Acts of Gratitude

Life can be a roller coaster of ups and downs.  The last several weeks of my life have exhibited the ride, not so much of exhilaration, more of a little of dispair.

Let’s face it, people will let you down.  Personally and professionally.  Not everyone has the same values that you have, that in part is what makes us all unique.  It can be very frustrating and even hurtful at times, but it is part of Life.

So someone  has let you down and not full filled their obligations to you …what do you  do? Dwell and let those moments consume you?  Do you find ways to make that person hurt or Pay Back?  An eye for an eye?

We have to remember that just because someone does not live up to their end of the deal, does not conduct themselves with integrity and honesty does not mean we have to waste our precious lives finding a way to ‘get even’.  It is said, that those who do wrong to others, it’s not our position to even the score. There are powers greater than ourselves to take care of that. Why waste your time on a negative situation?

Our purpose is to live meaningful, plentiful lives. We are born to be Joyful. We should focus on how our lives can enrich others by random Acts of Kindness and Gratitude. We should  live a life full of promise, integrity and purpose.

Focusing on Pay Backs will create nothing but resentment and anger in your life. Instead use your energy to Give Back. Be the example and role model for  others.

Give to others freely today.  While there are many who choose to do wrong, you have the opportunity each day…to Do the Right Thing.

Peace and Blessings to You!

Stacey

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Do you ever feel like there is too much noise that surrounds us?  A typical life can be defined as Demanding at best somedays!  We have obligations to our families, our careers.  Sometimes we miss out on the obligation of taking care of ourself as well.

From a personal perspective I have found that when we give it all to others and leave nothing for ourselves on a short term basis it will work.  On a long term basis it will hurt us, because we lose ourselves in everyone and everything else.

Take a moment to think…What would your life look like it you took time each day to take better care of you, mentally, physically, spiritually? Would you be happier, would you be more content, would you find more patience than you have today?

How would you feel if you took steps each day to work towards the dream that is alive in your heart? With all of our demands it’s sometimes difficult to have a moment to ourselves.  But what would one small step do for your heart, uplift your spirit?

Let me share with you two of the things I truly believe.  Thru Acts of Gratitude we can change the world by giving to others in need.  No matter how big or small the act is, we can enhance people’s lives.  I believe that what we receive in return is — more abundance  in our lives by the simple act of giving. It’s a double blessing. With that being said, for us to give our best to others, we have to be true to ourselves.  That means taking time for you. You matter!  We need to not only feel love and validated by others for the work and contributions we make, we also need to love and validate ourselves.

So what I am saying?  Take time to give back to others, that is part of purpose of being here in this beautiful world.  It is something that is engrained in all of us. People are natural givers we just sometimes miss that as a priority in our lives.  Also …Be True To You.  Mandate time for yourself. Reconnect if you need to mentally, spiritually, eat better, rest more.  Work on the passion, the drive, the hidden desire that may still be in your heart but the rest of the world needs to see.

When you take time to Be True To You, everyone wins.  You have more joy in your life and those you touch receive your blessings as well. You are Worth It!

Blessings,

Stacey

Would love to connect with you here as well:

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/_StaceyChapman

Facebook: http://bit.ly/cCSi4n

LinkedIn:  http://bit.ly/bKZGuu

When you acknowledge your today, and review yesterday you can see that each of the choices that you’ve made have taken you to your current destination.

Remember that even in the toughest times, even when we feel we have not made the best decisions or reacted in a manner in which we wish we could take back – - – all is not lost.  These times are a part of the bigger plan of our life.

We have to experience trial and tribulations.  That helps us grow, that is what makes us stronger.  That is what creates future success.

For me the biggest opportunity is when I learn if I had a mis step.  I try to take the time to analyze, “How could have I done things differently?  If faced with this again, what will my reaction be?” If you walk away with a sense of learning, sometimes the lesson is not quite as painful.

There are other times there is nothing you could have done to change a situation. It’s called ‘LIFE’.  Sometimes it is the hand that the great creator has given us.

Regardless of where you are in life, what you are succeeding or surviving in…

Remember this…

• Walk proudly

• Stand by Your Convictions

• Do Your Best

• Be Kind

• Accept responsibilty

• Learn from others

• Make decisions based on Fact and not Emotion

• Cherish Life

• Forgive

• Do Not Live in Anger or Resentment

• Love

• Never Give Up on Your Dreams

We are all here to serve a Purpose.   The decisions and choices you make today take you closer to the dream that is in your heart.  Don’t be afraid to move forward.

Peace and Blessings!

Stacey

Let the beauty we love become the good we do. ~Rumi

Let’s face it, Life can be…Life!

Challenging, frustrating. Life can bring a wave of emotions, anger, sadness, worry.

But with each day there is Beauty. Even on our toughest days there is Beauty to be found. Beauty to be discovered.

We sometimes get so caught up in the daily tasks of life we forget to see the essence, the miracles in everyday life.

Beauty in a Moment does not need to be an earth shattering revelation.

The Beauty about Living in the Moment is about being present. It can be as simple as a child’s smile, a bird singing, a hearty laugh.

Sometimes we are so busy hoping, dreaming and planning for the big events in our life we miss the precious Beauty of the Moments that truly shape our lives. These simple moments can be just as meaningful.

Thru Acts of Gratitude you give back to yourself by being present in the Moment. You give to others by helping them see the Beauty in the Moment as well.

Live Abundantly, Give Freely and and remember there is Beauty in a Moment.

Stacey

For I know that our souls are beautiful.

The outside appearance can be stunning.

The inside appearance speaks from the heart…

• Who You Are

• What You Stand For

• Who You Will Become

We have been given this beautiful soul.

Do we cherish it as much as our outward shell?

For when the soul leaves the body and soars high into the sky and heavens what have you left behind?

Not the superficial outward appearance, not all of the possessions that money has bought.

What is left, what is remembered is our soul.  How we made others feel, what we gave to others.

The most beautiful people are those Who Live Inside Out.

~Peace and Love

Stacey

I believe that we are sent signs on a daily basis of what direction our life should take. They say for every indecision or decision taken, continues us on our existing path or on to a new adventure.

I started out my day yesterday with an outlook of what tasks needed to be completed for the day, how I was going to keep myself and my family on schedule? How was I going to fit that workout at the gym in and what were we going to have for dinner tonight? All important things, all things that need to be attended to – but are they really part of the big picture of life?

During the morning I recieved news from a friend of mine.  A colleague that I worked with several years ago had passed away the prior evening.  She had been struggling with cancer for quite awhile.  I remember seeing her in the doctor’s office and she shared with me that she had been ill and I was at the doctor’s to confirm the pregnancy of my second child. I remember thinking that since we were close in age that I could have easily been in her situation. I also realized how blessed I was to be healthy and bringing new life into the world.

I have been following a story of a young girl who is 8yrs old and has Stage 4 Cancer. Her mother has faithfully shared her story thru Caring Bridge and Twitter.  This child is such a  courgeaous girl and her family has such a strong faith and has fought this battle so hard.  Yesterday this mother had posted that her young, beautiful child is preparing to receive her angel wings and move on to the heavens.

I heard about both of these happenings within 30 minutes of each other. My heart has been filled with sorrow and prayer for those families since hearing the news.

My heart is also filled with something else…HOPE.

Hope that these beautiful souls will be at peace and without pain.

Hope that we will be reminded each and every day the beauty and preciousness of  being alive should not be taken for granted.

Hope that the ones we love and truly care about  – we extend our love to them each and every day.

Hope that the dream in your heart, your calling in life that is waiting to be answered; you take a step forward to reach your goal.

My Hope for you is Happiness, Joy and that You Live Each Day Without Regret.

Life is too Precious, the Journey is Too Short.

Live and Love,

Stacey

I truly believe that everyone has a purpose and calling in life. Everyone. I think the difference is that there are people who not only hear the call but  answer the call. Others hear the call but continually let it go to voice mail.

For some people it’s easier and maybe more natural to get out there and make their dreams become a reality, they have the drive, the ambition, the passion, the right mindset to make it happen.

For others it’s a struggle some days to exist, to function even for themselves and their families. They can’t imagine living another life for they are so consumed with all of the unhappiness they live in their current situation. The dream they have in their heart is barely beating.

If you are struggling, now is the time to make a change. Life is too short. If the circumstances in your life are not serving you well, change your circumstances. Whatever messages that have been spoken to you in the past or told to you presently that are not positive and supportive, dismiss.  Negative words can only hurt you if you let it. Words have the meaning we give to them. When others speak badly to you or about you, it’s usually about their inadequacies not yours.  Some people find it necessary to tear others down because somehow it makes them feel better, more superior. Don’t let them have that control over your life, walk away.

Instead, focus on the beauty of you.  The beauty of you as a human being, what you believe, the convictions in your heart, how you don’t just exist in this world, you contribute to the greater good to everyone you touch. Everyday wake up with the perspective that all that you are and all that you search to become will happen. It is happening!

The dream in your heart that is barely beating, work everyday to make it stronger. Search your soul, find the passion that is buried deep within you. Believe that your passion needs to be shared with the world. Seek resources and people that can help your dream become a reality. It may be scary sometimes and you may doubt yourself, but keep moving forward. Some days you may only be able to take tiny steps. That is ok.  As long as you are moving forward you will never go back.

I use this analogy often.  When I am sitting in my rocking chair at age 99 and reflecting on my life I want to have lived without  regrets. I want to sit there and smile and say that I have done everything I wanted to do in my life. I have touched the world with my message, had beautiful, meaningful relationships. I have reached out and helped others in need.  I have created a beautiful life for my children and instilled values that made them want to live the dream that is within their hearts.

I want this for you too, to live without regrets. So the next time you hear your calling answer the call…turn off the voice mail.

Love and Light,

Stacey

I enjoy early mornings and find my most productive hours for thinking, creating, catching up, is when the birds start to sing. First on the list is email catch up with a cup of coffee.  Recently, I received an email from someone  I was helping with a new employment venture.  She was very frustrated by some circumstances that had taken place.  It was one of those sit back in your chair emails.  My first reaction was, ‘WOW, here I am trying to help this person and what… an email that has flames of anger all around it!’

My first reaction is probably typical for most people-to take it personally.  As I re-read the email several times I was becoming more frustrated  and I knew that reacting at this point and responding to the email was not the right thing to do.

I took a few deep breaths, and it occurred to me –Why was I taking this personally?  Up to this point I had done everything within in my power to secure a position for this person and supply her with the means to be successful.  I am contributing to the greater good so why do I feel bad?

I am sure in part it is due to my sensitive nature. I refocused and  made the decision that this situation and the frustration of that person was not going to ruin my mood and positive outlook on the day.

It is so easy to get caught up in other people’s ‘drama’ and let their situations become yours which can easily translate to their attitude becomes your attitude.

The great thing is we have a choice. We can remain positive and upbeat about any situation that encounters our day.  We don’t have to buy into the negative attitudes of others.

My definition of a Positive Attitude is your outlook towards your life. Whatever obstacles you encounter, dilemmas that face your day, take a moment and understand the impact it has on your life and others around you.  Ask yourself …is this a crisis or something that can be easily resolved? Is this something that even needs to be addressed or am I overreacting?  Is someone that you interact with, in a mood or being negative? Walk away, or if you can’t (maybe it’s at your job) – send yourself a mental affirmation that “Negative attitudes will not ruin my focus”. Having a Positive Attitude to me is staying focused on the Goal – what you want to accomplish.  Adversity finds us everyday, but it’s our choice how we value those difficulties and what impact they have on our attitude.

The person who benefits the most from a Positive Attitude is you. Having a Positive Attitude means that you take on challenges. Challenges equal opportunities which equals growth. Growth is part of how we move forward with our lives and prosper in our dreams.

Our Positive Attitude becomes an Act of Gratitude  by setting the example for others. Isn’t it easier to be around someone who is always looking forward and taking positive steps in their life? Be that presence for others. Situations can get us down, but we don’t have to stay down, we can get back up.

“The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind.”

~ Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Value your Positive Attitude!

Stacey

Two of the many things that I love to do is Travel and Shop.  I was traveling for business several months ago and stayed at a hotel where they had several lovely shops for me to browse.  As I was looking at the jewelry, there was a bracelet that stood out – it had the word “Faith” engraved in it.  The bracelet was rather simple in style but the word resonated with me.  It was one of my great finds on that trip.

When I returned home I put the bracelet away with my other jewelry.  One day I was searching for a pair of earrings on what seemed to be a day of frenzy and the bracelet seemed to pop out at me as to say, ‘Hey don’t forget about me!’ I thought, yes I think I could use all the Faith I can get!

Faith can mean different things to everyone.  Faith can be about spirituality and your beliefs in a higher power.  Faith can be what you believe in others and their abilities and commitments to you.

A bigger, a significant part is Having Faith in Yourself.

What you believe about yourself, what messages you tell yourself either directly or indirectly thru thought is so relevant to your being.  If you speak negativity or don’t believe in yourself  you will miss out on a full life, guaranteed.

Having Faith in Yourself means that no matter what obstacle you face, what struggle you encounter you believe you will come thru.  Having Faith means the negative may face you in this moment but it won’t be here for long because you are working towards resolution and the upside to the situation.  Having Faith means you stand tall in times of adversity and know that giving up is not an option.  Having Faith means that when you are feeling the lowest there is someone there to help carry you thru.  Having Faith means you surround yourself with the best of people and have the strongest convictions in your heart.

I truly believe  that some of the hardest, most challenging times of my life I conquered largely due to my Faith. My Faith in myself, the Faith that others bestowed upon me. Faith has given me determination to not give up in times I wanted to walk away.  Faith has given me peace in my heart in times of struggle. Without my Faith I don’t believe I would be working on my life purpose and sharing these words with you today.

It’s also important to remember to give back to others thru Faith. Having Faith in others is an Act of Gratitude. It’s hard sometimes to give Faith to others, especially when you may think the path they are taking is not the best for them. Keep giving to those who struggle, your kindness, your support and your words of Faith will help them prosper.

That day when I returned home from my busy afternoon I went to take off my bracelet, I looked at it for a moment and thought – my Faith kept  me centered. Instead of putting the bracelet back into the jewelry box I put it on my desk.  It’s a nice reminder for me when I lose my focus.  Never to lose my ‘Faith’.

Faith is a beautiful thing, keep it strong in your heart.  Keep it first place with others as well.

Blessings to You!

Stacey

Recently, I had a great opportunity  to attend a seminar and listen to inspiring leaders speak about how to improve, better our lives.  One of the exercises was to sit with your eyes closed and reflect for a moment on who in your life has inspired you, supported you, helped you move towards your dreams.

As I was reflecting it didn’t take me much more than a moment for my grandfather to come into my mind.  He was a remarkable man, rather quiet and reserved in one sense, but it was how he carried himself and how he made others feel in his presence that was memorable.  I attended church with he and my grandmother for many years growing up and his faith and beliefs help set a foundation for me. He made others feel as if they mattered and they were worthy. My grandfather lived very simply in the monetary sense but lived richly with his actions.  He had kindness in his words, a pat of the shoulder or extended a caring hand when needed. I recall shortly before he passed away sitting at his kitchen table, I had been offered a great job opportunity and I was so excited to share the details with him.  We had coffee and danish and he listened to me intently as I beamed with enthusiasm.  When I finally took  a breath he said to me with a huge smile and  a quiet voice.  ’I knew that you would always do something great with your life.  I am so proud of you.’

It is amazing that after many years have passed this vision is crystal clear in my mind. There is not a day that passes by that I don’t think about my grandfather and what a wonderful example of a person he was inside and out. My grandfather is one person who inspires me to be better each day in all of my actions and with everyone I encounter.

When we have people such as this, singing praises into our minds, in our hearts, we can not go wrong.  For the simplest of words can steer us down the path of discovering our purpose, growing our vision, living the life we were meant to live.

We should always surround ourselves with the best of people.  Those who support our mission and our dreams in life should be held very close and dear to us.  These key people will help us in times of our greatest struggles and celebrate our biggest  victories. Cherish these beautiful people in your life and let them know how important they are to you.

The other piece is be a source of inspiration for others.  Be a support system. Lend a hand to those on a path of greatness and mentor them with the skills and talents you possess.  There also may be others who pass your stream that may be on the wrong path and need a gentle hand and firm approach to return them to their journey of greatness.

What we give today matters.  It could make the difference in someone pushing forward and  pursing greatness.  In return you will receive great abundance. The satisfaction of knowing that the message you put into someone’s heart will last forever. Knowing that someone else believes, stays with you. Be a source of inspiration.

‘When we give freely we will in return receive abundantly.’  ~Stacey Chapman