Meaningful Mondays - Arrows Out

Can’t vs. Won’t

By framing a situation as a choice rather than a constraint, a person is taking control of the situation and expressing their agency and determination.

By changing your language, you (your child, and colleagues) can learn to view obstacles as opportunities for growth, rather than insurmountable barriers.

Examples:

1. A former couch potato who transformed into a marathon runner. He used to say "I can't run a mile without getting winded," but changed their mindset to "I won't let being out of shape hold me back."
2. A person who overcame a fear of public speaking. He used to say, "I can't speak in front of a crowd," but changed their mindset to "I won't let my fear control me."
3. A person who quit smoking. They used to say, "I can't quit smoking," but changed their mindset to "I won't let nicotine control my life."
4. An individual who changed careers from a dead-end job to their dream job. They used to say, "I can't change careers because I have bills to pay," but changed their mindset to "I won't let financial instability hold me back from pursuing my passion."
5. A student who replaced "I can't pass this exam" with "I won't give up on studying until I understand the material" and was able to overcome their academic difficulties and achieve their goal.

The words we use can shape our thoughts, so choose them wisely.

The most powerful word in the English language

"Live doesn't get better by chance... it gets better by choice."
- Jim Rohn

Gratitude should never lead to complacency. It should be a spark to action.

Stop Look Go

"You do not find the happy life . . . you make it.”
- Thomas S. Monson

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”
- Russell M. Nelson

"Happiness begins where selfishness ends."
- Coach John Wooden

"Gratefulness arises when we experience something that is valuable and freely given."
- Brother David Stendl-Rast

Rocks Don’t Float!

ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE TODAY?

What are your rocks? The things you can count on. Those things that are constant, consistent, and always reliable!

Rocks don't float! You choose if you are going to "live" today by where you Devote your TEARs Devote: "...to give all of something, especially your time, effort, or love, or yourself, to something or someone you believe in.

THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE: use your gratitude rock or find a similar reminder to ask yourself, "Are you going to LIVE today?" Then... go live!

Are you Hopeful?

Let your hopes, not your hurts shape your future.

“'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
– Jeremiah 29:11

“We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt.

You only need to know these 5 rules

Watch this Video, Or Search YouTube: Dave Ramsey: You only need to know these 5 rules. "If you sow corn, don't expect beans to grow." It just might change your life. It could change your family tree.

TIME TO BE IN ’23

TransforMOTION... TIME HAS NO QUALITY!

Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of the self-satisfaction that comes in knowing you are doing your best to become the best you are capable of becoming."
- Coach John Wooden

M.O.T.I.O.N. = Moments, Opportunities, Things, Inspiration, Others, New.

I knelt to pray when day was done and prayed, “Oh Lord, bless everyone. Lift from each saddened heart the pain and let the sick be well again.” And then I woke another day and carelessly went on my way. The whole day long, I did not try to wipe a tear from any eye. I did not try to share the load of any brother on the road. I did not even go to see the sick man just next door to me. Yet once again, when day was done. I prayed, “Oh Lord, bless everyone.” But as I prayed into my ear, there came a voice that whispered clear. “Pause now, my son, before you pray, whom have you tried to bless today? God's sweetest blessings always show by hands that serve him, hear me lo.” And then I hid my face and cried. “Forgive me, God. I have not tried. Let me live another day. And I will live the way I pray.”

What virus is even more contagious than Covid?

Gratitude requires making more of the good we have than the good we don't.

Gratitude celebrates blessings received. As long as we're consumed with blessings we haven't received, we'll never possess it.

A 3 Word Formula for Best Year Ever

Think to Thank.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those who give so much of themselves, so we might have so much for ourselves.
-- Think Family

"Take things with gratitude rather than for granted."

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we get."
- Winston Churchill

Morning Essentials to Make Your Day Even Better

"Make your intentions clear. The universe does not respond well to uncertainty."

"What you do today can improve all your tomorrows."
- Ralph Marston