Junk Mail

I had a couple dozen ideas that past through my mind this week about what to really focus on. This morning, as I was going through my inbox of emails I realized that I have more junk mail than anything of importance. Why have I not taken the time to "unsubscribe" to these pesky promotion emails that I receive on a daily basis?

I suppose I have not done so yet because I have a fear of missing out on that one deal that I can actually take advantage of, or maybe it's because even if I do, once I use the service again I'll be receiving those pesky emails once more. I know better, and should take the minute it takes to unsubscribe, but there they sit.

These emails bring me to a very basic life question, why allow all the junk? It's true. There's junk food in my pantry, there's junk mail sitting on my desk, there's junk that clutters my life in the form of false friends and drama. I'm like a mental and spiritual hoarder.

It should be easy to let go of the things that we don't need, don't use, or that hurt us, but it's not. I believe this all stems back to habits. We get use to daily occurrence that are annoyances, because  they are not bothersome enough to do anything about them. What we fail to realize is that this junk becomes toxic in our lives and we need to do something about it.

I want to get rid of as much junk from my life as possible. All the negative, toxic, and time sucking entities need to go so that I can focus on what is positive and healthy as well as spend time with those who are important in my life. Sounds great, right, so how do we do that?

Just Junk the Junk!

Start small and work you're way through some very easy steps.

1. When you are going through your emails and it's more of a nuisance to delete than read, maybe you should unsubscribe from the user - delete the junk! And if it's traditional mail, just shred it (or rip it up) and through it in the trash. If you set it down on your table or desk, there is a high likely hood it will just sit there and pile up.

2. Social Media in a frenzy? Maybe it's time to stop receive notifications of the pages you like or the friends that have nothing but negative things to post. You don't have to read it, just because it's posted. There is such a thing and TMI. And while on the subject of Social Media, remember, once it's out there...it's out there. Think before you post or you could be creating more junk than needed.

3. Do first things first. It's a simple concept that is neglected too many times a day. Make a list (yes...a list!) of your priorities. Make your list everyday with what you want to improve on in your life to get rid of the junk until it becomes your new habit.

Example: If you say you need to drink more water in a day, write it on your list and then set a reminder for yourself.

I am a believer in a simple life. When there is less to focus on that distracts you, then you can begin to focus on what really matters; your faith, your family and your goals.
 



~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Hindsight

It has been said that "Hindsight is 20/20". There are times that I think that hindsight should be blind. It is all too easy to look back on prior decisions and beat yourself up for the choices that you made and in turn this hinders you from making better choices in you immediate present and potential future. So how can we become blind to our hindsight?

I have been giving this much thought over the past few days and I have come up with a list that has helped me, and I hope will help you.

1. It's never too late to do what you have always wanted to do.

-I didn't finish college. I have wanted to go back for many years, but there was always a reason (really an excuse) for not going back. I made the decision to enroll and will begin with as many classes as I can this semester. Is it scary? If I am to be honest, yes, but I know this is what I want to do, need to do. I cannot let my past failure of not finishing take hold of my future anymore.

2. Forgiveness is for everyone.

-I'm not sure how to expand on this very simple truth. To harbor ill feelings towards someone causes so much turmoil. To ask for forgiveness and to forgive others who have hurt you will free you to move on in your life with a feeling of freedom that you otherwise will have missed.

3. It's okay if you stumble.

-When trying to change a habit, you will fail. Does this mean that you quit? NO! Dust yourself off and try again. Habit comes from the word habitual. So it will take time to change. Don't look back on your past self and think that you cannot change, because you can.

4. You can reflect back on your past, but you can't live in it.

-The number one reason people are afraid to change is because they live in their past. I did this for far too many years. So stop living in your past and focus on living in your present. Change can and will happen, one step at a time once you decide to stop looking in the rearview mirror and focus on the road ahead of you.

I hope you will be encouraged today. I hope you will fight for yourself. I hope that this little tidbit of insight will help.

~Peace & Blessings~
Jen

Standing Up

What does it mean to stand up for something? I recall a song that says "If you don't stand for what you believe in, you'll fall for anything." This couldn't be closer to the truth.

Yes, there is a danger for standing up for what you believe in. The danger includes, discrimination, judgment, persecution, ridicule and even death. It is not OK to kill someone because of their beliefs...NEVER, but it has happened time and time again throughout history. It saddens me that people commit terrible acts of violence to justify their stand or cause. Sickens me, actually. But this is what we deal with...daily.

I read a friends post on Facebook this morning about not understanding the violence. She says, "How do you explain these acts of hate to your children when they ask; 'Why does God let this happen?'"?

Is there a real...REAL answer. I suppose it depends on what you believe in. Here's the answer that I have.

Jesus says in John 15:20, "Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."

We are also warned in 2 Timothy 3:1; "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days."

Evil is real. We are forewarned of evil's destructive powers in 2 Peter 3:3, "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

Those who choose to follow THE Rabi to the best of their ability, and claim Christ as the Messiah and Savior WILL face troubling times, will be called out and be persecuted (even to death). The question is no longer what do you believe in (or not believe in), rather will you STAND for what you know is right and true.

The lines are being drawn, it's time to pick a side and stand firm. I choose to stand firm by loving others, listening and sharing God's truth rather than with hateful speech, intimidation or judging.

"Where love flows, hate cannot."

Peace & Blessings~
Jen