Susan Call's Blog

5 Things That Matter in Your Garden and With Your Dreams

A Game, A Garden, and a Big Difference for your Dreams!

Some times life lessons come from the most unusual places. This one is no different. A Sesame Street game and my garden recently gave me a few important lesson on reaching for my dreams. Do you remember the game “One of these things is not like the other?” When we were children, it was a catchy song on Sesame Street, designed to cause us to think and play along. If you’re not familiar with it, they’d show four objects. Three were similar and one was different.

This weekend I could have easily played the same game with my zucchini plants. We have three incredibly large zucchini plants in our back yard. And, we have one rather petite plant in a second garden in our side yard. The striking difference in their size made me take notice – the three larger plants were more than five times the size of the other one. I found myself thinking through the reasons for the remarkably different outcomes. Then it hit me – the same factors at play in my garden also greatly impact the harvest of our goals, dreams, and even the purpose for our lives.

5 Things That Matter in Your Garden and With Your DreamsSoil matters for your Dreams.

When we tilled the soil of the new garden, we turned nutrients into the soil in preparation for the vegetables. I skipped that step with the old garden space. The incredible difference in size between the plants now has been a powerful illustration that the soil matters. When it comes to our dreams, goals, or calling, are we creating an environment that provides the rich nourishment needed to cultivate success or provide effective growth? Our soil matters. If you’re not experiencing the growth you would like, check your environment. Are you marinating in negativity or allowing people or situations to stagnate your growth? Make changes as necessary so that your environment is healthy and nurturing. When you do, your dreams  will reap the benefit.

Daylight matters.

My thriving plants in my new garden are exposed to much longer hours of sunlight than the other plants. They’ve flourished the most. Our dreams and goals given the most light of day do the same. When our hopes remain intentions rather than actions, they’re not given the light of day necessary to bloom. Why not write your goals somewhere that you see them regularly. Or create a vision board to capture your motivation and desired direction. Keeping your goals in the forefront of your mind and making them visible will help encourage decisions that support progress.

Time matters to grow your dreams.

We planted one garden first with the other lagging behind a few weeks. It’s no surprise that the one planted first has had a chance to grow and even start to produce way ahead of the other. The sooner we plant our dreams and goals, the sooner they can produce a harvest for us to enjoy. Conversely, the longer we wait, we delay the impact of our actions. But we should not forget that some aspirations will take longer. And, we need to resist the urge to compare to where others are in their journey. Their seasons, timing, and purpose are not yours.

Sowing matters.

You cannot harvest plants that are not placed in your garden. The same is true in life. If you have dreams and goals, you cannot harvest your vision without planting your feet on a path of progress. You never need to take more than one step at a time, but you cannot reap the benefit of your actions if they only remain wishes or items on your todo list that don’t actually get done. Take the next step. Water your garden and celebrate your growth. It’s even Biblical… we reap what we sow. There is no harvest if something hasn’t been planted.

The season matters.

We can’t just plant a garden whenever we feel like it. Living in New England, it would be fruitless and likely impossible to plant a garden in the cold winter months when the ground is frozen. The same is true with our aspirations. Each of us has been born with a purpose. But each season isn’t a season of planting or harvesting our dreams and purpose. In growing our dreams, we need to consider the season and pray for discernment.

A few closing thoughts.

Is right now a season of wait? If so, use the time to learn and grow so that when it’s time to plant you’re equipped. Is right now a season to plant? If so, dig deep to find the courage to start, even if the seeds are small. Maybe now is a season of weeding and pruning so that later the harvest can be richer. Then, weed and prune, they’re necessary steps. Or, maybe this is your harvest season. If so celebrate, be grateful, and encourage others to not give up so that they too can reach a harvest season.

All of these thoughts about my garden have reminded me that I need to spend some time in my garden this weekend. And, after doing so, I plan to look ahead to the schedule of an amazing conference that is coming up this week.  I’m ready to be equipped so that I can take the next step with a few of my goals. I guess you could say that I’m ready to add some fresh nutrients to my soil to help me to continue to grow.

It’s your turn.

How about you? What’s your next step towards your dreams and goals? Or, are you in sorting out what your purpose might be, looking for direction? I’d love to hear from you.

If this post encouraged you, why not click to share it and encourage your friends too?

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:

5 Important Steps You Need Realize Your DreamsMy encouragement on Instagram. Click here and click “follow” to join me there.

Until next time, be blessed!

The post 5 Things That Matter in Your Garden and With Your Dreams appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Things You Can Do When Father’s Day Doesn’t Feel Happy

So, it’s Father’s Day…

What do you do when it seems like everyone around you is celebrating something that causes your heart to ache? You’re not alone if you feel like that today – Father’s Day, here in the US. Before you stop reading if that’s not you, consider staying with me because you likely know someone who’s feeling that very heartache today when they wish they could instead laugh over a family barbeque.

This will be my sixth Father’s Day without my dad. What I wouldn’t give to hear him tell one more story, to see him smile with that twinkle he’d get in his eye, or to even help him bail hay just one more time. Memories are truly priceless. What can you do when you aren’t able to make new memories with your dad?

Here are a few things that you can do on Father’s Day:1. Write your dad a letter.

When someone close to me recently lost their dad, they felt like they had a few things that they still wished they could say. I suggested buying a “Dear Dad” journal and writing him a letter when they wished they could reach out to him. If you’re feeling that pang of “I wish I could tell him…” then consider writing your dad a letter, or maybe even starting a letter journal. You could even start it with “Happy Father’s Day dad.”

2. Pay kindness forward.

Find someone to be kind to today. Call a friend that is also missing their dad, tip your server extra, or wish a dad you know a great day. Whatever it is, find a way to intentionally spread some happiness today.  

3. Take a trip down memory lane.

Spend a few minutes today remembering a great dad story that you have and share it with someone you care about. Or take some time to look over some pictures of your dad that make your heart smile. Honor your memories and use today as a day to celebrate them rather than tucking them away or trying to ignore the day altogether.

4. Do something in his memory.

In the days and weeks ahead, choose to do something in your dad’s memory. Maybe give to his favorite charity or donate to a cause in his name. If he volunteered somewhere, find a way to encourage those who volunteer there and are continuing to do the work he believed in. Or maybe you do something completely different like planting a tree or perennial in his name.

5. Allow others to enjoy their day without guilt.

It’s hard to be without your dad on Father’s Day. But, making someone else feel guilty that they’re able to do something with their dad today does not change things. Instead of saying “at least you get to…”, encourage them to make the most of the time they have together because time is precious, and we never know how much of it we’ll be lucky to have.

Before you go…

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that many people may have a dad who hasn’t passed away but isn’t present. Today can be difficult if your dad hasn’t been a healthy part of your life. One thing that you can do is thank the men who have been a healthy influence on your life or you can use today to encourage dads that you know. Neither will take away the gap you’re dad has left but, they will allow you to use today to have a positive impact on other dad figures in your life.

While today may not be my favorite day in the year, today I’m choosing to use it to honor my dad. I’ve decided to dust off my keyboard and start blogging again. It’s been a tough year and I can’t think of a better way to start a new season than by honoring my dad and restart doing what I know I’m meant to do. Also, after posting this, I plan to make my mom’s zucchini bread recipe… one that my dad enjoyed. But, I’m not making it for me. I’m going to take it to someone special who is having a tough time with their first fatherless Father’s Day. I know it would make my dad happy to know that this is how I’m honoring him today.

It’s your turn.

What are you doing this Father’s Day? Is it a tough day for you too? If so, I hope this post has given you a few ideas that you can adopt today. And, if you’re blessed to have your dad with you to celebrate with you today, I’d love to hear how you’re spending the precious time. Be sure to click to comment to join the conversation.

Looking for more encouragement? Join me on Instagram. See you there!

Be well friends. And, until next time, be blessed.

The post 5 Things You Can Do When Father’s Day Doesn’t Feel Happy appeared first on Susan Call.

What You Need to Know About Faith, Opinions, and Broccoli Between Your Teeth

Excuse me, is that broccoli between your teeth?

Imagine catching your reflections in a mirror hours after lunch only to see a glaring piece of broccoli stuck between your front teeth? If you’re like me, in a split second your mind would race to recall every conversation you had since lunch. Why didn’t someone say something? Why wouldn’t someone let us know that something wasn’t right? We’d want to know.

Lately when I’ve been online, I’ve felt a bit like I need to lean in and tell a few people that they’ve got broccoli between their teeth. No, not actual broccoli, but something seems to be glaringly off. Something is out of place. Stick with me for a minute and I think you’ll see where I’m going.

The birth of a broccoli analogy

Recently I popped on to Facebook to see a post from a friend. She stuck her toe into the public political fray by sharing an article that she related to. The near immediate responses she received sent fireworks across my news feed. What amazed me most was how visceral some of her “friends” responded. One even called her an idiot or now that I think of it, it may have been something even stronger. The comments and replies weren’t anything I would think any true friend would say to anyone they remotely care about.

Given the strong opinions and emotions that are swirling around today, I couldn’t help but think, it’s time to check our smile because it will tell us a lot about ourselves. While we’re unlikely to find broccoli, I think you will find you’ve got something new to chew on.

We are what we eat.

Here’s a crazy thought… you can only get broccoli stuck in your teeth if you eat broccoli. No brocolli in our diet means no brocolli between our teeth.

What if we checked what’s “getting stuck in our teeth” based on what’s spilling out of our mouths? If we did, it will say a lot about what we’re consuming. Do we have kindness, goodness, peace, and self control still on our lips? Or is what’s sticking to us unkind, attacking, and judgmental?

If it’s the later, it might be time to check what we’re consuming. Galatians 5 lists the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no asterisk or “exception” clause that says the fruits change if we don’t agree with someone or if we’re commenting online from a distance.

If we’re living as people of faith, we should work to demonstrate Christ-like character to the world around us, even when we’re online, even when we have differing opinions. Maybe it’s time to check our teeth. If we feel compelled to respond to something we don’t agree with,  how much more effective might we be if we choose to approach the topic with compassion, and make a conscious choice to not  spew hatred.

The root of the problem is deeper.

The old saying says what goes up must come down. We can echo that and say what goes in is what comes out. Scripture tells us that what comes out of our mouths comes from our hearts. Can people recognize the fruit of the spirit when they interact with us or read our posts? With our country heading into an election year, It’s good from time to time take a step back and not only check what we’re consuming but to also take a look at what we’re chewing on.

The thoughts, worries, ideas, and hopes that we chew on settle into our hearts and take root. Both our perspective and our responses are impacted by what we consume. We’re not called to agree with everyone on everything, but how we respond reflects our “diet”.

“But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.” Matthew 15:18 NLT

“..But what comes out of the mouth gets its start in the heart. It’s from the heart that we vomit up evil…” Matthew 15:18 Message

What are your reactions, posts, and comments online saying about the condition of your heart?

Words have power.

Our words can encourage or nurture. Or they can be used as weapons. If we call ourselves people of faith, bitterness and complete lack of respect for others should stand out in our reflection like broccoli in our teeth. Foul words are unbecoming in our reflection.

Scripture says  “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NIV

Which influence are we having with our words? Do our words, especially in disagreement and conflict still reflect words of life? Or, are we condemning, spewing, and sharing hate? Attacking someone online for their opinion will do little to show them our perspective on an issue. And, I hazard to guess that it won’t influence their opinion either. It’s time to “check our teeth.” We can improve our smile and have a more positive impact on the world around us if we remember that words have power and as people of faith, we’re called to a higher standard.

It doesn’t matter if you have calm demeanor if you’re talking with someone who agrees with you. The time when it matters most to be patient and understanding is when you are having difficult conversations. It’s in those moments that your character is most visible.

It’s your turn

Have you noticed tension online? Has my broccoli analogy challenged your thoughts in how people have been responding? I’d love to hear if this post resonated with you too. And, if you’ve found the perspective helpful, why not share it. Maybe it will inspire others to check their reflection too.

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The post What You Need to Know About Faith, Opinions, and Broccoli Between Your Teeth appeared first on Susan Call.

4 Powerful Truths About Labels You Need to Know

When was the last time you were stopped dead in your tracks? Glancing down at the label on a pack of American cheese I had just bought brought me to a screeching halt. $10.02! What?! For cheese? I only bought a pound and it was on sale. Still in my state of shock, I quickly scanned the rest of the label. There in bold print just above the crazy price read “Black Forest Ham.” Not only was it the wrong product, but the cost was nearly three times what it should have been. The fiasco helped me to discover four powerful truths about labels.

Labels can be really wrong

Thinking about my package of cheese, it’s easy to conclude that labels can be wrong, really wrong. I didn’t look at the package and question if I had mistakenly been given ham. I knew it was cheese. But, then why when someone gives us a wrong label do we hold on to it as though it’s truth? We allow words to impact us weeks, and years beyond they’re spoken. We sometimes allow people’s opinions to become labels that we hold on to as fact.

But friend, labels can be really wrong! The next time someone tries to label you or you remember an old one spoken to you, think of my cheese. I could call it ham all I wanted but it is still cheese. You are a valued daughter or son of God. When people try to tear you down, stand tall. They’re the ones that are wrong!

The label doesn’t change the contents

If I had made a sandwich with my deli purchase the next day, it would have been a cheese sandwich. The label of ham didn’t change what was inside of the Ziploc bag that it came in. The only way the contents of the bag could be ham would be if I replaced the cheese with ham. The label by itself doesn’t change the contents.

So, when someone tries to slap a label on you, unless you change the contents of what’s inside, your inside hasn’t changed. Recognize it for what it is, an external wrong label. Don’t allow words or opinions to change how you see yourself, how you define yourself, or impact what you have on the inside. Lose the label instead of losing you.

 The label come with a cost

Upon realizing the error, it was obvious that the deli clerk’s labeling error cost me nearly three times what it should have cost. Allowing labels to change our sense of self-worth or purpose can be an expensive cost. Allowing a negative label to stick in our minds, can cause us to hold ourselves back and likely forfeiting some of our impact that we could have had on the world around us. It’s important to recognize where we’ve allowed labels to jade our thoughts. Once we’ve identified them, we can work to let go and be freed from their limiting influence.

Beyond the impact to our sense of worth, we can subconsciously label our possessions. Holding on to things that don’t have a sentimental value and haven’t been used in years essentially labesl those things as valuable or useful. Clutter of things we hold on to can cost us peace of mind. And, they come with an opportunity cost that is missed when they could be used by someone who truly needs them.

It’s up to us to resolve discrepancies

When there’s a discrepancy between a label and the contents, it’s up to us to resolve the difference. The day after my cheese purchase, I headed back to the store. I wasn’t about to “eat” the cost of the difference (pun intended). Once at the store, they quickly realized their surprise mistake. They refunded the price of the ham and didn’t charge me for the cheese as a way of apologizing for their error.

When we encounter wrong labels, it’s up to us to what we do with it. In most cases, it’s an internal decision. What am I going to do now that I’m aware of this “label”? In the case of words that try to put us in a box, we can take time to remind ourselves of who we are and who we were created to be. We have the authority to ignore a label, just like I’m ignoring that my cheese says “ham” on it. When we don’t decide how we will handle the situation, we’ll be stuck paying the price for it. And, when it comes to our possessions, reassessing and reevaluating is a good thing. Does this still have value, or is it useful or does it have sentimental importance? No? Then move it on and let it bless someone else.

It’s your turn

Who knew a package of cheese could hold so much wisdom? It’s a great reminder for all of us – you don’t have to accept a label and, you choose if you’ll believe the label or not. Have you ever let an opinion hold you back or is one holding you back now? Have you ever had an old dusty opinion from years ago creep out of the recesses of your mind only to try to keep you in a box? Or, have you subconsciously used labels to keep “stuff” that deep down you know you should get rid of?  If you can say yes to any of those questions, you’re not alone!

This week raise your awareness where words or labels have crept into your life and impacted your worth, purpose, or peace. Then once you “see” the limiting words for what they are, choose what you do with them. Remember they don’t change the contents of you, only you can do that!

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Even if my cheese story just brought you a smile, I’d love to hear that too. And if you feel so inclined, why not click to share so that your friends and family can be reminded by the powerful impact of words when they create labels.

Until next time friend, be blessed!

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The post 4 Powerful Truths About Labels You Need to Know appeared first on Susan Call.

What You Need To Do If You Feel Invisible

Have you ever been invisible?

If you could have one superpower, which one would you pick? Growing up, I remember dreaming that I could fly. With my superpower intact, I could fly to school instead of needing to walk. How fun would that be? Maybe you’d also pick the superpower of the ability to fly, or maybe incredible strength, or would you choose lightning-fast speed? Any of those could be fun or even rather useful to have. But, while as a child we might have considered invisibility to be a superpower, as an adult if you’ve experienced it, rather than give you strength it likely brought pain or loneliness instead.

As an adult, invisibility feels more like Superman’s kryptonite draining us of our energy and potential. It’s the feeling that others can’t see us with the power to cause us to shrink back, disconnect, and undervalue our sense of self-worth and purpose. It tells us that we don’t matter, our stories don’t matter, and that no one would notice if we didn’t bring our voice so the conversation of life.

At the beginning of this year I was amazed by how many people described last year as one in which they felt challenged, disconnected, and even invisible. This week I decided to roll up my sleeves and shatter the myths of this unwanted “power” so that we don’t need to suffer in silence when we feel like we’ve become invisible.

Truths about Invisibility:
1. People don’t know you’re invisible.

Have you ever been around a young child who closes or covers their eyes because they think if they do you can’t see them? They might think they’ve turned invisible but you most definitely can still see them. When we feel invisible, we don’t necessarily think people can’t “see” us. Rather we feel like we’re overlooked, insignificant, or feel like our voice isn’t heard. The irony is that when we feel like that, much like a child who’s closing their eyes, we’re the only ones who think we’re unseen.  Feeling invisible is just that, it’s a feeling. To fix the issue, we need to address it on the “feeling” level.  The first step to breaking loose is naming it as just that – it’s an internal feeling and not our external reality. Knowing that’s what you’re dealing with is a powerful step to being freed from it.

2. Others struggle with feeling invisible too.

When I recently went through a challenging season, it was only after I spoke with a few friends that I found out they had been going through something similar. During those tough seasons, we wish people would reach out or invite us to connect. But, sometimes they’re feeling “off” likely sitting at home wishing we would reach out to invite them! At the end of last year I was truly amazed by how many conversations I had with people who said that this past year left them feeling disconnected and struggling “to be seen” or feel connected. As a result, they stepped back from having the impact on those around them that they’ve previously had.

When you feel unseen, unheard, or insignificant, recognize that the feeling you’re having is a feeling rather than truth. The truth is you aren’t alone. Likely on the days you feel most alone, someone in your inner circle is feeling the same way or struggling as well. Reach out and let them know they matter. When you do, you’ll be amazed how much that dismisses your own sense of invisibility as well!

3. You already have the antidote to invisibility.

The biggest challenge with overcoming the feeling that comes with invisibility is the first step. The great news is that step is fully up to you. First you need to squash the lies that tell you you’re not enough or you don’t matter. Speak truth to those lies! The second step is to connect. Be the one that picks up the phone or invites a friend for a cup of coffee. Then once you get together, plan the next time before you say goodbye.

While you fight to become visible, heard, or connected manage your self-talk. What you say to yourself can fuel your progress forward or dig your rut deeper. It’s up to you which direction you go. You’ll be amazed how quickly the lie of invisibility will shatter with these few steps.

4. The truth about invisibility

When you feel passed over or ignored, remember David who while out tending the sheep wasn’t even invited in to hear would be anointed as the future king. He wasn’t even considered. Yet, despite the fact his own family didn’t invite him “to the party,” God did. David didn’t give the power of his significance to people, because people were never meant to have that power.

We can learn from him and do the same. If people make you feel insignificant, stop letting people be the ones who speak worth into your life. You are loved! You matter! And, friend, God has a purpose for you. The opinions of the people around you and whatever situation you find yourself in life doesn’t change that! Don’t let others lack of listening silence your voice. Choose to be exactly who you were made to be knowing that God always sees. You’re neve invisible to him.

It’s your turn

Have you ever felt invisible? Did this post hit a familiar nerve? I would love to hear from you! Or, switch it up a little if you’d like and let me know what super power you wish you had either as a child or today. I might likely pick super human speed so that I could get done all of the ideas I have floating around. The next time you feel undervalued, insignificant, or invisible, what’s one thing you will do? And…. don’t forget to click to share.

Until next time friends, be blessed.

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The post What You Need To Do If You Feel Invisible appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Powerful Changes You Can Make For Personal Growth

Did you know that the average person makes about 35,000 choices in a day? While some may be of little consequence, other choices have the power to change our direction or have a lasting impact on our lives. From the time your alarm goes off in the morning until you fall asleep at night, it’s up to you to recognize the decisions that can lead to lasting positive changes.

5 Powerful Changes That You Can Make:
1. Choose connection over comments

Social media can be great to keep you in touch with friends who live far away. Sure you can see your friends’ children grow up before your eyes online or see what they think is post worthy. But, truth is likes, emojis and comments only go so far.  Online we see the two-dimensional “posted” lives of others, but it’s unlikely that’s where we cultivate meaningful connection.

This year choose to really connect with your family and friends. Resist the urge to have “like” or “comment” driven relationships. Logoff and go grab a cup of coffee with that friend you haven’t seen in a while. Pick up the phone and have a conversation instead of just clicking to comment. Connecting builds more relationships than commenting.

2. Choose growth over grumbling

Let’s face it, life can be tough. We can have days, weeks or season that cause us to feel like daily life is just one challenge after the next. The great thing is that we get to choose what gets our energy and attention. We can choose to get stuck in a cycle of venting or complaining about the things we don’t like, or we can pursue personal growth so that we can influence our situations. Be intentional about your personal growth this year. Find a new podcast to listen to, go to a conference, or find a webinar that will help you build a better you in the New Year. And, who knows…when you focus on your positive growth you might just find you have less to grumble about.

3. Choose action over apathy

If you had sand in your shoe, you’d stop to dump it out rather than walk the next mile with the discomfort. What sand are you metaphorically walking around with?  Whatever you aren’t changing, you’re choosing. Is there an area of your life that you’ve just given up on influencing? You’ve stopped trying to lose weight, look for a new job, or write that book you’ve dreamed of because it hasn’t happened yet. Rather than try again maybe you’ve given into apathy. Even if you haven’t made progress on it yet, it’s not too late!

What if Joshua had stopped marching around the wall after any of the first six times around? Had they stop taking action, the wall wouldn’t have fallen.Take your next step. You might be surprised at the momentum you can build by simply continuing to take the next step.

4. Choose progress over perfection

It’s easy to want to map out everything we need to do before we start. Truth is, that’s rarely how God works. Instead we need to exercise a little faith and take the next step without all of the details or having perfectly executed the last one Challenger yourself this year, choose progress over perfection. Progress says I’ll take a step and continue to learn as I go. Perfection says wait until our plans and efforts are flawless… which they will never be. Don’t let precious time slip away waiting for an unrealistic outcome. Move forward. Take a chance. Sure, you’ll make mistakes but, learn from them and keep going. You’ll be much further ahead trying rather than waiting for perfection.

5. Choose calling over comfort

It’s amazing what lies just outside of our comfort zone. This year choose to stretch yourself to that sense of purpose that is stirring in your spirit. Yes, it will cause you to push yourself out of complacency. You will run into challenges that will make you want to quickly retreat to your comfort zone.

This year, be intentional. Choose purpose or calling over comfort. What issue, cause, or activity stirs you? What has God nudged you do pursue but you’ve held back? What’s holding you back? If you’re unsure what direction to go, spend some time praying about it. Then take action. It may not be easy but it will be worth it! After all, God is still God outside of your comfort zone.

It’s your turn

The year ahead is full of choices. Use the natural momentum that January brings to assess where you can make a shift to improve your outlook and foster personal growth.

Will you be making one of these five shifts? Or, is there another one that you plan to work on. Leave me a comment and let me know! I’d love to hear about what changes you’re making this year. And of course, if you enjoyed this post, why not click to share it with your friends? They might enjoy it as well.

Until next time friends, be blessed!

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The post 5 Powerful Changes You Can Make For Personal Growth appeared first on Susan Call.

How to Hold on to New Year’s Motivation All Year

Have you ever noticed how much enthusiasm we have for our goals on January 1st? Our motivation soars as we imagine the incredible potential of a fresh new year. But then the rubber meets the road. We have a hungry day and approach the refrigerator like a starved banshee. Maybe we realize weeks have gone by and we still haven’t made visible progress on the storage closet we planned to organize. Or, we haven’t even finished writing the first chapter of that book we dream of writing.

Before the weeks of the new year slip by, I invite you to answer the same questions I’ve been answering myself. Together these questions have added clarity to my focus and momentum for my goals for this year.

Questions to answer in the New Year to Keep Your Motivation:
1. Who am I?

No, I don’t mean fall into an existential crisis wrestling with your identity. But instead brainstorm how you would complete the sentence “I am…” Spend fifteen to twenty minutes writing down everything that comes to mind. Don’t filter or edit the list as it flows. Simply get it out. Don’t settle for what you’re feeling at this moment and be sure to include positive affirmations such as I’m an overcomer or I’m a survivor, I’m determined or I’m growing. As you answer this question, be sure to include who God says you are from your own experience as well as from scripture. What has he said about who you are, or where has he given you insight that you haven’t yet fully embraced?

Once you complete your exercise, in a second session separate positive affirmations from negative thoughts grouping character qualities and feelings for each. For example if you wrote “I am weary” put that under feelings because “weary” isn’t a trait of who you are rather how you are feeling. It’s important to remind ourselves that feelings do not define who we are.

2. What do I need to re-frame?

In your first exercise of I am…, what words are phrases did you write that are negative or discouraging? Take time to write down your negative self-talk. Then work to re-frame each word or phrase you’ve written down. Maybe you’ve felt like change is out of your grasps because of the prior attempts didn’t work out. You could replace that with:  “What I tried last year didn’t work but, I can learn from what didn’t work because I am determined.” Re-framing changes “I am a failure” to “I am determined.” Work through any negative feelings or words and re-phrase each. The shift in perspective will equip you when the journey gets tough.

3. What’s holding me back?

This question hit me right between the eyes when a friend asked me that the other day. Talking about my goals and dreams, and looking at some of my jewelry creations, I was asked “What’s holding you back?” I needed to be asked that question because it was an arrow of momentary truth that landed square in the center of my soul.  When I had a few minutes, I pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down anything and everything that might be holding me back.

I let the words flow… all of the answers to that question including the “safe” ones that everyone might say such as time or energy, but I also included the raw, real, doubts or fears that many of have but keep tucked away. How do we expect to break free from the things holding us back if we can’t even name them? Go ahead… what’s holding you back? Once you’ve named them, you can address them. If there’s something you don’t know how to do and that’s what’s holding you back, enroll in a class, attend a workshop or do some research. When you attack your barriers with determination, personal growth happens.

It’s your turn.

Where will this year take you? That excitement you have about the possibilities is available every day of the year. Embrace it. Establish a structure that will help you succeed. And, when something doesn’t work out the way you think it should, learn from it, grow from it, and press on!

If you’ve found this post helpful, please be sure to comment and share.

I happy to be back blogging once a week. If this post encouraged you, be sure to sign up to be notified when the next post is available.

Until next time, be blessed!

Looking for more motivation or encouragement, you may also enjoy:

What Tidying Up Taught Me About Perspective
5 Things You Need to Know About Tenacity I Learned from a Stranger
3 Lies You Need To Stop Believing
9 Things You Should Stop Doing

The post How to Hold on to New Year’s Motivation All Year appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Secrets For Successful Personal Growth From A Carousel

Secrets of Success from a Carousel

Isn’t it funny how some memories are so well etched in our minds that we can be transported to another place and time in an instant? Recently a conversation did just that. Suddenly my mind envisioned an amusement park not too far from where I grew up, right at the spot of an old fashioned carousel. Growing up it was one of my favorite rides. When I was young, I loved picking one of the horses that when up and down as the carousel turned. But, as I got older, I realized it was far more fun to pick a spot near the edge of the ride in hopes of grabbing a brass ring as you rode by.

As I soaked in the memory, the ride from my youth provided powerful imagery for successful personal growth.

1. Be willing to wait for your turn.

To ride the carousel at my childhood amusement park, you need to be willing to wait your turn. Often when you reached the front of the line, all of the horses on the outermost row were taken. If you wanted one of those horses, you needed to wait longer. So it is in life. We o

2. Position yourself.

While everyone on the carousel enjoys the ride, only those in the outer row have a chance to snag a brass ring. In life, how we position ourselves influences the opportunities that will be within our reach. For example, if we want to position ourselves for success, we likely need to change which aisle of the grocery story we get most of our groceries and, more than likely we also need to physically get to the gym more than we have. Are you positioning yourself to stretch towards your goals? Or, is it time to make a move?

3. Reach.

It isn’t merely enough to ride a horse in the outer row, to have a chance to grab a ring, you must first stretch and reach. The brass ring won’t just fall into you hand because, you can only get one with effort. In life, we can have the best intentions but, if we don’t stretch and reach, we can miss the very opportunities that are right at our finger tips. Where do you need to stretch or grow so that you can make the most of life?

4. Adjust.

On the carousel, reaching for a ring didn’t mean you always got one. When the ring slipped through your grasp, you shifted, adjusted, or adapted so that you increased your chance of getting one the next time around. In life, we need to do the same. Situations that don’t turn out the way we’d intended can be the richest soil for growth. John Maxwell once said “test, fail, learn, improve.” There will be times that we fall on the path to our goals. Choose to fall forward.

5. Don’t give up.

Don’t stop stretching and reaching for your goals. If you reach one, set another. Life is a journey. Keep going. Shake of discouragement from what’s happened already. Refuse to let your missed opportunities or yesterday’s mistakes consume today. Get back on the proverbial horse and reach again!

It’s your turn.

Where are you in your journey? Are you stuck sitting on the sidelines watching others reach and obtain their goals but you’re still feeling like you’re empty handed? If so, it might be time to reassess your situation. Define what you’re reaching for. Position yourself to stretch. Reach, adapt, and go again. There’s enough time left on this ride for you to become who you were meant to be!

If this post encouraged you, why not share it or click to comment. I’d love to hear from you. Let me know how it inspired you or encouraged you to make an adjustment or take your next step. The “brass ring” we’re reaching for can be in any area of our lives.  Be intentional. Choose to stretch in the direction of your goals. You might just find a victory is right around the next bend within your reach.

Until next time friends, be blessed!

You might also enjoy:

What Baseball Taught Me About Life
5 Empowering Life Tips from a Game of Connect Four

 

The post 5 Secrets For Successful Personal Growth From A Carousel appeared first on Susan Call.

What you need to know about likes, loves and emojis

A Facebook post that got my attention

Have you ever noticed that sometimes life lessons can catch us off guard? One did that to me just this week.

Not long after connecting with a good friend, I logged into social media and couldn’t help but notice her newest post. Quite a few of her other friends, family, and acquaintances had already started an avalanche of likes, loves, and emojis in response to her online update.

How she responded felt all too familiar, and it left a bittersweet taste. Because it hadn’t been long since we had spoken, I knew she was struggling. She was going through a tough patch feeling as tough she didn’t quite measure up. So, she did what too many of us do in a day plagued with instant gratification and with social media at the tip of our fingers. She posted a cute selfie with a fun caption seeking affirmation.

A wake up call…

I recognized it. I’ve been there. And, my guess is you have too.

If I had to guess, it was probably wasn’t the first picture she took. She was sure to use just the right filter to make her eyes sparkle. I’m not judging her for her taking and retaking her “candid” shot. Because face it, we’ve all done it and none of us are as likely to post the ones that make us feel insecure or maybe give us an extra chin.

She posted with hopes of getting feedback, though she didn’t specifically say it. You’re enough or you matter. You’re liked or you’re loved. It worked. And, I saw her cling to the momentary high of acceptance from online. As I started writing this, I realized that while I have one friend in mind, I can think of several friends who might think this post is about them. What a powerful reminder of how many of us struggle with this at any given time.

What you need to know about likes, loves and emojis:
What you allow to speak value into your life is a choice.

If we allow social media to provide our sense of self-worth, we’re giving the opinions of friends, and people who call themselves our friends online but don’t really know us, the ultimate influence over our lives. Your worth, my worth is not determined by the number of likes we get or followers we have. Be self-aware when you fall into the trap of seeking affirmation online. Choose to consciously change what speaks value into you identify. Instead of checking your likes, remember who God says you are… and, for the record he says you were made with purpose and are loved. That is far more valuable than any amount of likes online!

There’s often more to the story.

Not every post holds great personal significance. Some posts really are just a sweet moment, a laugh to brighten our day, or a milestone worthy of sharing. But, many posts that we’ll scroll past in our feeds hide what our friends are struggling with and what’s keeping them up at night. If someone is really your friend or cherished family, don’t let what’s on their wall, board or profile be the only update you receive from them.

Likes, Loves, and Emojis can be empty.

Connection, real connection requires more than clicking an emoji in our favorite social media app. Yes, they’re a quick way to tell a friend, “I see what you posted.” But, rarely do they communicate “I see you.” Or “I understand what you’re going through, really.”  Think about which you want to say and take the time to communicate it. And, if you’re searching for validation online, know that you will have posts that many may like and others that will feel as though they fall flat. Your significance and your value do not change by the number of your likes.

What you practice, your kids learn.

Your children notice what you’re doing. If you’re constantly posting, repeatedly checking, they notice. Consciously lift your head out of your phone. If you don’t want them to seek for their significance online, refuse to seek yours in social media. Model affirmation in person. It will have a profound impact on their future.

It’s your turn:

So how do you make a shift? One choice at a time and through being intentional.  Why not consider challenging yourself for next seven days, or maybe even for the month of August.

A Seven Day Challenge – five things you can do:
1. Click and connect.

Each day, choose one friend (or family member) that you click like, love or another emoji and reach out to them beyond a comment on social media. Email, message, call, or get together. Intentionally choose to connect at a deeper level than a social media emoji.

2. Be real

Find a way this week to post a real update. Instead of posting that one cute selfie that looks like you or your family have it all together, maybe you post a series of three photos that show what it took to get to that one great one. When we’re a little more real and vulnerable, we give others the permission they need to do the same. Why do we feel the need to portray a life that is always together? That’s just not the reality we live all of the time.

3. Disconnect

Yup, in a blog about connecting and one tip is to disconnect. Don’t disconnect from friends, but consider reducing or consciously claiming back a portion of your day or week from social media. Studies have shown that increased social media use actually increases depression. Reducing your online time can improve your overall mood and outlook.

4. Mind your mornings

It’s easy to use your phone as an alarm clock but then without even thinking, start scrolling social media before your feet even touched the floor. How you start your morning sets the tone for the day. If this is something you struggle with, consider using a “regular” alarm clock rather than your phone or choose to avoid social media in your first hour after waking up. Phone apps such as First5 are designed to help you choose how you use your first waking thoughts in the morning. Find one to help you get on track.

5. Pay it forward.

Invite your friends to read this post and to take on the challenge.

If you’ve been encourage, take a moment to comment and let me know, and join the conversation. Are you going to try one of the challenge ideas? If so, which one. Will you try to make a conscious change over the next week? Big change can start with the smallest step.

And, be sure to click on the social media links to share this post with your friends.

Until next time, be blessed!

The post What you need to know about likes, loves and emojis appeared first on Susan Call.

How A Surprise Taught Me About Being Intentional

Surprise! One of these things is not like the other.

I’m not a huge gardener but the other day while working in the yard, I noticed something growing smack dab in the middle of the flowers I’d planted. There, tucked into my thriving garden one plant stood out distinctly from the others. What was it you ask? A tomato plant! Trust me, I was surprised!  I didn’t plant it yet there it stood. Clearly a tomato from last year’s harvest left an unexpected surprise behind. As I’ve thought about my bonus tomato plant, I couldn’t recognize the wisdom for life tucked in my garden too.

1. What you plant grows.

While I didn’t plant this particular tomato plant this year, I did plant tomatoes in my garden last year. Sometimes in life the growth we experience is the residual effect of seeds we planted previously. The habits and routines we develop in life can cause growth much like this lone tomato plant. When we plant good seeds in our life through our compassion and kindness, we shouldn’t be surprised to see the fruit of our efforts surprise us in the future. Likewise if we sow less desirable seeds, we shouldn’t be shocked when the fruit we grow looks more like a consequence.

2. What you feed grows.

I’ve fertilized and watered my garden. While I’ve work to ensure the plants growing had the nutrients to grow, I was feeding more than the seeds I knew about. I was also feeding a leftover seed from last year’s tomato harvest. Truth is, the time and energy I gave my garden fed everything that was buried there. It’s no different in life, what we feed grows. Our choices and attitudes determine what we’re feeding under our surface. Good or bad, what we feed will grow. Choose carefully.

3. There’s a gap between planting and harvest.

I’m a fairly novice gardener but, even I know it can take weeks for fruits and vegetables to grow from seeds. We can’t plant and reap the harvest on the same day. Still while we realize that when it comes to a garden, we’re not always equally patient in our lives. When we have a dream or an idea, too often we want to see it take root and bloom almost instantly. If we don’t see progress fast enough, we’re all too quick to give up. If you find yourself getting stuck wanting progress too quickly, take a step back. Give your dreams time and space to grow. Don’t push them to try bloom before their time. When you give them the time needed, the harvest is much bigger!

4. What you allow to grow gets bigger.

While in my garden, I couldn’t help but notice a number of pesky weeds starting to sprout around my flowers and vegetables. Ignoring them wouldn’t make them go away. They would have continued to grow with or without my acknowledgement. What we allow to grow unchecked in our lives can become a much bigger problem in the future if we don’t deal with it today. Whether it’s a disagreement or misunderstanding that we attempt to sweep under the carpet, it will only stay out of view for so long. Tackle it. Deal with it. Pull out the weeds in your life and leave more room for the things you’d really like to bloom instead.

It’s your turn

Can you relate to my garden? I know I’ve been guilty of wanting to harvest dreams too close to when they’ve been planted. In life’s ebbs and flows, I’ve had to work at the areas that I’d like to see growth. We don’t grow by accident, rather it’s intentional. If this encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you. Or, have you found any surprises in your garden? Did you find unexpected wisdom growing with your surprise plant? Click to join the conversation.

And if you enjoyed this post, why not click to share it on social media? Your friends could use the encouragement too!

Until next time friends, be blessed!

You might also enjoy

5 Powerful Reasons You Should Prune Your Life
The Surprising Secrets To Personal Growth I Found Pulling Weeds
How to Find Power in the Small

 

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