Be Optimistic

Day 13

Complaining and Arguing 

Good morning!! It was such a pleasure praying for all of you who responded yesterday. I’m excited to see what God will do when that fear and anxiety is released. Today let’s put this scripture into practice “Do everything without complaining and arguing,” (Philippians 2:14). 

Many times we can get into the habit of complaining because we are unhappy about our circumstances. Let's make it clear, there is a difference between addressing an issue and complaining about an issue. There is a difference between discussing something with someone or having a disagreement and arguing. Both complaining and arguing are negative ways to use our tongue. In both of these instances you can end up saying things that you don't mean or you can displace the focus from solving the problem. 

An example maybe at your job, in your relationship or among strangers - do not mask complaining as “venting” yet you do it over and over or the same thing to multiple people. Yes we can address our feelings or process them but we have to be mindful about the way it's done. Is it promoting change or prompting conflict? Let's begin to turn our complaints into gratitude and arguments into discussions and prayers. How much more effective would your conversations be with those around you if it was edifying and uplifting? Or what if something did not go your way you choose to address it with the person or with God and leave it at that, not the daily complaint about the same thing? 

Today I encourage you to start turning these things around and efforts to becoming more positive with those around you.

                                   🚫Complaint/Arguing Zone🚫

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Rom 14:19) Have a blessed day! -Monica

PEACE

Day 12

Letting Go Fear and Anxiety

Good morning!! Many times one of the things that can sneak up and cripple you from being positive is the fear and anxiety of things to come or things going on in your life. In the bible it tells us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). Why be so worried and anxious about what is to come when you have assurance that as you pray and thank God, He will hear it and answer in HIS way. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6).” If someone told you that you would have one million dollars if only you let go of all fear and anxiety. I’m sure we would have a lot of millionaires. So in reality I am telling you that you can gain so much more if you let go of fear and anxiety. There is such treasure in living a life of peace and joy that no amount of money can overcome. So today I challenge you to "Let it Go"🎶! (Just like frozen lol). 

Make the choice today to step in a new level of trust and to let go and let God. Stop trying your way and worrying about the outcome or fearing the places God is taking you. Choose courage (Joshua 1:9), peace (Phil 4:7), hope and joy (Romans 15:13). So those of you who choose to let go of the fear and anxiety today and give it to God, simply send a message back saying “Letting it go” and I will pray for you throughout the day. Have an awesome day!! - Monica

Ready, Set, Reset.

DAY 1

On your marks, get set and reset:

Good morning! Today we begin our journey of 21 days of positive thoughts, words and actions. I know some of you desire this reset but doubt that you can become more positive but let's eliminate even that thought out of our minds. You may consistently deal with doubt and that itself is negative. How do we face doubt? Faith. Even the smallest bit of faith can move mountains (Matt 17:20). I know that your willingness to try this is an action with faith and know that God can change these habits. Let’s remove focus on the things we have done last week, yesterday or even 5 minutes ago. Every conscious effort you make towards being more positive is more important than the past. This is a reset. Let us renew our minds and allow the transformation to begin.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 - Monica

21 days of positivity

Hello loves! Just in case you're wondering, yes - I'm still over here celebrating #Summer16, and yes in September because summer isn't officially over until September 22nd!

This summer has been wonderful thus far ( I am eager to share my #Summer16 recap with you next month). Although summer has been amazing, it seems as though September has snuck up on me and bit me on the ankles! Aggghhh, autumn is literally around the corner, and with that revelation, I've been thinking about goals and the last quarter of the year. In mulling these things over mentally, it's easy to get a little discouraged because we haven't accomplished everything on our infamous "to do" lists, and if you're like me that reality can began to take a toll on you mentally, feelings of defeat, despair, and discouragement, if not checked will grow into ugly monsters. Well, don't fret! I've got just the thing to help us get back on track for this last quarter of the year.

Meet Monica, she is the host of the annual mobile 21 Day Positivity Fast. This year, we will participate in the fast on the blog for the next 21 days, I hope you will take part as well! 21 days of positivity to assist us with finishing 2016 strong. Please share with a friend! Be blessed!

21 Days of Positivity

Hello, I'm Monica! If you were to ever meet me in person, you'd likely find a smile on my face - I am a 29 year old Christian (bible believing, Jesus loving, transparent, people loving, down to earth, giving and caring type Christian). 

In 2010, I was forced to do some introspection; after going through a rough summer, and being around so much negativity. I knew that I could not live like this anymore, and needed a change. I am known by many for my infectious smile and my positive attitude, however my reality during that time was that my thoughts, actions and words weren't so positive, and my smile wasn't very infectious. As I prayed about everything that was happening, God placed it on my heart to fast from all of the negativity and focus on the positive things in my life (Philippians  4:8). 

I asked a few friends to join me on my fast and thus the beginning of the 21 Days of being intentional about positive thoughts, words and actions began. 

Some may ask "Why 21 days?", because it generally takes 21 days to start or break a habit. This 21 day fast allows myself and those who participate a chance to purposefully think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. Choosing to think positive is not an easy task, especially in today's day and age, however through Christ it is possible (Philippians 4:13 I [we] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me [us].)

Now in our 6th year, we have had over 100 people participate in the 21 Day Positivity Fast. This fast is so meaningful to me because every year I experience significant change in my life and thoughts. I am committed to this journey, and want everyone who participates to experience the same growth and victory that I have experienced. During the fast I wake up each morning and seek the Lord, each message is written on the morning that it is sent, and is a culmination of what God places on my heart.

I am also blessed daily with fresh perspective, and I love hearing how the daily message was significant in speaking to different people in many ways. My desire is to spread positive outlooks to all, so that we can share a more positive, enriching life experience in this world. I pray that the fast is a blessing to you this year! 

Each one, reach one (or two or 3),

Monica

Fearless

 

Are your fears causing you to miss out on the abundant life God has for you? This is a profound question that all of us should take time to ponder. Has God spoken to you about a concern that's been on your heart? Has He given you a directive to follow, but you're still sitting or twiddling your thumbs because you're afraid to take a leap of faith? Are you afraid or fearful about how things will turn out? Think about why you’re afraid, confront those fears.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

             What has He told you to do? 

Has He told you to end an unhealthy relationship, quit a job, go back to school, to begin praying daily with purpose, to read and study your bible, to help someone, to give something away, or start a ministry or a community project? Or is it something seemingly more difficult, like apologizing to someone, or possibly forgiving someone who has hurt or wronged you. 

The longer it takes for us to obey what God has directed us to do, the longer it will take for the desires of our hearts according to Gods word to be manifested. God has equipped us with everything you need to walk in the power he has given you. In Christ we have the power to live a balanced life - We have the power to live a disciplined and self-controlled life.

              Walk in His power and strength! 

I admonish you today to step out of fear into faith, and be obedient to what God has called you to do. Your best life is ahead! xo.

I am because we are

Hello Journey Mates, 

 
I read a beautiful story today that is so fitting as we embark on Black History month. It is my belief that we should strive to learn and understand every races' history, every month, for we won't know where we are going as a whole (human race) without knowing from whence we come.
Enjoy the story. 

Learn. Grow. Change. Lead by example. - XO

         

  "I am because we are"

An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that who ever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run together, when one of them could have had all the fruits for himself and they said: ''UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?''

'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means: "I am because we are"

Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year! I'm super excited about the things that will transpire this year; those known and unknown! ;) As many do during this time, I've taken introspection and made the decision to change a few things in my life, to ensure that I am living every moment this year to the fullest!

If you haven't done this I encourage you to do so. Take time to focus on what you could have done better, or maybe what you could have accomplished if not for procrastination. Then set goals and take the steps, and get "it" done this year! SIMPLE.

I pray that you will have a successful year filled with your dreams and passions manifesting right before your eyes. Be encouraged and stay focused. The BEST IS YET TO COME!!

Helpful tips

1. Think about your life and what about it you would like to be different. Be specific about what you want to change.

2. Write down exactly what you want to achieve. List short term goals and long term goals. (Again be very specific)

3. Record  your goals in positive terms. Instead of  saying " I want to stop sleeping in" try "My goal is to get up at 6am each morning."

4. Set realistic and achievable goals. Setting unrealistic goals will only discourage you and make you feel disappointed in yourself.

Be real with yourself. Consider your life, the time you have available, your financial situation and any other obligations or commitments that you have. Balance is key.  Don't compare yourself to others! Ex. If you have children, your goals and what you can accomplish will be different than that of your friend without children. 

The more realistic your goals are the more control you will have in achieving them!

Work it out!

Good morning Journey Mates!!

Happy Thursday! I had a late start this morning and was unable to head to the gym... (insert sad face).
However, I found a some great workouts from Pop Sugar to do at home! NO excuses!!!

Ain't nothing to it, but to do it! Enjoy! XO


Core Workout Blast The Belly Fat with Jeanette Jenkins Tone your Arms Resistance Band Workout for anywhere

We are women of a different status.

I stumbled across this video today. It's pretty awesome!!! Check it out!

Change. Grow. Inspire.

It's our 3 year anniversary!

Hello Journey mates !

I'm so excited! Today is our 3 year anniversary!!! I love blogging! In fact after I watched the movie "Julie Julia", I gained the courage to start this blog on Wordpress. Later in the year, I found a designer and I shared what my heart’s desire was for the outlay and voila! Change Made Simple was born at Blogger.com! I enjoy encouraging people and it is my desire that every person that visits this blog will read something meaningful, something that they'll be able to carry with them on their journey into becoming the person that God intended for them to be!

 In honor of our 3 year anniversary, I'm giving away 3 of my favorite things (new for you of course!)!!  

What's the catch? Just answer a few questions... (Submit your answers in the comment section and please include your email address)

 My first blog entry was 8/17/2009... Tell me what I was struggling with doing that morning, who motivated me on television, and what song was playing in the car on the radio... That's it! 

Favorite Thing #1 - A business card holder (It's actually a coin purse, but works way better as a business card holder) I carry this every day, it's chic, stylish, functional and it's pink (my favorite color)!

Favorite Thing #2 - A Starbucks gift card! My mom gave me a loaded gift card at the beginning of the summer! Let's just say it was God sent! (My favorite drink to purchase is a green tea frappuccino!)

Favorite Thing #3 - Nail polish of course! Confession: I carry a spare bottle in my bag just in case a chip occurs during the day and I need to touch it up! I recently discovered a new brand "Nicka" it dries quickly, and it doesn't contain formaldehyde and tourmaline. (You're getting my favorite color Plumeria (I have been wearing this color all summer and will likely rock it in the fall!, along with a mystery color, and bottle of calcium gel which I use as a base coat!) That's 3 bottles!!! 

Good Luck & Thanks for taking this journey with me! 

 

Thanks for your entries!

To be a lady No. 086