Podcasts about challenge don

Send us a textIn this episode, the discussion centers on the importance of creating space and time for your prep and maintaining mindfulness throughout both prep and offseason periods. We highlight the need to distinguish between your competition look and everyday reality, emphasizing the balance between discipline and avoiding a restrictive lifestyle. Key insights include the significance of having strong systems in place, prioritizing mental health, understanding your motivations, and adopting an abundance mindset. The episode also stresses the importance of personalized approaches, clear communication with those around you, and handling challenges and temptations effectively.Today's Challenge: Don't forget to tell one person that is close to you what your why is. Tell them why what you are doing is important to you. Welcome to FitBody Lifestyle the podcast hosted by Jami and Greg DeBernard! Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of fitness, health, business, relationships, and the art of leading a well-rounded life. Whether you're pumping iron at the gym, grinding in your entrepreneurial endeavors, or simply striving for balance in your daily routine, you've landed in the right spot.In each episode, we'll embark on enlightening discussions, provide you with actionable tips, and share inspiring stories that touch on every aspect of your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. We'll cover everything from fitness tips to expert guidance on nutrition, and effective weight loss strategies. Dive deep with us into topics like strength training for both body and mind, fostering cardiovascular health, and discovering the harmony between your daily lifestyle and your personal well-being. We're here to help you unlock your full potential, empowering you to transform your mind, body, and overall life. Don't forget to subscribe, and together, let's take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.Connect With Us:https://www.fitbodylifestylepodcast.com/https://www.fitbodyfusion.com/https://www.instagram.com/jamidebernard/https://...

President Brian Mueller joined Grand Canyon University in July 2008, transforming it from a financially struggling institution into a driving force in higher education. Under his leadership, campus enrollment grew from 2,600 to over 25,200, and online enrollment soared to nearly 93,500 students. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today's sponsor is Child Beyond International (CBI). I love the work that Child Beyond International does in Guatemala. This is a mission organization that is the most intentional overseas organization about rescuing the vulnerable that I've ever seen. They reach the kids that even other great mission organizations may miss. And I'd love for you to check out this organization and be changed in just 10,000 minutes! Why 10,000? Because 10,000 minutes is the exact amount of time spent on a seven-day mission trip. Child Beyond International has everything set up for you and your church to experience a powerful overseas mission trip that will not only change the life of someone in Guatemala, but amazingly, it changes lives for those who go on the mission trip as well. You and your church can be transformed in just 10,000 minutes. Truthfully, in my life, I can point to the impact that overseas missions trips had perhaps more than anything else in my faith formative years. And even still in my adulthood when I've had the chance to go. It changes my perspective, restores my purpose, and it grows my faith unlike any experience I've ever had. Mission trips are one of the most effective faith-building discipleship opportunities God provides for us, not only to make a huge spiritual difference in the life of one soul at a time, but in each one of our own spiritual lives as well! So, today, I invite you to check out the great work of our partner at their website www.childbeyond.org. Also, check out my webinar with CBI Founder Jeff Mueller about how you can join a powerful global mission effort like CBI. Let's still include some CBI, links, and webinar material here for when we post it on our website.Resources mentioned in the episode: University of PhoenixGrand Canyon Universitybrian.mueller@gcu.eduKey insights from the episode: I never stopped coaching, I just have a bigger team now. - Brian MuellerI think the two greatest ideas in history that created the most prosperous society in the world are the free market system and the Christian worldview perspective. – Brain MuellerWe have created 16,000 jobs in the area since we moved here. – Brian Mueller We wanted our faith expression to be visible, relentless, and identifying with those people who have the least of these. That's the irresistible way to live. – Brain Mueller What people thought would be a detriment (poverty location) has turned out to be an absolute blessing. – Brain Mueller 70% of our students are Christians, that means 30% are not. – Brain Mueller I see a desire in millennials to serve. – Brian Mueller We need to get kids believing that they are going to have a ministry in whatever occupation they are doing. Brain Mueller We haven't raised tuition in sixteen years. – Brain Mueller Brian Mueller's Challenge: Don't be afraid to take the Word of God very seriously.Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don't know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it's free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we are simplifying life beyond the details as we zoom out to see the bigger picture. Having a hard time seeing the forest for the trees? Caught up in the minutia of life and never feel like you truly have a grasp on what's important? Life often gets overwhelming when we get caught up in the small details—stress, distractions, and the constant busyness of our day-to-day. But when we step back, we realize that what truly matters is simple: connections, purpose, and personal growth. We'll explore how shifting our focus from the non-essentials to the bigger picture brings clarity, peace, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Let's dive into ways to refocus, simplify, and see life for what it really is—a series of meaningful moments and lessons. I think this kind of perspective isn't always easy to obtain, and maybe that's on purpose. I mean, if you were always able to see the bigger picture would you even recognize that it IS in fact the bigger picture? Harlan Ellison said, "Without pain, there can be no pleasure. Without sadness, there can be no happiness. Without misery there can be no beauty". They say hindsight is 20/20 meaning it's easier to understand something after it has already happened. So what should this big-picture thinking do to you today?   It helps you in everyday life by giving you more clarity and a better perspective. Instead of getting stuck on the little things that go wrong, it helps you focus on what really matters. It makes it easier to handle daily stress because you're not sweating the small stuff. You start to prioritize what's important, making choices that align with your bigger goals. It helps you stay focused on the long run and see challenges as just part of the process. In the end, it keeps you grounded and helps you live more intentionally. I don't know about you…but I want more of that! Techlyticaly helps us challenge this thinking with Seeing Things Differently: How Perspective Changes Everything found on Linkedin Patrick Buggy offers some inspiring ideas on What to do When You Feel Stuck in a Rut found at Mindful Ambitions On Lena Samford's blog, I found some more ideas about How to See the Bigger Picture On the Art of Movement's YouTube channel, I found 20 Things Most People Learn Too Late In Life Here are some effective visioning exercises to help broaden your thinking: Future Self Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine your life five or ten years from now. Picture where you are, what you're doing, and how you feel. Write down the details to clarify your goals and aspirations. Mind Mapping: Start with a central idea or goal and branch out with related concepts, tasks, or dreams. This visual representation can help you see connections and generate new ideas. Journaling: Dedicate time each week to write about your thoughts, dreams, and experiences. Reflecting on your journey can reveal patterns and insights about your bigger picture. Vision Board Creation: Collect images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals and dreams. Arrange them on a board to create a visual reminder of what you aspire to achieve. Role-Playing Scenarios: Imagine how you would approach specific situations or challenges as your future self. This can help you think more creatively about solutions and opportunities. Goal Setting Retreat: Take a day or weekend away from your usual environment to focus solely on your long-term vision. Set aside time for brainstorming, reflecting, and planning. Reverse Engineering: Start with your end goal and work backward. Outline the steps needed to achieve it, identifying potential obstacles and resources along the way. Gratitude Reflection: Regularly reflect on what you're grateful for in your life. This can help you recognize the bigger picture of your journey and motivate you to continue pursuing your dreams. Group Brainstorming: Collaborate with others to discuss ideas and visions. Diverse perspectives can spark new thoughts and help you see possibilities you hadn't considered. Meditative Reflection: Spend time in meditation focused on your goals and dreams. Quieting your mind can help clarify what truly matters to you and expand your vision. CHALLENGE: Don't let the small stuff keep you stuck—challenge yourself to step back, broaden your perspective, and see the bigger picture. By shifting your focus, you'll find clarity, purpose, and the freedom to pursue what truly matters in your life.   I Know YOU Can Do It!

Have you ever had a misconception about someone and then when you met them you found it to be wrong? We all have done that at some time or another. Many people are like that when it comes to the Bible.The Bible is very different from any other book and too many people don't read it for themselves or try to understand it. They often go off of things they heard or saw in a video but they don't find out for themselves. This week's show will dive into some of the common misconceptions people have about the Bible.The Bible is a Rulebook:While the Bible does contain guidelines for living a moral and ethical life, it is much more than a rulebook.It offers wisdom, guidance, and inspiration for navigating the complexities of human existence.Every law in the Bible is not a copy and paste for our lives today.The Bible has many narrative stories that teach us truths to apply to our livesThe Bible Should Be a Scientific Book:The Bible is not a scientific textbook and should not be read as such.It was written in a pre-scientific era and uses metaphorical language to convey spiritual truths.The scientific lens is not always the best lens to apply to the Bible because we often have chronological snobberyGod spoke through the worldview of the people of the dayThe Bible was not written as a self-help bookThe Bible's Irrelevant in the Modern World:While the Bible was written in a different time and cultural context, its messages and teachings are still relevant today.The Bible addresses universal human experiences and offers timeless wisdom for navigating life's challenges.The Bible is known as wisdom literatureIt's goal is not to give you the video footage of every detailBy dispelling these misconceptions, we can approach the Bible with a fresh perspective and open ourselves to its transformative power.CHALLENGE:Don't try to see yourself all the time as you read the Bible.Ask God to reveal Himself and His timeless truth to you as you continue reading ProverbsRESOURCES TO HELP YOU THRIVE AS A MAN========================Thriving Man Coaching Resources4D MODEL FREE PDFLearn about the 4 fundamentals of a Successful LifeDiscover OUR SPEAKING AND HOW WE HAVE EMPOWERED THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE WORLD

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we are weighing the convenience vs the connection to find an optimal balance. Sacrificing one seems like taking a step back in time but limiting the other is detrimental to your health. People need people….I could break out into song here but just trust me. A more recent review of 148 studies concluded that on average having stronger social ties increased the likelihood of an individual's overall survival by as much as 50 percent! You might be a self-proclaimed loner or someone who would rather observe life from afar but the fact is, we need people for emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Relationships with others provide comfort during challenging times, joy during celebrations, and a feeling of connection that enriches life. Additionally, interactions with others offer opportunities for personal growth, learning, and the development of empathy and understanding.  Modern times have really changed the way we interact with others both personally and professionally but has the convenience come at a cost? I say yes, but now I have to convince you. I'm not suggesting we go back to the turn of the century and remove all technology from our houses but I am hoping that you will strive for a healthy balance once you fully understand the pros and cons. Deal? Gareth Cook answers Why We Are Wired to Connect at scientificamerican.com Alarming Statistics from From Pew Research… Adrianna Rodriguez from USA Today discusses how Americans are lonely and it's killing them. At bigthink.com I found out why Americans more than ever have no friends. Here are 5 steps to make more friends Plan Social Activities: Organize gatherings, events, or outings that encourage face-to-face interaction. This could include dinners, game nights, or outdoor activities. Join Clubs or Groups: Join clubs, classes, or groups based on your interests. This provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and engage in shared activities. Attend Local Events: Attend community events, festivals, or workshops to meet new people and engage in conversations. Limit Screen Time: Reduce the amount of time spent on digital devices, which can free up more time for in-person interactions. Prioritize Face-to-Face Communication: When possible, choose face-to-face communication over digital methods like texting or emailing. Be Present: When interacting with others in person, be fully present and engaged in the conversation. Put away distractions like phones or laptops. Seek Out New Experiences: Try new activities or hobbies that involve interacting with others, such as joining a sports team or volunteering. CHALLENGE: Don't take the easy way out and live your life on the periphery. Step up, reach out, and nurture human connection. It's the fastest declining commodity. Take the time and invest to reap the greatest rewards life has to offer.   I Know YOU Can Do It!

When life throws the hard stuff at us, we can't give up or stay down too long. We have to lean into God during the hardest of times, give unlimited grace out, and stop digging when we are down. Challenge: Don't stay down too long. When you hit a bump this week, give yourself and others grace, do what you can, and do your best to let go and move on.

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we are revisiting claiming victory by saving ourselves, tapping into the power we possess.  Someone one time...ok actually people ask me all the time, “are you always this happy?”. Or sometimes they phrase it as a statement, “You can NOT be this happy all the time!”  And they would be correct but “this happy” is relative. I realize that my mood is my choice and no one can make me feel anything I don't want to feel. Guess what I want to feel? You got it, HAPPY.  A follow-up question or statement I usually hear next is, “how do you let things roll off your back so easily?” Well the answer to that is, I don't always. But again, I have to make a conscious effort to let go and move on. The primary reason I find that so doable is, that I don't like to be in a bad mood. I don't like the feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness. I don't like to be melancholy or irritated. Do you know what I do like? I like to problem solve and divert my attention to things that make me happy, feel creative, or that nourishes my soul. It's a bonus when I can pick up all three feelings in the same activity.  You have to want to succeed to feel successful.  I also have to consistently check my power and control. These two words can have you soaring or keep you nailed down wondering why you can't move. Not everything and everyone is under my control and I don't have the power to change people or the past. If I use those statements as a guide and filter all struggles through them, I find letting go and moving on is really the only option.  What is preventing you from feeling victorious? Remember, the journey of self-discovery is about education, exploration, and enlightenment.  Let's dig a little deeper into victimization and feeling victimized to understand how to achieve victory.  Crystal Raypole walks us through this exercise in an article she wrote for Healthline.com: How to Identify and Deal with a Victim Mentality https://www.whatsyourpower.com/  Why is it that We Put Ourselves Last & Why Self-Care Should Be a Priority - Hey Jo Ritche gives us her insight on this in an article she wrote for Tiny Buddha. CHALLENGE: Don't accept your circumstances without activating your power to choose; your mood, your resolve, and your outcome. Decide your desire for happiness is stronger than your need for control. Let go and move on. Claim victory and celebrate your journey!   I Know YOU Can Do It!

We hope you have been enjoying our series in 1 John! This week we are continuing as our Worship Director, Adam Highfill, shares about how 'We've got the Power'! . . . Reflection Questions - What modern-day “false prophets” have you been listening to? - In what area of your life have you been lacking power to discern truth? Challenge - Don't just believe what you hear and see. Test and examine it! - Show His love and invest in someone's life this week! Scripture 1 John 4:1-3 John 14:6-7 John 8:31-32 John 8:36 1 John 4:4 Philippians 4:6-7 John 16:33 1 John 4:12 John 13:33-35 1 John 4:9-10

God calls us into His story through Christ. But before we place ourselves in the middle of His story, we need to remember the Bible is God's grand story of redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. Olivia Lane's new song "Woman At The Well" inspires us to explore a story in John 4 afresh. Join me as we study this story in context and learn more about Jesus. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Read and keep on reading Remember the people described in Scripture were real Repetition Start with God Compare and contrast Consult an outside resource The 30 Day Music Challenge Exploring Scripture in the "right" order Reading the accounts leading up to our feature account and after - John 3-5 Recognizing that all Scripture is beneficial for our application - 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Recognizing that FIRST Scripture is about Jesus - John 5:37-40 The timing of Christ - John 4:1-3; Proverbs 15:23 Jesus preparing His disciples - John 4:2; Matthew 28:18-20 The divine appointment between Jesus and the woman at the well - John 4:4-6 The humanity of Christ - John 4:6 The deity of Christ - John 4:16-18 The woman moving from sarcasm to intrigue to proclamation Comparing and contrasting Christ's encounter with Nicodemus in John 3 to His encounter with the woman at the well in John 4 Recognizing that regardless of who we are, the thing of most significant concern to Jesus is eternal life in Him The joy of experiencing Jesus for yourself - John 4:42 More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - Ultimate-Guitar.com Story Behind the Song "Woman At The Well" by Olivia Lane - BellesandGals.com Article CSB Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible - Amazon Paid Link This Week's Challenge Don't settle for a skimmed-over recap of this encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well. Start in John 3 and read through John 5 and then focus on John 4:1-42. Start with what you can learn about Jesus through uncovering His character, conduct, and concerns -- what He is like, what He says, what He does, and what He seems to value most. After you've started with Jesus, then you can compare yourself to the woman (or even Nicodemus from the previous chapter) and see how Jesus responds to you, too.

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Salient points:The scriptures recommend intoxicating beverages for those in pain (vs.4-5). This has normally been interpreted as support for painkillers, especially in end-of-life situations. The point is that since alcohol affects judgment, those with decisions to make should do all they can to remain sober and alert. Reaction time has always been important, whether on the modern highway or the ancient throne.The king is the one addressed in vs.8 and 9, charged with defending the rights of the poor and needy.At long last (31:10-31) we meet the 4th significant woman in Proverbs. She is the Ideal Wife -- usually called the Proverbs 31 Woman.The ode to this apparently perfect woman is an acrostic (22 verses -- there are 22 consonants in the Hebrew alphabet).The 4 women, 2 virtuous and 2 wicked, are Wisdom (1:20-33; 4:5-9; 7:4; 8:1-30; 9:1-6), the Proverbs 31 Woman, the adulteress (2:16-19; 5:1-14,20; 6:24-32; 7:25-27), and Folly (9:13; 14:1).Think of her as Lady Wisdom -- so often mentioned in Proverbs -- in human form. The young, marriageable woman has found a man and settled down (9:1; 14:1)!She can hardly be the standard for all Israelite mothers, since she is from the upper classes, has servants, a husband well positioned in the leadership structure of the town (v.23), and is able to run a business from her home (v.24).The woman is wise because she fears the Lord (vs.30; see 1:7).Notice that in v.26 "faithful instruction is on her tongue" (NIV) -- "the teaching of kindness" (ESV). Instructing others (family, friends, strangers) is a trait of the truly discipline person. She or he wants everyone to benefit from God's wisdom and love, so that they too may "laugh at the days to come" (v.25).Parting thought: Consider how the book of Proverbs speaks to the spiritual condition of Israel. Israel didn't follow her wise counsel. She rebelled, led astray by the world's beguiling messages, failing to learn wisdom. Yet in becoming God's "disobedient son," she inadvertently prepared the way for the Gentiles. For all of us, regardless of spiritual heritage or pedigree, Christ is our wisdom (1 Cor 1:30).Challenge:Don't eat the bread of idleness!Like the Proverbs 31 Woman, who is really Wisdom in work clothes, the charge is to implement the principles you've learned in the last month.To help you see where you've come from, and to refresh your memory, it might be good to review all the podcast notes. Make a list of the 31 challenges.Maybe you will even want to listen to the series again, to cement it in your thoughts. 

I’m on the quest for real substance and hyper reality. Joy in the midst of our sobering reality. Joy that has been found without external means to draw it out.When you find joy in the slow and purposeful way, you are finding it in an eternal way, the way It was meant to naturally be found. Happiness is found through patience.I say patience because we are always in a rush to find happiness or find what is next in order to fill us quick. We are so impatient that we hardly take the slow and quiet path that leads us to real lasting happiness. Instead we used instant gratification to get our fix, and then on to the next. A gratification that often makes us feel too good and too soon, will leave just as quickly as it came. We are setting ourselves up for disappointment because our expectations are never met in our quest for happiness.Our expectations are wrong. Those expectations that anything can be harnessed with minimal effort and no patience will rob us of our peaceWhen talking about substance, I keep coming back to the idea of social media. I don’t think people realize that in a way, our constant devotion to our online personas is basically the worship of the internet. I don’t even mean in the way where people just show their highlight reel. More in the way they we waste our efforts and words into this black hole of the internet and less and less are we actually investing our time with our real life connections. Social media is making us spent and tired. We constantly pump out our emotions on it to be left with almost nothing in return. It’s so lonely and empty to care about a space that is invisible.We don’t see how its become of a center of worship in our life. Now, I love the internet and all the opportunities, adventures and friends its helped me make. But there were times I was so enthralled by the persona I was on the internet. I thought my words mattered. I thought any of it mattered. It doesn’t. I am so unbothered by the nonsense I see now, because I just know that people are lost and trying to fill a whole. We get dopamine hits when we get likes, comments and messages. We continue to put our efforts on the internet in order to get that fleeting bit of happiness. Meanwhile neglecting the inner work it takes to actually find happiness. We vent our frustrations online because we have not yet learned how to cope with them in the quietness of our heads. We need to be validated, paid attention to. When we don’t bother to validate others or pay attention to people in front of us. We spurt out things we think will bring meaning to the world, while somehow still feeling meaningless and empty. It’s a distractionIts an illusion Once you can remain un-phased by the merry go-around of the inter web, you can actually start to experience joy and find where it actually hides. People are tranced by this small world the internet has created for them. It has made so many blind to what their life actually looks like from the outsideIt has made human contact less genuine and less kind.Instead of speaking to a human, we feel we are speaking to an avatar.We treat people like what comprises them are 10 bullet points. And that’s all we need to know for how we ought to treat them.Who did they vote for? Do they recycle? Are they wearing a mask?Our avatars are barely human on the internet. Humans are so intricate and deeply complex.We are so beyond the way we seem online.Challenge: Don’t involve yourself in the merry go-around of arguments, debates, spurting of opinions. You don’t owe anyone on the Internet an answer. You don’t owe an explanation.Don’t ever feel like you do because everyone is saying you do.Live at a higher level and remain unbothered when you see things you feel are non-sense. Let it be well with your soul to not engage. To know there is a higher calling in your life

Are you tired of feeling like you’re never good enough? Let’s not beat around the bush here, keeping up with the Jones is exhausting not to mention, completely unfulfilling. Just when you feel like you’ve arrived, you find out that where you are is only halfway there. You are NEVER there! How can you relax and enjoy life when you always feel like you’re behind, trying to get somewhere; anywhere? Well, you can’t. And you can’t run fast enough to catch up with the Jones and if you did catch them you would find out they are trying to catch the Smiths and they aren’t happy either. Ready to celebrate now, dream about later, and plan for tomorrow? I guess I should explain the title of this show. Who needs jelly when you have, jam? This started as a literal question and then inspired a more metaphorical idea. I was making a PBJ, yep it came to me that literally. I love jam but in the past, Matt has bought jelly. I’m not a fan. It’s too gelatinous and doesn’t spread at all. It’s weak and just leaves lumps all over your bread. I’ve recently discovered whipped peanut butter which could be a topic in and of itself but it would be a shame to plop some grape jelly on top of smooth peanutty goodness. Now jam, that’s my jam! It’s full of fruit, spreads like a dream, and is packed with flavor. So while constructing my sandwich, I said out loud, “who needs jelly when you have jam?”  I’m serious. Was jam not delicious enough for the kings and queens that they requested a more subpar version? I did a little research, well let’s just say, a little more than I should have ever done. Jam dates back to the crusades and jelly, made from fruit juice, sugar, and gelatin came much later and was heavily consumed by the military during the war.  At any rate, the metaphorical entry into this conundrum is this; why wasn’t jam good enough? Rich and pure, a sweet way to deliver fruit, why mess with a good thing? When will we be happy with who we are? When will we be able to say we are good enough just like we are without the pressure to reinvent?  Self-acceptance is a tough but important subject and a critical part of our journey to self-discovery. When we talk about accepting ourselves just the way we are, we’re not talking about dismissing growth and evolution. We are talking about loving yourself today without the…..yeah but notion. Yeah, I love myself….but.  You could choke on the sheer volume of inspirational memes flooding our social feeds telling us to Love thyself, #selflove, You are beautiful just the way you, keep calm and carry on. Don’t get me wrong, those are lovely sentiments, but do you believe them? What do you tell yourself when no one is listening? When you get up in the morning and are getting ready for the day, what internal dialogue is playing out in your head? We can fake it with false personas showing the world we have it all together. Strong, confident, driven, and full of life but when we are alone, do we buy into something much different.  We’ve all heard the term, fake it until you make it. But let’s push back; when do you make it? What constitutes, making it? Instead, you get so comfortable with faking it that you forget to make it. This just becomes another false persona. Underneath you are just as insecure as yesterday.  Maybe the Jones are faking it and don’t even get me started about the Smiths!  I spent the better part of my 20’s, 30’s, and even 40’s trying to get somewhere. I invested all my energy in to climbing the career ladder and raising children. When I look back to find me, the real me, in all of it, I’m hard to locate. Of course, I wouldn’t trade it for the world, and a healthy balance of family, work, and self-care at age 30 might be the unicorn of all requests.  There is a good reason you don’t figure it all out until you are older. If you did you might have taken a much easier path.  The challenge was in figuring it all out. Now it’s time to shift your focus, unpack some of the pressure, and find the real you. Open the door and let yourself be exposed to new ideas, challenges, and freedom.  Being happy with who you are is different than being content with where you are. I love to set goals and brainstorm creative new ideas. Do I have to have something to shoot for to…..be happy? Could I be content just being where I am today?  Never stop learning and growing, it’s a part of the necessary evolution for your journey. But instead of looking at what someone has that you don’t, look at them. We can learn so much from each other if we take the time to listen. Get past pleasantries and for goodness sake, don’t talk about the weather. Unless you are both farmers or concerned about an outdoor event you both will be attending, avoid this stale, and overused conversation starter. Now, if you want to find gratitude and start the ball rolling, appreciating the blessing of a beautiful season then by all means!  But spend some time talking and catching up with old friends, exploring what makes them who they are, and finding opportunities to meet new people. So many of us feel alone in our pain or experiences but you would be surprised who can empathize and even sympathize with what you’re growing through. Your life is far too valuable to waste chasing material possessions. Find joy today by choosing to pursue “better,” rather than “more.” Treasure your relationships, not your possessions. Your connections will be your most valued treasures. Your jam! Stop searching for the jelly and overlook what or who is right in front of you. CHALLENGE: Don’t waste a second feeling behind or overshadowed. You have everything you need and it’s enough. Pursue happiness through contentment and your relationships with others. Treasure your uniqueness, it’s your jam!   I Know YOU Can Do It!   Resources:Ash Rao for thriveglobal.comLeo Babauta writes about the Incredible Power of Contentment for zenhabits.comBarsha Nag Bhowmick  for Times of India

Day 7 Challenge: Don't give your organs I “gut punch”!

Day 5 Challenge: Don't Drink Your Sugar

It doesn’t matter where you are… in the first chapter, somewhere in the middle, wrapping it all up, or your stuck determining the forward. This is your story and you get a say how it goes, what people will read, and hopefully the impression that it makes. Sometimes finding the positive is a daily challenge but the importance of counterbalancing the bad with the good makes it worth the work. Let’s find a way to change your focus so that the positive aspects are too hard to overlook. Why is the bad stuff so much easier to recall? You are having a great day, things are going your way when you hit a snag, something challenging that doesn’t go your way and BAM - you’ve had a horrible day! What happened to all the positive things? Trumped by the negative and lost forever? If it’s all our perspective then what do we do when things actually happen that stop us in our tracks?  Well first we have to realize ..stopping us in our tracks is temporary. It gives us time to pause and yes, react but not camp out. Something happens...take note. How serious is this? Life changing, costly, troublesome, a pain to deal with or what? Then match your reaction accordingly. We all know that person and it could be you, who is having a complete meltdown and when you finally get to the root of the tantrum, it really should only be a 3 on the freakout scale.  Remember, your reaction affects your long-term health and does nothing to solve the problem. Try limiting your reaction time. Stop yourself and say “enough” and next ask yourself “what will I do next?” Notice the questions isn’t “What am I going to do now?” WILL insinuates action. This will force you into problem-solving mode and help you move on. After you’ve moved the issue to the side, take stock of your day thus far. What are all the positive experiences and places you could find gratitude? Add details to those events and really spend some time shaping the pictures in your mind. This mini celebration will give you a nice boost of joy and happy chemicals. Consider journaling or adding these experiences to a calendar.  Don’t paraphrase here, when you look back on these memories, you will want to read them in great detail. CHALLENGE: Don’t let a negative event stop you from seeing all the positive in your life. Limit your reaction, quantify the challenge and celebrate the wins. Document the positive to create a healthy legacy you can easily recall and share with others.   I know YOU can do it!  

Mary B. Lucas Episode 15 Mary's father gave her the foundation of life values much like my father gave me. Mary’s book, Lunchmeat & Life Lessons: Sharing a Butcher's Wisdom, is a motivational memoir and tribute to her father on how to bring out the best in yourself and others. She is a frequent motivational speaker, sharing insights and lessons she has learned through her career as a renowned staffing professional. Mary worked her way up from a Customer Service Representative to the role of Chief Talent Officer for one of the largest staffing companies in the world.  This episode is filled with life lessons and wisdom! Butcher’s Wisdom: 1)     In the Beginning 2)     Create A Lasting Impression 3)     Stay Focused 4)     Make Something Happen 5)     Bring Out the Best 6)     Admit Your Mistakes 7)     Enjoy the Ride Look for Happiness Within “The happiest people are the ones who are inspired and enjoying the ride they are in on while they are on it” Your Optimist View on Life Celebrate Life Put Bad Things in Perspective Meet the Challenge “Don’t take life too seriously – you are never going to get out it alive anyway.”  Advice on Grief  “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die”  Visit www.maryblucas.com for more information.  bookme@MaryBLucas.com   https://www.youtube.com/user/maryblucas http://prettysimplesarah.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mary-lucas-episode.mp3

Now here is a true challenge, staying positive in a negative environment. Sure there are pockets of positivity but you can’t turn on the news, browse your social feed, or have a water cooler conversation without negativity layered in. Do you feel like a positive person? Someone who sees the glass half full vs half empty? Always searching for the silver lining, turning a frown upside down? Well, congratulations! Now, more than ever, that is a rare characteristic. Because at every turn we are met with negative emotions, situations, and outcomes. Have you ever heard “If you can’t beat them, join them”? If you haven’t it feels like everyone else has. Negativity perpetuates itself, breeds dissatisfaction and clutters the mind.  And when the mind is cluttered with negativity, happiness is much harder to come by. Debbie Downer and Steve Stuck in the Mud are real and they want friends, lots of friends. “They control how I feel in the morning, and are always there when I to sleep. They often cause me to feel out of control. They dictate how I react to the people around me. They often cause me to feel offended, angry or hurt, whether it was truly justified or not. They never cease to remind me of my shortcomings and flaws, making me feel inferior and often undervalued. They constantly try to pull me down with discouragement or hopelessness, stealing my peace and joy.” Who are “they,” you ask? They are negative thoughts. It’s time to give yourself an intervention and change lanes. If you see your self careening off the road at a high rate of speed, pump the breaks and make some healthy and positivity changes before you are so off course that you don’t even realize your there...NEGATIVE. Spend MORE time with positive people. You are the average of the people you spend the most time with.   Redirect a negative conversation into a positive light. This starts with empathy, not sympathy. Empathy means you “understand” and Sympathy means you “agree”. If you can’t redirect, simply change the subject. No need to scold, just abort the conversation.   Lead by example: a good day starts and ends with you. It’s all YOUR perception. When you wake up what are you willing to embrace and what are you willing to let go.   Thoughtfully respond vs react. You can’t control the situation but you can control your reaction to it. Molehill meet Mountain.   Seek solutions instead of pity partygoers. Of course, situations can be disappointing but instead of focusing all your energy on what you should have done focus the majority of your efforts on what you can do next time.   Smile, even when it’s painful. Smile at someone so you get a smile back and if you don’t, that’s ok...they got yours!   When you’ve established a healthy boundary for yourself be open to listening. Be a sounding board without offering advice or a solution. Some people just need to tell someone in a safe environment.   Every day can’t be packed with rainbows. Real life is about highs and lows and sometimes the lows let us appreciate the highs. Take a breathe and work through it knowing it’s temporary if you make it.   Close the vault on things you can not change. Painful memories don’t have to live in your present. It won’t change the fact that you experienced them, that you suffered, and that you hopefully survived.  Don’t let the negative points from the past steal your positive future.   Keep your eyes fixed on the horizon. Life is short and drama is the sludge that keeps you from moving forward. Step over and onward - no one has time for that saga. CHALLENGE: Don’t be that guy or girl who can’t let things go. Don’t be the one who has to point out the obvious shortcomings of the everything around them even the guy standing closest. Look up not down and see the bigger picture. You are the one making a strong push forward or limiting your potential.   I know YOU can do it! MUSICAL FEATURE: AnnaliseEmerick www.annaliseemrick.com  

Rett and Taylor talk about their progress on the Iceberg game this week. They discuss some game ideas they came up with after generating 10 ideas per day. They also talk about staying inspired and becoming healthy.   Rett’s Challenge: Formally Read RB Whitaker’s book Taylor’s Challenge: Don’t eat cheese. Join the conversation on twitter … Continue reading "GAME DEV’S QUEST e15: GG (Gouda Game)"

Mathew 2:1-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod; Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard his he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Gold Stands for purity. (Isaiah 1:18)Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”Frankincense stands for worship. (John 4:23-24)John 4:23-24 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and truth.”Myrrh stands for victory. (John 10:10)The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.Challenge: Don't let the meaning of Christmas be a secret.

2 Timothy 1:5-7 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit of God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.Use your gifts to bless the one who has given them to you.You have nothing to fear. “There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything.” - Mahatma Gandhi 2 Timothy 2:19-22 “Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”You have a responsibility to grow up in your faith.Choose the right type of friends. You will become like the people with whom you interact.Challenge: Don't whittle, carve your life into something significant.