A 'Hair' Story

For some persons changing their hairstyle (haircut, extensions etc) is a weekly or monthly occurrence. For others, like me, getting a haircut is an event! I wore braids once in my life for about a week and I have never worn weave or a wig. I pondered on this for a while. Why is it that some persons can so freely and readily 'update' their ‘hair look’, while others are content to wear their hair the same for years with minor modifications?

I realised part of the reason we stay with the ‘same look’ is because it is something that works for us. We feel good, we feel confident with that look. Why rock the boat right? Why seek change when things are already good? The grass isn’t always greener on the other side right?

While I am using my hair as an example, this is applicable for general life as well. You may get stuck in a job not because it is your passion, but because it is paying the bills and perhaps if you are lucky you like the other people in the office including your boss. You may not be passionate about the job but perhaps you are afraid to see what else is out there...it can be scary trying something new right?

What about some of the relationships you find yourself in? Your heart may not swell with love for the person and an inner voice may be quietly be telling you that this isn’t your soul mate but you are comfortable with him or her and for the most part you get along well. Why shake things up right?

How about your exercise routine? Well, you always walk the same route or you have gone to the same gym for the past 10 years. It’s working for you right? Whoever said that change was a good thing must have been out of their mind? You are happy and healthy right where you are, right?

Wrong! My point is all of us have some area or areas in our life where we have probably gotten too comfortable. Comfortable isn’t bad but why not spice it up...Add some excitement to the mix. Sometimes we need to step outside of our comfort zone and see what else is out there. Stepping out doesn’t have to be drastic and you can take baby steps. My haircut for example is shorter but let’s gets real, it isn’t like I leaped way out of my comfort zone and got a pixie cut or something.

However, I made a decision to try something new since my last major haircut was almost five years ago and gasp I really do like my new haircut.

Sometimes, we just have to listen to that voice within us and sometimes the voices of others around us and try something or somebody new. You just might like it! I certainly do! SAY YES to today - and -explore other options and step out of your comfort zone, whatever that may be!

Drop me a comment and let me know something you did out of your comfort zone.

Have a great week everyone.

No More Excuses!

Spring is in the air! Break out the swimsuits!

I know you are thinking...Shelly, really? You are probably saying it feels like 96 degrees in the shade – and that it is more like summer is in the air...I know, I know.

On the update and positive side, my small mango trees have sprouted new leaves. The grown mango tree in my front yard which did not give us any mangoes for the last few years is heavy with young grafted mangoes and my pumpkin patch is full and overflowing. If you want to buy a pumpkin, let me know.  

Spring is always associated with renewal. If you observe nature, it appears to rejuvenate itself. The grass and leaves are greener and everything just seems brighter. If you are fortunate to get showers, they are cleansing and refreshing. If you live close to the beach like  I do in Anguilla or near a lake or river, the water is warmer and more inviting!

As corny as this may sound...I have been feeling like spring...Renewed and rejuvenated. I have been praying, laughing, singing, dancing and loving.

As you saw in my three month challenge, I am tackling new self development and professional development projects which help to give that sense of renewal. In addition, I have had the opportunity to follow through and complete some activities which I wasn’t looking forward to but which went pretty well. Finally, I have confronted the pockets of frustration which have been nagging at the back of my mind...and lo and behold – I feel refreshed and renewed.

I know most of you can relate. There are areas in your life which you want to improve but excuses are holding you back. There are activities which you have to do which you may not want to do or like to do but maybe fear of failure or ridicule is holding you back. There are people or situations in your life which are frustrating you but your voice is not being heard.

Mary Mary said it best ‘Nobody told me the road would be easy, but I don’t believe he’s brought me this far, to leave me. As you ‘Say Yes to Today’, my advice is to demonstrate faith, courage and positivity in whatever you step out today to do.

A couple of people including my two lovely aunties are doing my three month challenge. Thanks aunties and others. Good luck! If you have started the challenge, we are almost two weeks in. I hope it is going well. Continue to say yes to today and constantly improve!

Remember to post a comment below. Thanks!

Birthday Smiles - Thank You!

Today I turned 29.

I believe most women and probably most men engage in some sort of reflection when they celebrate each birthday. I think we tend to reflect even more at the end of each decade. Today I turned 29 and I am so grateful to God simply for that. I will take a moment to reflect on and pray for the families of those I know who were unable to achieve this milestone.

I have had a tremendous 29 years. I know a faithful God; I have a wonderful family, a loving boyfriend and numerous terrific friends around the world. I have a great education and I have travelled to four continents. I have health, inner and outer beauty and strength. I have determination and ambition in abundance. I am grateful for the blessings and opportunities which have come my way and to all those who have played a part in shaping who I am today.  

As I embrace my 29^th year and look towards the start of my 30’s, I can’t help but be excited about what lies in store. I have no doubt that there will be numerous challenges and opportunities ahead of me as I continue to create and shape a future which will continue to make me happy.

To all those who took the time to wish me Happy Birthday today, I would like to say a great big thanks! To those who have been faithful friends and family members and who have offered constant support and encouragement over this year and previous years, you are my heroes. Thank you!

If you clicked on this blog – thank you! Please share and stay tuned in to say-yes-to-today.blogspot.com as together we seek to make a change in our life, our community, our nation and our world.

I love you all.