Weekly YES Quote!

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

St Mother Teresa of Calcutta

(Do Something Beautiful for God: The Essential Teachings of Mother Teresa 365 Daily Reflections is an affiliate link)

Weekly Reflection

One year and one week ago marks the anniversary of my brother taking his life.

One year ago today marks the anniversary of his cremation.

I remember taking shots of Maker’s Mark 46 while we inevitably waited to approach the cremation chamber.

Then, after a couple of shots and some nice and snarky words (sappiness would’ve made my brother pop the casket top to give us the finger one last time), we watched the casket enter the chamber, door shut, and hello reality again.

I sometimes let myself feel sadness, but I also remember that each of us has a choice. We choose how we want to walk through this life or if we don’t. No one else, unless we relinquish control over the greatest gift bestowed onto us, can live this life for us.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…

Everything that has life will one day come to an end.

What’s important is that – for no matter how long we’re here – we make every moment count. 

We’re each unique, beautiful, strong, motivated, conscientious, willed, important, determined… in our own way or for something or someone we care deeply about. There are a million + adjectives I could list.

Something sparks life in each of us. Something gives us a reason to exist. Something drives us forward. Something makes us yearn for me. You have to define your something.

So, if you’re holding yourself back for any reason, please, tell that reason to F*** off. 

Tell the thing, person, place, mentality to take a hike.

Remove the boulder blocking your path towards a full and happy life.

My brother wasn’t able to defeat his demons in his human form. Even when he sought help from professionals he wasn’t able to overcome his issues. He would jokingly (and sometimes not) stick up his middle finger to life with a fatty grin on his quirky face… but it was all just a facade.

Don’t let this be your fate. This is your life.

You are the play maker. You can overcome any obstacle you face. You are the captain of your destiny. You are the only person who can hold you down. And you deserve to live the best, most full life you can imagine.

You will rise if you want to badly enough.

Weekly Challenge

Every day is a choice.

Every day we choose to open our eyes and say, “hell world,” even if it’s through half-open eyes with the knowledge that the coffee maker is exactly 21 steps from the side of the bed you choose to sleep on (yes, I know the exact step count to my coffee maker).

So tell me, what makes you tick?

What gets your blood pumping, heart racing, and mouth widening smile to beam across your lovely face? 

The challenge for this week will sound simple, but as you get to the activity you may find yourself racking your brain for more answers. I know the first time I did this activity – and it’s been many times since – that I still run into a typical hmmm… what else? scenario.

This week, write down 21 reasons why you exist. 

I want you to keep this list close to you – in a journal/planner, on a piece of paper folded in your wallet/purse, on a napkin next to your bedside table, in a Google Doc… whatever medium makes sense for you so that can easily reference the list.

The list doesn’t need to be fancy or beautifully written (oof, if you could see my penmanship you’d cringe).

But the list needs to be nearby so that you can reference it often – especially whenever you’re not feeling like your best and brightest you.

This activity may seem silly or like a waste of your time, but I promise you it is not.

For one, it gives you the opportunity to see exactly how badass you are! Gloat a bit! Feel awesome and indulge in your awesomeness! This is between you and you.

The list gives you something to reflect on when you’re not feeling up to par. That moment something just doesn’t quite go your way… pull that list out, read it over, and feel empowered by the reasons you know you’re here.

We’re each here for unique reasons.

Only you can define what those reasons are.

Even if you survey and seek advice from others, at the end of the day those answers need to resonate with you.

So list them out. List at least 21 reasons why you’re here. And, if you can (and I know you can!), go beyond 21 reasons.

Reminder to Just Say Yes!

As always, say yes to experiences that present themselves to you! Life is full of fun and wonder – don’t be stuck at home wondering what life could be like, should be like, would be like… drop that nonsense! Get out there, say yes, and never look back!

Click on the links below to follow me on my social media accounts, and definitely subscribe to the blog for more Weekly Yes Quotes to help set your intention to kick start your week.

The link to the daily meditations book, Do Something Beautiful for God: The Essential Teachings of Mother Teresa 365 Daily Reflections, is an affiliate link. If you purchase this book following my link I will receive a small kickback, and you will receive a wonderful edition to your collection! I wake up every morning, crack open my meditations book, and reflect before beginning my day.

I’d love it if you shared some of the ways this week’s quote has made you feel, and what some of the responses are on your 21 reasons list!