facing rejection

There are moments in life when we leap
Take a risk, totally unsure what the outcome will be
We hope, we dream, we wish
But we never know
And we are never fully prepared for when it doesn't go the way we wanted
Our heart broken
Our dreams shattered
Our hope washed out to sea
Taking the leap to risk isn't to hard
What is difficult is standing back up after we have been rejected
How do we gracefully stand again
How do we not take it personally and have the courage to try another time

I have taken that risk
The outcome was not what I wanted
And I am standing back up, a few tears later
I believe there was a reason, one that will show itself to me later on
I am learning that no matter how many times we try, rejection always hurts
It will never get easier
But one thing I do know for sure
We can't accomplish great things unless we go after them
So we must show up and take that leap
We must continue to try day after day
Even when we are faced with rejection

reach out

There are times when you feel like you are hanging out, alone
The world spinning out of control around you
Feeling there is no where to turn
Lost, afraid, unsure

But the thing is, you are never alone
There are always people who love you ready to reach out
Extending a hand filled with love, and hope for a brighter future
They lift you up, dust you off, and cheer you on

There will be moments when you do not see them
They are looking on from a distance
Watching as you navigate your journey
Knowing they can not interfere with your decision making

But when you need them, they are there
Arms wide open
Loving you, for you
Letting you know it will all be ok

Do not be afraid to ask for help
To lean on others when things get tough
Do not be afraid to speak the truth
And let them know you screwed up

Life is a wild ride
Filled with ups, and downs
But along the way you always have support
When things seem dark remember this

focusing

I am writing daily Heart Notes until January 3rd.   Only two days into this project and already my heart is overflowing with gratitude.  As I read emails from some of the recipient’s tears of joy have fallen from my eyes.  It feels so good. 

I am learning over and over again how amazing and beautiful things can unfold when we focus our mind. 

I have recently been focusing on eating healthier, preparing meals ahead of time, and infusing exercise into my daily routine.  I am feeling stronger mentally and physically. 

I remember when I first started exercising again.  Oh my goodness was it a struggle.  I couldn't lift the same amount of weight that I remember lifting.  Running a mile was torture when I used to be able to run three miles without a problem.  My mind spewed out so much negative self-talk it was ridiculous. 

But I kept showing up.  Day after day I showed up, even if I only did a little bit.  What mattered was that I was there.  Before I even realized it showing up was no longer a chore but something I deeply desired to do.  My mind shifted. 

I am now seeking out ways to push myself harder.  Go the extra step.  Do just one more pushup when I think I can’t.  It is a challenge for me to work out on my own.  I find that I push myself harder when I am with someone else or in a group setting. But circumstances do not allow that to happen often, so I must learn how to dig deeper and push myself harder. 

I have a big goal in mind that will take a lot of work to accomplish.  So I show up.  Day after day, especially when I don’t want to. 

Some of my favorite things for working out are:

These amazing headphones.  How many times have you gotten tangled in your headphone chord.  To many times for me to count.  Now I can run without getting all tangled up.

My shoes.  I know this type of shoe isn’t for everyone, but it has made running so much more enjoyable for me now that I no longer suffer from hip pain. 

Utilizing Rhapsody provides me the freedom to add songs to my {get moving} playlist in an instant.

And this song really gets me going.

What are some of your favorite things help get you moving?       

sit with me

Come sit with me and share the pieces of your heart that are troubling you
Tears have been flowing out of my eyes
And I am not sure why
Are you feeling similar?

Come sit with me and tell me what is making you smile these days
What is lighting you up, making you spark
Who is infusing your world with love
Where to find yourself most joyful

Come sit me 
Share you, all of you
The happy moments, and the sad times
Together let's lay them all out

I want to know what moves you
Where you are in this moment, right now
I want to hear about your dreams
Where you are headed, and how you want to get there

Come sit with me
I will look you in the eye
Listen to your heart
And hold your hand when the tears fall

Come sit with me

******
If you are the north jersey area I would love to sit with you in person and hear your story.  Let's get together for a little coffee conversation.  Drop me a note at lovenotesjb@gmail.com

give thanks

The world shows us it's brilliance, each and every day
The sun shines, the stars sparkle, the ocean makes beautiful music
This place we call home greets us
Embraces us, and sometimes test us
But above all it provides a place to roam, to be, to grow

Give thanks for this space you have been given
To make choices
To decide which path you are going to go down
To be irresistibly, marvelously, YOU

Give thanks for the friends you have met along the way
The ones who have been there since the beginning
The fleeting friendships that came along right when you needed them
The ones who make you laugh and push you to dream bigger

Give thanks for your family
Who you may not always agree with, but is always there for you
For the love they have given you throughout your journey
The memories created and laughter shared

Give thanks for the ordinary moments
The cup of tea before the house wakes up
The feel of the fresh air on your skin when you run
The sound of your niece laughing

Give thanks, give thanks, give thanks
For this beautiful life is so much sweeter when we recognize it's blessings
When you show gratitude for its greatness
And when you pause to simply say, "I am grateful"

names

"Hello Jennifer," the girl at my daily coffee stop said to me.  I was taken back.  I see her every day and not once had we exchanged names.  It felt nice to hear her say Jennifer.  She wears a name tag that I never looked at, until that moment.  

Our name is such a part of who we are and is not spoken that often.  When it is, it sounds really nice to hear.  Speaking someones name brings an immediate sense of connection and intimacy between you.  It feels personal and kind.  

I am terrible with remembering names.  They go in one ear and out the other.  But on that morning when Ingrid said "Hello Jennifer,"  I knew I had to change that.  As I navigate through my daily life I am learning the names of those I interact with that I never took the time to ask, like Ingrid who serves me my daily Chai Tea with the biggest smile on her face.  

Each of these people are a part of the path that I travel every day.  They are interwoven throughout my life and make my world a better place.  Knowing there name is something I must do.