“Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.” Richard L. Evans

Happy Monday! 

Today is the first day of May. We have much to look forward to this month, with the National Day of Prayer this week, Mother’s Day coming, and Pentecost and Memorial Day just around the corner. So, basically, another busy month. Remember to plan some self-care time into your schedules to have the energy for all the festivities!

I was thinking about affirmations this week. So many of us are in curious stages of our lives with exciting choices to make. It can be a time when insecurities prevent us from moving forward in strength. But these days can also be times of great inspiration and growth when we remind ourselves of our gifts, talents, and innate character qualities.

I have an app on my phone that is programmed to send timely reminders of things that are true about me, and even when I don’t quite believe them, they capture my negative thoughts and help me choose more positive ideas on which to dwell. They help me get to a place where not only can I think more clearly, but I can make better choices because my thoughts aren’t tainted with harmful and toxic imaginings.

Some examples of positive affirmations are:

“I am capable of what I am willing to work for.”  Everyday Power

“I am becoming the best version of myself.”  Stevie M. Starks

“I focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t.”  Tulip and Sage

“This day is full of possibilities, and I will make the most of them.”  Your Tango

“I am worthy of love. I am worthy of healing. I am worthy of pride in my actions. I am worthy of greatness.”  Pinterest

My favorite affirmation this week appears below:

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros. No copyright infringement intended.

We all have to begin somewhere. Some of us weren’t encouraged as children and had to learn to do that for ourselves. Others had a pretty good start, but we’ve been discounted, overlooked, or limited in adulthood. But, as we heal and learn to overcome, we realize our limitless potential and become capable of making the getting there possible as we work to achieve our goals. And some of us find ourselves in a position to assist others in their journeys. That’s a cool place to be – watching others gain momentum as they become empowered to make positive life changes.

Here are a couple of Scripture references:

“See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has told you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Deuteronomy 1:21 (CSB)

“I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (CEV)

I love how the essence of these passages of Scripture is empowerment. We’re advised to be courageous, not discouraged. We’re instructed that the Lord will be in this with us and will do so wherever we go. He helps us in the getting there. We just have to begin where we find ourselves.

Take a step this week. Spend some time praying and meditating and making the most informed decisions possible. It may be scary, but do it anyway. Remind yourself that you have a great backup system with unlimited resources. Don’t be discouraged, and utilize positive affirmations to help you. I’ll caution you, though, to be ready for the great things that begin to happen!

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda