Tag: mindful living

Finding Joy in the Everyday: A Faithful Perspective

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Big achievements get all the attention. Graduations, promotions, weddings — they’re celebrated loudly. But the quiet truth is that real happiness often lives in the small, almost forgettable moments. A good cup of coffee. A random text from a friend. The way sunlight spills across the kitchen floor in the morning.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

We spend so much time chasing major milestones that we miss the everyday wins. We rush through breakfast thinking about the next deadline. We zone out during conversations because our minds are already five steps ahead. Meanwhile, life is happening in the background, quietly offering small joys to anyone paying attention.

Noticing these moments takes intention. It’s about slowing down, even briefly. It’s pausing to appreciate the rhythm of rain against the window or the smell of fresh laundry. It’s hearing your favorite song at the grocery store and actually letting yourself smile.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10)

Gratitude is part of it, sure, but it’s more than that. It’s a mindset shift: choosing to see your daily life as enough, rather than a waiting room for something “better” to happen.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Start small. Put your phone down when you’re eating. Watch how your dog greets you like you’re the best part of its day. Laugh at a bad joke. Feel the weight of a cozy blanket. These moments won’t make headlines, but they build a quiet, lasting happiness that’s hard to shake.

Joy isn’t hidden in some grand future. It’s scattered all over your ordinary day, waiting to be noticed.

Breaking Free from the Prison of Expectations

On By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

In the intricate dance of relationships, we often find ourselves stumbling over the unspoken expectations we place on others. It’s a familiar narrative – the silent anticipation that someone should intuitively understand our needs, emotions, and desires. But the truth is, expecting others to see the world through our lens is not only unfair but a recipe for heartache. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the perils of uncommunicated expectations and explore how the art of journaling, especially in the context of the “15 Day Challenge to a Stronger You!” book, can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healthier relationships.

The Unspoken Burden of Expectations

Imagine a world where everyone perceives and processes information the same way you do. Sounds ideal, right? Yet, even identical twins possess unique perspectives. So, expecting those around us to filter information precisely as we do is setting the stage for disappointment. We often catch ourselves saying, “They should have known,” forgetting that fairness prevails only when expectations are communicated.

The Communication Gap

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, yet we frequently fall into the trap of assuming others can read our minds. “They should have known I needed help,” we lament, without realizing that our needs and feelings remain unexpressed. A recent personal experience highlights this common dilemma. Feeling overwhelmed, I expected assistance without explicitly asking for it. When the support didn’t materialize, frustration set in.

The Gut Check Moment

Upon reflection, I recognized the flaw in my expectations. How could I fault someone for not meeting unspoken needs? I hadn’t communicated my distress or explicitly asked for help. The initial resentment I felt melted away when I acknowledged my role in the miscommunication. I also understood that others, even those who typically support us, may not always be able or willing to do so.

The Liberating Power of Communication

The bottom line is clear: unspoken expectations are a breeding ground for disappointment and strained relationships. We construct intricate scenarios in our minds, clinging to the “should be” rather than accepting the “what is.” The key to liberation lies in freeing those around us from the prison of our expectations. This simple shift can transform our interactions, nurturing healthier relationships and shielding us from unnecessary grief.

Take the 15-Day Challenge to a Stronger You!

Embark on a transformative journey with the “15 Day Challenge to a Stronger You!” book. Delve into the power of journaling, a potent tool to uncover patterns of unspoken expectations. The journaling challenge, in particular, equips you with the skills to detect moments where unrealistic expectations may sabotage your relationships.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to break free from the confines of unspoken expectations. Grab your copy of “15 Day Challenge to a Stronger You!” and immerse yourself in the journaling challenge. Discover the profound impact of effective communication on your relationships and witness the positive transformation in your life.

Take the first step toward a stronger, more fulfilling you – communicate, express, and break free from the prison of unspoken expectations. Your relationships will thank you for it.

Living Thanksgiving: Beyond the Turkey and Talk

On By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Hello Risers!

Firstly, I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! Apologies for missing Monday’s post; I’ve been a bit under the weather. As I rested, contemplating this Thanksgiving message, I couldn’t help but dive deeper into the essence of gratitude, especially after our discussions this month about its profound impact on mental and physical health.

Sure, I’m immensely grateful for each of you and your unwavering support over the years. But let’s not skim the surface; let’s plunge into the heart of the matter.

On this day, amidst the laughter and joy, there are running jokes that, though rooted in reality, sometimes overshadow the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It’s more than a feast; it’s a symbolic meal shared in gratitude for survival in a new land. A meal where the pilgrims and Native Americans ate what they had, whether or not there was turkey, is a point of contemplation.

Now, let’s talk about those jokes. There’s the one about the family member whose cooking skills are questionable. While we chuckle, it’s crucial to remember that someone, somewhere, would appreciate that unsavory meal simply because they have none. Your new coworker, your rarely-seen friend juggling multiple jobs, or a neighbor struggling to make ends meet—gratitude extends beyond taste buds.

Then there’s the wise elder with the lengthy blessings. This Thanksgiving, let’s be mindful and compassionate towards them. Their extended blessings might be a glimpse into a life filled with experiences and lessons. Let’s cherish our elders; their wisdom and presence won’t be here forever.

As I rested, I also found myself listening to a Spanish song that, although not directly related to gratitude, serves as a profound wake-up call on how we live our lives. Titled “Jesus is a Verb,” the song emphasizes that Jesus’s message transcends words in the Bible; it’s about love in action. The call is clear: our faith isn’t about buildings or words but about what resides in our souls and how it reflects in our behavior.

The song critiques charity organizations turning elitist, individuals living double lives, and leaders exploiting faith for personal gain. It underscores the idea that talk is cheap; action is what matters. It challenges us to embody the teachings rather than merely preach them.

The most poignant moment for me was when the singer urged us to stop dividing ourselves through faith, pointing out that there are more religions in this world than happy children. A striking realization! The song concludes with a powerful statement about those who lived Christlike lives—being verbs and not nouns—often facing persecution and rejection from society.

So, as we wrap up this year, let’s introspect. Are our expressions of gratitude mere words, or do they resonate in our actions? Are we content with what we have, or is the pursuit of more overshadowing our appreciation for the present? Are our desires fleeting, or do they contribute to something everlasting? In the minutiae of life, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture.

Love you all, and once again, Happy Thanksgiving!

Rediscovering What’s Truly Important

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Hey there! It’s been a while since we had a heart-to-heart, and today I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind. I know I spoke about balancing our lives not too long ago, but I think it bears reminding ourselves that if we’re not careful, we can easily lose that balance. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us, and sometimes it takes a little stumble to remember what truly matters.

In the past, my focus was firmly fixed on my career. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not what you’d call an “ambitious” person, but I used to think that my value was directly tied to my professional success. Climbing the corporate ladder seemed like the ultimate goal. However, as they say, life happens, and one day, that career was gone. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it forced me to rediscover who I was beyond the job title.

One aspect of life that I’ve always highly valued is family. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m absolutely terrible at keeping up with people, so thank God for social media, am I right? But over time, I’ve learned that family isn’t just the people you happen to share a last name or a DNA connection with. Family is about the people you choose to walk through this crazy journey called life with you.

So, how does all this relate to finding that elusive balance in life? Well, here’s the thing: anything in excess can be harmful for us. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prioritize certain aspects of our lives. For me, relationships are right up there at the top of my list of priorities. The people you choose to have in your life, those are the ones who need you the most.

Our reality is that life is short, and it zips by faster than we can imagine. None of us get to stay here forever. We can’t take our careers or our possessions with us when we go. All that accompanies us to the great unknown are the love we’ve shared and the experiences we’ve lived. Of course, we need resources to live and to make some of those experiences happen, but if we let those things become our top priority, we miss out on the bigger picture.

You know, the best piece of advice I’ve ever received was that in order to truly enjoy life, I had to keep it in balance. Now, let me tell you, it’s not an easy task. It means doing what’s necessary to live our lives to the fullest without losing sight of what’s really important—those relationships, those moments, and the love we share.

I’m a planner at heart. Keeping a schedule is a way to help us make sure that we work that balance in life. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. We all have phones with calendars and virtual assistants that can set reminders for us and manage our calendars. Make sure that you schedule time for the ones you love. Also, make sure that you schedule some time for you. Sometimes we forget to love ourselves and that gets us out of balance.

So, here’s my friendly reminder to you (and myself): let’s not forget what truly matters. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not about how high we climb in our careers or how many possessions we amass. It’s about the people we love and the memories we create along the way. So, let’s keep striving for that balance, because that’s where the real magic of life happens.

Until next, be blessed!