Moment of Reflection

Hello, my loyal readers. What a whirlwind of a year, to say the least, would you not agree with me? It is the fifth month already and so much has happened. In January, I took the month to do an introspection of what I’ve experienced in 2022. I believe it is necessary to know what has been learned and gained in this journey called Life.

Introspection enables you to better recognize and understand what you’re thinking and feeling. It will promote mental and spiritual health and increase your happiness. Evaluating and analyzing your thoughts and feelings provides you with a baseline of where you are at. Your state of being assist as a compass to where you want to go in your life.

Journaling is one of the forms that has been such a treasure in my life. How? It has allowed me to pour my heart out as well as scream and cry on paper with my words. I even drawn my thoughts so I can vividly see them smile back at me. I have written about occasions that what I have experienced has made me laugh hysterically!

Going on a nature adventure may be something to consider when you want a moment of reflection. As you connect with nature, you forget everything else. This has happened to me when I visited Africa, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Guatemala last year. For the first time, I desired to pay attention to my surroundings carefully and intentionally. I saw the presence of God in all my surroundings. Priceless!

You can see the bigger picture when you go out of your comfort zone. What do I mean by that? By doing and experiencing something that brings you joy, peace, and love, you are enriched beyond measure. Learning a new language, an instrument, or joining a club are a few ideas that can generate a wonderful experience that will enrich your life. Wholeheartedly, go for it!

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and the expanse of heaven is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalms 19:1

Peace, Love, and Joy!

Sandra Ivette Miranda

Random Act of Kindness

Hi, loyal readers! It’s been so long since I have written to you and there is so much to tell you! Since coming back from my six week amazing journey to Africa, I have reflected on last year and what will be for this year. I want you to know that you are one-of-a-kind living masterpiece. My heart’s desire is for you to be able to succeed in ALL you put your mind to.

Because YOU are important, remember that when you give of yourself by doing these things for others, you will be change. As you practice these random acts of kindness, your heart, soul, and spirit will be uplifted in an amazing way. What is it that will do this for you, you ask? I will tell you now.

Smile spontaneously! Let others see your authenticity through your smile. Your eyes will light up and your smile will demonstrate how you feel inside. Try it often! Especially with random strangers!

Hug wholeheartedly! Give of your warmth and wonderful emotions of happiness to others. A touch of genuine healing will be given to another person when it comes from the heart.

Give liberally! Not only financially, but your time, energy, and efforts are commodities that impact others in a deep level. You will receive it back in great measure!

Laugh unreservedly! Laughter is the best medicine that calms the soul and feeds the heart with gladness and hope. Let it loose for all to enjoy and participate with you!

Love unconditionally. Life is too short. Don’t let grudges, resentment, or loss be the stumbling block for you to love. Love beyond the pain. Mother Teresa said, “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”

You will be reflecting the love of God in you and through you to a world who is hurting and needing tangible expression of hope and care. Together we will make a huge difference!

“Jesus answered, The first and most important one is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the second: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-30

Peace, Love, and Joy!

Sandra Ivette Miranda

Breaking the Cycle

Hello, loyal readers! In this blog, I want to talk about a subject that we sometimes do not want to admit. I am talking about the vicious cycles we may have that keeps us bound. At times, we are aware of them. While other moments, we are unconsciously ignorant of their presence.

How can we uncover this in our own lives? Are you looking at the situation that you are now living? Is it giving you joy, love, and peace? If the answer is a resounding NO! Then, it needs to be analyzed and address to change it.

Are you willing to confront, recognize, and change what is keeping you in that state of emotional turmoil? Be the person who breaks the cycle. In fact, YOU and only YOU can break it. Not only break it but end it for good! How?

It starts by taking inventory of what has happened to you. What are your thoughts and feelings that you are carrying internally? If they are negative in nature, don't ignore them. Admit them and let them go once and for all. Once you are void of them, choose to let God fill you with His peace, love, grace, and joy. You will NOT be the same!

Lori Deschene said it best, "If you were judged, choose understanding. If you were rejected, choose acceptance. If you were shamed, choose compassion. Be the person you needed when you were hurting, not the person who hurt you. Vow to be better than what broke you- to heal instead of becoming bitter so you can act from the heart, not your pain."

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Peace, Love, and Joy!

Sandra Ivette Miranda