as well as Confessions Of A Fit Girl, so you won't be able to miss it! (If you're on Facebook, check out my Succeed At Fitness 'Like' page, once you've 'liked' that page, you can also friend me while you're at it. :) )

CHANGE. I know, I know, that's a scary word for some of you. It's one of those words that's met with either total joy or hate. Me? I take it with joy, I thrive on change! Why be afraid of it? Change in your life is the only thing constant that you can truly rely on. Whether it be for the good or the bad, change is inevitable. So I say, why not embrace it? I think the real fear that most people have about change is the stigma that all change is bad. This is so untrue! As I look back over my life, I can see all the changes I've went through, not just physically but mentally, and I thank God for them! I've come a long way, baby! No longer the shy, overweight girl who cared so much what other people were thinking or what they were going to say that she often didn't speak her mind or do the things that she really wanted to do. Now stands a fit, confident, young woman whose afraid of trying nothing, knows that she can achieve any goal she sets her mind to,  and who could care less what other people think. Now don't get me wrong, I'm no superwoman, I still have my insecure moments, everyone does. And I would never want you to believe that change happens overnight. But just know that not all change isn't bad. And you've gotta' realize that it took the good and bad changes to make me into the strong person I am today. If you think about it, I'm sure you could say the same. You know that old saying, "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger"? It really is true. I'm not saying that all the bad things in life are fair and actually good for you, but it's my personal belief that God never allows any situation that happens to you be in vain, you're always going to come out stronger and wiser.

So when you're faced with changes in life and you feel somewhat out of control, relax, take a step back, realize that God is still in control, and this change, be it good or bad, will all work out for your good in the end.

Expect The Unexpected!

Good day positive ones! It's been awhile but I'm back with another encouraging word to hopefully motivate you and help start your day off right. Although you wouldn't know it from looking out of the window in my neck of the woods, Spring is here! And with Spring officially here, I thought it was about time for all of us to do some Spring Cleaning. Don't worry, I'm not about to tell you to pull out a vacuum or broom! :) I'm not talking about that kind of cleaning. I'm talking about the cleaning out our minds and souls of all negative thoughts - whether that be negative thoughts towards other people or ourselves. I've discovered that often times we can be our own worst enemy, doubting ourselves before we even give others the chance. We go through life in a constant state of negative thinking, always expecting the worse when what we should be doing is exactly the opposite! Why not expect the best? EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! And expect that unexpected thing to be something that will positively impact your life and the lives of others. Positive thinking doesn't hurt so I sometimes wonder why we run away from it so much... Is it because we don't want to be let down or disappointed? Well, that's just silly! Sure, things aren't always going to work out the way that we hoped, but that's life. And no matter what it looks like, have faith that in the end, you're going to get your just due! I'm a big believer in the saying, "What God has for me, IT IS FOR ME!" Maybe a certain situation you are facing now isn't working out the way you would have hoped or planned, but it's not over! What will be, WILL BE! So stay positive, always hoping and expecting the best! It's mid-March, heading into April, and I'm sure we've all faced some difficulties from January until now, that's nothing new, but it's how you handle them that really counts, and it's never too late, now is the perfect time to clear your mind of all the negative thoughts... the doubts, the worries, the hard-feelings & grudges, ... the list goes on and on. Start expecting the unexpected! I do! And I'm expecting a miracle!

The Golden Rule

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  

I know you've probably heard that saying a thousand times, but have you ever really took the time to get into what that truly means? I try to live my life by this saying but I'll admit that it's not as easy as it sounds. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" means that no matter how unkind or mean a person acts towards you, no matter how bad your situation is or how you feel life has treated you, you've still got to show everyone walking in this world with you the same kindness & respect that you would want to receive from them. And that my positive peeps is no easy task! I've recently been dealing with people in my life that have put me to the test! I'm proud to say that with God's help I think I'm passing. :)

It's hard remaining positive in such a negative filled world. Just think about it... every time you turn on the t.v or radio, pick up a newspaper or magazine to read, or even open your Internet browser, the news is filled with negative people and situations that make it real easy for you to jump ship and join the rest of the world. (I personally think this is one of the reasons there as so many negative, mean spirited people in the world. As we all know, we are often a product of our environment.) Getting past that alone is hard, but I also realize the circumstances and situations that a lot of us have had to go through (and are still going through) in our lives, and those things can cause us to develop a negative spirit as well.

As we all know, life isn't fair. I wish that it was, but it isn't and there's no changing that. Sometimes you are rewarded for your kindness and other times kindness is its own reward, either way, know that good things come to those who honor God's word. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" isn't just the golden rule for life, but it's also one God's commandments. He knows, better than you or I, that it's not going to be easy and we're going to fail at times, possibly many times, but His word still remains the same, and I personally believe that you can never be punished for keeping God's word. Things may seem bad but I guarantee you that if you treat people the way that you would want to be treated, there will be a reward in the end. Sometimes you see it and sometimes you don't. For instance, sometimes the reward is the positive change your actions of kindness and goodwill made in the person's life who you didn't even realize was watching and taking note of your positive example! Funny, huh? :) It's amazing how God works sometimes! And being kind to others can actually reward you in the long run as well because you never know when that person you treated so nicely may be in the position to help you out one day. 

So while I realize it can be hard, I encourage you to keep The Golden Rule.  It helps spread the positivity around, and that's what we're all about, right? :)

Thanks for taking the time to read this my positive people, hope it hit your mind & soul in the right places. 'Till next time...

BOOM! There He Is!

Hello positive peeps! It's been awhile but I haven't forgot you. This will be a short but very meaningful post. I basically just wanted to take some time out to write about how good God is. Does that offend you? I hope not. I realize that everyone whose reading this may not be a Christian like myself or even think about God but I do and I can't honestly say that I apologize for me giving Him thanks because I will never be ashamed of the One who gives me the positivity that it takes to keep this blog and this girl (i.e - me) running.  I named this blog "Mind & Soul" for a reason, "Mind & Soul" was created to inspire, encourage, and spread positivity (check the banner up top) and it's my personal belief that the only way a person can really have that effect is by having God in their lives. He inspires me to inspire you and I think that is awesome! I was inspired to write this post because God never ceases to amaze me! Think about it... just when you think you've got this thing called your life all figured out, BOOM! There He is! Coming right out of what seems like nowhere to shake things up a bit, but no worries, it's always for your good! You gotta' love Him, or at least acknowledge Him, for that! I know I do!

So that's it, just a quick post to remind us all where all our blessings and positivity come from. I'm no superwoman nor am I perfect. I don't do this alone, none of us do. We have to remember to be thankful for someone who will never let us down. Just remember, when things seem to be at their lowest point, never fear or worry because just when you think you can't take it anymore, just when you've accepted what you think is how it's going to be, BOOM! There He is! 

More positive posts coming soon... Hope everyone has an awesome day!

Unexpected Blessings

Hello positive peeps! I know I'm a little late but HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope you & your loved ones brought in the new year safe and sound. If you're reading this, I'm sure you did. :) So how's that new year's resolution of "letting it go" coming along? I know it's hard but I hope everyone is giving it a sincere try. I can honestly say that since I wrote "Let It Go" I have made a concentrated effort to let go of past hurts and negative thoughts that I had towards certain people and situations, and guess what? It worked! I'm feeling happier, lighter and FREE! In no way did this change of spirit come overnight (that's unrealistic), but before I really realized what was happening, I found myself at peace with the situations and people that I originally thought I would just never be able to find peace with. You know the saying, "ask and you shall receive"? It's true! And it really is that simple! I asked God for the strength to let it go and He gave it to me, just like that! I recently heard someone say to me, sometimes we have to forgive others before they ever ask for forgiveness, for our own sake, not theirs, and I've found this to be very true. And you know what we get in return? The blessing of peace of mind. Not only that, but when you're truly at peace, having a positive mind & soul, with no old grudges or negative thoughts in the way, there's lots of room for God to allow more positive blessings to come into your life. Those are what I call "unexpected blessings" because they appear to come out of nowhere. But in reality, they were always there, just waiting and ready for you to become open enough to receive them. So don't block your blessings! Let whatever "it" is go and get ready to receive your unexpected blessings starting today!

Let It Go

Hey positive ones! How's it going? Busy, I'm sure, with all the back to back holidays we've had recently, but I just wanted to take this time out to say that I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! And I wish you and yours a safe and blessed New Year! This will actually be my last post on Mind & Soul for this year, but no worries, I will be returning in the 2011 with more posts and positive thoughts! I've been contemplating on what to write for this last post and it suddently hit me so I had to stop what I was doing and write it down.

I assume everyone reading this is a positive person, right? Or at least trying to make an effort to be? Well, in order to do that, there are 3 short words that will save you from any negative thoughts or negative people you encounter: LET IT GO. Sounds simple, right? Right. But those 3 words are much easier said than done. Although it may be a hard thing to do, the action of "letting go" is essential if you want to continue to move in a positive direction!

I speak for myself when I say that this is something I still struggle with. Someone may do or say something hurtful, and while I've never been the type to hold a grudge, I just can't let it go in my own head. I guess that comes from the fact that I'm someone who tries to live the motto: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", and it's hard for me to wrap my head around why certain people do the things they do. Don't get me wrong, no one's perfect, including myself, so I understand that we all may do or say hurtful things unintentionally, but when I find myself in a situation where I realize the hurt was intentional, I can't get over it. I continue to think about it, giving it a place in my mind and soul, never achieving true peace with it. But how can I stay positive with all that negativity in my head? It's impossible! You see, letting go is for YOUR OWN benefit, no one else's. Letting go of past hurts or negative feelings/thoughts is the only way to make room for positivity in your life! It's a hard lesson for some of us to learn but true.

So as we're about to close this old year and step into a new one, whenever you are faced with difficult  people or situations that are out control, think on these 3 words: LET IT GO. No matter what it is, it's just isn't worth your peace of mind and positivity. So let it go!

"I can and will handle any situation life throws at me in a healthy way."

Hello friends! It's December 9th, 2010, we've got less than 30 days left until a brand new year and with 2011 just around the corner, it's got me thinking about 2010 as a whole and I have to admit, for me, it's been a rough one. While this year has most definitely had it's "ups" there have also been some "downs." The ups? Well, let me start off by saying that God is always blessing me and I thank Him for it. There have been more ups than downs and that in itself is a blessing. In 2010 I accomplished a lot! Tried a lot of new positive things, made a lot of new positive friends and have learned a lot about myself in the process. I'm not the same person today as I was at the start of the year, I've changed for the better (mind, body and soul) and I'm grateful for that. The downs? Well, let's just say I've had my share of disappointments in people where if I didn't have a personal relationship with God would have really sent me into a deep depression. By most people's accounts I'm a "happy go lucky", positive, cheerful person, but everyone has their moments and I've had more than my usual share this past year. The enemy never wants to see you happy and is always trying to crush your spirit. But you know what? God is so good! He turned my bad situations into blessings in disguise because I learned a lot from them and became stronger, wiser, and more focused on Him. And anything that brings you closer to God is a blessing.

With the start of every new year, people are always making these "New Year's Resolutions", which is fine if that's your thing (it's never been mine) but the you know the problem is most people never stick to them. Well I have a resolution for 2011 that I think we all should make and if we support and encourage each other it's totally doable. The resolution? "I can and will handle any situation life throws at me in a healthy way."

Let's face it, life just isn't fair sometimes. In fact, most times. And it often seems the older we get, the more life throws at us. But during this upcoming year, whenever we find ourselves in a hard situation, put that sentence in your head: "I can and WILL handle any situation life throws at me in a healthy way." So instead of taking a negative approach to the situation (screaming, yelling, drinking... etc.), take a deep breath, relax, and know that no matter what, you're going to be okay. Choose not to respond negatively. You may be surprised at the blessings that could be in store just by choosing to deal with it in positive way. With God for you, who can be against you? NO ONE! So trust in Him and know that you can and will get through it!

Oh, and one more thing, you know how I mentioned that "New Year's Resolutions" have never been my thing? Why put off tomorrow what you can do today? Don't wait until 2011, make "I can and will handle an situation life throws at me in a healthy way." your new mantra and start living it today!

Food For Thought: TRY EVERYTHING!

Hey positive people! As some of you may know, especially if you are one of my Facebook friends, I usually have an "Affirmation of the Day" which will be my positive thought or declaration for that particular day. Well, today's affirmation is "I see every opportunity that comes my way." and I can't tell you how true that one is for me!

In the past few years my life has drastically changed. Some of you may already know my weight loss story (and if you don't, please feel free to check it out, hopefully my story gives you the motivation and faith you may need to overcome any obstacles you may be having), I've lost over 60 lbs and with that weight loss, I not only changed on the outside but the inside, too. Starting any weight loss journey, whether it be to lose 10 lbs or 100 takes courage and as the weight began to shed, I gained a lot of confidence in myself! Losing weight is hard work! With every pound lost, I gained the self-confidence to know that I can truly do anything I set my mind to. "Seeing every opportunity that comes my way" has kinda' been my mantra every since.

The affirmation, "I see every opportunity that comes my way" basically means TRY EVERYTHING! Just think, what if I had never ceased the opportunity to try a new weight loss program? Or begin exercising? I know that I wouldn't be the same person that I am today! And I most definitely wouldn't be sitting here writing this post to you. We've only got one life to live people! There's no going back. Never let fear hold you back from doing something that could potentially change your life and the lives of people around you in a positive way. In the past year I have tried so many things! Let's see... I've tried out to be a fitness instructor (and passed!), I've went back to school in hopes of becoming a Dietitian, tried my own at home fitness business, inquired about becoming a makeup artist and looked into entering cosmetology school for that, I've started two blogs,... the list goes on and on. Some have been fails, others successes, but nothing beats a failure but a try!  Everything's not for everybody, there's no getting around that, some people have a talent for some things that others don't, and you may give something a try and realize that although you can do it, it's just not your cup of tea and there's nothing wrong with that. But how will you ever know unless you give it a try?

Thanksgiving Thoughts...

My favorite holiday is just around the corner. No, I'm not talking about Christmas (although I love that one as well for what it stands for alone) but I'm actually talking about a holiday that often gets overlooked between the Halloween and Christmas craze and that's THANKGIVING! Thanksgiving is the time to feel gratitude to God for all the good things in life. It is a time to acknowledge the good deeds of fellowmen and be thankful. Life can be very trying. When your child is hungry, your body wracked with pain, or you have no idea where you and your family will find a place to sleep, it's hard to find something for which you can be thankful. So, for just a few minutes on Thanksgiving Day, step outside your situation and just "be". Find something, no matter how small, to be thankful for because in giving thanks, you will be lightening your load, even if for only a moment.

Thanksgiving thoughts are the kind of thoughts that we should have all year long. We should take time for kindness and extend a helping hand to others throughout the year. Don't wait until Thursday, start today! And fill yourself with Thanksgiving Peace that lasts the whole year through!

Life Is Good

You know, sometimes with all the trials and tribulations in our life (we're often overworked, stressed out, worried, bored, the expectations that we had for our life didn't quite work out the way we originally planned... etc.) we forget that life is a blessing and we should just be thankful that we're here. It's no accident or coincidence that we were put on this planet - no matter what the circumstances surrounded around your birth were. Every life is a blessing and carved out way before any of knew any better. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!!! Hold on to that true statement and never let it go! Many of us do not know what it is yet or some of us know but are finding it difficult to get there, but God's got this! Let Him do the planning for you, all we ever have to do is open our eyes and ears to Him and He will show us the way. Now don't get me wrong, these words are easier said than done, but it can be done if we just trust and believe in Him to order our steps. I say all this to say, LIFE IS GOOD! We, myself included, complain so much about the little everyday things, we often say or think to ourselves that life isn't fair, but as my mother once told me,"who ever promised you that life would be fair?" The answer would be NO ONE. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that because we follow Him our troubles will be light, in fact, it's very much the opposite. BUT (and this a big but) with Him by our side we can endure this world and all it's troubles much easier than without Him.

Hope this encourages someone today to know that no matter what the circumstance or problems you may be facing in this life, that life really is good and a blessing that we should not take for granted.