Last week, my mom had a seizure. It was a stressful experience for her. She has multiple health issues, and developing epilepsy after a stroke she suffered three years ago is one of them. Whenever she has a challenging day, it unfortunately turns into a challenging week and sometimes a challenging month. It’s hard for me to watch because she is my mom, and I want the best … [Read more...]
Money Monday: 5 Ways to Rock an Attitude of Gratitude and Supercharge Your Finances
We live in an "I need it" society. I need a late model car I need a larger home or apartment I need the latest fashions I need to eat out all the time I need my smartphone I need my 120 cable channels We really can't help ourselves. We're constantly being plugged "the next best thing," or the next “gotta-have” item. Apple and Samsung continually advertise the latest, … [Read more...]
Here’s Why You Should Speak the Power of Gratitude Into Your Life
We are lucky. If you're reading this post in the comfort of your own home, or under the sheets on your cell phone, surfing your own personal wi-fi, you are lucky. Every single day on this planet is wrought with endless amounts of unspeakable suffering and enduring hope. The fact that each of us wake up in the morning with the hope of making a better day for ourselves or … [Read more...]
8 Secrets to Everyday Happiness
By Lia Miller Happiness is a choice. It is not just a way of being, but rather a conscious choice and something you must commit to seeking every day. Happiness is what life is all about; it is what makes the challenges, failures, stresses, and losses, bearable. Happiness fills you up with goodness, inspires you to greatness, and heals all things. Happiness is worthy of … [Read more...]
Mindful Living: 7 Tips to Truly Live and Appreciate All that Life Has to Offer
Mindfulness has become the catch phrase that is used by celebrities and affluent members of our society. So what exactly is mindfulness? My simple definition of mindfulness is being still. In 2008, I discovered meditation and the art of finding my quiet space. This literally changed my life. I learned to view pain, conflict, anger, happiness and abundance in a very different … [Read more...]
How to Show Your Husband You Respect Him (Using Only Two Words)
It’s so easy to take one another for granted in marriage. The two most effective words to prevent that from happening are: Thank You. Expressing your gratitude for the things your husband does that may feel routine or minute, is such a simple way to show how much you respect him. The word respect is defined as a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by … [Read more...]
5 Secrets for a No Drama Holiday
The holidays are fast approaching and most of us will head out to see family and friends that we haven’t seen all year. The holidays should be a happy time of year, but for many of us, we will meet the family gatherings with some trepidation. You know what I mean? Old family issues will inherently pop-up and drama will come seeping out. But let’s make this holiday drama free … [Read more...]
BMWK 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge; Week 4 Expressing Gratitude for Others
Week 1: Self-Gratitude Week 2: Gratitude for my Spouse/Significant Other Week 3: Gratitude for my children/family Week 4: Gratitude for others Week 4: Expressing Gratitude for Others This time of year can be really hard for a lot of people. You never know what that smile, encouraging word or simple act of kindness can do for someone. I'm committed to being more … [Read more...]
BMWK 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge Week 3: Children/Family
Week 1: Self-Gratitude Week 2: Gratitude for my Spouse/Significant Other Week 3: Gratitude for my children/family Week 4: Gratitude for others Week 3: Daily Gratitude (Children/Family) One thing I didn't hear a lot of growing up from my parents was "thank you". While I know now they have always been grateful for me, I didn't know it as a kid. So as much as possible, … [Read more...]
The Easiest, Simplest, Happiest Way to Stay Grateful (Every day)
“No matter how bad you think you have it, somebody always has it worse.” I’ve heard and used that phrase countless times in my life, when I felt down and frustrated about my problems. While there is some truth to that statement, I decided to stop using it as a trampoline to snap me back into walking in a spirit of gratitude. Earlier this year I heard a message preached at … [Read more...]
30 Days of Gratitude Challenge Week 2: Spouse or Significant Other
Week 1: Self-Gratitude Week 2: Gratitude for my Spouse/Significant Other Week 3: Gratitude for my children Week 4: Gratitude for others Week 2: Daily Gratitude (Spouse/Significant Other) Day 8: Write your spouse a love letter. Include in your letter why you fell in love with them & the dreams you have for your future together. Day 9: Today is "yes" day. … [Read more...]
BMWK 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge: Week 1
It's so hard to believe that we are in the last two months of 2014! Before you know it, the hustle and bustle of the holidays will be upon us. It's the time of year that can be so beautiful and blessed for many, but also sad and lonely for others. We all know the saying that "someone always has it worse" than us. But how often do we keep that in mind? How often do we go about … [Read more...]
5 Ways Your Entire Family Can Express Gratitude This Month
In four weeks, most of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving, and November has become a month that urges us to reflect on what we are grateful for. It’s a known fact that expressing gratitude is a critical part of living our best lives. Whether you give thanks for the air you breathe, or the caramel macchiato you are able to afford on the way to work, giving thanks is good for … [Read more...]
10 Everyday Marriage Moments for Which I’m Grateful
When you slow down and take time to appreciate and experience your spouse, you realize there are more blessed moments than not. That moment when he rests his head in your lap and begins to sleep like a baby. That moment when he shares something with you that he’s never shared with anyone else. That moment when he turns the volume down on the television and turns to listen to … [Read more...]
Remember Where You Came From And Who Was With You Through It All
There was a time when my husband and I ate off of the dollar menu at McDonald's. And when we slept on a mattress on the floor. When we opted for rabbit ears instead of cable to save money for gas. When we used popsicles to cool off in the summer heat because we couldn't afford an air conditioner. We worked jobs we were over qualified for and drove cars that required too much … [Read more...]