November 29, 2014

It’s Not About Fear Anymore…

Posted by sandyharper under Gratitude Boot Camp, My new beginning..., The Simplification Process, This Journey called Life | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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At the beginning of 2014, I publicly stated that I was going to post, on my blog, at least once per week. And… I never posted again. How embarrassing, right?

At that time, I attributed my lack of posting to FEAR… mostly fear of the ugliness that comes out of some people, as they hide behind their keyboard and spew out the first hateful thing that comes to their mind on another person’s life-event or posting (even a positive one)!

Almost one year later, I now believe the lack of posting, on my part, is not because of fear. It is because my time and energy have been consumed with the simplification process I’ve been experiencing…

Approximately 4 years ago, I was (finally) hit by one of the best, bright ideas I’ve ever had… I needed to downsize!

SimplifyBrightIdea In a BIG way!

After 12 years of living in a 3-story, 3,000 square-foot townhome filled to the brim with furniture, clothes/shoes, paperwork, and toys (since having a baby 5 years prior), it finally dawned on me to make a much-needed change. No more stuffocation!

I had no idea what a process that decision would turn into. Six garage sales, two storage units, and three moves later, the bright idea to declutter has turned into the awesome goal of simplifying my entire life!

Not only am I (still) getting rid of stuff, I’m taking steps to eliminate drama, negativity, and stress from my life; even if that means no longer associating with some people or being in/around certain situations. Simplifying has helped me grow. I’m no longer fearful about what someone may say about anything I do or post. I’ve learned it’s their issue, not mine (and I have the power to hit the delete button).

So, I’ll continue to talk about the power of gratitude, dream of peace on earth, and do my best to promote positivity… come what may!

I’ll write about the awesome journey I’m taking towards total (or at least near-total) simplification, but will no longer make promises of how often. After all, that would invite fear (of embarrassment/disappointment) and stress back into my life. And, I simply ain’t got no time for that!

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January 8, 2014

That OTHER 4-letter F-word!

Posted by sandyharper under Gratitude Boot Camp, The Adventures of Writing, This Journey called Life | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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NoFearOne of my plans (I prefer that word to resolutions … a plan is something that is going to get done, right?) for 2014 is to blog at least once per week. Since January 1st, I’ve been reflecting on why I haven’t done it in so long and have come to realize that it’s because of that other 4-letter F-word … FEAR!

Along with my big desire to live a positive and drama-free life, comes a big fear of reading negative comments about what I write.

Serendipitously, my Facebook newsfeed was filled with quotes about that other 4-letter F-word this morning — the day I decided to write about it!

Amy shared: “Facing your fears robs them of their power.” ~ Mark Burnett
Sue said: “Courage is one step ahead of fear.”
Heshie noted: “Courage adds dimension to your life.”
Eve wrote: “Fear fuels me!”
Maryellen posted: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” ~ George Addair

And … one of the 12 Gratitude Habits I created for Gratitude Boot Camp is Facing Your Fears.

So, here I come 4-letter F-word!

When I first started to blog years ago, I was taken aback by the negative comments that would come — always from anonymous posters. So, I stopped writing on-line. But, I stayed on-line. And, the attacks seem to have gotten worse. I’m always amazed and astonished at what, and who, people will lash out at in mean, and often downright evil, ways…

The 3 girls who were held captive, and tortured, for over 10 years in Ohio were called horrible names when they ventured out of their homes a short time after their release. The news of teenagers committing suicide, after being cyber-bullied, has become an all-too-frequent headline. And, already this year, a young girl was told to “go kill herself” because she tweeted that the earth was 2014 years old on New Year’s Day (whether she was kidding or mistaken, is telling her to go kill herself really necessary?).

Even the people you friend on Facebook can surprise you sometimes with what they write. Thankfully, Facebook affords you the ability to connect with positive people and the power to unfriend someone, if they do write negative or mean comments on your posts.

So, while I’m not ready to go out and hold a snake, I am ready to face that other 4-letter F-word when it comes to blogging. I will write every week, from now on. If someone says something mean or negative … I’ll read it, remind myself it’s their issue, say a prayer for them, and gladly delete their post. After all, I’m grateful my life is happy and I’m not afraid to keep it that way!