Gratitude

Living a life of gratitude has proven to keep me strong when I am weak and encouraged when I am feeling as if I am about to travel the road of despair.  Recently, I had a conversation with someone who had really been taken for granted financially. He was in despair. He asked me what he could do to get over his emotional state. I suggested that he write a "gratitude list".

Many people who have sat in the the rooms where the 12 Step program has led to healing for themselves and others lean on the "gratitude list'. So what is a gratitude list? The gratitude list is a list of everything you are thankful for. My list always begins with "breath of life". By the time I get to about the 10th item, I am already feeling better and I realize I have so much to be thankful for that my perspective has changed. Rather than viewing the cup as half empty, I am looking at the cup as half full and I am ready to face the next moment victoriously.

Don't get stuck. Your emotional well being is tied to your perspective. Do the things that make you feel good and that benefit others. You are no good to yourself or others if you view the world from negative foggy lenses. Start with a gratitude list and follow my blog for a regular dose of truth and practical suggestions.

Best Day Ever,

Angela Rena

What You Want vs. What You Will Work For

What do you want out of life? Let me re-phrase that question, what are you willing to work for in life? Do you really want to live your dream? Are you willing to do the things that winners do to succeed? Are you willing to be stretched to greatness or would you rather remain in a safe yet mediocre existence?

Your answer to these questions will shape your today and tomorrow. Never forget life is about choices. No matter how life’s circumstances can appear to bind you know that you absolutely have the right to determine the personal effect of the outcome of each moment. The option to sit back and contemplate your navel will certainly lead you to depression and despair. The choice to face each day with faith and not fear leads to freedom.

Before you step out on your journey to personal success you must make a commitment to improve your relationship with yourself. Spending time improving your whole self is a daily must. Creating an hourly schedule, daily goals, and making a commitment to complete a daily inventory are a must. Use the power which is inherently yours to shape your day, each day and live the life God purposed for you at the foundation of the earth.

Best Day Ever,

Angela Rena

Procrastination or Destination?

Why do we procrastinate? We all have procrastinated at sometime in our lives. Some of us live a life of procrastination. Webster's Dictionary defines  procrastinate in this way, "To put off from day to day; defer; postpone." There are times that we procrastinate because we cannot face a required action. We also may procrastinate because we simply don't feel like doing something, in other words we are simply rebellious. No matter what the reason, understand that procrastination is a conscious decision.

It is amazing how often we choose procrastination since the effect of that choice can be so debilitating. For example, the many people that choose not to make healthy eating choices. In this country most of us can go to the grocery store and choose what we want to eat. While it is much easier to grab food that is already prepared most of the time these foods are not the healthier choices. In continually choosing fried fast food over a healthier home cooked meal we invite, diabetes, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and a host of physical ailments.    It is the easier, faster, now mentality that has produced several generations of procrastinators.

Looking at my own life, I see periods of procrastination in specific areas.  I can only say that the procrastination set in because I was unwilling to face the work that was required. For some of us, we arrive at the point where we are "sick and tired of being sick and tired", we are the lucky ones.  Running up against the wall can cure you of procrastination. Understanding that delaying doing "the right thing" delays blessings can assist you with running into your wall sooner. Bottom line it requires being at a level of emotional maturity, that accepts responsibility in all required acts, that moves you past procrastination and into your destination.

What is your experience with procrastination? How have you overcome delaying your destiny? Share your thoughts on procrastination...

Your Greatest Resource

Almost 2 years ago I began a dialogue with one of my close friends about our need to combine resources. At this particular time we were focusing on housing. As the housing market began to dip I suggested that we (people in the United States) would have to begin to live together (like many new immigrants co-exist) just to survive these challenging economic times. Today I am witnessing the reality of our conversation.

In Georgia and in California I personally know of many people who have taken in "roommates, boarders, tenants, friends and family" to help save their homes or simply to make "ends meet". While most Americans never imagined living the American dream or even keeping the American dream would mean combining households; this strategy should not only come as a result of challenging economic times. Right now, there are people who recognize their financial situation has fizzled. A number of these citizens are shocked and stuck as a deer facing headlights. There is a solution.

If you are a homeowner or rent a home where you have a room or two to spare, renting is one way to bring in more finances. If you do decide to combine your home, there are a number of cautions and considerations to ponder. Knowing what your likes and dislikes are is key to finding a situation that benefits all parties. Recognizing that you will no longer be the only person occupying your home and accessing your ability to compromise and combine your living space will determine the path you should take.

There is a sight for mothers who want to join their resources which has a program called "co-abode". This site has helped single mothers come together on many levels for many years. I am aware of other sites but to keep from soliciting I suggest you search this topic online for similiar services in your area. While you travel the path to creating positive change remember, never act as if you are desperate... No matter how tight your finances are today, whether you have a home or need a house share arrangement, you are a resource and a person of value.

Today with Angela Rena focuses on all aspects of "change". Today with Angela Rena anticipates corresponding with you. As a "resource" - we invite you to share what you have done to help create positive change in your home and in your community. Specifically, this blog would like to solicit your thoughts on "combined living spaces". Please share your knowledge and experience to help create positive change in others lives.