DON’T GIVE UP

Leap of Faith

Jewel Diamond TaylorLeave a comment

Recently I attended a meeting learning information that could change my life and my business. On the way to the meeting I heard old voices of sabotage, procrastination and fear speaking…e.g. “The traffic is too much, turn around…If I’m late, I should call and say I will come next time…I’m tired and I should have stayed home…This information is over my head, I’m too old to start something new. blah blah.” After hearing the passionate speaker I felt butterflies in my stomach. I felt a combination of excitement and fear. I felt overwhelmed and I felt hope.

I am sharing this experience with you because I know what it feels like to be out of your comfort zone. I push, inspire and motivate others as a Life Coach, but when it happens to me, I too, feel a mixed bag of emotions. Why does this happen? Our brains are wired for the familiar. Our brain likes to conserve energy so it seeks routine. I am seeking growth and change but my brain likes the loop of assumptions, fear and behaviors that have accumulated over time because of my focus and repetitive thoughts, feelings and actions.

Here’s an example. If you take the same route home from work every day, after a while your brain doesn’t have to think. You get home on auto pilot. If you take a new route, your mind needs to use energy to be alert for danger, new streets, new turns, new traffic signals, new sights along the way. Now your brain is on hyper-alert instead of auto-pilot. This happens when we change jobs, relationships, grocery stores, restaurants, classes, etc. Too often we slip into auto-pilot and miss red flags, miss opportunities for growth and miss the adventure and possibilities life offers.

If you want to change your life, change your behavior and choices.   We are creatures of habit.  Whatever you focus on and repeat… becomes a feedback loop in your brain. If you focus on fear and repeat limiting behavior…your brain develops a routine and familiar loop of assumptions and feelings. If you focus on success, growth and possibilities…your brain will develop a routine and familiar loop of assumptions and feelings. As a man/woman thinketh…so is he/she.

You were born to be and experience more than where you are now! Life has so many more things for you to see, touch, smell, taste, feel, enjoy, share, learn, hear, overcome and accomplish. I invite you to take more leaps of faith with me and silence your inner critic. Be reminded of the words found in 2 Timothy 1:7…”For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

I will be teaching more on this topic “Train Your Brain for Success” on a tele-conference call Saturday, Dec 1 and Saturday, Dec. 8. ~ Jewel Diamond Taylor

enjoy this brief 2 minute video clip about taking leaps of faith

GET UP – No more excuses

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 “As a one-on-one life coach I have worked with numerous people who, on the verge of important accomplishments  and breakthroughs – procrastinate, stop their sessions, doubt themselves, get distracted and sabotage their own success.  It beats getting their hopes up and having somebody else dash them — especially if that’s been a frequent experience in life.  By extinguishing your own hopes, your unconscious is trying to protect you from the rejection that has already happened in the past. The pain you know is familiar, and by causing it yourself … you at least feel in control. You know how things will turn out since, without realizing it, you have unconsciously set yourself up for failure.  (e.g. “See I knew it wasn’t going to work out!” or “My (Mom, Dad, husband, wife, friends) were right, I shouldn’t try this.”

People often say they procrastinate because there are lazy.  No, I suggest they put off a daunting task because they are afraid they will not be good enough to accomplish it. Or what if they do, and still feel empty inside? Not trying and making excuses is a way to keep alive the hope that things will still work out in the future. Acting mean, nasty and combative is a way to sabotage relationships and jobs to fulfill a prophesy of failure and rejection.  By unconsciously repeating self-defeating patterns that lead to failed relationships, rejection, financial struggle, addictive behavior, or dead ends…you are fulfilling your own prophecy that you are unworthy, bad, stupid or that life is unfair.

What is your personality type when it comes to; using your influence, responding to conflict, going after your goals, coping with stress or believing in your prayers and gifts?  Are you an approacher or an avoider?  Are you passive or aggressive?  Are you an optimist or a pessimist?  Do you procrastinate or are you proactive?  Are you easily offended and defensive or are you emotionally resilient? Are you a grumbler or do you wake up grateful?  Are you praying or playing around wasting time on minor tasks to avoid your major tasks?  Are you easily distracted or focused?  Are you letting people and/or circumstances drive you crazy or are you driven with passion, purpose, focus and faith to manifest your heart’s desire?  Are you closed or open to new experiences and the flow of life?  Do you run away from your problems with excuses or do you confront them with faith, courage and action?

Get focused.  Get energized.  Get going. Get back your joy. Get inspired. Get an “I’m gettin’ up out of my situation” attitude.  Get closer to people on fire!  Get the resources and tools that can help you get closer to your goals. Get some self-control.  Get some courage.  Get real.  Get on fire!  Get up!”  Click here to listen to excerpt from my CD “Get Your BUT Out of the Way.”

You Have 2 Brains – Which one are you listening to?

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Did you know your body has two (2) brains?  I was reminded of this medical revelation from an experience I had 20 years ago.  I was invited to inspire women living with HIV/Aids but I was the one who left encouraged after my brief encounter and hug from a sightless man who was there as one of the social workers.  I will always remember what this blind man said to me after finishing my keynote speech at a large health conference on a Tuesday in Southern California.  This sightless man stood patiently in my long book signing line to tell me something that has remained with me for 20 years.  When I doubt my purpose or ask God if I should stick with my passion when times are difficult or the speaking invitations come in slow… I remember what he said.  When I question my decision to quit my human resources job with a pay check every week to become self-employed…I remember what he said to me.  He did not see the dress I was wearing.    He did not see my performance of sign language to a Yolanda Adam’s song “Never Give Up.”  He did not see my handouts.   He did not see all the things I prepared to visually inspire and educate my audience.  He didn’t see all the external things that I took so much time planning for or worrying what other people saw or thought about me (e.g. how I looked, how I stood, what I was wearing, my printed handouts, my hair, my jewelry, my shoes, my nails, etc.)  This sightless man standing alone without any assistance but his cane said to me, “Thank you Jewel for following your golden gut.  You have touched my spirit.  I felt your energy and I am encouraged to go on.”  WOW!!  My golden gut!

Dr. Gershon, coined the term “second brain” in 1996.  He is one of many researchers who studies brain-gut connections.  The brain controls behavior. Butterflies in your stomach (gut) rise when the brain sends a message of anxiety to the gut, which sends messages back to the brain that it’s unhappy. But the gut has been referred to as your second brain.  Your gut is where you have feelings of being; guided, warned, nervous, sad, happy, in love, or depressed.  Your stomach (gut) dictates your mood and appetite.  Your gut feelings give you warnings and sometimes you may regretfully ignore what your gut (instincts) are telling you.  Your brain and “golden gut” are connected and communicate. My golden gut feeling (instincts, emotions, true north, God’s voice) guided me to quit my job and start my public speaking career in 1984.  Sometimes I question my decision.  But for the most part I’m glad I listened to my golden gut.  That sightless man saw in me the invisible.  He helped me to remember my “why” I wanted to make a difference.  I wanted the freedom of developing my own future.  I wanted to impact people’s lives in a positive way.  I wanted to express what God had revealed to me about love, faith, courage, wisdom, healing, self-esteem, resiliency, perseverance and purpose.  I had no mentors, no web site, no clue and no money but I began following my gut.

I consulted my first brain for logic and set a goal when I should begin my new golden career.  My first brain (mental) calls it risk taking.

My second brain (emotions) calls it a leap of faith.   My first brain wanted a plan.  My first brain was full of doubt and fear.  My second brain was full of excitement and gave me courage.  My second brain compelled me to follow my dream and my heart.   If you only listen to the logic in your first brain, the fear and rational thinking may paralyze you.  If you only listen to your second brain (emotions) without consulting your first brain (logic), you may impulsively make decisions you will soon regret.

What is your “golden gut” saying to you?  I hope you are inspired to discover the golden treasures and life purpose God has for you by listening to your second brain…your golden gut.  Pray that God will guide you to find your hidden golden treasures (Proverbs 2:4) ~ by Jewel Diamond Taylor

 

Wisdom in Your Wilderness

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The following is an excerpt from my book and CD “Shift Happens”….

When I have been self-absorbed with my pain, losses, guilt, fears, tantrums of disappointments or weary waiting on God, I realized that my wilderness times were not about punishment. That is the trick of the enemy. The immature and fearful mind can trick you into thinking you are exiled from God’s grace.

Once we embrace any shifting, suffering, or wilderness experience in our lives, it’s so helpful to pray for wisdom in our wilderness experiences. Yes, our wilderness experience can be a time of wandering, complaining, and confusion. But the wilderness experience can also be a time of learning, healing, renewal of purpose, and a rebirth of your faith. We don’t like having to meet God in the darkness and times of despair and discouragement. But I have learned in my times of darkness and disappointment it was God’s invitation for me to make an appointment with the Divine to see more clearly who I was, where I was, and where I needed to grow in order to see the light of hope again. The Hebrew people were lost in the wilderness for 40 years. Psalm 78:14 states they were guided by God’s cloud by day and with light from the fire all night. They were never alone. God was guiding them. Each time I come through a “shift” or a wilderness experience I’m reminded that God has not left me. There is a cloud of glory over my head and a light in my darkness.

I think….no, I know… I sometimes suffer from ADD (attention deficit disorder). When I need to complete paperwork or project, I’m challenged to remain focused. I get restless or distracted. I also know that I have spiritual ADD. Trials, trouble, and testing of my faith requires me to pay attention, focus, and trust God. When I feel overwhelmed or worried, these are times I need to keep my attention on God’s promises and my possibilities. Trials, trouble, and testing of my faith requires me to pay attention, focus, and trust God. Faith requires one to be still and focus on God’s word. Faith requires one to stop looking around and keep their eye on God. It’s so easy for fear, distractions, and the need to escape to take my attention off of God’s promises.

Each time I find myself lost in the wilderness of depression, isolation, worry or waiting, I am reminded how important it is to pray and ask God to help me with my disbelief (Mark 9:24). I learn each time that faith is not just quoting scriptures or any rituals…true faith is learning how to trust God for what I cannot see. It’s about surrendering my need to control. Faith is trusting God even in the darkness. Faith is trusting God even when I hear divine instruction that does not make sense to my logical mind. To read more, order your copy today of Shift Happens

Don’t Give Up

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You may feel your life is blessed …but in a mess.  You may feel your car is a lemon; your body image is ugly, your heart is broken and lonely, your life is on hold, your bank account is low, your faith is stretched to the limit, your job is stressful and your life won’t get any better than this.

Miracles happen every day.  Don’t let the spirit of defeat, depression and disappointment rob you of the wonder, blessings, favor, love and supernatural breakthroughs God can bring.   Say “yes” to miracles, hope and God’s gifts of peace and provision.   Proclaim and announce to the enemy within and without that something great is about to happen.  (Request a free copy of Jewel’s e-book “Something Great is About to Happen” – send request to Jewel@DoNotGiveUp.net)

Nothing you have done has been a waste of time.  Whatever you are going through, let it grow you.  Everything you have been through is a stepping stone to your next level.  Don’t let boredom, depression, fear or procrastination steal your joy or success.  Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.  Whatever you are going through, you can make it.  Do not put yourself down.   Do not count yourself out the game.  Do not dump your anger on others or play the blame game.   Do not shut down, withdraw and isolate yourself.  Help is on the way.   Cancel the pity party.  Get up!   Shake of the stress, doubt and worry.  Focus on solutions.  Pray for discernment, courage and wisdom.  Analyze your options.  Make a decision.  Take action and move forward one step at a time.  You will have a great testimony of your faith, endurance and creative problem solving skills.   You will come through this stronger and wiser.

stay focused

Prayer for a Job

Jewel Diamond Taylor1 Comment

Praying for A Job

Reading this daily prayer has transformational power to increase your faith and change your mind from fear to hope, peace and gratitude.

God, our Father, I turn to you seeking your divine help and guidance as  I look for employment. I am excited about using the gifts and talents You have given me. My mind is ready and open to receive. I pray for a clear mind to be specific with my career goals and expectations (i.e. position, people, environment, location, compensation and benefits). Thank you for the resources I need to keep my life stable until I receive a new job and new income.

I pray for the confidence to grow out of my comfort zone with future interviews and prospects. Give me a peaceful and sharp mind. Bring to my memory all the knowledge and wisdom that is already there. Let your joy and contentment flow out through my words.

I give thanks in advance for the right connections are being revealed.  My opportunities and blessings are endless and sometimes they may come to me in unexpected ways.  Open my eyes.  Open my mind.  Open my ears. Right action begins with me and I am empowered by you God to begin moving and… to keep moving towards greater success.  I am guided today to the place where I am needed, valued and compensated well for my time and skills.

All that the Father hath for me is mine and I take possession of what belongs to me with a swiftness, gratitude and confidence.   I use my career to the glory of God to benefit my family and those I serve.

Thank you for releasing the courage, optimism, professionalism and resources I need to secure my divine right employment.

Thank you for placing heavenly and earthly angels in my life to guide me.

I believe as I speak these words, that You, Father God, go before me preparing a way.  I have no fear for You are with me … my peace, my protection and my provision.

Thank you for the Psalm 23 prayer that comforts and refreshes my soul.

I believe what You have done for others, You can do for me.  Grant me favor so that I may return home today with praise and thanksgiving for your grace and mercy.  I will share your goodness with others so they may know of your power and glory.

I feel better, encouraged and ready now to receive my career and financial breakthrough.  Thank you Lord for being the center of my JOY and the source of my great new JOB!    Amen

Good afternoon Jewel,
I want to thank you for that prayer, I prayed it and I’m trusting God to move for me. Please keep me lifted up in prayer today. I’m not giving up no matter how it looks.  I’m completely trusting God to move today, No matter if I have to relocate somewhere else beside Jacksonville, Florida. I will miss my church home but, I know that there is other ministries that preach on Holiness, righteousness, and hell. Thank you –  Terri

The Impossible Happens

Jewel Diamond TaylorLeave a comment

Got changes, shifting and stress?  Assess your stress ….

Is this a time of testing your faith and commitment?

Is this a time to stand on your faith or step out on your faith?

Is this a life lesson to be learned?  Is this a time to adapt and accept?

Is this a time to take action?  Is this a time to learn how to avoid this from happening again?

Is this a time to speak up or time to say, “Peace, be still.”?

You can either say you are “going” through something, or you can say you are “growing” through something.   Don’t say…” I’ve arrived.  I’m finished.  I’ve nothing left to accomplish or It’s too late for me. That’s just the way I am!  My life is ruined, what’s the use? I can’t seem to ever win.”

You can always grow, create, evolve, change, let go, forgive, plan, dream and begin again. Possibilities for success, breakthroughs and new beginnings are all around you.   Blessings and breakthroughs are happening everyday for many people who didn’t give up. Don’t allow your grief, loss, difficulties or past mistakes stop you from believing in God or believing in your dreams.  Don’t allow your pain to stop you from singing your songs of hope, faith, joy and love.

I was watching the Cinderella movie the other day featuring Brandy as Cinderella and beautiful Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother.  Whitney sang, “Impossible things are happening every day.”  That inspired me to remember all the things God has brought me through when I thought it was impossible or too difficult.  It reminded me not to lean on my own limited understanding.  God Brandy and Whitneyis so much bigger than our circumstances.  Anything is possible with faith and action!  Stress could be an invitation to do something different, think differently, believe differently, love differently, live differently, pray differently, work differently, communicate differently, dream and believe differently, serve differently, lead differently, parent differently, spend differently, cope with stress differently, etc.

Life invites us or challenges us to get outside of our box that has become either too familiar, too comfortable or too confining. ~ Jewel Diamond Taylor

Heal Your Depression

Jewel Diamond TaylorLeave a comment

In my family, circle of friends and women that I counsel/coach…I hear a cry in the land.

I hear the words, “I’m tired…Does it really matter if I live?… My money is spent, my get up and go has got up and went….I’m lonely…. I can’t believe I opened my heart to someone only to be hurt again….I don’t feel appreciated by my children….It’s too hard living with my loss and loneliness…I’m exhausted taking care of everybody else and no one seems to care about me… I give my all and don’t feel like any one is there for me…I have lost my home, job, marriage, my joy and now I feel like I’m losing my mind… I’m giving up and feel like God has forgotten me.”

Depression is a dis-ease like cancer that can spread.  Depression unchecked can make you spiritually bankrupt and physically sick.  Depression can be mild or severe.  Anything or anyone can trigger your dark, defeating and discouraging thoughts.

A good chiropractor can align your back when it is bent and out of shape.  Likewise, your thinking and emotions can become bent,  out of alignment with the love, power and strength of God around you and in you.  Sometimes you may just need a minor adjustment of your thinking to remember God’s grace and your possibilities for change, solutions, progress and peace.

Your car tires will eventually be damaged if you never align them.  When tires are out of alignment, you experience a rough and bumpy ride.  If your life is feeling rough and bumpy, re-align your thinking.  Listen to an excerpt below from my CD “Align Your Mind with the Divine.”

“It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy. 
I want to know if you can see beauty even when it’s not pretty, every day,and if you can source your own life from its presence. 
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!”
It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children. 
It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back. 
It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away. 
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments. We know that what we do and how we think affects the quality of our lives. Many things are clearly up to us. And many others are not. I can see no evidence that the universe works on a simple meritocratic system of cause and effect. Bad things happen to good people – all the time. Monetary success does come to some who do not do what they love, as well as to some who are unwilling or unable to see the harm they do to the planet or others. Illness and misfortune come to some who follow their soul’s desire. Many great artist’s have been poor. Great teachers have lived in obscurity.
My invitation, my challenge to you here, is to journey into a deeper intimacy with the world and your life without any promise of safety or guarantee of reward beyond the intrinsic value of full participation.”  Oriah Mountain Dreamer (author of the book “The Invitation”) 

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