Being inspired...

"When you surrender, and stop resisting, and stop trying to change that which you cannot change... But be in the moment, be fully open to the blessings that you have already received, and those that are yet to come to you... And stand in that space of gratitude and honor, and claim that for yourself... And look at where you are, and how far you have come... And what you've gotten, and what you've accomplished, and who you are... When you can claim that, and see that... The literal vibration of your life will change. The vibration of your life will change." Oprah (7/13/10)

So everyone knows I'm a big Oprah fan and watch her show everyday. Well, it's summer and so her shows have been reruns except for yesterday's show. It was a new episode and actually a follow-up to a show she did earlier in the year. Most of it was geared toward women and weight issues and so I wasn't fully paying attention since I am a male and don't struggle too much with weight. However, in the last 5 minutes of the show, the above quote is what Oprah said. I sat there and listened and when she ended, the whole audience wanted to stand up because it was such a powerful statement. I actually did stand up in my living room (haha) because it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear and be reminded of in my own life. I immediately wrote it down and have read it over and over!

I have blogged about this before but a grateful spirit is one of the most powerful things that we can have. In my earlier post I talked about focusing too much on what I don't have instead of what I do have. Yesterday and today I have really focused on all the good things that God has blessed me with in my 34 years of living - and WOW I am so blessed and have a great life!! Family, friends, salvation, health, home, experiences, dreams and goals - the list goes on and on. I challenge everyone to start making a list of all the things in your life that you are grateful for - It will definitely change your outlook on life and the bad things won't seem near as bad.

I am a firm believer in the laws of attraction and it makes so much sense that if we continually focus on the negative aspects of our life - it's only going to attract more negativity. However, when we focus on the GOOD things and we are GRATEFUL - then that is only going to bring about MORE good things. It's all about our relationship to the Source - Our source being God and how our relationship with Him is what makes our life truly meaningful.

I'm not hear to promote Oprah (everyone has their opinion) but rather to promote gratefulness. I want my life to be used to make a positive difference in other people's lives and that is what my focus is as I pursue future goals in my life. What Oprah said yesterday was definitely used in my life as a motivation, challenge, and encouragement. I hope that these words do the same for anyone who reads this.

BE GRATEFUL!!!

Practicing what I preach

As many of you know, I am all about pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest. I do believe in the power of positive thinking, believing when you pray, and the laws of attraction. However, sometimes life does not happen as easy as we would like for it to, and it's during those minor moments of frustration that I am challenged to really live out what I believe. Things in my life are good and I do not have any major reason to complain - however, my life is not exactly where I would like for it to be right now and that causes frustration on my part. What I have been reminded of is that pursuing our goals and dreams requires work and at times persistance and that even during the slower times I must keep my energy focused on the end result. If I let myself get down or focus all of my attention on what is not happening - then I'm simply going to get more of that. I have also been reminded that focusing each day on all the things I do have to be grateful for, helps keep my priorities aligned and my mind focused on the right things. It's a test that we go through some times in life. And I have spent much of the last few months encouraging others to live out their lives more fully and to pursue their dreams, so it only makes sense that I would be challenged in my own life. So during this minor moment of frustration, I will hold to the promise that life is so good, that I am abundantly blessed in my life, and that God's plans for us are "to prosper us and give us a hope and a future."

The Journey

So I'm really excited to say that the book I wrote about my dad called The Journey is now available! It has been a long time in the making and it means a lot to see it in its completed form. Although I know that Dad was not the kind of man who wanted attention, I truly believe that his story is worth telling. The book was originally written for my family as a gift last Christmas. Then I had some friends read it and their comments motivated me to pursue getting the book out to the public. I worked with an editor and really saw all the time and work that it takes to get a book to completion.
I have already heard from people how my dad's story encourages them to live life to the fullest. That is such a testiment to his life. As stated in the book, his life could be looked at as ordinary, but to those who knew him, saw that he lived an extraordinary life. I am honored to do my part in encouraging others to do the same.
Writing a book has always been a goal of mine and to write about dad makes it such a meaningful way to accomplish this goal. I also hope that the book will challenge everyone who reads it to make the most of their journey and to be reminded that life is so good and that we should each strive to make the most of every day we are given.

I am selling the book independently right now and if you would like a copy, just send an email to: thejourneybook@gmail.com

It's been awhile...

I realized that it's been awhile since I've blogged. A lot has gone on and now is a good time to write. A couple of weeks ago, Nashville experienced major floods. It's been called a "once in a hundred years" flood. Although the area I live in was ok, there were thousands of people that were left with nothing. I have to admit that because I did not personally know someone directly affected it was a couple of days before I realized how much of an impact this had on the city. I have been able to volunteer some with the relief efforts and it is heart-breaking to hear some of their stories. This will definitely take long term efforts to rebuild but it has been amazing to see how the people of Nashville have joined together to help each other out. It is a strong reminder that life can change in a moment. However, through the bad it is still encouraging to know that so many people will come out of this stronger and grateful for what we do have.

Yesterday was 6 years ago that my dad passed away. Although time has allowed us to heal some and continue with our lives, May 12th is always a very hard day for me. This day always comes with mixed emotions. I am able to be thankful for what my dad means to me and how his life will always have a profound influence on my own, but that day also brings about a lot of sadness because of how much I miss him and wish that this was not our reality. I think about all the things that go on in our lives and how I would love for him to be a part of each moment. Dwelling on the whys are not healthy, but I believe even when our days are sad, it is part of the process and the tears are a reflection of the love we have for that person. I was reminded yesterday that May 12th means a lot of things to a lot of people, and for me it is a day that changed my life and even through the tears, I can find strength in the prayers and encouragement of others.

I am excited about about my next blog because it will talk about a project I have been working on that correlates with my dad's life and a dream I have had for awhile! Life is good.

A phenomenal life...

I went hiking today. I haven't done that in a long time and I didn't even realize there was this great place to hike only twenty minutes from my house! I love it because getting out in nature for me is a way to renew myself and a place to clear my head from all the distracting thoughts of life. This was true today as well. I am reading The Secret for the second time and one of the quotes in the book says, Life can be absolutely phenomenal, and it should be, and it will be. I have always strived for a full life and to pursue all that life has to offer. This year, I feel that with much more passion than before. I do believe in the laws of attraction and that what we put out into the world will come back to us. It makes sense that if we dwell on the negative or if we believe that we can't succeed, then that is what will happen. So why can't we dream big and believe that the impossible... is possible? A phenomenal life can be defined differently for everyone. I have accomplished a lot in 34 years and have what I believe is a very full, rich life. However, I am not satisfied, and there are much bigger things on my life's "to do list" that I want to work hard at seeing become a reality. I will save that for a different blog, but today I was reminded that to see it happen, I need to fully believe that it will happen. Having been unemployed now for two months, it is easy to become somewhat complacent, but today I was reminded that this is all part of the plan (that I probably "attracted" my unemployement). I know that when one door closes, another one opens and I have the chance now to really focus in on what life is about and what my reason is for being here. It's exciting and life is so good and I continue to give thanks for all the good things in my life. I want the phenomenal life not only for myself but for everyone else as well! All we have to do is believe. I am really glad I took that hike today.

My night did not go exactly as planned...

Everyone knows that in our journey, there are bumps in the road. Sometimes these things occur because of something we cannot control and sometimes these things occur because of our own stupidity. It seems like in my life, these things most often occur for that second reason. The most recent example being last night. I was ready to sit down and watch my Thursday night shows and decided that I would order take-out from Chili's. I get very excited about good food and good TV so this was going to be a great night! Well, my night did not go exactly as planned. I called and ordered my food and the guy said it would be ready in 15 minutes. Keep in mind, I was looking forward to my loaded nachos and side salad (they have a really good side salad at Chili's)! I got in my car and realized I was almost out of gas so I stopped at the Kroger gas station, happy as I could be because of the fun night I was having.

I need to give one piece of background information before I proceed. A little while back, my driver's side door broke. It won't open from the outside for whatever reason. So I have to open one of the other doors and open my door from the inside. No worries really because I can do it really fast now and will get it fixed one of these days.

Anyway, I pulled into the gas station, got out and just as I'm scanning my Kroger card, the wind slams my door shut! I immediately knew what had happened. I couldn't open my door and I saw my keys were still in the ignition. I tried every other door and they were all locked! I then saw my phone sitting in the car! I immediately went into that "panic, what am I going to do, Kevin you are so stupid, why God" mode! Well, it was a busy night at the Kroger gas station and cars were everywhere. Just as I was about to say something out loud, I heard a lady yelling at someone. She was furious because according to her, some guy had pulled into her spot after she had been waiting for way too long! Everyone seemed a little tense and frustrated so I decided not to say anything about what I had done just yet. I proceeded to fill my tank up and again, checked every door just to make sure, but it was hopeless. And then it hit me... I wouldn't be getting those loaded nachos or side salad anytime soon!

I went into Kroger to try and call a locksmith. At first no one could find a phone book, so I decided to use a payphone to call my wonderful and always helpful sister, Christy, and see if she would go online and find a locksmith and help her poor brother out. It rang and rang and no answer. I knew she wouldn't know the number calling and that meant she wouldn't answer the phone. (So, yes Christy.. that was me calling you!) The nice lady at the customer service desk found a phone book and I picked an ad in the yellow pages that sounded good and the locksmith said he would be there in about 30 minutes. Kroger was too far away from the gas station so I knew I needed to wait outside and keep watch for the locksmith.

Since I thought I was just running to Chili's and back I had simply thrown on some black running pants and a black hooded sweatshirt and thought nothing of it. However, as I was walking through Kroger I noticed myself in the mirror and saw that I looked more like a potential serial killer than just a nice guy. This was confirmed when I followed a mother and her child out of the store and the mother kept looking back at me like she was about to spray me down with pepper spray or something!

I waited outside and it was freezing cold! I put my hood up over my head, (which now screamed... this guy will mug you!) but I didn't care. I kept walking back and forth between Kroger and the gas station and finally saw a car pull up next to mine. I ran towards the gas station and the locksmith could tell I was so glad to see him! Of course, he had it unlocked in about 5 minutes and I told him he was my hero. It had been almost an hour since I left my house and I was so cold that all I wanted to do at this point was get home and get warm so I ended up not getting my food from Chili's; instead, I went with Burger King.

Life doesn't always go as planned, but today I laughed about what happened, how I looked, and how incredibly cold I was. It's all part of the journey! I think I might try again tonight for Chili's :)

Gratitude

One of the greatest things we can do in life is to live with gratitude. In the book, The Secret, it talks about the power of being grateful in life and how those two words... thank you... can ultimately change our lives for the better. It seems that there are always reasons to find complaints in life and if we aren't careful, we will give so much attention to the negative aspects that it will begin to consume our life. I do believe that what you put out into the world will come back to you. There is so much in life to be thankful for. There are family and friends, jobs and careers, our health, moments in life, and even that chocolate cake I got at Publix the other day that is delicious! When we focus on what is good and give thanks for that, it changes your perspective and it allows you to find even more in life to be grateful for. At the beginning of this year I started a Gratitude Journal. The goal is every night to write down 5 things I am thankful for about that day. Some days are easier than others, but as I continue doing it (and no, I don't get to it every night, but almost every night) it reminds me of how great life really is. Yes, there are hard times and there are bad things that happen in life that have to be dealt with but with this journal, I'm not giving too much energy to the bad, instead I am focused on the good. We are 6 weeks into the new year and there have already been challenges in my life, but when I look at what I am grateful for... it far outweighs the bad. I know that journaling is not for everyone, but I do encourage you to begin to say thank you throughout your day... whether it be to a family member, a friend, a situtation, or to God... I do guarantee that it will help us all in living extraordinary lives!