My Wellness Truth "Empowered to THRIVE"
Honesty Reality Sincerity
2021 was an experiential year of inspirational blessings filled with divine connections in an overflowing place of resilient outcomes. Okay! You're wondering what the heck does that means. This quote will put it into perspective for you.
"God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time. But it's up to us to see and seize those opportunities that are all around us all the time" Mark Batterson -Book – Draw the Circle – 40 Day Prayer Challenge.
Entering the New Year 2022, knowing the value of self-awareness, I continue to make progress in striving for honest – transparent behavior, showcasing the real authentic me with a sincere mindset. Being determined and standing firm with a rooted readiness, restorative belief, conviction attitude, and to THRIVE, not just SURVIVE on this healing journey.
My 12 Principles to Thrive
1. GOD 1st
As a Christian Woman, making my relationship with God a priority has allowed me to flourish in all areas of my life with peace of mind and joy in my heart in all circumstances. I also make sure GOD is in the center of everything I am connected to or involved in.
Proverbs 16:9 (AMP)- A man's mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.
2. Perseverance in FAITH
My faith has been tested and repeatedly tried, most significantly in the past 5 years. It has been a challenge; however, I have been steadfast in staying the course through prayer, fellowship, and serving others.
Hebrews 11: 1 (AMP) Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
3. Mindfulness Perception
Mindfulness is not taking things for granted. More and more, I have been persistent in this area, especially after experiencing a major health event and now this PANDEMIC.
I have been more intentionally aware and awake to each moment and fully engaged in what is happening in my surroundings – with acceptance and without judgment.
In fact, I have taken my mindfulness to the next level. So, my next level is my elevated perception. Which is awareness, comprehension, and understanding the little and big blessings around me. Using all five senses: touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste. This awakening is an amazing feeling.
Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won't)." – James Baraz
4. Purpose Focused Vision
So, yes, most of you know my story (if not, check out mywellnesstruth.com)! On August 4, 2016, I had brain surgery. Unfortunately, I didn't realize until 3 months later that what my best girlfriend told me as I went into the operating room, "I'll Never Be the Same '' was TRUE.
My healing journey has been an amazing "Faith Walk." During this time, God has shown me my purpose in this new season of my life.
Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be. — Sonia Ricotti
The main purpose was for me to share my story through the following purpose projects: My Wellness Truth (Blog & Merchandise); A Table 4 Healing (Podcast-Cost Support Program); Transform B.Y. Trauma (Coach) and Wellness of ME (Retreats & Wellness Collaborations). For the past five years, I've been researching, writing, meeting holistic practitioners, and journaling my experiences to help other women be "Empowered to THRIVE," not just survive.
Each purpose project was revealed to me at different stages of my healing journey. Finally, in August 2021 I had the courage to activate my first purpose project, VISION – My Wellness Truth. This would have never happened without the support of a remarkable young lady "Janielle Edge" who gave me the nudge toward my GodFidence. And, of course, her excellent technical and social media skills to help me along the way. This year I will continue to be purposed focused with every step toward my vision.
Believe in your heart that you're meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, vision, and miracles."Unknown
5. Intentional Moves
Being intentional takes thinking of the WHY? more than the HOW, planning, preparing, and executing my actions. "When your intention is clear, so is the way." — Alan Cohen. This is not an easy task. For me, there are always a lot of distractions and, of course, the things beyond my control because "Life Happens” which sometimes will steer me off track of my purpose, projects goals, and objectives. However, I constantly remind myself to be mindful of my activities and actions being purpose-driven.
"Intentional days create a life on purpose." — Adrienne Enns
6. Impactful Actions
Every year, I pick a word that I will use to base my actions and activities that I am focused on. You cannot control the results, only your actions." — Allan Lokos. I will also consider this word as a part of my decision-making process. My 2022 word is – IMPACTFUL! As I prayed and reflected on 2021 the word, IMPACTFUL resonated in my spirit. 2022 will be a year of decisions, actions, and activities that make a difference in the lives of others and in my life.
"Every action has an impact; choose wisely the impact you want to have." — Mindy Hall
7. Trusting the Process
When I concentrate on "Trusting the Process," I can confidently expect, anticipate, and hope for the best without the fear of a good or bad outcome. My energy and mindset are centered on enjoying the present moment. By "Trusting the Process," I recognize the valuable lessons learned regardless of reward, time, and results.
"It's not about 'what can I accomplish?' but 'what do I want to accomplish?' Paradigm shift." — Brené Brown
8.Relevant Healthy Lifestyle Choices
The past 5 years of my healing journey have made my choices more in alignment with an attentive to my own personal needs through self-care. As a result, I have chosen to make relevant healthy lifestyle choices about my mind, body, and soul well-being. Not a temporary state of well-being. But a consistent lifestyle that reflects the attitude and value of who I AM. This is hard. However, I always move forward, focusing on progress, not perfection. So, when I need to make a healthy choice, I think of these logical connection words: Significant, Meaningful, and Purposeful related to the current situation.
Training your mind to be in the present moment is the number one key to making healthier choices." — Susan Albers
9. Attitude of Expectation
For me, this gives me a feeling of having something to look forward to. "Attitude of Expectation" represents positive thinking. Subconsciously embedded in my mind.
Expecting something GOOD to happen to me and through me. A two-in-one way of EXPECTANCY! Believing, Seeing, and Hoping for the best for myself and other people. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the SUBSTANCE of THINGS HOPED FOR, the evidence of things not seen." One of the dynamic intentions of our faith in God is POSITIVE EXPECTATION. Faith always incubates positive expectation". -Obembe.
The book "ShowUp FilledUp" by Mark Patterson and "Believing Bigger" by Marshawn Evans Daniels gave me a renewed way of thinking about Expectations. A must add to your 2022 Reading List.
"I want to live my life in such a way that when I get out of bed in the morning, the devil says, "aw sh*t, he's up!" ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
10. Grateful Perspective
Today, I believe that life is too short not to have a spirit-filled with gratitude. I wake up daily being thankful to start a new day Alive and Breathing. The Pandemic has given us a new perspective and outlook on life. I try to make it a daily practice by showing an appreciation of kindness. Reminder KINDNESS IS FREE.
I try to focus on the value I am adding to someone's life with a smile or a random act of kindness. Making it a habit to look for something positive while serving others is a great feeling. I make sure I correct myself when my patience falls short in this area by having a point of view and the ability to see the benefits of the "Grateful Perspective."
I hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for you. That every sunrise is a new chapter in your life waiting to be written. Jansen Dizon
11. Love Never Fails Approach
For me, having an intimate relationship with God and standing firm on the Word of God (Promise Keeper) has allowed me to lead with the "Love Never Fails Approach" in my daily life in all circumstances. The 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV) below is a mantra that I incorporate into my healthy lifestyle.
"Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
12. Seek Sharing Testimonial Opportunities
Keeping the momentum going in my personal health and wellness evolution is exciting for me. Today, I have no regrets. I love to honor my past to inspire my future by embracing and wearing the New ME in this New Season of my life.
"Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone's soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd." ― Rumi.
My story highlights the firsthand facts of the authentic me. Sharing my unique set of life experiences as a part of my story is a step towards fulfilling the vision and purpose of my healing journey testimony. My story is an Affirmation of who I am today. Here to THRIVE, not just SURVIVE. My Wellness Truth "Empowered to THRIVE"
"Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you. Don't waste your pain; use it to help others." ― Rick Warren
2022 – Our Year
My Wellness Truth "Empowered to THRIVE"
Rhonda C.
"Live the Life of Your Dreams: Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose instead of the expectations and opinions of others." ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart.