Gift of Life

Christmas has come and gone, but you still have some people that are unhappy, and/or upset because they didn't get the gifts that they asked for or felt that they deserved.

Here's something that I want you to think about and hopefully you'll have a better attitude and gain more wisdom for next year.

While you're complaining about what you didn't get, somebody lost the best gift that we as humans can ask for, and that's the "Gift of Life." Somebody was on their way to visit loved-ones and never made it to their destination due to a fatal car accident. Somebody sat alone with no friends or family to celebrate with. Many families couldn't really enjoy the holidays due to a lack of money. For some people, it was just another day because they were laid-off or fired from their job. There were some parents who were mentally unable to celebrate because they had a sick child or loved-one in the hospital.

Let's take a look at the people that are homeless. Many of them had no food to eat, no where to keep warm, and nobody to give them a hug, a smile, or show them love. What about the people who are in shelters because they've fallen on hard times and they don't have any other means of help?

Take a closer look at your attitude. It's time to grow up! Try your best to be grateful for what you do have. Value what's important! If you want something that bad, buy it yourself. Value life! Respect life! Appreciate life! Live life and be happy! Life is too valuable. Don't waste your time and energy on small stuff.

This is my food-for-thought from me to you. I hope this helps someone out there. Here's to a change in attitude :)

#foodforthought #wisdom #attitude #newbeginnings #change

Who are You Going to Believe

Be mindful of who you listen to. Be mindful of who you choose to share your dreams with. Be mindful that everybody won't see your dreams as you see them. Who are you going to believe? Are you going to believe what all the naysayers have to say, or are you going to believe in yourself? You know your capabilities, so don't doubt them. You know what you're made of. You know that there's something unique and special about you. So, with that being said, don't you dare second guess yourself. Keep it moving! You keep doing what you need to do and soar right in front of their faces. Come on! You were made to do this. Nothing or nobody can stop you but yourself. Don't allow others to break your spirit. Take your eyes off of people and focus on what it is you're trying to accomplish. I challenge you to stay encouraged in spite of it all.

#Encouragement #Inspiration #Hope #Courage #Believe #Dreams #Goals #Motivation

It's YOUR time! Inspiration by Stephanie Lahart

It’s time for a change! It’s time to replace the negatives for some positives. TODAY! Not tomorrow, the next day, next week, next month, or next year. This has gone on way too long. It’s time to dust yourself off, and get back to who you are. You are TRULY something special and you know it! Okay, it’s time to replace:

depression with HAPPINESS

worthlessness with WORTHINESS

anger with PEACE AND JOY

unforgiveness with FORGIVENESS

weak with STRONG, STABLE, AND CERTAIN

negativity with POSITIVITY, CONFIDENCE, AND READINESS

hurt with HEALING and COMFORT

self-pity with JOY, PEACE, HAPPINESS, and LOVE

You’ve got to do it! Do it for you! It’s time to start LIVING again.

- Stephanie Lahart 

Fighting Through The Fog by Stephanie Lahart

Have you ever driven in thick fog? I'm sure you'd agree that it's VERY difficult to see anything. It's our natural instinct to slow down, and drive with extra caution. Although it can be a bit scary, we keep on driving anyways because we have a destination to get to.

Driving in foggy conditions is a bit uncomfortable because of the unknown. For the most part, you can't see anything until you're  up close. The unknown can sometimes put you in a position where you're  unsure, scared, nervous, and so many other feelings start to surface to the top.

I would like to encourage you today! Just like the example that I just gave above, we have to keep on going although we don't always know what's ahead of us. Don't allow the fog in your life to prevent you from moving forward. You may have to slow down, rethink some things, take a different route, etc... but don't give up just because things are a bit "THICK" in your life right now.

I want you to remember this: Although you may come across some thick patches of fog, don't forget, it starts to thin out and clear in the end. Before you know it, you're back in the fast lane driving with no worries.

You may experience some difficult situations in your life, but if you don't stop, give up, or get discouraged, you will make it through. I encourage you to be determined, persevere, and most importantly, BELIEVE in you!


- Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet)

Self-Reflection by Stephanie Lahart

You may be in a dark place right now in your life, and you feel like NOTHING is working out for you. I would like to encourage you to do one thing today. Get in a quiet space and reflect back over your entire life. I mean really reflect. Think about everything that has taken place in your life.The good, the bad, the sadness, the hurtful times, the JOY, etc.

You might not always understand "WHY", but I challenge you to focus on all of the good that has taken place in your life. I know that when you're going through a rough patch in your life, you may not want to hear this. You're going to have to push through and fight! Fight for your life because you matter and you count. Don't give up on you! This too shall pass. You're a strong person. That's why you're still here.

PUSH...PUSH...and PUSH some more! Tell your negative mindset where to go. Reflect on the "good things". Reflect on what brings you happiness and peace within. Now stay right there. Stay in that place of serene.

Be blessed and hold on to your FAITH. You may be saying to yourself,  I have little faith right now. That's okay! At least you've got a little faith. Some of you may be saying, I've got no faith. I would like to share this with you. I encourage you to pray! You might not feel like it, but pray anyways. Cry out if you need to. It's okay. God know everything that we're going through. He's not going to leave you alone. We ALL have to go through some things in life. There's no way around it. But I can guarantee you this: God makes no mistakes and his word is true.

I'm going to leave you all with this: TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Oh yes! Did you think I would leave God out of the equation? Can't do that. I'm wise enough to know that without God we are nothing. You may need to meditate on that for a while. We should be grateful and thankful each day for our health, strength, and to be in our right mind.

Go have yourself a pleasant day! Be ENCOURAGED on this day, and everyday of your life from here on out.

Written by Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet) 

Stop Procrastinating

It's YOUR time! No more excuses as to why you haven't done what you've been thinking about doing. Go for it! No need to be afraid. Believe in yourself enough to know that it will ALL work out. You cannot afford to sit on your gifts and talents. It's time to utilize them. It's time for you to shine! Don't allow anybody to deter you. This includes family, close friends, and associates. If they can't bring positive energy your way, then don't allow them to speak negatively in your ear. You don't need that unnecessary stuff.

It's time for you to REALLY get focused and make it happen. No more excuses! Keep YOUR vision alive! Get pumped up about what things will be like once you make it. You've got to do the work and take the steps. You might not know everything, and you may not even know where to start, but start planning anyways. Write your vision down, and then visualize it coming to pass. Everything will eventually come together. Just start...Start now! You've got this! Be encouraged and inspired!

- Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet)

Don't ever...

Words of wisdom from me to you. Change your mindset and fully walk in your purpose. Don't ever think that you're too old to live out your dreams. Don't ever think it's too late to start something that you're passionate about. Don't ever shoot yourself in the foot. Give yourself a chance. You'll never know how great you are unless you give it a try. Don't ever downplay your abilities. Allow your light to shine wherever you go. Don't ever second guess yourself. Move forward doubting nothing.

Be ENCOURAGED

When you feel like giving up, remember that you're too important to do that. No matter what anybody else has told you, YOU are important and there's so much greatness in you! Don't ever doubt who you are! Hold your head up high and soar!

Fear: A Passage by Stephanie Lahart

Let me first start out by saying that fear will cripple you. It will cause you to lose out on opportunities that are right in front of your face. Fear will cause self-doubt in whatever you’re setting out to do. It will speak to you loudly…saying things like: “You’ll fail. You’re not good enough. What a silly idea, it won’t go anywhere. You’re wasting your time, it’ll never work,” etc. Fear will cause you to miss out on your purpose in life. And if you’re not careful, fear will steal everything that God intended for you to have. Fear is like a monster in the dark. It comes out to scare you and take control over your mind, body, and soul.

There’s nothing positive about fear, and nothing good will come out of it. Erase fear from your vocabulary. Don’t allow fear to take over your thinking. No matter what has taken place in your life as a child, teenager, or adult, you are BIGGER than fear. Say it, believe it, live it. Transition your mindset to think positively. Of course it will take time, but as with anything, if you keep at it, it will become a habit. Fear has no place in our lives. It robs us of everything that’s meant to be ours.

Let me leave you with this: The next time that negative voice enters your mind, talk to yourself out loud. Tell yourself, "NOT THIS TIME!" I'm tired of letting opportunities pass me by. I'm tired of making excuses. I'm tired of second guessing myself. I'm tired of being too scared to do something that I know I'm great at doing. I'm tired of allowing fear to control my life, etc. Keep talking to yourself as many times as you have to.

Remember this one thing: We cannot truly LIVE and enjoy life to the fullest if we're allowing fear to continually stop us. Think about it! Transition your mind to think positive. I know it's going to take some time, but you're worth it! You may even fall short at times, but it's okay to start over. Keep trying and trying until you get it right. You'll get there. Just don't stop. You've got this! Believe in yourself and don't allow any self-doubt to creep in. Today is YOUR day to a new beginning. Here's to you!

Written by Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet) 

Knowledge is Power by Stephanie Lahart

Having knowledge is very powerful! Instead of always having to talk and/or have the last word, learn to listen more. You will open up your chances of gaining more insight. Listening is a very powerful tool. Most people don’t realize it, but listening attentively to a person gives you great benefits. Here are some examples I’d like to share:

·         You’ll be a better problem solver. Why, you may ask? Because people who listen attentively hear EVERYTHING, not some things. They hear and see the full picture.

·         You’ll be a much better negotiator. Why, you may ask? Because when you’re a great listener, you won’t ever make a deal and/or sign any contract unless you fully and clearly understand what the other person is saying.

·         Listening reduces your chances of mistakes and misunderstandings.

·         People like listeners. Think about it! A person will open up to you more if they know that you can REALLY listen and understand what they’re saying.


Written by Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet)