GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLFRIEND GATHERINGS

Learning from YOU to empower ME !

A Renewal of YOU!

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January.  This month is all about renewal.

We think of rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit to face the new year ahead.

We look back at the past year and consider how we can improve in the various lives we lead – Spiritual, Relational, Financial, Physical, and Intellectual.

We all should be seekers in the new year.

We should avoid those situations and persons that keep us stagnant – like a body of water that doesn’t flow.

Every aspect of your life should be flowing upstream to something uplifting.

Renewal is about seeking that which is uplifting in your life.

Here is a roadmap to consider in your search:

  • List those things and persons that kept you stagnant or forced you downstream in the past year.
  • Determine why you are holding on to it or them.
  • Imagine your life without the dormant forces.
  • Determine what it will take to let it or them go.
  • Brainstorm what change you could implement to uplift the essential aspects of your life where you felt you were stagnant.

If you desire a change but find it difficult to go it alone, consider a life coach.

Here is a link to an article to provide guidance on choosing one.

https://www.noomii.com/article/how-to-choose-a-life-coach

Take that first step to a new YOU in the new year.

Happy New Year 2019!

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Wishing everyone Peace, Prosperity and Purpose in the New Year!

Jolly Greetings!

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Tis the season to be jolly, cheerful, loving and giving!

I wish all of you a joyful holiday with your family, friends and loved ones.

Sometimes this is a difficult season for some, so please reach out and be inclusive to those who may need a little extra attention this season.

To my fellow Christians, don’t forget the reason for the season!

Happy Thanksgiving 2018 !

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Today, I was reminded about what really is important to be grateful for – Family.

I took my young grandsons to have dinner with many of my maternal extended family members.

We decided to have a long holiday weekend in the small town where this branch of our family began and where the ancestors born in the 1800s are buried.

The boys were amazed at how many cousins they had and was in awe of the one who is a Firefighter/Paramedic and the other one who is 6 feet 9 inches tall.

We had a great “pot-luck” dinner and the boys learned there are many great cooks in the family.

They told me afterwards they had a great time and how glad they were to have so many cousins.

I am grateful that I was here and able to introduce them to this experience.

God, Love, Family, History, Food – things I am grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day.

I hope all of you had a grateful attitude and aptitude on this day, too.

Over Here in Overwhelm

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There is an old saying that goes something like “What won’t kill you will make you strong.”  It is true.    However, what they don’t tell you is you have to go to a place and through a process to get to that strength.   It AIN’T easy.   You can’t skip over it.   You will need an arsenal of spiritual and emotional tools to help you because it will bring you to your knees.   I call this place OVERWHELM.

Overwhelm is a place I rediscovered when the flood waters of Hurricane Harvey breached my home on 8/28/17 and rose to 6-feet destroying everything I owned.    Overwhelm is a place I was forced to settle into when my dearly loved cousin-sistergirlfriend in Dallas died suddenly on 12/11/18, and I became the executor of her estate.   Overwhelm is the place that challenges me to determine should I give in to despair or lace up for the good fight to overcome these temporary obstacles.

I’ve been told, “Girl, you are holding up great.”   I’ve been told, “Girl, I don’t know how you are dealing with all of this.”    I can tell you that out of survival necessity I’ve formulated a coping strategy.  This strategy consists of two actions – recognition and formulation.   I recognize when I am struggling, and I formulate an immediate action plan to work through it.

Here are some symptoms one can experience in the land of Overwhelm:

  • Anxiety
  • Sleeplessness
  • Emotional eating
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lack of Focus
  • Intolerance for others
  • Numbness in spirit and emotions
  • Physical Response
    • Hair Loss
    • Rashes / Hives
    • Dehydration
    • Nausea

Some of these symptoms may be temporary, but some can come and remain with you.   The most important thing you can do is give attention to yourself and what you are feeling.

Here are my recommendations to combat these symptoms:

  • Exercise – try to move daily, a 30-minute walk is all you need if you don’t exercise regularly.
  • Keep a routine – even if partially because you will have additional tasks for a short period.
  • Express your feelings – talk to your “sounding boards” (friends, family, etc.) but no whining and self-pity parties.
  • Compartmentalize tasks so you can move forward. It is better to move forward even if it is at a slower pace.    Try to plan only 1-2 weeks out.
  • Make lists and don’t feel guilty about it. Utilize simple tools – like the NOTES application on your smartphone – so you don’t add to your feelings of overwhelm by trying to learn a new app.
  • Prepare to do some emotional eating because some of us will do it. Find healthy snacks and food to “crunch” out the anger and “smooth” the sadness.
  • Know your limits and express them. Just say “NO” and, if necessary, “H*LL, NO!”
  • Take a break / a change of scenery to step away from the overwhelming tasks for a bit. It will help you rejuvenate and regroup so you can continue onward.

I’ve chosen the good fight.   I’ve been down on my knees praying.   There is no timetable, and I’ve accepted I’m going to be here for a bit.   I’ve decided to progress onward to acquire that strength on the other side because I have faith it is there waiting for me.