Motivated and Free

Guest Post: 15 Things To Remind Yourself Of When Life Seems Overwhelming And Difficult

by motivatedandfree

Hello guys,

Raise your hand if this year has been rough. Yeah, I know. We’ve all had a rough year. Some of us have had a rough few years. Now, do me a favour and put your hand on your chest. Do you feel that? That’s called life. Your heart hasn’t stopped beating to keep you alive, so don’t waste any more of it feeling sorry for yourself. There’s time for everything in this life. There’s time to mourn, cry, to be angry, to feel indifferent, but there’s also time to laugh, hug, kiss, and dance. If you’ve been moping for a while, maybe it’s time you remind yourself of these things and finally start living life more fully.

1. You’re more than just your body.

You have a mind, a soul and a heart. The outside is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more in you that people love than what’s on the outside. Put more focus on what’s inside and let that beauty flourish from the inside out.

2. You can do anything.

If you focus and plan, you’ll surely reach those goals. It’ll take work, but it’ll feel good to know that hard work and helping yourself was your key to success.

3. You’re the only person who can make you happy.

No one else can make you happy, nor can you fill voids in the happiness department with material things. You and only you can control your level of happiness.

4. Problems have solutions.

Take a moment. Breathe. Think. Analyze. Plan. Solve. You can do it.

5. Is your problem really that big or are you being dramatic?

Stop and assess. Don’t waste energy on worrying about something not worth worrying about.

6. Be thankful for your support system.

No matter how big or how small, you’re part of a community of people who love you. Appreciate them and give thanks that you have someone to turn to.

7. You’re not alive to impress anyone.

Life is not about fitting in or making people like you because of how you look or what you have. Social media is full of liars and the moment you understand that, the lesser you’ll feel like impressing anyone.

8. Do things for yourself.

If you like it, do it. If it makes you feel good, do it. If it makes you happy, do it. If it makes you feel empowered, do it.

9. Life has a long list of good things ready for you.

You may be in a rut now, but that won’t be forever. Life always gives us sweet surprises. Be on the lookout.

10. Failing doesn’t mean it’s over.

You may have failed 1,000 times and feel like giving up. That’s ok. If you don’t want to give up and know you want to continue persevering, that’s also ok. It’s not over until you say it is.

11. People love you, so why don’t you love yourself?

We have this tendency to constantly self-deprecate. We under-value and under-appreciate ourselves, when the people we know value and love us. If they can love you, you can definitely love yourself too.

12. Life doesn’t suck as much as you think it does.

If we look hard enough, finding the bright side to life isn’t all that hard. Count your blessings, literally. Write them down and be amazed. Your life isn’t that bad.

13. You’re not alone.

We’re all on this journey together. And yes, life can seem easier for some and harder for others, but a wise man once said, “the sun rises for both good and evil”. You’ll get a fair shot at the things you want, but in the meantime, rest assured that everyone is fighting for something. You’re not an isolated case.

14. Messing up just means you’re human.

Congrats, you’re not a robot, or an alien, or a fictional character. You’re a real, live person who stumbles. Dust yourself off and start over. It’s that simple.

15. Don’t deprive yourself of anything lovely.

Never deny yourself the opportunity to love, eat, dance, sing, cry, shout, etc. Go. See new places, make new friends, try new things. Life is short and isn’t meant to be rationed.

Source: Much credit to Fernanda

Just Be Patient And Watch How Everything Eventually Works Out In Your Favour

by motivatedandfree

Guest post.

Just be patient and everything that once unsettled you will be settled for you because that’s how the universe works, you don’t get your justice or your closure or your answers right away and at times it may feel like the odds are stacked against you and nothing seems to be going in your favour but then it all just falls into place. The answer just comes to you on a random Monday morning. Your closure comes with a twist as you sit back and enjoy the show.

Just be patient because when you rush and take matters into your own hands, you can sometimes ruin the wonderful surprise the universe has for you. Sometimes we get carried away and we don’t wait to see how things will unfold for us because we’re too obsessed with getting the outcome we want immediately. We want to punish those who hurt us and get even with those who kicked us when we’re down but we don’t let the universe work its magic.

God is watching. God knows exactly what happened to you and who did what and what their intentions were and God knows how much you’ve suffered and he is fighting your battles behind the scenes. He’s not going to let those who purposely wounded you slip away without a few bruises. He’s not going to let all those months or years you spent in agony go to waste, he’s going to reward you with something you never imagined, something beyond your wildest dreams because that’s how God works. He turns it all around. Nothing will ever stay the same. The pain and the loss will eventually be replaced with bliss and abundance.

Just be patient and watch how your faith in God and his mercy will grant you everything you ever wanted and more. Just be patient and watch how God wins every battle you once thought you had lost.

Major credit goes to Rania Naim

You Never Know What God Has In Store For You, But It’s Always Better Than You Think

by motivatedandfree

You never know why God picked a certain path for you even if it didn’t make sense to you or even if you thought that it was unfair or too painful. You never know why God made you fight certain battles alone or why he made you lose those battles. You never know why he picked someone else for something you wanted or a dream you wished for, but you should know that what he has in store for you is always way better than anything you could have imagined for yourself.

You never know why his delays or his timing or his plans did not align with yours, but you should know that with time, you are going to realize that you didn’t need what you wanted back then, that they were juvenile wishes or dreams from an unhealed or an immature version of you. You are going to change and evolve and your dreams and passions will change and you will thank God that you were not stuck with an old dream or an old story that would have been wrong for you.

You never know why God pushed you away from some people or pushed certain people away from you. It may not make sense at first, you may even feel like you lost an irreplaceable friend or partner or the love of your life, but you should know that only God knows what the future holds, and maybe down the line this friendship or relationship would have been toxic for you or would have made you suffer. You never know why God broke your heart or why he took the ones you loved away from you, but you should know that the reason behind every heartbreak is to somehow heal you in another way. Whether it’s self-love or inner strength or wisdom, one way or another, your heartbreak taught you something valuable about yourself or your life that you wouldn’t have learned otherwise.

You never know why God tested you with the things that meant the most to you or the things you thought you couldn’t live without, but you should know that every time you think you lost something special, God has something outstanding in store for you. Every time you go after a blocked road or a closed door, God has an even better one wide open for you. Every time you chase someone who doesn’t love you or appreciate you or someone who isn’t right for you, God is saving you from a lifetime of pain and regret because he has someone perfect for you.

The truth is, you never know what God has in store for you, but from what I have seen in my own life and what I have learned when my life didn’t go as planned, all along God had a totally different vision for my life, and now I know that what I wanted for myself would have destroyed me. You never know how many doors God is willing to close to protect you, but you also never know how many doors he’s willing to open to bless you with things you never even dreamed of.

Sooner or later you are going to realize that what God has in store for you is always better than anything you could have imagined for yourself.

Much credit goes to Rania Naim

Don’t Feel Guilty For Doing What’s Best For Yourself

by motivatedandfree

This is a guest post.

Don’t feel guilty for cutting toxic people out of your life. Even if you love them, even if you had wonderful times with them in the past, you have to do what’s right for yourself today. Remember, even though you might be the person ending the relationship, you’re not the reason this has to happen. They brought it onto themselves. It’s their fault. Not yours. You have to do what is best for yourself. You have to put yourself first, even when it hurts.

Don’t feel guilty for putting yourself first, especially when it comes to your mental health. You’re allowed to be selfish. You’re allowed to make decisions that benefit you, even if they upset the people around you. It doesn’t matter if anyone else understands or respects your decision. All that matters is that you care about yourself enough to do what is best for yourself. You should never sacrifice your mental health for anyone else. After all, if they really cared about you, they would encourage you to do whatever you need to do.

Don’t feel guilty for disappointing other people, even the people you love. You can’t make career choices, relationship choices, or any general life choices based on what your parent or partner wants from you. You need to do what brings you the most happiness. There’s no reason to make them happy if it means making yourself miserable. When it comes to your life, your emotions and your opinions are the most important.

Don’t feel guilty for causing conflict. If someone upsets you, you don’t have to pretend everything is fine to keep the peace. You don’t have to act polite when someone is completely disrespecting you. You’re allowed to speak your mind and say what’s wrong. You’re allowed to call people out when they cross an unforgivable line. You shouldn’t feel pressured to stay quiet when you’re suffering on the inside.

Don’t feel guilty about saying no when your plate is full. Even though you have a kind heart, you can’t help everyone who asks for a hand. You don’t want to burn yourself out to please someone else. Sometimes, you need to let others down. Sometimes, you need to do what makes the most sense for you instead of running around, trying to entertain everyone else.

Remember, you’re allowed to be selfish, but this doesn’t mean you need to walk around, only caring about yourself. This doesn’t mean you should say and do whatever you want without any regard for the people around you. This doesn’t mean you’re allowed to disrespect your family and friends. It only means that you shouldn’t let people walk over you. You shouldn’t let others make your decisions for you. You shouldn’t assume family members and friends know you better than you know yourself.

Don’t feel guilty for doing what’s best for yourself. Don’t hesitate to do what makes you the happiest because, at the end of the day, you’re the only person you can rely on.

Guest: Holly Riordan

Image source: Adobe stock

Trust Me When I Say God Always Has A Plan

by motivatedandfree

This is a guest repost.

Trust me when I say God knows what he’s doing. Even if you’re confused and you don’t know how you’re going to move forward or where you’re going to go, he will always open a new door for you. An unexpected door. A door that could lead you to a kind of happiness you never imagined. A door that puts an end to the hard days.

Trust me when I say God doesn’t take things away without giving you something better. God knows when something has served its purpose even if you can’t see it. God knows when things should end even if you’re not ready. God is planning what’s next for you because he knows that you need a change. He knows that he’s taking you to a better destination or guiding you to a more fulfilling life.

Trust me when I say God hears your prayers. He’s listening to you and he’s giving you exactly what you want but in his own way. Maybe his way is different from yours but his way is always the right way. When you ask for happiness and you find yourself drifting away from the people you love, he’s telling you that these are not the people to surround yourself with because they drain you. When you ask for peace and you lose your job, he’s telling you that your future is better somewhere else. When you ask for love and he gives you heartbreak, he’s telling you that you need to make a better choice. He’s telling you you’re loving the wrong people. He’s always answering your questions, you just need to trust his answers.

Trust me when I say God is looking out for you. It may not be easy to see at times and it might be impossible to understand why things happen the way they do but one thing I know for sure is that God won’t leave you alone in the dark. He will guide you. He will inspire you. He will rearrange things in your life so you can change your life. 

Trust me when I say God wants you to count on him. He wants you to learn that people are unpredictable and they change their minds every second. He wants you to know that nothing in life is secure or complete. He wants you to know that there will be times when you’ll just have to count on your faith instead of your logic. He wants you to go through enough problems so you can have enough wisdom to know that he’s the only constant in this life and he’s the only one who can truly heal you.

Trust me when I say God always has a plan for you and that plan always includes what’s best for you.

Credit: Rania Naim

Image credit: Adobe Stock

This Is Me Trying

by motivatedandfree

I am far from complete. I am an unfinished manuscript, collecting dust on a forgotten shelf. I am merely half a canvas, splattered paint that is yet to be a masterpiece. And that’s okay with me. Why would I want to be complete? That would mean the world was done with me.

I have not been sculpted to perfection yet, my fine details are still to be sketched. I would not want to rush the process of perfection, I do not wish for my metamorphosis to be instantaneous.

I want the world to take its time with me. Mold my soul with patience and attentiveness, Lead me to walk through darkness when I am convinced there is no light. Teach me lessons that will shape me into the final version of who I am to be.

I care very little for immediate perfection. I know that society is obsessed with getting it right from the start and I am sorry if I come across as self-righteous, but you’re wrong.

Life is about living. Living is about trying. Trying and learning; never failing. Failing suggests that nothing came of it. There is always a purpose, always a lesson to be learned. This obsession with perfection will only cause you pain; I speak from experience. I, too, wanted everything, now. I almost demanded it, trying to manifest it at my feet. But that is not how this works. If you believe that is the unquestionable truth, you will not live. Seeing lessons as failures will only fill your life with frustration and misery. Perfection is only attainable when our manuscripts are complete. Perfection is within that finished masterpiece.

To live is to try. Those lessons you see as imperfections, they are the words that fill your manuscripts and the brush strokes that create your masterpiece. Trying is the meaning of life. Because we are human. Humans are not perfect. We are never always right and mistakes are what make us individuals.

Your soul is a constellation of imperfections. Imperfections that resulted from a lifetime of trying.

And maybe perfection is not attainable when we reach our conclusions; not in the way you believe perfection to be. Perfection is when you have learned and absorbed every possible thing that life had to offer you. Perfection is closing your eyes for the final time, accumulating every imperfection you collected over the years. Perfection is having spent a lifetime trying.

This is me being dedicated to trying. Trying to learn from those sweet imperfections I am committed to loving. This is me trying to enjoy the process of my chapters being written. This is me trying to live.

Source: Dakota Geduld

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

When To Let Go And When To Try Harder

by motivatedandfree

Eventually, we all reach the crossroad of moving on or trying harder. While it’s difficult to go either way, the decision is what is more perplexing. Sometimes you can’t just let things be, and other times things really do just have to work themselves out. But how do we know the difference?

Well, we often don’t, and that’s the most important part. The process of figuring out what we can’t change and when it’s time to move on is the actual process of doing so. Because while you can’t change things when they are largely the decisions of others, your actions can change the mind’s of those people. How do you know when the universe will work it out and how do you know when it’s time for you to start ironing out the kinks? You don’t until you’ve tried.

It’s time to move on when you have tried to change things, but to no avail. It’s time to let the  higher being or whatever it is you do or don’t believe in figure things out– and have faith in the funny little way that life tends to bring and take what we need at just the right times. But regardless of where you are in the journey, you have to keep trying until there is no other option. And that’s what’s going to be so incredible and humbling about when you finally realize it’s time to let go. Because you’ve been down to your knees and you don’t have anything more to give. That is what is going to bring you to a place of having something to let go of. It’s only then that the universe will take over. Trust it. Do it. You will find the “wisdom to know the difference” at the end.

 

Most times, I tend to be lost and don’t know what to do, especially when have exhausted myself to make a difference in my life. Since I got to the UK, have been blessed and favoured to work with a popular multinational company. But it is not enough for me, because I want a better position. Since am a graduate of double degrees, I applied for a managerial position several times, I get denied each time. I told myself the net time I apply and still denied, I was going to leave. But I remembered what my dad always tell me. Be grateful for humble beginnings. If it doesn’t work there, let it go. It will work in another place and in due time.

Have moved on, so can you.

A Short Story About A Butterfly

by motivatedandfree

Once upon a time, a man found a butterfly that was starting to hatch from its cocoon. He sat down and watched the butterfly for hours as it struggled to force itself through a tiny hole. Then, it suddenly stopped making progress and looked like it was stuck. Therefore, the man decided to help the butterfly out. He took a pair of scissors and cut off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily, although it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man thought nothing of it, and he sat there waiting for the wings to enlarge to support the butterfly. However, that never happened. The butterfly spent the rest of its life unable to fly, crawling around with small wings and a swollen body. Despite the man’s kind heart, he didn’t understand that the restricting cocoon and the struggle needed by the butterfly to get itself through the small hole were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings to prepare itself for flying once it was free.

Moral of the story: Our struggles in life help to develop our strengths. Without struggles, we never grow and get stronger, so it’s important for us to tackle challenges on our own, and not rely on help from others all the time.

https://www.ba-bamail.com/spirituality/12-stories-thatll-change-the-way-you-perceive-life/

Guest Post: This Is For Anyone Who Feels Like They’re Never Going To Find Their Own Path In Life

by motivatedandfree

If you are someone who is afraid that you’ll never find your path in life, that you’ll never hit your stride, that you’ll never discover what you love, or find a place that feels like home, or a person with whom you want to plant roots — please know that you are not alone.

The things about life is that it doesn’t happen until it happens. We don’t know what we don’t know until we do.

It is so challenging to exist in a space where you are a stranger to yourself, because it makes you feel like the road will never rise up to meet you. It makes you feel like there is no perfect career, there is no perfect partner, there is no perfect city to call your own.

The truth is that what you’re looking for isn’t outside of you, but buried deep within.

You already know your path.

It’s embedded into your cells.

It reveals itself every time you get a twinge in your heart, a feeling of resonance, an interest, a passion, an explosion of emotion.

It is present in every room you are in.

It is with you all of the time.

There is no path to find, because you are your own path. If where you are right now is confusion and uncertainty, then what you need to feel and metabolize is confusion and uncertainty. Through allowing yourself to sit with these feelings, you will emerge on the other side with clarity.

Too many people spend too many years seeking outside of themselves, instead of looking within.

They imagine that the perfect job will give them the right identity, that the ideal partner will hand them the life they always wanted. They assume that home is a place they discover, when really, it is a space they create.

You are at home within your bones, and eventually, you’ll begin to accept that you are where you’re supposed to be.

There are more potential partners out in the world than you could ever imagine, and when the time is right, you’ll find the one that’s right for you.

Your life purpose is not just one thing, it’s a collection of things, some you act on every day, some that won’t come to fruition for many years. When you’re ready, you’ll arrive at the intersection of your interests and talents and you will find the gift you were always meant to give the world.

You can’t rush this.

You aren’t supposed to have every answer on demand.

It’s not that you have to search your soul to know what’s right, but that you are developing your persona to fully inhabit and embrace all that your soul wants to create and experience.

You are already on the right path, because there is nowhere else you could possibly be.

Whatever you are learning in this season is what you need to learn. Whatever you are feeling is what you need to feel. Whatever you are realizing is what you need to realize.

Your life does not begin one day when you figure out every answer, it is a constant unfolding.

One day, you just wake up and realize it.

Originally written by Brianna Weist

Daily Digest: The Strength To Deal And Be Comfortable With Change

by motivatedandfree

Many people don’t like change. It’s a fact! Former US President Woodrow Wilson said, “If you want to make enemies, try to change something”.

If you change nothing - napkin concept

Often when we grow weary or simply become bored with a situation, we get restless and begin to pray: “Oh God! Something has to change in my life!” Then when God tries to bring change into our lives, we say, “Lord, what are you doing? I don’t think i can take this change!” We often find ourselves caught in the tension between wanting change and scared to change.

Good examples of this is change of job, moving from one house to another, change of your children school, and so on. Recently, I was praying for a second job to be able to meet up with the bills. I prayed to God for one and also did my part applying. I got a support job, which isn’t bad at all. But the fear came when i tried to fit in the hours I will be working and how to manage both together without missing a shift. Instead of complaining of the difficulties, I prayed for clarity and guidiance throughout my shift for the week. Also, when me and my family relocated to the United Kingdom, we were scared of starting over. We are eight months now in the country, thanks to God for His guidiance and grace.

Thank God. He never changes. Because He is always the same, we can trust Him through any changing circumstances or situation.  (read Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6). This should give us great courage and comfort when we face changes in our lves. We do not need to fear change; we can handle it, because God remains the same.

Prayer: Father, I am so thankful that I don’t have to fear change. You never change and You are my strong tower. I stand on the firm foundation of Your word, and i will live in peace, even when things are changing all around me.

1 New York Times Bestselling Author Joyce Meyer Books | FaithWords

This piece credit goes to Joyce Meyer. Highlighting how we can deal with change through prayer. I was fascinated by the piece, which made me write a few personal experience to it.

Please share and comment.

The Tiny Little Secret That Gives You Permission To Enjoy Anything

by motivatedandfree

Boy I love a cheesy title every once in a while. Like the one above. Yes, I know it’s cheesy, but you know what? I decided to like it. Even more, I decided to enjoy it.

And with that, the secret – because there is a secret, the title didn’t lie – is already suggested.

Ok, let’s not waste more time on this: the secret is decision. The conscious decision to enjoy stuff. Time spent enjoying is time well spent. You can’t be really miserable if you consciously enjoy something. So, if you really want to enjoy anything, all you have to do is to decide you’re gonna do that. That’s all. That’s the secret.

I’m not saying to be delusional, to fake enjoyment when you’re hurt. Hurt happens. And it’s real. Pain is real. I’m not saying to deny it. But try to enjoy the fact that you can still feel pain. The fact that you’re still alive. After a while the pain will go away. It’s bound to be like this, everything changes. The pain, the pleasure, the sadness, the joy, all of them are going to fade away. That’s our condition on this earth.

We can’t control that. We can’t stop time in its track. We can’t freeze this second and relive it again and again and again. Time will catch us from behind and crash us, moving forward.

The only thing we can control is how we react to this change. That’s the secret, the reaction, the conscious decision we take while witnessing the change. Circumstances are blending around us and sometimes they’re perceived as good, sometimes as bad. But beyond good and bad there’s this basic pleasure, this unexplainable feeling of fulfillment that you’re still here, in the stream, existing.

Enjoy Everything

by motivatedandfree

Hey guys!

Before you decide to hate your life right now, remember that joy is everywhere.

Like being in joy. Like giving permission to yourself to extract joy from any situation you’re in. Even if it’s bad. Or especially if it’s bad. Joy is everywhere, you just have to let it manifest through you. Don’t resist joy. Don’t reject it.

Even in the greatest sadness there’s still some place for joy. You can’t really experience sadness if you wouldn’t be alive, didn’t you? So, enjoy your life with everything that has to offer.

Enjoy being sad as well as being happy. Enjoy your successes as well as your failures. Enjoy your new relationships as well as your separations. Enjoy your lessons even if they are not pleasant.

Beyond what you are experiencing right now, beyond your happiness or misery, there’s always a greatest gift: the gift of life. Enjoy it. 

Have a productive week.

Sometimes It’s a Blessing That You Didn’t Get What You Prayed For

by motivatedandfree

This is a guest post.

When I look back on some of the things I prayed for in the past, I feel lucky and grateful that they didn’t happen because now that I know better, some of the things I prayed for would have ruined my life. You see, it’s not that God didn’t answer your prayer, he answered it by not giving it to you. It was his way of telling you that this is not going to serve you and one day you will know exactly why.

Sometimes it’s a blessing that it didn’t work out with someone you wanted to be with because they weren’t good for you or they had circumstances that you wouldn’t have been able to live with because you hear what people say about them now or you see what kind of partner they are and you get why God didn’t make it happen. Sometimes it doesn’t work out because you were meant to find someone better for you or make room for them to show up.

Sometimes it’s a blessing that you didn’t get the job you wanted because you didn’t know what kind of environment you were going to be in and it pushed you to be creative and look outside your field or your comfort zone and you found something that motivated you more, something you were more passionate about and something you can actually make a difference in. There’s always a bigger reason why you weren’t granted your wishes and the reason is always valid and serving your best interest.

Sometimes God doesn’t answer your prayer the way you want to but he answers them in his own way. Maybe that looks like rejection or failure or heartbreak or injustice in the beginning but when you accept that reality and start moving on with your life, you look back and you understand how his answer was much better than yours. You look back and you secretly thank him for changing your path or your calling or your heart. You thank him for removing certain people and opportunities from your life because now you know how toxic they could have been. Now you know what’s right for you and what you deserve and that’s something God knew all along.

Sometimes it’s a blessing that you didn’t get what you prayed for because that means that God has better plans for you and his blessings will exceed everything you once prayed for. When you figure out God’s vision behind your unanswered prayers, you will understand that sometimes he protects you from yourself.

Happy Easter guys, and don’t forget you are victorious, loved, and ascended.

Bless.

Much credit to Rania Naim.