Her passion and imagination was so vast and so wild, it came curling from the top of her head
~M.J. FAHEL MCKIMZEY |
I'm a brave ragamuffin princess raised in SC! Bookdragon, Blogger, Vlogger Scriptsmith, Artisan ,&; Bard for Christ.
To prep yourself for this moment, try to force a giggle—maybe even a full-on belly laugh right now :)
Being optimistic is a choice.
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been and look at what can be."
- MARSHA PETRIE SUE
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
As I encounter fear and opposition, I will greet it with an extra degree of kindness and care. I will let the curve of my smile grow into every negative thought and emotion. Navigating difficulty in this positive light turns obstacles into opportunities and empowers me to press on courageously.
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
When things inevitably don’t go my way today, I will use optimism to overcome adversity by responding in the following way …
I'll say to myself; "Moment to moment and step by step, I'll carry on. Each day is a new day. Each minute a new minute. In these moments that grief is weighing me down, I shall look beyond it to the light." Because the truth is that we will not always feel this way.
I'll find beauty in something each day and soon, will blog about it. I'll make art out of my tears. Anything to bring beauty through the ashes. It's more than optimism, this is joy. It's more than happiness it's hope.
Today, pay extra attention to simple tasks you do every day:
When you take a shower, notice how the water flows down your skin; notice the temperature, the pressure, and the sounds of individual droplets.
When you are sitting, just as you are now, catch yourself slouching, sit up straight. Sit with alertness and intent. Take a deep breath, and let it all go.
When you get in bed tonight, listen to your heart. Just beat, after beat, after beat. Grateful it's always working hard to keep you alive even though you don't ask it to.
By staying focused during mundane tasks, we strengthen our willpower to focus on our larger goals.
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new."
- SOCRATES
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
When I decide to give something my undivided attention, powerful emotions are created that inspire brave action. What's great is I always have complete control on where and how I direct my focus. Having a clear desired outcome and consistently focusing on it immediately changes my behavior, giving me the momentum I need to take daily actions that will lead to profound results.
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
Something I've achieved that I might have previously thought impossible …
Something or someone that will get 100% of my attention today …
At one time, I achieved almost 2 years without cutting and donated for the first time. It made me feel strong and accomplished. My folks made the 1 year anniversary very special and it made me realize how much my folks truly cared and loved me. I remember the tears of joy flowing that night... It was the kind of crying I only dreamed about. It was the kind of accomplishment that I thought I'd never reach.
Today I will put my attention into catching up with my missed days, doing art for my Gryphon Wing Series. I've fallen behind in this as well. Hopefully I can also work on a couple of stories, because I've not written in any of them in ages. I miss writing fantasy already... I don't feel like myself without the pen.
Day 17/30
TODAY'S BRAVE ACT
Let your brave muscle repair and strengthen by reflecting and appreciating the daily small wins you've been accomplishing.
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"There are days when it is very discouraging. You have to develop personal resilience to environmental things that come along. If you let every single environmental challenge knock you off your game, it's going to be very, very hard."
- RENEE JAMES
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Sometimes I feel like when I take one step forward, I end up falling two steps back. What’s important in this situation is that I don't let these setbacks deter me from staying course and moving forward. I must remember that life moves in waves and it’s okay to have bad days, as long as I get back up and keep pressing ahead.
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
A recent moment that left me feeling scared and discouraged …
Reflecting on this moment, I see now that I grew from this challenging situation in the following way …
I was terrified when he blocked me. Humiliated, and ashamed. I rushed to another place to contact him asking him why.... He told me that he isn't very fond of me and didn't even like talking to me. What hurt the most was when I asked why he called me and he responded with "I didn't intend to, believe you me." Realizing that I was what's wrong, that just my presence was the problem, I broke down. It still affects me deeply...
But looking in hindsight, I will honestly say that I've grown to be myself, to release him and his texts. Doing this once again makes it harder to heal, because it seems I even pick at my spiritual sores, as I do with my physical. But knowing that he just doesn't like me helps me to let him go more....
Day 18/30
TODAY'S BRAVE ACT
The next stranger that crosses your path,
ask them the first genuine question that comes to mind.
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."
- MARIE CURIE
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
My perception of the world and belief in what is possible is not limited by the interpretation of others. It is through direct experience that I develop a concrete understanding of my own reality. This develops a confidence at a cellular level that enables me to freely and courageously navigate any adventure. I know I might not find the answer or reach the destination I set out for, but this quest of inquiry will at least open myself up to a mystery that’s meant to be lived.
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
What assumed truth has fearfully prevented me from taking action?
What personal experience could give me a better understanding this fear?
"I am mentally impaired" Having my mental illness leaves me fairly shaken and held firm in my past, unable to walk forward. I often feel like my mental illness is what makes me a hex in my friendships and a black stain to my family. The confusion I feel and the inability to shake free from my mental illness has always left me ashamed to come outside and fearful of what might happen if I go outside.
I could imagine my mental illness as those weights in Mulan. I mean when they thought of it as a burden, it wouldn't allow them to retrieve the arrow at the top. When Mulan realized at almost the end that she needed to use the weights as a rope to climb upward, she finally reached the arrow. Instead of seeing my mental illness as a burden, I could use it as a way to climb.... and I try to, daily... but the past is always chasing me down.
Draw a scene of yourself 15 days from now, succeeding in your 30-Day challenge.
Note what emotions arise as you doodle your braver, successful self.
This would be me being myself without thought of anyone who disagrees with my lifestyle
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It's not the lack of resources, it's your lack of resourcefulness that stops you"
- TONY ROBBINS
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
My ability to appreciate and contribute does not depend on my access to resources. The fact that I'm using this journal is proof that I have recognized a need in myself and had the resourcefulness to acquire tools to help take me where I want to go. I will continue to listen to to the needs, beliefs, and emotions that are controlling me so I can develop further confidence in my journey forward.
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
What resources would help me flourish in my 30 Day Challange? (e.g. money, time, information, training, technology, people)
What emotions can I develop to elicit more of those resources? (e.g. creativity, curiosity, determination, love, enthusiasm, honesty)
I have been using Habitica.com as a reminder to do my challenges, Gimp as a way to create art along with Artweaver, and as a way to inspire me, I use iTunes to motivate me.
I f I could develop my confidence in this time I do believe I could finish my challenge with flying colours.
Say 'no' to a pending invitation or opportunity that would get in the way of your current 30-day goal.
If you can, decide right now what you will say 'no' to today so you are prepared when the time comes to share your decision.
(I have no pending invitations or opportunities as of this time)
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one's better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on his ideas, to take a calculated risk, and to act."
- MAXWELL MALTZ
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Any brave adventure can be broken down into a series of calculated risks. So the more diligent I am in calculating each risky decision, the more prepared I am to prevent the worst from happening. In turn, I have more clarity and confidence to take that next brave step forward.
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
I've been unable to move forward with …
Unknowns that make me hesitant to proceed …
One simple thing I can do now to gain clarity on the path forward …
Lately I have been unable to move forward with standing up for myself because I have, myself felt not worth standing up for. I've felt as though I am meaningless.
I feel as though the unknowing of whether I even fit in with Christ's plan makes it hard to want to proceed in even life. It makes things difficult to rise up especially after being cast out, again... from the fellowship of His people. Thus, I isolate myself and am unwilling to face the fear of abandonment, betrayal and being hurt again.
I need only to simply rise out of bed, and face the fear, head on. Go into it, with confidence and enter. I need only to go out there to have clarity in this time. But the question is when and if it will happen.
Day 13/30:
TODAY'S BRAVE ACT
Define the one thing you can do every day, no matter what, that will help you achieve your 30-day goal.
Create at least one piece of art.
Eat at appropriate times, and normal helpings
Treat myself with dignity (hygiene)
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
- FRANCIS OF ASSISI
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
What are the chances that I will get what I want without going after it? Slim to none. When I’m acting from a place of ambition, I’m guaranteed some form of success. I will live up to my potential by taking the initiative to take that brave step towards what I really want.
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
If I wasn't able to succeed in my 30-day goal what might be the biggest reason?
I can mitigate the risk of that happening by doing the following …
The biggest reason that I'd not succeed in my 30-day goal is falling deep into my depression and giving up hope. The only reason I never finished any challenges was because of this...
I could take 15 minutes out of my day to myself and focus on the challenge. Setting a time specifically for doing my challenge. Which would most likely be at 2PM. I think this action would be the best solution.
Day 14/30
TODAY'S BRAVE ACT
Choose one of the determined micro-challenges:
Remember, it is in the small, seemingly insignificant things that we begin to flex our brave muscle and adopt new normals.
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work."
- COLIN POWELL
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
My lot in life has been determined by the actions I have and haven't taken. Today, I will do what I know needs to be done to accomplish what I’ve set out to achieve. I have the will and skill to fight through resistance. To understand the fears that I encounter, not run from them, and in turn, I will overcome them.
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
What has previously interfered with my ability to perform? (e.g. limiting beliefs, values, people, systems, etc)
Which of these are external limitations, and which are internal?
I would say what has interfered with my ability to perform most is that my mind is stuck, like a broken record, playing and replaying the same thing. I am chained to my past and this keeps me from moving past many things. Not to mention there has been a lot of people and situations that do not make it any easier. My heart is deeply broken.
Most of my issues are internal, however, speedy days and constant exhaustion makes it difficult as well. But most is the inward pain of life. The normalities of living.
Think of a situation in your life that is difficult, that is causing you stress. Bring the situation to mind, and see if you can actually feel the stress and emotional discomfort in your body.
Now, say to yourself:
"This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is a part of life. I will treat this suffering with compassion and kindness."
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Compassion is the courage to descend into the reality of human experience."
- PAUL GILBERT
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
Write a note to yourself from the perspective of an unconditionally loving imaginary friend:
Dear Ari, I know you've been hurt in places that should be safe. I know you have been cast out. Left, abandoned and betrayed. I know these things bring an aching and an emptiness to your heart. I know you've been hurt again recently. Life isn't treating you well. But I know you will overcome these trials. There is beauty in pain. This isn't your fault. It is their loss. You did nothing wrong. So wear your scars fearlessly. Rise up from the ashes and dust yourself off and carry on. I believe in you. I will be cheering you on. Take heart, have courage, keep the faith, dahling.
By asking WHY three times we go beyond the surface-level habitual responses and get to the real root of a question or problem.
or.... yesterday's, now
lolz
as it is 12am
but can I ask you? Savannah
Sure
Ari
gimme a moment, doing these challenges get harder and harder each day. Savannah
Haha
Ari
xP
first one will be why do you think I struggle so hard with forgiving myself? Savannah
I think it's because you have low self esteem
Ari
why do you think low self esteem is such a relevant issue in my life? Savannah
I think it's because you've been emotionally abused by a lot of people starting with your biological father. And depression plays a huge part in that as well
Ari
then lastly, why, as in what is the greatest obstacle I face which stops me from overcoming this flaw of mine? Savannah
Moving out of your parents house.
I feel your daddy is constantly criticizing you unnecessarily and it makes you worse.
Ari
he, too, thinks I'll grow more, once I move out
INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE DAY
"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
- ANDRE GIDE
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
A recent fear that I would like to overcome …
Why does this fear make me feel scared and uncomfortable?
Why does matter to me that I overcome this fear?
Why have I been previously been unable to overcome this fear?
The fear of letting go and trusting. It weighs me down in my spiritual growth.
Trusting people and the Lord requires to face the unknown. It also require to let go of what I want to believe to be true. It requires facing and letting go of memories of being let down by the very people one would think you could trust.
It matters to me that I overcome this, because I don't want to be held back anymore. I want to trust God some much that my confidence is in Him alone. I wanna get on with my life without always limping spiritually.
Each time I try to overcome this fear, though, something happens to trip me up and I give up. When I rise enough, to walk, someone else betrays me, another person abandons me, someone strikes an unhealed wound, and I'm hiding again...
"To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength."
- CRISS JAMI
TODAY'S WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
TODAY'S JOURNAL PROMPTS
A weakness that I’m struggling with …
Today, I will be courageously vulnerable by sharing my weakness with the following person …
I am still struggling with standing up for myself and facing the fear of rejection. In order to learn to stand for myself, I feel that I must realize that I am worth standing up for. It takes a lot to get there, however. I must come to terms with being who I am. The steps I am taking to do that is forgiving my biological father, being at peace with being his daughter, learning to honour God's decision to create me through him, letting go of the bitterness and fear of being abandonned, and learning to not judge myself by who my father is. I think, then I'll be able to stand up for myself both against myself and others. however, last night I already was vulnerable about it with another friend. But I can be vulnerable about it once more with my friend, Savannah. May fair winds follow you all and the Author guide you!
