What people present to the outside world on social media is an edited version of reality

What we dislike in others is often a weakness that resides in our own lives. The moments we spend comparing ourselves to others is a waste of precious time on this planet. Instead, we can use our minutes to brainstorm, implement, and execute changes into our own lives that will help us experience abundance. On a side note: it is natural to compare yourself at times, but it can be unproductive and unhealthy.

Words can INSPIRE. And words can DESTROY. Only YOU can choose how you want to use them. The words we speak or write to others can leave a huge impact and create a lasting memory, good or bad, so it’s imperative to choose them wisely.🙌🏻

BE-ing in the present…how can it BE?

Ihave spent the past year learning how to become mindful about living in the here and now. Trying to become more conscious, more alive, more PRESENT and to have a deeper sense of well-being, calmness and stillness.🙌🏻 I’ve read numerous books and listened to some incredible podcasts on this fascinating topic. I want to share with you my biggest takeaway. You will only be able to find the JOY OF BEING when you realize how to let go of your EGO.✨ This is important for two reasons: unless you know how the ego works, it is hard to recognize and it will trick you, taking you over like an imposter PRETENDING to be you. The second reason is that if you want to fight against the ego and try to shut it down, it is vital to recognize and become aware of the state of consciousness within you.

Hey there, just a girl that likes to hike here, thanks for stopping by. I’m in my 50’s and I’m a hiker. I have broken in boots, wool socks, worn out trekking pants and even hiking poles. I average over 5 miles per day on my treks and I’ve climbed mountains, walked valleys, trudged across rivers and bushwhacked off the beaten path. Big deal, right? Well it is. For those who don’t hike, let me tell you that navigating unfamilar territory is a challenge to the body, mind and spirit. I’ve found that the very best views come only after the hardest treks. Stepping back from my daily life and stepping out onto the trail has provided me with clarity and confidence and strengthened our family relationships. I have discovered that somewhere along the trail is where all growth occurs and happiness flows, even in the midst of physical pain. I want to take a moment to let that sink in.

Leadership: You Get What You Give

I have always been fascinated by the differences in how leaders lead. Whether we are looking at the leaders of countries, cities, teams, or even families, there are many different styles of leadership that all emanate from the personal energy of the leader. Having researched and read a bit on leaders and leadership, I believe that if there is any one secret to POSITIVE leadership, it lies in the leader’s ability to understand and appreciate the PERSPECTIVE OF OTHERS.

Be there for your friends; even when it’s hard.

My younger self used to run from the hard stuff. I wasn’t trained or prepared on how to face pain and loss. It made me sad and uncomfortable. I think back to my late 20’s even early 30’s when I would see a friend at Publix who I heard was going through a tough season whether it be a loss of a loved one, divorce, surgery or sickness. I would panic and turn down another aisle to avoid coming in contact because I was truly at a loss for words.

When people who have never had a dog see their dog-owning friends mourn the loss of a dog, they probably think it’s all a bit of an overreaction, after all, “it’s just a dog.” I know this to be true because I used to think this way. However, after my beloved pug, Buddy passed away in January I knew the truth. Your pet is never “just a dog.”

Losing my dog was its own kind of sorrow, different from any I have felt before.

that we needed a shepherd to lead us and help us to grow.

Green pastures and still waters are good for our souls,

with your personal experience and testimony you knew we’d hit pot holes.

You began by describing the simple beauty of nature in life,

and then warned us about the dark shadows in the valley that would bring us strife.