Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Moving...onto the next little chapter.

I decided I wanted to quickly (and thoughtfully) write a short post since there are some things being stirred in me right now. Today is moving day. A new place, (sort of) a new town (right next door but has a different name hah), a new roomie, new rent cost (yay, big yay)- needless to say, it's exciting. I'm excited. I am also sitting in my apartment having breakfast and some quiet time to myself (waiting for my mom to get here to help!). A lot of reflection going on in my brain and my heart. It is always bittersweet for me to move, even when moving out of a horrible situation (like my last move but thankfully not this move). I am always thankful I had a roof over my head and thankful for the experiences at whatever place I had the blessing to reside at.

It's emotional for me because like any other place, I have gone through a lot here. It was a place I made into a home, a place where I shared and made memories with friends, a place where I had a lot of solitude since I lived by myself-which meant a lot of quiet reflection and conquering things on my own. I've learned a lot about myself and experienced some of my lowest points, as well as my highest here in this particular apt. I am always ready and willing for change and am extremely excited to move on, but every time I move, I always sit and let it sink in and just appreciate the place that was a part of my life as I changed and grew.. It is just really neat to be still and sort of reminisce, to go through that timeline in your head and then be grateful for it all. The good and the bad.


Thanks apt 34-P. I'll miss ya!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Closure.

Closure is not found in a final conversation but we often think that's the case. We always feel we need that conversation, but that conversation is never guaranteed so what if you can't have it. Sometimes you have to see that a persons lack of words and inaction reveal more than anything they could ever say or do..closure is peace. That peace comes from accepting the circumstances and realizing, you're OK. Try to recognize this each day. In that, you nurture that peace, it grows and becomes more present within yourself. Closure does not come from another's lips or actions. It comes from you..the state you put your mind and heart in. It will happen if you work on it. You don't need to wait on anyone or look to someone else to find what you need.  



(For me personally, what also helps me to "be ok" is to be aware of how God pursues my heart each day in the smallest ways. I hold onto those blessings which in turn helps me to let go of hurt. In those little victories, I eventually will find a fully healed heart.)
Love,Nat





Desire & Belief


Naturally, goals and resolutions are the most popular topics as of lately. I personally am someone who feels that goal setting is one of many key mechanisms in assisting you to live more effectively. A plan, a guide and things to strive for are always good.

After setting some realistic short term and long term goals, creating a specific plan of action and strategy are required. Then, it needs to be implemented.

Since I've experienced it as well, it's probably safe to say that most of you often come under that feel good motivation spell and are amped about life and future plans. It can be concerning life in general or maybe it's about a career change, pursuing a new idea or a new health regiment. You have your goal, plan and strategy but then, not much happens. Or, something happens for a solid 2 weeks and from there on out your progress trickles into nothing. Through self analysis during past experiences like this, I've found that it was because (among a few other factors):
1. The desire for it wasn't to the core of my heart.
2. The belief of that pursuit wasn't to the core of my heart. 


Desire: 
When I say desire, I do not mean surface feel good desire. The desire needs to be to the point that it could almost be defined as a necessity. The reason for the necessity is one only you will know. Sometimes, the reason doesn't make sense and is not easily articulated, but if you are truly pursuing something, I feel it means there's some type of necessity. Or else, why would you take any action at all. Sometimes the reason for our desire is not strong enough which means its not a necessity- to me, it is a surface want. Consequently, it will be difficult to sustain or even begin to take action. Ask yourself if you truly desire the attainment of a goal. To your core.

Belief:
Something that I feel is rarely mentioned and is so crucial to the equation is to simply believe. What are your beliefs about your goals? Do you feel you can reach them? Deserve them? Believe that you can. Believe in the plan, believe in the strategy, believe in the goal, believe in your word and what you have told yourself you want to do. Essentially, believe in yourself! It's difficult to even start to execute anything you have down on paper, let alone sustain action or pick up momentum if you do not BELIEVE and feel in your HEART that you can DO it, WANT it, and WILL. Maybe your desire is there, but it makes all the difference to believe in yourself and in your word. To your core.

With that, take some time to reflect on past failures and why your efforts or progress died out. Maybe you have both of these things, and this might sound corny but maybe you just need to verbalize it to yourself each morning, or take moments through out the day to remind yourself to feel that desire, and believe in that desire and in yourself. Dig deep and do some self analysis. Question your motives. Maybe you need to reevaluate and replan a few things here and there. That's a-ok.


These are just things I have found helpful for myself. Things that have helped me to break some bad cycles so that when I pursue my goals, I can stay on track and achieve my goals. Good luck with all of your new year resolutions.





Love,
Nat