Surrounding Myself

Rose by Christina, my cousin, via Monet's Garden NY
Rose by Christina, my cousin, via Monet’s Garden NY

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher- Oprah

It’s been almost a year since I left my full time job. Hard to believe but here I am, Spring rapidly approaching and life completely changed.

How I can go from being employed full time only a year ago, to my now current state of underemployment (yes, that’s what I’m calling it!), yet still have a full plate of activities, boggles my mind.

I have filled my time with all the things I always wanted to do but had to squeeze in the time for before. Time with my mom, grandson and my own kids, phone and real time with friends, lunch with Jim, working on my business. I pinch myself daily and then say a gratitude prayer.

My event business is slowly gaining speed. I receive phone calls, follow up and then meet people. I have a couple of exciting things on the horizon and really, my cup runneth over. God is blessing me in many ways.

I’ve never been good with uncertainties but lately, I am learning to accept each day as it unfolds. Everything I need is being provided to me. I sometimes miss my full time income but in the next moment, I realize I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s really about what I can do for others.

Remarkably, the friends I am spending time with are lifting me higher. They so believe in me that even I wonder myself what they see. I have felt for a long time that God sees things coming. Perhaps (S)He is sending me the people who will guide me down this constantly changing path of mine. I know this- I will honor the path by keeping the faith.

Is there someone in your life who lifts you higher?

 

 

It's nice to share. Thank you.

19 Replies to “Surrounding Myself”

  1. Joanne, I cannot tell you in words how happy I am for you. You are doing what I dream of doing…follow my bliss, perform my art, and perfect my life. When I hear of someone able to accomplish their heart’s desires it makes me realize how attainable that dream is.

    You are blessed to have friends to take you higher. I have been blessed with a few dear friends who believe in me, and we have kept each other encouraged over the years. And just yesterday, when my feelings decided to plummet (from an outside influence), God provided two people at work (one a co-worker and the other a complete stranger who just happened to begin talking about what we focus on is what we keep seeing), to bring my thoughts back to a higher plain.

    Your posts are, I’m sure, always encouraging and soul lifting for all who read them.

    Blessings for the day, and a big hug,
    Marianne xo

    1. Marianne,
      You are one of my uplifting friends! I pray that you will be able to have luxurious blocks of time someday to pursue your own dreams.
      I know how blessed I am to have this time. I thank you for the big hug you gave me with your beautiful words.
      xo Joanne

  2. Your writing is a breath of fresh air. I love that you are embracing a new direction.
    I can honestly say, every single time I visit with you, YOU lift me higher. Your spirit is wonderful and it rubs off on all of us.
    You are following your passion and it is our good fortune that you are sharing the journey with all of us.
    Hugs, Daleen

    1. HI Daleen,
      I am always lifted up by your blog posts and your words so it is good to know I can return the favor.
      YOU are one of my most uplifting friends!
      xo Joanne

  3. Beautiful quote, picture, and especially, what you share about your life and blessings, Joanne. After I retired, I couldn’t believe full each day remained. Instead of the predicted ‘free time’ of retirement, I was grateful for all the new time, new opportunities, inspirations, people and blessings.
    Life can move at a slower pace but still be rich and full in ways we never expected. You and I are both learning that, and isn’t it wonderful!

    1. Hi Marylin! Yes it is wonderful although I admit to feeling a bit guilty for having more free time! I am so used to go-go-go, it has been hard at times to slow down and smell the coffee.
      Thank you for stopping by- it means the world to me.
      xo Joanne

  4. I cherish hearing myself breathing ‘…Wow…’ aloud when reading your writing my friend. This message is deeply inspiring. To follow our bliss, trust the process, feel gratitude along the way, and especially to be with those who ‘lift us higher’. Last fall I at last really SAW the toxicity in an old friendship that I was carrying around even though it only made me feel bad. I decided I was worth more and let it go at last. Interestingly the love I had sent out to my estranged sister a while before returned to me, with love and a much higher friendship than ever.
    Plus my mentor means the world to me. She is a spiritually radiant light in her mid-60’s, inspirational author, workshop leader, private counselor, and all-around teacher. I aspire towards that work also, and cherish her example. She lives what she teaches, walks with honor, and has an incredible and lovely life. So yes, I deeply believe in the importance of being aware of ‘whom you are rubbing shoulders with’. Love to you and may you be blessed with prosperity and joy in all your delightful endeavors Joanne. xo Gina

    1. Gina,
      Thank you so much for signing up for my blog via email. That is wonderful!
      I too recognized a toxic relationship in my life recently and it was best for me to move on. I put distance between me and this person and I tried to be kind (hopefully I succeeded). The bottom line is I must be the priority of my own life and be willing to put my own mental health first above all.
      I love that you have a mentor and I am blessed to have someone in my life like that too, who loves me unconditionally and sets a good example.
      I love your Pinterest page and am so glad we have another channel with which to connect!
      xo Joanne

Share your thoughts....

Verified by ExactMetrics