In life, everyone faces unwanted challenges and we choose to either conquer them or we don’t.  We may feel isolated and weary, and no matter how hard we try we can’t overcome them; but if we look hard enough there are always life lessons learned.  If we begin to see these challenges or hurdles as blessings or wishes, we come out stronger on the other side.  Sometimes climbing that mountain is the answer to the prayer.

As a young farm girl I have wonderful memories of being around the animals.  One of my favorite memories was the daily ritual of climbing on the long, silver, metal gate that separated the green pasture from the barnyard.  As my Dad herded the livestock back to the barn at the end of each evening, he would swing that gate closed, signifying the end of another work day; but to me it was the greatest ride in the world.d

She has always been the kind of girl that knows exactly what she wants, and won’t stop until she gets it (perhaps a little like a bull).  She is tenacious and driven, with a good head on her shoulders.  Throughout high-school her friends would be in a situation and would think WWHD (what would Hannah do), I always got a big kick out of that one.

Meditation is something I have tried a handful of times in my life, but never felt I was very successful.  I would close my eyes and think I was meditating, until my long to do list would go across my mind like a ticker-tape at the stock exchange.  

Being aware of the possibility of having perfectionist tendencies that I  may or may not possess, I have been attempting to let go and surrender.

Have you ever struggled with knowing what your natural gifts and talents are, or are you one of those people that has always known?  If so, consider yourself blessed.  I happened to be one of those people that didn’t know what mine were; or at least in my mind that is what I kept hearing.

Did you ever notice the older you get the faster time seems to fly, almost like you were standing still? Some days I feel like life is passing me by, and it’s as if I am watching from the sidelines and can’t make it stop.   That’s when I have to pause, take stock, and remember to live in the present; not the past or the future.  I have to remind myself to stop rushing into tomorrow.

Let their sun-shiny gladness marinate within your soul, and then spread that warmth where ever you go.  Things seem brighter and hope appears.  Notice what a difference it makes in your day, and the ripple effect it has on others.

I admire those that serve(d) in all the armed forces and sacrifice(d) themselves every day to keep our soil safe.  I  feel gratitude and appreciation for the families and loved ones of those men and women that serve(d).  Thank you for your faith, courage and strength.

Even though I consider myself a spiritual person, I often get in my own way, and stuck in my head, which is filled with worry and fear, instead of leading with my heart. Listening to my head holds me back from my true gifts and potential. When I make a conscious effort to really listen with my heart, I can feel a shift and the rhythm of my life seems to fall in place.

As I made my way onto the bus, clunky clubs in tow, one of the young men said “Hey, you’re new, I’ve never seen you before.” I replied, “You’re right, hi, my name is Sheryl, what’s yours?”  Without hesitation, we shook hands, and just that easy, I was accepted as part of the group.  There were four young gentlemen, all placing their clubs in the back of the bus, each one was wonderfully unique and special.

As it turns out they were celebrating ME! Yep……ME! My friends and family were so excited that I was sharing my gift and starting this blog, they wanted to show their grace, love and support by coming together to present me with money for a new computer (which had recently died).  You can’t imagine my surprise and shock in the events that took place in orchestrating such an act of love and kindness for me, including those special souls that weren’t able to join the celebration in person.

I adore this time during the month of February, and the thought of Valentine’s Day with all things pink and red.  My eyes gloss over when I see little glimpses of Cupid’s day, while passing by store displays.  I quickly get drawn in, and think I MUST have it, or surely someone in my life does!

We all possess the ability for greatness and living our dreams, big or small.  Find someone that inspires you to be the best you, and live life like you mean it.  Know you are made for moments of greatness, then go out and inspire others. Your dream is only an inspiration away.

Fear often stops us from taking the next step, getting that new job,  living the dream we have in our heart, or maybe tackling finances or weight.  If we take that leap of faith and listen to our hearts and just jump, the fear may be nothing more than a distant memory.

Another young couple squealed in delight as we had offered a small token; it was as if they had won the lottery or something much greater than we had shared

With the start of the new year, and taking it day by day; I am mixing up my mornings as well.  Part of each new day begins with doing things just for me

All kidding aside, I love when my daughter comes home from college, but I dread it at the same time too! She is independent at school, can come and go as she pleases; but that doesn’t work so well when she comes home.  Let me rephrase that….it doesn’t work so well for me.