Sister U Matter!

I have recently had a change in perspective regarding this question. I have known for most of my life that the expectation is to forgive everyone an unlimited number of times. However, until recently, I thought this applied to every time a person’s words/actions were unpleasant towards to me. But oh my, I have found myself recently forgiving the same person for the same the incident multiple times even sometimes multiple times in one day. I am learning that, for me, forgiveness is ongoing especially when the offense cuts really deep. You know a deep cut  like being betrayed by someone that you NEVER EVER imagined would betray you…that’s more than a flesh wound—that’s a heart break.

But I have to tell you that it liberating to know that I can forgive over and over and over again. (It’s even more refreshing to realize that I may have to do this multiple times and that it is absolutely okay.) I’m sure there are some people in my life who have had to extend the same continued forgiveness to me.

So what about you, how many times have you had to forgive the same person for the same act? Did you do it? Or better yet, how many times have you benefited from someone else’s continual forgiveness towards you? I encourage us to be willing to give what we so easily accept…and forgive as many times as needed. Forgiveness does far more good for you than the other person.

Spread the word…Sister U Matter!®

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While on vacation at the beach recently, I do what I always do--I searched the shore for sea shells. I like to collect the complete shells and especially those with a different shape, color or pattern and this time I also picked up some unique rocks. Well, I was in for a little treat and surprise on this trip. It was the oddest thing: there were different shell and rock variations along the same shore line. You see for me, I assumed that because of what I saw at surface level looked so much the same, you know--the water, the waves and the sand--I just thought that what was under it, what my son calls my “hidden treasure”, would be the same as well.

Isn’t this the way we usually view each other? Because for the most part we all have the same body components on the outside, we assume that what is on the inside of person is similar as well. Sisters, each of us carries our own unique “hidden treasure” within us. Even those of us affected by similar circumstances, may carry the effects of the experience a little differently. I challenge you to look beyond what you see in your Sister. You just may be surprised at what’s just beneath the surface. Always remember, our backgrounds may be different but the message is still the same…Sister U Matter!®

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We are princesses and queens,

We are the soft and nice, you know the finer things.

We are the sugar and the spice,

We’ve learned how to play nice.

But don’t take us as weak,

No, we are just gentle; yes, meek.

‘Cause what we know, about us…

We are not cold but bold.

We are courage.

We are strength.

We are smart.

Yes, we set the mold; we are whole, the finest pot of pure gold.

We are a beautifully wrapped package with so much surprise.

You don’t see the complete package with your eyes.

No, our qualities, Sister, are deeper than the skin;

Our best qualities come from deep within.

So, yes, play nice.

But don’t be no fool!

Let ‘em know…

That Sisters rule! ~B. C. Raines

Spread the word…Sister U Matter!®

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I’m struggling with losing some excess weight again. If you know me personally, you know that this has been a life long struggle for me. I gain, I lose. I gain, I lose. I gain, I lose…

So, I’ve been trying to identify what will work best for me to shed these newly acquired extra pounds. While doing this research, I recognized that this new weight is the result of emotional eating. So now I am asking myself this question: “What’s on my plate?” What am I really eating? Frustration? Sickness? Disappointment? Fear? Regret?  Fatigue? Loneliness? Worry? Guilt? Remorse? Doubt? Shame? Tired? Grief? Sick and Tired? Betrayal? Well to be really honest, I am “eating” some of these…ummm, well, a whole lot of these (smile).

Well, now I’m challenging you with the same question, “What’s on your plate?” What are you consuming? Or a better question may be “What’s consuming you?” Sister, we are not designed to carry these emotional “pounds”. It adds unhealthy weight to us, internally and externally, and hinders in so many areas of our lives. You know, we can’t be all that we are purposed to be if we are carrying the extra weight. We have to maintain a balanced weight to SOAR--remember last week’s post?

So, what are we going to do? Keep being consumed by the unhealthy “food” on our plates? Or develop a more balance diet? I’m going for the more balanced diet option. I got stuff to do, places to go and people to see—this weight CAN”T keep holding me!!!!

What’s on your plate?

Remember…Sister U Matter!®

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Well last week, we reminded each other that we can SOAR. I hope you caught it. You know…Stretch Out And Reach. Did you accept last week’s challenge and physically stretch out and reach? How did it feel? I hope that the physical motion encouraged you to mentally SOAR towards your goals. So what is The SOAR Plan?

Stretch-Set the goal. What is it? Write it down. Your goal should be specific and measurable. The measurable aspect will help you determine when the goal has been accomplished or what other steps may be needed to accomplish the goal.

Out-Go outside of our comfort zone. Set a goal outside of our comfort zone; outside of what’s familiar to us. I bet you have some pretty big dreams/ideas that you’ve probably talked yourself out of even attempting to pursue. “I can’t do that”, “That’s crazy” has probably been some familiar and often rehearsed self-talk over the years but the dream keeps coming. Try stepping outside of your comfort zone. Write out the dream/the vision.  Your dream just may come true.  Go beyond your normal.

And-Indicates that it takes more than a “wish list”; more than just thinking about the goal. We have to plan our action steps. Designate deadlines for completing the identified steps. Examples include taking enrichment courses to learn more about the area of interest or researching the topic on the internet.

Reach-Your action. It’s the extra stretch/push. We have to move towards accomplishing our goals. Try small steps. Identify an initial small step. That small step will eventually lead to the next step and the next step and the next step. We should pursue our goals with tenacity—with all that we have. For instance, if you want to be a chef, start actually cooking, start experimenting in the kitchen. If you want to travel abroad, choose one destination initially and just do it. So reach—give the extra stretch; go beyond talking and planning.

Stretch Out And Reach…SOAR. Who knows where you’ll end up!

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