I'm BACK!!!

Hello!!  Oh how I have missed blogging and you ALL so much!  I have been gone way too long.

This past year has been a FLASH of events, traumas, health issues and enormous stress.  All of which piled up on me to the point of exhaustion.  I needed to take a step back and take care of myself first; then figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  

One thing lead to another this past year causing me to learn many lessons.  In the end I regained the confidence, strength and self esteem I seemed to have lost a time or two in the past few years.  Finding my direction and voice again has led me to the real path God intended for me all along.

Next week I start a brand new journey in a totally different field.  I am looking forward to a fresh start, new adventures working for a company that helps people with Christian values.  A company that models compassion and respect to their clients and employees in a positive work environment.

Positive environments, respect and reasonable expectations play a major roll in employee morale, health and happiness.  I have learned to both treat myself and others with respect, compassion and appreciation.  

All in all, I learned to take care of myself first.  I learned I can handle more work than I ever imagined.  I learned overwhelming amounts of information and now have the skills that brought me to these new opportunities.

I had so many positives this year too.  I met several great friends who taught me true compassion with their selfless acts of kindness.   I also met amazing people while volunteering this fall; who each taught me by example.  Such as how to enjoy the moments and find the good in everyone; as well as how to handle disappointments with grace and gratitude.  

Today I said goodbye to some of those amazing people and Friday I say 'see you later' to others whom I consider my guardian angels this past year.  This week is bitter sweet, filled with lots of mixed emotions; however I feel in my heart that this is the right decision and that this move will open so many more doors for me. :-)

"When one door closes; another one Opens!"

Direction Essentials

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"Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim." ~John D. Rockefeller 

As I work to find new direction in my life, I am reminded that real change is a result of hard work, focus and direction.  I can work hard and focus when I try, but knowing which direction to take is much tougher.

I have others who depend on me.  That, along with having no one to take care of me... but Me... causes  long and hard thoughts about the direction and the decisions I must make in each and every phase of my life.

Changes can be difficult for anyone at anytime.  However for me, they are usually for the best.  So I focus on that, believing that God has a better plan while giving me a new direction.

Today I've been thinking about the 'essentials' to life and the direction I want mine to go.  Essentials don't just include food and shelter.  For me they include being honest, trustworthy and following my personal values.

That can be difficult in some environments, especially in workplaces where money and personal benefits outweigh doing what is fair or right at times.

I would rather spend my life doing what I feel is right... even if I don't accomplish as much as some people or make nearly as much money.

Directions that bring me satisfaction, peace and happiness are 'essential' to my own life!  How about you?

Essentials 

Roll up your sleeves, lad, and begin;
Disarm misfortune with a grin;
Let discontent not wag your chin-
Let gratitude.

Don't try to find things all askew;
Don't be afraid of what is new;
Nor banish as unsound, untrue,
A platitude.

If folks don't act as you would choose
Remember life is varied; use
Your common sense; don't get the blues;
Show latitude.

Sing though in quavering sharps and flats,
Love though the folk you love are cats,
Work though you're worn and weary-
that's the attitude.

Poet: St. Clair Adams