Brewed Awakening

"The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up." -John C. Maxwell

It is human nature to place blame on others rather than accepting responsibility for our own [mistakes].  I use the term mistakes loosely.  I truly believe each and every choice or decision we make, shapes who we are.  If I always made the "right" choices, I would not be where I am today. Which brings me to today's topic...It's time for a BREWED AWAKENING.

Life isn't fair and it sure isn't easy.  If I were to sum it up in one word I would say.....challenging. You know what's tricky about that? I hate challenges. I'm the girl who would rather say forget it and lose, than compete with someone for hours. Suduko? Nah...just not my style. However, life doesn't work that way.  Each day we are faced with challenges.  Life will get a little easier when you acknowledge that your life is your responsibility. You are the only person responsible for your success. No matter how hard you try to place the blame on others, each event in your life is the result of the choices you have made and the choices you are making.  It's time out for excuses. A wise woman once told me,

"Excuses excuses are monuments of nothingness.  

Those who use these tools of incompetence are masters of nothingness."

If you find yourself making more excuses instead of fulfilling expectations, it is time for a change! Which leads me to share a personal story...

I've always been a little hard headed. Yes, that's tough to admit, but it's the truth. I can hear my mom saying "Toy, you have got to grow up, handle your business and take responsibility for your actions." Sure, I listened...but the majority of the time it went in one ear and out the next.  Why? Because each time I "messed up" the parentals would bail me out. [uhh not jail--except for one time---ok let's stop there]. Their tough love came with many long text messages, hour long phone conversations and lots of scolding ::ouch::. It would be great to say "After 2-3 times, I learned my lesson" but that would not be true.  It wasn't until 2013, yes 2013 that I put my big girl panties on and learned to take responsibility for NaToya.  I know. I'm sure you probably have one hand in the popcorn bowl and the other scrolling with your phone trying to see what's coming next..but how dare you judge me:) because it's the truth.  I mentioned in a previous post that 2013 had it's ups and downs and that's exactly what I needed. 2013 gave me a rude awakening.  I finally faced reality.  Life isn't about me. It's about the ONE who created me. Life isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it.  Each time I think about 2013 and some of the obstacles I faced, Genesis 5:20 comes to mind.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

With no shame, I can say I am thankful for my rude awakening. I stand firm in faith knowing that by His grace I am saved and because of His mercy I have been granted another day to share his goodness. I am so thankful for the obstacles.  For without them, I would not have been able to see Him working through me.  If you're reading this I challenge you to make a vow today...stop making excuses for yourself.  If you fall short,(which you will) accept it and find ways to improve.  Set realistic and achievable goals.  Celebrate the small victories and remember, "I am not the product of my circumstance.  I am a product of my decision."

xo

RAEofsunshine