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Inspirational Thoughts ~ “Simple actions and steps do make your life better.” ~ Kim

Another year has come and gone. As you replay everything that has happened to you over the course of the past 365 days, you may ask yourself, “what could I have done differently?” or “why didn’t I handle things like that?” This leads me to five inspirational thoughts that can help make this year your best ever.

Don’t be so hard on yourself

Inspirational Thoughts ~ “The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.” ~ Sonya Friedman

I know you have things you want to do in life. I also know that you have standards you expect to life up to. You want to be pleasing to others.  You want to be a great person. You want to life your dreams and be happy. I know. I share those same desires.

Here’s the problem though. Sometimes you can criticize, berate, or put yourself down worst than anyone else could ever do. You can be  harsh on yourself….not cutting yourself any slack for making mistakes or slipping up. As a matter of fact, you treat others better than you treat yourself.

You may even become frustrated and feel defeated at times. Do you know what? It happens to all of us occasionally. However, you may have the tendency to feel this way more times than not. You may be filling your mind with so much self deprecation that it’s slowly dragging you down more than your realize. This is NOT okay. I label this as personal abuse. That’s right, personal abuse and I want you to cut it from your life.

I’m certainly not suggesting that you fill your mind with positive thoughts 24/7. I honestly don’t know if such a thing is even possible. I just know from my own personal experience that you need to disrupt the self abuse tendency by treating yourself with more kindness and love. This sounds easy, but it can be a struggle.

Nonetheless, I want you to quit  beating myself up. Over the years I’ve learned to counter this tendency through awareness. That’s what I’m suggesting that you do. Every time you feel the urge to beat yourself up or think negative thoughts about yourself – try to catch yourself. You have to learn to pay attention. You must stay alert to these sneaky little thoughts that are bad habits embedded into your subconscious.

With practice, you will learn to catch yourself when you think negative about yourself. Once this starts to happen, you can counter those negative vibes by remembering something positive about yourself. I want you to to think about what you do well; or that small or insignificant thing you did that  may not seem all that important. Believe me, everything positive thought helps.

Now here’s the most important thing of all. While society drills into your head that you should always be striving to make your life better, never do so at the expense of appreciating what you already have.

Accept mistakes as learning experiences

Inspirational Thoughts ~ A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” ~ Albert Einstein

Somewhere along the way, a mistake turned into this horrible stigma that can cause grief, pain, humiliation, and ridicule. Unfortunately, these experiences can be the byproduct of mistakes; however, I’d like to focus on an enlightening truth about mistakes that most people pay little attention to.

Mistakes are stepping stones to growth and success. If the many courageous people in our world were afraid to try things, we’d have little to no progress in our society. We’ve have no cures for diseases, no awesome technology, no amazing discovers, nothing. Life would be one big boring blah.

So now I say to you…..when you mess up, suck it up, learn, and more on. I guess to really hone this point, I’m going to share with you the inspirational book that I read to help me learn how to best deal with failure and mistakes. It’s called Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success.

I strongly encourage you to add this book to your references. My copy has so many lovely little highlighted sections  I reference again and again.  Best of all, all of my mistakes have moved me forward. I continue to learn the lessons and I keep on truckin.

Expect to experience good things

Inspirational Thoughts ~ “Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you.” ~ Peace Pilgrim

Have you ever had someone tell you that you get out of life what you think about most? I have. And, I absolutely believe this to be true. So, if you expect bad things to happen to you, they will. If you expect good things to happen to you, they will.

You see, what you set your mind to focus on – it seeks out. Here’s an example. When I purchased a new car, I started to notice other cars of the same color and model . This type of thing happens to you as well. The interesting thing to remember is that your mind is a  complex instrument that is constantly influenced by what goes on all around you – either consciously or subconsciously. This is why I say, it’s better for you to trained your thoughts than to let others do it for you.

Soooooo, if you want good things to happen, then start thinking that you serve it. Once you believe and your mind is set on it, then it will be happen.

Be grateful for one thing in your life each day

Inspirational Thoughts ~ “If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” ~ Frank A. Clark

I don’t care how bad you think things are in your life, they can ALWAYS be worse. Therefore, I want to you find one thing to be grateful for each day. I know that you have blessings that you take for granted. We all do. After all, it’s human nature.

Giving thanks is a great way to remind yourself that all is not lost. More importantly, it’s a great way to balance the negative things you beat yourself up about. And yes, you do beat yourself up and focus on the negatives, because you are striving to make things better in your life. You can’t make things better unless you focus on the stuff you want to improve right? So, remember to balance and give thanks for something you are grateful for.

For me personally, I give thanks that I’m still here to experience another day. Then I’m thrilled when I’ve done something to make progress in my life. Now what about you? what are you thankful for?

Everyday, take one small step towards a goal or something you want to achieve or experience in your life

Inspirational Thoughts ~ “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” ~ Unknown

If this doesn’t paint that picture of that big hairy thing you want to conquer than I don’t know what will. I know that you have goals and dreams. We all do. As a matter of fact, creating Selfpersonal.com was one of my goals. However, I had no clue and no experience to make this happen. so what did I do? I took one step at a time. I’ve made mistakes and I keep making them. But I’m enjoying the experience; especially since I get to connect with you. Now what about you?

What’s the one thing you’d like to achieve this year above all else? What one action are you going to take to make it happen? Remember, your goal is to start small and take one step at a time. This way, you can learn and grow as you go along. This was my approach with my recent weight loss efforts. I set a goal to lose one pound per week. So far, I’ve lost over 32 lbs. I’m now in a size 6 and I’m quite proud of myself. However, It took me four months to reach my goal. Boy, was it worth it!

Now again, I ask you…what one thing will you do today…this very minute to get what you want?

If you truly want to make this year your best year ever, then I sincerely hope you take this inspirational thoughts post to heart. If you reach deep into your heart and believe in yourself and then try. And when things get tough or complicated you keep trying…..your life can’t help but change. So go for it. Do your best and life your best. Be inspired. Be focused. Be happy.

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I wanted to gift you with an inspirational Christmas message which I hope, in some small way, reminds you of the joy and meaning of such a wonderful time of year.

I don’t know how you feel; but sometimes, it’s hard not to get caught up in the busyness the holiday season can bring. There are gifts to buy, foods to prepare, parties to attend, family to deal with, not to mention the hustle and bustle in the stores. It’s enough to wear you down.

That’s why I invite you to take a moment and reflect on the following inspirational Christmas quotes. Somehow, they always put things into perspective for me and keep me traveling down a more positive path.

Inspirational Christmas Messages:

• As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same. – Donald E. Westlake

• Christmas day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both. – Phillips Brooks

• Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. – Peg Bracken

• Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. – Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby

Now let me share with you some great realization I came to for this time of the year:

1. Traffic is lighter
2. More people are exchanging good wishes
3. For many of us, Work is a little slower
4. We get to munch on and enjoy some really delicious foods
5. You can find a ton of bargains and sales that only get better the week after Christmas
6. You get to spend more time with family and friends
7. The holiday decorations are beautiful and foster a positive spirit
8. More people are singing listening to and singing the same traditional songs. How beautiful and fun
9. There’s a ton of great entertainment to enjoy
10. We are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas, in which, I will personally forever be grateful

I hope you enjoyed this inspirational Christmas message. I pray this holiday season finds you healthy and happy. Relax, enjoy family, friends, and more festive moods.

 
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Inspirational Thoughts – Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Have you ever been afraid to reach out and try something different, or take a leap of faith and change the direction of  your life?

Maybe you hate your job, or you’re with someone who stresses you out and makes you feel small. Or, maybe you experience self doubt and lack confidence, because someone appears to be better or stronger or smarter. I don’t know. However, what I do know is that fear has a way of paralyzing us in our tracks and ultimately preventing us from experiencing some really terrific and positive things in life.

In my case, I almost didn’t start this website. You see, I’m very shy and introverted by nature. How in the world, could I, with all my hangups, possibly put myself out there for people to critique and possibly ridicule. At the time, I felt it too great a risk. I didn’t want to expose myself like that.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  ~ Lao Tzu

Do you know what I learned? Sometimes, you have to be willing to take a deep breathe, have faith, and try anyway. That’s what I decided. I’m so glad I did, because here I am, connecting with you. Hopefully, I’m sharing inspirational thoughts that encourage you to have faith and work through your fears.

I know….it’s easier said than done. But, I’m sure you’ve heard the old cliche, “nothing worthwhile comes easy.”

No one knows what he can do until he tries.  ~ Publilius Syrus

Will you at least consider trying to do that thing that scares the crap out of you? As a matter of fact, I encourage you to list the “pros” and “cons” of taking this risk.

After I got over my initial fear, I am so grateful that I created this Site. I get so much satisfaction from trying to help you and others like us. See, I still learn everyday and I’m improving as well. I make mistakes, and I am criticized at times. However, I feel so hopeful when someone contacts me and tells me that they are inspired to make positive changes in his or her life. People like you, make my efforts worthwhile. I’ll gladly keep at it for this very reason.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.  ~ Anonymous

It’s it great to realize that everyday is a “do-over.” You get to do one tiny thing or make one little decision that can change the course of your life in a positive way forever. That’s big time heady stuff.  That’s what life is all about. It’s about growing, and learning, and living.

So I ask you…..what’s that one little thing you want to try, but are afraid to?

Just remember, nobody said you had to dive in head first. Simply dip your big toe in the water and create that first
ripple. That’s how you start.

Inspirational thoughts: Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.  ~  Meister Eckhart

If you want inspiration about dealing with fear, check out these inspirational fear quotes. I also encourage you to tap into these inspiring faith quotes as well.

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Inspirational Thoughts: Don’t waste a minute not being happy. If one window closes, run to the next window — or break down a door. ~  Brooke Shields

On those days when you wake up and you know it’s going to be one of those days ~  you know, it starts off bad and then goes down hill from there. We all have them. You might wake up with a headache, not feel well, or dread some awful task you’ve been putting off.

When this happens to me, that’s when I fight back. I try to find some spark…anything…to chip away at what’s to come.

I don’t know, I just figure, somewhere along the line, on bad days, I can find a little inspiring boost that things will get better.

I want you to take a look at the following inspirational thoughts. These inspiring words are some of my favorite.

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.  ~  Chinese Proverb.

You’re darn right it is. That’s why I believe it’s so important that the next time you find yourself having a bad day that you stop and pause.  Be determined to find a least one positive thing to appreciate.

By the way, I’m not talking about focusing on a negative. For example, don’t think something like, “Well at least my day isn’t worse. Instead of just oversleeping and dealing with a major headache, my car could break down, too.”

Nope, don’t do that. It you can find anything positive, then find some positive inspirational thoughts and repeat them.

Following is a beautiful inspirational poem:

From the Inside Out

Can you really look beyond your grief to fine the joy?
Our very strength comes form the joy God places inside us,
and we need that strength even more when we’re facing seemingly impossible odds!
Today, my God’s joy strengthen you
from the inside out.

~  Author Unknown

Need more inspirational thoughts to help you through a bad day? Reference these inspirational quotes to help you through.

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Inspirational Thoughts: You should never let adversity get you down – except on your knees.  ~  God’s Little Instruction Book

Why does unwanted circumstances or adversity seem to strike at the most inconvenient times? I don’t know, but it happens and I’m going to let you in on a little secret I was privileged to remember during such a time.

Two weeks ago, I blew out my knee. I found myself in a leg brace and on crutches. I’ll stay that way through the Holiday Season.

Ironically, I have all kinds of stuff I need to take care of. I’m the coordinator of all Holiday activity for my family. However, this year, I can’t Christmas shop, put up decorations, cook the Holiday meal, or work.

Add to that, I can’t walk, shower by myself, or lift my leg onto my bed. I can’t even get on my knees and pray.

I should be stressed and worried…right? Well, I’m not. Why? Because I remembered a very important life lesson that I was forced to put into play. While I’m inconvenienced and hurting,  I’m adapting and coping.

I figured out a way to do the things I need to do. And the things I can’t do? I’m not worried about them. I’ll rely on others where I can and we’ll make the most of of this Holiday Season anyway.

Oh yeah, I may not be able to get on my knees and pray, but I can still throw up my arms and give praise.

Sure, I’m inconvenienced. But I also remembered that we are most creative when we are forced to be. Just as importantly, it alerts us to take pause and appreciate the many blessings we still have. The same thing happens with you.

With that, I leave you with these encouraging inspirational thoughts:

If you can’t fight it and you can’t flee, flow.  ~  Robert S. Eliot

The pain, the hurt, and whatever your situation will pass just; therefore, don’t lose sight of the fact that you are adapting.

Here are some adversity quotes to inspire you through your challenging circumstances.

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