Morning Motivation with Linda

Introduction to our Challenge - Lessons from the disciples walking on the Road to Emmaus with Jesus

Merry Christmas! This will be the last episode of 2021 as we close out our series on stories. I’ll be back next year - and am looking forward to helping you write YOUR next chapter.

There’s nothing like hitting a milestone birthday to cause you to stop and reflect on your life - and how quickly your “chapters” are written - and another page is turned. It’s a wake-up call for change - intention - and GROWTH! I’d love to be a part in YOUR next chapter.

To connect authentically - you need to share in a way that resonates with your listeners. It’s the fastest way to develop that know-like-trust factor. Here’s 6 important reasons why your story matters.

Stories are the great human connector! In a world FULL of noise - everyone is clamoring to be heard. Taking the time to truly listen to another’s story shows you care. Likewise - YOU have a story to tell that someone needs to hear. You’ve learned many lessons as you’ve journeyed through life - and you can truly connect by sharing authentically.

The practice of expressing gratitude- and journaling your thoughts are truly transforming! But it’s important to be intentional and consistent to make it a part of your daily life - and to truly change your life. Today’s episode focuses on the benefits and ways to cultivate a gratitude mindset.

Our mindset is powerful. It determines our beliefs and values - and ultimately our actions. Our mindset is something we choose - something that is both exciting AND scary! Today’s episode lists the top 5 benefits of abundance thinking - and the top 5 ways scarcity thinking keeps us stuck.

We know the impact a simple “thank you” has on others. But what about you? Who applauds your efforts - and celebrates all that you do - and are? Be your own best friend - and take some reflective time to celebrate YOU. And remember - there’s power in writing it down! It keeps you going - and gives a record of the progress you are making - and the person you’re becoming in the process.

Growth is a journey - and our minds and the thoughts we’re thinking determine the actions (or lack of actions) we take as we seek the results we want in our lives. Today’s topic looks at 3 different mindsets (fixed, growth and spiritual) and how journaling clarifies our thoughts.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” - Romans 12:2. Your thoughts precede action - or lack of action. Journaling helps get those thoughts out of your head - and onto paper - bringing you clarity. Thoughts are responsible for your belief - or lack of belief - we have in ourselves. And dictate the actions we take - or don’t take! - and the results we get. The good news is - we have the power to harness those thoughts - and change them to serve us better.

We review journaling success tips to encourage you to continue - or begin. To help you gain momentum - and ensure that this habit gets developed - consider using a Habit Tracker. We all like to check off things on our list for a sense of accomplishment - AND motivation to keep our streak going!

Success for your day starts with your routine - your daily habits (good & bad! Tap into the power of the Miracle Morning habit - and change the trajectory of your life.

As humans - we ARE going to make mistakes. That’s how we learn and grow on our journey of becoming. Discover these 6 tips so that you can embrace your imperfections - and stop chasing the myth of perfection.

If this is a habit you’re just starting, be sure to baby step. Start with noting a word - a phrase - a drawing - a doodle. Start with noting 1-3 things you’re thankful for and why. The first step - BEGIN is the hardest. Just start.

Habits are foundational to our creating an meaningful, intention life. Habits build over TIME - and they are sustainable when approached by taking baby steps. Systems or routines surrounding habits + time and consistently = a shift in identity - or who you are BECOMING in the practice.

Did you know that science has discovered many benefits in practicing the habit of being thankful? It actually rewires the brain - it has a positive effect on physical and mental health - it can build confidence and self-esteem, improve relationships - and enhance the law of attraction.

What a journey of discovery we’ve been on - together! God has brought us together in His time - for His purpose. Do you feel called to rise up - to become more of what God created you to be? There are no accidents - just what I call “Godcidents” or “divine appointments.” Thanks for taking me along.

As God’s child - we have been given an inheritance and many blessings. Look around as you count your steps - or take a quiet moment wherever you are - and ponder all of YOUR blessings.

It’s so challenging In these busy days to find time to just be present and notice our surroundings - God’s creation. However - it’s in those quiet moments where we can hear God’s still small voice - guiding our steps for the path He has us on.

Stories are meant to be shared. We have no further to look than to Christ. He used stories in the form of parables to teach us. He lived his life as a story to show us. Even look to the Bible. It really is a unique collection of the stories of God’s people. Consider your life - your story - and share it! Live it!

Have you ever thought of your life as a collection of stories? Your life is uniquely yours - because there is no other you in this world. Stories are a powerful connector to others. Share and listen to stories and discover how life teaches us lessons meant to be shared.

You were given gifts unique to you - for the benefit of the Body. In that way - we are a member - a part of a whole. All important - and work together.

God created you for a role unique to you in His kingdom. He knows everything about you - and you have an important, unique role to play.

It can be daunting to think about your purpose. Here’s some practical steps to take to help you - in your reflective, quiet moments.

Is God nudging you to take a faith step? Are you thinking about what difference you could possibly make in this broken world? Do you know what YOUR purpose is - and how God is calling you to be more - do more? Let this message encourage you today!

God knows the plans He has for your life. He sees the big picture - while we often get stuck or overwhelmed by the details. Take a moment to be with Him - where He’ll reveal the next step you need to take on your journey - if you just trust Him - and the path you’re on.

God directs our steps - He sees the big picture - and reveals steps for us to take along the way on our journey. We need to step out in faith (Trust) and take a step (Obey).

God is always calling us higher - to be the best version of ourselves. But personal growth REQUIRES us to step out in faith and move from comfort to courage. God doesn’t call the equipped - He equips the called!

Are you letting life just happen TO you? It’s easy to get in the habit of - “my life will be better when ____” or I’ll start my plan or pursue my dreams “someday.” Taking baby steps is the way toward ANY goal. Take the first step and BEGIN!

Left to ourselves - we could not love one another as Jesus taught. But we have a “helper” who does that work in us. We only need to look to Jesus to see how to serve.

We don’t need to continue to let life happen TO us. We can take “steps” and change that TODAY.

We’ve been given a new command - a new mission as we demonstrate God’s love in a hurting world that needs us - needs YOU! Love is how the world knows - WE are followers of Jesus.

In Episode 2 of our Count your Blessings/Count your Steps challenge we explore the reasons why we are called higher by God and we have a CHOICE to be positive - and take the high road.