Tamrah Barber, ICF Certified Professional Coach’s Post

We often talk like this: "My job doesn't let me breathe for even a minute." "My colleague is never going to change their behavior." "My boss always undermines my efforts." This only make us feel more stuck and a victim. But you can change that feeling. Start by understanding why you have attracted this situation or person into your life. Reflect on the lessons and growth opportunities they have brought you, and feel grateful for them. Gratitude is the easiest step that can be taken to change the circumstances. Then, take deliberate actions to change your situation. Nothing is permanent, and we are not helpless. We are powerful beings who are actively and intentionally choosing our life story. Make intentional choices. Live by design, not by default.

I came across an observation today that gave me pause. A lot of times when we see other people doing great things, we think it means we're not doing well. But is that really true? At first I was like "huh?" but the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. We live in a world where we're always being told there can only be one winner. That one person has to lose for someone else to win. But is life really like that? I think it's only human to compare ourselves to others, but it often does more harm than good. We're all on our own paths in life. Focusing so much on how we stack up can distract from appreciating the simple pleasures of life. It's inspirational to see people achieving their dreams. Their successes don't have to threaten our sense of self; we can draw encouragement from their perseverance and determination instead of resentment. Whenever I catch myself negatively comparing, I try to reframe the wins of others as proof that dreams can come true through hard work and perseverance. Their triumphs show us all what dedicated effort can achieve. Of course it's easier said than done to not feel jealous. But making that mental shift seems like a recipe for a little more gratitude and happiness in our own lives as well as others'. Our worth isn't tied to how we stack up, so celebrating each other's victories just might set us all free.

As I sit down to write about my life, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and introspection. Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, triumphs and challenges, but ultimately, it is a beautiful tapestry that weaves together the threads of our experiences and memories. I think back to my childhood, to the simple joys of running through the fields with my friends, of playing make-believe games for hours on end, and of feeling the unconditional love of my family. Those carefree days seem like a lifetime ago, but they have shaped the person I am today. As I grew older, life became more complex. There were academic pressures, social dramas, and the constant search for my identity and purpose. I stumbled and fell many times, but I always got back up, resilient and determined to keep moving forward. I have been fortunate to experience moments of pure joy and ecstasy - falling in love, achieving career milestones, traveling to new and exciting places. These moments remind me of the beauty and wonder that life has to offer, and I cherish them deeply. But life has also thrown many curveballs my way - heartbreak, loss, failure. These experiences have been painful and challenging, but they have also taught me important lessons about resilience, empathy, and the ever-changing nature of life. Through it all, I have learned to embrace the journey of life with an open heart and an open mind. I have learned to be grateful for the good times and to find strength in the difficult times. I have learned to appreciate the little moments of beauty and joy that make life worth living. As I reflect on my life, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for all the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. I am excited for the future and all the adventures and challenges that lie ahead. Life is a gift, and I intend to live it to the fullest, with courage, kindness, and a sense of wonder. In the end, my life is a story still unfolding, a journey still in progress. I am grateful for every chapter, every page, every word. And I can't wait to see what the next chapter holds.

Yesterday was about taking risks. Today its about respecting time. I can enjoy these write ups on weekends. ******* Respecting time. Time's unrelenting flow reminds us of life's preciousness, urging us to cherish every moment as a profound gift. It teaches us to see beyond the mere passing of hours, inspiring a deep appreciation for our existence and the urgency to live meaningfully. Our hearts are moved to embrace the present fully, finding richness in the simplicity of now. Understanding time's value transforms our approach to dreams, relationships, and goals, guiding us to invest in what truly matters. This wisdom encourages us to prioritize with intention, focusing on love, passion, and the connections that define our purpose. It's a call to live authentically, crafting a legacy that echoes the depth of our experiences. Time's journey instills patience, resilience, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude in us. It shows us that the most worthwhile achievements require perseverance and cannot be rushed. Embracing this, we learn to savor each moment, cultivating a life of fulfillment and grace, free from regret.

𝟓 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 1. What Am I Grateful For Today? 🌞 Gratitude wards off fear and keeps you positive. Begin each day by acknowledging even the smallest blessings. 2. Where Am I Winning? 🏆 Celebrate your small victories to maintain momentum and protect your positive energy. 3. What Will I Let Go Of Today? 🕊️ Release resentment and forgive to avoid lugging emotional baggage into your future. 4. What Does My Ideal Day Look Like? 🌟 Visualize your perfect day. Focus on what matters most to ensure your efforts are never wasted. 5. What Needs to Be Said At The End? 🗣️ Reflect on what you want to be remembered for to live a meaningful life. Start every morning with these questions and set the tone for an empowered, focused, and positive day.

I'M JUST LIVING MY LIFE! I'm just living my life and trying to make fun of life and all it's tricks and shocks. But the journey is exciting though, God is making it count. Life is indeed a journey filled with twists, turns, and surprises. It's about embracing the ups and downs, learning from experiences, and finding joy in the unexpected. It is time you have a great perspective on life and making the most of it. Here are some things to keep in mind as you continue your journey: Stay positive: Focus on the good things in your life and try to find humor in challenging situations. Be open-minded: Embrace new experiences and perspectives. Surround yourself with positive people: Spend time with people who make you feel good and support your goals. Follow your passions: Do what you love and pursue your dreams. Trust in God: Have faith that everything will work out in the end. You're not alone on this journey. We're all here together, navigating life's ups and downs. So keep living your life to the fullest and enjoying the ride!

Was so lucky yesterday. One of the best leaders I've witnessed in my life...a guy that has built an organization that has touched 100,000's of lives in Kansas City and around the world, gave a presentation on life's lessons from turning 60 last week. Thought his 5 points were so key to all of us in business and life and it inspired me to share: 1. Don't take yourself too seriously. Smile more. Realize experiences are more important than worrying about what others think about you (his example...dance at weddings if your partner wants you to...you may not be great, but who cares). 2. Enjoy the little things more...Figure how to break your life down into key points to make you more present. His example was for parents...how many more summer vacations do you have with your kids before they leave the house? I'm reluctantly going on a Disney Cruise next week and it made me change my view. Only 6 more summer vacations until my oldest goes to college. Being on a boat with a bunch of characters now seems way more important. 3. In the words of the Rolling Stones..."you can't always get what you want"...if you are always chasing things without looking backwards...you may just have missed that in retrospect you likely have "just what you need". Nobody ever finds the end of the rainbow, but that's not the point. 4. Find your center because everything in your life is built off of it. If it's family, work, money, religion, etc. Whatever it is provides the foundation for everything. If you can't answer that question, you aren't paying attention. 5. You have to live your short life as if you are the character in a book....some chapters are bad, some are good, but when you get to the end you realize that the belief that tomorrow's chapter will be better than today's should fuel a very grateful journey.

Living by My Core Values: Agape, Empathy, Consistency, Respect, and Gratefulness In both my personal and professional life, I strive to live by these core values that shape who I am: 1. Agape – Unconditional love and selflessness. I believe in always seeking the best for others, lifting them up, and supporting their growth, whether in work or life. 2. Empathy – Truly understanding and relating to the feelings and perspectives of others is crucial. It helps me connect on a deeper level and be more effective in serving those around me. 3. Consistency – Great results don’t come overnight. I focus on showing up every day with dedication and staying committed to my goals and the people I work with. 4. Respect – Every individual deserves respect, no matter their background or position. Mutual respect fosters healthy relationships and collaborative success. 5. Gratefulness – In all circumstances, I remind myself to be grateful. Gratitude not only keeps me grounded but also fuels my drive to continue growing and serving others. These values are more than words to me – they are the foundation of everything I do. What values drive your life and work?

"4 Things" 1) Instead of focusing on the people who are gone, focus on the people in your life who have chosen to be here. 2) Turn your attention to those who have stayed and those who appreciate and respect you. 3) Focus on those who support you and make your life more beautiful. 4) You are surrounded by people who know they want you in their lives. NEVER take them for granted.

This inspired life thing is sort of simple and yet so elusive.  It often sits outside of our reach, and we wonder why we cannot grasp it.  We know the reasons, and yet they are not satisfying.  Maybe an everyday reminder that we live to, even if just aspirationally….yes indeed 1.     Set Bold Goals: Living with inspiration starts with daring to dream big. Let’s set goals that ignite our passion, push us to grow and stretch beyond our comfort zone, and are meaningful to chase. 2.     Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is the foundation of an inspired life. Let’s take a moment each day to reflect on the things that fill us with appreciation and joy. Gratitude grounds us in the present, while also opening our eyes to the beauty of the journey. 3.     Surround Ourselves with Uplifting People: Let’s choose to be around those who inspire us, challenge us to be better, and celebrate our successes with genuine enthusiasm. 4.     Embrace Curiosity: Let’s stay curious. Ask questions. Seek new experiences and knowledge. 5.     Take Action Every Day: Nothing inspires us more than progress. Let’s commit to taking action toward our dreams daily. Action builds confidence, and confidence turns inspiration into reality. Incorporating these practices into our daily lives will create a powerful sense of purpose, drive, and fulfillment, ensuring that every day is lived with intention and inspiration.