I've Got Skills!

What are those gifts that seem to come second nature to you, that you maybe shove aside as insignificant? Remember David? The shepherd that took down the giant Goliath? To David, using his slingshot as a weapon was just part of his unglamourous job as a shepherd. Yet this little skill was used to bring down a giant, and earned him honor among kings!

The giant that David faced was mocking his Country and his God. This upset David in a primal way. The little kid-shepherd took a stand, with the skills that he had. Grown men, seasoned soldiers even, cowered in fear at the feet of the giant. David stood, and fought for the destiny of his people, his Land, and his faith.

I think we need to be a little more primal in our lives and our reactions. So much of life we go through politically correct and numbed down that we pass up opportunities to shine, to fight for what we believe, and make a difference with our skills and passion. Make a little noise, be yourself, and take joy in your strengths. Even if they seem unglamourous at the moment, you have this life to use them for a purpose. Offer help when you see a need, even if it’s something little. Stop and injustice when you can, before it escalates into an ugly giant. Don’t waste your precious time on things that don’t matter.

This year, I’m focusing on using those talents, and touching the lives of those in my world. Right now I’m working full-time and then doing my cognitive training at night. This makes for 12 hours days, and weekend hours. At the end of the day my mind tells me I should be exhausted, but I’m discovering this magical feeling of excitement that tells me I’m right where I need to be. Offering these students a good dose of self-confidence and skills that will change their life is exhilarating! It’s so hard, and tears are shed, but when they look up and I see that it clicks in their head, and their eyes sparkle with hope, all the late nights and the long hours are so worth it!

So often, I haven't spoken up or done anything because I've felt small and insignificant. I've felt worthless and walked over. I've felt like my small voice, my small thoughts, my wants, my hopes, and my dreams were somehow inferior. I haven't felt strong enough, smart enough, brave enough, or skilled enough to do the things I want. Paralizing right? To focus on that makes me freeze in my tracks with self loathing and doubt. I hate being vulnerable to failure.

It's liberating to take a look at the things we do have to offer!

Shonlock via Twitter: “David would have been defeated by Goliath had he used the armor. But he wasn’t. He used what God gave him 2 use. So use what God has given you.”

What’s your skill? Making music, speaking, writing, being a friend, designing web sites, teaching, feeding people, training dogs. . . training brains? :) You have a skill right now. I guarentee there is something in your life that you are better at then most people. Take that skill, maximize it, look it from a different viewpoint and run with it!

Go further!
Here are some people/info that has inspired me lately:

Live Your Legend - Scott Dinsmore Practical advice and ispritation to get you where you want to be in life. Learn what you are passionate about and how to use your passions.

Terri Savelle Foy Character shaping tools for being the best you that you can be. Guidance on putting the past behind and getting prepared for the future.

Carlos Whittaker / Ragamuffin Soul Fresh outlook on life, God, and the people we share the planet with. This guy makes me take a good hard look at myself.

Caffeine Free Day #1

I did something a little crazy today. I gave up caffeine. Oh dear... that just makes me cringe to say. Those who know me definitely know that coffee is my drug of choice. I don't remember the last time I went more than a day or two without some coffee. The thing is, I want to be myself without depending on a substance to get me through the day. It's bad when I feel depressed without it, and the highlight of my day is a double espresso. I'm doing this purely for myself and my health, and will be having coffee again in my life... just in moderation.

The last time I did this, in 2007 when I had mono, was quite by accident. The migraines were terrible. I'm drinking lots of tea and water, as well as working out with my favorite Jillian Michaels. Peeing and sweating it all out, I'll be clean in no time! =)

I bid you farewell caffeine, you make my heart beat fast. . . but I need to be free. Time to be happy myself, and see what I'm really made of!

Writer's Block Blues

This writer's block needs to end. It's been months. Between working two jobs, caring for home and family, and  other priorities, I feel void of inspiration for this blog. I want this blog to be full of honesty, and so here it is. I don't have anything to say, nothing profound or inspirational, so I'm just going to be candid. 


I got a new car this week, that is fun! I've only had one car my entire driving history, so this is life changing! 2008 Ford Fusion. Heated leather seats baby! I'm loving it!


I kept up with my fitness/weight goals over the holidays. Jillian Michaels is still my saving grace and motivation through this journey. I love her weekly podcast, such a mood booster! I've lost 20 more pounds in 2011, for a grand total of 83 pounds lost since July 2010! Amazing!!


The Hubs and I just celebrated our 1st Wedding Anniversary! People say that the first year of marriage is usually really hard as you get to know the other person in a while new light. Learning to sacrifice your own wants and desires, to become one, can be a painful process. The joy and that love that you share bandages up those selfish wounds. From my experience, I’ve come out of this year a better person than I began. I more in love, and ready to fight for us.

5 Things I’ve Learned:

1. Flirt with your hubby/wifey daily.
2. Make goals together and brainstorm your dreams.
3. Talk things out when they bug you, and don’t let things pile up in the shadows.
4. It’s life changing to be loved unconditionally.
5. Life and relationships are never going to be perfect all the time, they won’t always be what we think we need. . . but, I’m learning to savor the moments that seem too good to be true, and when you’re looking for them, they come around more often.


So there's my writer's block entry. Dreaming of the inspiration to come. Hugs and love!