Simple Ways To Practice Gratitude

Since it's November, gratitude is on many a mind this time of year. Practicing gratitude is one of the best ways to change your life; I know that sounds dramatic, but it's true! Our perspective is totally changed when we focus on ways we can give to others and recognize the many blessings we've been given. Ready to practice some gratitude? Here's a few simple ways to do it.

1. Make a gratitude journal.
This is something I've been building into my everyday routine for the last year or two, and it's been a wonderful habit. Take a few moments each morning or evening to reflect and jot down a list of things that you're grateful for. I've found that it causes you to be more mindful of your environment or the little moments in life.

2. Clean out your closet and donate your unworn clothes.
Each season, I like to do a edit of my clothes, and clear out pieces that just aren't getting worn anymore. Find some local organizations to support, who are accepting clothing donations, instead of going to consignment or Goodwill.

3. Write someone a thank you note.
It's easy to think kind thoughts about someone, or even to admire their hard work or dedication from afar, but instead, tell them! A handwritten note is one of the simplest yet often most cherished gestures. You know that person who is always doing things for others, someone who takes good care of you or provides excellent service, a friend who has been there--good times and tough times, yep, that one. Let them know how much you appreciate them! It will make their day (and yours, too)!

Gratitude is something that shouldn't just be reserved for one month or one holiday. It's a year-round practice that truly makes life worth living.

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February Inspiration

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Happy February! It's the second month in the new year, and we're officially inching closer toward Spring! We've had a couple days lately that have been the picture of perfect spring weather. I'm looking forward to many more days of that to come! Each month I like to choose some thoughts and quotes that inspire me for the next few weeks, and I enjoy sharing them with you in the hope that you will gather a little motivation from them also. This time, many of them seemed to have a rosy hue which seemed most appropriate for February. Here's to a fabulous, inspiring month ahead!

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5 Ways to Make Your Workday More Productive

It's that transition time again, and we're all thinking about getting into new routines, starting back to school, and switching over from long summer days to cool fall evenings. With the change in season comes the perfect opportunity to give your productivity and work habits a little boost. Here's five simple ways to make the most of your time, get inspired, and increase your success.

1. Create a routine that will create consistency and success. 
Here's the deal: we achieve success by being strategic, consistent, and persistent. Success is not an overnight job, and we have to break the mold of instant gratification that society so tightly holds onto. Take 30 minutes to an hour for yourself and write out exactly what you want your routine to look like, how much time you're allotting for each activity, and commit to following it.

2. Know when it is time to take a break and rest.
Putting in consistent effort is hard and results don't come overnight, so the option to just give up can seem like a good idea, especially when we are tired. Instead of running yourself ragged, know your limits---both physically and mentally---and plan time for creative rejuvenation. We have to unplug, relax, and renew our spirits. It is essential to productivity and success. Resting is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of wisdom. Marathon runners know when to increase speed and when to conserve energy to make it for the long haul. The same is true in our daily life and workday routine. Know when to push the limit and when it's time to take a break. Don't give up because of fatigue; instead, regain your strength and get ready to persist once again!

3. Decide to see the good in every situation. 
It's amazing to see how swiftly things can turn around when we turn our attitude in a new direction. A tough situation becomes a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Attitude is everything, so make sure yours is helping you go in the right direction. What you look for, you're sure to find. Seeking the things that could go wrong? Always looking with a critical eye? You're going to find exactly that. Looking for the good, the fun, and the positive? You're sure to see all that and enjoy the ride! Train your mind to always be looking for the good in everything. Choose a good attitude and you'll find that your days are happier because of it.

4. Engage the important, not simply urgent.
We're bombarded with a variety of urgent requests throughout the day. The day begins and suddenly we're in a swirl of emails, calls, notifications, reports, meetings, to-do lists, texts, errands, events...there's always something popping up to grab our attention. Whew! No wonder we're exhausted by 2pm, ready to grab our next cup of coffee to get us through the afternoon. We do so much, yet we feel like we've not accomplished enough of what needs to be done. The problem is that we're allowing our energy and attention to be diverted in too many directions. Sure there's lots of things that are "urgent", but are they actually important? Facebook/Instagram notifications....may seem urgent, definitely not important. Time with the family? Important. Instead of allowing your energy to simply be allocated by reaction, be intentional and choose to invest your time in the things that are of most importance. Prioritize by productivity and your days will reflect it!

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5. Decide to quit procrastinating and take action. 
You knew we'd end up talking about this subject, didn't you? Procrastination is the result of laziness, fear, and doubt. We think of all the things that could go wrong, the discomfort of the process, or the investment required and we talk ourselves right off the starting block. We stare at the blinking cursor of a blank page, hold the phone in our hand--waiting to make the call, and create lists of things to check off...all avoiding the seemingly impossible task at hand. Procrastination is not as tough of an enemy as it may seem, especially when we come at it armed with action. Here's my suggestion: do the toughest thing on your list first. Make the call, have the conversation, write the email...whatever that task is, do it. Once you've gotten it done, you'll not only feel better, but it will give you the boost to glide through the rest of your day with ease and energy. Productivity, here you come!

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Attitude is Everything

Attitude is everything.
I love this statement for many, many reasons. It was introduced to me at a young age at a leadership training program, and it became a mantra that I have reminded myself of over and over, when good things happen, when challenges happen, attitude is everything...and always a choice. It's easy to allow circumstances, people, or even feelings to influence our attitude toward life, but when we recognize the kind of power that our attitude has, we can change it so it leads us in the direction we want to go.

Attitude determines how much of the future we are allowed to see. It decides the size of our dreams and influences our determination when we're faced with new challenges.

We are the only ones in control of it; no one can control our attitude unless we voluntarily surrender that control. Others may put our attitudes to a test, but we control the result.

Attitude is an incredible asset. We cannot control what other people think, say, or do, and sometimes we cannot control our circumstances as we wish. We can, however, always control our attitude. Choose yours wisely, and make a decision to have an attitude that is independent of circumstances, and resilient to fear, defeat, and negativity. This will make a world of difference in your personal and professional life.
Attitude is always a choice.
Attitude is everything.

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Valentine's Day

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day!
See my Valentine's Day Tea Party 

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5 Ways to Create A Relaxing Space

When I come home from a busy day, the first thing I want to do is relax and unwind. Your space can be a sanctuary or simply functional. Over the last few years, I've put more thought into creating a space that is beautiful, livable, and allows creativity. Regardless of whether your space is big or small, here's five tips for turning it into a place to allow the cares of the day to slip away.

(Image via Gray Malin blog)

1. Choose your decor carefully.
One of my favorite pieces in my room is a large aerial photo of a beach with the sunlight sparkling on the turquoise water, brightly colored umbrellas lined up in the sand, and beachgoers tanning or playing along the shoreline. Every time I look at this, I'm instantly transported to vacation mode. After a busy or stressful day, we could all use a little vacation, am I right? Pieces that inspire, relax, or make you smile are a great way to add some personality to a space, or send you on a little mental vacation.
Shop a few of my favorite vacay-inspired pieces, and find a budget-friendly option here.

2. Light a candle.
I love the ambiance that a flickering candle creates. Aside from the fact that they make your home smell fabulous, candles can really help you to unwind and relax. Choose your favorite scent or pick up a few unscented versions for dinner parties and lighting additions. It's fun to rotate out your candles depending on the time of year. I'm often drawn to a clean, fresh, and light floral scent in spring, a tropical-inspired pick through summer, something cinnamon or woodsy in the fall, and peppermint or balsam for the holidays.

3. Pick your playlist.
Music plays a large part in the atmosphere of a place, doesn't it? There's certain songs that are perfect for a morning run, but not so great after a long day. Others are just right for a relaxing evening and too slow for the start of the day. Choose songs or even a style of music that will help recharge, inspire, and help you to decompress. Some of my personal favorites for relaxing are smooth jazz, anything Sinatra, classical guitar, jazz piano, and even a bit of Hawaiian music.

4. Add some fresh flowers.
It's amazing to see the effect that fresh flowers can have in a space. There's something about those blooming beauties that adds just a little extra to a dining area, bedroom, guest room, or kitchen. Pick up a bunch at your local grocery and arrange them in various vases or jars. It is always lovely to walk in to a room and instantly be greeted with a colorful arrangement.

5. Keep things clean.
After a busy day, the last thing I feel like doing is cleaning up a messy desk or room. One great way to ensure that your space is relaxing, breathable, and a happy place to be in is to keep it clean. This may sound obvious, but there's always the temptation to let things slip a little, and sooner or later, you're faced with a mess. Make it a habit to put things away, dust off the counters or dresser, keep things organized, and make the bed as soon as you get up in the morning! You'll find that this little tip makes a world of difference for the atmosphere of your space.

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Kitchen Confidential: My Go-To Smoothie

Today's post is all about food! I don't know about you, but I love smoothies. It's fun to get creative combining all kinds of ingredients to create delicious new flavors. Many mornings I'll want something that is simple, quick, and nutritious, and keeps me full until lunch time. I was all about the fruit smoothies until this fantastic recipe for a Chocolate Banana version entered the scene as a recommendation from a friend. Now this is definitely the go-to favorite that I enjoy for breakfast, lunch (at times), or even a snack after a workout. I may be just a little bit obsessed...maybe ;) It's sweet and creamy thanks to the frozen bananas and packs a protein punch that keeps you fueled and full until your next meal! Trust me, one sip and I think you'll have a new favorite too!  Enjoy!

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6 Qualities of Successful Leaders

Not all leaders are successful at leading. Sometimes people are placed in a position of leadership, yet never truly accomplish their full potential or develop a successful method of working with and leading teams. John Maxwell has said that leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. If that is the case, most of us have been placed in a role of influence whether or not we may realize it. In order to grow and develop in our leadership abilities, it is essential to look for certain qualities that successful leaders cultivate and exercise. Take a look at your own life, and see how many of these are part of your leadership and character.

1. Honesty

2. Respect for others and their opinions

3. Superb communication skills

4. Decisiveness

5. Courage

6. Confidence

How many of these are a part of your leadership style? If you're like me, there's always areas where you can grow and continue to cultivate these kinds of character traits into your influence. Leaders are always held to a higher standard, and these kinds of qualities will continue to propel you, and the teams you lead, toward success. I encourage you to add to this list, and think of some qualities in other significant, successful leaders that you admire, and begin to implement some of those characteristics into your own life. As Jim Rohn says,

"Each of us should be in constant search of people we admire and respect, people after whom we can pattern part of our own behavior. Regardless of our age or circumstances, we are never beyond the reach of influence."

Know that as a leader, you can continually grow and make a significant difference through your influence. Continue to cultivate these qualities and others that will lead you toward success.

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What Are You Waiting For?

I ask myself this question a lot, especially when it comes to facing a new challenge, fear, or setting a brand new goal. It's easy to be distracted by things that may be good/fun/interesting but if it pulls you away from what you are trying to accomplish, is it worth it? If you don't make a choice that takes you in the direction of your dreams then your priorities are aligned elsewhere. If not now...then when? If not you...then who? Here's the deal: no one can change your life except for you! Challenge yourself to take that leap of faith, to do the thing that you've been putting off, stretch yourself to a new limit, and decide that nothing is going to stop you from accomplishing that which you have set out to do. Now is the best time. What are you waiting for? If you've been looking for a sign...this is it. Just do it. Things are always easier once you get past that first step. 

We often set up mental roadblocks to our progress, and make things seem far more difficult than they actually are. Think about when you end up taking some time off from your exercise routine. Is it easy to just pick up and go again when your alarm goes off in the morning after taking a few weeks off? Probably not. You think of how cozy your bed is, how working out is always so challenging, and you think about how great it would be to sleep in a few extra minutes...etc and sooner or later you're off for another two weeks. Once you decide that feeling healthy and strong is more important that hitting snooze again, you're still faced with the same situation, but the end result is different. When the alarm goes off in the morning, do you want to get up? No. Do you do it anyway? Yes, because you know that once you're up and out, you'll be glad you took the time to strengthen and care for your body. The same is true for your goals. The longer you put things off, the easier it is to prolong a lack of progress. If not now, when? This is your time. Go do those things you've been wanting to accomplish. There's never been a better time than today to begin! What are you waiting for?

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3 Thoughts On Success

Happy 2016! It's the beginning of a new year once again, and we're all thinking about the many things we'd like to accomplish or improve upon. There's something about the promise of a clean slate, a fresh start, and a new beginning that's exhilarating, refreshing, and maybe even somewhat challenging. No matter where you're starting, or what exciting goals lie ahead of you, here's three great reminders from one of my favorite authors on the subject of leadership and life success, Jim Rohn. You'll be inspired and encouraged to get out there and do something amazing!

1. Convert dreams into plans, and plans into goals, and goals into those small daily activities that will lead us, one sure step at a time, toward a better future.

2. Attitude is the major determining factor in how our lives turn out. Each of us will be somewhere in the next 12 months; the question we must ask ourselves is where?

3. We must design the future not just dream about it. The smallest of disciplines, practiced everyday, start an incredible process that can change our lives forever. It is the small disciplines that lead to great achievements.

Here's to a fantastic and successful year ahead! 

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How to: Set New Year's Goals

The start of a brand new year is always so exciting to me! It's the opportunity to set new goals, come up with plans to try new things, and start afresh! There's often lots of talk about creating resolutions, unfortunately, most of those tend to fail after a few weeks. Instead of making resolutions, I like to set some goals that will help me to stay on track as I work toward accomplishing new things in life! Here's a few tips that have helped me on the path to success, and I know will be of benefit to you in your goal setting process.

1. Set short-range goals in addition to long-term goals. (Think in terms of day, week, month, and six-months. You'll need these in addition to a year long or even 5 year goal. Be specific!)
2. Set goals for a variety of levels. (Some should be easy to accomplish, while others may require more effort, time, and team members.)
3. Set incremental goals. (Little by little gets you to the big picture. Set benchmarks for progress assessment and accomplishment along the way!)
4. Get group reinforcement (Regular encouragement, accountability, and wisdom from mentors and those who are on the same journey with you can be of great benefit to accomplishment.)
5. Celebrate the achievement! (It's time to celebrate when you achieve your goal! Give yourself a reward, go out to a nice dinner, take a trip, get a new outfit...it's ok to celebrate your success! You did it!!!)

Here's to a fabulous, successful, and fun 2016 ahead! 

Happy New Year!

P.S. Have a minute? Here's three extra tips for making this year your best one yet!

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Merriest of Wishes

Hooray! It's one of the merriest weeks of the year! Wishing you and yours the most wonderful, fun, and joy-filled Christmas celebration! Among the presents, hot chocolate, twinkling lights, and parties with family and friends, may we never forget the reason we're celebrating this beautiful time of the year.

"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.  After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.  All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them."
Luke 2:8-20

Wishing you the merriest Christmas, and best wishes for a fabulous new year ahead!
xo,
Candice

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5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

This time of the year often provides many opportunities to host family and friends for the holidays, and it can be overwhelming if you're not prepared. When it comes to entertaining, here's my five tried and true tips that will help you prepare for and actually enjoy the season's many celebrations. 

1. Create a gift closet/stash. 

You never know when you're going to need that last minute gift for an unexpected guest, late invitation, or surprise event. I like to keep a couple of things on hand like a set of nice notecards, candles, and even a few Starbucks gift cards. No matter what pops up on your calendar or who arrives at your family gathering (Oh hi, Aunt Martha...nice to see you again!), you'll be prepared with gift in hand! 

2. Pick up fresh flowers for the home.

Never underestimate the power of a vase of fresh blooms to spruce up your home! Even if it's a last minute get-together, keeping some flowers on your table is a great way to brighten up the room and provides an 'I was expecting you' kind of vibe for your guests! There's no need to heavily invest into a super expensive arrangement every week. Instead, swing by your local grocery store or even Trader Joe's to pick up a beautiful bunch at a great price. 

3. Light a candle. 

I love candles. There's something so cozy about a big three-wick candle flickering and creating a delightful and festive scent to the home. Guests on the way? I usually will light them about 15-20 min ahead of time to allow the smell to fill the house without being too strong. 

4. Know when to make and when to buy. 

This is a busy time for all of us, and sometimes there's just not enough time to invest an entire day in the kitchen preparing food. One of my go-to's is a gourmet market in town that makes some of the best soups, quiches, and treats. If I'm pressed for time, I'll swing by to pick up a side dish or two, throw together a big toss salad with seasonal fruits and veggies, and pick up a few desserts that can be served in addition to whatever gelato flavors are in the freezer. If you have a favorite recipe that you can whip together in record time, do that and pick up the rest. As long as it's served beautifully, no one will know the difference. It will be our little secret ;) 

5. Enjoy the moment. 

Amidst the hustle and bustle, the hunt for the perfect gifts for family and friends, and the many parties that this season brings, don't forget to enjoy the celebration! One of my favorite things to do around this time of year is to take a moment and reflect on the reason we celebrate this season, and many things I'm grateful for. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind or even the stress of the season, but when you're with friends and family, be present. Don't worry if the food is perfect or if so-and-so loves your gift, just enjoy the laughter, listen to the stories, and experience the beauty and joy that comes from being together. 

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Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving week is here once again, and now more than other days we are mindful of the many things we've been blessed with. While we may think about the food, football games, parades, and even starting our holiday shopping, my hope, for both you and I, is that we continue to live with an attitude of gratitude. It's not just a one day kind of thing...it is a lifestyle that is less about self and more about others. As you share stories and food with family and friends this thanksgiving, challenge yourself to practice gratitude daily. Wake up and thank God for another day to live and to make a difference! Sit down for 5 minutes and make a quick list of things you're grateful for, look for ways to bless other people with unexpected kindness, and give of your time, talent, or resources in a new way this season! Not only will this bless someone else's life, but you'll find that it blesses you, and expands your capacity to give even more! Gratitude is essential to a fulfilling life. Start today! 

Wishing you and yours the most wonderful Thanksgiving celebration!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

    His faithful love endures forever."

Psalm 107:1

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What Matters Most

As the sobering events continued to unfold worldwide last week, we were both rocked and reminded to focus on what matters most in life. It's easy, isn't it, to get wrapped up in the little details, and to be so tunnel vision that we get fanatical about things that don't really matter.

Have you ever been so busy creating a lifestyle that you forget to really live your life? I mean more than just existing and going about routines. Have you stopped and thought about the last time you were grateful for the basic things? Life. Breath. Sunshine. So many people live their lives looking down, so focused on their own little world, that they forget to look up, look around, and appreciate. It's not just a matter of taking in the surroundings, but actually focusing on what matters most in life. Who cares if you make millions if your family life is in shambles? What difference does it make if your work attendance is perfect, but you never have time to enjoy a beautiful day or catch up with a good friend? Balance. All of life is a balance, and it's easy to get out of balance if we're not careful. Instead of debating the small nuances, practice gratitude, inspire change and growth.

Today I encourage you to not only focus on what matters most, but to take time to be grateful for those things we often take for granted. Hug your loved ones, give someone a smile, do something kind for another person. Allow someone grace instead of taking offense and be passionate about the things that will make a positive difference. Live your life, rather than casually observing or vicariously living through other's virtual highlight reels. Ask yourself, what matters most to you? Is it worth living for? As you begin to answer that question, with greater focus on the things that have true value, I have no doubt that you will discover an incredible, beautiful, full life that's worth living. Embrace it; this is the life you have been designed for.

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Monday Motivation

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In a world where photo filters, curated posts, and social media runs rampant, remember that this is not a competition with one another. Strive to be the best version of you, and not only will people be drawn to your authenticity, but you'll find that you are far happier than you ever imagined. The world doesn't need more copies, it craves those who are original, authentic, and real. It has been said, "be you, everyone else is already taken", and those words ring ever true today. Instead of looking around and wishing you were living another's life, take a moment or two to think of all the blessings you have experienced in your own life. Comparison is the thief of joy. Don't let it rob you of a happy life, but rather see each day as an opportunity to become better, learn more, love more, and inspire those around you. Your life makes a difference, never forget that! Today is a new opportunity, seize it!

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10 Commitments of Leadership

Leadership is not simply about power, position or prestige. In fact, leadership is often challenging, involved, and sometimes even messy; however, when a leader rises to the occasion, it is always rewarding. We're all in different points of the leadership journey, and each person has different areas of strength and growth. Here's a few commitments that a successful, captivating, and effective leader should make, no matter where they may be in the process.

As a leader, I commit to...
1. Search out challenging opportunities to change, grow, innovate, and improve.
2. Experiment, take risks, and learn from the accompanying mistakes.
3. Envision an uplifting and ennobling future.
4. Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to their values, interests, hopes, and dreams.
5. Foster collaboration by promoting cooperative goals and building trust.
6. Strengthen people by giving power away, providing choice, developing competence, assigning critical tasks, and offering visible support.
7. Set the example by behaving in ways that are consistent with shared values.
8. Achieve small wins that promote consistent progress and build commitment.
9. Recognize individual contributions to the success of every project.
10. Celebrate team accomplishments regularly.

I challenge you as a leader to read this out loud to yourself, and when you are in a challenging situation or season of life, remember that leaders are called to do more, be more, love more, and live life in a way that's different than average. Commit to live and lead beyond what you think is possible, place the interests of others first, and watch your influence skyrocket in a positive direction.

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Rhythms of Grace

Have you ever felt like something was forced? Like you were trying so hard to make something happen that maybe just wasn't quite right? Lots of effort and no movement or return? I've been there before, and thought a lot about this recently. Sometimes I think we see things like faith or even our daily routines in this light. We do all these things to keep "busy", but what kind of return does it provide? I recently spent a weekend by the beach, and one of the most soothing, mesmerizing things is the consistency of the waves breaking upon the shoreline. As I watched the sun sinking below the horizon, and listened to the sound of the waves, I was reminded of the effortless rhythm of the ocean. It isn't forced, it's free--free to be wild and strong, and never tries to become something that it isn't. Isn't that a picture of what grace is like? We may paint it to be something that's constricting, and perhaps in light of how people view/do religion, that may very well be, but in reality, grace is freedom, unforced and consistent. As I've pondered this thought for the last few days, I awoke one morning with the phrase "unforced rhythms of grace" in my mind. A quick search provided the full passage found in Matthew 11, verses 28-30, which says,

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Unforced rhythms of grace...simple, easy, freeing. Isn't that how we want to feel? Not weighed down by the burdens of this world, or confined by what society says we should say/act/do, but free--free to live, to breathe, and to love. Unforced, unfettered, and alive. I love how scripture describes the way in which we can obtain this kind of life. In fact, it almost sounds like a rhyme or rhythm in it's sound.
Walk with me, work with me--watch how I do it
There's the key. I don't have to do things on my own, try to become perfect, or conform to something that isn't consistent with who I am. It's grace, unforced and consistent. I don't have to try to earn it, I just have to live in it. All I have to do is walk with Him, work with Him, and watch how He does it. It's something so simple it's almost complex...how could it be that easy? Are you sure?
Walk with me, work with me--watch how I do it. 

Unforced rhythms of grace. You are not confined to standard of perfection, walk in the abundance and freedom of grace.

''Walk with me, work with me--watch how I do it.'' 

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#Goals

What are your goals? We throw that word around a lot, take a look at the phrase #goals and you'll find a variety of images and words that have been attached to it, yet not all of them are actually things that would qualify as true goals that people want to achieve. Goals give us vision, passion, and a desire to change, obtain, create, or work hard for something. Goals give meaning to our lives, and can push you and I to do more than we may have first thought possible. If you don't already, set aside a time to look at the major areas of life: business, home, social, physical, mental, and spiritual, and create a plan. As you plan, make sure that your goals are in line with your mission statement (if you don't have one yet, here's a guide to help you create one). Some people say to work with a 10 year, 5 year, and then a 1 year plan. What I like to do, personally, is to write out 8-10 goals for the year, and also write out a broader view of where I want to be in 5 years. This not only gives me some direction, but then allows me to ensure that the goals I'm setting for this year are in line with where I want to be in 5 years. Choose a system that works well for you. Someone once said that if goals aren't written down, they are only pipe dreams. Let's leave the pipe dreams behind and make things reality in our lives! Ready to get to work? Here's three key steps to help you in the process of setting and achieving your goals.

1. Verbalize: Tell yourself aloud what you're going to do. Write out your goals on an index card, and read your goals (written in present tense..'I am, I have') out loud to yourself every morning, every night. Tell others what you are in the process of working for so they can help you to reach your goal.

2. Visualize: See yourself doing or accomplishing your goal. The more feelings and emotion you can attach to the goal, the better!

3. Vitalize: Actually do what you set out to do! Goals don't work unless you do! Get out there and start on the process to accomplishment.

Don't ever be complacent with where you are. You can always keep growing! Think about where you want to be and the many things you can accomplish in a year, and then write it down. Here's to a successful year ahead! You can do it!

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5 Signs of A Solid Relationship

Relationships are foundational to all of life. We're always in relationship with people, and it is oh so important to be good at getting along with others. More often than not, we form relationships with people, and never give second thought to why some stand strong and others fall apart. Whether you're single, dating, married, or looking to build some solid friendships, here's 5 telltale signs that your relationship is headed in the right direction.

1. Mutual Enjoyment: Spending time together just for the enjoyment of being together. Sometimes it's not about the activity, but rather, the company that makes things a whole lot of fun.

2. Respect: When you value someone on the front end of a relationship, you earn respect on the back end of the relationship. It always starts with how we treat one another. Do you see the other person as someone of great worth and value? If not, start treating them that way and you'll discover a world of difference. It's good to do a little perspective shift every now and then!

3. Shared Experiences: Going through a significant experience with another person creates a mutual bond. Think back to the times when a good friend stuck with you when you needed that most. It is often the crazy moments, major life happenings, or the events that become 'well-loved stories' to tell later that bond you to another!

4. Trust: Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Get this one right from the get-go, and you are set up for success. There always is an element of trust in any relationship, and if you cannot trust someone, find out why, and how you can take steps to begin to rebuild that trust again.

5. Reciprocity: Solid relationships must be beneficial to both parties. Each person has to put the other first, and both have to benefit. Here's the deal, relationships are not a one-way street; each one needs to give a little and take a little. If one person is constantly giving, and the other never reciprocates, that relationship is headed for burnout and disaster. Instead of always thinking of your needs, anticipate the needs of the other person, and do something for them! When we begin to think of others first, it will radically change how we view relationships.

How do your relationships measure up? How can you continue to grow in these areas? 

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