Motivation

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

Jewel Diamond Taylor, , , 3 Comments

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

 

I Teach 3 Things

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The mind, body and spirit are one.  What your mind thinks affects your cells.  Your emotions are triggered by what you think and the level of your faith.  Your body is the host vessel for the Holy Spirit.  As you grow in any of your tri-dimensions, it affects your total well-being.  This principle has been the cornerstone of my teaching.  I refer to my speaking style and approach as a holistic one.  1. Biology (body) helps us to understand our bodies (i.e. nutrition, generational disease like alcoholism, diabetes, exercise, stress, etc.).  2. Psychology (mind), which was my major in college, helps us to understand perception, cognition, attention, emotion, motivation, brain functioning, personality,behavior, and interpersonal relationships, childhood, trauma, shame based issues, addictions, coping skills, attitude, choices, habits, etc.   3.  Spirituality (study of the Holy Spirit, God) helps us to build awareness, connection, gratitude, wonder, curiosity, honor and relationship with our Creator.  Spirituality is the revelation of the mystery and miracle of God around, through and in our lives and environment.  Spirituality is studying universal laws and the omnipresence of God who loves us.  Spirituality for me is about developing a relationship with the Divine, not a religion.  Study and practical application of Jesus teaches the way to live with compassion, restoration, forgiveness, mercy, grace, love for one another, serving humanity, to die to our selfish desires/ego/pride, suffering rising above our haters, persecutors and giants and posessing peace in the midst of our storms.

My perspective and style of teaching is what I call “SpiritPsyBio”, an integration of pursuing a better awareness and power by connecting the dots of the Spirit, our mind and our bodies.  I do my clients and audiences a big dis-service if I only address one dimension of their life.  I don’t separate, I integrate all three…mind, body and spirit.  I strive everyday through action, thought, words, gratitude and focus to align my mind with the divine.

I learned that it is difficult to motivate someone to change their self-destructive habits of procrastination, addiction, anger, depression or crime if I don’t seek to understand their psychological damage, mindset or maladaptive coping skills to survive because of poverty, lack of education, family dysfunction, racism, addictions, peer pressure or media messages.  As a minister, giving the word of God to someone sick in their body or psychologically wounded will not be enough for their breakthrough.  The whole person must be healed.  I can’t inspire someone to have more faith in God if I don’t address their line of thinking (brain).  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, nervous, lonely, happy or depressed.  Your stomach (gut) dictates your mood and appetite.  The gut feelings give you warnings and sometimes you may ignore them to your regret.  95% of all serotonin in the body is in the gut, where it triggers digestion. Nerve cells in the gut also use serotonin to signal back to the brain. This information can train us not to eat certain foods by communicating pain, gas and other terrible feelings.  Just like the brain in your head, “gut brain” is also able to learn, remember, and produce emotion-based feelings.  We really do have feelings in our gut.  Our two brains communicate back and forth via a major nerve trunk extending down from the base of your brain all the way down into your abdomen. Because of this, your two brains directly influence each other.  When one brain becomes upset, the other joins right in.

If someone has body image issues or poor eating habits, I must start there before challenging them to build up their self-esteem.   I can’t motivate someone to write a book or start their business if they lack faith and don’t believe they were born on purpose with a purpose.  If someone lacks faith, it can affect the outcome of their surgery, marriage, business venture or ability to speak up in an abusive relationship, or buy their dream car or home.  Anything is possible with faith in God and action.

The achievement of success and progress in your life will be determined by the level of your faith, the health of your body and the thoughts you think.  Who you love, what you think, feel, eat, believe and do creates the life you live negatively or positively.  Your stress, relationships, emotions, lack of sleep, poor diet and lack faith can be the root for your illnesses, procrastination, depression, or drama. It is a fact that nearly 90% of diseases that afflict humans are self-induced.  You are a whole being.  So I teach and motivate the whole person.  As a personal success life coach offering one-on-one phone counseling, my approach is SpiritPsyBio.  I’m interested in your wellness by integrating what I have experienced and studied about Spirituality, Psychology and Biology.

The pillars of my vocation/ministry are: critical thinking, faith building, compassion, resiliency, gratitude, love, therapy (via storytelling, drama and music), women’s worth, leadership skills and community.

Where and with whom do you place your faith?  Are you willing to be transformed by the renewing of your mind?  Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?  Call me 323.964.1736 or e-mail JewelMotivates@gmail.com

Testimony…Hi Jewel!
 I just wanted to reach out to you again to say thanks so much for being a true inspiration in my life! Your dynamic, inspiring coaching has helped me accelerate my goals with Meet Me on the Moon. For that, I am sooo grateful!!!   

Please know that I still want to do the book writing coaching with you.  Realistically, I should be able to start the book writing coaching after the holidays…I am so looking forward to working with you again to get book writing tips and strategies to give birth to the book!  
 
Not sure if you saw my newest brochure.  It’s attached.  I remember our coaching call when you advised me to have marketing materials that speak for me.  I hired another graphics designer.  Again, you have no idea how much you helped me and are helping me!!!  Thanks!!!!!! 🙂  
 
I will be in touch as soon as I am ready.
 
P.S.  I like your new branding “The Success Navigator”  That is awesome!!!

Many blessings, Enrika

Don’t Give Up

Jewel Diamond Taylor, , , , , , , 3 Comments

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

The Impossible Happens

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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

One step at a time – Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Jewel Diamond Taylor6 Comments

Are you climbing a mountain to overcome debt, family drama, health/weight issues, building your business/ministry or seeking a job?  Are you climbing a mountain of success to; make more money, save your marriage, finish college, save your home, achieve your dream, build your business/ministry or taking steps to break an addiction, temper or depression?

God will supply all my needs.  Phil. 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given us in Christ Jesus.

Remember it’s not always the big steps or the height of your mountain that can stop you, it’s the little things that frustrate you.  If you are easily irritated or distracted by people, this can stop you.  If you lose your patience in the process, this can stop you.  If you become easily frustrated with following through, details or coping with unexpected “shifts” in life, this can stop you.  Because the people around you may think differently, act differently or respond differently to situations, do you lose your cool over petty things or things you have no control over?  If the inevitable glitches, setbacks and daily demands of life easily besets you…you will never reach the top of your mountain.

Assess your stress.  Are you delegating tasks to others so you can lessen your stress?  Are you being pulled in many different directions trying to please everybody?  Are you a people pleaser being stretched by the drama and demands from the people in your life? Are your children, co-workers, friends, boss or mate getting on your last nerve?  I believe emotional or physical pain serves to inform you.  It is a signal that you need to pay attention.   Check your mindset.  Shake off anything that can distract and discourage you.  The road up the rough side of the mountain is never smooth.  Shift happens.  Be sure to wear your faith walking shoes.  Keep your mountain climbing back pack gear full of things necessary to survive the journey.  Don’t turn back.  Don’t give up.  Don’t let the little things become big stumbling blocks.  Keep on reaching until you reach your higher ground. Reflect on this quotation by Robert Service, “It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.”  Amen to that statement because so often it is the little things that steal our joy!

“As you focus more on becoming more peaceful with where you are, rather than focusing on where you would rather be, you begin to find peace right now, in the present. Then, as you move around, try new things, and meet new people, you carry that sense of inner peace with you. It’s absolutely true that, “Wherever you go, there you are. One of the mistakes many of us make is that we feel sorry for ourselves, or for others, thinking that life should be fair, or that someday it will be. It’s not and it won’t. When we make this mistake we tend to spend a lot of time wallowing and/or complaining about what’s wrong with life. “It’s not fair,” we complain, not realizing that, perhaps, it was never intended to be.  If we would just slow down, happiness would catch up to us.” ― Richard Carlson, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and it’s all small stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life (#Don’tSweatTheSmallStuff)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.  Keep your guard up. You`re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It`s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on faith. The suffering won`t last forever. It won`t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ- eternal and glorious plans they are! – will have you put together and on your feet for good.  He gets the last word.  1 Peter 5:9 (Message Bible)

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow waery, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

25 Causes for Procrastination

Gallery Jewel Diamond Taylor1 Comment

      What is stopping you from being, doing or having what you desire in your life?  I confess…I am  a recovering procrastinator.  Because of my desire to break the avoidance habit, I began to study and interview countless people about their procrastination habits.     I have discovered 25 reasons why people allow the thief called “procrastination” to rob them of success, peace of mind, the fulfillment of their destiny or have self-imposed pain, limitations and lost opportunities.   One of the strongholds that perpetuates procrastination is allowing the critics/naysayers/haters/”straw people” to suck out all of your joy, faith, confidence, passion and fire.

      If you want to be successful in life and stay in the game, you have to be mentally tough to take the hits, criticism, rejection, insecurities, fears and nonsense that will surely come your way when you are bold enough to go after your dream.

     A few years ago I hosted a Mother/Daughter Cruise with over 100 women to the Bahamas and spoke at Rev. Myles Munroe’s Church during our port stop.  On the return cruise home one of the ladies complained about every little detail of the trip.  I really believe she had a manipulative/con spirit and simply wanted a refund.  I received so many letters, calls and emails from the other ladies telling me how much fun they had and how some of them had healing breakthroughs with their estranged mothers or daughters.  But for some reason I focused on that “one” critic who sucked out all of my joy and gratitude and I forgot about all the positive feedback while focusing on the negative.

     I learned a lesson from this about procrastination.  People often avoid making decisions, taking action or making changes in their life because of past trauma or negative feedback. You may be procrastinating on your dream because you want to avoid pain (i.e. fear of rejection, criticism, failure, embarrassment or loss).         I reveal the other 24 causes of procrastination and some awesome and “do-able” solutions to help you experience progress, satisfaction, results, fulfillment and success on my CD “Who or What is Stopping You?” (Stories, Strongholds and Solutions to Arrest the Thief Called Procrastination – click here to order your own copy)

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt, Speech in Paris April 23, 1910 

Meet Me for Breakfast

Jewel Diamond Taylor1 Comment

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I have many regrets in my life.  But I do not regret following my heart, my dream, my purpose…what I think is my spiritual assignment.  I’m glad I did not stop.  I’m glad I learned how to turn my passion into a paid profession.  I have been stuck many times.  I have had shifting, shocks, sorrows, stumbles, success and surprises in my life.   I wish I could impart to everyone that I cannot motivate anyone.  All I can do is inspire others with my testimony, not just from my lips, but from my life lived in spite of the shifts.  Perseverance and remaining teachable are key.  Getting out of your comfort zone and allowing yourself to be stretched to cultivate the seed of greatness within you can take you to higher heights.  Association and decisions determine your destination which means the people in your life help or hinder your progress.

I will be teaching, mentoring and hosting my next “Purpose2Passion2Profit” Mentoring Breakfast at the beautiful Long Beach Renaissance Hotel by the ocean, 111 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, California.  Saturday, August 25, 2012.  I only accept 12 reservations so we can have an dynamic, up close and personal time for guests to ask me questions and for me to share my pearls of wisdom on how to turn your passion into a paid profession …especially for those in the public speaking business.

In my 25 year span of being self-employed as a conference/motivational/inspirational speaker and trainer I have gained many insights to help others shorten their learning curve.  I find many people desire to make money from their gifts, talents and passion but end up frustrated, distracted, discouraged, broke and unfulfilled.

“A note to let you know that Saturday was incredible.  On the way home I began listening to  your Pursue Your Purpose CD. I couldn’t believe how much instruction is on there.  I had to take it out of the car immediately and start over with my journal, taking small bites of the buffet of knowledge that you were offering.   Look forward to seeing you next time.” ~ Bonnie

As a Success Life Coach I have mentored hundreds of men and women on how to experience breakthroughs, clarity and success.  Here are some signs you would benefit from attending my next mentoring breakfast:

  • you’re not happy with your current life situation, but aren’t sure what to change (feeling stuck)
  • you have goals, but find it hard to keep on track, succumbing to procrastination
  • you have a passion/talent/ideas/gifts and want to be paid like a professional
  • instead of hearing me at a large conference without any contact, you prefer the personal setting where you can ask me questions and learn more
  • you are isolated and lack accountability and strategic information for growth
  • you have something important in your life that you keep thinking about, but never take any action
  • you are ready to take your life to a new level of income, creativity, purpose and super intention
Jewel speaking in front of audience
  “As one of the first women of color to speak in a male dominant speaking arena, I had no one to mentor me.  No one was willing to share or answer my questions.  I purposed in my heart that whatever mistakes I made and whatever lessons I learned, I would reach back.“
One ticket $50 per person, click here to purchase your ticket
Space is limited to only 12 guests.  To register by phone call 323.964.1736 , ticket includes:
  • full delicious buffet breakfast
  • “Purpose2Passion2Profit” teaching CD,
  • mentoring round table interactive teaching and Q&A with Jewel Diamond Taylor
If you have any questions call 323.964.1736 or email JewelMotivates@gmail.com

Coping with a Setback

Jewel Diamond Taylor3 Comments

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life.  Expect them and accept them as learning experiences. No one likes to experience a setback in life.  No one likes to start all over again. Resilient people know that failures and mistakes are not dead-ends.  People become resilient and recover from setbacks because they don’t let failures and mistakes stop them—they use them as learning experiences.  Obstacles can become opportunities for growth.

None of us know what the future holds.  If God told you all the blessings and possibilities coming your way, you might not believe it or you might sabotage it because you don’t feel worthy or ready.

Do you feel like your setbacks are permanent or a form of punishment?  Maybe you are like an arrow in God’s hand and you are about to be launched into a brighter future and new possibilities you can’t even imagine.  Hold on and trust God.  Your setback could be a setup for a stronger comeback.  Your attitude, actions, courage and faith are determining the trajectory of your future.

When life brings you situations that you can’t control or change … the change will change you.  The shift will shake your faith.  The question is, “How will you be changed?  Will you be bitter or better?  Will you get stuck in your pain or will you be self-motivated to press and persevere?  Will you live with shame, anger or blame or will you become super intentional to learn the lessons so you won’t have to repeat them?  Will you become more compassionate, discerning, and proactive or will you start acting like a powerless victim?  Will you find your voice or will you become helpless and passive?  Will you have more faith or have more fear and anxiety?  Will you be crushed by the weight of life’s demands, trials and tribulations or rise and be resilient?

“Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart.”          (Psalm 31:24)

No matter how good a person you are or how much preparation you make… stuff happens.  No matter how strong the attack, be still and Trust God. You may be experiencing envy, threats from bill collectors, loneliness, heart ache or wondering how you will get through your season of drought.

Connect with loved ones.  Keep your perspective.  Help others.   Feel gratitude.  Nothing raises your energy higher than offering prayers of thanks for what you have.  Learn from the situation.  Your situation may really be quite horrible but what’s worse is to fall into the same trap again.  If you just left an abusive relationship, learn from it and don’t get into another one.  If you just got fired, figure out what you really want to be doing and see it as an opportunity to find something better.  If you think low self esteem got you into the situation, work on improving your self esteem.  What you don’t want to do is beat yourself up after someone else has already beaten you up.  That serves no purpose.  If you start hearing thoughts in your head like, “I’m just a failure,” or “I’m not worthy of love,” or “Who is going to hire me now?”, stop the negative thinking.  That’s fear talking.  Negative, fearful and worry thoughts will anchor your feet under the water and you’ll drown.  If you pray, don’t worry.  If you’re going to worry, you cancel out the power of prayer.  Take care of yourself.  Take some time to do something joyful.  See a movie, take a walk, call a good friend, get a spa treatment, dine at your favorite restaurant.   Shift happens.  Don’t allow any setbacks, shaking, and shifting in your life cause you to give up.  Read more in my book “Shift Happens.” ~ Jewel Diamond Taylor, The Self-esteem Dr., Founder of Women on the Grow, author, Life Coach, Minister and Women’s Retreat Leader for over 20 years.

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Repeating Mistakes? Read Proverbs 4:5-7

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“I would bet you are like me. You’ve had your share of problems, disappointments, losses, heartaches, regrets and mistakes. Maybe you have tried to cope with your personal pain by pretending it doesn’t hurt or you put up an emotional wall keeping people and solutions out. Maybe you sought comfort and relief with food, sex, sleep, shopping, busyness, isolation, alcohol, drugs or hurting others. Maybe you ignored the guidance of God, family and friends.

Sadly, I realize those were some of the emotional paths I took. In the past, my inability to cope or my lack of faith led to depression, overspending, high blood pressure, loss of sleep, being so serious and emotionally fragile that I couldn’t laugh, relax, let go or take the hits.

Oh, but thank God for mercy, grace and patience. I learned to let go, trust God more, listen more and not be so hard on myself. I learned how to discipline my appetites, flesh, feelings and faulty thinking. No, wait a minute, let me say… I continue to learn how to discipline myself. It is an on-going process to mature in my faith and in my human imperfections.

When you and I do not grow emotionally and spiritually to cope with the twists and turns of life, we become prone to sickness, anger, depression, addiction, broken relationships, a low self-esteem and repeat the same mistakes.

If you and I are too sensitive to receive feedback and support from others, we lose. If you and I quit every time a job, task or relationship gets difficult, we lose credibility, blessings,opportunities, success and self-esteem. If you and I are not teachable and constantly compare ourselves to others, it is a sign that our self-worth and self-esteem are low. If we think we should be able to control and fix everyone and every situation, we are living with an illusion. If we cannot listen to the whispers of God guiding us the right way…then we will suffer as life begins to scream and yell, “You fool…you are not listening to wisdom.”

Every day I challenge myself to stop, look and listen. Today I challenge you with tenderness mixed with toughness to grow emotionally and spiritually. When you are faced with a problem or at a crossroad will you…

. Make excuses

. Make mistakes

. Make and keep commitments

. Be mad

. Be miserable, depressed and act like a victim

. Seek wisdom and wise counsel

. Take responsibility for your choices

. Be motivated to take positive steps

. Love God, listen to God, let go and trust God