Today's conversation on "Our Daily Journey" was What does it mean to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind”?
To love the Lord your God with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind...to me..means that I let Him in, I am totally devoted to Him, and everything that I do is for HIM and His Glory. It means that I do nothing without considering Him, consulting Him, submitting to Him and being obedient to Him. He has my total attention, and my complete loyalty. I give God my first, my last and my only Praise in the waking hours. I desire and work daily to please Him.
When you love a person (romantically), who is made of flesh and blood, you let them in.
You wake up with that person on your mind, you think of them throughout the day, you go to bed thinking of them. You do nothing to deliberately hurt them, but rather you wonder, 'What can I do to make him or her happy?" You compliment them and take advantage of every opportunity to spend time with him or her, and you look forward to every encounter. You believe them, you trust them, you are loyal to them, you share the deepest parts of yourself with them and listen to them with sincere interest. But most of all, you create a bond. And you do whatever you can to make sure that your bond, your connection, remains strong and unbreakable.
How much MORE is my love for He that created me, He that saved me, He that comforts me? He that first loved me. My existence is not complete, without my Father God, my Lord and Savior Jesus, and my Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Devotion, as defined by Dictionary.com, is "profound dedication; earnest attachment to a cause, person".
That's what loving the Lord your God with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind means to me.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
'A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned' and Other Financial Lessons From the Past
(ARA) - If the recent financial turmoil has taught us anything, it's that maybe we should pay attention to the age-old sayings that our parents and grandparents passed on to us.
* Take it one day at a time ... the new reality for most Americans when it comes to financial recovery.
* Don't put all your eggs in one basket ... a poster child for diversification.
You get the idea. So keeping the "what's old is new again" mantra in mind, here are some famous sayings from generations before that could serve us well in 2010.
1. Don't cry over spilled milk. The recession is over and it is time to start putting the pieces back together. It might take awhile (patience is a virtue after all), but you need to start somewhere.
2. Save for a rainy day. Call it an emergency savings fund, rainy day fund, or what you will. The idea is simple, but changing your behavior is not. Money is easy to spend and there's no question that there is still plenty of "gotta have it now" in everyone. It's time to slow down on spending and start saving. Easier said than done?
"The key really is to get started saving anything," says Jill Aleshire, senior vice president and director of consumer banking for Thrivent Financial Bank. "Whether it is $20 a month, $20 a paycheck, whatever it is you can set aside, just get in the habit of saving. An emergency reserve goal should be the amount equal to at least three months income and preferably six months income."
Next, resist the temptation to raid your savings. While most Americans have plenty of credit card debt (and the issue needs to be addressed as part of your financial picture), resist the temptation to raid the savings to pay it all off immediately. Also, resist the desire to raid the savings for cash purchases. If you succumb, whenever the fund is used, the amount withdrawn should be replenished as soon as possible.
3. A penny saved is a penny earned. For an emergency savings fund, a standard savings account or money market account should meet your needs. However, thinking even longer-term, consider certificates of deposit (CDs). CDs help force you to commit your money for a period of time, so they can help you start to make your savings a more permanent habit. The money is not accessible for the term, but you will earn a higher rate of interest than a standard savings or money market account.
4. You're walking on thin ice. The economy got bad enough that some Americans had to sacrifice the standard financial protection they always took for granted. If you terminated your life insurance policy, now is the time to begin shopping around for a new one. It's hard to think about, but if something happened to you, would your family be able to maintain their current lifestyle? Could they stay in the house so the kids would not have to move and switch schools? The time to protect your family is now. And, you know what they say, never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.
5. Home is where the heart is. It's also where most of your equity probably is too. Look into home equity loans to help you consolidate debt and get back on your feet. Lending standards are now tighter, but banks want your business and will work with you to meet your needs.
8. Stop and smell the roses. We have all been through a lot the past couple of years, virtually none of us untouched by the financial turmoil. Perhaps your most important investment is time spent with family and friends. For more information, go to www.thrivent.com/marketing/savings.html or www.thrivent.com.
* Take it one day at a time ... the new reality for most Americans when it comes to financial recovery.
* Don't put all your eggs in one basket ... a poster child for diversification.
You get the idea. So keeping the "what's old is new again" mantra in mind, here are some famous sayings from generations before that could serve us well in 2010.
1. Don't cry over spilled milk. The recession is over and it is time to start putting the pieces back together. It might take awhile (patience is a virtue after all), but you need to start somewhere.
2. Save for a rainy day. Call it an emergency savings fund, rainy day fund, or what you will. The idea is simple, but changing your behavior is not. Money is easy to spend and there's no question that there is still plenty of "gotta have it now" in everyone. It's time to slow down on spending and start saving. Easier said than done?
"The key really is to get started saving anything," says Jill Aleshire, senior vice president and director of consumer banking for Thrivent Financial Bank. "Whether it is $20 a month, $20 a paycheck, whatever it is you can set aside, just get in the habit of saving. An emergency reserve goal should be the amount equal to at least three months income and preferably six months income."
Next, resist the temptation to raid your savings. While most Americans have plenty of credit card debt (and the issue needs to be addressed as part of your financial picture), resist the temptation to raid the savings to pay it all off immediately. Also, resist the desire to raid the savings for cash purchases. If you succumb, whenever the fund is used, the amount withdrawn should be replenished as soon as possible.
3. A penny saved is a penny earned. For an emergency savings fund, a standard savings account or money market account should meet your needs. However, thinking even longer-term, consider certificates of deposit (CDs). CDs help force you to commit your money for a period of time, so they can help you start to make your savings a more permanent habit. The money is not accessible for the term, but you will earn a higher rate of interest than a standard savings or money market account.
4. You're walking on thin ice. The economy got bad enough that some Americans had to sacrifice the standard financial protection they always took for granted. If you terminated your life insurance policy, now is the time to begin shopping around for a new one. It's hard to think about, but if something happened to you, would your family be able to maintain their current lifestyle? Could they stay in the house so the kids would not have to move and switch schools? The time to protect your family is now. And, you know what they say, never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.
5. Home is where the heart is. It's also where most of your equity probably is too. Look into home equity loans to help you consolidate debt and get back on your feet. Lending standards are now tighter, but banks want your business and will work with you to meet your needs. Also, first-time homebuyers still have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to the number of houses on the market, low interest rates, and the possibility of a nice first-time buyer tax credit. In addition, repeat homebuyers can get in on the tax credit action as well, whether they are downsizing or looking for more space. For more information on tax credits, go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.
6. Another day, another dollar. Unless you are sick as a dog. If you are fortunate enough to still be employed, you do not need to look far to see the financial impact of not having a regular income. While your savings should help protect you if you lose your job, what happens if you get sick or injured and cannot work for a period of time? Consider disability income insurance to help cover living expenses and protect your savings should that happen.
"Disability income insurance is designed to provide a monthly benefit to help cover your living expenses in case you become ill or injured and cannot work," says Bruce Fear, vice president of Protection Products and Solutions for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. "By setting aside a small portion of your salary - typically just 2 percent to 4 percent (of adjusted gross income) - you'll continue to receive a monthly income even if you do become disabled."
7. Lend a helping hand. Reach out to others in need through charitable giving and by volunteering your time and talents. There is plenty of need out there right now and every little bit helps.
Freelancing Can Be a 'Meat and Potatoes' or 'Whipped Cream' Job
(ARA) - "Graduates these days may find freelancing either as meat and potatoes or whipped cream for their professional diet," says career services director Mary Kate Robinson at The Art Institute of Houston. Freelancing either provides the sole compensation (meat and potatoes) by working for multiple employers for different projects, or it adds to existing employment compensation (whipped cream).
Some graduates choose to be self employed by using specific skills to pursue work without a long-term commitment to one employer. Why? Freelancers will have many clients bringing challenges, interesting experiences and even perhaps a touch of the unknown.
Sometimes freelance work may not provide a constant stream of income. In order to maintain continuity of revenue, freelancers must take on many roles such as business developer, implementer of design, consultant, networker and marketer to keep the revenue stream coming. The freelancer does not have a large support staff, so most of the roles that must be portrayed involve effective communication. Successful freelancers must constantly be networking/marketing and selling themselves, always in the process of searching for the next project.
Some of the best freelance job opportunities come from professional associations, alumni, teachers, postings from the career services department and just plain recognition/visibility in the community. In essence, freelancers are sharing their skill set by all forms of communication, ranging from verbal and nonverbal presentations, an interactive Web page exhibiting work with satisfied clients available for referral, handing out business cards at a chamber breakfast/lunch or other event, and - probably most importantly - always sharing the passion of their work with everyone.
After freelancers have attracted the initial attention of the potential client, certain areas need to be discussed and covered - generally in a written contract - stating employer expectations, a timeline for completion, materials to be included and compensation - which may either be an hourly rate or project based. Often the freelancer requests a deposit of up to 50 percent and final payment due upon employer approval and completion. Communication is clear and misunderstanding can be avoided with a thorough contract.
Interestingly enough, some freelance jobs have potential to become full-time job offers.
"I did a small project for a company designing a logo," says Tim Spencer, a recent Graphic Design graduate of The Art Institute of Houston, "which led to a full-time job offer with that company."
That is why, no matter what the size of the job, the freelancer should give 110 percent attention to time, talent and customer service as their next job may quickly come from a successful conclusion of a recent project.
After a designer or consultant builds a reputation, jobs may come more easily by referral, but in today's marketplace even a veteran freelancer has to be visible; freelancers are only as good as their last project. And generally that is what the employer remembers most.
"Make the most out of every opportunity -- whether it be your meat and potatoes or whipped cream -- it may lead to the next job," says Robinson. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.
Some graduates choose to be self employed by using specific skills to pursue work without a long-term commitment to one employer. Why? Freelancers will have many clients bringing challenges, interesting experiences and even perhaps a touch of the unknown.
Sometimes freelance work may not provide a constant stream of income. In order to maintain continuity of revenue, freelancers must take on many roles such as business developer, implementer of design, consultant, networker and marketer to keep the revenue stream coming. The freelancer does not have a large support staff, so most of the roles that must be portrayed involve effective communication. Successful freelancers must constantly be networking/marketing and selling themselves, always in the process of searching for the next project.
Some of the best freelance job opportunities come from professional associations, alumni, teachers, postings from the career services department and just plain recognition/visibility in the community. In essence, freelancers are sharing their skill set by all forms of communication, ranging from verbal and nonverbal presentations, an interactive Web page exhibiting work with satisfied clients available for referral, handing out business cards at a chamber breakfast/lunch or other event, and - probably most importantly - always sharing the passion of their work with everyone.
After freelancers have attracted the initial attention of the potential client, certain areas need to be discussed and covered - generally in a written contract - stating employer expectations, a timeline for completion, materials to be included and compensation - which may either be an hourly rate or project based. Often the freelancer requests a deposit of up to 50 percent and final payment due upon employer approval and completion. Communication is clear and misunderstanding can be avoided with a thorough contract.
Interestingly enough, some freelance jobs have potential to become full-time job offers.
"I did a small project for a company designing a logo," says Tim Spencer, a recent Graphic Design graduate of The Art Institute of Houston, "which led to a full-time job offer with that company."
That is why, no matter what the size of the job, the freelancer should give 110 percent attention to time, talent and customer service as their next job may quickly come from a successful conclusion of a recent project.
After a designer or consultant builds a reputation, jobs may come more easily by referral, but in today's marketplace even a veteran freelancer has to be visible; freelancers are only as good as their last project. And generally that is what the employer remembers most.
"Make the most out of every opportunity -- whether it be your meat and potatoes or whipped cream -- it may lead to the next job," says Robinson. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Five Easy Toning Exercises You Can Do Anywhere
Exercise is an important part of our lives. Staying in shape is one way to increase your life expectancy. Weight bearing exercises are important also for increasing muscle mass and bone density as you age.
Most of us have learned what to do when it comes to exercising. The problem is where and when to get the job done. With a busy lifestyle, making time for exercise is a challenge.
Weight bearing exercises aren’t just for bodybuilders. As you age, especially once you hit the age of forty, you begin to lose muscle mass. For women especially, bone loss becomes a problem. When the body is in need of calcium it can rob it from your bones. Building muscle not only increases their mass but your strength.
Here are five easy toning exercises that can be done anywhere and whenever you have time. At home, at the office, or on vacation, you can do these easy yet extremely effective exercises.
To your health and success!
Katrena Patterson
Most of us have learned what to do when it comes to exercising. The problem is where and when to get the job done. With a busy lifestyle, making time for exercise is a challenge.
Weight bearing exercises aren’t just for bodybuilders. As you age, especially once you hit the age of forty, you begin to lose muscle mass. For women especially, bone loss becomes a problem. When the body is in need of calcium it can rob it from your bones. Building muscle not only increases their mass but your strength.
Here are five easy toning exercises that can be done anywhere and whenever you have time. At home, at the office, or on vacation, you can do these easy yet extremely effective exercises.
- The Bridge Butt Lift – Sounds like a plastic surgery technique but it is an easy way to tone your buttocks. Lay down with feet flat on the floor, legs shoulder width apart. Place your hands, palm side down, on either side of your body. Pushing with your feet, squeeze your gluteal muscles and lift your butt off the floor. Hold the position for a count of five to ten and release down to the floor.
- Squats – Squats work the butt, the hamstring muscles and the quadriceps. If you aren’t sure of proper form, you can use a chair. Stand with feet shoulder width apart and feet firmly planted. Push your butt back as if you were preparing to sit in a chair. Keep your abs tight and your upper body straight. Once you reach chair level stop and hold the position for a count of two to five and release. At the lowest point, place all of your weight on your heels for balance and maximum toning.
- Reverse Lunges – Lunges work the quadriceps muscles. They can be hard for people with knee problems. A reverse lunge still tones the right muscle groups but with less pressure on the knee. Stand with feet together and arms at your sides. Take one leg and move it backwards until you are in lunge position: front leg bent at a 90 degree angle and back leg extended until you are on the ball of your foot. From this position lower yourself down until the back knee almost touches the floor. Hold for a count of two and return to starting position.
- Pushups – This is a classic toning exercise that works all areas of the arms plus the chest muscles. If you aren’t comfortable or strong enough to perform a pushup on your toes, lower your body to your knees. Be sure your arms are tucked into the body and your back straight as you lower and lift your body.
- Crunches – Abdominal muscles can be worked every day to build strength and muscle tone. Lying on the floor in sit up position, lace your fingers behind your head. Squeezing your abdominal muscles, lift your upper body until your lower back is about to come off the floor. Hold for two to five counts and return to starting position.
To your health and success!
Katrena Patterson
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
My Heart is In It
Today, we had three guests on the radio show, to talk about heart health and the prevention of heart disease.
Christina Crews from the American Heart Association, Dr. Deborah Witt from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and a young woman by the name of Ekeoma Ekeleme-Washington (pronounced AY-KO-MA AY-KA-LAY-MAY).
Ms Crews shared the mission, goals and some of the initiatives of the American Heart Association with us, Go Red for Women, Start!, Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Power to End Stroke.
Heart disease is not just a man's disease. It was interesting to note that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US. 1 in 3 women die every year, from some form of heart disease. Alarming, isn't it?
Dr. Witt talked with us about the risk factors and warning signs of heart attack and stroke, noting that we need to have detailed knowledge of our family history, and pay close attention to our bodies.
I asked Dr. Witt, what makes women different? Her response was that we are so busy taking care of everyone else, that we ignore our own needs. When we feel discomfort or fatique, we dismiss it and continue to care for everyone else.
I have to admit, I've been guilty of doing this myself. In the past, I've thought to myself, "I'll get to it, sooner or later." Am I the only one? My guess is NO.
Our third guest, Ekeoma, shared the story with us about how her 6 year-old daughter had suffered a stroke, and how the stress surrounding this landed her in the doctor's office with the diagnosis of high blood pressure. Oddly enough, Ekeoma has a family history of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Ekeoma, then 29 years old and 220 lbs, decided right then and there that she would NOT be another victim. Ekeoma made a conscious decision to start exercising and change her eating habits, all in an effort to lose weight and control her blood pressure. Her motivation: She wants to be around for her children, for a long as she can.
Wow.
I've been reflecting on this conversation for quite a few hours now, and it's my turn! I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters and a grandaughter that I love. And I want to be here for them for as long as I can. Besides that, I LOVE LIFE!
This means, I have to take better care of my body. I have to stop being so nonchalant about what I eat. There was a time, some years ago, when I deliberately walked two or three miles a day, just so I could get in the exercise. Now, not so much.
So today, I'm planning to change that. Will you do the same?
The American Heart Association has initiated a program entitled, "Life's Simple 7". It is a list of seven simple steps you can take to start living a healthier lifestyle. It's something you can do RIGHT NOW and it doesn't require a large sum of cash. These are everyday habits that you can adopt to stop heart disease before it starts. All you need is a goal, a plan and the desire to live better.
I've spent the last year and a half, talking about walking in my purpose and working on my vision. Well, I need to BE HERE in order to do that. And I've heard about heart disease before. But, now I've had an in-depth conversation about it and I am more aware and informed of the dangers of living carelessly with my body.
Now, my heart is in it.
Exceed Magazine with Katrena Patterson airs every Tuesday at 2PM (EST) on WNWR AM 1540. The show topic for this discussion was, "Heart Health and Heart Disease Prevention".
Click here to listen to the broadcast in its entirety.
Please visit the American Heart Association website at www.americanheart.org to get more information about what YOU can do to live a heart healthy lifestyle.
Peace and blessings,
Katrena Patterson
Christina Crews from the American Heart Association, Dr. Deborah Witt from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and a young woman by the name of Ekeoma Ekeleme-Washington (pronounced AY-KO-MA AY-KA-LAY-MAY).
Ms Crews shared the mission, goals and some of the initiatives of the American Heart Association with us, Go Red for Women, Start!, Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Power to End Stroke.
Heart disease is not just a man's disease. It was interesting to note that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US. 1 in 3 women die every year, from some form of heart disease. Alarming, isn't it?
Dr. Witt talked with us about the risk factors and warning signs of heart attack and stroke, noting that we need to have detailed knowledge of our family history, and pay close attention to our bodies.
I asked Dr. Witt, what makes women different? Her response was that we are so busy taking care of everyone else, that we ignore our own needs. When we feel discomfort or fatique, we dismiss it and continue to care for everyone else.
I have to admit, I've been guilty of doing this myself. In the past, I've thought to myself, "I'll get to it, sooner or later." Am I the only one? My guess is NO.
Our third guest, Ekeoma, shared the story with us about how her 6 year-old daughter had suffered a stroke, and how the stress surrounding this landed her in the doctor's office with the diagnosis of high blood pressure. Oddly enough, Ekeoma has a family history of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Ekeoma, then 29 years old and 220 lbs, decided right then and there that she would NOT be another victim. Ekeoma made a conscious decision to start exercising and change her eating habits, all in an effort to lose weight and control her blood pressure. Her motivation: She wants to be around for her children, for a long as she can.
Wow.
I've been reflecting on this conversation for quite a few hours now, and it's my turn! I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters and a grandaughter that I love. And I want to be here for them for as long as I can. Besides that, I LOVE LIFE!
This means, I have to take better care of my body. I have to stop being so nonchalant about what I eat. There was a time, some years ago, when I deliberately walked two or three miles a day, just so I could get in the exercise. Now, not so much.
So today, I'm planning to change that. Will you do the same?
The American Heart Association has initiated a program entitled, "Life's Simple 7". It is a list of seven simple steps you can take to start living a healthier lifestyle. It's something you can do RIGHT NOW and it doesn't require a large sum of cash. These are everyday habits that you can adopt to stop heart disease before it starts. All you need is a goal, a plan and the desire to live better.
I've spent the last year and a half, talking about walking in my purpose and working on my vision. Well, I need to BE HERE in order to do that. And I've heard about heart disease before. But, now I've had an in-depth conversation about it and I am more aware and informed of the dangers of living carelessly with my body.
Now, my heart is in it.
Exceed Magazine with Katrena Patterson airs every Tuesday at 2PM (EST) on WNWR AM 1540. The show topic for this discussion was, "Heart Health and Heart Disease Prevention".
Click here to listen to the broadcast in its entirety.
Please visit the American Heart Association website at www.americanheart.org to get more information about what YOU can do to live a heart healthy lifestyle.
Peace and blessings,
Katrena Patterson
Monday, February 15, 2010
This is a Brand New Day!
Children occasionally say remarkable and insightful things. I recall a conversation with my 14 year-old daughter, in which she asked me if we could go to one of her favorite stores to pick up some things.
A little short on cash, I informed her that it would have to wait until my
resources were a "little more plentiful". "Awww...okay." She replied.
The following day, immediately following church service, she asked, "Can we go to the store today?"
Shaking my head, I looked at her and said, "We just did this yesterday,
remember?"
Smiling back at me with the vibrant energy of a eight-year-old on Christmas morning, she replied, "Yeah. That was yesterday. THIS is a brand new day!"
I was suddenly overwhelmed with the feeling of joy and, utter awe. She said it with such expectancy. Smiling back at her, I could only respond to that by saying, 'I LOVE IT!!!"
What a great perspective to have. This is a brand new day!
In my daughter's mind, whatever happened the day before, however disappointing, was irrelevant. She had not yet received the thing that she wanted, so with this new day she saw a new opportunity to pursue it, and she would persist until she got it.
What if we all woke up with this outlook each day? It's easy to get discouraged when we make an effort to get something and we don't reach the desired outcome on the first try. Sometimes our vision is blurred by
distraction or discouragement. Staying the course when the results do not seem to be coming, can be extremely challenging. But even then, you must not give up when you are pursuing a goal. Stay positive. Your mental attitude toward your situation is very important. If you envision the possibilities, you will be better able to focus on the opportunities that are present during setbacks or delays. Continue on taking action daily toward your dreams and goals. Look ahead in the future and stay in pursuit.
Everyone does not share my passion for my dream, so I’ve heard the word, “No” on numerous occasions. Needless to say, I’ve experienced some setbacks, but this conversation with my daughter was a great reminder for me to keep at my goals, intentions and dreams. Even when I see disappointment or delays, I have to look at each day as if it were a new opportunity. After all, this is a brand new day!
In the end my daughter's persistence paid off, just before I started writing this message, I glanced into her room to see that she's thoroughly enjoying her gift.
Peace and blessings,
Katrena Patterson
A little short on cash, I informed her that it would have to wait until my
resources were a "little more plentiful". "Awww...okay." She replied.
The following day, immediately following church service, she asked, "Can we go to the store today?"
Shaking my head, I looked at her and said, "We just did this yesterday,
remember?"
Smiling back at me with the vibrant energy of a eight-year-old on Christmas morning, she replied, "Yeah. That was yesterday. THIS is a brand new day!"
I was suddenly overwhelmed with the feeling of joy and, utter awe. She said it with such expectancy. Smiling back at her, I could only respond to that by saying, 'I LOVE IT!!!"
What a great perspective to have. This is a brand new day!
In my daughter's mind, whatever happened the day before, however disappointing, was irrelevant. She had not yet received the thing that she wanted, so with this new day she saw a new opportunity to pursue it, and she would persist until she got it.
What if we all woke up with this outlook each day? It's easy to get discouraged when we make an effort to get something and we don't reach the desired outcome on the first try. Sometimes our vision is blurred by
distraction or discouragement. Staying the course when the results do not seem to be coming, can be extremely challenging. But even then, you must not give up when you are pursuing a goal. Stay positive. Your mental attitude toward your situation is very important. If you envision the possibilities, you will be better able to focus on the opportunities that are present during setbacks or delays. Continue on taking action daily toward your dreams and goals. Look ahead in the future and stay in pursuit.
Everyone does not share my passion for my dream, so I’ve heard the word, “No” on numerous occasions. Needless to say, I’ve experienced some setbacks, but this conversation with my daughter was a great reminder for me to keep at my goals, intentions and dreams. Even when I see disappointment or delays, I have to look at each day as if it were a new opportunity. After all, this is a brand new day!
In the end my daughter's persistence paid off, just before I started writing this message, I glanced into her room to see that she's thoroughly enjoying her gift.
Peace and blessings,
Katrena Patterson
Simply, Enjoy Life
The beginning of the year is always a great time to reflect on new beginnings and new goals. With all of the talk about goal setting and vision planning we forget the most important message. Simply, Enjoy Life.
Can you remember your childhood days? During those times, nothing yet seemed complicated – all we had to think about were crayons, cookies, or Santa Claus. We didn’t care about the things we didn’t know because we were just too oblivious of the things that might bother us.
But as we grow older, we get anxious with the things that surround us – life and death, loving and parting, success and failure, money and hardship, to name a few. We find that almost everyday, we are obliged to be concerned about people, circumstances or events.
If you miss those carefree days, you just have to look back at how you used to view things then, and you will know what to do now. Life will
always have its challenges, and there is NO way to avoid it but there are some things you can do to make sure you keep a healthy perspective...and peace of mind.
Cherish the simple things: Trust in the power of a smile or laughter, a kiss or a hug. Believe in love, peace, kindness, honesty, dreams, and imagination. Living positively is the first step to becoming happier and
being more productive.
Surround yourself with positive people and keep away from environments that drag you down. If that
high-paying job makes you sulk at the thought of having to go to work, find a career that aligns with your passion and grow with it.
Don’t push yourself too hard trying to please everyone. You just can’t. When you want to make somebody’s day, start with your loved ones.
Regular relaxation is essential for your wellbeing. Don’t forget to take the time out to relax and
re-charge. Designate a set time each day that you will spend relaxing. This will help to decrease your stress level, and help you to be much more productive and throughout the day.
Remember: Goals and plans will be there. But what good are they if you’re too mentally, emotionally and physically drained to work toward them? There has to be balance, so make it a part of your daily agenda. Happiness and peace of mind is always in your grasp. You can attain these things, AND reach your goals, as long as you know how. Simply, enjoy life.
To your success!
Katrena Patterson
Can you remember your childhood days? During those times, nothing yet seemed complicated – all we had to think about were crayons, cookies, or Santa Claus. We didn’t care about the things we didn’t know because we were just too oblivious of the things that might bother us.
But as we grow older, we get anxious with the things that surround us – life and death, loving and parting, success and failure, money and hardship, to name a few. We find that almost everyday, we are obliged to be concerned about people, circumstances or events.
If you miss those carefree days, you just have to look back at how you used to view things then, and you will know what to do now. Life will
always have its challenges, and there is NO way to avoid it but there are some things you can do to make sure you keep a healthy perspective...and peace of mind.
Cherish the simple things: Trust in the power of a smile or laughter, a kiss or a hug. Believe in love, peace, kindness, honesty, dreams, and imagination. Living positively is the first step to becoming happier and
being more productive.
Surround yourself with positive people and keep away from environments that drag you down. If that
high-paying job makes you sulk at the thought of having to go to work, find a career that aligns with your passion and grow with it.
Don’t push yourself too hard trying to please everyone. You just can’t. When you want to make somebody’s day, start with your loved ones.
Regular relaxation is essential for your wellbeing. Don’t forget to take the time out to relax and
re-charge. Designate a set time each day that you will spend relaxing. This will help to decrease your stress level, and help you to be much more productive and throughout the day.
Remember: Goals and plans will be there. But what good are they if you’re too mentally, emotionally and physically drained to work toward them? There has to be balance, so make it a part of your daily agenda. Happiness and peace of mind is always in your grasp. You can attain these things, AND reach your goals, as long as you know how. Simply, enjoy life.
To your success!
Katrena Patterson
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