Forgiveness is a choice

Did you really read the title of this post?  Read it again, please.  You read it correctly!  Forgiveness is a choice.  You decide whether to forgive or not.  You have the power to choose forgiveness.  If you’re still holding grudges it’s because you want to.  You feel powerful when you’re holding a real or perceived “wrong” over someone’s head.  There’s a problem with holding a grudge though.  When you don’t forgive, you’ll never be forgiven, and being unforgiven is burdensome.

For a long time, I blamed my mother for many of my life’s problems.  I thought it was her fault and her fault alone.  Man, was I wrong!  It took some time, but I began the process of forgiving my mother.  I now realize she did the best she could with the coping skills she had developed at the time.  Today, my mother and I are in a much better place.  No relationship has rebounded faster over a span of twelve years.  At one point, I truly hated my mother, now after going down the path of forgiveness, I talk to my mother at least two to 4 times a week.  Yes, we are still having those uncomfortable conversations, but it takes us a step closer to healing.  You have to be willing to feel the pain in order to process deep feelings.  The thoughts that once harmed you can be replaced with positive thoughts that give you energy and life.

Below is a video that helped me tremendously.  I do not own this video, but I hope you will watch this and start the process of forgiveness.  It won’t happen overnight, but when you make the choice to forgive you will begin to see the beautiful results of forgiveness.  The greatest outcome is freedom.

Affirmations:  I respect my mother’s journey.

I will learn to heal.

I receive forgiveness for myself and my mother.

 

Pray, meditate, then take action.

Here’s to living essentially.

Jae

Share your story of forgiveness in the comments below.  By helping others, you help yourself.

 

 

Hate Isn’t Helpful

Hate Isn’t Helpful.

If Your Life Sucks Then Your Beliefs Suck Too

 

Hate To Do This To You Again But by James Wilkinson

 

In recent months, I was in a tremendous slump.  I felt disconnected from my God, from life, from others.  I became so angry that I began yelling at everyone in my house, including my children.  My home became increasingly messy because I didn’t have the energy to clean up regularly.  My grades took a nose dive and I barely passed my classes.  My husband and I were in a constant state of disagreement, that I was contemplating divorce.  I had lost control and I felt completely defeated.  One day in bed, I was watching videos on YouTube and came across a series of videos that truly helped me.  While watching these videos I realized I could change my situation if I re-framed what I believed.

When I began to examine my beliefs, I realized I had some very self-defeating thoughts that lead to self-defeating behaviors.  I learned that many of my negative beliefs stemmed from my childhood, and those feelings that I felt had to be recognized and dealt with in order for me to begin healing.  Once I realized my past, and took responsibility for the role I played in continuing the cycle, I then had to recreate my beliefs to reflect what I want to manifest in my life.

If your life isn’t what you’d like it to be, then you should examine your belief system.  I guarantee that is the source of your dismay.  Your thoughts are based on a underlying belief system that ultimately drives your behavior.  For example, If you’re dating or married to someone that mistreats you, then you probably believe you’re not worthy of love and respect.  This belief probably stems from your childhood, and was made manifest in your adult life.  Here’s the kicker.  Your thoughts will support your beliefs.  You attract what you believe.  Whatever you’re struggling with in your life, you should reflect on what you believe about yourself.

If your life sucks then your beliefs do too.  If you positively change your thoughts your life will change positively.

Affirmations:  I am capable

                       I am able to change my beliefs

                       I am able to make a change

                       I have the power to move mountains

Pray, meditate, then take action.

Here’s to living essentially,

Jae

Is your belief system serving you in a fulfilling way?  Tell your story.

 

Here’s another video that may be helpful.  It was helpful for me.

 

What a Fun Wedding Weekend!

I had a very busy weekend.  My younger sister got married.  Here are some of the reception photos.    I didn’t get ceremony photos because I was a part of the ceremony.

The lovely couple cutting the cake.

My sister, the lovely bride, and my brother.

Selfie with the lovely couple in the background.

My brother and I

We had so much fun.

There is nothing like spending fun times with the ones you love the most.

More photos to come.

Why Change is Good an How You Can Make a Positive Change

Picture by Angel NIgels via flickr.com

I am going through a metamorphosis, and this blog is as well.  Change is good!  Here’s why I felt this blog needed some tweaking.

I’m working to make things better in my life, and I wanted this blog to reflect that as well.  Including the first set of changes, more is coming this June and I’m excited!  Here are some of the changes you will see in the ensuing blog posts.

• I’ve changed the categories.  The old categories were confusing to me, so I figured they had to be confusing to others.  Instead of twenty categories, there are just 5 main categories with five subcategories. This makes categorizing easier for me, and easier for readers to find the content they are looking for.  I will add more categories, but I promise to keep them uncomplicated.
• The weekly posting date will change from Thursday to Friday.  This blog’s readers read most of the content on Friday, so it seemed natural to change the day.  Plus it allows for implementation of the blog post over the weekend.  Planning is key.  I will also post during the week.  So keep your eyes open!
• You’ll notice affirmations at the end of the blog posts.  This way we can use the affirmations to implement what we want to effectuate in our lives.
• I’ll encourage feedback.  I want you to share your stories.  I don’t have all the answers, so I’m open to read what others think.  Of course, we won’t agree on everything, but a great conversation can broaden our perspectives and ultimately make us all better.  “So don’t be shy.  Leave a Reply”
• As “The E/O Chick”, you will see more information about essential oils, their many uses and benefits.  Since I have been introduced to essential oils, my life and my family’s life have changed tremendously.  I’m also actively looking for individuals that not only want to improve their health, but also want to build a viable business.  You can create the life of your dreams here.

So those are just some of the changes you’ll see in this blog.  I hope you’ll enjoy the changes, and get more from this blog.  That’s my hope and intention.

I told you change is good!

Now here are four ways you can make a positive change in your life.

1. Make the decision to change.  No one change the outcomes you experience in your life except you.
2. Create a plan that supports the change you’re seeking.  There are various steps to reach a goal.  Understand there will be setbacks.  Learn from the lessons you’ve learned.  Tweak the plan.  Move on.
3. Celebrate your changes.  Celebrate your victories.  This will get you to begin to focus on the positive.

Affirmations

“All changes in my life are positive an empowering”

“Change helps me grow”

“Change energizes me”

You will find these great affirmations and more at Affirm Your Life. 

Pray, meditate, take action

Here’s to living essentially.

Jae, “The E/O Chick”

This Is The Only Way To Be Successful

On Your Mark by Mike Carey via flickr.com

I believe it is safe to say everyone wants to be successful.  Success is inextricably linked to being happy.  I know I can say that everyone wants to be happy.  The question is, why is success (or happiness) so elusive for some?  The answer is easy.  There is only one surefire way to experience success in your life, and that is to get started.

So many of us make life more complicated than it is, when the principles are very simple.  The only way to experience whatever you desire in life is to get started.  Do you want to lose 10lbs? Get started.  Do you want to find love?  Get started working on yourself.  Do you want to go back to school and get your degree? Get started.  Do you want to change the world?  Get started, then.

We make so many excuses on why we don’t have certain things in our lives when the truth is,  we haven’t done the work.  So if you want to see, be, or do something that will make you happy, then get started.  Getting started (and continuing until you succeed) is the only way to become successful.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky by asylumgfx via flickr.com

Pray, meditate, then take action.

Here’s  to living essentially,

Jaketta, the E/O Chick

Have You Seen The Changes?

Picture by Brian on flickr.com

I told you it’s time for a change, and I meant it.  If you’ve been following this blog then hopefully you have noticed a couple of new changes.  The first change you may notice is I changed the theme.  Mentally, I am moving in a new direction, and I needed to see colors that reflected that.  I also changed the tagline from “Raising my self-awareness while using essential oils” to “The Life and Sayings of the E/O Chick”.  The former tagline was boring.  The new one is more indicative of my vibrant personality.  You can look forward to frequent postings, more pictures, and topics that show my serious and fun side.  I’m going to talk about being a mom, fitness, fashion, and of course health and wellness with essential oils(I mean, I am the E/O chick), and more.

Here’s why change is necessary.  I’m tired of life happening to me.  I’ve decided to take control of my life, (through prayer and mediation) and create the life I believe I should have. If you’re stuck in this rut, make the decision to do whatever it takes to get out of it.  You are more than your circumstances. The only person stopping you is you.  Learn to love yourself enough to give yourself the best.

Pray, meditate, and take action

Here’s to living essentially,

Jaketta

It’s Time For a Change

I haven’t written a post in a few weeks, and there’s a reason.  I’m going through a mental revamp.

In the last six weeks, I have gone through the most turbulent emotional time in my adult life.  It had gotten so bad, that I didn’t get out of bed for days and days.  I barely ate.  I barely slept.  I barely showered.  It was rough!

Now I have come out on the other side, and I can say that I’m a better person because of this experience.  I learned a lot about myself.  I learned the importance of having the right people around me.  I also realize how important it is to stay spiritually connected to God.

If you are going through something right now, know this.  You can endure more than you believe.  You have power.  You have choices.  Make the choice that best fits you and your unit. Your unit can be your family, your team, etc.  Do what will allow you to live your very best life.  To live any other way is spiritual suicide.  Your life means something and you are here to deliver your special gift to the world.

As I said earlier, I’m going through a mental revamp, and because of this, this blog is going to be revamped as well.  In June you will see a new title.  You will see more postings throughout the week.  You will see more pictures.  You will get more of me and the message behind this journey.  Yes, this blog will still be a place where you can receive some encouragement, but you will also see much, much more.

I’m excited!  I hope you are too.  Get ready for a fun time.

I thank you for sticking with me.  I hope you will like the new changes.  I hope we all take steps to make our lives better, so we can help someone else.

Pray, meditate, then take action

Here’s to living essentially,

Jaketta

World Autism Day

 

It’s World Autism Awareness Day.  Be kind to someone with autism.  Be considerate to  someone with autism.  Individuals with autism aren’t incapable, but are differently-abled.  Give them a chance.  Give them respect.  Individuals with autism are just as valuable as any typically-abled person.

So show your support for World Autism Awareness Day!

My son with autism

Blessings to the autism parents who work every day to make life a little bit easier for their child.  I pray your strength.  I send you love from one autism parent to another.

Pray, meditate, then take action

Here’s to living essentially,

Jaketta

 

 

You Can Do It

The Truth Project
Photo by
bound_4_freedom on flickr.com

The truth is you already know what to do so do it!  Make the decision to make it happen regarding anything you want to change.  No more excuses.  No more shoulda, coulda, wouldas.  Make the decision to take action.  That’s the only thing that is holding you back because you have the answer; you just haven’t taken action.  Yes! Taking action means you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone.  Yes! Taking action means you’ll have to put in the extra effort.  Yes! Taking action means you will have to make some adjustments.  But let me ask you, do you like how things are going?  Do you like who’ve you become?  No?  Then change it!  No more crying and whining.  Change it!  Get it done! Make it happen!  Find a way!  You know why?  Because you can do it!

Pray, meditate, and take action.

Here’s to living essentially,

Jaketta