Cultivate your passion
I have a program Passion vs. Purpose, not a shameless plug, I promise. It's always interesting to watch others "find" their passions. Once it's broken down, the things we think we're passionate about are just mere things that just tickle our passion meter.
“Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights your way.”
I have an event planning business. I love party planning. The creativity behind creating one of a kind moments that will WOW people, and to leave an impact on the client. Our motto is "we plan, you party." This is where the drama begins. The average person can't afford an event planner. Want to know the science behind that? You don't need one. So those that can afford the planner forget that they want the planner to plan, it's as though they were put in office as a dictator. (Reason #1 why I don’t do weddings, that adds another level of crazy) This situation rips the freedom and creativity out of party planning, and for a lack of a better term, kills my vibe. Event planning is not a passion of mine. Just something I'm good at and I like to do on my terms. Once I learned this, I restructured my business. I offer consultations for ideas and to pick my brain for tips. I don't advertise. Some business eh? When you're good, people will advertise for you. Just as I was typing this, I had a lady to call me requesting I do centerpieces for a wedding in May. But my true passions have my 2014 eventful. I'm not willing to "waste" my time organizing ideas, researching cheap and affordable materials, producing the centerpieces, and distributing them. The money could easily be worth it, but I'm not money driven, I'm passion driven. I referred her to an associate of mine. And guess what her passion is?
“Your work is to discover your work and then, with all your heart, to give yourself to it.”
Do you want to tickle your passion meter? Or do you want to submerge yourself fully and reap the full benefits. Stop using fillers and distractions to occupy temporary smiles, cultivate your passion.
“Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things.”
How do you find passions? Look at what you love to do, see, and think about. Write your passions out. 100 of them. Doesn't matter how silly or unrealistic, take some time and think of 100 things that you really like and love doing and seeing.
“Neglecting passion blocks creative flow. When you’re passionate, you’re energized. Likewise, when you lack passion, your energy is low and unproductive. Energy is everything when it comes to being successful.”
Stop "following your passion," there's no freedom in occasionally taking a walk with your passion. Cultivate it!!! Learn about your passion, love it, nurture it, and help it to grow. Cultivate your passion. This is something you love, you wouldn't just merely walk behind your mate throughout life and wait for them to look back and wink at you from time to time. Hunay, now you know, you would NOT stand for that. Some passions take foreplay, have fun with it, be consistent, and that euphoric happiness will come. ;)
Everyone should have at least one thing that makes thing super duper excited that they have to share with the world and can talk about it forever with anyone. Sad thing is, most people don’t. No worries, we all have the ability, sometimes diamonds just need to be dusted off and cleaned before they can shine their brightest. Remember in the 8 Ways to Get Your Life I talked about Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs? Passion is hard to focus on if the physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem haven’t been reached yet. And again, no worries, if you want to get to happy, it’s all possible. Passion and happiness are interconnected.
Live. Love. Action
1. Tell someone you haven't told all week that you love them.
2. Write 100 of your passions.
3. Email them to me (Kimber@kimberleeonline.com) and we'll complete a passion inventory together.
How I wanted to save the world
What did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to save the world. I wanted to make everyone happy. Pretty ambitious/typical for a child, eh? Society convinced me that I couldn't save the world. Then I realized society is a word we all hide behind. Who is society? How many people consist of this society, that so many of us have found fear in? Either it's fear of disappointing, being ostracized by, or whatever fear we convince ourselves of. Once I got over imaginary society, I decided I can still "save" the world and make people happy. Is society holding you back?
Our natural strengths combined with passion makes us unstoppable...only when consistent.
What are your natural strengths?
I believe my natural strengths are that I'm friendly (maybe too friendly), compassionate, genuine, creative, and I'm real. I asked the people closest to me what my three-five best characteristics are. This was about a year ago...here are their responses...unedited:
honesty
resilient
perseverance
determined
free spirit
intelligent
Being humble
Creative
Hard worker
Detailed oriented
extremely creative
passionate
Compassionate
funny
maternal
Sweet
loveable
smart
You r smart
witty
creative
smart
creative
innovative
Honest
open minded
loving
Pretty
Supporting
intelligent
Creative
fun
adventurous
realistic
resilient
spoiled brat! Lol
strong
empathetic
great mother
and best of all Great wife!
charming
compassionate
adaptable
persistent
worrsum
generous
sense of humor
empathic
loving
real
ambitious
Ur a caring hands on mom, thats intelligent, humorous, I'm looking for the word that describes ppl that think outside the box
Your passion,Your beautiful smile,Creative Energy & Realism
Can you guess which response was my huni?
I measure up pretty well. I make an effort to show up daily. What does that mean? I am conscious about my moves and decisions and especially my thoughts. Every morning I start with my journal. I make an affirmation that I am here to help and I will help x amount of people on that day. Back in 2004 I also made a conscious decision to ensure that every interaction I had with others was authentic and genuine. So what you see with me is what you get. I don't say things to make anyone feel better or worse, I tell the truth. With my realism, there are often times, I hold my tongue. If I know the person is not capable of processing the truth, I won’t harm them with a truth that will only harm them, just to get them to see the light. That just proves I think I’m right. It does no good for either of us. Most people have aversions to the truth; despite verbalizing they really want it. I’m in the helping business, not the hurting, but I will guide you to your truth. If you’re ready.
Human relationships are extremely important to me. I put forth extra effort with people. I give chances. I forgive and I forgive. I don't always forget, but guess what?!? I'm human. My friends call me “neutral nancy.” I pretty much get along with everyone. There's no chance in that, I make a conscious effort. Daily I laugh, I smile, and make strangers feel as if we are best friends reunited, and I apologize when I'm wrong. Anyone that doesn't like me is either pre my conscious efforts or a woman scorned. Note: don't waste energy on trying to win over haters. Despite how freaking amazing you are (and you are) some people just can't deal with all the sunshine God has placed in you. Channel that energy to loving those that love you even more.
Every day I’m focused on helping someone to become a better person, whatever that looks like to them. I might not save the world, but I'm definitely making deposits so it will be better. Live consciously, no more drifting and going with the flow. I want you to show up every day, show up and show out!
Live. Love. Action.
1. What are your three to five best characteristics?
2. Ask three people closest to you what they think your best characteristics are?
3. Compare the lists. Any similarities? What contrasts should you work on?
4. Try to live every day on purpose...your purpose
30 Things that make me happy
So often we discuss the negatives and the bad things happening to us. I actually avoid these conversations UNLESS we are getting to a solution. Complaining without change is pointless. However today I wanted to share 30 things that make me happy. Despite life’s little annoyances, we can find happiness in everything, if we want to.
1. Forehead kisses
2. Rainbows
3. Bacon
4. Cupcakes
5. Mid day naps
6. Long hot showers
7. Instant friendships
8. Catching up with an old friend
9. Handwritten letters
10. Bubble baths
11. Finding money I didn't know I lost
12. Baby's giggling
13. Children telling jokes
14. Free wifi
15. Butterflies
16. Making others smile
17. Laughing until I cry
18. Playing taboo
19. Full tank of gas
20. Ice cream cones in the summer
21. Clouds resembling images
22. The smell of fresh laundry
23. Pink sand
24. The feel of fresh bed sheets
25. Fresh lemonade
26. Eating a home cooked meal from scratch that I didn't have to prepare
27. President Obama
28. The smell of fresh bread
29. Possibilities
30. Sunsets
31. Happy People
Okay, so I threw in 31 things. Today’s my birthday and I’m a rebel with a cause, forgive me. What three things make you happy?
How to Move On
Have you ever been so in love with someone and they just won't get it together? You don't want to leave...okay, one more chance. I'll give them one more chance. *whispers* but that one chance turns to two and maybe even three.
You might not even be in love. It could be a girlfriend that you just enjoy spending time with, but she gossips so much that it's no longer entertaining but a judgment session.
Sometimes we have to move on from situations and people that we love, especially if they aren't respecting limits and boundaries that we set.
1. Set limits with people.
{C}2. {C}If crossed, there should be a plan of action.
{C}3. {C}The plan of action should have a natural consequence.
When you set your limits and boundaries, you are essentially creating a contract: I do not accept XYZ. If XYZ were to occur, then I will have to do ABC.
Natural consequences aren't to be used as threats. You have to hold up to your end of the bargain and know that most people don't respond well to threats. Plus empty threats reinforce unwanted behaviors.
You are going to run into people who are going to break this contract.
Some over and over and ov...you better not let anyone disrespect you like that. Subsequently, people will try to push your limits and not because they are horrible people who just like to push your buttons. Although there are some real jerks out there. The average person may just feel like their agenda is greater than yours. And for this difference, forgiveness is possible.
I'm a sucker for second chances and forgiveness, but I'm nobody’s fool. Hunay, please doesn’t play the fool. I truly believe I have a masters in moving on. Back in high school my male BFF nicknamed me "keep it moving", and shortened it to "moving." Life stands still for none of us. We all have to keep it moving, even when we don't want to. Forgiveness will change your life.
We need to learn to let go. We need to be able to forgive, so we can move on and be happy.
Moving on is usually bitter sweet. It's as if we're forcing ourselves to give up on people and situations. And sometimes that's exactly what we need to do, to experience happiness. Holding onto situations and people that don't want involvement is like pouring alcohol on an open wound.
You don't need permission to move on. You don't even have to tell the other part(ies) if you think that will cause additional issues. It's not about them.
1. Determine if after forgiveness will the relationship or situation continue causing you distress, and (or) going against your personal values.
2. Commit to letting go and moving on- it won’t be overnight.
3. Be at peace and remain in the present- you can’t keep thoughts of the situation. Moving on is moving past the situation and forward from the past.
Dealing with difficult people
Some people are hard to love. Sometimes we’re hard to love. Okay, maybe that’s just me. Some people are difficult. We’re difficult. Don’t leave me hanging; I know you can be difficult sometimes too. People mess up. We mess up. No matter how bad things get in life, despite our efforts, we will always need companionship. If you’re thinking, “No, I don’t need anyone,” honey, you will and do, give it a few rough years to see the need.
Let’s be clear, your need and my need may
vary, but the need is there.
We all need people and relationships to strive. Being around others improves our moods. Engaging in healthy relationships contributes to our happiness. Keyword healthy.
Now let’s go back to difficult people. *sigh* We all have had a few (or more than) interactions with people that drive us crazy with their difficult ways. They could be family members, co-workers, associates, friends, and (or) lovers. No matter the title that you give this individual, you have to determine is their “crazy” or level of difficulty worth enduring. If your mama is the person or if it’s your nosy meddling neighbor, you have to decide.
In any relationship or interaction, we have to accept the person for who they are. Radical acceptance- it is what it is. Now you don’t have to like it, but a spade is a spade. It doesn't transform into a diamond because you don’t like spades.
Difficult people are our teachers. They teach us what we don’t want to deal with or accept. And in turn we teach others how to treat us. Once you learn what you don’t want to accept, then you create boundaries and set limits. If you fail to do this, you are teaching people they can interact with you at their disposable; the ball will forever remain in their court.
Difficult people reveal patterns in us and our lives. If you notice that difficult people are constant in your life and only their name and face changes. Evaluate these patterns and the difficulties that affect you the most. Dealing with these people can cause us to lose our rational coping skills and initiate negative emotions. It’s hard to be rational with an irrational person.
:: Tips for dealing with the difficult ::
Don’t take irrational people personal.
Set limits.
Don’t take the bait! You know they are difficult, they have showed you time and time again.
Stop being surprised when they act a fool!
My peace and joy is important to me. I don’t have time for unnecessary distress. Remember it’s 100% your choice on who is on your team and a part of your cast. Occasionally we have disputes with others, but if an individual is continuously bringing you distress, who is to blame?
Live. Love. Action
1. What are your own irrational beliefs? We all have our own demons (issues) that we are dealing or not dealing with.
a. Now connect the dots with the characteristics and irrational beliefs of the difficult people in your life.
2. Love yourself like it’s nobody’s business. :)
3. Make an important decision.
No!vember
I love November! I was born in November. I love me! Thanksgiving is in November. I love food! I really love food.
I believe we all should do more of what makes us happy, and less of that which doesn't. A lot less, like not all. So for No!vember that's right you guessed it, we are saying No! You like how I included you? You too are joining me. What do you have to lose?
Adults do what they want to do!
If someone asks you to do something and you don't want to. Just say No! Go do something you enjoy. Don't feel bad. Invite your friend along to share in the fun.
If someone is projecting their feelings on to you, just say No! Not today. Direct them to deal with their own feelings.
“A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.
”
Saying No! Isn't mean it's a means to preserving yourself. People will say no to you and don't take it to heart, sometimes No! Just means the time isn't right. Revel in the beauty of that.
As in all communication, it's all in how you say it. Not what you say. Check this article out on how to say no.
No to fear!
No to injustices!
No to anything keeping you from your truth!
What are you saying No! to this month?
Daily Affirmation: Changing my thoughts will be a breeze!
31 days of affirmations! How fast did this month go?
I end this series with: Changing my thoughts will be a breeze! Read it, believe it, receive it!
It all starts with our thinking, which leads to change. Such a simple, yet magnificent tool that we all embody.
An affirmation opens the door. It’s a beginning point on the path to change. Every thought you think and every word you speak is an affirmation.
— Louise Hay
I challenge you to pick your favorite affirmation and repeat it daily for the next 30 days. Email me or comment below on what that affirmation is. It doesn't even have to be one that I've shared with you. Just an affirmation that you know will lead to the change you desire in your life. I truly believe that we all deserve to be euphorically happy and live our passions, while making our dreams reality. What are you waiting on?
Positive thoughts will make magnificent changes in your life. If you know someone who could benefit from these affirmations, share away! Have a wonderful weekend!
Daily Affirmation: Own your story, trust your process
I own my story and trust my process, fully! Read it, believe it, receive it!
I often say "own your story and trust your struggle!" What does all that mean? Every situation, every circumstance, everything that makes you- you...own it!
Accept it! Embrace it! It's your story, it's not going anywhere. Forgive yourself and forgive others! I’m not going to lie and say that’s an easy task. However, you will forever be stuck, until you OWN it, even if it seems that you are moving forward.
Once you own that story, share it with others, share it often. Not everyone will appreciate your story, and guess what?!? That's fine! You will know who you feel comfortable and trust enough to share with. Healing will begin and change will ignite.
Then pick up that imaginary pen and keep writing and living. This time eliminate the pain, the fear, guilt, and anything that was holding you back. Learn from your own stories and mend the error in your thought process to avoid operator error in your upcoming chapters.
Own your story, trust your struggles. No pity parties. This isn't about all the wrongs, but how you can bring all the right! It's your social obligation to let your light shine.
Positive thoughts will make magnificent changes in your life. If you know someone who could benefit from these affirmations, share away!
Daily Affirmation: No more lies!
I let go of all the lies I tell myself. Read it, believe it, receive it!
Hunay!!!!
Let me repeat that one more time, just for myself. I let go
of all
the lies I tell myself.
I
stopped lying to myself "officially" in 2004. I'm a realist, so the
lies I
would tell myself were rationalizations.
I did
XYZ because XYZ happened or because XYZ did XYZ. Common of those that
play
victim and have difficulty accepting responsibility for their own
actions.
Adults do what they want to do.
Often
times we limit our thought process to believing that we have no
choice.
That's a lie. You may not want to do something so you
verbalize
that you can't. You may want to do it, but not bad enough. Some
things
you want, may require additional steps, which you aren't ready to
take.
"I can't quit my job."
Yes
you can. You would need to develop a plan:
What type of work would you like to do instead?
Determine an exit strategy
Replace the word “can’t” with:
I choose not to
I won’t
I don’t want to
I’ve decided not to
We lie to ourselves about people in our lives.
“I know he loves me although he has other women.”
“Aunt Loraine isn’t a drunk, she’s just animated.”
Healing emotional wounds requires you to get rid of denial that beautifies ugly truths of family history, relationships, and personal experience.
Positive thoughts will
make magnificent changes in your life. If you
know
someone who could benefit from these affirmations, share away!
Daily Affirmations: Self Acceptance
Hi There! I accept myself completely! Read it, believe it, receive it! Completely? Ever flaw and dysfunction. Overcompensate with the things you love about yourself, until you are able to fully accept and love every fiber of yourself. Wanna know a secret? If its something you REALLY don't like...you can change it! *gasp* ;) Positive thoughts will make magnificent changes in your life. If you know someone who could benefit from these affirmations, share away!