I started this decluttering journey a few months ago thinking I would just clean out some closets, drawers, cupboards, etc. This is the link to the original post http://nenaholt.blogspot.com/2015/08/decluttering-more-than-your-home.html
What I found is that it is much more of an emotional process. Purging and getting rid of items, especially given to me by others, is a difficult process for me. I remember when I received the item, who made it for me, the relationship and all the feelings that went with it. It is especially hard with items my children made or my grandma made for me. I started by cleaning out my closet and then decided to go through one room at a time and it has taken me MUCH LONGER than I ever imagined it would.
It took me almost three months of internal processing before I could even start. It seemed that I was paralyzed and overwhelmed by where to start. I actually had to call my daughter and have her come over and help me with the grandbabies playroom. Once we purged and organized that room I immediately felt better and it gave me the boost I needed to look at other rooms.
My daughter told me about a book called The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. It is an excellent book and totally different than any other organizing book I have ever read. It makes much more sense to me. She has you get out all of your items that are alike and group them together so you can see how many you truly have! It is eye opening. For example: all of your shirts, pants, sweaters, skirts, underwear, bras, slips, shorts, skorts, dresses, etc. It is amazing how many items you have and how many you don't use or haven't used in well over a year. Then she has you decide if it's something you love or something you have no emotion toward at all. If you don't love it, it goes!
The next room I worked on was the kitchen. What an eye opener this was. I have so many cooking items that I didn't even know I had. I also had SEVERAL 13x9x2 pans and I definitely don't have an over big enough to fit them all into! It is just amazing to pile it all up and then see what you have. I would be willing to bet I am not the only person that has multiple items of the same thing!!
I'm not finished but I do have a good start on purging and getting rid of things I don't need or use. The best part is the overall joyous feeling I have in getting rid of items I don't need. It feels like at least a one ton weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I cannot wait to see how I feel after the entire house has been completed!! This is a great time of year to declutter and get ready for the New Year! Please share your experiences in the comment section to help others. Sometimes it helps to know we're not alone.
God Bless,
Nena
Before and After
134 Pound Weight Loss
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
How do you react to situations that upset you?
Many times I sit down to write and let you know what's on my mind and I don't say what's really on my mind because I don't want to burden anyone else with my "issues". I feel that I am so blessed why should I complain or say anything to bring anyone else down. What I am discovering is that when I don't let others know what is going on in my life they get this "VERY FALSE" sense that I'm tough and I'm strong and I can handle anything without it bothering me. It is a correct conclusion that I am strong and I can handle anything but it isn't ME who can it is HIM in me that can. There is a difference.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippeans 4:13
I feel things very deeply and think about many of you, some I have never met in person, and love you and care about what happens to you in your life and you never know.
Today I was thinking about a situation in my family where people aren't speaking to each other. It is very sad for me and it has a huge impact on my family and my grandchildren especially this time of year. As most of you know my family and my grandbabies are MY WHOLE WORLD. This entire situation has gotten way out of hand. I can assure you that NO ONE committed a crime, killed anyone, stole anything, etc. Words were said, judgements were made and we're off to the races, as they say.
All of this has made me stop and think...WHAT IF? What if instead of judging one another when something is said in anger we gave the person grace? What if someone cuts us off, or cuts in front of us in line, etc. we didn't immediately get angry and lash out or become passive aggressive and we realized that perhaps that person was experiencing something in their own life that they could not even begin to understand and we gave them grace? What if when something someone does impacts us and makes us upset, angry, frustrated, hurt, embarrassed, annoyed or any other negative emotion our first thought was...I wonder what is happening in their live that I don't know about? I have come to realize that how people behave says much more about THEM than it does about ME!
Think about it...do you say things or lash out at people when you're rested, well fed, happy and everything is going great or when you are struggling? Our first clue that someone may need grace should be when they are not behaving in the most positive light. When we are only thinking about how it is affecting us then we are in our EGO not showing anyone grace. When we are only thinking about ourselves and how this encounter is impacting us, or what we are going to say, how we are going to respond; it's OUR EGO not grace.
Imagine how our lives would change if we did this one simple thing the next time we find ourselves feeling frustrated, angry, upset, hurt, embarrassed, etc. we STOPPED and asked ourselves, "I wonder what is happening in their life that would make them act this way?" and then we showed them grace and asked God to bless them and comfort them through whatever they are dealing with...just IMAGINE! Showing grace doesn't reflect on their behavior, IT SHOWS what kind of person we are. Lashing out at them or getting them back also shows what type of person we are. Both ways reflect on me personally and has nothing to do with what type of person THEY are and it doesn't excuse their behavior but it says A LOT about what type of person I am. I want to reflect Jesus' love; I want everything coming from me to reflect HIS love and HIS grace.
I'm not perfect and I am going to make mistakes but it would be so incredibly wonderful if I could do it without judgement and criticism. I think all of us would appreciate grace when we mess up, so am asking everyone to be the change you would like to see in the world and let's have it start with us. One situation at a time. Let's do this together and see what kind of an impact we can make in our families, communities, and the world.
I pray all of you have a safe, happy holiday with those you love!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
God Bless each and every one of you,
Nena
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippeans 4:13
I feel things very deeply and think about many of you, some I have never met in person, and love you and care about what happens to you in your life and you never know.
Today I was thinking about a situation in my family where people aren't speaking to each other. It is very sad for me and it has a huge impact on my family and my grandchildren especially this time of year. As most of you know my family and my grandbabies are MY WHOLE WORLD. This entire situation has gotten way out of hand. I can assure you that NO ONE committed a crime, killed anyone, stole anything, etc. Words were said, judgements were made and we're off to the races, as they say.
All of this has made me stop and think...WHAT IF? What if instead of judging one another when something is said in anger we gave the person grace? What if someone cuts us off, or cuts in front of us in line, etc. we didn't immediately get angry and lash out or become passive aggressive and we realized that perhaps that person was experiencing something in their own life that they could not even begin to understand and we gave them grace? What if when something someone does impacts us and makes us upset, angry, frustrated, hurt, embarrassed, annoyed or any other negative emotion our first thought was...I wonder what is happening in their live that I don't know about? I have come to realize that how people behave says much more about THEM than it does about ME!
Think about it...do you say things or lash out at people when you're rested, well fed, happy and everything is going great or when you are struggling? Our first clue that someone may need grace should be when they are not behaving in the most positive light. When we are only thinking about how it is affecting us then we are in our EGO not showing anyone grace. When we are only thinking about ourselves and how this encounter is impacting us, or what we are going to say, how we are going to respond; it's OUR EGO not grace.
Imagine how our lives would change if we did this one simple thing the next time we find ourselves feeling frustrated, angry, upset, hurt, embarrassed, etc. we STOPPED and asked ourselves, "I wonder what is happening in their life that would make them act this way?" and then we showed them grace and asked God to bless them and comfort them through whatever they are dealing with...just IMAGINE! Showing grace doesn't reflect on their behavior, IT SHOWS what kind of person we are. Lashing out at them or getting them back also shows what type of person we are. Both ways reflect on me personally and has nothing to do with what type of person THEY are and it doesn't excuse their behavior but it says A LOT about what type of person I am. I want to reflect Jesus' love; I want everything coming from me to reflect HIS love and HIS grace.
I'm not perfect and I am going to make mistakes but it would be so incredibly wonderful if I could do it without judgement and criticism. I think all of us would appreciate grace when we mess up, so am asking everyone to be the change you would like to see in the world and let's have it start with us. One situation at a time. Let's do this together and see what kind of an impact we can make in our families, communities, and the world.
I pray all of you have a safe, happy holiday with those you love!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
God Bless each and every one of you,
Nena
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Living in Gratitude
Everyday is a day to be grateful for what we have been blessed.
Let’s face it, we are lucky to live in a country with so much abundance
and resources. Yes there are many things happening that might make it
seem like this isn’t the case but when you compare what we are blessed
with to many other situations around the world we are Blessed. This
week, here in America, we are celebrating Thanksgiving and looking at
all the things we have to be grateful for.
I will thank the Lord with all my heart. Psalm 111:1 NCV
When we take time out to give thanks for the blessings that we enjoy each day, we realize how much God has given us. When we are grateful for what we have and find joy in all that surrounds us it opens up the opportunity to receive. When we are not grateful for what we already have then there is no reason to give us more. I think the biggest lesson I have learned is that it doesn’t matter what our situation is, what matters is our attitude toward the situation. When we can learn to be happy where we are then we can truly appreciate the journey. Look around…most of us believe if we were just a little bit better looking, or had more money, or better behaved children, or a more loving spouse, or a better job, or ___________ you fill in the blank, then we would be happy. Now look around at the people you know that have what you want…look closely and you’ll find some who are happy and some who are still miserable. What’s the difference? Some would be happy no matter what their situation because of their attitude. They have chosen to be grateful for what they have and look at the bright side and minimize the rest; on the other hand the ones who are still seeking to find that next thing that will make them happy or satisfy them haven’t learned to look around and be grateful for where they are and all they have already been given. For every person who is griping about their job their is another who is praying for one. For every person who is griping about their spouse their is a widow/widower who is praying they just had one more day with theirs; or a single person who wishes they could find a spouse. The next time you think I wish… or if I only… yes but…. look around and ask yourself what have I been given to be grateful for? This Thanksgiving let’s be TRULY grateful for all that we have been given!
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
God Bless,
Nena
I will thank the Lord with all my heart. Psalm 111:1 NCV
When we take time out to give thanks for the blessings that we enjoy each day, we realize how much God has given us. When we are grateful for what we have and find joy in all that surrounds us it opens up the opportunity to receive. When we are not grateful for what we already have then there is no reason to give us more. I think the biggest lesson I have learned is that it doesn’t matter what our situation is, what matters is our attitude toward the situation. When we can learn to be happy where we are then we can truly appreciate the journey. Look around…most of us believe if we were just a little bit better looking, or had more money, or better behaved children, or a more loving spouse, or a better job, or ___________ you fill in the blank, then we would be happy. Now look around at the people you know that have what you want…look closely and you’ll find some who are happy and some who are still miserable. What’s the difference? Some would be happy no matter what their situation because of their attitude. They have chosen to be grateful for what they have and look at the bright side and minimize the rest; on the other hand the ones who are still seeking to find that next thing that will make them happy or satisfy them haven’t learned to look around and be grateful for where they are and all they have already been given. For every person who is griping about their job their is another who is praying for one. For every person who is griping about their spouse their is a widow/widower who is praying they just had one more day with theirs; or a single person who wishes they could find a spouse. The next time you think I wish… or if I only… yes but…. look around and ask yourself what have I been given to be grateful for? This Thanksgiving let’s be TRULY grateful for all that we have been given!
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
God Bless,
Nena
Monday, October 19, 2015
Procrastination is dangerous!!
Well I decided to declutter my house and get rid of everything. I made a plan. I had every intention of getting it done and guess what? It hasn't happened yet! I have thought about it. I have done many things in preparation for it...but guess what? It hasn't happened yet. I know something is holding me back. Yes, I'm busy and yes, I've accomplished many other things in the past couple of months but the decluttering hasn't happened yet. So I got out the Procrastination book and started reading it again. I found that the fight or flight mode of operation is one reason people procrastinate. Highly impulsive people and perfectionists are also very prone to procrastination. There are two key elements that play a large part in the urge to postpone projects: "Uncertain feelings about an activity and the desire to avoid discomfort. The procrastinator's self - talk says, I'm not sure if the timing is right, thus avoiding the risk of failure. Indecision also plays a large role in the conscious/unconscious mind of the procrastinator. This person cannot make up her mind. Actually, she can make up her mind, but she tells herself that she can't. She chooses not to decide. It's not that she can't; it's just that she doesn't." "Many procrastinators believe they require the pressure of a last-minute deadline to justify the dragging of their feet. They justify themselves by saying, "If I would've started earlier, then I would have executed perfectly. This justification masks low self-esteem that is a key component to their performance anxiety, which in turn causes the procrastination in the first place."
Wow! Just reading the first 1/8th of the book I have discovered I have some issues going on and need to keep reading. I am going to share this self awakening with you and would love it if there are some others who would like to share with us. Do you have issues with procrastination? How are you dealing with them? Let's help each other!
Wow! Just reading the first 1/8th of the book I have discovered I have some issues going on and need to keep reading. I am going to share this self awakening with you and would love it if there are some others who would like to share with us. Do you have issues with procrastination? How are you dealing with them? Let's help each other!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Decluttering more than your home!
For over a year now I have been wanting to declutter my house. I have come to the realization that holding on to things holds me back. I feel overwhelmed, weighed down, heavy, and depressed when I have too much "stuff"! The past few weeks I keep getting the message to let go. It started me thinking WHY do I feel the need to hold on to things from the past? I have come to the realization that a lot of it is because of guilt. Someone I love or care about gave it to me and I don't want to get rid of it because of the emotional ties to that person or for fear it might make them feel bad or hurt their feelings. This also pertains to the emotional attachment of some items. Momentos from when I graduated from High School or College, when the kids were born, the grandkids, etc. Some of the things I hold onto represent things I want to do or become; such as a scrapbooker!! I dream of getting all of my pictures organized in albums for everyone to enjoy! So I hold on to all of the scrapbooking items! And of course my favorite...I might need it one day. Because I KNOW that every time I get rid of something, even items I haven't used for years, I find I need it and have to go buy another one!! I know this rarely happens but it seems as though it always does.
At this point in my life I feel as though all the "stuff" is that...just stuff and it is an anchor holding me back. It makes me feel so heavy and weighed down that it keeps me from living a life of freedom. I am just beginning to realize how it keeps me locked in the past. I no longer want to live my life in the past. My past doesn't define me any longer! I am committed to living in the present. So I have made a HUGE decision for me. I am going through EVERY room in my house one at a time. I am making 4 piles: Trash, donate, sale, and keep. I will be getting rid of thousands of items and only keeping those things that are a necessity or items that I love that bring me joy and happiness. Everything else is going. If you are in need of something let me know because I would love to gift things to those who could benefit or love anything I have.
I am declaring right now that I am starting today and I am starting with the grandbabies playroom and bathroom. I am giving myself one week in each room so I should be completed in 12 weeks. I am going to post before and after pictures and progress updates. I am praying that I inspire at least one other person to declutter their house and life. While I am starting with the house I KNOW I will be decluttering much more than my physical space. I am looking forward to the journey and seeing where it leads me. Pray for me and please leave a comment if you are going to join me. Let's support each other along the way.
God Bless,
Nena
At this point in my life I feel as though all the "stuff" is that...just stuff and it is an anchor holding me back. It makes me feel so heavy and weighed down that it keeps me from living a life of freedom. I am just beginning to realize how it keeps me locked in the past. I no longer want to live my life in the past. My past doesn't define me any longer! I am committed to living in the present. So I have made a HUGE decision for me. I am going through EVERY room in my house one at a time. I am making 4 piles: Trash, donate, sale, and keep. I will be getting rid of thousands of items and only keeping those things that are a necessity or items that I love that bring me joy and happiness. Everything else is going. If you are in need of something let me know because I would love to gift things to those who could benefit or love anything I have.
I am declaring right now that I am starting today and I am starting with the grandbabies playroom and bathroom. I am giving myself one week in each room so I should be completed in 12 weeks. I am going to post before and after pictures and progress updates. I am praying that I inspire at least one other person to declutter their house and life. While I am starting with the house I KNOW I will be decluttering much more than my physical space. I am looking forward to the journey and seeing where it leads me. Pray for me and please leave a comment if you are going to join me. Let's support each other along the way.
God Bless,
Nena
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Are you a mind reader?
How many times do you get frustrated, upset, disappointed, depressed or downright angry when people don't respond the way you want or do things you think they should? I find there are a few relationships I have with my family members where they are less than happy with me because I haven't done what they wanted me to do. Take my husband for instance...he is a man of FEW words! LOL He seldom (that would really be NEVER) lets me know what he would like me to do or request that I do something for him and then gets upset when I don't do what he wanted. Now I'm not talking arguments or yelling (he's pretty quiet) but just not happy with me (oh yes I know!!). When I ask him how I was suppose to know he wanted me to do something he says "You've known me over 28 years". In other words I am suppose to read his mind (See I am adept at reading between the lines! LOL) I have repeatedly reminded him that I am NOT a mind reader and after 28 years of marriage he should now that by now and recognize my deficiency in that area and help me out by making it known!! Surprisingly he doesn't!! So it got me to thinking. Why is it that we do not ask for the things that are important to us? Why don't we just let people know the expectations we have of each other, our relationships, etc.? What is this fear we have of letting others know what we really desire? Are we afraid they won't love us? Will think we're silly? incompetent? weak? unorganized? Imagine how different your life would be if you let those around you know what you wanted, where you might need help, how you wanted something done, etc. It doesn't mean that everything would get done your way but at least we would be able to talk through the situation and come to an agreement, a compromise, or at the very least we would know what each others desires were.
Sometimes I think we are all so concerned with not rocking the boat that we parallelize ourselves by trying to keep the boat steady. I will only speak for myself here but I personally prefer someone to tell me exactly what they want or need. Let me know the expectations so that I don't have to guess. I find it very stressful trying to guess what the other person wants or doesn't want. It keeps me in constant unbalance and takes up a lot of my time trying to figure it out. It would be much easier if the person I am dealing with just said "I would like you to ______________." Then I would know the expectation and I could decide to honor it or not and then work out a compromise or not. I feel it would stop a lot of unnecessary guess work and everyone involved would feel much better about the relationship.
If you can see this in your life please think about being clear in your expectations of others. Think about what you really desire and what you would like from the relationship whether it be a spouse, child, friend, coworker, etc. and let them know. Don't make them guess or try to figure it out. You deserve to have your desires known and they deserve to know what you would like them to do. If we all could do this our relationship would become much less stressful and much more rewarding.
God Bless,
Nena
Sometimes I think we are all so concerned with not rocking the boat that we parallelize ourselves by trying to keep the boat steady. I will only speak for myself here but I personally prefer someone to tell me exactly what they want or need. Let me know the expectations so that I don't have to guess. I find it very stressful trying to guess what the other person wants or doesn't want. It keeps me in constant unbalance and takes up a lot of my time trying to figure it out. It would be much easier if the person I am dealing with just said "I would like you to ______________." Then I would know the expectation and I could decide to honor it or not and then work out a compromise or not. I feel it would stop a lot of unnecessary guess work and everyone involved would feel much better about the relationship.
If you can see this in your life please think about being clear in your expectations of others. Think about what you really desire and what you would like from the relationship whether it be a spouse, child, friend, coworker, etc. and let them know. Don't make them guess or try to figure it out. You deserve to have your desires known and they deserve to know what you would like them to do. If we all could do this our relationship would become much less stressful and much more rewarding.
God Bless,
Nena
Thursday, June 25, 2015
1% Doubt is 0% Faith
We were not created to live an average life. A life of being comfortable. A risk free life. A small existence. We were meant for greatness. God doesn't want us playing small in our life HE wants us to let our light shine so others will be drawn to the light and want their light to shine. When we live in our comfort zone we are not growing or inspiring anyone, including ourselves. When we live an average, risk free, small life we are not honoring God and allowing Him to work in us to let His light shine through us. When we are always living for the weekend, going to a job we hate, dreading Monday and just existing we are not living our life with purpose and honoring God. The little voice inside your head that says you have to live this way because you have to pay your bills, be responsible and you can't survive if you don't because this is the only way you know how to do it; IS A LIE!! It is keeping you stuck and unable to live life to your full potential and the purpose God created you for. God cannot show you your true purpose if you do not have faith and put your trust in Him and His plan for your life. He does not call the equipped; he equips the called. “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing
his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus
Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20–21
(NIV)
So often we doubt God and do not give him the opportunity to build our faith. When we doubt that we can do it we are really doubting God and showing Him that we do not have faith in Him or His word.
Do you feel like you were born for more than what you are living. I sure do. Since I was young I have felt that I was going to do great things in my life and I realize that is what God wants. He wants His light to shine through me so that others can see Him through me. For the past two years I have been praying hard for God to give me a sign and I believe he has given me several signs I was just a little slow in hearing Him. What I have discovered is that I will never know for sure until I quit living in my comfort zone and step outside the box, experience life and put my trust in God. So today I chose to give up doubt...in myself, in my ability, and most of all doubt in God and I CHOSE to have FAITH in God that he will do as he promised and equip me for what he has in store for my life. I pray that you too will listen to what God is leading you to do in your life and let your light shine bright. What do you chose today? Doubt or Faith because you can't have both.
God Bless,
Nena
P.S. PLEASE comment after reading this and let me know what you choose!!
So often we doubt God and do not give him the opportunity to build our faith. When we doubt that we can do it we are really doubting God and showing Him that we do not have faith in Him or His word.
Do you feel like you were born for more than what you are living. I sure do. Since I was young I have felt that I was going to do great things in my life and I realize that is what God wants. He wants His light to shine through me so that others can see Him through me. For the past two years I have been praying hard for God to give me a sign and I believe he has given me several signs I was just a little slow in hearing Him. What I have discovered is that I will never know for sure until I quit living in my comfort zone and step outside the box, experience life and put my trust in God. So today I chose to give up doubt...in myself, in my ability, and most of all doubt in God and I CHOSE to have FAITH in God that he will do as he promised and equip me for what he has in store for my life. I pray that you too will listen to what God is leading you to do in your life and let your light shine bright. What do you chose today? Doubt or Faith because you can't have both.
God Bless,
Nena
P.S. PLEASE comment after reading this and let me know what you choose!!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Is your guilt robbing you of a life?
Some of us live in the past. We let guilt destroy our present and our future. It holds us back from living the life we were created to live. We struggle, tell ourselves we are not worthy, we are not good enough, this is how we are being punished for our sin, when in reality Jesus gave his life for our sins. We have been forgiven but what we struggle with is forgiving ourselves. You are a child of God. You have been forgiven. "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new." Isaiah 43:18-19. God seeks to deliver us from guilt of the past and give us hope in the future. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 shows us what true love is and how our Heavenly Father loves us and there is NO mention of guilt. God lovingly reveals our sin to encourage us to acknowledge it and confess it so He can change us. Satan is the one who seeks to destroy us by replaying it over and over in the little voice inside our head. THAT IS NOT GOD!! God is the one showing you the truth and the light and the road map out of the darkness. His desire is to always lovingly steer us out of the darkness and in the direction of the light; His Grace. God doesn't condemn us for our sins. He will make us aware of sin but offer grace to continue on in righteousness. He won't bring up the past without pointing toward the future. When God speaks to us he will not heap judgement on us. His grace, love, and another chance is what he has for you. He has already undergone the punishment for our sin once and for all on the cross. So when you're beating yourself up with guilt and remorse just know that is Satan and he is trying to destroy you. You can stop him by surrendering to God and asking God for HIS help.
We only have the present. The past is gone there is NOTHING you can do to change it. No matter how long you beat yourself up or live in the past it will never change. The future isn't here yet and someday NEVER comes. You have today, right now, this moment. The choice you make right now is what is going to impact your future and what will be your past. It is the most significant choice of your life. Make it a good one. What will you choose? It will determine everything for you!!!
You are free; release your self imposed chains and start living the life God meant for you to live. Spread your joy and love because the world needs it!!
God Bless,
Nena
We only have the present. The past is gone there is NOTHING you can do to change it. No matter how long you beat yourself up or live in the past it will never change. The future isn't here yet and someday NEVER comes. You have today, right now, this moment. The choice you make right now is what is going to impact your future and what will be your past. It is the most significant choice of your life. Make it a good one. What will you choose? It will determine everything for you!!!
You are free; release your self imposed chains and start living the life God meant for you to live. Spread your joy and love because the world needs it!!
God Bless,
Nena
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
I LOVE PEOPLE!!
Over the last three years as I've been on this journey of self discovery I have reconnected with myself on many new levels. The me I was born to be, the person God created me to be. When I started this journey I truly had no idea who I was anymore. I had spent so many years trying to please others and worrying about what they would think that I lost who I was created to be. I didn't even have a clue of what I enjoyed doing anymore or what would make me happy! I have made many discoveries about myself and just this week had a big ah-ha moment. I realized something that has been buried for years. I LOVE PEOPLE! I love talking to them, hearing their story, inspiring them to believe in themselves, empowering them and letting them know the greatness they have within them! People are very special to me and when I look at a person I see possibilities, hope, and all that they are and can be...What is possible!! I always say I've never met a child in my classroom that I didn't love after hearing their story. Once I know where a child is coming from I can empathize with their journey and have compassion. I now understand, for me, that's the way I feel about everyone; once I know where their coming from I understand and have compassion for their journey.
Many of us dream of a life we will have one day in the future and we may even say Someday I will ...but their inner voice, the one that plays in our head everyday all day long, tells them: you aren't smart enough, you don't have enough money, you're just a dreamer, your to lazy, your to selfish, and on and on; is holding them back. Here's the deal with the inner voice: IT ISN'T TRUE! It's all the things that have happened in your life holding you back. I believe it is Satan's way of keeping you from living the great life God has intended you to live. This little voice is holding you back. I know you can do anything you want to do. You just need to surrender to God and ask for His help then believe He will answer. I know you can do it all you need to do is believe in yourself as much as Jesus does. That's what we all want is to believe and live the life we were born to live.
I love listening to peoples' dreams and then helping them figure out that it is possible for them to have the life they dream of. By sharing my journey and how I have conquered some of my issues I can show them that it is possible and how they can make changes in their life to make their dream a reality. It is the absolute greatest feeling in the world seeing their faces light up when they realize that what they thought was a far away dream is actually possible for them! Empowering others is the greatest gift! Who can you pour greatness into today? Make sure to start with yourself!
God Bless,
Nena
Many of us dream of a life we will have one day in the future and we may even say Someday I will ...but their inner voice, the one that plays in our head everyday all day long, tells them: you aren't smart enough, you don't have enough money, you're just a dreamer, your to lazy, your to selfish, and on and on; is holding them back. Here's the deal with the inner voice: IT ISN'T TRUE! It's all the things that have happened in your life holding you back. I believe it is Satan's way of keeping you from living the great life God has intended you to live. This little voice is holding you back. I know you can do anything you want to do. You just need to surrender to God and ask for His help then believe He will answer. I know you can do it all you need to do is believe in yourself as much as Jesus does. That's what we all want is to believe and live the life we were born to live.
I love listening to peoples' dreams and then helping them figure out that it is possible for them to have the life they dream of. By sharing my journey and how I have conquered some of my issues I can show them that it is possible and how they can make changes in their life to make their dream a reality. It is the absolute greatest feeling in the world seeing their faces light up when they realize that what they thought was a far away dream is actually possible for them! Empowering others is the greatest gift! Who can you pour greatness into today? Make sure to start with yourself!
God Bless,
Nena
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
I will pay all your bills for 12 months!!
If someone told you they would pay all of your bills for the next 12 months and you could do whatever you wanted, pursue any dream you have what would you do? What would your life look like? So many of us don't have a clear answer to this question because we don't think this way. We do what we've been taught to do. We try to please our parents, our spouse, our children, our boss, or we worry about what others think of us, etc. What does the little voice inside your head say? What is that one crazy thing that you've always wanted to do but haven't had the courage or belief that you can do it?
I didn't go to college straight out of high school because I was brought up with the belief that you had to get straight A's to go to college and my parents let me know they couldn't afford to pay for college so I went straight to work because that was what the expectation was. At that time, I wanted to be an attorney. I didn't even go on the senior trip, overnight to Disneyland. I literally graduated one night and went to work the following morning at 8 a.m. I worked for several years then got married and had two beautiful babies. I still had the dream of going to college and being the first person in my family to earn a degree but it was much more difficult now with a family so I decided I was too old. Then one day I heard a woman on TV say that whatever age you are it isn't too old to do what you want to do! She asked where will you be in five years? You will be five years older. No way to stop that so the decision is do you want to be 5 years older without what you truly want or 5 years older and have what you truly want? That made me stop and think. I am going to get older whether I earn a degree or not so I might as well get my degree. At this time my girls were 1 and 3. I was working full time at a job I HATED but I made more money than my husband and had free medical insurance for the entire family so I didn't feel like I could quit. I spoke with my husband and he said...quit your job! We'll figure it out. You talk about petrified I WAS!! I was the responsible, sensible, follow the rules girl. I couldn't just quit my job. What would my parents and grandparents say? Long story short I quit my job. I threw a newspaper everyday 365 days a year for two years. I got up everyday at 2 a.m. to drive to get the newspapers, then put them together and threw them to 355+ houses. If I was lucky when I arrived back home the girls would still be asleep and I could get another hour or two of sleep. While my husband was working I would take care of the girls and do my homework. When my husband walked in the door I left to go to class. I went to school 4 to 5 nights a week depending on the semester. I went year round and some semesters had 22 credits. I went both summer sessions. I completed 112 credits in two years including 16 weeks of student teaching and graduated with a 3.6 GPA, which upset me because honors was a 3.7 GPA, but I finished! During this time I had many personal issues surface, including the death of my beloved grandpa, who I helped for many months while he was very ill, but I kept moving forward with tunnel vision and my eye on the goal!
I share this story so that you will know YES it is possible to turn your dreams into reality. It is possible to make a plan and stick to it even when challenges come up. It is possible to maneuver through life and take one day at a time, one issue at a time and overcome all the obstacles that come your way and still be successful.
Back to your dream...is your dream to be where you are today? GREAT!! If not, why are you doing what you're doing? Because of what someone thinks? because of how someone will perceive you? because you were raised to believe that's what you are suppose to do? If you are living a life that you are not passionate about then you need to stop!! You are not doing yourself, or anyone else including your family, a favor. The only thing guaranteed in this life is that we will get older, if we're lucky enough to not have our life cut short. Do you really just want to check off the days between now and death without living your passion. You don't get a do over. Dare to dream...dare to challenge yourself to put yourself out there and TRUST and BELIEVE that there is a plan far greater than what you know right now. YOU ARE MEANT to live the life of your dreams.
Make a plan and follow your dreams.
God Bless,
Nena
PS If you need help or ideas on how to achieve your goals please comment below or email me at nena@getoffthescale.com and I will be happy to help you!
#getoffthescales #lifeoffreedom #dream
I didn't go to college straight out of high school because I was brought up with the belief that you had to get straight A's to go to college and my parents let me know they couldn't afford to pay for college so I went straight to work because that was what the expectation was. At that time, I wanted to be an attorney. I didn't even go on the senior trip, overnight to Disneyland. I literally graduated one night and went to work the following morning at 8 a.m. I worked for several years then got married and had two beautiful babies. I still had the dream of going to college and being the first person in my family to earn a degree but it was much more difficult now with a family so I decided I was too old. Then one day I heard a woman on TV say that whatever age you are it isn't too old to do what you want to do! She asked where will you be in five years? You will be five years older. No way to stop that so the decision is do you want to be 5 years older without what you truly want or 5 years older and have what you truly want? That made me stop and think. I am going to get older whether I earn a degree or not so I might as well get my degree. At this time my girls were 1 and 3. I was working full time at a job I HATED but I made more money than my husband and had free medical insurance for the entire family so I didn't feel like I could quit. I spoke with my husband and he said...quit your job! We'll figure it out. You talk about petrified I WAS!! I was the responsible, sensible, follow the rules girl. I couldn't just quit my job. What would my parents and grandparents say? Long story short I quit my job. I threw a newspaper everyday 365 days a year for two years. I got up everyday at 2 a.m. to drive to get the newspapers, then put them together and threw them to 355+ houses. If I was lucky when I arrived back home the girls would still be asleep and I could get another hour or two of sleep. While my husband was working I would take care of the girls and do my homework. When my husband walked in the door I left to go to class. I went to school 4 to 5 nights a week depending on the semester. I went year round and some semesters had 22 credits. I went both summer sessions. I completed 112 credits in two years including 16 weeks of student teaching and graduated with a 3.6 GPA, which upset me because honors was a 3.7 GPA, but I finished! During this time I had many personal issues surface, including the death of my beloved grandpa, who I helped for many months while he was very ill, but I kept moving forward with tunnel vision and my eye on the goal!
I share this story so that you will know YES it is possible to turn your dreams into reality. It is possible to make a plan and stick to it even when challenges come up. It is possible to maneuver through life and take one day at a time, one issue at a time and overcome all the obstacles that come your way and still be successful.
Back to your dream...is your dream to be where you are today? GREAT!! If not, why are you doing what you're doing? Because of what someone thinks? because of how someone will perceive you? because you were raised to believe that's what you are suppose to do? If you are living a life that you are not passionate about then you need to stop!! You are not doing yourself, or anyone else including your family, a favor. The only thing guaranteed in this life is that we will get older, if we're lucky enough to not have our life cut short. Do you really just want to check off the days between now and death without living your passion. You don't get a do over. Dare to dream...dare to challenge yourself to put yourself out there and TRUST and BELIEVE that there is a plan far greater than what you know right now. YOU ARE MEANT to live the life of your dreams.
Make a plan and follow your dreams.
God Bless,
Nena
PS If you need help or ideas on how to achieve your goals please comment below or email me at nena@getoffthescale.com and I will be happy to help you!
#getoffthescales #lifeoffreedom #dream
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Look up in the struggles!
Isn't it amazing how you can "decide" to open your bible to a certain book or just open it randomly and it is JUST what you need at the time? Even if it is a verse you have read before!! I am between Ladies Bible studies because one ended before the holidays and the next one starts later this month so I decided to start reading through Psalms and today this is part of what I read:
Psalm 3
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
Psalm 3
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
I (we) often face challenges and struggles in our everyday life. We must make choices about many things everyday. What to eat, how to manage our time, who to spend time with, what to do about money, children, our spouse, and the list goes on and on. Throughout this entire journey I have faced more obstacles than anyone can imagine. I have shared many...the loss of a business, my husband being hospitalized for depression, he started drinking and was issued a DUI, couldn't drive for a while, my unmarried 21 year old daughter became pregnant, we had to file bankruptcy, just to name a few.
As I have shared previously before I started this journey I stood in my kitchen, looking up to God, and said "God, if you will show me a way to be successful in conquering this weight problem, food addiction or what ever I have I promise to make my life a blessing to others." Throughout this entire journey now almost 3 years He has been with me every step of the way. I have faced far more challenges than ever before in my life. Just like scripture says when you start walking in faith Satan is the first one to show up but I have stayed focused on what God says, read his word, and made choices to honor Him. That is why this scripture is so dear to my heart. He IS a shield around me, when I call out he has helped me time and time again, when I lay down at night I sleep like a baby and if something is bothering me I turn it over to God and ask him to deal with it while I sleep. Tens of thousands assail me on every side almost daily but I give it to God and he carries the burden so I can focus on what I need to do. At times it isn't easy and I try to take it back and manage on my own but as soon as I start doing that I now realize what I am doing and immediately give it back and pray for strength and guidance to be able to walk in faith.
Whatever you are dealing with today God has equipped you with everything you need to handle it. You are ENOUGH! You CAN DO it! Ask Him for help with whatever you are facing today and He WILL provide.
God Bless,
Nena
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