Be the Light That Others Seek

Well friends, another week has passed and I am sad to say that the world is still a mess. If only I had a magic wand to sweep over the nation and fix it all; wouldn't THAT be awesome?

I am thankful today for my health, for my family and for the simple fact that I am alive; for that, I am blessed. I do not live in fear, although there are several people who do. I do not live in worry, because I can only live day to day being the best that I can and plan for a brighter future.

My goal today is to be short and sweet, to be a muse for those of you who need an escape from all that is happening and just need some light to shine in on your life. After all, if we all became beacons for others, this world would be a better place now wouldn't it?

But instead, most people spread negativity, they replay news stories that we are all tired of seeing, hearing and being reminded of. We do not pose solutions, but simply regurgitate the problems. We thrive on, yet also fear the chaos. It's the most obscene contradiction I know of.

Nothing is perfect, but that does not mean we should give up trying to perfect what has gone so terribly wrong. We get swallowed up in current events, political debate and propaganda. Meanwhile... we miss out on the bigger picture; CHANGING OURSELVES to influence others.

We CAN'T change others, but we CAN change ourselves, and through those changes we inspire others to change. Anger fuels anger, hate fuels hate, fear fuels fear, worry fuels worry, violence fuels more violence.

On the other hand, love... understanding and hope fuels the same. What fuel are you pouring out for the world to see?

I will continue to be a light in a VERY dark world. I will continue to spread the Word of God in hopes of changing a few hearts, because I know how miraculously mine was changed and what that change did and continues to do for my life.

I STARTED WITH ME when things were a mess, and I encourage you to do the same. When people start to see you change, they take notice, they pay attention, and soon enough, you will have a few people following you. You will inspire others to change so that they can have some of what you have... happiness. Be the page that people go to when everyone else on their feed is negative.

"Be the light and others will seek you. Be the dark and people will fall into it with you."
©2016 Shelley Giard

Matthew 5: 14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.


Until next time....

PURSUE WHAT YOU HOPE FOR; LEAVE BEHIND WHAT YOU WISH TO FORGET.... 

xoxo

Shells

WWW.THESGIARDGROUP.COM

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When the Going Gets Tough... Think Positive

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post... and as history has it that means I have been busy. The past two weeks were filled with some life adjustments, sick kiddos, planning the future and regrouping the now, so unfortunately my blog had to take a back burner. But I am back and hope to inspire you today.

I want to talk about the power of positive thinking... although realistically the majority of my blog posts are directly related to this topic, today I want to dig a little deeper and explain how important and impactful it can be for your direction. 

During the inevitable storms of life, we are constantly surrounded by negative media, negative people and negative thoughts. Getting swallowed up in turmoil, worry and angst is very easy; would you agree? So, what is it that sets apart those that seem to always have a smile on their face... a spring in their step? Do you honestly think that there are people who go through life with no struggle or strife? Do you really think that "luck" is real? 

After many, many years of reading and studying on success, happiness and finding inner peace; all things that I wanted so badly... the common denominator that holds true in people who seem to be unscathed is one thing... Positive Thinking. We all have heard that you bring to your life what you think in your life... so WHY don't more people practice this? Why don't more people stop the negative thoughts and take control of their mind; the most powerful tool for happiness that we possess? Doesn't it sound better to let the negative things leave your mind and replace them with happy thoughts, thankfulness, great moments and good memories? 

So, how do you do this? How do you gain control of your emotions and get back on the right track? That is what you want to know right? I will share with you how I do it.

The moment I feel defeated, depleted, sad or negative... I stop myself by literally speaking these words OUT LOUD to myself and sometimes in the mirror. It is my daily affirmation when I am down.... I have several that I use depending on the state of mind I want to be in. This is my "going through a rough spot" affirmation.

" This circumstance, this feeling, is just temporary, the only thing that makes it permanent are my thoughts. I can get through this, I can get through anything, I can control my mindset. I will pray for the help that I need, and be thankful for the blessings, and the lessons I have had in my life. I will think only about what will create a positive change, not about how I got in this negative situation. I will win, I will conquer and I will overcome any obstacle that stands in my path. I don't care what other people think... I know my purpose, I know my reasons of doing everything that I do and THAT is what matters to my life and my future. I matter, I am good enough, strong enough and motivated enough to make it. I WILL be okay, I WILL succeed and be all that I am meant to be." © 2014 Shelley Giard


You may be thinking that it is weird to stand in the mirror talking to yourself... but you do it all of the time and I will prove it to you. 

Have you ever said... 
I am fat... 
I look awful today... 
I cannot do this... 
I am too tired... 
I hate my job... 
I have no time for myself... 
I have no time... 
I have no money...
I want a different life... 
My marriage is over... 
I am unhappy... 
I am broke... 
I will never get out of this mess... 
The economy has ruined my chances of getting ahead... 

I would be willing to bet that you have said at least one of those things... and you are probably saying things like that daily more often than not. 

What you speak you manifest.... it is true, it is real and you need to change the way you speak to yourself and how you speak out to those around you. Are you the bad apple leaking toxic juices onto those around you or are you the fresh baked apple pie that smells wonderful that everyone wants a piece of?

Are you breathing life or death into your everyday? Are you your own toxicity?

I encourage you to begin saying positive affirmations every day... do it with your kids, make it fun, have them write their own. Write several for yourself and post them in places where you will see them. If you are trying to lose weight... post them on your fridge. If you feel ugly, post things about how beautiful you are on your bathroom mirror. JUST DO IT! Who cares if people think you are strange... strange people are always happier and more successful. Who would you like to be? Awesome....then go BE that person!!!!!

This was an excerpt from my Facebook page post yesterday... 

On days when I wake up and make the decision to just stay focused on the positive things and the many blessings that I have been given in life, I not only have an amazing day, but I can go to bed with a smile and sleep well. I am not pretending things are perfect... I am choosing to make them perfect by accepting things as they are and doing the best I can with everything at hand.

When all of you watch me fall...stumble and hit walls then wonder how it is that I continue to get back up and smile; I will tell you that once you have experienced God working miracles in your life as I have... there is no question where my peace and strength come from. It is easy to complain... it is hard to stay positive... I choose the road less traveled and never let the bad stuff keep me down for long. I have been so blessed with amazing people, friends, family and opportunities; because of that, I know God's hands are in my life each and every day. I pray... He answers.

On that unforgettable day several years ago when I had nothing left, I surrendered one of the most difficult situations of my life to a God I did not even believe in at the time. I literally yelled out in anger and hopelessness, fell to my knees and said "TAKE IT GOD, IT'S YOURS!, I've got nothing left, now DO SOMETHING and show me you are real."

Well.... apparently He had been waiting for me to ask Him back into my life so He showed up and proved His grace. Since then... there are times when I forget what He can do... I forget that when we don't want to worry, when we don't want to be stressed...when we don't want to be sad, all that we need to do is ask Him to take it all away... and He will. I am quickly reminded of that day.

I am not trying to preach... I am simply sharing what works for me and if you can't find something that works for you... perhaps you could give it a try.

Below is the passage from today's positive recharge. I am sharing it because I know there may be many of you out there who are going through hard times wondering WHY God is letting this happen... questioning HOW a God who cares and loves you could ever let you fall this hard... I am here to tell you that without strife, you will never appreciate victory... without struggle, you will never be humbled. If things are not wonderful... God is not done yet. Be patient and trust in Him... learn what He is trying to teach you and your life will be exactly as He intended it to be one day. Be still and listen, then simply trust and follow. ~Shells~

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all that he has done. Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all that you have learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you... Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
Phillippians 4: 6-9, 11-13NLT

Until next time...

xoxo

Shells

                                           

                                                          

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The Grass IS Greener Sometimes

Today's blog leaves a strong message in short form. So here it is...

I would like to share an excerpt from my second book which I am currently writing... I hope it inspires you in some way and that you can share this blog post with someone who needs it.

If you have not read my first book, follow the links at the bottom of this post to get one before the next one releases in 2015.

"Life is something that constantly moves; sometimes forward, sometimes back. Often enough to mention, we find ourselves in a vicious circle or in a place that feels familiar as if we have been there before even though it is a completely different experience altogether. I encourage you to pay attention to these moments the most, for I truly believe that these are the moments that show back up to see if we do the same thing we did before. I believe these are our chances to rewrite our story using the lessons we have learned in the past. I also believe that we will continue to be caught up in these circles until we finally get it right; for my life… that explains a lot.

Many people think that they have no control over what lies ahead; I am here to say that is the farthest thing from the truth. As I am constantly setting goals, reaching them and setting new… I know that every move or decision I make has EVERYTHING to do with where my life will end up. If only I could control the behavior of others as much as I could mine… life would be much easier and quite frankly a lot less frustrating. The problem lies in a person’s lack of responsibility for the actions not wanting to admit they screwed up… again. Not admitting that you should have, could have, would have, but didn't is destructive behavior that will not only ruin your spirit and mind but also the relationships with all the people that surround you. You must first accept responsibility, apologize when necessary and finally you must forgive yourself instead of carrying guilt on our shoulders. Guilt is a happy killer… it will suck you in and never let go if you allow it to. Guilt will cause you to make bad decisions, stay in relationships and friendships that you have no business staying in and will likely keep you from accomplishing anything new simply because you beat yourself up to a point of losing belief that you can do any better; when you stop believing in yourself… it’s over. "

         
         There are a lot of cliché sayings out there, some of them wise and absolute while others have exceptions. True... the grass is not always greener on the other side... but in some cases it is not only greener but it is softer, smells fresher and has far less weeds! What in the world do I mean? ...  let me explain myself. Would you agree that we all get ourselves into situations that we later wish we could get out of? Many of us even wish we had never made the choice that got us there... we have all made mistakes and realized those mistakes too late. God knows that I am guilty of this in my past and even in my present. In my opinion, this is when the grass IS greener on the other side.

       Know that every step is part of your journey; embrace it. When you find yourself swallowed up in circumstances that you wish you could have avoided and you have to go into survival mode or put on your problem solving hat to figure out what to do, put your focus NOT on where you are, but rather on that greener pasture that is out there waiting for you to roll around in once you figure it all out. Things always get better when you focus on how it's going to be better instead of how it got so difficult.  It amazes me at how rapidly life can change... how in just a few short months everything you know as your normal can be turned upside down leaving you both scared and excited of what is to come in the days ahead. My life is constantly moving... I am NOT afraid of change. Change has always proven good for me, it led me into new things, things that I may never have experienced if I had not taken that leap of faith. Fear and complacency will get you nowhere. That GUT feeling that is telling you to do something is usually right, but unless you GO FOR IT you will never know what it can offer your life. Do you want to die wondering "what if?"  or would you rather say... "I did that and it was the best thing I ever did for my future."

 If you are in a dying field... I encourage you to find the greener grass. Don't stay in a field that will never come back to life. When it's dead... it's dead and no matter how much nurturing you attempt to do you will simply never see life again. Go where the winds take you... follow the gentle breeze that blows in your face and run into the openness that lies ahead... run towards that greener field full of life, energy and beautiful flowers. Chase that happy ending... go get it, it is yours for the taking." I can't WAIT to hear how amazing it is.

© Going After the Happy Ending
Shelley Giard 2014

Until next time...

xoxo

Shells

                                           

                                                          

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Did I REALLY Do All of That in Two Days?

I know I am not "normal'... I say it ALL of the time; I FEEL it all of the time and quite frankly I like it MOST of the time. However, once in a while I sit back and say to myself... are you even human? Well, this weekend raised that question as I looked back at what I actually did in a matter of only two days.

Saturday morning I headed over to St. Petersburg to do makeup on a model for a shoot. Unfortunately, I had afternoon plans with a couple of girlfriends so I couldn't stay for the shoot as I normally do... "do it and go" jobs are rare for me, but you gotta do whatcha' gotta do. She looked great; that's all that mattered I suppose. Here is a quick "phone shot" I took before I left>>>>>

At about 12:30 I headed home to prep for my afternoon with two of my dearest friends; stopping at the grocery store to pick up a few things on the way. Since Corey was going to the movies and the kids were out playing with friends, the plan for us was to have some quality "girl time" while drinking refreshing cocktails and devouring yummy food which was tag-team cooked by my friend and I" food network" style. It was VERY yummy and very fun. Oh... but the day was not over; about 7:45 I said goodbye to my friends and headed into the bathroom to get ready for my friend Wendy's 50th birthday surprise party and I was out the door like Flash Gordon by 8:15. I stayed a few hours, met some new people and said goodbye knowing that I had a looooong Sunday ahead.  (ps>>that's me in the stripes)

Now onto Sunday....

As some of you know, I have a makeup and hair studio (now all of you know) that I have been operating out of an executive office building for about a year and half after moving out of my "retail" space in the county I previously lived in. It has been a quaint, private, cozy little space that my clients and I have enjoyed. Unfortunately, a couple of months ago I found out that the building was in pre-forclosure and had to begin to make decisions. Do I stay and see what is going to happen or do I make a new plan? Prior to finding out about this, the landlord had been hounding me about moving into a larger suite downstairs and although I was initially against it, I finally gave in when he made me an offer I could not refuse... only to be told a month later that he found someone else to rent it for more than I was paying and signed a lease with them... (after after I spent two weeks painting it my self, moving my stuff down stairs and setting up "shop".) Ahhhh, okay you USED me to get it looking good, I get it! Was that illegal? yes, I even talked to a lawyer who said I had a solid case, but these days, I choose to go with the philosophy that everything happens for a reason. I moved BACK upstairs into my old suite and carried on.

After being back in my old suite for a month, I have been continuously  harassed by the landlord, and the "hot seat" is simply not my seat of choice. He refused to give me a new lease stating that I was just "month to month" now, which left me unprotected and a bit uneasy. Although the building had now been sold to a "new guy" and is supposedly out of trouble, the "new guy" is standing behind the "old guy", and day to day business has left a lot to be desired for me. I have been in this business WAY too long and dealt with too many shady landlords to continue being "snowed" by two men who think that just because I am an attractive woman that I am brainless. They can take their sexual innuendo's and unethical comments and put them where the sun doesn't shine!

Due to cash flow, I have paid my rent between the 15th and 20th of EVERY month for over a year and got the "okay" from the original landlord before executing the lease to do so. However, Friday, I show up to find a 3-day to pay rent or vacate notice taped to my door like I was some sort of loser who doesn't pay rent. It wasn't folded, it wasn't in an envelope... nope, it was taped WIDE open on my door for everyone to see. NICE job proving you are a manly-man. This left me with two choices. Pay the rent (which I was going to do on the 20th anyway) and continue the drama or leave and use the money to set up a new space. Hmmm..... million dollar question.

So....I called their bluff and my Sunday was spent moving out of my cozy little place and bringing everything home. We even pulled up the beautiful floor I put in when I took the space. I left it as it was the day I moved in and left a nice little note with the keys on the new landlord's office desk...

I wonder how THAT will make his Monday?

They figured their little "tactic" would scare little ole' me? Little did they know that I have been bullied before... and since they gave me no lease... they were not protected either; funny how things backfire. As I locked the door to the building I thought of the good year I had, the purpose this place served and the growth that happened while I was there. I had a peaceful feeling which told me that I was doing the right thing. It was time for a new chapter, new beginnings and positive changes once again. Change is growth and that is priceless. I refuse to have drama in my life anymore, I rid myself of it as soon as it begins to appear. I lived in it for so long that I thought it was necessary... yep no thanks, lesson learned on that topic.

Today, I will meet with the contractor who will hopefully be building my cozy new space inside my garage and I am feeling pretty great about it. Fingers crossed I will be up and running soon. No more landlords, just a cozy space for making my clients look and feel amazing because THAT is all I need; and since I only work in my studio about 15 hours a week, this will be perfect! (not to mention the fact the extra $$ in my pocket) I truly proved to myself this weekend that when negative things happen YOU have control on how you allow them to affect you and it has everything to do with how stressful your life will be... hopefully you can take that lesson away from me today and allow it to carry into your week as negative stuff occurs.

The best part of the weekend was having the time EVEN after all the things I did to float in my pool and soak up some vitamin D with my family. It's amazing what you can get done, what you can fit in to a couple of days if you just MAKE the time. I hope you all had a terrific weekend and that you kick off this Monday with a positive attitude and a little ray of hope... and never ever forget that change is GOOD!

xoxo

~Shells~