What Do You Focus Your Thoughts On?

There are two things I instantly think of when I think of the 'old me' and that is ego and anger. Because I had so much stored up inside of me, it only took a second for my ego to rub me the wrong way. This was a big problem of mine until I began practising self-awareness and mindfulness. I am still a work in progress as it's a lifetime journey. As I hear daily, I apply daily.

Self-awareness is observing your emotions, thoughts, breathing, eating, your words, working and so on- while continuing to be aware that you are doing these things. In one simple sentence, self- awareness FREES us from suffering.

The most valuable thing I learned on my journey to transformation was that I could stop alowing my mind to run me. You're probably doing it right now while you read this! If you don't watch and observe your thoughts closely, your mind can get you into a lot of mischief. 

Ok, let me put it this way, you know how easy it is to watch the actions of others? Well, it's one small step from watching YOUR thinking to watching your actions and the actions of others.

How do we do that? Pay attention!

Don't just look up at the clouds, observe the clouds. Don't just look at the birds, observe and LISTEN to them. Don't just breath- smell the air! Don't just stand in the shower thinking about the office, your to do list, the kids, your bills, stand there and FEEL the water tapping on your skin. Don't just cook your food, smell the food. Take it ALL in. 

Can it be that simple? Yes, you are NOT your mind. They're separate. So you have the power to control it. Tap INTO that power. It lives inside of you. When you remove the blinders, you experience a wholesomeness that brings with it- inner peace.

Thoughts lead you further and further from living authentically in the present moment. Each time you become aware of SELF, you strengthen self-awareness.

Lizzy's Word:

Be mindful of the places your mind wanders through!

The Light of this World!

My light, yes 'my' light...is the truth. It's the God that abides inside of me. The God inside of me is truth and truth is light and God is light, so I am light!

The truth is God is our Father
The truth is we are sons of God
The truth is EVERYTHING God says we are, WE ARE!
...

No, I wasnt always this FREE. But now I am. Because truth has 'made'me free! Ohhh what a feeling.
Seriously...I mean while thousands of people were our poppin bottles this weekend and screaming at the top fo their lungs- watching and worshipping 'all star' celebrities that have no idea who they are and if they do, it's only for a night or two.. breaking their bank accounts to rock the latest red bottoms, hustlin to get into the VIP sections at the clubs and perhaps even looking for their new found love.. I was home with my family popping jokes. I woke up Friday, Saturday and Sunday feling like I was partying for Jesus. Oh what a party!

And no I am not acting all bran new- for those of you who are reading this saying "oh Liz acting like she wasnt out here with us years ago...." Yeah I hear you and guess what? I was in my 20's! Yes I once was lost too. Been there, done that so I know all about the hustle, all about the game and all about the world. I have no regrets because it was all apart of my purpose. But there comes a time where we gotta just 'throw our hands up in the air' and surrender.!

Truth is not laying up in a man's bed. Truth is not up in the club. Truth isn't is all those material things we chase after. Truth is God and God is truth. And once I knew who's I was, I knew WHO I WAS! And if I am light, than I gotta be the light. Knowing this changed 'the game' for me! That's how I became a hustler for Jesus!

The most intelligent , beautiful, loyal, giving, humble and FINEST man in this world chose ME! Did I mention His name? Yeah and what????

Know who you are, so that you may know who you are NOT!

"How Do I Find My Purpose?"

Have you ever asked yourself, “how do I really know what my purpose is?”

Look, God created purpose before He created person.

 

The bible states that we’re the workmanship of God. So, we’re perfectly designed and crafted for a purpose. I mean everything He’s created was created with and FOR purpose. Think of the trees. The cows. The lakes. The fish. Ohh and let’s not forget bee’s!!

Everything about you was created for a purpose. Your struggles, your past, your story…it’s all a part of your blueprint. Trust ME!

Frustration comes when a person is not seeking and walking in purpose. This is where the devil wants us. This is where he traps us. Then all of a sudden we feel lonely, sad, unworthy, left out, not good enough, not smart enough, too old, too young, too white, too black, too poor, too skinny, to thick… and all these things lead to depression and that’s exactly where he wants us; because in a state of depression, you do nothing! Your body is still here but you inner being is dead.

Remember, the average person dies at 75 but stopped living at 25!

The devil’s job is to ‘kill, steal and destroy’ and that is his only mission. He cannot ‘GIVE’ life so his job is to make sure he takes it!
Your primary purpose is to seek God and ONLY in and through Him, you’ll discover your secondary purpose.

If you think your purpose in life is to get married or have children, that is not so! If it’s a desire, that’s different. It may or may not be a part of your destiny. Your only purpose right now should be to ‘be’ the best version of YOU! Work daily towards that and in finding yourself, you WILL discover your gifts and passions. And your passion is what you will use to serve the world.

When I began to seek God and know God for myself, I started seeing and believing exactly what He wanted to do in and through my life. That did not happen overnight. I worked diligently on recreating that little girl who lost herself at the age of five. It took time BUT it has been the best time of my life and I can only imagine what’s to come!

Purpose = Your Supreme Reason for Being

 

Love, Lizzy

Who Are You vs Who You Are Not

Have you ever had to introduce yourself in a workshop or classroom setting? Ok, so you know how it is, everyone gets up when it's their turn to speak and they say their name and tell everyone in the class something or a few things to describe who they are. Something like this, "Hi my name is Sandra. I am a mother. I am a nurse. I have 3 children and I love dogs." Well, I don't do it like that-anymore. I use to until I experienced an AHA moment about 2 years ago-while introducing myself.

I got up to tell the classroom who I was and instead of doing the 'norm' I did something a little different. I got to sit there and listen to about 17 people introduce themselves and then I went last. But I sat there in aw as everyone followed the exact same pattern. Everyone shared their occupation. How many children or pets they had. If they were married or divorced and hobbies. I got up and said something like this:

"Hello everyone. I am so excited to be here with you all. Well, Elizabeth is the name my father gave me. He named me after Mary's cousin-in the bible. He never explained why, but I get it now and personally think it's a beautiful name. I am kind. I am a giver. I am compassionate. I am welcoming. I can be very silly. I am passionate about empowering women and youth. I am courageous. I am a go getter. I love LOVE and I am loyal....." I probably said a few more things. But it went a little something like that. Let me tell you, the look on everyone's face was priceless. They were waiting for more but at the same time they were totally intrigued. I then said, "oohhh and God has given me the awesome privilege of giving birth to two rock star boys whom I personally feel are the coolest kids in the world"

One woman spoke out and asked, " ummm can we do this all over again?" And the entire class laughed.

Please get this clear, you are not your occupation. You are not your marital status. You are not how many kids you have or don't have. You are not broken. You are not a victim. You are NOT the titles you wear or have been given. You are not your name.

The next time you are asked to introduce yourself to a classroom or group setting, tell them who YOU ARE!

I have created a small list here for you to read and pick out a few words that resonate with you. You may also add to this list. Print it out, circle or highlight the words that best describe YOU.

Which of these traits do you possess and value:

• Kind
• Dependable
• Great Listener
• Energetic
• A child of God
• A woman of God
• A believer
• A woman / man of faith
• Funny
• Open
• Self-aware
• World changer
• Compassionate
• A giver
• A problem solver
• Grateful
• Humble
• Happy
• Warm
• Trustworthy
• Responsible
• Sympathetic
• Lifelong Learner
• Sociable
• Strong
• Courageous
• Committed
• Loyal
• Empathic
• Confident
• Self Assured
• Romantic
• Optimistic

These are just a few. Go ahead and add your own.

P.S
Tell yourself:

'Life Inside of Me' With Suzie Correia Rego

 

What Do You Want from Life?

There are way too many people who set goals to work hard and make money to 'just' get by. For this reason, they don't seem to get anywhere or do anything truly worthwhile.

The main reason they live this way is because they haven't spent much time planning out what they want from life or setting formal goals. I mean think about it, would you embark on an unknown journey without some form of plan? Or with no idea on the possible destination? For most of us, the answer is no. SO they simply wake up and just follow their routine.

Setting goals is a powerful and worthy process for planning out your ideal future, and for empowering yourself to turn your vision of this future into your reality. These goals will help you to choose exactly where you want to go and how you can get there. So if your goal is to backpack across Europe, well you'll have to also set financial goals to make this vision come to life. You'll also want to include dates and plan what you'll need for the journey. It involves more than just stating what you'd like to do.

We also need to set goals on how to avoid distractions.

Why Set Goals?

The world's top achievers; athletes, artists, doctors, lawyers, performers, speakers and pretty much anyone who has accomplished more than the average- were and are BIG goal setters. Goal setting gave these achievers long term vision.  Let's face it- it also helps you to focus your time on worthwhile things. 

"If you don't decide how to live, you've already decided NOT to live" Anthony Robbins

How to Start:

• First think of your 'BIG PICTURE' of what exactly you want to do with your life

• Then break 'it' down into smaller and smaller goals that will ultimately get you to that BIG PICTURE

• Once you have this plan, you start working on it by targeting those 'smaller' goals

 Setting Your Life-Time Goals:

First you must consider what is important you and what you want to achieve in your life, or better yet, in the next 10 years. This will give you an overall perspective that shapes your decision making.

Try to set goals in these areas:

Career- What do you want to achieve? What level do you want to reach? What projects do you want to organize? Awards you'd like to win? Partnerships you'd like to form?

Adventure- What are some of the exciting things you want to do or dream about doing? Maybe you want to learn to ski or visit Alaska (uuggg not me). Perhaps study another language or go backpacking across Europe. Only YOU know what those dreams are.

Physical- Do you desire to live a healthier lifestyle? If so, how will you accomplish this? Do you have a sugar or pop addiction? Do you want to loose or gain weight...maybe join a gym or a runners club?

Community - What are your plans to give back? Would you like to volunteer for a women's shelter or a youth centre? Maybe plan a fundraising event for a local animal shelter. Adopt a child?

Personal Development - Does your attitude need an adjustment? Do you struggle with unforgiveness? If so, what are some of the things you can do to change that? Do you want to take Etiquette classes or anger management workshops?

Family- Do you want to get married? If so, what are some of the values you hope to your future partner has? Do you want children? If so, how many? What kind of parent do you want to be? What will some of your house-hold rules be? Do you visit with family members often? If not, how many times a month or year would you like to see them?

Now select ONE goal per category in which you will achieve in ONE year.

Consider trimming your list down if you have to many goals. You want to be realistic. Remember this list is your 'Lifetime Plan' not short term plan.

Step 2: Set Smaller Goals

Now set a 3-5 year plan of smaller goals that you need to complete in order to reach your lifetime plan. So if one of your plans is to be 'motivational speaker' write down a few goals of what you will do to achieve this plan. Perhaps join a Toastmasters Club or start practicing in small groups.

Now once you've created this list, create a one year plan, six month plan and a one month plan of significantly smaller goals to reach- to achieve your lifetime goals.

Now in a separate notebook, create a daily To-Do-List of things that you should do NOW / today to work towards your BIG VISION.

Some of my smaller goals were achieved by simply reading books. For instance, for self-development goals, I read a lot of self-help books. You cannot leave the BIG goals empty or they won't be achieved. Plan plan plan....

Lizzy's Tip:

Remember to set time lines for each goal. If you want to start your own business, make sure to write down dates and the amount to do so, next to it. Make sure you give each goal a priority so that you can direct your attention to the most important ones.

When you've achieved a goal, big or small, reward yourself.